Sentinels Of Varnuse: When The Walls Come Tumbling Down #9

#9.

Javier turned from his brother and seemed to be listening to the room at large. Ingrid wondered if Javier’s new friend was here somewhere. Without knowing who it was she would have to keep her eyes open. Ingrid’s curiosity got the better of her as she watched the guards in the room. The only person not doing their duty was Talon. He couldn’t seem to take his eyes off Javier. He looked terrified that somehow Javier would realise he was there.

Ingrid tapped Quinlan on the shoulder letting him know that she was leaving the room for a moment. She indicted for Talon to follow her from the throne room as she passed. For a fierce warrior, he looked at this moment as if he wanted the floor to open up and swallow him whole.

“Are you the one who’s has been sitting with Javier every day?” Ingrid asked. She already knew the answer but she wanted him to confirm it for her.

“I am,” Talon spoke quietly, “I meant no offense. He just seemed lonely.”

“Why did you not talk to him? Why sit in silence?” She asked curiously.

“Because I realised he’s a Prince, and I am not.”

“Yet you kept him company anyway?”

“Yes.” Talon looked her in the eyes. 

     Ingrid got the feeling he was trying to determine if he’d done wrong. 

    “Javier is so beautiful. His skin is so pale and flawless. While my own appearance can and often does scare people.” He indicated the scar running down the whole left side of his face. 

    It started in his hairline and bisected his eye going down over his cheek to end just below his jaw line. Ingrid knew the wound had been a farewell gift from Talon’s mother, on the day she threw him out of the family home, cursing him to hell and back for if she ever saw him again. For a while the man’s life ran rampart with the gossips. Ingrid also knew Quinlan had been the one to order the man be taken on as a sentinel.

“It makes me curious as to why you would do that? What did you hope to gain from such a friendship?”

“Because, he cannot see me. My face and station in life doesn’t worry him. To the prince I’m just a normal person. For just a moment each day I can pretend to look as normal as everyone else.”

Ingrid stared at him thoughtfully. “I think I have a new job for you.” She said with a smile. “I’m promoting to chief bodyguard of Prince Javier. His life and wellbeing now rests in your hands.”

Talon inhaled sharply. “Do you think that wise? I’m already despised among our kind. Why the hell would you wish me to be with the Prince where everyone can see us together? Don’t you think that will make him an even bigger target once people realise who he is?”

“Then it will be your job to teach him to stay safe. Teach him to defend himself.  Javier is much stronger than you would think.” Ingrid explained hoping Talon would read between the lines of what she was ordering him to do.

“Why me?” Talon asked.

Ingrid like that the man stood up for himself even when he knew he shouldn’t be questioning the word of King Quinlan’s head bodyguard. While she stood staring at the man she watched as he fought not to lower his eyes.  Show no fear: that had been the motto for the sentinels since they were first created into being.

In the end she only said. “Javier likes you. He isn’t afraid of you.”

“Is that the only reason?”

“No. I chose you because you won’t treat him like he is broken. The prince doesn’t need a carer. Javier needs a friend. You’ll teach him how being strong is a product of both the physical and the mental. And I have chosen you for this task because I trust you will die to defend him.”

Placing a hand over his heart Talon bowed in her direction. “As you wish. Prince Javier is now mine to protect.” Without looking back Talon walked back into the throne room and took up his new position beside Prince Javier.

Ingrid smiled at the look of determination on the sentinels face. In that instant she knew he would do his job well.

**~*~**

Javier turned slightly and inhaled. A smile crossed his lips when he realised his silent friend was so close. His heart could finally begin to calm down from all the new things being thrown at him all at once. Taking a small step Javier relaxed even further when his friend didn’t move away. The man’s warmth was a comfort.

“Quinlan, Brayden,” Ingrid said as she rejoined them. “Talon Redfeather has been promoted to Prince Javier’s personal bodyguard. Javier, now would be the time to say something if you’re not satisfied with this arrangement.”

Javier felt his face blush. Even though he couldn’t see them; he felt the weight of everyone’s gaze upon him. “Am I now in danger? Do I need to be protected?”

“Yes,” Brayden said.

Javier stiffened when Brayden grabbed a hold of his forearm. Part of him was still amazed he was no longer alone in this life. He now had a little piece of his past he could cling to.

His brother’s voice sounded like it was filled with sorrow as he again spoke. “You look too much like me for there not to be any danger.” Brayden brought Javier’s hands up too his face. Javier shivered knowing his brother was giving him the opportunity to find out what he looked like.

“Someone has put a price upon my head. I’ve only just found you. I don’t want to lose you because you might be mistaken for me.” Brayden answered.

“Do you also have a person guarding you?” Javier yanked his hands away. He knew he sounded waspish, but he couldn’t help but feel he was being treated this way because of his blindness. “I’m not helpless. I’ve taken care of myself for the last ten years. Why now do I need to be guarded?”

Ingrid snorted loudly. Javier knew she would be the one to put him in his place she had done so for the past decade. “Javier, you’ve always been guarded. My family has guarded you from the day we pulled you out of the burning ruins of your parents transport. Do you honestly think we saved you just to watch you get killed?”

Javier dropped his unseeing gaze to the floor and trembled just a little. He knew they all thought he was broken. This only proves what he had been thinking was right. His body relaxed slightly as he felt a large hand gently touch the small of his back. With his silent friend there Javier knew he could be strong.

“Fine. I will consent to a guard.”

Em's Turn: For Gabrial Rantisi

4 songs for

My beautiful Ginger Ninja.

Enjoy, Gabby...

Em picked them out.

People she saw at Soundwave.

Galley Proof Done...

I've finally completed and returned the Galley Proof on The Lines of Marsden: Living in Shadows. The biggest mistake is I completely misspelled a character's name from book 1: Rules Are Meant To Be Broken to this one. Weirdly after re reading this book it makes me love Doyle & Michael so much more than I already did. They feature big time in book 3: You Make Me Die In Pieces. This series is my favourite to write at the moment. So hopefully I'll have book 3 subbed in a few months time. I want to see if I can get it released in January 2015.

In The Land Of Galley Proofing...

Today I'm going through more Galley on The Lines of Marsden: Living in Shadows. And for shits & giggles I sent my editor the original versions of the first 6 books and the start of the second line... so she can see how the story was going to be and where it was headed before I up and changed it all. I didn't get very much done yesterday because I got hit with a fricken unbelievably bad headache. I will be busy as for the next couple of days so I will talk to you all after the Galley is done.

Playing Catch-Up...

Rainbow Book Reviews

1) I just saw I got this awesome review so feel free to check it out if you want to.

2) As some of you know I've been out of action for nearly a month with fricken migraines--Not fun in any sense of the word... because I can't spend time sitting in front of the computer without the blinding-my head wants to explode-sort of way.

3) So instead, in moments of actually being to able think I've been working on The Lines of Marsden (all in long hand) so no back lit computer screen to annoy the shit out of me. 

4) I think  Sons Of Evenmore: Blood to Blood is either in proofing or have just been sent to formatting. To be honest I can't remember, but when I find out I will let you know.

5) I'm still working on the submissions for Rooster & Pig Publishing I hope to get them sent off in the next couple of weeks - the 3 chaps needed for submission are done. I'm just working on blurbs and synopsis.

6) I missed out on attending Soundwave because of my stupid headaches, but Em and her cousin had a blast... So jealous as I really wanted to see The Living End, Black Veil Brides, & Korn.

7) Decided I can't afford to go to GRL this year or to South Shields in England like I was planning to--Apparently the tax man would like my money more.

8) Hub's family has come and gone--nice visit. I haven't seen them in about two years the kids have grown up.

9) Just received Galley on The Lines of Marsden: Living in Shadows. So you all know what I'm working on at the moment.

10) I'm not sure what the hell's going on at Silver Publishing, but when I find out I'll  be able to give you an update on my works there.

Sentinels Of Varnuse: When The Walls Come Tumbling Down #8

#8.

Ingrid had left the guarding of the king and his consort to the warriors that were in attendance in the throne room. She quickly made her way through the halls until she came upon the one person she sought. “Javier, might I have a word with you?” Ingrid watched the young man place his book upon the table before he turned sightless eyes in her direction.

“Yes, Mistress Ingrid,” Javier said with a smile he always wore. His hand reaching out toward where he knew she would be standing. How he was so precise was an amazement to her.

Ingrid knew she was going to have to confide in Brayden and Quinlan that another of the Caldwell line was still alive. Ingrid’s own family had kept Javier a secret from the rest of the world for the past ten years. But if the seer was right, then not only could Brayden hold the shifting gene, maybe Javier did too. Or maybe, it was Javier who was born with the shifter gene and not Brayden at all. Quinlan was going to be pissed when he found out.

“Are you taking me to meet my brother now; I’ve been waiting a long time to be with him again.”

“Yes you have, little one.” Ingrid walked over and clasped his hand. “Come, we must prepare you for meeting with Brayden.”

“Do I look okay?” Javier ran his hands over the front of his shirt straightening out the wrinkles. “Do I match?”

“You look beautiful, my prince. Your brother will love you no matter what.” Ingrid was rewarded with a beautiful smile. It saddened Ingrid how for a young man who couldn’t see, Javier had the most stunning eyes Ingrid had ever seen. They were such a vibrant shade of blue. Made all the more striking because they were framed in dark lashes. They were also the spitting image of his brothers.

“Will he still want me knowing that I cannot see?” Uncertainty seemed to fill Javier’s words.

“You’re his blood kin, of course Brayden will want you. You will learn that for Brayden family is everything.”

“Then why hasn’t he sought me out before now? It has been ten years, Ingrid. Ten years, where he forgot about me completely. I lost our parents too that day. How could he just walk away and leave me? Am I so repulsive he no longer wishes to associate with me? Does he blame me for our parent’s deaths?”

Ingrid sighed heavily, “There were reasons why he couldn’t come to you, my prince. But you need to hear it from your brother.”

“I just...” he fidgeted nervously. “What if he thinks I’m broken now because I can’t see?”

“He won’t.” Ingrid smoothed a hand down over Javier’s back in comfort. “I promise Brayden will be excited to see you.”

“What if he doesn’t remember me? We were only children back then. I must have changed so much.”

Ingrid pulled Javier into her arms and hugged him gently. “I have no doubt your brother will know exactly who you are. You’re almost his mirror image.”

“Oh.” Javier’s lips formed a perfect ‘O’ in surprise.

“Come now, as you said you’ve waited long enough to be kept from Brayden any longer.”

“Will Quinlan be there?” Javier asked as he placed his hand in the crook of Ingrid’s arm.

“Yes. You remember he’s the king now. He and your brother have taken their vows this month past. I so wanted you to be in attendance, but father thought it unwise to reveal you existence. He never wanders far from Brayden’s side these days. They have been parted for too long.”

“Do you think one day I might find someone? Someone who will love me unconditionally.”

Ingrid patted his hand as they walked.  “Of course I do. Some young lady will catch your heart soon enough.”

“Man,” Javier corrected with a blush, “I would like to wed a man. I think.”

“You’re not sure?” Ingrid asked, this was the first she had heard of Javier’s preferences.

Javier’s blush deepened. “I think men smell better. There’s one who comes to my rooms and he smells so wonderful. He never speaks to me. He just sits there and holds my hand.”

Ingrid frowned and wondered just who was visiting the prince without permission. Who even knew Javier was here at the castle? “He doesn’t speak?”

Javier shook his head. “The first time I met him was out in the garden. Alexis had taken me out for a walk. The boys ran off playing. When she followed them he came and took my hand and led me to a bench. He just listened while I talked.” Javier smiled, “Every day since he has come to my rooms just to sit with me. Not always for a long time. He has never missed a day though.”

“Has he come today?”

“No, but he will. I’m sure of it.”

“Javier, this worries me. This man who comes to you and doesn’t talk. I think we need to find out who he is.”

“Do not be afraid,” Javier chuckled, “I know he’d never hurt me.”

“How do you know?” Ingrid asked.

“I just do.”

**~*~**

Brayden stared open mouthed at the person who walked into the room at Ingrid’s side. It took all of a moment for recognition to fall into place before he launched himself across the room.

“Javier! Javier! How are you here?” Tears streamed down Brayden’s face as he pulled his brother into his arms. He felt an instant bond, something he didn’t even know he’d been missing until this very moment.

Javier froze; unsure of what to do with the sobbing man in his arms. “It’s okay, brother, we’re together now.”

“How are you here alive? I thought…” his words trailed off as he hugged his brother tighter.

“My family has taken care of Javier for a very long time.” Ingrid answered for Javier. It also appeared to be the only explanation she was going to give.

“I’m blind.” Javier added. Brayden stood still as his brother’s hands came up to map the contours of his face. “I’ve missed you Bray.”

“I’ve missed you too.” Brayden cried hoarsely into his brother’s shoulder

“Where have you been? Why didn’t you come for me?” Javier demanded.

“Uncle Fane had me. I wasn’t allowed out of his estate. I would have found a way to be with you if I knew you were still alive.”

“You don’t think I’m broken. That I’m of no use because I’m blind?” Javier asked. His voice trembled.

“Never!” Brayden said in outrage. “You are of my blood. I will always want you at my side.”

Javier turned as a gasp sounded nearby. Taking a deep breath, he smiled, and turned. Somewhere in this room was his silent friend.

Em's Turn: Michael & Doyle Inspiration.

Four more inspirational songs.

That make me want to write.

The Lines of Marsden.

Michael & Doyle.

Enjoy! 

This song for me is just truly beautiful.

This has always been their song. 

Even before I did the rewrites.

This one is for Michael Marsden.

After Doyle loses his memory

Not only is this song a song for my boys.

 Paolo is also who I use as inspiration for Doyle Kerwin

Sentinels Of Varnuse ~ When The Walls Come Tumbling Down #7

#7.

Brayden looked toward Cleric Saskia, and Mylo, pondering of exactly what had just taken place. “Does either of you even like men?” He blurted out without thinking what he was going to say through.

Cleric Saskia shook his head. “I can honestly say I’ve never felt drawn to men before. Even though I’ve always known from what the seer told me my mate would be male. Though, the fact has never bothered me either. He’s my mate, and that’s all there is to it.”

Brayden turned his gaze to Mylo and waited for an answer.

“Yes, I’m attracted more to men than I am women. My mother told me from very early on I would grow up and marry a very important man one day. So I never fought against my attraction to men. Mother was a seer, if she said it would be so then that’s the way it would be.” Mylo ended with a shrug.

“So how do you...” Brayden let his words trail off, and blushed deeply as he remembered sometimes it wasn’t appropriate to enquire about someone else’s love life. Especially, when that person was the castle cleric. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean... I just...”

Quinlan chuckled beside him. By the time he got himself under control tears streamed down Quin’s face. “I’m sorry, but that was so funny.”

Ingrid patted his husband’s shoulder, “Sometimes, Quinlan, I wonder how we’re all going to survive with you as king. You find the most in appropriate things funny.”

“Well I am the king.” Quinlan sat up straighter. Brayden almost fell off his lap. “And don’t you forget it, young lady.” Quin burst out laughing again as Ingrid snorted and slapped him up the back of the head.

“I think everyone here knows I’ve never claimed to be a lady.” Ingrid declared with a straight face.

“No,” Quin sobered up. “You were born to be a warrior, my warrior, and it’s a job you do exceedingly well.”

Ingrid bowed formally, “Thank you, my liege, my king, my friend.”

Quinlan smiled, “I’ve entrusted to you not only my own safety, but the safety of those I love dearly.”

“And I won’t fail you again,” Ingrid said fiercely.

“You’ve never failed me.” Quin argued.

“Yes, I did. I let them take your heart away.” She whispered softly.

Brayden inhaled sharply, “Oh, Ingrid, you didn’t fail him, you were ten. No one could have stopped my uncle from taking me away. He thought whoever killed my family was coming after me next.”

“I could have done something.”

“You did. You took care of the piece of me I had to leave behind. You took care of my heart. It wasn’t your fault my uncle locked me away from the rest of the world. He had his own agenda for doing that. Whenever he got melancholy he’d come and talk to me. He told me I was special. That deep inside me I held all the answers. He said he was protecting me from everything set on hurting me.”

“Yet, he’s the one who hurt you the most.” Quinlan said coldly.

Brayden shook his head. “I think he honestly wanted to protect me—from what I’m not sure. But he had my best interests at heart. He just went about it the wrong way.”

“Did he ever...?” Quinlan’s voice vibrated with anger.

“No, never.” Brayden laid a gentle kiss on his husband’s forehead. “He never touched me that way, nor did he ever beat me. Whenever I was hurt it was by Ormond’s hand.”

“I thought you’re uncle kept you prisoner?” Ingrid asked

“What?” Quinlan roared.

“Lord Dalziel kept him confined to his rooms in his estate.” Ingrid informed her king, and Brayden frowned.

“I didn’t want you to tell him.” Brayden said softly.

Ingrid shrugged, “He needed to know.”

“Tell me!” Quinlan demanded.

“Even though I hated being locked away, I knew he was doing it to keep me safe.” Brayden bit his lower lip in thought. “I can’t figure out why he stood beside Ormond at the claiming, the closest I can think is my cousin forced him to be there. My uncle always told me you were my mate. I loved him for keeping me safe, and I hated him because he kept me away from you. Does that make sense?”

Ingrid rolled her eyes at the men standing around her. “This talk of evil uncles, and finding mates isn’t getting us any closer to finding out why a price had been put on Brayden’s head. And by whom. She then addressed Mylo, “You say your mother’s a seer. Did she by chance tell you anything else of importance before she sent you here?”

“Yes,” Mylo nodded, “Mother told me through my first mistake here I would find my heart.” His gaze flickered to Cleric Saskia for but a moment before he went on. “Mother also said I must take my place beside the consort. I’m destined to watch over what once was precious to us all. I’m destined to be the guardian of the Originals in their next rebirth.”

“What?” Brayden asked in confusion. “Why are you standing beside me if you’re to become a guardian, and what the hell is an Original?” Panic filled each and every word that passed his lips.

“The Originals,” Ingrid said softly, so it was only perceptible to those standing close, “are the beings who began our race. They’re recorded as being descended from the Gods themselves. We are not as we once were.”

“What do you mean?” Brayden asked.

“She means the shifter, which currently lays dormant in us all is about to be woken up.” Quin looked toward Ingrid, and she nodded. “Someone in our time has been born with the ability to shift.”

“Who?”

Quinlan quirked an eyebrow in his direction and smiled at him as though he was clueless. Brayden was confused until all the pieces suddenly clicked into place, and he understood what Quinlan was getting at. Cold seeped through him at the implications of this conversation being true.

“Uh-Uh, no way. I’m not shifting into a... a... whatever the hell they were.”

“Cats, love,” Qin rubbed his hand over Brayden’s stomach, “somewhere deep inside you there’s a big cuddly, fearsome, cat just waiting to come out.”

“Fuck me drunk.” Brayden exclaimed in shock.

Quinlan grinned, “That will come later, love. Though I prefer us both to be sober so we can enjoy it more.”

The Dreaming State...

Why is it on the nights you really feel like sleeping your mind never wants to shut off?

When I'm the most tired, my characters feel like they have free reign over my mind. As of last night in all the chaos and as much as  I love Michael Marsden  he's been demanding that I hurry up and write book 3 in The Lines of Marsden: You Make Me Die In Pieces as he wants Doyle's memories back. He wants his life to get back to normal so he can kick some paranormal arse.

Again if that isn't enough I have other characters both old and knew wanting to be heard over the din inside my head. Vlad has told me I'm on my own and he'll come back when I have some semblance of order restored... I don't see it happening any time soon.

I'm still getting a ton of ideas for new story lines, but to be honest, The Lines of Marsden is kinda taking control. Every spare minute I have I'm working out bits and pieces in upcoming books for that series. I'm going to have to work out a writing schedule and stick to it... Just to make sure I find the time for my other commitments as well... especially for my other publishing houses.

I have also been working on spread sheets for all my series/stories - with pages for character profiles, nationality, species, lineages etc. It's time consuming but I think in the end it will be very beneficial for me to have everything at my finger tips... I'm working on adding blurbs and synopsis to the spread sheets... Wish me luck.

Vicktor Alexander ~ The Beginning (Sons of Adam)

World Building for the Sons of Adam series

First of all I want to thank NJ for having me on her blog. I am so honored to be here. It's so nice and comfortable, I may never leave.

It's Day Two of my "In The Beginning" Blog Tour for my book "The Beginning (Sons of Adam: 1)" which releases February 17^th from Rooster & Pig Publishing and I'm so looking forward to hearing the feedback from the readers about this book as well as the grand finale of this tour when I get to give away the prizes, I LURVE giving away stuff. So read to the very end for your chance to win.

One of the things I love the most about starting a new series is the world building. I spend a few days creating what I call "The Bible" for a series that I follow, especially if it's paranormal, so I can make sure that I don't say that men can't get pregnant in one line and have someone wind up pregnant in the next chapter.

In the case of the Sons of Adam series I actually needed a Bible because there was going to be parts of it that would come up throughout the series and I wanted to have something to refer to. But with the world building what should I include?

I included some of everything: The History of Creation, Paranormal Laws, Setting, Religion, Governmental Body, Familial Structure, Sexuality, Births, Deaths, Statistics, Myths, Financial Outlook, Education, Careers, Transportation, Entertainment, Military, Allies, Rivalries, News, Society, Culture, Anatomy, and Paranormal Complexities.

I'm not going to go into detail about all of them but I am going to mention the laws.

You see, things with them are a little different than with us:

• The true nature of any paranormal, magick, or supernatural being is to remain a secret so as to not incite riots, wars, or oppression from humans.

• Homosexuality is a human failing and will not be tolerated among paranormals. Anyone caught in a homosexual relationship will be killed. No questions asked. This is not true of magicks or  supernaturals who need these relationships to procreate. But paranormals can impregnate their women and is not a race of men only, and so, for this reason, homosexuality is not to be tolerated.

• Once a year, all paranormals, magicks and supernaturals shall gather in the wilds of Africa to discuss the state of affairs. Everyone must attend, even children.

• No one shall interfere with a true mating, however, a mating can be called into question if its validity is questioned.

• There shall be a governing body for every paranormal, magick, and supernatural pack, coven, pride, sect, clutch, etc. out there. These governing bodies shall meet monthly to discuss issues and to keep the other governing bodies abreast of things taking place in our world.

• The elders, alphas, leaders, and kings shall be chosen by the people they are to lead.

• Anyone can challenge for a position of leadership. This is not a fight to the death, for we do not want to dwindle our numbers when the humans are thriving around us, but whoever loses, shall pack up their family and move away from that community.

• All orphaned children shall be the responsibility of the leader of that community. They shall be adopted and treated as members of that leader’s family. No exceptions.

• The leaders will be paid a monthly salary by the community. This shall be 10% of the earnings of the community that they lead.

• Under no circumstances is any paranormal, magick, or supernatural to mate a human. None. 

So imagine the uproar that happens when Cole Tronk, a lion shifter, meets his mate, Ronny Parker, a human male outside of a Starbucks and ignoring the laws decides to give him the mating bite anyway. And when that leads to Ronny's cousin and his gangster buddies discovering, and subsequently filming, the evidence of shifters, what is going to happen to the world as we know it?

The Beginning (Sons of Adam: 1)  releases from Rooster & Pig Publishing on February 17^th, 2014. Here is the blurb and an excerpt from the book to keep you interested until then. And in the comments, tell me which one of the laws would you have the most trouble following if you were a shifter?

Blurb:

Ronny Parker has always been aware that there was more to life outside of his Harlem apartment. When he goes to work one morning at Starbucks, he finds himself coming face to face with a reality that he was not prepared for. He finds himself the eyewitness to a fight between two shifters, a wolf and a lion, one of which bites Ronny and calls him “mate.” When Ronny wakes up the next morning, he finds himself thrust into a world neither his family, nor his teachers, ever taught him about and he does the only thing he can do. He starts to investigate.

Cole Tronk has been taught from an early age that he is never to mate a human, never reveal his true nature to a human, and that he cannot be gay. But when he gets into a fight with his oldest friend outside of a Starbucks and finds himself smelling the most intoxicating scent ever, he throws all of those rules out of the window. Before long, Cole and his mate, Ronny, are on the run from the governing body of the paranormals, humans who have now discovered that paranormals, magicks, and supernaturals exist, and someone from Ronny’s past who is determined to kill them both.

Along the way, Cole and Ronny meet up with a group of paranormals, magicks, and supernaturals who are also gay, and who are researching the true history of the world and creation. What they find will not only change their lives, but the entire world and the future. Will Ronny and Cole’s mating survive all of these obstacles? When a millennia-old lie comes back to bite them in the ass, will Ronny and Cole be able to deal with the consequences?

Excerpt:

He told himself that he was going to push Cole away, but his hands seemed to not be listening to him and instead they rose to wrap around Cole’s neck as the other man groaned and drank Ronny’s blood. After a moment, when Ronny was starting to feel just slightly weak, Cole let go of his neck and licked the wounds. He kissed the skin there and began to purr. At first, it freaked Ronny out, but, after a moment, he found himself more turned on by the purring than he’d been by the bite to his neck.

The bite to his—hold the hell on!

Ronny shoved Cole away from him. Jabbing a finger into Cole’s chest, he glared and let out his own growl. “You fucking bit me, you psycho!”

Cole smirked. “You loved it,” he pointed out, crossing his massive arms across his broad chest.

Ronny’s gaze caressed the other man’s torso before he reminded himself that he was supposed to be mad. “That doesn’t fucking matter! The point is that. You. Bit. Me,” Ronny stated, emphasizing the last three words with a jab to Cole’s chest.

Cole merely nodded and grabbed Ronny’s finger before jerking him closer. Ronny collided with Cole’s chest and let out an oomph. And so what if he buried his face in the other man’s chest and sniffed him? He was fucking human, he was supposed to be curious.

“Yes, I did bite you. I marked you as mine,” Cole stated, pride evident in his voice. “Now everyone, every paranormal, magick, supernatural creature, even every human will know that you belong to me and will stay away.”

Ronny’s eyes widened and he struggled to get Cole to let him go. He looked up into the lion man’s eyes and scowled. “Whoa, possessive much?”

Cole was prevented from speaking by another voice, one that Ronny had forgotten was there.

“Look, this is all really interesting and shit, but, Cole, you just broke the fucking law, man. Not only did you--okay, we--reveal the truth about the paranormal world to a human, but you just mated one. You realize that your leaders are going to come after you right?” Benjamin spoke up.

Ronny felt Cole stiffen against him and it was only that moment of distraction that allowed Ronny to pull away and back up against the wall again. “Wait, what? What are you talking about, Ben?”

Benjamin sighed. He was almost as tall and big as Cole. His skin was the color of caramel, his black hair was cut short, and, right now, his usually expressive and kind light brown eyes were dark and filled with anger. Ronny felt like backing up even further into the wall, but unfortunately he couldn’t.

“Humans aren’t supposed to know about us. And we aren’t supposed to mate them. Doing either of those things can have you imprisoned, beaten, or even killed by the leader of your pack, pride, coven, sect, or clutch,” Benjamin explained.

Ronny’s eyes widened. “Will I be killed too?” Ronny asked. Benjamin winced and Ronny turned his narrowed gaze onto Cole. “You fucker! What the hell did you bite me for?”

Cole growled in Benjamin’s direction and then pulled Ronny into his arms tightly. Ronny shivered as Cole’s lips pressed a kiss onto the top of his head. “Listen to me, and listen closely,” Cole said, his voice low, dark, and menacing. “Finding a mate is one of the most amazing things in the world. So many of us die without every finding the other part of our souls. I don’t care if you’re human. I don’t care if you’re black. I don’t care if you listen to Miley Cyrus when no one’s around. You’re my mate and I will not give you up,” Cole said firmly. He shook his head and his muscles tensed. “I also will not let anything happen to you, understand? You are mine to protect, to love, to treasure. You belong to me and are and will forever be the most important thing in my life. So no harm will come to you. Not as long as I have breath in my body.”

“Exactly,” Benjamin said, shaking his head, his eyes now looking sad as he looked over at Cole and Ronny. “The leaders know how it is between mates. They will kill you first to get to him. And I was a witness to all of this, so they’re going to kill me, too. You have fucked all of us, Cole.”

The Beginning can be pre-ordered from Rooster & Pig Publishing at a discounted price until its release day at which time it will go to its normal price.

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