Amanda Meuwissen's Blog, page 21
June 10, 2014
Changeling (The Incubus Saga: Book 2) is OUT!
In honor of today's official release of Changeling, which is already on Goodreads for you to add (and please rate and review once you've read), enjoy this text free background image of the cover art.
For the full size image you can use as a background, just head to the Facebook fanpage link below.
And of course I invite everyone to also check out the other links below to show your support and maybe even pick up a copy of the book for yourself.
Thank you all so much for sticking with Incubus so far!
The Incubus Saga Facebook Page
Amanda Meuwissen on Twitter @MissSuperCube
Buy from BigWorldNetwork.com
Buy Paperback from Amazon
Buy eBook from Amazon
For the full size image you can use as a background, just head to the Facebook fanpage link below.
And of course I invite everyone to also check out the other links below to show your support and maybe even pick up a copy of the book for yourself.
Thank you all so much for sticking with Incubus so far!
The Incubus Saga Facebook Page
Amanda Meuwissen on Twitter @MissSuperCube
Buy from BigWorldNetwork.com
Buy Paperback from Amazon
Buy eBook from Amazon
June 9, 2014
Two Important New Characters in Changeling – The Incubus Saga: Book 2
I actually showed off Leven Taylor a little in a previous blog, when the season 7 finale of Incubus was airing on BigWorldNetwork.com.
Leven is important because he was actually the first character ever created for Incubus. I was inspired by a web comic about a teenage boy with blue hair and a demon imaginary friend, which eventually became Leven and Sasha. Of course the story took a very different turn as it realized itself, but I had to keep Leven even if his character became someone very different, just like Sasha’s did.
Leven is a 17-year-old theater kid, openly gay, with teal hair and boundless energy. He is also brother to already known Incubus character Wade Taylor.
Then there is Iain Wilde. Introduced toward the end of Book 2, and an important player in Book 3, Iain is a humble librarian in training, also openly gay though not quite as boisterously as Leven, and has a penchant for swearing. I like Logan Lerman for him, I think, if you know that talented young actor.
Iain was created in likeness of his real life namesake, who was a reader of mine. Iain also has a secret, but you’ll have to read to discover that.
Now, I didn’t consciously sit down and say, I’m going to create two new gay characters for Book 2. Leven, as I said, existed years ago, and Iain is based off of a real person. What I love about them both being introduced in the same book, however, is their duality. Two gay men, one younger and just starting to deal with persecution and discovering who he really is, and one who is beyond that, who accepts himself without question, even though both characters still have trouble with self-confidence. I think it’s important for readers to see how these characters are unique, and yet they both reflect Nathan at certain stages in the story. They are definitely people he is meant to encounter.
I hope everyone loves Leven and Iain as much as I do, and appreciates their similarities and vast differences. You’ll be seeing more of both of them in book 3.
Leven is important because he was actually the first character ever created for Incubus. I was inspired by a web comic about a teenage boy with blue hair and a demon imaginary friend, which eventually became Leven and Sasha. Of course the story took a very different turn as it realized itself, but I had to keep Leven even if his character became someone very different, just like Sasha’s did.
Leven is a 17-year-old theater kid, openly gay, with teal hair and boundless energy. He is also brother to already known Incubus character Wade Taylor.
Then there is Iain Wilde. Introduced toward the end of Book 2, and an important player in Book 3, Iain is a humble librarian in training, also openly gay though not quite as boisterously as Leven, and has a penchant for swearing. I like Logan Lerman for him, I think, if you know that talented young actor.
Iain was created in likeness of his real life namesake, who was a reader of mine. Iain also has a secret, but you’ll have to read to discover that.
Now, I didn’t consciously sit down and say, I’m going to create two new gay characters for Book 2. Leven, as I said, existed years ago, and Iain is based off of a real person. What I love about them both being introduced in the same book, however, is their duality. Two gay men, one younger and just starting to deal with persecution and discovering who he really is, and one who is beyond that, who accepts himself without question, even though both characters still have trouble with self-confidence. I think it’s important for readers to see how these characters are unique, and yet they both reflect Nathan at certain stages in the story. They are definitely people he is meant to encounter.
I hope everyone loves Leven and Iain as much as I do, and appreciates their similarities and vast differences. You’ll be seeing more of both of them in book 3.
June 5, 2014
Changeling Sneak Peek!
All right, folks, our BigWorldNetwork.com patrons through Patreon got first look at the cover earlier this week, and now it's your turn. Get ready for Changeling - The Incubus Saga: Book 2, set to release next week, Tuesday, June 10, 2014.
Stay tuned! And remember, if you want cover art, news, and other perks before anyone else, consider supporting authors like me at Patreon. Even just $1 a month can go a long way.
Stay tuned! And remember, if you want cover art, news, and other perks before anyone else, consider supporting authors like me at Patreon. Even just $1 a month can go a long way.
May 29, 2014
Changeling - The Incubus Saga: Book 2 - COMING SOON!
To Drako from Amazon, THANK YOU for this wonderful review!
"I was instantly in love with this story. I was wondering through the beginning if the Incubus would turn out to be a dark Fae that the brothers have to get rid of. Instead, the Incubus is my favorite. Not to say the twins aren't great as well. They are awesome. Jim is a changeling, which is apparently not such a great thing and the cause of him being hunted. Nathan is his twin brother, human, and is the epitome of brotherly devotion and love. Rough around the edges, sure, and clearly at home in the sex department. The twist is, Nathan's straight, but when faced with the Incubus, Sasha, it became clear that he wouldn't get to stay that way. Nathan is a bit more sarcastic, very blunt and direct, and I love that about him. He's loving, but not emotional, displaying his frustrations quite simply at several points throughout the book. The budding romance mixed with the conflict of the nature of Sasha, plus the fact that Jim is a much wanted changeling by the Fae dark court, made this a book I absolutely had to fly through once I started. The author should definitely get on putting out the next book."
And you're in luck, because Changeling - The Incubus Saga: Book 2 is set to release in just a couple weeks. Just waiting on seeing the proof copies before I announce the official date.
Working on the next Incubus book has me nearly pulling my hair out, I'll admit, not because I'm not excited - I am SO excited, because it is SO good, I'm so happy with my final revisions - but the bad reviews are bound to come in with the good, just like they did the first time, and it is not easy to get through that.
There is nothing more disheartening than a negative review, even if it isn't all hate. But there is also nothing more uplifting than a positive one like Drako's.
We all need to remember that we can't please everyone. There will always be someone who says the exact opposite in a review that everyone else is saying, the important thing is to take what you can that can better your writing, and leave the rest in the dirt where it belongs.
"I was instantly in love with this story. I was wondering through the beginning if the Incubus would turn out to be a dark Fae that the brothers have to get rid of. Instead, the Incubus is my favorite. Not to say the twins aren't great as well. They are awesome. Jim is a changeling, which is apparently not such a great thing and the cause of him being hunted. Nathan is his twin brother, human, and is the epitome of brotherly devotion and love. Rough around the edges, sure, and clearly at home in the sex department. The twist is, Nathan's straight, but when faced with the Incubus, Sasha, it became clear that he wouldn't get to stay that way. Nathan is a bit more sarcastic, very blunt and direct, and I love that about him. He's loving, but not emotional, displaying his frustrations quite simply at several points throughout the book. The budding romance mixed with the conflict of the nature of Sasha, plus the fact that Jim is a much wanted changeling by the Fae dark court, made this a book I absolutely had to fly through once I started. The author should definitely get on putting out the next book."
And you're in luck, because Changeling - The Incubus Saga: Book 2 is set to release in just a couple weeks. Just waiting on seeing the proof copies before I announce the official date.
Working on the next Incubus book has me nearly pulling my hair out, I'll admit, not because I'm not excited - I am SO excited, because it is SO good, I'm so happy with my final revisions - but the bad reviews are bound to come in with the good, just like they did the first time, and it is not easy to get through that.
There is nothing more disheartening than a negative review, even if it isn't all hate. But there is also nothing more uplifting than a positive one like Drako's.
We all need to remember that we can't please everyone. There will always be someone who says the exact opposite in a review that everyone else is saying, the important thing is to take what you can that can better your writing, and leave the rest in the dirt where it belongs.
May 22, 2014
10 Songs to Listen to While Reading Incubus
If I could make Incubus more interactive (and not have to worry about copyright issues) there would be music throughout, and not only because Sasha sings.
Here is a list of 10 songs that either ARE legitimately mentioned in the story, or that inspired me while writing and fit certain scenes:
1. May the Road – a version of the Old Irish Blessing (Nathan’s lullaby)
2. Everything by Michael Bublé (performed by Sasha on his birthday)
3. Almost Lover by A Fine Frenzy (when Sasha is stabbed by Gabriel)
4. Hooked on a Feeling by Blue Swede (plays on the jukebox in the Gatehouse)
5. Nothing Else Matters [Acoustic] by Metallica (played by Sasha when Nathan says ‘I love you’ for the first time)
6. Cold by Breaking Benjamin (played by Sasha after meeting Lindsey when he almost breaks the guitar)
7. Elaborate Lives from Aida (sung by Leven at musical practice)
8. The Howling by Within Temptation (when Nathan is taken by Malak)
9. Hurt [Cover] by Johnny Cash (on the jukebox in the diner when Nathan meets Dave)
10. My Funny Valentine [The Talented Mr. Ripley version] sung by Matt Damon (when Sasha and Nathan slow dance after Nathan returns from the Veil)
But if you ask me which is Nathan and Sasha’s song, it will always be Nothing Else Matters, and to be sure you listen to the right version, here it is.
Here is a list of 10 songs that either ARE legitimately mentioned in the story, or that inspired me while writing and fit certain scenes:
1. May the Road – a version of the Old Irish Blessing (Nathan’s lullaby)
2. Everything by Michael Bublé (performed by Sasha on his birthday)
3. Almost Lover by A Fine Frenzy (when Sasha is stabbed by Gabriel)
4. Hooked on a Feeling by Blue Swede (plays on the jukebox in the Gatehouse)
5. Nothing Else Matters [Acoustic] by Metallica (played by Sasha when Nathan says ‘I love you’ for the first time)
6. Cold by Breaking Benjamin (played by Sasha after meeting Lindsey when he almost breaks the guitar)
7. Elaborate Lives from Aida (sung by Leven at musical practice)
8. The Howling by Within Temptation (when Nathan is taken by Malak)
9. Hurt [Cover] by Johnny Cash (on the jukebox in the diner when Nathan meets Dave)
10. My Funny Valentine [The Talented Mr. Ripley version] sung by Matt Damon (when Sasha and Nathan slow dance after Nathan returns from the Veil)
But if you ask me which is Nathan and Sasha’s song, it will always be Nothing Else Matters, and to be sure you listen to the right version, here it is.
May 12, 2014
I Met Nathan Fillion at Wizard World Minneapolis Comic Con!
Yes me, Incubus author Amanda Meuwissen, met Nathan Fillion at Wizard World Minneapolis Comic Con with my husband John, and sold out ALL of the Incubus copies I brought along! I wish I could say Nathan was one of the buyers, but his agent did stop and chat at the BigWorldNetwork.com table.
I helped man our booth in Artist Alley for great sales and conversation with Creative Director Mario Hernandez, fellow authors Meagan Hedin and Daniel Mitchell, and artist Corrie Hardin.
The highlight, though, was definitely this awesome photo and chatting with Nathan while getting his autograph. You'll notice I am dressed for the occasion as Rogue from X-Men.
Next con on the agenda for me is CONvergence in Bloomington, MN!
I helped man our booth in Artist Alley for great sales and conversation with Creative Director Mario Hernandez, fellow authors Meagan Hedin and Daniel Mitchell, and artist Corrie Hardin.
The highlight, though, was definitely this awesome photo and chatting with Nathan while getting his autograph. You'll notice I am dressed for the occasion as Rogue from X-Men.
Next con on the agenda for me is CONvergence in Bloomington, MN!
April 28, 2014
I did not name one of my main characters after my cat
Considering one of the three main characters in Incubus is named Sasha Kelly, and I also happen to have a male cat named Sasha, it's an easy mistake to make, but I swear it's pure coincidence.
Sasha Kelly was actually named after a female character. A redhead, to be precise, from the short-lived but very dear to my heart TV series Kindred the Embraced, based loosely off of the White Wolf, Vampire the Masquerade role playing game.
I adopted my cat Sasha from my friend Alexandria who had named him after Misha Collins' brother, since she had named her first cat Misha.
But since he is such a beautiful and loving cat with bright blue eyes, it's still an easy mistake to make. I'm just lucky to have two Sashas in my life.
Sasha Kelly was actually named after a female character. A redhead, to be precise, from the short-lived but very dear to my heart TV series Kindred the Embraced, based loosely off of the White Wolf, Vampire the Masquerade role playing game.
I adopted my cat Sasha from my friend Alexandria who had named him after Misha Collins' brother, since she had named her first cat Misha.
But since he is such a beautiful and loving cat with bright blue eyes, it's still an easy mistake to make. I'm just lucky to have two Sashas in my life.
April 21, 2014
MiniCon 2014 & New Incubus Review!
This was my third year at MiniCon in Bloomington, MN, with BWN, the first being when we only had one published title to our name, my novelette The Collector. Now we had nearly 30 to showcase.
“Minicon is a volunteer run, general science fiction convention held every year on Easter weekend in or near Minneapolis, Minnesota. Minicon is run by the Minnesota Science Fiction Society, or MNStF. Attendees of Minicon can expect to find a full slate of programming (panel discussions, readings, signings, etc.), costuming, films, gaming (open and organized), an art show, dealers, kids' programming, a science room, filk and folk music, a consuite and bar, room parties, and various special events.”
I look forward to the homebrews in the bar every year, of course, but first and foremost the people, as this smaller convention is for lovers of science fiction and is always teaming with readers—just my kind of crowd.
I'm very excited for next year’s 50th anniversary MiniCon, and plan to more heavily participate in panels, signings, and other events, thanks to some great advice and conversations from Blake Hausladen who had his release party for:
Thank you again to the wonderful dealer room staff, volunteers, and everyone who helps put MiniCon together each year. It is always a fantastic time!
Then I returned to the grind this morning to discover a new review at Joyfully Jay, which focuses on M/M Romance reviews. Reviewer Kris' write-up is just wonderful. So thought out and just...well, had me grinning even on a Monday, so please check it out!
And stay tuned for more convention news, as I'll be at Wizard Minneapolis Comic Con in just a couple weeks!
“Minicon is a volunteer run, general science fiction convention held every year on Easter weekend in or near Minneapolis, Minnesota. Minicon is run by the Minnesota Science Fiction Society, or MNStF. Attendees of Minicon can expect to find a full slate of programming (panel discussions, readings, signings, etc.), costuming, films, gaming (open and organized), an art show, dealers, kids' programming, a science room, filk and folk music, a consuite and bar, room parties, and various special events.”
I look forward to the homebrews in the bar every year, of course, but first and foremost the people, as this smaller convention is for lovers of science fiction and is always teaming with readers—just my kind of crowd.
I'm very excited for next year’s 50th anniversary MiniCon, and plan to more heavily participate in panels, signings, and other events, thanks to some great advice and conversations from Blake Hausladen who had his release party for:
Thank you again to the wonderful dealer room staff, volunteers, and everyone who helps put MiniCon together each year. It is always a fantastic time!
Then I returned to the grind this morning to discover a new review at Joyfully Jay, which focuses on M/M Romance reviews. Reviewer Kris' write-up is just wonderful. So thought out and just...well, had me grinning even on a Monday, so please check it out!
And stay tuned for more convention news, as I'll be at Wizard Minneapolis Comic Con in just a couple weeks!
April 15, 2014
My Top 5 Favorite Books
I’m sure many of you immediately think of a few titles when considering your favorite books, but WHY are those your favorites? I’m going to list the what and why of my top 5 favorite books, and I’d like to invite all of you to comment and do the same.
1. Good Omens – by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman
2. Memnoch the Devil – by Anne Rice
3. Invisible Monsters – by Chuck Palahniuk
4. Ender’s Game – by Orson Scott Card
5. Twilight Watch – by Sergei Lukyanenko
Now, I have a pretty good mix, but you’ll notice that they all have some sort of fantasy or sci-fi element to them (no surprise from me) and in many cases are part of a series. Another thing several of these books have in common is the reveal moment. You know, when an author writes the big reveal of the plot in such a perfect way that the clues do their job without spoiling things until just that moment before the truth is plainly presented before you.
Like in Fight Club, when they’ve given you all those clues to know that the Narrator was Tyler all along, but it’s right before he actually says so that you go *gasp* oh god! I didn’t list Fight Club only because I prefer the film and the film’s ending (as does the author) but I love his novel Invisible Monsters for another of those similar reveal moments. Ender’s Game has it as well, AND Twilight Watch, so that reveals how much I enjoy a good mystery that isn’t easy to solve, but needs to be weaved like a complicated cross-stitch.
I also don’t necessarily love the first book in a series more than the others. Ender’s Game is the first, but Twilight Watch is #3, and Memnoch the Devil is #5.
Good Omens I love for the relationship between the demon Crowley and the angel Aziraphale. I’m a sucker for witty banter and character relationships that are ambiguous or against the norm. In Memnoch the Devil, a morally ambiguous character meets God and the Devil, and explores Heaven and Hell, both of which are presented in a way I could easily believe as real.
I like to be transported as far from normal life as possible, which all of these titles do for me. What about you? What books resonate with you and why do you love them?
1. Good Omens – by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman
2. Memnoch the Devil – by Anne Rice
3. Invisible Monsters – by Chuck Palahniuk
4. Ender’s Game – by Orson Scott Card
5. Twilight Watch – by Sergei Lukyanenko
Now, I have a pretty good mix, but you’ll notice that they all have some sort of fantasy or sci-fi element to them (no surprise from me) and in many cases are part of a series. Another thing several of these books have in common is the reveal moment. You know, when an author writes the big reveal of the plot in such a perfect way that the clues do their job without spoiling things until just that moment before the truth is plainly presented before you.
Like in Fight Club, when they’ve given you all those clues to know that the Narrator was Tyler all along, but it’s right before he actually says so that you go *gasp* oh god! I didn’t list Fight Club only because I prefer the film and the film’s ending (as does the author) but I love his novel Invisible Monsters for another of those similar reveal moments. Ender’s Game has it as well, AND Twilight Watch, so that reveals how much I enjoy a good mystery that isn’t easy to solve, but needs to be weaved like a complicated cross-stitch.
I also don’t necessarily love the first book in a series more than the others. Ender’s Game is the first, but Twilight Watch is #3, and Memnoch the Devil is #5.
Good Omens I love for the relationship between the demon Crowley and the angel Aziraphale. I’m a sucker for witty banter and character relationships that are ambiguous or against the norm. In Memnoch the Devil, a morally ambiguous character meets God and the Devil, and explores Heaven and Hell, both of which are presented in a way I could easily believe as real.
I like to be transported as far from normal life as possible, which all of these titles do for me. What about you? What books resonate with you and why do you love them?
April 3, 2014
Missing Scene from Incubus, Book 2!
For those following along with the current Incubus chapters at BigWorldNetwork.com (and something fun without much spoilers for those who have only read Book 1), I thought I'd share a missing scene that didn't make the cut.
I hated to cut this, but as they say, you have to know when to kill your babies. But that doesn't mean I can't share it with you here!
Set during season 8, the last arc in the end of Book 2. Enjoy!
-----
“Hey,” Sasha said, snapping his fingers in front of Nathan’s face. He had been sitting at the little table in their room, staring out the window at the dark, empty streets while Sasha unpacked. Jim was in the shower.
When they first arrived, they had briefly discussed with Alex that they would get up early and head over to the county library first thing. Being in Castle Rock had Jim more and more on edge as if he could feel that whatever presence was pulling at him was close. He seemed certain that it wasn’t mere dark fae or anything normal they’d encountered with dark sidhe before, but he still couldn’t pin down what he was sensing. They needed to do some local research.
“Are you okay?” Sasha pressed, slipping into the other chair.
“I got a bad feeling about this.”
“About the lead?”
“About everything.” Nathan shuddered, feeling the cold seeping in from the window since he was sitting so close to it. He allowed Sasha to scoot the other chair closer so he could pull Nathan into his side against that wonderful warmth the incubus always seemed so full of. Nathan hated being the one taken care of but he had to admit that it felt good from time to time.
“You’re not starting to doubt Jim, are you?”
Nathan couldn’t shake his head fast enough. “It’s not Jim. I just feel like one wrong move and the whole thing will crash down around us. Death isn’t the worst thing Malak can do to me.”
Sasha merely smiled and rested his head on Nathan’s shoulder. “Things can’t go bad, Nathan. Not with Alex along. She’ll keep us in line.” And maybe it was because Sasha said that so lighthearted and used ‘us’ instead of ‘you’ that Nathan actually felt a bit better.
“Okay, that’s enough. I’m not having any more late night pillow fights with you two,” Jim said teasingly as he came out of the bathroom. He was damp and tired looking and hadn’t brought any clothes in with him when he went to take his shower, so he came out in just a towel and started scrounging through his duffle.
Sasha chuckled from his place against Nathan’s side but, when he looked over at Jim, Nathan couldn’t help noticing that the incubus’ gaze drifted a little too far south down Jim’s body.
“Hey, knock that off,” Nathan growled, half-serious as he pulled away from Sasha and smacked his shoulder.
The incubus chuckled again and turned back to Nathan. There was something sparkling in his eyes that had nothing to do with Jim in a towel. Sasha grabbed the front of Nathan’s T-shirt and pulled, claiming a swift but deep kiss.
“Mmm…okay, you’re off the hook this time. But I don’t like your thoughts going there. Ever.”
Sasha looked at him with a thoughtful tilt of his head. “Am I only half in trouble if you’re included in those thoughts too?”
“Hey, hey, hey,” Jim said before Nathan had time to really register that, “I can hear you, ya know.” Jim had pulled out clean shorts and a T-shirt to change into. He made a little turn around gesture with his hand at Sasha even though there was a smile on his lips too.
Nathan promptly did the job of covering Sasha’s eyes for the incubus, holding his whole hand tightly over those bright blues so Jim could change. “The twins can do what they please, but you better knock that fantasy right out of your head. Never. Going. To. Happen.”
The incubus laughed heartily, allowing Nathan to cover his eyes. “I’m not saying it would. Or that I want it to. Though it did cross my mind as funny that, for whatever reason, the only person I would ever feel comfortable sharing you with is, well…Jim. Guess threesome’s are out for us, then,” he grinned cheekily.
Nathan was having a real tough time not breaking into like laughter. He could tell Jim was the same. But really, Nathan didn’t need those kinds of images playing through his mind.
“I don’t know if all that should be flattering or disturbing,” Jim said as he climbed into bed.
“Can’t it be both?” Sasha said.
Since Nathan had a tendency to take the side of the bed closest to the door, this often put Sasha on the side closer to Jim. In a weird way the Grier brothers already did share the incubus, but Nathan was not about to add any new arrangements.
As he and Sasha climbed under the covers, Nathan nudged the incubus to turn off the lamp on the nightstand between the beds. “Better find yourself a girl fast, Jim, or we’re at risk of Sasha trying to get us drunk and compliant some night,” Nathan said as he rolled closer to Sasha and pulled the incubus to him.
Sasha cupped Nathan’s face and kissed him, soft and slow on the lips. “Mmm…now there’s an idea.”
“I can still hear you,” Jim said, sounding both mortified and amused from the other bed.
“See, Jim,” Nathan called even as he was staring into Sasha’s eyes that glowed back at him in the dark, “guess we’re gonna have to get you and Alex together pronto.”
“I marvel at your logic, Nathan.”
“Damn right.”
“Good night, Nathan.”
Nathan kissed Sasha again, a tight connection, deep, with a slow twirl of his tongue just along the inside of the incubus’ lips. It made Sasha shiver, and Nathan grinned before pushing on the incubus’ chest. “Night, Jim.”
I hated to cut this, but as they say, you have to know when to kill your babies. But that doesn't mean I can't share it with you here!
Set during season 8, the last arc in the end of Book 2. Enjoy!
-----
“Hey,” Sasha said, snapping his fingers in front of Nathan’s face. He had been sitting at the little table in their room, staring out the window at the dark, empty streets while Sasha unpacked. Jim was in the shower.
When they first arrived, they had briefly discussed with Alex that they would get up early and head over to the county library first thing. Being in Castle Rock had Jim more and more on edge as if he could feel that whatever presence was pulling at him was close. He seemed certain that it wasn’t mere dark fae or anything normal they’d encountered with dark sidhe before, but he still couldn’t pin down what he was sensing. They needed to do some local research.
“Are you okay?” Sasha pressed, slipping into the other chair.
“I got a bad feeling about this.”
“About the lead?”
“About everything.” Nathan shuddered, feeling the cold seeping in from the window since he was sitting so close to it. He allowed Sasha to scoot the other chair closer so he could pull Nathan into his side against that wonderful warmth the incubus always seemed so full of. Nathan hated being the one taken care of but he had to admit that it felt good from time to time.
“You’re not starting to doubt Jim, are you?”
Nathan couldn’t shake his head fast enough. “It’s not Jim. I just feel like one wrong move and the whole thing will crash down around us. Death isn’t the worst thing Malak can do to me.”
Sasha merely smiled and rested his head on Nathan’s shoulder. “Things can’t go bad, Nathan. Not with Alex along. She’ll keep us in line.” And maybe it was because Sasha said that so lighthearted and used ‘us’ instead of ‘you’ that Nathan actually felt a bit better.
“Okay, that’s enough. I’m not having any more late night pillow fights with you two,” Jim said teasingly as he came out of the bathroom. He was damp and tired looking and hadn’t brought any clothes in with him when he went to take his shower, so he came out in just a towel and started scrounging through his duffle.
Sasha chuckled from his place against Nathan’s side but, when he looked over at Jim, Nathan couldn’t help noticing that the incubus’ gaze drifted a little too far south down Jim’s body.
“Hey, knock that off,” Nathan growled, half-serious as he pulled away from Sasha and smacked his shoulder.
The incubus chuckled again and turned back to Nathan. There was something sparkling in his eyes that had nothing to do with Jim in a towel. Sasha grabbed the front of Nathan’s T-shirt and pulled, claiming a swift but deep kiss.
“Mmm…okay, you’re off the hook this time. But I don’t like your thoughts going there. Ever.”
Sasha looked at him with a thoughtful tilt of his head. “Am I only half in trouble if you’re included in those thoughts too?”
“Hey, hey, hey,” Jim said before Nathan had time to really register that, “I can hear you, ya know.” Jim had pulled out clean shorts and a T-shirt to change into. He made a little turn around gesture with his hand at Sasha even though there was a smile on his lips too.
Nathan promptly did the job of covering Sasha’s eyes for the incubus, holding his whole hand tightly over those bright blues so Jim could change. “The twins can do what they please, but you better knock that fantasy right out of your head. Never. Going. To. Happen.”
The incubus laughed heartily, allowing Nathan to cover his eyes. “I’m not saying it would. Or that I want it to. Though it did cross my mind as funny that, for whatever reason, the only person I would ever feel comfortable sharing you with is, well…Jim. Guess threesome’s are out for us, then,” he grinned cheekily.
Nathan was having a real tough time not breaking into like laughter. He could tell Jim was the same. But really, Nathan didn’t need those kinds of images playing through his mind.
“I don’t know if all that should be flattering or disturbing,” Jim said as he climbed into bed.
“Can’t it be both?” Sasha said.
Since Nathan had a tendency to take the side of the bed closest to the door, this often put Sasha on the side closer to Jim. In a weird way the Grier brothers already did share the incubus, but Nathan was not about to add any new arrangements.
As he and Sasha climbed under the covers, Nathan nudged the incubus to turn off the lamp on the nightstand between the beds. “Better find yourself a girl fast, Jim, or we’re at risk of Sasha trying to get us drunk and compliant some night,” Nathan said as he rolled closer to Sasha and pulled the incubus to him.
Sasha cupped Nathan’s face and kissed him, soft and slow on the lips. “Mmm…now there’s an idea.”
“I can still hear you,” Jim said, sounding both mortified and amused from the other bed.
“See, Jim,” Nathan called even as he was staring into Sasha’s eyes that glowed back at him in the dark, “guess we’re gonna have to get you and Alex together pronto.”
“I marvel at your logic, Nathan.”
“Damn right.”
“Good night, Nathan.”
Nathan kissed Sasha again, a tight connection, deep, with a slow twirl of his tongue just along the inside of the incubus’ lips. It made Sasha shiver, and Nathan grinned before pushing on the incubus’ chest. “Night, Jim.”
