Mary E. Thompson's Blog, page 45

Brand New World (Jan 31)

“What?” Eddie asked. He couldn’t have heard her correctly. There was no way she said what he thought she said.

“I said, ‘me, too’ Eddie. I want you too.”

Eddie crushed his mouth to hers without waiting for her to say anything else. His head spun as he drew her scent into his lungs, filling himself with her just in case it was a dream, or a trick, or she changed her mind. He cupped her cheeks and tilted her head, his tongue darting out to taste her. She parted her lips for him and allowed him in, her tongue tentatively searching for his.

Eddie filled his other hand with her, wrapping it around her waist and pulling her toward him. Her body molded to his, her breasts tight against his chest, her thighs welcoming him in. He groaned and pulled away, cursing himself for not being able to just push forward with her, but he knew he couldn’t just drag her off to his bed. It was Emily. She wasn’t a random woman.

“Why did you come here?” Eddie ground out, needing to know what brought her to his door.

Emily gazed at him, her eyes heavily lidded, her lips plump and soft and wet from his kiss. He wanted to lean in and kiss her again, but he waited for the fog to clear her head so she could answer him.

She shook her head then focused on his face. Her hand stroked his cheek and he nuzzled into her, aching for any touch from her. She smiled softly at him then released him to lift the bag that was at their feet.

“I realized tonight that my relationship with Nick has basically been a lie. Throughout all of it, I’m fairly certain, you’ve been keeping him in my good graces, getting me things and letting him give them to me. I brought some things here, to ask you.”

Eddie wasn’t sure how to answer her. She was right, of course, but he hated to throw his friend under the bus. “Does it matter, Em?”

She smiled at him again and nodded. “It matters to me. Not because I want to think badly of Nick, but because I know it’s further proof of how much you’ve cared about me over the years. Can I show you?”

Eddie nodded, knowing exactly what was going to be in the bag she held. As she pulled out each item he nodded, letting her know that yes, he had carefully chosen the item for her, selecting something he knew she would love, something that would make her smile or would touch her heart. He knew what gifts she’d saved and which ones she’d thrown away from Nick. He’d complained that Emily only liked what Eddie had gotten her, but it had always made Eddie smile.

“I knew it was you,” Emily said softly as she returned the items to her bag. She shook her head. “I don’t think I would have stayed with him as long as I did if I had realized these were from you. I was so stupid.”

“No, sweetheart, you weren’t. Nick made me swear I wouldn’t tell you. I didn’t want you to be hurt that he sucked at picking things for you.”

“But you never did. You always knew exactly what to give me.”

“I have a few ideas of what to give you right now,” Eddie said suggestively.

Emily grinned and pulled him back toward her. “I wonder if I stripped today if you would be able to hold back again,” she teased. Eddie growled. “Maybe we should see.”

Emily stood and stripped off her shirt, tossing it over Eddie’s head. He was on his feet before she unbuttoned her jeans, chasing her down the hall. Then he proceeded to show her just how little he was willing to hold back.

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Brand New World (Jan 30)

Emily hated that she knew Eddie was right. She didn’t want him that night. It wasn’t about him, or even her, it was all about Nick. That was why she drank so much, why she’d stripped for Eddie. He was an even better man than she’d known. He cared enough to hurt her and risk her temper so he didn’t destroy their friendship.

“Thank you,” she finally said.

Eddie’s eyes snapped to hers, curiosity and tenderness shining bright.

“If you… like me… it couldn’t have been easy to tell me no when I was throwing my naked self at you. Unless… unless you were completely turned off by me. Oh, shit,” Emily groaned. The world spun and she thought she was going to vomit. He was repulsed by her. She’d always been a little shy about her figure, not comfortable with the few extra pounds and curves she carried. It hadn’t prevented her from sex before, but she’d seen the women Eddie went out with, women who made her look, and feel, like a Mack truck.

Before the tears brimming her eyes could fall Emily darted for the door. Eddie was fast and she could hear him moving behind her, but she ran, praying she could get out of there before he caught her.

Her hand turned the doorknob and relief filled her. Then her heart sunk as his body pressed against her back, his palm pressing the door closed in front of her.

“You are the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen, in or out of clothes. You could weigh twice what you do, three times, and I’d still be just as attracted to you,” Eddie growled in her ear. The heat of his body coated her back until she felt him, hard, against her lower back. She gasped.

“You feel that, don’t you. Dammit, Emily, it took every last bit of strength in me to say no to you that night. It’s taken me every bit of strength to not pull you into my arms and keep you there forever. If I thought, for even one second, that it was what you wanted I would do it. In a heartbeat.”

Emily sucked in a breath, desperate to fill her lungs. When she did his scent filled her, made her head spin. Dizzy, she leaned back into him, her body tight against his, and took strength from him.

Eddie’s arm circled her waist and pulled her tight to him, guiding her to the couch. He gently lowered her to the cushions and kneeled in front of her. “Are you okay, sweetheart?”

Emily nodded. “Yeah, I think so.”

“I’m sorry I came on so strong, but I don’t want you to think I don’t want you, or that you aren’t perfect. I’ve never wanted anyone as much as I want you.”

“Me, too,” Emily said softly.

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Glamour Blade by Aine P. Massie

Please welcome Áine P. Massie this week! Áine is stopping by to share a little with us about her latest book, Glamour Blade, a New Adult, Paranormal Romance.

Sometimes the greatest hope is found when two hearts find their truth and their home.
Glamour Blade

House Millar series, #3

by Áine P. Massie

from Encompass Ink / Teen

When Rory Ó Cuinn, a Sidhe warrior, is sent by the Sidhe Queen’s Council to reestablish the magically enhanced vampire hunters known as Guardians, he doesn’t question his mission.

Lord Lorccán is a rare vampire noble, as he only kills humans who are far more monster than not. When he meets the enigmatic vampire Mistress Anya from the House Millar, he believes he’s found an ally in creating a warrior class to police the vampires and protect the innocent—human and vampire alike.

The two goals bring Rory and Lor together, in more ways than one. But Sidhe nobles aren’t meant to love the damned and Rory fights against a rising attraction for Lor, just as Lor pushes every one of Rory’s buttons—mostly on purpose.

When they team up, using both their magics and knowledge, to save those that matter most and find possible future Guardians, their predesigned realities and perceptions change and twist. As love, hate, passion, and betrayal collide, the only question left is which emotions the pair will grasp and hold.

Excerpt from Glamour Blade

Lorccán closed the doors with a gentle shush. He then spun me around, and with a rough push, pinned me against the door, grasping my wrists and holding them above my head. His kisses became hungry and bruising, which only served to ignite the fires within me all the more.

Shivering under Lorccán’s power, my own moans became more fevered and desperate.

“Don’t move your hands, Piscín,” Lorccán growled before he abruptly stepped back. His retreat broke physical contact with me for the first time since before our eyes first met.

Confused at the hollow feeling that crashed into me, I felt the overwhelming hunger for my prey dwindle. I still wanted Lorccán, but not with the same insane drive as before.

“What?” I managed to croak and brought my focus back Lorccán.

“I only meant to play along with your ploy, your game, to get you here and find out why you sought me, especially once I realised you were not human. Your smell, the taste of your emotions…. You are… mmm… intoxicating.” Lorccán’s fingers twitched as if he could barely restrain from touching me again—a touch I wanted, but loathed at the same time.

As my mind processed what Lorccán said, I started to pull my arms down.

“I said do not move your hands,” Lorccán’s voice snapped.

The tone again sent shivers through me.

“I love the way you tremble for me, Piscín. How I wish I could have you, but you are not vampire, nor are you human. Who are you and why are you hunting me?”

“I spoke true before, my name is Rory. But you are correct, I have been hunting you. Or any Aberration, really. You were simply the first I could find.” Taking a deep breath, I attempted to calm, but the scent of leather and Lorccán mixed in the air around me, it only made my confusion worse. “With only a little effort, and patience, I gained access to where you would be this evening.”

His eyes clouded and his delicious lips twisted into a scowl. “And here I hoped I was wrong about you hunting me,” he groused.

I hated the sad taint to his sensual voice.

“Wait! It’s not what you think. I’m not seeking to harm you. Rather, I seek an ally.”

Lorccán paused, his face cleared and his eyebrow arched in curiosity.

“When I overheard the servants gossip about one who sympathised with humans, I hoped you would be the right Croí Nochta to approach,” I explained, my words rushed thanks to the sudden case of nerves.

“I haven’t heard that name in ages.” Lorccán’s stance gentled. “No one still uses it, not even those to whom it applies. What are you and how do you know that term?” His voice seemed almost hollow.

“I am me,” I teased. “I know many of the old ways. But as I do not know how safe and sane you are, yet, I am not sure I wish to answer any other queries you may have for me.”

“We are getting nowhere like this.” Pausing to bow, he smiled. “Lord Lorccán, at your service, lad.”

Ah, even better! Not just a possible ally, but a lord as well. Wonderful. “Sir Rory of the House Ó Cuinn. Master Diviner and Guardian Trainer. I go by Rory Quinn, locally.”

Lorccán’s face suddenly lit up. “Guardian Trainer? There is only one Guardian left that anyone can find and he serves Mistress Anya.” He paused, mumbling through what I had said when he suddenly froze. “Sir. House. Diviner. Trainer. You’re a fae? A fae warrior? Here? Why now?”

“At some point, sir, you are going to have to explain how you bewitched me like that,” I groaned, and tried to shake off the last remnants of lust. Vampires are naturally seductive creatures, but no one, ever, had enticed me with nothing more than a simple touch, or so easily driven sense and purpose from my mind. “May I lower my arms, please, and be offered a more comfortable place for this discussion?”

Lorccán released such a put-upon sigh I fought not to laugh. “Yes, yes. Come along.” He led me into a comfortable sitting room and gestured for me to sit. It was warm, a man’s room with dark leather and wood. Classic refined gentleman.

Waiting until I had taken a seat, Lorccán settled across from me in a large, overstuffed leather chair. “I would offer to have my dear, sweet Andy bring you refreshments, but I gave her and her lover, Ty, the night off.”

“I’m fine. You seem to treat her well,” I noted. Not all like Lorccán treated humans well, even if they didn’t kill humans for food.

“She is precious to me. I went to great lengths to acquire her beloved so they could be together. Thankfully, he was not a fully bonded servant. But, they are not a part of this discussion,” Lorccán said with a wave of his elegant hand. He leaned forward and again enquired, “Why are you seeking me?”

I found it strange to watch Lorccán; he seemed to be forcefully restraining himself. His hands twitched as if to reach out and touch me again. I wanted him to, nearly as much as I hoped he wouldn’t. Sidhe and vampires just don’t mix!

“I have been sent to re-establish the Cosantóir lines, the Guardian lines.”

“And you seek one of my kind to help with such a task? A vampire willing to assist in recreating the lines of hunters?” He paused, looking down at his steepled fingers. “Are there any other Potentials left?”

I contemplated the risk versus the possible return of sharing such information, and decided that if I were to gain his assistance, I needed to show a little faith first.

“One other Potential for certain. There is another I am trying to figure out, but it’s like the second Potential fades in and out constantly. I’ve not a clue what that means. I can only sense that one when engaged in the pool. But, I can reinitialize what creates the Cosantóir, so I will not have to settle for just one Guardian, once I can find him,” I added. “I can find lots of rumours, but nothing clear about where he is. He is somehow blocked from my tracking–”

Lorccán interrupted with another wave of his hand, as if brushing aside my concern. “I know where to find the one Guardian, Declán, that is no trouble. And the problem tracking him is most likely caused by the Ealaíontóir Fola charm he received when he married Anya and Nicholas.”

We spent a long time talking after that, discussing what I wanted and learning what I could about Declán, Nicholas, and Anya. Not that what I learned made much sense to me, a fact I hoped to change soon.

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About the Author

Áine P Massie is originally from Florida, she now lives in Wisconsin where she works on her House Millar series full time while raising four children (the term herding cats comes to mind). Her major in College was Childhood Education (specializing in ages zero to five) with a minor study in Deaf Culture/ASL. She is also a Wiccan priestess dedicated to the gods, family, and love.

Áine is a proud member of the Rom-Critters, the Romance Writers of America®, WisRWA, and Rainbow Romance Writers. Áine has always had a particular fascination with vampires, mythology, and the unusual. When she can escape from her children and books, she enjoys… oh yes, reading, playing, ritual, a good cappuccino, and working with her healing stones.

Her first published work came in high school where she was part of a writing and drama group. However, she has been reading the likes of Shakespeare and Poe since late elementary school and enjoys most forms of fiction.

Social Contact

Site – http://smarturl.it/apmassie

Blog – http://smarturl.it/housemillar

Author FB – http://smarturl.it/apm-fb

House Millar FB – http://smarturl.it/HM-fb

Twitter – http://smarturl.it/anya-twitter

Google + – http://smarturl.it/apm-g

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Brand New World (Jan 28)

Eddie didn’t answer her right away. He couldn’t breathe. When he’d opened the door he was certain he was going to pass out. He was sure he’d never see her again after his admission, and the smile on her face was so sweet, curious, beautiful, and it made his heart swell that it was for him.

Then she asked him that damn question. He couldn’t lie to her. She would see right through him, but he didn’t want to lie to her. He also knew she wouldn’t want the whole truth.

“It was no big deal,” Eddie lied, his blood pulsing through his veins at the memory of her body on display for him, her soft voice begging him to touch her.

“You’re full of shit,” Emily argued, pushing past him into the apartment.

Eddie closed the door behind her, wondering what she’d come over for. She was smiling when he’d opened the door, a small bag in her hand. He wondered what she’d brought over, why she was there, but he knew Emily well enough to know she had forgotten all about the bag and was focused on the night she couldn’t remember.

“When?” Emily asked, her voice low and still.

“New Year’s Eve.”

“That’s why I woke up in your t-shirt, only your t-shirt.”

Eddie swallowed the strangled groan that tried to rip from his gut and nodded.

“Did we…?”

“No,” Eddie said adamantly. “I would never do that.”

Emily’s eyes narrowed fiercely. “Never. You would never sleep with me. Good to know,” she said quietly, her face betraying the emotions she was fighting.

“No, Em, that’s not what I meant.” Eddie stepped forward and took her hands, imploring her to look at him. “Baby, I would worship you if given the chance. But I couldn’t sleep with you when you were so upset about Nick and too drunk to know what you were doing. You didn’t want me, not really. You wanted to piss Nick off, and I was here.”

Eddie hated that it was the truth. She didn’t want him. She never had. He was just a convenient fuck, but he wasn’t willing to be convenient or just a fuck to her. If he ever had her in his bed, and was lucky enough to be sharing it with her, she would only be thinking of him. No other man would enter her mind while he was with her. He would make sure of it.

But he’d never get the chance. Eddie wasn’t foolish enough to believe Emily would want him. And because of that a part of him would regret not sleeping with her that night, not having the memory of her body drawing his in, of her mouth on him, of her taste on his tongue. The bigger part of him knew he’d never forgive himself if he’d gone through with it, but the part that wanted her more than he wanted his next breath wished he had those memories to hold on to.

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Brand New World (Jan 27)

Emily watched Eddie rush out and felt her heart plummet. He told her everything she’d hoped to hear from him. He liked her. A lot. And he cared enough that he wanted her to be happy, without a concern for his own feelings.

Emotion swelled her throat, making it hard to breathe. She’d never had anyone who cared about her like that before. Someone who put her first. Someone who wanted her to be happy more than he wanted himself to be happy.

Emily shook her head, laughing quietly, as she compared the two men who’d been such a huge part of her life over the last few years. Eddie let her date Nick even though he cared for her. She didn’t know if Nick knew how Eddie felt, but she was fairly certain he did, and he let his friend suffer. Eddie knew how she liked her coffee, when her birthday was, the little things that mattered. After all the time she’d been with Nick she knew, without a doubt, Eddie had been the one to feed her details and make sure she had a gift.

Emily wandered through her room and picked up the gifts Nick had given her. Earrings for her birthday, a bracelet for Christmas, a card when she was sick that had made her laugh, the four leaf clover he’d laminated for her to carry in her wallet, and the flowers he’d given her for Valentine’s Day that she’d pressed and saved. When she’d collected everything that she’d kept, all the things that meant the most to her she left her apartment, a woman on a mission.

Ten minutes later Emily pulled up in front of Eddie’s apartment. She had to talk to him, to ask him what she knew was the truth. It was glaringly obvious now that she wasn’t under Nick’s control anymore. Influenced by how much she thought she loved him.

Emily knocked on the door and waited for Eddie to let her in. When he opened the door she breathed him in, his scent tickling her brain and bringing back flashes of memory. Memory she struggled to place. Until it hit her with such force she couldn’t do anything, including breathe.

“Holy shit. I stripped and tried to get you to sleep with me, didn’t I?”

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Bulky & Beauteous First Kiss

Bulky & Beauteous will be out in a week! I’m so excited that it’s finally here. It was a really hard book for me to write since I was writing it throughout my whole treatment, but it’s done and it’s finally ready for you to read it, or at least a little bit of it. In a week you can read the whole thing!

Excerpt from Bulky & Beauteous

A first kiss was such a simple thing. So basic. So ordinary. Memories of my first kiss were burned into my brain. The awkwardness. The strange feeling. The confusion. Why did anyone enjoy kissing? I wondered at a young age.

But when you’re tucked back off a dirt path, behind the baseball field, doing something few of your friends had done, it was weird. I can still see him coming toward me, his mouth and arms open, ready to embrace me. When our lips collided there wasn’t anything gentle or sensual about it. Two thirteen year olds didn’t know how to kiss, even if one had done it before.

At 29, a first kiss was different. We were older. We knew what we were doing. The awkwardness was still there, but I knew what to expect from kissing. I knew how wonderful it could be. I knew what a good kiss was, and I was fairly certain I could deliver on my end.

Even with all that knowledge, nothing could prepare me for the first brush of Joey’s lips across mine. That first touch was like being struck by lightning. A spark, which I tried to pass off as a product of the dry air, ignited between us. I gasped, my lips parting ever so slightly, but enough for his tongue to dip into the gap. I felt the softness of him against the inside of my lips and was immediately hungry for more. My mouth fell open, welcoming him inside.

He didn’t hesitate. Confidence poured from him, drawing me in and making me wish I was the person I pretended to be with him. I craved that self assurance, that ability to know exactly who I was.

Then his tongue swept through my mouth and I didn’t care anymore. I wanted him. I wanted to be with him. I was a whole new Addi with him. And I was going to enjoy it.

A rumble erupted from deep within me, matched by one from him. His fingers tightened in my hair, tugging me to him. Our bodies pressed together, the thickness of our layers preventing me from feeling everything I wanted to feel. I shook my gloves free, frustrated at how long it was taking me to get them off. The bite of the cold air took me by surprise and made me sigh with contentment. Finally, I could feel him.

My hand speared under his hat, digging into his unruly brown hair. I pulled him tighter against me, aching to feel him. He spun us and leaned me against a thick tree trunk. His body rubbed against mine, his hardness evident through his ski pants. My mouth watered and my core burned at the thought. Damn, if he was that big through layers I could only imagine what it would be like if I stripped him down.

My hands didn’t get the message. As if they had a mind of their own, my fingers stroked him through his pants, outlining the ridge of his erection. A groan tore from his throat and his hips thrust into me. His mouth slipped from mine and burned a path down my neck, tucking under my scarf to nibble at my collarbone. My eyes fluttered closed again, the sensation of his lips and hands on me more than I could bear.

I couldn’t stop my hands from diving into his pants. Thankful he wasn’t wearing overalls, my cold hand met his hot skin, making him jump. I didn’t stop. I couldn’t. All I could think about was having him in my hand. When I finally made it, I wrapped my palm around his silken steel shaft, earning another thrust from him.

He growled and nipped at my neck again, rolling the tendon between his teeth. I stroked him quickly, desperate to feel him lose control. I felt beautiful, desired, powerful. With him in my hand I dropped to my knees in the snow, looking up into his eyes. The question was there, and was met with an answer. An answer that told me I had fooled one person into believing I was the new Addi. The carefree Addi. The seductress Addi.

I wasn’t the Addi who refused to get under a table for a stranger. I was brave. I was confident. I was going to kneel in the snow and give this beautiful man the best blow job of his life if it killed me.

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Brand New World (Jan 25)

Eddie looked Emily in the eye, not willing to answer her unless she knew he was telling the truth.

“Yes,” he said calmly, willing his voice to not betray the emotions rolling through him. He wasn’t sure how Emily would take his confession, and he was dying to know what her sudden intake of breath meant.

“For how long?”

Eddie ran a hand through his hair and down his neck. He held onto his neck, staring up at the ceiling and wondering how much she could handle knowing.

“As long as I can remember,” he answered honestly, still not looking at her.

“But I was with Nick. Why didn’t you ever say anything?”

“Seriously?” Eddie asked, finally meeting her eyes. He didn’t want to try to interpret what he saw there. “You just answered your own question. You were with Nick. I wasn’t going to do anything to mess that up.”

“You just let me go on with him even though you liked me. I met him through you. You were the one who introduced us.”

Eddie thought back to the day Emily and Nick met. It wasn’t so much that he introduced them as he was out with Nick when they ran into Emily. As much as he wanted to keep her to himself, he couldn’t ignore his friend’s immediate interest in her. Eddie did what any friend would do and stepped back so his buddy could get the girl. He’d never told Nick about Emily, how much he liked her, so there was no reason for Nick to back off.

“I wasn’t going to keep you apart when I hadn’t worked up the nerve to ask you out. You both seemed to like the other when you met. I didn’t want to get in the way.”

“So you stepped back,” Emily answered.

Eddie nodded. “I know you’re still not over him. It was clear when you saw him tonight. Don’t think our friendship needs to change. I know where we stand and I’m okay with it. But, uh, I think I’ll head out. I really shouldn’t have come up here with you.”

Eddie didn’t give Emily a chance to say anything. He rushed out of her apartment and hurried down the stairs before she could follow him.

Not that he thought she would.

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Brand New World (Jan 24)

Emily wondered for a while how Eddie knew things, things like how she liked her coffee, or what her favorite drink was, or what was going on with her. But knowing her favorite color seemed even more personal, like he didn’t just know facts about her, but he knew her. 

Emily waited patiently for Eddie to answer her question. She knew he wouldn’t lie to her, but she knew he didn’t want to tell her either. 

“I pay attention,” Eddie finally said, shrugging as though that made his words innocent. 

“To everyone or just to me?” 

Eddie shrugged again and wandered over to the bookcase to look at the pictures Emily displayed there. Pictures of her family and close friends, and, until recently, Nick. 

“How does Nick drink his coffee?” Emily asked. 

Eddie froze for a second, such a short time Emily wouldn’t have noticed if she wasn’t watching him. “Uh, black.” 

Emily shook her head, “Nope. Two sugars. What’s his favorite color?” 

Eddie stopped looking around, not bothering trying to distract them both. “You know I don’t know. Why don’t you ask me what you really want to know, Emily?” 

Emily took a deep breath and looked at Eddie. She took in his caring eyes, the tilt of his lips, the strength of his body, and she said the words that she knew would change everything. “Do you like me?” 

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Wolf’s Blade by Clare Dargin New Release!

Wolf’s Blade

by Clare Dargin

The Paladins series, Book #1

Samantha Dixon rescues a wounded wolf shifter in the woods near her home … and unwittingly gets drawn into a dangerous game of cat and mouse with a murderer. Callum Blake is on the trail of an evil man who would be king of all wolf kind, no matter the cost … it’s up to Callum to stop him. How can Callum fulfill his duty to protect his pack and save the woman who is destined to be his mate?

Excerpt from Wolf’s Blade

Callum Blake growled and grabbed his forearm. He opened his clenched fist as the nails on his hand morphed into long dark claws. He gritted his teeth and closed his eyes as he fought the urge to shift. He pounded the tree and glanced up at the night sky and prayed in agony to the wolf goddess. He pleaded for help. He’d take anything she had to offer if it would provide even the smallest amount of relief.

Nothing. The pain continued. He shook his head and grimaced in an attempt to remove the fog that was starting to shroud his mind. He silently cried out to her again.

Why are you silent? You’re the reason I took this mission and now you’re allowing me to suffer?

His frustration mingled with his physical pain, adding to his misery. The beast fought its way to the surface. He opened his mouth and howled. A mixture of a roar and a yell, it relieved some of the tension within him, but it did not drive away the urge to shift. Leaning against the tree, he dug his claws into the bark, burrowing deep grooves as he exerted his strength against the muscle contraction. His pulse pounded in his ears as sweat poured down on his face. Unlike his wolf self who resided peacefully inside of him, his lycan did not have the same kind of placating nature. It yielded only to the strongest of commands exerted to it from his mind. It was supposed to live in harmony just as his inner wolf, but it refused.

For wolf shifters, their human and wolf self were like two individuals abiding in one nature. One innately human, sharing some of the same abilities and desires as regular people only with keener senses and more powerful instincts. The other, their wolf side was wild and untamed. It acted on a gut responses, using its innate sixth sense to interact with the world around it. The wolf freely gave into its passions, choosing strength and cunning over calculated reasoning.

The lycan, however, was a being whose nature lived far beyond that of the wolf. Not present in all wolf shifters, it was like a curse of their wolf self causing them to revert to a primitive version of their wolf self. Acting on impulse and rage, the lycan did not use reason or soft emotions like joy, love, and happiness, it understood violence.

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About Clare

Clare Dargin is a multi-published romance author. She has written for several publishers in different genres, including erotic romance, military romance, contemporary, paranormal, and sci-fi. She lives in the mid-west, and when not surfing the web, she is hard at work writing her next romance novel. You can find her on Facebook, Twitter, Google Plus, and Amazon.

Also contact Clare at:

Clare’s Blog 2 The Haven, The Embraced: Scribal Love, and her Author Page.

 

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Brand New World (Jan 21)

Eddie followed Emily up to her apartment. The last time he saw her was at his place on New Years morning, but other than that the two of them had not ever been alone. 

Eddie didn’t know what he was thinking. 

The chances of him making it through the night unscathed were slim to none, especially as he watched the gentle sway of her hips climbing the stairs and knew he’d do just about anything to see those hips shake just for him. 

Emily unlocked her apartment and let them inside. Eddie had only been to her place a handful of times, but when he had been he was with Nick and they were picking Emily up. Walking in the door it struck Eddie that he’d never really gotten a chance to see her place. 

The apartment was clean and smelled like Emily. A light floral scent drifted through the air, making Eddie’s pants a little tight. He looked around, trying to distract himself but she was everywhere. Her favorite shade of blue covered the walls of the living room and accented the dishes visible in the kitchen. A pink blanket lay draped over the back of a white couch and four pink and blue covered chairs circled a simple glass table. 

“It looks just like you in here,” Eddie blurted without thinking. “I mean, I’ve been here before, but I never had a chance to really look around. It suits you.” 

Emily blushed and ducked her chin. “Thanks. Blue is my favorite color, but I’m a big fan of pink too.” 

“I know,” Eddie confessed before he could stop himself. 

Emily’s eyes searched his face before settling on his eyes. He saw the question there, the one he knew she was going to ask, but hoped she wouldn’t. The one he didn’t want to answer, but would because he always told Emily the truth, even when it was hard to. 

“How do you know so much about me?” 

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