WeWriWa: The Measure of a Man . . . BOUND BY MOONLIGHT

What creates more tension than the introduction of a father figure to the man he thinks of as a criminal? Charlotte Caissie practically grew up between her dad and his partner in their squad car. Chief Byron Atcliff assumed that role of parent after his best friend’s violent death. So imagine his “delight” when confronted with that beloved child who now carries a detective’s shield and her new significant other . . . one of New Orleans’ infamous “Most Wanted!”
Bound by Moonlight (By Moonlight - Book 4) Length: 370 PagesAdd to Goodreads TBR→
POLICE DETECTIVE CHARLOTTE CAISSIE AND HER SHAPE-SHIFTING PARAMOUR MAX SAVOIE THOUGHT THE PAST WAS BEHIND THEM. BUT IN NANCY GIDEON’S IRRESISTIBLE NEW ROMANCE, THEY DISCOVER IT MAY NEVER LET THEM GO. . . .
THEY SWORE THEY’D BE TOGETHER FOREVER.Detective Charlotte Caissie is suddenly sharing drawer space and making local news with her shape-shifter lover, Max Savoie. He’s determined to be accepted by her peers—so how can she ask him to return to his criminal roots to help her solve a complex case?
BUT THOSE THEY TRUST THE MOST . . .Working undercover with her partner to find the serial killer who’s kidnapped a colleague’s daughter, Cee Cee is caught between her job and her fiercely possessive lover. And when she calls on Max’s preternatural talents to aid his hated enemy, she crosses a line that strains their relationship to its limit.
. . . WILL DO ANYTHING TO TEAR THEM APART.With his secret spreading, Max is forced to protect his family and his clan. The only certainty is his love for his human mate . . . unless the loyalties that define them divide them forever. The Excerpt 

“I’m not in favor of this relationship,” the older man continued, “and I can’t say I approve of you parading it around.”

“Good thing for me your opinion isn’t the one that matters most.”

At the coolly mocking tone, Atcliff warned, “You break her heart, I’ll pull you out by the roots.”

Cee Cee stepped between them with an exasperated, “Would you two stand down? Uncle Byron, Max is my choice so deal with it, and  Max,  you will respect his right to be pissed off about it. Clear?” 

They gauged one another again, measuring the degree of influence and threat—cop versus criminal.

“Take care of her, stay out from under my feet professionally and I won’t have a problem with you, Savoie.”

“I’ll stay out of your way unless you push that professional foot into our personal lives again. Then I’d have to make myself your problem. In a big way.”

. . . and a bit more . . .

Atcliff assessed the arrogant man who’d somehow managed to snag the heart of Tommy Caissie’s daughter. Did he have the steadfastness Cee Cee could depend upon, the strength to support her, and the wisdom to protect the best damned thing he’d ever have? Savoie wasn’t someone he’d enjoy seeing across the dinner table at holiday time. He doubted they’d ever make comfortable small talk while fishing off his boat together. But he was Charlotte’s choice, and Savoie didn’t give an inch when it came to claiming that.   

And there was nothing wrong with a little arrogance.

Chief Byron Atcliff allowed a grim smile.  “Understood.” 

The fun part of writing a continuing series like “By Moonlight” is the opportunity to build and weave characters and storyline together. Sometimes those two things mesh and strengthen the storyline . . . and other times, they create a delicious tension to introduce surprises and conflict (my two favorite things!). A series also establishes an intricate . . . history. I LOVE using backstory as building blocks to character development and story/emotional twists. And what place has a deeper, more mysterious past than New Orleans . . . especially when its shadowed streets and secret communities blend and conflict so deliciously? Welcome to my “By Moonlight” world of NOPD police and a mysterious shapeshifter society.
AND I’m looking forward to my welcome back to my home away from home in the Big Easy!! I just made travel arrangements for me and my virtual assistant to soak up the atmosphere and spin a few new plot threads in the French Quarter! She’s never been to Louisiana and I can’t wait to get back there for some beignets and blues! I see many a storyline in the future . . .
But first I need to put on a second pair of socks to keep my feet warm here in Michigan before reading what you’ve been creating!

Weekend Writing Warriors is a weekly hop for everyone who loves to write! Share an 8 to 10 sentence snippet of your writing on Sunday. Visit other participants on the list and read, critique, and comment on their #8sunday posts.
Spread the word, share the love, warriors - Hashtag #8sunday.
Nancy on the WebBlog | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram | YouTube | Goodreads | AmazonGoodreads “Nancy Gideon by Moonlight” group!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="https://nancygideon.blogspot.com//pla...