#44 ARe Best Seller ~Heart-mate, Mine!

Don't know how long it'll stay there but at ARe

Moon Runners

Heart-mate, Mine!

# 44

So What Have I Missed? Apparently Lots.

(1) RELEASED!!!
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BLURB:

Two lives--One destiny. When fate decides two people belong together, nothing can stand in its way. Liam Kantry and Carlo Bruenelli find themselves caught up in the madness of Christmas and taking care of a child as they discover the meaning of being true heart-mates.

Liam Kantry wants to be with the man he has loved his whole life, yet incessant gossip and innuendos have labelled him the pack whore--a point he has never disputed. Now the rumours have come back to bite him in the arse.

Carlo Bruenelli is waiting for his heart-mate; he's one of the pack who truly believes they really do exist. In his heart he wants it to be his best friend, only problem is he knows Liam doesn't believe in heart-mates. What will it take to change Liam's mind? And should he even try?

Christmas is drawing near, and between snowball fights and the inter-pack gathering, Liam and Carlo find themselves caught up in the excitement and obsessing over what their future holds. Especially when a small child forms a bond with them. They learn there is more out there than they ever dreamt was possible.

Can Liam and Carlo work around the newness of their own mating to protect someone who needs it most?

CONTENT ADVISORY: This work is a significantly expanded (almost tripled in length), re-edited re-release title.

EXCERPT:

Everyone had a fear, and Carlo's was probably no different to anyone else's. His fear involved running into the love of his life, Liam Kantry, and being ignored completely. Liam often starred in Carlo's nightly dreams of who his heart-mate should look like, yet sadly Liam only ever looked at him like an annoying, dorky, younger brother--a brother you didn't want hanging around all the time. Usually, it was hard to avoid him since they belonged to the same pack. Thoughts like these had been plaguing him for the last month or so leading up to this special week.

The Moon Runner Pack had been chosen to host the inter-pack meet-and-greet on their lands where guests from other packs would be coming in hope of finding a mate. Most people didn't believe in heart-mates. Carlo was truly one of the few in the pack who actually believed heart-mates existed. Somewhere out there's the perfect person looking for me. A tingle of excitement surged through him at the mere possibility of it being true. I'm twenty-one. I'm finally old enough to attend the party. Let's hope he's here and just as eager to meet me. Wish it could be Liam, but wouldn't we have known by now if we were? Hopefully Christmas Day I'll have pushed aside my crush on Liam Kantry and I'll know whether or not my heart-mate is out there searching for me as well--that is, if he even comes to the gathering. My luck, he won't even bother turning up.

Man, he hoped he was wrong and his heart-mate existed in the here and now, waiting to meet him as well. Never once had he doubted that his future mate would be a male. Fate wouldn't be so cruel to pair him with a woman he could never really love. Being mated to a female wouldn't be fair to either of them. If it came down to his mate being someone who wasn't male, he'd simply explain everything to her and let her find someone else she could be happy with. Carlo had even heard that this year there were packs coming to attend from even farther afield than usual. This gathering also became the time new alliances were made between packs, where packs could ask another for help in any way. Bloodshed was frowned upon at these gatherings, but sometimes it became unavoidable--or so he'd been told.

The alpha had asked him, because it was his first time, to become involved this year by being seen at the meeting hall, not hiding away from the pack like he usually did. Apparently all members of the pack who had come of age and were eligible to attend were asked to help out. So here he was now, wet as all get-go--because he'd only moments before slipped and landed in a puddle as he tried to dodge a car on the street outside the hall. Dripping wet, he grumbled as he walked through the falling snow toward the last place he wanted to be--the pack town hall. Carlo hoped to avoid everything until the starting ceremony itself, but Darian and the alpha had nixed that thought early on. The plain truth was he didn't want to have to be anywhere he'd have to bear witness to Liam flirting with other people. Carlo was a coward, and he knew it. He wasn't disputing the fact at all. As he neared the building, the noise coming from within sounded muted, but still loud in a raucous kind of way.

Carlo waved to a couple leaving the crowded room as he entered. He didn't know them, but he thought it would be a polite and friendly gesture to the wolves who'd be arriving to stay with the Moon Runner pack over the next few days. He didn't even complain much when Sally Anne Meyers, the alpha's younger sister, made him strip out of his outer layers before she allowed him to step foot inside the door.

She'd joked, "If you were smarter, you'd strip in time to the music and make yourself a little money on the side." Her laughter sounded light, and Carlo knew she wasn't being mean. Being twenty-one herself, she probably also found herself being forced to be sociable. Unlike him, Sally Anne actually liked being the centre of attention, especially if it garnered the interest of a certain pack member. According to Marcus, the pack gossip, Sally Anne had set her sights on Wade Michelson this year. She'd chosen him as her mate and she'd do anything to get what she wanted.

"The only problem is they'd make me pay the money back with interest once they saw me naked," he replied, snickering before he handed her the wet clothes.

"Go sit by the fire and I'll call your mum to bring you some dry clothes. We wouldn't want all your lovely bits and pieces to fall off, now would we?"

What the fuck? Is she flirting with me? "Are you trying to get my arse beat? If you keep that talk up, you'll make Wade crazy jealous and he'll come after me."

"Hah! That big galoot wouldn't know which end faced up if someone didn't tell him." There seemed to be no heat in her words.

"I thought you were determined to be his mate?" Carlo asked, curious as he saw the glint of something in her eye.

She waved him away. "He's mine. He just doesn't know it yet. His days of sleeping around are over." She sniffed haughtily then burst out laughing. "Go on. Go warm up and I'll get you some dry clothes. I saw Liam in here earlier--not sure if he's still here though."

He gave her one last smile before he did as told. "Thank you." He wasn't sure if he thanked her for calling his mum or for letting him know Liam Kantry sat in the hall talking with friends.

The sounds of carols playing through the speakers, combined with happy laughter ringing out were enough to get even the most miserable person into the Christmas spirit. The interior walls had been transformed from their usual drab wooden bareness to having an array of colours splashed across them. The effect was kind of stunning. Whoever had decorated this year had taste.

With all the festivities going on around him, Carlo couldn't have stopped smiling even if he'd wanted to. He actually loved this time of year--always had. The fact remained he loved everything about Christmas, from the addictive aroma of the baked goods to the scent of the pine trees filling the air, but most of all he loved the feeling of family and everyone being together.

His love of everything Christmas started the year his father gave him his very own sled. That year he'd met Liam Kantry for the first time. He'd also met Liam's brothers Marcus and Theo. They'd taken turns sharing his sled while riding down the hills out on the back of the pack lands. The day seemed to rush by, none of them coming in until August Kantry, the boys' father, had come looking for them. On the way home, he'd given them all a lecture on what were safe and unsafe times to stay out playing when their parents were sitting at home and waiting for them.

Christmas was just around the corner and his family was getting ready to celebrate in style. His mother was known by many as a baking fiend when it came to roasts, but no one in the pack came even close to beating Mary Kantry when it came to baking Christmas goodies. She had become a legend among the pack, especially for her Christmas bread. Hell, even just the thought of it had Carlo's mouth watering. His thoughts came back to the present when he heard an all too familiar voice. Oh great, so Liam really is still here--yippee... not!

(2) I Completed NaNoWriMo... All of Adrian & Lockie, & half of Experimentals 2: Running Into Zero Tolerance. 

(3) I have been sick since Wednesday (the heat is killing me)

(4) I sent the first 4 chapters of The Lines Of Marsden 3: You Make Me Die In Pieces and the next 4 Synopsis to Christie N at MLR for consideration for contract.

(5) Still waiting to hear back from Fireborn Publishing about The Diamond Rose 1: Gateway to Kalethia.

(6) I just sent Faith B-B at Totally Bound Publishing my writing schedule for 2015.

Happy Birthday Ethan ~ 14 Today

Updates On Me...

Yesterday I got to play counter bitch in my big brother, Ted's tattoo shop. It was fun. I'm waiting to hear today if he needs me to work for him again. While there I did see an awesome picture Ted said he'll put on my other arm when he has time.

In between serving customers and answering the phone I managed to write 4K on The Lines Of Marsden 3: You Make Me Die In Pieces. which gives me the first four chapters to send to my MLRPress editor Christie N for consideration.

So now I'm back on to finishing Experimentals 2: Running Into Zero Tolerance. As you can tell I'm only half way but I need to get this finished in the next week to keep on track of my writing schedule. This one is also destined for Christie N.

I should hear back in the next couple of days whether or not The Diamond Rose 1: Gateway To Kalethia was picked up from Fireborn Publishing.

Also Moon Runners 1: Heart-mate, Mine! is off to formatting at Fireborn Publishing, which means it's well on track for it's release in 3 days time. I hope everyone likes the new and improved version of A Moon-Runner Christmas (previously released at Silver Publishing)

Em's Turn - Bring Me The Horizon.

5 songs for my kiddo

Enjoy!

SENTINELS OF VARNUSE 1: When The Walls Come Tumbling Down # 26 (Last Episode)

# 26.

Josep was furious when he gotten word that Vayne was going his separate way. He hated losing anyone who he had under his car for so long. Especially when that someone was as important as Vayne. Josep watched as Lucas packed their supplies including anything medical, which they might need for the journey to the High City. Consort Brayden and the babes were doing well since the ordeal of the birthing day. He was currently secured away with his family until it was time to go.

“He’s going after Simian again, isn’t he?” Lucas didn’t look around as he worked, but Josep knew who he was talking to.

“Yes.” Josep said. “He should have waited until we could send people with him instead of going off half-cocked and unprepared.”

“Who’s Simian?” King Quinlan asked as he entered the room. Josep looked over and smiled when he saw the king was bouncing as if he had a child in his arms. They called it the new born dance. And if anything was sure the king and his consort would be doing it for a long time, seeing as they had two babes to contend with.

“Where’s your family? Don’t tell me you’re hiding from them already?” Josep joked not exactly ignoring the question about Simian, but Josep needed time to work out how to explain. For the most part Simian was a well-kept secret that only three of the children of Varnuse knew about.

Quinlan smiled, “They’re in the back bedroom with Thayer, Fane, and Javier getting reacquainted as a family.”

“That’s good, family is important.” Josep said absently.

**~*~**

Brayden still couldn’t believe ‘Uncle’ Fane was his father’s mate. And as much as his brother, Javier seemed to accept it, Brayden found he couldn’t be as forgiving. He had suffered years of isolation at the hands of this man—a man who was supposed to love him no matter what.

He sat and warily watched on as Fane fussed over his father. The best part was his father had finally woken up two days ago. Brayden couldn’t deny the love he saw between the two men, because it seemed to be exactly the same way he looked at Quinlan anytime they were within sight of each other.

He just didn’t like it. Not when his head was so easily thrown back into the past and all the pain he’d lived through.

“Brayden, come sit by me.” His father patted the side of the bed.

Brayden nodded and walked over and sat. His hand automatically going out to caress the top of his daughter’s head. Petra had been a surprise, but was no less loved than her brother Xavier. Both children lay on the bed between their grandfathers. Smiling, he realised his children were the future; he wondered what their lives would be like. And what Killian and Larkin would make of their new siblings. He smiled as he thought of Quin’s sons. Brayden wasn’t ashamed that he missed them both terribly. He only worried they’d be upset with him for being gone so long and for taking their daddy away.

“Son,” Brayden flinched as Fane reached for him.

“Don’t,” Brayden said as he brought his hand back into his lap.

“Brayden?” Brayden leaned into his brother’s embrace as Javier wrapped an arm around him. “He’s not the bad guy here.”

“Then who is. I saw Ormand where they had us locked up. More than once he told me Fane was a part of their sect.”

“That’s a lie.” Fane choked out. “I would never betray Thayer like that. I love my mate, and my children.”

His father reached out and clasped Brayden’s hand. “Please, for my sake can you try?”

“Okay, I’ll try. I can’t promise any more than that.” Brayden agreed.

“Thank you.” Fane said

Brayden looked up at the knock at the door. Andrej walked in and greeted them all. “I’ve done some research into the birth of females of the old ones. Sadly to say there hasn’t been any female births recorded in the history of the old ones.” Andrej stated apologetically. “I’m afraid we’ll be watching on with everyone else to see where her path lies in life.”

Brayden gazed down at his beautiful children. How would life turn out for an unknown entity? How many enemies would come at her? Luckily she had three older brothers who would look out for her He hoped her life would be a hell of a lot easier than his own had been. Brayden wanted to promise his children—all four of them—he’d be there for them always, but the past few months had proven this was one promise that could easily be broken.

**~*~**

Quinlan made his way back to the bedroom his family was all in. it was time to start getting them ready. Their belongings had already been gathered together, and now it was just a matter of getting his loved ones and making the journey home.

Leaning against the doorframe he watched at the heartbroken look on his husband’s face. “What is wrong my love?” He came and knelt on the floor beside him. Wanting to take away whatever hurt his husband might bear.

“I want to go home. I want to go and get Killian and Larkin and take our family home.” He whispered as he leaned into his Quinlan, Quinlan couldn’t help wrapping his arms around him in return. “Please Quin, can we go and get our boys?”

Quinlan kissed Brayden’s temple. “Of course, my love. The boys will be ecstatic to meet there new brother and sister.”

Quinlan turned toward the door and said to Josep who had followed. “I’m still waiting on an answer. You still haven’t explained who Simian is?”

Sighing, Josep rubbed his hands roughly over his face. “Simian is special. Simian is—actually even we—the children of Varnuse, aren’t quite sure what Simian is. He came to us five years ago when he was in his teens, he’s twenty three now. Simian disappeared six months ago. It has recently come to light Simian is also Vayne’s fated mate—Vayne hid it well.”

“And now he’s gone after this Simian, his mate?” Quinlan asked.

“Yes, Arron overheard Ormand tell Vayne he was the one who had gotten rid of Simian. He also heard Vayne threaten to kill Ormand.”

Quinlan growled at the madness of the whole thing. They should be banding together instead of breaking up into smaller groups. “Should we be worried?”

“Yes,” Thayer shuddered, “If he takes Ormand’s life, Tondran will seek vengeance. He may say he doesn’t care whether or not his son lives, but if Ormand dies then there’ll be hell to pay.”

“We need to get home,” Quinlan stated matter of factly. “We also need to send people to back up Vayne. But if they are going to bring the fight to us then I want it to be on our grounds where we have the best advantage.”

“You better send someone good at tracking. If they can find him…” Josep paused and appeared to be caught up in his own thoughts before he continued. “Vayne is a master of being unseen. If he wants to stay hidden there’s no hope in hell anyone we send will find him. No matter how hard they search. There’s only one person I can think of who might have a chance in tracking him down.”

“And just who is that?” Quinlan asked.

“Arron… Simian’s other mate. The only problem with that situation is Vayne and Arron rarely see eye to eye on anything.”

Lucas snorted. “More like they hate each other.”

“Exactly!” Josep agreed.

“So what do we do?” Quinlan asked.

“We wait. Arron will follow Vayne regardless of what anyone tells him. They’ll come back to us once they find Simian, or find his body.”

Quinlan stood up. “Then we go home.” He looked around the room at all his troupe who had seemed to gather in the bedroom with them. “We go home and prepare for any new old ones who will come to us for protection.”

“Why do you think they’ll come to us?” Lucas asked.

“Because, home is where the sentinels are. Home is where they’ll find their mates.”

**~*~**

Quinlan hated the way they’d left and hadn’t confronted Tondran for his part in all of this. He’d wanted to call all his sentinels in and wipe Tondran and his followers off the face of the world. They didn’t deserve to live after what they’d done to his husband and his family. Quinlan had finally gotten the Children of Varnuse to agree to make a hit on Tondran and his inner circle. But when they got back to the compound, it had been cleaned out. Not a single living soul was there to be found. The only thing they did find was Ormand’s body with the symbol for revenge carved into his chest. Quinlan shivered and wondered if it was Vayne or Arron who had done it, as both men had since disappeared without a trace.

“Do you think Vayne did this? Or Arron?” Quinlan asked as he tore down the drapes and tossed them atop the lifeless body.

Lucas shrugged, “If they did, then I hope they found out what they needed to know about Simian before they killed him.”

“I just hope they find Simian.” Josep added.

Standing Quinlan looked around the trashed room, “Where do you think Tondran has gone?”

“We stole back the old ones. My best guess is Tondran wants Brayden back, and will do anything to get him—Tondran doesn’t like to lose.” Quinlan watched as Lucas ran a hand through his hair then walked over to lean against Josep’s side. “I’d say he’s probably out recruiting more warriors to launch his attack on the High City.”

“Then I say we break camp and head home.” Quinlan thought it was a bit early to be travelling with his new born children, but he also needed to get home so that his other sons were also kept safe. Larkin and Killian would be worried about him having been gone so long, and whether or not he’d rescued Brayden.

“You seemed so far away,” Josep laid a gentle hand on Quinlan’s shoulder.

Quinlan smiled sadly, “I’m missing my sons, Killian and Larkin. They’ll have grown so much since I’ve been gone.”

“How old are they?” Lucas asked.

“Larkin is almost five-years-old and Killian is just about to turn three.”

Lucas smiled. “And by the look on your face I can tell that you are missing them a great deal.”

“To be honest before Brayden came back to me I didn’t have much interaction with my children at all—well not as much as I would’ve liked. Since Brayden and I married they’ve been with us every day,” Quinlan replied honestly.

“Then we should hurry and return home to our sons.” They turned at the sound of Brayden’s voice. “I’ve had enough of this damn compound to last me several lifetimes.”

“As have I, love.” Quinlan held out his hand and pulled Brayden to his side. “Let’s head home so our family can be whole.”

NaNoWriMo ~ I'm Done.

 My NaNoWriMo 

ended with the count of...

50,581 words