Wednesday, September 27, 2017

Wednesday Briefs: Mine! Part Two Chapter Thirty-eight



There's no prompt this week but I hope you'll enjoy the chapter anyway!!


“Oh! and we’re mates now. Really? That’s how you tell us?” Kraig smacked my arm. “I can’t believe you! Poor Ritch, marrying an idiot like you.”

“Hey!” I pushed him away, ignoring Deke’s rumble of warning. I rolled my eyes. “I didn’t hurt him. And you’ve seen us roughhouse harder than that, hell, you even got in on it.”

“That was before.”

“Before he got his own fangs and claws. Pretty sure Kraig can take care of himself.”

Deke raised one eyebrow. “Okay. How about we see if Ritch wants to tussle?”

The rising timber of my growl startled even me, and I was glad Ritch was in the bathroom. “No one touches him.”

“Exactly.” Deke leaned back, satisfied with himself.

“Well then tell him to stop harassing me.”

Ritch stopped at the end of the hallway. His mouth was open slightly and he tilted his head. “Did you just whine?”

“Like a big ole baby.” Kraig sauntered over to the chair and sank down on Deke’s lap, snugging in.

“Oh shut up.” I held out my hand for Ritch. “My brother was tormenting me, and Deke won’t let me make him stop.”

“And what is he doing?”

I rubbed my hand up and down the outside of Ritch’s arm after he sat down next to me. “Teasing me about how I told them we had become mates.”

“Ahh. Well, when you have a habit of putting your foot in your mouth, then you have to expect some teasing,” Ritch said dryly.

“Oh shit, he’s got you.” Deke started laughing, and Kraig actually giggled.

I bared my fangs but didn’t say anything because Ritch looked so proud of himself. Eventually they got tired of insulting me and the topic moved on to the incident that had prompted my territorial instincts.

“There have been no reports of anyone near our borders,” Deke said. “I think it was just a coincidence. Specialized investigators from the lead alpha council have been combing through the materials recovered from Trein’s territory. It appears the doctor was working alone when he traveled through different territories, collecting samples and testing once Kraig was supposed to be reject from the experiments.”

Kraig shuddered, and Deke curled his arms around him and pulled him closer.

“What about the humans? There were a lot of ferals with him, turned humans. They can’t all have gone missing unnoticed.” I shuddered, remembering that room full of slavering ferals, knowing how they ripped apart my mom apart.

“There are a lot of human homeless,” Ritch countered. “Bonded werekin tend to stay away from urban human areas. Alphas and betas are aware of every single member living in their territory. That’s now how humans work.”

“So it’s entirely possible the human government wasn’t involved,” Deke concluded.

“I think that’s shortsighted. It has to be more. This can’t all just be over.”

Ritch turned on the couch to face me. “Why not? There’s no one left to fight. I’m safe. Kraig is safe.” He looked down and took a deep breath. “I think you’re looking for danger and someone left to be the enemy so you don’t have to face what you lost. It’s over, and you need to face that there’s no one left to punish for your mom’s death.”

His words hit me like blows, and I couldn’t hide my flinch. An immediate denial sprang to my lips, but then he put his hand on my arm and I couldn’t deny it. But I couldn’t admit it either, especially with Deke and Kraig looking at me like that. Like I was broken. Pitiful.

I jerked up and bolted from the room.

“Park!” Ritch called.

“No. Let him go.”

Deke’s command was the last thing I heard before I took off. At the edge of the woods I tore off my shoes. I needed to run, to feel the earth beneath my feet.

The habit of years took over, and I headed for the perimeter.



Two days later, I crept up on my porch. I could feel Ritch’s distress and sadness, but I couldn’t process it. His words had unlocked a swirling maelstrom inside that consumed me. It hurt, a physical ache in my stomach that made me sick. Added to the emotional burden, and I had gone slightly feral; it was the only way I could handle it.

The sun had fallen behind the trees, and twilight created long shadows. There was a lone light on in the living room, and it flickered—the TV. I peered in the window. Ritch was curled up on the couch, the blanket off my bed wrapped around him.

A gun sat starkly on the coffee table, the matte black glinting dully in the blue light.

Why did he have that? I nearly barreled through the front door, but I stopped with my hand on the doorknob. He had a gun in arm’s reach. The last thing I wanted to do was startle him. I eased the door open and winced when the alarm beeped. I rushed over to the alarm to shut it off, glad my feet were bare so I could move silently.

I stalked over to the couch, but when I peeked over the back, Ritch was asleep. I took the gun and moved it to the kitchen counter. Then I sat down on the table facing him.

“Ritch?” I rubbed his shoulder. “Ritch, wake up.”

He stirred. “Park?” he asked sleepily.

“It’s me. I’m back.”

He blinked slowly, a line folded between his eyebrows as he frowned. Then his eyes flared open wide. “Park!” He bolted off the couch and into my arms. “You’re home.” His chest heaved as he shuddered. “You’re home.” 

TBC

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Monday, September 25, 2017

Andrew Q. Gordon's Champion of the Gods FREE book!

It is my pleasure to feature one of my favorite fantasy series written by an awesome author and all around great guy, Andrew Q. Gordon!

First, I want to thank Cia for hosting me today. I appreciate being able to speak to her fans and readers. For those who haven’t met me yet, I write epic fantasy. My current series – Champion of the Gods – is a five book epic fantasy work. Books One through Four are already available and Book Five is almost finished.

 

To introduce you to the series, I’d like to give everyone a free eBook copy of Book One – The Last Grand Master. And to pique your interest a bit more, I’m holding a gift card giveaway. If you sign up for my newsletter, you get a free copy of The Last Grand Master, a 35% off DSP Publication coupon and you’ll be entered to win one of three gift cards. Click the link below to enter the contest and get your free gifts.  

Click HERE to enter the contest.

(The details are on the sign up page.)
Or keep reading for more details. If you already get my newsletter, thank you very much. But you can also get the 35% coupon and enter the contest by clicking the same link. Want to earn more chances to win a gift card? Spread the word about my contest on social media. After you enter the contest, you’ll get a unique link you can share on social media. Every person who uses your link to enter the contest will earn you three additional entries. [Yeah, I get that might be confusing, email me if you have questions or click THIS LINK and you’ll be taken to a blog post on my site with info about the contest.] If you want more information about the series and The Last Grand Master, click the image below and you’ll be sent to the series page on my website with more information about each of the books. There are video trailers for those who want something visual (Five points if you just said, “that’s not too abysmal, we can take in an old Steve Reeves movie) and information about the characters, geography and culture of the world.

I hope you’ll check out the series, sign up for my newsletter and claim your free gifts.   Enjoy The Journey!   Andrew Q. Gordon

Excerpt:

 


“Your spell has been breached, Wizard!” The force of her voice nearly broke his concentration. Nerti lurched forward, not waiting for him to respond. “Activate the shadows now.”



Balls of green wizard’s fire erupted toward the closing enemies as he aimed his staff at the charging creatures. The force of impact sent a shower of flesh, blood, and armor flying backward.



Roused to the alert, the rest of Meglar’s army scurried in all directions. Unable to locate the source of the attack, the mindless creatures hacked at anything that moved, including each other. Human handlers struggled to maintain order while Farrell continued his attack. The more chaos, the better.



Releasing the invisibility spell, Farrell placed the short staff against Nerti’s back. Five red energy shadows sprang up and surrounded them in a wedge of magical protection.



Despite the added drag of their new shield, Nerti increased her speed. She galloped directly for the gap into the valley where the bulk of Meglar’s forces had assembled.



Charging into the teeth of the enemy, he and Nerti became the focus of dozens of Chamdon attacks. Their outer protection melted swords, burned clothing, and charred the flesh of those it encountered. The first magical assault didn’t come until they reached the mouth of the gap. Farrell’s protection swept these attacks aside as Nerti continued to run full-out.



Bearing down, the pair and their escort cleaved a path as they made for the entrance to Northhelm. When they broke through the ranks of what Farrell assumed to be the rear guard, he detected a shield wall directly ahead.



“Wizard, I sense magic ahead.”



“I’m on it, Nerti.” He placed his staff on his back and the rain of wizard’s fire ceased. He dug into his endless pockets and withdrew a small leather pouch. Swiftly he emptied the contents, a fine gray powder, into his left hand. Cupping the powder, he moved his hand as far right as he could before sweeping it right to left, palm upraised. The powder flew forward, creating a fog-like appearance and outpacing Nerti’s rapid gallop.



Several hundred yards ahead, the fine grains of gray dust swirled upward and blanketed the wall of energy. Behind the shield, two black-robed men stood still, chanting furiously.



“Amateurs,” he muttered. “Nerti, make for the center of the mist. I’ll have it down in a moment.”



At the edge of his mind, he detected something from his companion.



“Wizard, with all the noise, stop using your mouth and speak into my mind.” Her curt tone felt like his master scolding him.



“Sorry…. Sorry, I forget you can hear me.” Slightly embarrassed, he returned his focus to the fight.



The swirling dust coagulated around several bright points dotted randomly in the wall. The spots grew in intensity and size as Nerti drew closer. “Wizard, you need to do something before we collide with their shield.”



“Just make for the wall. I know what I’m doing.” Even mentally, his words came out in a hiss as he focused on his spell.



Nerti dipped her horn, as did the five red energy copies, preparing for impact. Farrell whipped his staff around, aiming it at the wall.



Chanting faster, his adversaries looked panicked as the red wedge rushed toward them. Just before Nerti struck the wall, Farrell let out a yell as the tip of his staff pulsed white.



Like thin ice, the wall shattered. Pieces of brittle shield fell from the sky for hundreds of yards on either side. Two of the bright dots that’d gorged on the energy from the shield wall zoomed forward, striking the dazed wizards. The pair flew backward thirty feet. Farrell sent the other balls whizzing toward dense clusters of Chamdon converging on him and Nerti.



Nerti ran past the smoldering corpses. “Well done, young one.” The voice held more than a hint of approval.

 

About Andrew:

AQGLogo Full Size    Andrew Q. Gordon wrote his first story back when yellow legal pads, ball point pens were common and a Smith Corona correctable typewriter was considered high tech. Adapting with technology, he now takes his MacBook somewhere quiet when he wants to write. Since devouring The Lord of the Rings as a preteen, he has been a fan of all things fantastical. His imagination has helped him create works of high fantasy, paranormal thrills and touch of the futuristic. He also writes the occasional contemporary story. He currently lives in the Washington, D.C. area with his husband of twenty-two years. Together they are raising their pre-school age daughter and three dogs. Andrew tries to squeeze writing time in around his most important jobs, being husband and ‘Papa.’ Along with teaching how to kick a soccer ball or ride a scooter, he has become fluent in cartoon characters and children’s books. To find out more about Andrew, his writing and his family, follow him on his website or on Facebook. You can also sign up for his monthly newsletter and get an exclusive short story only available to subscribers. Use the link below to join:

http://andrewqgordon.getresponsepages.com

Follow Andrew:

website: www.andrewqgordon.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/andrewqugordon
Twitter: @andrewqgordon
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/+AndrewQGordon
email: andrew@andrewqgordon.com

Books:

From DSP Publications: The Last Grand Master: (Champion of the Gods–Book 1) The Eye and the Arm: (Champion of the GodsBook 2) Kings of Lore and Legend: (Champion of the GodsBook 3) Child of Night and Day (Champion of the Gods—Book: 4) Purpose:   Self published: Ashes of Life

Wednesday, September 20, 2017

Wednesday Briefs: Mine! Part Two Chapter Thirty-seven


There's no prompt this week but I hope you'll enjoy the chapter anyway!!



His eyes flashed red, and I relished the sight, knowing I’d blooded him. Instinct drove me to run my hands down his back, cupping his cheeks. I rocked my hip and ran my muzzle across his neck and cheeks, marking him with my scent even further. Ritch hummed, pressing back.

This time was calmer, slower, deeper and more intense as our bond gave me a glimpse into how he felt. I used the link between us to drive him crazy, barely holding on to my own sanity and remembering my purpose. We were so close, but I wanted to be closer. I wanted to meld my body to his.

We panted together. I didn’t have any words. All I could do was touch him. I couldn’t stop, even if I wanted to. Ritch leaned against me, his body limp with our sweaty skin pressed together. His cheek rested on my shoulder.

As soon as my leg muscles stopped quivering, I was going to take him for a bath. Then a snack. Then we would snuggle in bed for the rest of the night. Plans made, I relaxed against the headboard.



“Are we doing anything today?” I asked. Ritch had taken over and only let me do certain things so I’d stay off my leg and heal. But I was nearly better, and the walls were closing in on me. I spent a lot of time patrolling our perimeter, and I was getting antsy. I wanted to show Ritch all of my favorite spots.

“Not until lunch. We have plans to have lunch with your brother and the alpha.”

“His name is Deke.”

Ritch shook his head. “He’s the alpha. I couldn’t call him by his first name.”

“He’s like a brother to me. Hell, he is, since he mated my brother. And you’re my mate. That makes Deke your brother.”

His eyes bugged out and his mouth dropped open. “I… I never considered what….” He trailed off, blinking slowly.

“What mating the beta of the streak would mean? You’re part of us now, and we’re all the family we have left. Our parents are gone; it’s just us. And I can tell you Deke will get pretty annoyed if you alpha him left and right.”

“But… it’s not right!” Ritch was agitated, unable to sit still. He started pacing back and forth across the living room.

“This really bugs you?”

“Yes!”

I stood up. “Why?” I put out my hand and pulled him to a stop on the next circuit past me. I could feel the fine tremors in him, sensed his tension through our bond.

“Alphas….” He shook his head violently. “No, I can’t.”

“Okay.” I reeled him in and held him close, wrinkling my nose at the sour stench of his fear. He’d come so far since he first appealed for sanctuary, sometimes I forgot the hell his life had been. “Calm down. You can call him whatever makes you comfortable. I do it to annoy him sometimes, so it’s no big deal.”

“I don’t want to annoy him!”

“You won’t.” I rubbed my hands up and down his back and rubbed my cheek against his.

Ritch fisted his hand in my shirt. “Are you sure?”

“Yes.” I’d send him a text to make sure. Kraig and Ritch got along well, so we’d probably spend a lot of time with them. Eventually he’d learn just how different our streak was.

“Okay.” Ritch took a deep breath, and then another, before his grip loosened and he let go of my shirt. I let him pull back. He looked up. “Sorry.”

“Nothing to be sorry for.” I meant it. “Are you going to make something to take with us for lunch or are you and Kraig cooking after we get there?”

“After we get there. Apparently neither of us have great skills in the kitchen. I think it’s just going to be subs.”

“Kraig makes the best subs. Fresh bread, lots of meat, cheese, and he bakes them to get it all warm and melty.” They were Park’s favorite. Park narrowed his eyes. “I wonder why he’s making them.” Were they trying to butter him up for something?”

“Maybe your brother just wants to make something you like.”

“True.” They were comfort food.

Ritch had calmed down but he was watching me closely. “Your nostrils keep flaring. Are you smelling phantom sandwiches or something else?”

“You smell… upset.”

“I never could get over how well bonded werekin can scent stuff like emotions.” He lifted his arm and sniffed. “Do I smell bad?”

“Sort of bitter,” I admitted.

Ritch frowned. “Should I go take a shower? Or change my clothes?”

“It wouldn’t hurt.” The scent would probably go away by lunch, but it would give me some time. “Make it a long shower, and I’ll come in and join you.” He was probably too sore for much, but I would never miss a chance to worship my mate’s body.

“Okay.” Ritch stripped off his shirt. “Don’t take too long.”

His ability to compartmentalize and suppress things astounded me. If not for the smell, I would never have guessed he was nearly frantic with fear minutes before. As soon as he was upstairs and the shower came on, I pulled out my phone.

“When we come over, Ritch is going to call you Alpha, and you can’t say anything to him about it,” I said as soon as Park said hello.

“I can’t?” I could practically hear Park’s eyebrows go up.

“No. I promised him you wouldn’t because the idea freaks him the fuck out. So ignore it.” I could just barely hear Ritch above the sound of the water, but the image of him under the water, dripping wet….

“Damn. I will.”

“Gotta go. See you later.” I almost hung up. “Oh! And we’re mates now.” Then I really did hang up.



TBC

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Monday, September 18, 2017

QSF's New Flash Anthology is Live!

Every year the Queer SciFi group on Facebook does a great flash fiction contest. This year's theme was Renewal, and now you can read all the entries in the just released eBook or print books!!


Publisher: Mischief Corner Books

Author: Various – see Authors section below

Cover Artist: Gus Li

Length: 196 pages

Format: eBook, Paperback

Release Date: 9/13/17

Pairing: Various – covers many pairings and identities

Price: 4.99, 16.99 paperback (b/w illus); 28.99 (color illus – avail 9/16)

Series: SF Flash Fiction Anthologies – Book Three

Genre: Sci Fi, Paranormal, Fantasy, Horror, Romance, Mainstream



Blurb:

Re.new.al (noun)

1) Resuming an activity after an interruption, or
2) Extending a contract, subscription or license, or
3) Replacing or repairing something that is worn out,
run-down, or broken, or
4) Rebirth after death.

Four definitions to spark inspiration, a limitless number of stories to be conceived. Only 110 made the cut.

Thrilling to hopeful, Renewal features 300-word speculative fiction ficlets about sexual and gender minorities to entice readers.

Welcome to Renewal.


Excerpts:

Because these stories are only 300 words each, we’re not supplying long excerpts, but here are the first lines of several of the stories. Enjoy!

“Griselda pulled the weeds from between the rows of Valerianella locusta plants in the garden, careful not to disturb the buds that would grow into the babies that were her only real income-producing crop.” —The Witches’ Garden, by Rie Sheridan Rose

“I didn’t know how truly the world was in trouble until I went journeying to look for Anisette’s bluebonnets.” —Bluebonnets, by Emily Horner

“The ship’s drive malfunctioned at the worst possible time.” —The Return, by Andrea Speed

“Before we continue, there’s a rather macabre fact about me I should share.” —Rejuvenation, by Christine Wright

“When I died they buried me at the bottom of the garden and returned to the fields.” —Below the Hill, by Matthew Bright

“The world is ending and I can’t look away from your eyes.” —Sunrise, by Brigitte Winter

Losing one’s superpowers to your arch nemesis sucks donkey nuts, I tell ya. And trust me when I say I suck a lot of them.” —Rainbow Powers, by Dustin Karpovich

The day I was born again was damp, rainy—a good day for rebirth, all things considered.” —The Birthing Pod, by Michelle Browne

Intwir's twelve eyes roved over the container, taking in the cracked outer lock and the elasticated fabric stretched tightly over its exterior.” —In a Bind, by S R Jones

“‘You’ve reached Androgyne HelpLine. Press one to start service. Press two to interrupt or cancel service. Press three—’” —Auto-Renew, by Ginger Streusel

“The doctor tells me that my wife is dying, but I already know.” —I Will Be Your Shelter, by Carey Ford Compton

“‘San Francisco was the first to go dark, followed by Los Angeles.’” —When Light Left, by Lex Chase

“My fingers lingered on the synthetic skin, trailing soft patterns across my work.” —Miss You, by Stephanie Shaffer 




Where You Can Find Renewal:

 Print (b/w illustrations only):


Paperback


Authors:

'Nathan Burgoine

A.M. Leibowitz

A.M. Soto

Abby Bartle

Aidee Ladnier

Alexis Woods

Andi Deacon

Andrea Felber Seligman

Andrea Speed

Andrea Stanet

Anne McPherson

Bey Deckard

Brigitte Winter

Carey Ford Compton

Carol Holland March

Carrie Pack

Catherine Lundoff

CB Lee

Christine Wright

Colton Aalto

Daniel Mitton

Dustin Blottenberger

Dustin Karpovich

E R Zhang

E.J. Russell

E.W. Murks

Ell Schulman

Ellery Jude

Eloreen Moon

Elsa M León

Emily Horner

Eric Alan Westfall

F.T. Lukens

Fenrir Cerebellion

Foster Bridget Cassidy

Ginger Streusel

Hannah Henry

Irene Preston

J. Alan Veerkamp

J. P. Egry

J. Summerset

J.S. Fields

Jaap Boekestein

Jackie Keswick

Jana Denardo

Jeff Baker

Jenn Burke

Joe Baumann

John Moralee

Jon Keys

Jude Dunn

K.C. Faelan

Kelly Haworth

Kiterie Aine

Kristen Lee

L M Somerton

L. Brian Carroll

L.M. Brown

L.V. Lloyd

Laurie Treacy

Leigh M. Lorien

Lex Chase

Lia Harding

Lin Kelly

Lloyd A. Meeker

Lyda Morehouse

M.D. Grimm

Martha J. Allard

Mary E. Lowd

Matt Doyle

Matthew Bright

Mia Koutras

Michelle Browne

Milo Owen

Mindy Leana Shuman

Naomi Tajedler

Natsuya Uesugi

Nephy Hart

Nicole Dennis

Ofelia Gränd

Patricia Scott

Paul Stevens

PW Covington

R R Angell

R.L. Merrill

Rebecca Cohen

Redfern Jon Barrett

Reni Kieffer

Richard Amos

RL Mosswood

Robyn Walker

Rory Ni Coileain

Rose Blackthorn

Ross Common

S R Jones

Sacchi Green

Sarah Einstein

Shilo Quetchenbach

Siri Paulson

Soren Summers

Stephanie Shaffer

Steve Fuson

Tam Ames

Terry Poole

Tray Ellis

Vivien Dean

Wendy Rathbone

Xenia Melzer

Zen DiPietro

Zev de Valera

Friday, September 15, 2017

New Book by Cheryl Headford!!


Author Name: Cheryl Headford

Book Length 214 Pages

Book Name: Shade’s Champion

Release Date: 15th September 2017



ABOUT THE BOOK

Sixteen-year-old Shade has spent years imprisoned in a dark cellar after being snatched off the street as a young child. Events since his release have left him traumatised and desperate to die.

Dory is a lively and engaging seventeen-year-old with mental health issues that make him a slave to his dangerously uncontrollable emotions.

When Shade comes to the secure children's home, Eastbrook; because no one else wants him, the manager appoints Dory as his champion, an appointment Dory takes very seriously indeed.

As friendship turns into something else, something new and exciting, they struggle to find their feet, but every step leads to more complication.

When a spiteful act separates them, it seems their love is doomed before it ever had a chance, but when Dory falls ill, it's up to Shade to pick up the standard and become his champion, although it might already be too late.


MEET THE AUTHOR

Cheryl was born into a poor mining family in the South Wales Valleys. Until she was 16, the toilet was at the bottom of the garden and the bath hung on the wall. Her refrigerator was a stone slab in the pantry and there was a black lead fireplace in the kitchen. They look lovely in a museum but aren’t so much fun to clean.

Cheryl has always been a storyteller. As a child, she’d make up stories for her nieces, nephews and cousin and they’d explore the imaginary worlds she created, in play.

Later in life, Cheryl became the storyteller for a re enactment group who travelled widely, giving a taste of life in the Iron Age. As well as having an opportunity to run around hitting people with a sword, she had an opportunity to tell stories of all kinds, sometimes of her own making, to all kinds of people. The criticism was sometimes harsh, especially from the children, but the reward enormous.

It was here she began to appreciate the power of stories and the primal need to hear them. In ancient times, the wandering bard was the only source of news, and the storyteller the heart of the village, keeping the lore and the magic alive. Although much of the magic has been lost, the stories still provide a link to the part of us that still wants to believe that it’s still there, somewhere.

In present times, Cheryl lives in a terraced house in the valleys with her son and menagerie of three cats, a dog and a dragon. Her daughter has deserted her for the big city, but they’re still close.

Immersed, as always, in the world of fantasy, she maintains a burning desire to share the stories and these days it’s in the form of books which all contain her spark and unique view on life, the universe and everything.


 
EXCERPT

“His name’s not Shane,” Dorien said, wanting to do something to earn his champion status. Champions were like knights, and he had to fight for the damsel in distress in any way he could. Well, kind of.

“Excuse me?” The social worker looked at him as if he were some sort of curious thing. She had a patronising air that infuriated him. She treated everyone like a five-year-old and didn’t listen to anything.

“His name. It isn’t Shane. It’s Shade.”

“Don’t be silly, Dorien. No one’s called Shade.”

“Erm, actually, he is,” Richard broke in.

Uh oh, Richard was frowning. Richard never frowned unless he was really cross, and Dorien was very glad he wasn’t frowning at him.

“Really?” She glared at Shade, who gazed back with no expression at all on his face or in his eyes. Damn, this boy was going to be a challenge. Oh well, Dory liked challenges. There was a vague unease in the back of his mind. If ever there was anything to get angry over, Shade was it. Already, he was feeling a kind of protectiveness he’d never felt before. If anyone hurt Shade... Oh dear.

“Well, come on then,” the woman said, taking Shade’s elbow and steering him up the steps, way too fast. He stumbled again, and both Richard and Dorien hurried forward.

Richard gave Dorien a look. “It’s all right, Dory, I’ve got it from here. You’d better get back to the common room. It’ll be dinner time soon, and I’m sure you’ll want to tell everyone about Shade.”

“I haven’t said hello yet.” Ignoring Richard, Dorien held out his hand to Shade, who simply looked at it as if he didn’t know what a hand was, let alone why it was waving about in front of him. Patiently, Dorien took Shade’s hand and shook it. “That’s the way we say hello, at least the grown-ups do, which you are, practically, although they’ll still treat you like a kid. My name’s Dorien, but everyone calls me Dory. I don’t know why because that’s a fish in Finding Nemo who has a very bad memory. I have a very good memory. Anyway, I’m going to be your friend. Penny said I was to be your champion, but that’s a funny kind of word, so I think friend is better.” Impulsively, Dorien threw his arms around Shade and hugged him briefly. “Don’t worry,” he said. “I’ll look after you.”

Dorien turned to Richard. “I mean properly, Richard. You don’t need to look at me like that. Penny explained, and my intentions are purely honourable, I can assure you.”

Richard gawped.

“Close your mouth, you’re catching flies,” Dorien teased.

“Common room, Dory. Now.”

“Yessir.”

With a last glance at Shade, Dorien grinned and called, “See ya,” as he raced off inside.


WHERE TO FIND THE AUTHOR





Wednesday, September 13, 2017

Earning His Trust Tour Contest Winners!!!





Thank you to everyone who visited the stops for the Earning His Trust blog tour & took the time to enter my contest! I've contacted the winners via email, and I'll announce them below. If you see your name and don't have an email from me, please check your junk inbox or email me at anordwell (@) live.com 

WINNERS
Trix
Serena S.
Susana
Didi

Wednesday Briefs: Mine! Part Two Chapter 36

There's no prompt this week but I hope you'll enjoy the chapter anyway!!



Ritch crawled on the bed, straddling my feet and then slowly making his way up my legs. His eyes were locked on my leaking cock jutting straight up. He stopped around my mid-thighs. I leaned forward and encouraged him to scoot forward the rest of the way. His hands came down on my shoulders.

He was hard and leaking, his cock nestled against my stomach as I held him close to me. I tilted my head back. “Kiss?” It was something he was comfortable with, something that might bring down some of the tension I could feel in his back.

I parted my lips in anticipation when Ritch leaned down, his fingers tightening on my shoulders. His lips met mine, pressing close and then away, coming back again a second later. I ached to taste him, and I growled in satisfaction as he dipped his tongue inside my mouth.

When he retreated, I followed, taking his mouth. I swept my tongue inside and tangled them together, stroking and caressing him with my hands as we finally found ourselves slotted together, skin to skin, like I’d fantasized about.

Minutes could have become hours as I rubbed my hands down his back. He settled downward, my cock nestled in the cleft of his ass and his tight to my stomach. When he started rocking his hips in minute increments, I ripped my mouth away and moaned. I gripped both his cheeks and ground upward.

“Oh!”

My eyes flew open and I froze, but Ritch didn’t look scared. His pupils were blown and he didn’t stop moving. “You like that?” I asked.

“Yes.”

“Want to try some lube?”

Ritch paused, licking his lips. He nodded once. I picked up the bottle I’d set beside me and opened it. Rather than shocking him with the cool liquid, I put the tip of the bottle against the tip of my cock and squeezed.

Lube went everywhere. The cold slick oozed down my cock and pooled against my skin and slid down to my balls. I cursed and fumbled with the bottle, nearly dropping it, finally getting it shut. I dropped it on the bed, the sheets already ruined.

“Too much is better than too little.” I couldn’t even try to be suave.

Ritch’s lips twitched. “I agree.” He settled against me again, squirming. The amusement on his face faded, but his eyebrows were drawn in.

I knew what he needed. I wiped my hand on the sheet, then palmed his smooth ass cheeks, spreading them slightly. Then I lifted my hips and slid my slick, hard cock past his hole and along his sensitive skin. “Fuck.” I wanted inside him, but I needed to be patient.

“Oh yeah.” Ritch squeezed my shoulders, his blunt nails digging in. I liked the small sting and I rocked my hips again to make him do it some more. Ritch held on tight as I pushed his arousal higher. His breath came faster.

“Hold on to the headboard.” I needed to move this along before one of us came. I pushed his knees farther apart and slid down in the bed, bringing his cock level with my mouth and giving me more room to reach him.

Come dripped from the angry pink tip of his cock. I stuck out my tongue and swirled it around, capturing them and taking in his salty, musky flavor. I wanted to rub my cheeks against him, to wallow in his scent—so I did as I ran my fingers through all the lube coating my balls.

I touched him with my fingers for the first time, tracing them down his crack and then to the soft, wrinkled flesh of his hole. Ritch gasped and cursed as I circled and then pressed in with my finger. I lost myself in the sensations as he squirmed, pushing forward into my mouth and then back on my finger.

Daring to push him, I added a second finger and added suction with my mouth, laving the bottom of his cock with my tongue. His movements became slower, but he didn’t stop. “Park!” Ritch barked my name as I curled my fingers and pressed them against his spongy prostate.

Bingo.

“I’m gonna come,” he ground out.

I let up and pulled my fingers out. Ritch tried to follow them and his cock left my mouth. I pushed up with my elbow, squirming until I was leaning against the pillows again, his arms bracketing me. Sweat beaded on his brow, his irises were narrow rings around his blown pupils, and his cheeks were bright pink. He inched backward and this time when my cock pressed against his hole, he stopped.

“Are you ready?” The thought he might say no made my balls ache, but I had to ask.

Ritch nodded. “Please.” He was breathing hard and fast.

I reached between us and held the base of my shaft. “Your speed,” I reminded him. Ritch was less patient, and he pushed hard, my head and maybe half of my shaft inside him at once. He grunted and I cursed, grabbing his hips.

“Slow.”

“No.” Ritch stared in my eyes. “I’m done with slow. I chose this.”

“Fuck. Okay.” I let go of his hips and let him take over, which is way harder than I thought. He drove himself down on me and then started rocking. His muscles rippled over my shaft, hot and tight.

“Not gonna last,” I warned him. I had no control, and I zeroed in on his neck. I had to blood him. I bit my finger and then then pushed it into his open mouth, exploding as Ritch sucked hard.

Then I sank my teeth into him. The iron tang of his blood filled my mouth as the bond snapped in place between us. More come spurted from my cock to coat his inner walls, and his coated our bellies.


I eased my bite, then licked his torn flesh, prompting it to heal. I’d done it. “Mate,” I growled.

TBC

Saturday, September 9, 2017

Just a few days left to enter my contest for a chance to win!!

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Visit these blogs to learn more about Earning His Trust (and me) and enter to win a Kindle Fire 7", $20 gift card, or one of (2) backlist eBook prizes! *Remember, blog tour posts may go up at different times, so check back if you don't see it posted at first.


September 9Love Bytes

September 10 – Decadent Delights

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September 12Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words  

September 13 - Back here at Cia's Stories for the winners announcement!




Wednesday, September 6, 2017

Earning His Trust Release Day!

It's live! We've finally hit the release day for Earning His Trust!! AND guess what? It's 30% off at Dreamspinner Press through the 8th! You can get it for just $3.49 if you haven't already. 


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Universal Amazon Link: http://mybook.to/earninghistrust


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Wednesday Briefs: Mine! Part Two Chapter Thirty-five



Haven't had a chance to get Earning His Trust yet? Well you can read more of my ongoing Wednesday Brief fic, Mine! Part Two. This week's prompt is "There's no place like home."   



“What?” He just woke up. He wasn’t thinking right. There was no way Ritch just said what I thought he said.

“Mate me,” he insisted. He wound his hands around my neck, looking straight into my eyes. “Now. Not tonight, not tomorrow. Now.” Ritch’s chest rose and fell in shuddering waves in time with his ragged breaths.

“Talk to me.” My traitorous dick was already hardening at just the thought of claiming him, but I needed to know why he was suddenly insisting on this. “Is this about your bad dreams?”

“They won’t stop. I keep having to watch them rip your tiger soul out of your body and put it into a human, then watch him go feral and start to eat you.” He faintly gagged. “I can see it, smell it… and I have no choice to do anything but watch because you haven’t mated me. If we’re mates, when you die, I die. I don’t want to have to see something like that. I don’t want to live without you. Please, Park.”

While I wanted Ritch as my mate—desperately—I didn’t want him to feel like it had to happen because he was afraid. “That’s not real. The doctor is gone. Trein is dead, killed by the ferals he helped create, and anyone from that compound who is still alive is locked up under triple guard in another clan’s territory. If there were more people involved, the alphas will find out. But the guards are tripled around our territory. We’re as safe as it’s possible to be here.” I ran my hand up and down Ritch’s back. “You didn’t seem this worried earlier.”

“I wasn’t, until you freaked out today. I’ve been telling myself we’re safe, that there’s no place like home, and that my nightmares are just baseless fears.” He looked up and met my gaze. “But you were really upset today, scared enough that you were willing to risk everything by coming into that store after me.”

“I’d do anything to keep you safe.” I should be ashamed of that, because keeping our existence a secret was drilled into us but I had fallen hard and fast for Ritch. He mattered more to me than my own life. Without him….

And suddenly I got it. That sudden pit in my stomach, the fear and anger, the need to pull him close and never let him go catapulted my heart into overdrive. I held him tighter. “Okay.”

Ritch tried to scramble off my lap and, at first, I tried to stop him but then I let him go. What if the reality of me saying yes scared him? Not long ago, I had to be cuffed so he could sleep in the same room as me.

“Okay as in yes, you’ll mate me?” He loomed over me.

I nodded.

“Up. Bedroom.” He hauled me to my feet. “Is your leg okay?”

“My leg’s fine,” I said breathily. The bone could be jabbing out again, and I don’t think I would feel it. My entire body was focused on Ritch.

We came to a stop in my bedroom. The eager, bossy Ritch promptly faded, and he glanced at the bed, then at me, his arms limp at his sides. “I… I don’t….”

This I could handle. I stalked over to the bed and ripped the covers down. Then I rummaged around in the drawer in the nightstand, pulling out the lube. I turned and held out my hand. “C’mere.”

I held my breath until he took that first step, then I let it out with a whoosh. I’d thought endlessly about this, and I knew how I wanted our mating to go. I’d make our mating a night he’d never forget.

He was shaking, so I started slow. I traced the curves his face, his cheekbones rounded instead of jutting out to form the slight muzzle tiger bonded werekin had. His lips parted, and I dipped down to kiss him. This he knew, and he pushed closer. Ritch brought his hands up and gripped my waist.

When I pulled back, his eyes were dilated, and he swayed toward me, his hands tightening. “Take off my shirt,” I said, my voice was low and rumbly.

Ritch lifted my shirt, and I leaned down so he could pull it off. He unconsciously licked his lips, and I nearly growled with the want shooting through me. One day I’d have those lips touching every inch of my body. Today I’d settle for something simpler.

“Lift your arms.” Ritch slowly did as I asked, and I pulled his shirt up and off. His chest and stomach were still flat without muscle definition, but he’d put on the weight he needed since he came to our streak. I didn’t want another bonded werekin, our bodies chiseled with the activity our animal souls demanded. “Amazing.” I dropped his shirt on top of mine.

Then I dared to go further. I dropped my hands to his pants. He nodded subtly, and I unbuttoned them and slowly drew the zipper down. I pulled his pants and underwear down, needing to move things to the bed before I lost control.

He might be nervous, but Ritch wanted me. I could smell his rich arousal, and he was more than half-hard.

“Now you,” Ritch said.

I tore open my waistband and kicked them away. My cock pointed upright, and my fangs itched. I wanted to bite him, to feel Ritch bite me. I crawled on the bed and turned, sitting with back against the headboard. “Come here.” I patted my lap. “You get to be on top. In control.”

Tradition put Ritch on his knees under me, but damn tradition. I could watch him ride me and bite him just like this, and he wouldn’t be trapped under me.

Ritch’s eyes were bright and his mouth was parted. “Thank you.”

I shook my head. I didn’t need thanks. “Whatever you need.” 
TBC
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