Friday, July 19, 2013

Guest Author Lori King

My guest today is Siren-BookStrand author Lori King. She's here to talk to us about something all writers inevitably go through...writer's block and to share with us her latest release, Sidney’s Triple Shot. Take it away, Lori!

Today was one of those days when I knew I needed to sit down and write a blog post promoting my new book, but every time I opened a new document I just stared at the blank page.

Yep, that’s right. I had writers block. My muse has been unexpectedly silent for the last four days, and it’s making me crazy. As a writer I rely on the constant voices in my head to keep me company, exercise my creativity, and bring a peaceful feeling to my brain, so when they suddenly go quiet I tend to freak out a bit.
I’ve never been at a point where I didn’t have ideas, but I find that sometimes the ideas aren’t quite as cohesive as they should be. I get bits and pieces of stories or characters that don’t fit into the book I’m writing, or the direction I’m going. It’s days like today that I have to clear my brain, and start fresh. Sometimes it means jotting down the ideas streaming through my head, other times I need to step away completely and do something else, like read a book by one of my favorite authors, or play on Pinterest (yes I’m a pinning addict).

There’s no easy jump start, and there seems to be no specific triggers for writers block. I find that stress and exhaustion are big factors, and if I push myself too hard to complete a story my muse seems to plant her feet in the mud and refuse to budge. I have to remind myself that creativity flows like water, and if I try to divert it in the direction I want it to go, I’m likely to have a flood on my hands that I can’t handle.

Do you find your own thought process blocked by your sub-conscious or the day to day life events happening around you? What are your tricks to jump start your happy self?

While you’re thinking on that, be sure to check out my most recent book, Sidney’s Triple Shot, the story of a woman who has survived hell, and is reaching for her heaven.



Sidney Rowe has been abused in ways that most people can’t even imagine.  After a horrific miscarriage, she left behind everything she had, to escape her ex-boyfriend.  She finds refuge in the kindness of the three Dawson brothers. They give her a job and a sense of security in the small town of Apache Crossing. 

Xavier, Tyce, and Noah Dawson, have built their bar, Triple Shot, into a profitable enterprise.  The three former Marines, have also built a reputation for integrity in the community, but their sex appeal and charm are legendary. They enjoy their playboy status…that is until a jumpy, skittish Sidney stumbles into their lives needing their help.

Sexual tension explodes when the brothers decide they want to protect and share Sidney, but to have her they have to stop her ex from haunting her. Can they keep her safe, and win her damaged heart?


You can keep up with all of my new releases via:
Email: LoriKingBooks@yahoo.com.
Don’t forget to Live, Laugh, and Love like today is your only chance!





Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Guest Authors Reggie and Kasi Alexander

I'm turning over my blog today to guest authors Reggie and Kasi Alexander. They're here to tell us about what is like to write as a team and about their new book, Writes of Submission, releasing today at Siren-BookStrand at 15% off the cover price. Take it away, team!


There is one question we are almost always asked when we introduce ourselves as Reggie and Kasi Alexander. That question is, “Do you team write?” The next question is invariably either “How do you do that?” or “How does that work for you?”

So we decided to use our experiences in team writing as the basis for a book, and it became “Writes of Submission,” due out from Siren on July 2. The story deals with a woman who wins a writing contest and the chance to team write a book with her idol, romance author Candee Appelbaum. Of course nothing is as she expects. Candee is actually a gorgeous hunk of a man who drinks more than Nikki approves of and listens to odd music while he writes. To make things even more challenging, there is a second hot man who is to be their marketing guru and she learns that sometimes teams have more than two members.

It seems like team writing is something that everybody has either always wanted to try or simply can’t imagine is actually possible. So, for those of you who are contemplating it, or are curious about how it can be done, this is our recipe for making team writing work for more than a week.

The first ingredient you must have is the ability to take criticism. We have both come to the realization that, no matter how good we think the scene we’ve just written is, the other person can make it better. It’s not an insult or a condemnation of my writing or his: it’s simply the fact that you’re handing your partner a first draft and they’re adding their own personality to it. For some reason, having two personalities in a book seems to make it more than the sum of its parts.
The next ingredient is a willingness to allow the story to develop in ways you didn’t foresee. We have a Great Dane, and we love playing Frisbee golf, so we routinely go out in the afternoon and evening for a walk or a game and brainstorm out the next scene or two of the book. (I would have loved to be a plotter rather than a pantser, but life doesn’t always work out the way we’d like it to!) In some ways, that is my favorite part of the writing process. One of us will suggest a plot element, then a light bulb goes off over the other’s head and they will suggest an improvement on that. That, of course, will spark yet another idea (there’s nothing I love more than to see Sir’s face light up and to hear him say, “Oh, I know!”), and before you know it you have a whole new chunk planned out.

We each come out of those walks knowing which scene we need to write next, but when it comes time to trade and read each other’s writing, there are often little surprises. A completely new character will show up at the door, or someone will reveal something completely unexpected about their past. That’s when you want to look at your partner and say, “Were we even in the same neighborhood yesterday when we discussed this scene?”

The last ingredient is something Sir calls due diligence, and I call obsessive behavior. I read through the manuscript and give it a polish, then Sir reads through it and does his magic, then we all sit down and Sir reads it out loud for everyone (the two of us and our two partners) to watch for repeated words and continuity problems and things. That used to be quite stressful for me, having everyone picking apart a word choice or catching something I missed. But I’ve learned not to take those things personally (or at least I’m almost there). I’ve always been afraid of criticism, but when you start publishing you absolutely have to develop a thick skin and realize that not everyone is going to appreciate your brilliant talent. Sometimes it’s even your writing partner who doesn’t, and then you have to accept the fact that your ideas aren’t always the best ones.

Sometimes you just have to go with the flow, even if it’s a little different than you had in mind. But that’s how life always goes, isn’t it? You just have to have faith in the process, be flexible, trust your partner and it generally turns out just fine.





Nikki Sutherland can’t believe her luck. She’s won an all-expenses paid trip to the BDSM resort Clifftop Fantasies to co-author a book with her idol, erotic romance author Candee Appelbaum. Unfortunately, Candee is really a man—a very good-looking man—named Kane Harris. Another gorgeous hunk, Dante Hunter, is also at Clifftop to market the resort owner’s new cookbook, Stealth Veggies. The guys are both younger than her and way out of her league—or so she thinks. Even worse, Kane is a wisecracking eccentric with a skewed fashion sense and an odd taste in music who writes late at night with a bottle of wine. Dante likes to do his thinking during yoga or biking, things Nikki hasn’t done in years. Nikki’s journey teaches her the difference between reading hot, sexy ménage scenes and living them with the two best-looking guys she’s ever met. Can she handle the Writes of Submission?

Want to know more about this writing team? Visit their blog at www.naughtyeverafter.wordpress.com

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

It's Pre-Order Time!!

Yep, I have a new release coming June 21st and it just went up for pre-order today! I know I don't usually do paranormal erotica, but I'm hooked on the super-sexy hunks of the L.U.S.T. Agency. What does L.U.S.T. stand for? Merriam-Webster defines it as intense or unbridled sexual desire. That definitely fits! However, the agency acronym is the Logistical Unit of Specialized Talents. Want to know what those "specialized talents" are? I assure you they are more creative than mere paranormal abilities. ;) Find out in Powerful Awakening, the latest installment in the L.U.S.T. series which includes a special bonus prequel short story Powerful Beginning. 


Pre-Order today at Siren-BookStrand

Oh, and if you missed book 1 of the Logistical Unit of Specialized Talents series, don't forget to grab Powerful Moves, also available at Siren-BookStrand.



Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Rebecca Joyce Treasure Hunt

The Men of Treasure Cove cordially invite you to a …

Treasure Hunt
In anticipation of the newest Men of Treasure Cove book, “Gabriel’s Heart” by Rebecca Joyce, over the next two weeks, The Men of Treasure Cove have hidden random questions and clues over a series of Blogs and WebPages. To win, all you need to do is gather the clues to find the Treasure the men have hidden.

*THE RULES*

1. Read up on all the Treasure Cove books. (You will be unable to answer the questions if you haven’t!)
2. Follow the clues and the links provided to the next day’s clue, and you are off!
3. When all the clues are gathered, and you have answered them correctly, email me your answers before 8pm, EST on JUNE 8th, to: morningcoffeedrinker@yahoo.com. The first to correctly answer all the questions, wins the GRAND PRIZE!

3…2…1… here we go!

Clue #9: In “Emma’s Treasures”, which brother, Travis, Tucker or Tate, never gave up looking for Emma. 

To find the answer read, “Emma’s Treasures” book one of The Men of Treasure Cove!  

The darling girl of Treasure Cove, Emma McKenzie, wanted for nothing, except the love of three men. Days after her twenty-first birthday, she gets her wish. But one night of passion takes everything that she has ever known. Emma finds herself miles away with a secret that will change the lives of the people she left behind.
After a fire that rocks the town and takes the lives of two of their own, the town is left with unanswered questions.
Travis, Tucker, and Tate Quinn are hardworking ranchers and have made a life for themselves in the community. They never forgot the girl that got away. When she shows up several years later, she brings unanswered questions, danger, and a surprise. Together, the Quinn brothers must work to figure out the mystery of the past, save the girl they love, and protect all that they hold dear.


Check back tomorrow at Rebecca Joyce’s Blog for CLUE#10…and GOOD LUCK! 

Friday, May 24, 2013

Fiery Friday with Gabrielle Evans







A small-town girl from southern Oklahoma—we are talking one red light that may or may not work depending on the day of the week—Siren-exclusive author Gabrielle Evans believes in taking chances and pushing boundaries.

Gabrielle’s best-selling series are driven by her belief that everyone has a happy ending waiting to happen, even if it’s found in a seemingly unconventional way. When she’s not busy writing her next anxiously awaited book, she’s living her own happily ever after, married to her high school sweetheart. For now, she parks her car in central Indiana, but who knows what tomorrow will bring.


Greetings and Salutations!

First, a huge thank you to Tonya for graciously agreeing to host me today! I hope everyone is looking forward to a fabulous weekend.
I would say I’m mostly known for my paranormal series like The Moonlight Breed, Haven, and Sexually Awkward, but my secret love has always been contemporary. The Lawful Disorder series lets me travel down darker paths and challenges me to wring every drop of emotion I can from each story.
As always, though, the most important thing I hope readers take away from the series is that no matter the obstacle, love will always find a way.



Available from: BookStrand | Amazon | B&N


Lawful Disorder 1: Lipstick and Handguns


For three years after his lover left without a goodbye, the only people Detective Ryder Ward keeps close are his grandmother and his partner on the force. It's no wonder he's unprepared for the feelings Sidney Kessler awakens in him.
Finding himself naked and chained to a wall, imprisoned and tortured, and then dumped in the murky harbor weren't high on Sidney's list of things to do. Nor was waking up in the hospital and feeling drawn to the brooding detective stalking about his room. Still, he can't help but feel safe around Ryder.
Though reluctant to start a relationship with the vulnerable man, Ryder knows he's falling fast. He has a case to solve and a psycho to catch, though. He can't let his personal feelings stand in the way of his job, nor can he allow Sidney to become another body pulled from the bay. Read Excerpts


The Romance Reviews Top Pick
“I'll admit up front that I am drawn to this author’s voice and have enjoyed every book she’s written. But wow, has she outdone herself with this one! With mystery and a darker storyline than usual, Gabrielle Evans has hit her stride with the first book in her Lawful Disorder series and I cannot wait to read the next.” – Rebecca, The Romance Reviews



~ ~ ~

Lawful Disorder 2: Strip: Tease and Search


After witnessing a brutal and terrifying murder, Kellen Ross has nowhere to turn. Something doesn’t feel right about the police department’s lack of interest, but what does he know? Alone and shaken, he has no idea that his life is about to change forever.
Fed up with the senseless violence, Michael Hunter lays down his badge and walks away from it all.  When he receives a call for help just hours later, he finds that he can’t deny the enchanting voice. Kellen is all the things he’s ever wanted in a partner—except the fact that he’s a man.
Kellen knows better than to fall for a straight guy. But with someone prowling about the city, determined to silence them both once and for all, he has no choice but to depend on Michael to keep him alive. Now, if he can just convince the man to keep him forever. Read Excerpts


4.5 KISSES
Top 2 Bottom Reviews
“Strip: Tease and Search is a romantic and sexy addition to the Lawful Disorder series. Although this book could easily be read as a stand-alone in the series, I recommend reading the first book, Lipstick and Handguns first. The heroes in the first book plays a big part in Kellen and Michael’s story. Highly Recommended!” – Gabbi Top 2 Bottom Reviews.



~ ~ ~

Lawful Disorder 3: To Protect and Punish

After years of choosing his job over his family, Javier DeMarco has gone from part-time father to single, full-time dad. Leaving the FBI isn’t his first choice, but taking a job in personal security is a better fit for his new life.
Gavin Hart just wants to be happy, but contentment is hard to come by with patrons of his club being attacked. When the threats turn more personal, hiring a bodyguard seems like a good idea. Unfortunately, he wasn’t expecting to feel such an intense connection to Javier. He’s played this game before, and he knows how it ends.
When the assaults escalate to murder, Javier has bigger problems than assuring Gavin that what they have is real. Can he keep Gavin safe and convince him that love is nothing to fear? Or will the stubborn club owner prove to be a bigger challenge than he can handle? Read Excerpts

4.5 NYMPHS
Literary Nymphs Reviews
“There is a strong connection between Gavin and Javier that is evident from the beginning. Javier easily takes control without coming across as overbearing and the results are intense. I liked the way these two mesh and the addition of Javier’s son to the mix makes this a family in no time.”
– Critter Nymph, Literary Nymphs Review

Sunday, May 12, 2013

In MIB Custody - Now Available for Pre-order


In MIB Custody (MFM)
The Service Club 6

By: Tonya Ramagos | Other books by Tonya Ramagos 
Categories: Erotic RomanceBDSMContemporaryMenage a Trois/Quatre
Word Count: 45,997
Heat Level: SEXTREME
Published By: Siren-BookStrand, Inc.


PRE-ORDER!

AVAILABLE: Monday, May 20th

This title is offered at a 15% discount. Offer ends midnight CST, May 27th.

[Siren Ménage Everlasting: Erotic Consensual BDSM Ménage a Trois Romance, M/F/M, spanking, sex toys, HEA]

Erotic author Danica Wallace spends her days creating sexy, dominant heroes and her nights yearning for an explosive orgasm only one man can give her...or is it two men? Lately, another faceless, dominant male has invaded her fantasies. Together, they’ve left her longing for a man she pushed away and another she’s never met. When FBI agent Lowell Tucker returns with fellow agent and friend, Zane Kalkin, she’s given an opportunity to turn her dreams into reality. But is the promise of a dominant night worth the pain she’ll feel when they leave again?

Five years ago, Lowell walked away from Danica. Now he’s back to claim the only woman he’s ever loved and he’s brought backup. Sharing Danica with Zane wasn’t part of his plan, but Zane has fallen for her, too. Danica’s infinite pleasure is all that matters. All Lowell and Zane have to do is figure out how to keep her forever.

A Siren Erotic Romance


Tonya Ramagos is a Siren-exclusive author.
The Service Club

Forty-Eight Hour Burn (MFM)
Forty-Eight Hour Burn (MFM) - The Service Club 1
Tonya Ramagos
(Published by: Siren-BookStrand, Inc.)
Marissa
Marissa's Rights (MFM) - The Service Club 2
Tonya Ramagos
(Published by: Siren-BookStrand, Inc.)
Operation Mustang (MFMM)
Operation Mustang (MFMM) - The Service Club 3
Tonya Ramagos
(Published by: Siren-BookStrand, Inc.)
Hands on Justice (MFM)
Hands on Justice (MFM) - The Service Club 4
Tonya Ramagos
(Published by: Siren-BookStrand, Inc.)
Chelsea
Chelsea's Rescue (MFM) - The Service Club 5
Tonya Ramagos
(Published by: Siren-BookStrand, Inc.)
In MIB Custody (MFM)
In MIB Custody (MFM) - The Service Club 6
Tonya Ramagos
(Published by: Siren-BookStrand, Inc.)

Friday, May 10, 2013

Fiery Friday with Lexi Dehalo

Welcome to Fiery Friday! Today's guest is Siren-BookStrand author Lexi Dehalo. Lexi stopped by to answer some questions for us and to tell us about her Be-WERE series. Take it away, Lexi!


If you could spend a day with one of your characters, who would it be and why?
It would have to be Akira. He’s a hot mess and a lot of fun. Definitely a party worthy friend who knows how to get into some trouble! Not to mention an excellent dancer. He’d totally be my first choice for a night out on the town.

Are you plot or character driven? Please elaborate.
A little of both, although as of right now the plot has been determining the main sequence of events for the next two books in the series. The characters just happen to fall into place. I think for Mating Moon, though it was definitely driven by Night and Akira. It didn’t matter what plot details were going on in the background, all that mattered was their time together on paper. That’s what I liked most about that particular book.

What is the one thing you must have to be able to write?
Sleep. If I am sleep deprived you can forget it. My brain shuts off and my muse refuses to speak to me. It’s horrible because I would rather go without sleep and get my manuscript done!

What is one of your biggest pet peeves?
When I want to write and can’t either because I have to work on something else or my laptop is in the shop. The latter is the case right now and of course my muse is all ready to go with this next story. I have the sneaking suspicion that when I do get my computer back in the next few weeks, my muse will suddenly stop talking to me. Such is the life of a writer I guess!

How many books do you currently have published?
Currently I have one book published, Mating Moon [Be-Were 1]. Forbidden Moon [Be-Were 2] is scheduled to be released on May 21st and Moon Resonance [Be-Were 3] will be available August 2013.

What is the next book you have releasing?
Forbidden Moon [Be-Were 2] will be released on May 21st.

What book are you writing right now?
I’m actually working on a few manuscripts right now. I am almost done with Moon’s Captive [Be-Were 4] and Draconian Heirs is a ménage piece (MMF) that I am about finished with as well.

What is your favorite quote ever?
It’s a tie between a few so no judgments here!
Marilyn Manson: “I’m a confession that is waiting to be heard.”
Shinedown: “Sometimes the curiosity can kill the soul but leave the pain.”
Peter Pan: “To die would be an awfully big adventure.”

~

Lexi DeHalo lived in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina until she left for college to study Chemistry and Forensic Science. Despite her love for science, Lexi’s heart has always belonged to the arts. So, after moving to the big city, she decided to pursue her creativity by writing hot stories about hot men who love other hot men.

For more information about Lexi’s latest releases, please visit the links below:

Forbidden Moon [Be-WERE2] is being released on May 25th. Mating Moon [Be-Were 1] is now available for purchase.

Excerpt for Forbidden Moon:
“How about we up the stakes?” Adam watched as Sin raised one eyebrow at the suggestion.
“What do you have in mind, pup?” The pet nickname Sin had given him was said with an endearing inflection and was growing on Adam.
“For every round won, the winner gets to make a set of rules or demands that their opponent must abide by until the end of the game.” Adam couldn’t help but smile to himself at his brilliance. If Sin wasn’t going to make another move on him, then he would just have to take things into his own hands and let him know how he felt. He was kind of embarrassed though, using a game to express his obvious attractions for the other man, but what choice did he have?
“All right, I’ll bite. Are there any rules to this game?” Sin had a broad grin on his face, and his eyes sparkled with mischief.
Adam couldn’t help but feel a bit of excitement as the other Were caught on to his plan. “There are no limits. As long as each of us agrees to keep playing, we have to obey the rules made by the winner.”
“Okay, you first,” Sin’s gaze raked over his body. The heat of the fire they were sitting in front of warmed his bare skin. They were both shirtless, lounging on the throw rug playing their game of cards. Adam couldn’t help but notice the way the firelight danced across Sin’s well-muscled bare chest. His caramel-colored skin seemed to almost glow as each muscle rippled with every move Sin made. Adam licked his suddenly dry lips and laid out his hand.
“Straight flush. Beat that!” Adam challenged as he proudly displayed his cards for Sin to see.
Sin eyed them, but there was no noticeable change in his facial features. Despite his excellent poker face, Adam knew he’d already won. A straight flush was a good hand and one not easily beat.
“You play a mean game of poker, pup, but I’m afraid your good luck has finally run out.” Sin threw down his cards. “Read ’em and weep.”
Adam blinked a few times as he registered the hand Sin had been hiding all this time. A royal flush, he couldn’t believe it. He sighed in defeat. “Well, I guess you won this round.”
“Now for my prize.” Sin’s voice held a hint of desire and it made Adam wonder if he would take the opportunity Adam was giving him. Sin leaned in close to Adam, so close Adam could feel his breath against his skin.
“Y–yes?” Adam’s heart beat loudly as he looked into Sin’s eyes. He swallowed nervously.
“Strip.” The command was simple, but Adam could hear the lust in Sin’s tone as he gave the order.
Adam stood on shaky legs and pulled off the remainder of his clothing until he stood before the Were completely naked. He wasn’t sure where this was headed. He’d counted on winning, but now the tables were turned. He silently hoped that Sin would take the hint and realize Adam’s intentions. If Sin’s asking him to strip was any indication, then Adam would guess that the message was understood especially given the way he was looking at him now. Sin’s eyes moved across Adam’s body, admiring every inch of him. Adam’s heart was beating erratically as he waited for Sin to say something. Anything.
“Tell me, Were, what kind of other games do you like to play?” Sin’s voice was low with lust as Adam struggled to find the confidence to say what he wanted to.
“I–I…” He hesitated as he contemplated baring his inner most secret desires to the other shifter. He had always fantasized about surrendering to another man.
“I don’t know. I’ve never really been with anyone that I trust enough to play any games with,” Adam said with emphasis. They were definitely no longer talking about their card game. Somehow, from the time Sin had ordered Adam to strip and this moment now, the meaning had shifted and Adam’s mouth watered in anticipation of how far Sin would take him.
Sin stood up. “An honest answer, I can work with that. How about we forget cards and play a new game, one where I make the rules and in exchange”—he paused as he circled Adam and ran a finger down his spine before leaning in and whispering into his ear—“I’ll give you the best sex of your life.”
Sin wrapped his hand around Adam’s waist, pulling him close. Adam’s cock jumped at the proposition, already hardening at the prospect. His breath was coming in sharp gasps as all his fantasies came to mind. Could Sin be the one to finally fulfill his needs? “So what do you say, pup? Think you can handle submitting to a lone Alpha wolf?”



[Siren Classic ManLove: Erotic Alternative Paranormal Romance, M/M, shape-shifters, public exhibition, spanking, sex toys, HEA]

Night Stragorri was born to hunt. As heir to the Stragorri bloodline, it’s his sole purpose to kill any paranormal that threatens human life. He is bound by blood to the Hunter code, but he desperately wants a way out. He didn’t imagine in a million years that one fateful visit to a shifter-infested nightclub would bring him face-to-face with the man who would change his destiny.

Akira Landers is a Were-panther with a painful history. Adopted into a pack of werewolves at an early age, he learned to fear Hunters above all others. Working at the pack-run nightclub, things are always eventful, but even he is surprised at the Hunter who enters their domain and more surprised by the attraction he feels for the other man.

Inexplicably drawn together, sparks ignite, but their pasts seek to divide them as they struggle to accept their love in a world where Hunters and Weres are mortal enemies.


Excerpt:

Night held Akira up with obvious ease. He held him firmly until Akira could get his footing again. They were face-to-face for the second time tonight.
“Be careful. I wouldn’t want you getting hurt,” Night whispered before releasing his hold on him. Akira could feel himself hardening as the Hunter’s penetrating stare bore into his eyes. He needed a distraction and quick. Luckily Night provided one.
“I guess I just wanted to know what it was like to be something other than a Hunter…I’ve never really spoken with anyone other than those I’m hunting. I just wanted to understand more about your life.” The words were sincere. Akira could tell the Hunter was searching for some kind of understanding.
“Life’s rough, but I get by. The full moon runs are something my kind looks forward to. It’s the only time we can truly let loose and allow our animal form the freedom it yearns for since it’s become too dangerous to shift any other time of the month.” Thanks to the Hunters, he wanted to add but refrained. He didn’t want to insult the man even if it was truth.
“I hate hunting. I’ve always wondered what it would be like to be free from this life.” Night’s admission was followed by a tension in his muscles. His eyes narrowed on something in the distant, and Akira could tell he meant the words he spoke.
“If you hate it so much, why do you do it?” Akira asked curiously. He moved closer to the Hunter.
“It’s what I’m trained to do. It’s what I am. I’ve never known any different, and anyone that’s tried to leave the Hunter way of life has either disappeared altogether or ended up at the wrong end of a blade. I thought if I left my family home and lived on my own, I would understand why it is I am a Hunter, but so far all I’ve seen is the cruelty and anguish we cause.”
The Hunter had a faraway look on his face as though he’d forgotten where he was and who he was with. Akira splashed him with some water, snapping him out of his reverie. Night raised an eyebrow at the Were.
“Well, I don’t know what to tell you. I’ve never been anyone else,” Akira said with a laugh. The Hunter sure had strange values. “It doesn’t matter if I know who I am. Everyone else doesn’t. In fact, no one else cares. You at least get respect simply by existing. I’m constantly having to prove my worth.” Akira cupped the warm water in his hands and threw it on the bigger man once again. He sunk down until nothing but his nose and eyes were visible in the steaming water.
He considered tackling the other man as he abruptly stood to avoid Akira’s further attacks, but then Night turned just right and the candlelight caught the brand at his hip. The ring of Celtic knots surrounding the bold snake curved in the shape of an S was a symbol Akira knew all too well. The color drained from his face. Bloody memories brought horror to the surface of his consciousness.
No! Flash. His brother thrashed against the side of the building as a Stragorri held him by his throat, Akira pulling at the Hunter’s leg. “Please.”
Akira came back to himself in an instant, his breath coming out in hard, panting breaths. He paddled backward, splashing like a flailing duck as he powered away from his enemy. He fell and then came up, coughing and sputtering as he swallowed the warm, sulfuric water.
“Fuck. Fuck. Fuck…” he whispered. He stared at the Hunter, his eyes seeing another of his line instead. He was caught in the flashback of his past.
Akira was vaguely aware of the Hunter’s grip on him as he struggled in the water. “Easy, Were.” Night’s soothing voice did little to calm the horrors flashing before him. “Akira! Talk to me!”
“Lemme go,” Akira whispered in a panic-stricken voice. “Please…” He sounded near tears. His animal rose to the surface as it often did when he was distressed. His fingertips turned into claws that cut into the Hunter’s chest as he pushed him away. The Hunter’s grip did not waver.
“Calm down, Akira. It’s me, Night. I’m not going to hurt you.”
“Stragorri” was all Akira could muster in reply. His senses sharpened almost painfully, and the Hunter’s intoxicating scent surrounded him, comforting him with every breath. His struggles became less severe until the man before him transformed from the horror in his memories back into the man he’d been attracted to only moments ago.
“N–night?” Akira asked, recognition finally entering his eyes. His claws retracted almost instantly from Night’s flesh. The horror slowly faded as he let the Hunter’s scent console him.
Night pulled him to his chest and wrapped his arms around him. “I’m here,” he whispered into Akira’s ear. “If you want me to be.” Those last words were all the reassurance Akira needed from the Hunter. It was his choice to be here tonight. It was his choice to be comforted by this Hunter, and at this moment he wouldn’t trade it for anything else in the world so long as he never had to relive that horrible night. Night wasn’t the enemy. He’d never tried to hurt him. He’d only shown him kindness since their first meeting and now…now he needed to feel him. He needed to know that this attraction was real despite their differences. It wasn’t Night that had killed his brother, but it was Night who had brought an end to the flashback. Something not even his Packmates could do. There was something about this man that made his animal yearn to claim him.
Akira blinked, his soul numb as he came out of his post-traumatic moment. He looked up at Night with tear-filled eyes.
“Are you…Are you going to kiss me?” he whispered, licking his lips. His beast growled in answer. Yes. Kiss. Take. Mate. Oh fuck. Akira was instantly hard as the realization dawned on him. This Hunter was his mate.


Adult Excerpt:
“Did you at least grab my pants off the ground?” he teased. His beast purred as he stared at his mate. He didn’t realize that an actual purr made its way out of his throat and filled the air. His fangs elongated. Man he felt sexy. Night stood there watching him with those lust-filled green eyes, too focused on his every movement to reply.
Akira’s gait became sultry as his hips began swinging lightly in an age-old method of attraction. The Hunter might’ve been oblivious, but the choice of location made Akira’s beast closer to the surface than usual as his mate’s scent filled his nostrils with every breath. It was intoxicating. He slinked up to Night until he was within touching distance.
“So, did you grab those pants?” he asked again as he resisted the urge to preen for the Hunter. He licked his lips instead. Kiss me. Kiss me and I’ll forgive you anything.
“Sorry,” Night muttered as he shook his head no. He looked Akira up and down before setting the empty bottle on the only table in the small space. The apartment wasn’t much. Other than the mattress on the floor, the rest of the furniture consisted of a dresser in the corner and a table with two chairs that looked as though they’d been pulled from a Dumpster. The one thing that seemed out of place was the stainless steel mini-fridge sitting on the countertop in the kitchen area.
“But you’re welcome to take a pair of mine,” Night offered. Akira watched as the Hunter moved toward his dresser and began shuffling through the drawers until he found what he was looking for. He held up a pair of ripped blue jeans.
“I’ll give them to you on one condition though.” Night gazed down at Akira, holding the pants just out of his reach.
“Does it involve you naked, me on my knees, and a stiffness in my walk tomorrow that will make me wince with every step?” Akira fired back. He knew he probably shouldn’t be encouraging the chemistry between them. There were so many questions left unanswered, so many obstacles to overcome before they could even contemplate starting any kind of relationship, but after his run in the forest, he was feeling wild. He didn’t care that Night was a Hunter now, all that mattered was he was his mate and Akira had finally found him.
Night appeared to be seriously considering his proposition. “I’ve tried being a gentleman in the only way I know how, but it seems pointless since apparently you and I want the same thing.” Night’s eyes seemed to darken with lust, and the raw look on his face as he stared into Akira’s eyes sent a shiver through his body.
“On your knees then, Were,” Night demanded as he removed his clothing in one swift motion, freeing his already hard cock from the confines of the thin material.
Akira obeyed. He whimpered as he dropped to his knees so fast that they cracked against the hardwood floor as he fell. He didn’t even blink as pain assaulted his nerve endings. Night was still out of reach, so he dropped lower, onto his hands, and crawled to the Hunter, his eyes never leaving Night’s gaze. His eyes dropped to the Hunter’s erection for an instant, and he licked his lips.
“Yummy,” he whispered, his voice gone husky with lust. “Is that for me?”
“Say please.” Night grinned.
“Pleassseee,” Akira whimpered, gripping Night’s firm thighs and scenting the air. He smelled so good.
Night entwined his fingers in Akira’s hair, pulling him closer. “Show me how much you want me, Were,” he commanded, giving him the permission Akira was seeking.
Akira murmured a whisper of praise before wrapping his hand around the base of Night’s arousal. He was thick in his hand, and Akira longed to know how he would feel buried deep inside him. He licked his lips, his mouth literally watering for a taste. He looked up into Night’s eyes and took his first long, luxurious lick.
Night growled in response. “More,” he demanded of Akira. “Show me you need me.” His hands tightened on Akira’s loose strands of hair almost to the point of pain.
Thank god. Akira leaned forward to swallow the entire length down his mouth so that it bruised the back of his throat. He worked the hardened shaft with his tongue, throat, and just an edge of teeth. His hands massaged the soft sac nestled below the dick that he was currently licking like a lollipop.
“So good,” he mumbled between deep, rhythmic pulls of his mouth. “Want you so bad.” He felt like he had some kind of fever. He was delirious with passion. He’d never felt like this while touching another male. His beast shimmered beneath the surface of his flesh. His knew his eyes were glowing a bright purple, lit up with their own internal light.
Please, he thought deliriously. Please, don’t let this ever stop. Distantly he felt his Alpha’s voice along the Pack pathway, calling his name. It didn’t matter though. Nothing mattered. Nothing but Night’s dick in his mouth and those strong hands anchored in his hair.