PRE ORDER
Tuesday 4 October 2016
Monday 3 October 2016
The Week Just Gone...
So I've had a busy week...
1) Dr Appointments with Emily at the Chiropractor... she has to go every month.
2) I've also been organising crap to take to my Lawyer's Appointment on the 11th October 2016... I won't get into the details as they would probably only bore you to death... I only say that because that's the way I feel.
3) Trying to get back on top of my writing has been interesting. as I have gone through my dropbox files and cleaned everything out and tried to make some order to what's there... So not fun.
4) I've had to resend some of my Rainbow Awards Reviews in to Elisa as they seemed to have gotten lost in the Internet world somewhere... I hate it when that happens.
5) On top of that I'm still doing stuff around the house in hopes that it'll sell. I really just want to move now. I want to unpack my life and take the first step into my future. Is that too much to ask for?
6) Our cat Toby isn't doing to well since his stroke... His back legs seem to be playing up on him, so he's been very snuggly...I hope he gets better soon.
Other than that...
Life in general has been pretty good to me... I can't really complain about anything, which I suppose is a good thing... I have been venturing out when it comes to cooking... Just so we don't get stuck eating the same old boring meals week after week. I think I make more vegetarian meals than anything. that way the meat eaters can have their meat on the side.
I also went out and bought a new doona cover for when I move. It's white with red water colour flowers and black leaves... It was $130- marked down to $59-, and then I got another $5- off because it had a dirty mark on it, which with a bit of elbow grease it came out. I even bought a hot pick and black on for the spare room.
Okay, I'll catch you all next week with an update into my life... I hope you all have an awesome week ahead of you.
Sunday 2 October 2016
The Real You
Wardens of the Guild 1
The Real You
Publisher: Pride Publishing
Releasing: 4 October 2016
Blurb:
Excerpt:
The Real You
Publisher: Pride Publishing
Releasing: 4 October 2016
Blurb:
The
age-old war between good and evil is bringing changes and with change comes
fear—especially the fear of what is to come.
Isiah Gillis and Claudius Reynar
are twins in every sense of the word. No one can tell them apart, yet they’re
not related. Since meeting, they’ve learned that they’ve become the subject of
a legend, something neither of them wanted.
Hatred from their past lives
comes knocking and tries to kill Claudius and Isiah by turning Mitch into a
weapon against them. Instead, Mitch now shares his body with Remi, a powerful
demon lord, who enters their lives—a demon Lord who claims them for his own.
Not everyone is happy that the
legend has been fulfilled and they will do everything in their power to tear
apart the strong bond the four men possess. Laramie realizes he has to separate
from Mitch or risk losing one of his mates so completely it could break them
all.
When old and new enemies alike
step forward to destroy who they are, Isiah, Mitch, Claudius and Remi gather
family and friends to fight in the war to save them all. Can things be set to
right before evil intentions win?
Excerpt:
Mitch Evans tugged his friend, Eric
Meyers, to a stop. “I’m not sure this is such a good idea, mate. When things
seem too good to be true, I always end up getting bit on the ass.”
“I think it’s a bloody perfect idea,
Mitch. You need somewhere to live and these guys need help with the rent and
everyday living expenses.” Eric grinned down at him, which wasn’t hard
considering he was almost a foot taller than Mitch.
Still, Mitch needed to get some
verification before he took another step. “You said they’re vampires—old
vampires. Why don’t they already have money to pay the rent? What’s wrong with
them?” Mitch queried. There has to be
something wrong with them to be in such dire straits. Why isn’t their day
warden looking after them?
Eric stared at him for a moment,
probably trying to decide how much he was allowed tell him. “There’s absolutely
nothing wrong with Claudius and Isiah. I promise, they’re really nice, and I
know for a fact you’ll get on with them very well. Just give this a
chance…please. I need you to do this for me.”
Mitch rolled his eyes at his best
friend. “Do Claudius and Isiah even know you’re trying to fob me off on them?” What if they don’t like me? Where will I be
then?
“Define know,” Eric asked a little too evasively.
Nervousness hit him like a tidal wave.
“Jesus, Eric!” he snapped. They came to a halt outside the door of a small,
brick unit. “You really need to stop doing shit like this. You can’t expect us
all instantly to get along and play happy families. What the hell is their day
warden going to say if I suddenly move into their territory?”
“Mitchell Bryan Evans,” Eric growled,
and Mitch knew he was in trouble when he heard his full name. He waited
patiently for Eric to continue. An interruption at this point could result in a
hissy fit of major proportions. “Okay, I admit I do have an ulterior motive for
you moving in here. I’m not just bringing you here for shits and giggles. Jeez,
what do you take me for? I’m not that fucking stupid.”
“Then before we go any further, why
don’t you tell me what the hell your motives are?” Mitch retorted hotly. He had
been played for a fool one too many times to simply walk right into the next
disaster. How many times do I need to be
kicked to the curb before I get the clue to keep clear of situations like this?
Sighing deeply, Eric answered, “The
reason I need you to move in is because Claude and Isiah don’t have a day
warden anymore, and even though I hate to admit it, I’m finding it really hard
to look after both them and Daven. Besides, I think you’ll love Claude and
Isiah if you give yourself the chance to get to know them. They really are the
sweetest guys, even if it does drive a person nuts trying to keep track of who
is who. Believe me, I’ve been friends with them for over three hundred years
and I still mix them up daily,” he said, then turned and used his key to open
the door. “Come in. They’ll be getting up soon.”
Mitch let his gaze wander over
everything the room held and he soon realized Eric was right. They really
didn’t have much of anything. Still, he had to wonder why. What happened to everything they owned? How the hell have they been
surviving living like this? “Shouldn’t we have at least waited for Claudius
and Isiah to be awake when I enter their home for the first time? I thought you
told me vamps were very territorial about people invading their space?” Mitch
whispered. He frowned when Eric pulled him through the flat toward what he
assumed was the kitchen.
Eric shrugged nonchalantly then opened
the door leading into a small bedroom.
Definitely
not the kitchen. It took a
moment for Mitch’s eyes to adjust to the dim lighting. Upon his first eyeful of
the two naked figures on the bed, Mitch inhaled sharply. Stepping closer, he
saw they were spooning. There was something about the sight which absolutely
captivated him.
“They’re…they’re…” He stood there
soaking up the sight of the two cuddling men.
“Yeah, it kinda freaked me out at
first, and I don’t want to even know how close their relationship really is,”
Eric said.
Mitch noticed his gaze never drifted
from the bed or its inhabitants.
“What are you talking about?” Mitch
whispered, a little perplexed that something so innocent would freak someone
out.
“Weren’t you going to say they’re naked
and snuggling?”
Mitch snorted. “No.”
“Then what were you going to say?
They’re what?” Eric asked.
“They’re stunning,” Mitch answered. A
deep blush raced across his body like a fire consuming him. He backed slowly
out of the room, pulling Eric after him. He needed to get the hell away from
Claudius and Isiah. His body was already giving away more than he was willing
to share.
“Wait until you actually meet them.
They’re even more gorgeous with their eyes open,” Eric sighed dramatically. The
second he seemed to realize his faux pas, his eyes widened in embarrassment.
“I meant to a girl. They’d be even more beautiful when they’re awake. Or
possibly to a gay guy. Not that I’m saying there’s anything wrong with being
gay.” Eric blushed even more profusely. “I think I’ll just shut up now.”
Mitch nudged Eric’s shoulder while he
was again led through the unit and into the kitchen. “I think those two would
be sexy to anyone. Do I get to see what’s behind door number two?” He pointed
in the direction of another closed door that he guessed led to a second bedroom.
“Nah, that’s only Daven, and he gets
kinda touchy about people seeing him while he sleeps. It freaks him out, and if
he found out, he would be pissed at me. Believe me, that’s something neither of
us wants to witness.” Eric walked over to the kitchen bench and filled the
kettle. “Come on, I’ll make you a coffee. I’ll even use the good stuff.”
“Are you trying to bribe me, or what?”
Mitch chuckled and sat at the table.
“Most definitely.”
Eric made the coffee, and after, Mitch
realized he was pulling out bags of blood. He lined them up on the counter to
warm, apparently for when their recipients began to stir for the day.
“Why don’t the twins have a day
warden?” Mitch asked curiously as Eric went about cooking breakfast. He
wondered if he would like taking over the duties of caring for two strangers.
It would be hard, but he’d get used to it.
“I should tell you that technically,
they’re not twins. Hard to believe, I know. Seeing how they look so much alike.
To be honest, I’m not sure they’re even related. I heard someone say once that
everyone in the world has someone who is the mirror image of themselves. It’s
not often that they find each other, so I bet it freaked Claudius and Isiah out
when they met for the first time. In the beginning, they did have a day
warden.” Eric scowled. “Gabriel is Isiah’s cousin, but he hates both of them.
In his eyes, he was forced into the job of caring for his cousin and for
Claude. So, for the past couple of centuries, he’s been trying—unsuccessfully,
thank God—to kill them off. He tries something every couple of months. I think
Gabriel’s about due to strike again.”
For some reason, that didn’t sit well
with Mitch. He wanted to know more and figured the only way he would get
answers was to ask. “Can’t someone else be assigned as their day warden? Why
did he even take the job if he didn’t like them? How can they look so much
alike if they’re not twins? And why did you get lumbered with the job?” There has to be more to the story.
Eric handed him a mug of coffee and sat
at the table with him. “It’s not that simple to become a day warden. You need
to be bound to your charge for eternity. Plus, you have to have been the one
who was with them at their time of change. For example, I became Daven’s day
warden because we happened to be in the middle of a fistfight when he went
through his change. I actually volunteered to take care of the boys when it
became obvious Gabriel wasn’t. Daven is a member of the Guild and he ended up
taking Claude and Isiah under his wing.”
Mitch’s eyes widened. “Are you telling
me prior to the fight with Daven that you weren’t even friends? Sounds like
this Gabriel sucks big time.”
“Good God, no. We absolutely hated each
other, hence the fight. The bond between a day warden and their charge is
instantaneous and can only be broken by death. While Daven lives, so do I. Just
so you know, Gabriel Gillis wasn’t always a dick. Isiah said they used to be
really close. After their turning, he went from friend to enemy.”
“But you and Daven are obviously
friends now. I’m sure there must be a story behind why Gabriel did what he
did,” Mitch stated curiously before adding, “What I really want to know is why
do some people change while others don’t? I mean, why Daven and not you?”
“No clue what the story is behind
Gabriel. Neither Claude nor Isiah like to talk about him much. And you’re
right, Dav and I are friends. Now we’re closer than full-blooded brothers.
We’ve been together for five hundred and twelve years. We have no secrets from
each other. As to why him and not me, it’s genetics. His family must be
descended from the first generation of vampires. Mine are descended from
humans…as are yours. Only humans can become day wardens. Mind you, in some
families only a few change, while the rest remain human. It’s one of the reasons
the guild was formed in the first place. They say they are out to protect us,
but I have a feeling it’s more to do with them all being nosey and wanting to
know everyone else’s business. Just don’t tell Dav I said that. If you do, I’ll
deny everything.”
Mitch frowned. “You still haven’t
explained to me how they can look like twins if they’re not related.” Weirdly,
his curiosity was getting the better of him. Crap like this always made him
leap instead of looking first. His heart was going ‘pick me, pick me’, all the
while his brain was telling him to shut the fuck up.
“To be honest, I don’t really know. By
all rights they should be twins, except they aren’t. Their names are Claudius
Reynar and Isiah Gillis. From what they’ve told us, they never even laid eyes
on each other until the day of their changes. Daven thinks when they laid eyes
on each other for the first time, it triggered the change, and unluckily for
Gabriel, he was the one who happened to be there with Isiah and Claudius. Most
people of our world think Claude and Isiah are the two men mentioned in the
ancient scrolls. The legend is of two men who are mirror images of each other,
but not related, and how they set about changing the way of the world.”
Mitch got the feeling Eric wasn’t
telling him the whole truth, but he wasn’t going to push it. Everyone was
entitled to his or her secrets. Though, if he took over the care of the two
vampires who lived here, then he would be demanding some answers. At a noise
from the doorway, Mitch looked up and stared at an extremely beautiful young
guy standing there. Hell, are all
vampires this frickin’ good-looking? The man’s green eyes were crystal
clear, and Mitch got the feeling the guy was seeing inside his soul. He
cautiously watched the newcomer head straight for the bagged blood lining the
kitchen bench without speaking.
Broody
much?
Eric looked up at the newcomer and
said, “Hey, Dav, this is my friend Mitch Evans. He’s come over to see about
renting the spare room.”
Daven once again turned his icy-green
gaze in Mitch’s direction. He didn’t say a word as he poured the blood into a
cup. He brought the mug to his lips and drank deeply. Walking over to the
table, he then sat and smirked at Mitch. “Well, this should be interesting.”
Mitch felt like a bug under a
microscope at the way Daven openly stared at him. It’s lucky Daven is so good-looking, because people don’t realize he
has absolutely no tact whatsoever.
* * * *
Isiah woke to the strong scent of a
human permeating the air, and he knew immediately it wasn’t Eric. Well, that
wasn’t exactly true. He could also detected Eric, but there was someone with
him—a stranger. Whoever it was had been in the room while he and Claudius had
been asleep. He hated the fact that some stranger had watched them sleep. Strangers
never understood the need for closeness between him and Claude. Everyone always
immediately assumed they were closely related. No one ever believed they
weren’t actually full-blooded twins.
“What’s the matter, Isiah?” Claude
asked.
Isiah sighed as Claude tightened his
arms ever so slightly around him. Isiah felt Claude freeze when he also must
have registered the foreign scent in the air. Releasing Isiah, Claude sat up,
turned to him and snapped, “Who the hell is in our home?”
“I don’t know.” Isiah rolled onto his
back and gazed up into Claude’s troubled eyes, feeling exactly the same way.
“They were in our room. They saw us.”
“I’ll be okay, Isiah. I won’t let
anyone hurt you ever again. I promise.”
Isiah shivered uncontrollably at his
lover’s words. Painful memories of his cousin filled his mind. He didn’t ever
want Gabriel coming back and destroying their happiness again. Why couldn’t
Gabriel leave them the hell alone? They’d given him everything, then Gabe had
turned his back and walked away, and still the bastard wanted them dead. Didn’t
his cousin know he and Claude had nothing left to give?
Saturday 1 October 2016
Guest Blogger ~ Jackie Nacht
Paranormal Dentistry for the Fanged and Friendly
Print Version.
Author: Jackie Nacht
Publisher: MLRPress
Release Date: 23 September 2016
BLURB:
The Full title of this work is
"Paranormal Dentistry for the Fanged and Friendly Volume #1"
Shifters
need dentists too! Come to the town of White Pine, where shifters live and fall
in love.
Peanut Butter and Jelly for Two—Meet
Phillip, a chipmunk, and Gunner, a wolf. Phillip has seen handsome men walk
through the door of Paranormal Dentistry for the Fanged and Friendly but none
so gorgeous as his boss and wolf shifter, Dr. Gunner Samuels.
Stalking the Hygienist—Meet Serge,
a deer, and Beauregard, a lion. When Sergei saw Beauregard coming up to his
meat counter, he fell for the deer shifter. The problem is Beauregard is
running from him. Being the lion shifter he is, Sergei decides to go hunting.
Chipmunk Drizzled in Honey—introduces
Dallas, a bear, and Nikko, a chipmunk. Dallas is the owner of the donut shop,
Honey Cakes. He thought his life was perfect until Nikko the chipmunk sashayed
into it. Dallas doesn't know if he wants to push the spunky chipmunk away or
make love to him.
Fall for the whole chipmunk
family in A Paranormal Chipmunk Christmas.
Hot on a Chipmunk's Tail—introduces
Jason, a chipmunk, and Will, a mountain lion. Jason has lived under the
protection of his twenty siblings, but takes a chance to leave Will behind when
he runs to White Pine. Unfortunately, some of his brothers are coming along for
the ride.
White Pine Chipmunk Invasion—features
Winslow, a chipmunk with a twin, and Teegan, a Nile croc. The twins are White
Pine's troublemakers, making a path of destruction wherever they go. Winslow
has been secretly meeting up with a certain Nile croc who has been hinting at
wanting more.
EXCERPT:
A
minute later, the bell chimed again, and the sounds of disgruntled protests
filled the waiting area as Dallas and Dr. Samuels walked in together. Dear
Lord, Gunner was a lethal combination of handsome and sex all rolled up into
one. Phillip blatantly stared. Hell, he couldn't help it. The man was packed
solid. Phillip had thought when he first started working there a couple months
ago that he would tame his desire for the man, but no such luck. Sheesh, he had
it bad if he was long-necking Gunner's fine body.
Gunner
walked like the wolf shifter he was, with a lethal grace that had the ability
to make everyone stop what they were doing and take notice. A smile that was so
perfect that Phillip was surprised the man wasn't starring in toothpaste
commercials. Hell, Phillip was going to need the drool bib.
Trying
to distract himself, Phillip glanced over to see Dallas take a seat without
checking in. The grumpy bear didn't look too pleased at coming in today.
Phillip grabbed the sign-in sheet and jotted Dallas's name down.
Dr.
Samuels came through the glass door separating the waiting room from the
patient rooms. He filled up the space, making Phillip feel even smaller than
his five foot eight inches. Phillip's hand shook as he put the sign-in sheet
back at the window.
Dr.
Samuels showed his pearly whites, smiling with full luscious lips that Phillip
had fantasized about since day one. "How are you this morning,
Phillip?" Dr. Samuels leaned on the check-out counter as Phillip handed
him his computer tablet that stored all the patient files and appointments for
the day. That was the first thing Phillip changed when he got here. The dentist
was not allowed to have a pile of paper covering his desk ever again.
And
just like always, Phillip got all tongue-tied, feeling like a complete idiot in
front of the good dentist. "Nuh." Dear Lord, that wasn't even a word.
Phillip wanted to crawl under his desk in embarrassment.
Beauregard
came walking down the hall and began to distract Gunner. Thank you, Beauregard! Could that have been any more awkward?
Phillip thought he better get his act together or the dentist was going to
question his ability to work here if he continually talked in incoherent babble
all the time.
Standing
up, Phillip ran to the back to grab a coffee in the break room, pouring the
usual four hazelnut creamers in it. Yeah, it was frowned upon to drink coffee
in the office but sometimes a chipmunk needed a pick-me-up to get through the
day.
Beauregard
stuck his head in. "What the hell was all that about?"
Phillip
groaned in misery. "You heard?"
"Um...yeah.
You know what you need to do? Just ask the wolf out. Hell, have him over for
dinner."
~
"I
can't cook, especially meat."
"Sure,
you can. You're an omnivore. Don't you eat everything? Just pop a roast in the
oven and voila!" Beauregard said loudly.
Dr.
Samuels walked in. "I love roast."
Beauregard
smirked at Phillip, an entire inner dialog being exchanged with their eyes.
Don't you dare. Phillip
glared.
Beauregard
raised a brow. Ooooh really? Is that a
challenge?
Paybacks are hell!
Beauregard
turned his back on Phillip.
Casually,
Beauregard spoke as if he wasn't throwing Phillip under the bus, "You
should come over to Phillip's for dinner tomorrow night. He's really good at
cooking and was going to make a roast for just his little lonesome."
Liar!
"Really?
I don't want to intrude." Gunner glanced over at Phillip.
Sweat
began to build on Phillip's brow as a million thoughts passed in a nanosecond.
From wanting to strangle Beauregard, to hugging him, to panic that this was his
one chance, all the way to the thought that he had no fucking clue how to cook.
"I'd
love to have you over," Phillip blurted out before he could take it back. I'm screwed!
ABOUT JACKIE:
ABOUT JACKIE:
Short, sexy and sweet—where a little love
goes a long way.
That’s
the best way to describe Jackie Nacht’s stories. I was introduced to M/M
Romance through my sister, Stephani, and read it for years. Then, I thought it
was time to put my own stories on paper. I began writing short and sweet
stories that ended with a happily ever after…and sometimes more than one, in
the case of my YA Fork in the Road series,
which has interactive endings.
Thinking
back to my own book addiction, where there were many nights I stayed up way too
late so I could read just one more chapter—yeah,
right—I decided to write short romances for young adults as well as adults.
Hopefully, they will give high school and college students, or working men and
women something they can read during their lunch hour, in between classes or
just when they want to briefly get away from the daily stresses of everyday
life.
Find Jackie Here
Friday 30 September 2016
Thursday 29 September 2016
Throwback Thursday
The Lines of Marsden 1
Rules are Meant to be Broken
2014
Blurb:
Rules are Meant to be Broken
2014
Blurb:
The Lines of Marsden
were born into existence for a reason: to right the wrongs that had once taken
place. Destiny fated that they must destroy the Eldren before evil wins.
Michael Marsden wants
to die – for real this time. He wasn’t meant to lead the half-life that he
does. He chooses to let it go and let death take what it had already claimed.
But Christian Risely isn’t
about to let that happen. He is drawn to Michael and is willing to do
anything to ensure that he lives, even if that means keeping him alive against
his will.
Excerpt:
Chapter
One
So much to live for.
Michael's gaze slowly drifted around the crowded and smoky nightclub,
watching the unsuspecting people go about their lives, not knowing things like
him existed, walked among them. Here these people were, laughing and enjoying
the lives they all took for granted.
Anger—or something very much like it—settled low in his stomach. He was
pissed off; these people all had something that he had lost forever. Feelings
like these scared him, knowing he was no longer one of them. Thanks to some
fucked up twist of fate, he couldn't go back to the life he had always known.
Everything was so confusing—he didn't even know if he was even fully human
anymore. What had he done in his life that was so wrong he ended up with this
destiny? He was a pacifist for crying out loud. Running away and letting Gypsy
deal with the hard stuff had always been his way of coping.
A cigarette dangled loosely from his pale fingertips as the music
pounded through his body in place of the heartbeat he no longer felt. This
alone made him angrier still, because it showed just how fucked up his life had
become. Why the hell had this happened to him? Especially when he had so much
to live for. He had Gypsy! And he missed her so much. The thought made him
smile sadly—he bet not many brothers would say such nice things about their sisters.
But Gypsy was special—she was his twin. Gypsy knew him better then he knew
himself. Their grandad had told him often enough, "Michael never walk away
from your sister. No matter what happens to you both in life, remember she is
your strength. Her job is to protect you in what is to come." It was
bullshit memories such as this which made everything so damn hard. Why had his
grandad told him lies? It only made him hurt a hundred times more.
Michael swiped at his angry tears and pushed away from the table. Not
wanting to be around these people any longer, knowing they took for granted
everything he wanted back, Michael walked outside and headed down the darkened
street. He was finding it harder and harder not to give into his cravings. Even
now it gnawed at his insides, demanding he take notice. He needed to work out
if he was going to give into what his body wanted, or fight it, and more than
likely die.
Blocking out the one voice behind him, her voice—Why did Gypsy haunt him
so? Why couldn't she leave him alone?—Michael headed into the park, taking the
least used paths so he wouldn't run into anyone. At the sound of murmuring
voices he stopped, listened. Michael was glad neither were the same voice from
earlier, yet they were ones he had heard before. Undoubtedly he was being
followed again. Tonight he just wished they would just go away and leave him in
peace. Didn't they know he found their constant surveillance annoying? He was
twenty-two years old for crying out loud. Seriously he didn't need this shit.
Not tonight. Trying to ignore them, he continued on his way, wondering what
made him so fascinating to them.
As he tried to ignore their presence, he turned his thoughts inwards to
his anger, all the things which pissed him off. At the top of the list was
hearing Gypsy's voice calling out to him wherever he went. He missed his sister
so much. There was no running from the memories of what they once shared. Her
voice was slowly sending him insane. This was why Michael hadn't turned when he
heard her. It wasn't real. She wasn't actually there, and turning to find it
was all in his imagination would make him want to go and find her. Find her, to
seek out what they had once shared. If his sister was here then he wouldn't be
so lonely. This was the reason why he pressed his hands over his ears to block
her out as he walked away. She had once promised him they would be together
forever. What a crock of shit it had all turned out to be. Why had two people
he cared about lied to him? First Grandad and now Gypsy?
Groaning, he pressed a hand to his throat. He hated knowing as his
hunger grew his obsession with Gypsy escalated. How could he want to be with
her when he was this way? Deep down he knew he wanted to make her the same, to
be able to keep her with him for always like she had promised. If she were with
him then he wouldn't have to spend the rest of his existence on his own. With
Gypsy here he would be strong enough to survive and not be as scared as he
felt. He knew his emotions jumping from pissed off to scared all the time
wasn't good for him. But there was nothing he could do about. Or rather,
nothing he was willing to do about it.
In reality it terrified him because he could imagine feeding from her,
the taste of her blood filling his mouth, and it disgusted him because he knew
if he truly wanted to do it she would let him.
How sick was that?
Slowing his pace, Michael concentrated. Someone was still watching him—actually
there were two of them. They smelt the same yet completely different, and
strangely the scent of each of them called to him. This wasn't the first time
he had sensed them following him, but tonight it felt different. Usually they
kept their distance. Tonight Michael could feel
his watchers' curiosity, and it overrode his hunger. He didn't know how he was
able to do this; it seemed to be something new which had come to him with his
change of circumstances. The thought alone made him almost burst out laughing.
Change of circumstances. What a
crock.
Inhaling, he found the watchers' scents were strange, intoxicating—sweet
with just a little touch of spice. It made his mouth water. Both called to him,
pulling at him as much as his thoughts of Gypsy did. He shook his head as if to
clear it. He really didn't need this crap. Michael pulled out a cigarette and
placed it between his trembling lips. His hands shook so much as he struck the
first match it went out before he could get it anywhere near the tip of his
smoke. With a sigh, he tried again and grimaced sadly when he succeeded. In
that brief instant when the flame flickered in front of his face he heard the
watchers' breaths catch and wondered why. What did the watchers see? What was
making them react the way they were? It seemed strange all the crap filtering
through his head nowadays, making him think and wonder "why" all the
time. Michael's lips twitched as he once again he heard a sigh, or sighs. There
were two of them.
With a wince, he inhaled on his cigarette. It was funny how quickly a
habit could form. He had only taken up smoking so he wouldn't give in to the
hunger his body craved so badly. Yet the hunger was an itch deep down inside,
one he couldn't relieve no matter how much he scratched. He was growing weaker;
he could feel it with every passing day. Even now it hurt just to smoke. It was
almost too hard to raise his hand to his face. Breathing, which had once come
so easily to him, felt as though he had swallowed hot coals. It burned badly
and he needed it to stop.
Pain shot through his head. He stumbled, falling to the ground. Michael
watched the glowing tip of his cigarette—it had fallen mere inches from his
face. Tonight he would have to give in or die, he knew it. A slow maniacal
laughter echoed into the surrounding darkness, cut short by the effort it took
as he rolled onto his back. Staring at the dark sky above him he realised his
choice was made. His eyes fluttered before closing.
If he died then all of this could end. No more fear. No more anger. No
more pain. Just peace.
"Please God! Please don't let me wake up again. Please?"
*
Christian stood with Doyle in the shadows and watched as Michael seemed
to struggle with himself. Michael was the newest member of their family,
whether he wanted to be or not.
Pain had such a tantalising way about it, Christian thought as he closed
his eyes. Breathing deeply, he savoured the experience of it. It reminded him
of something, but he couldn't quite remember what, and he knew it would drive
him crazy until he worked it all out. He wanted so much to bite and taste
Michael just a little bit, but it wasn't allowed. His instructions were to
watch.
Pulling out his phone, he tossed it to Doyle and listened as he dialled,
his gaze never leaving Michael. Christian studied Michael as he lay on the
ground laughing as he stared up into the darkness. What so funny? Something
about Michael pulled Christian to him, and he didn't know what it was, or why
the urge to be near Michael was so strong. He loved the fact he was the one who
was going to help Michael survive. Okay, so he wasn't alone, but Doyle didn't
seem as fascinated as he did. Doyle seemed almost angry, and tense.
Christian realised he could do whatever he wanted to Michael and no one
would be any wiser. Well, except for Doyle. The thought of Doyle watching made
him chuckle. What would Doyle think if I
started making out with Michael?
"Charm, he's down." Doyle told her where they were before he
put the phone away and then walked toward the unconscious form lying on the
ground. It would take about forty-five minutes for the others to get here.
Forty-five minutes where he and Christian would be alone with Michael.
Picking up Michael's cigarette, Doyle took a drag before flicking it
away into the darkness. It tasted of peppermint and roses. Doyle had the urge
to find out what Michael's mouth would taste like. The craving shocked and
mildly repulsed him - he had never had this kind of reaction before to anyone,
much less a guy. As he sat on the grass beside Michael, his fingertips itched
to reach out and stroke the stranger's face. Michael's face. Charm had told
them earlier when she had found out his name, and it was such a beautiful name.
His fingertips tingled at the touch as he gave in to his desire. He couldn't
help but notice Christian was just as equally, if not more fascinated by him.
As he studied Michael lying there, Christian wanted desperately to be
able to hear his thoughts. He wanted to know everything in Michael's mind.
Maybe then he could work out why he was pulled toward Michael as he was.
Glancing over at Doyle, Christian frowned, feeling jealous because Doyle had
been the first to touch Michael.
They both knew Michael was dying; he needed to feed. Christian wanted to
ease his pain. Rather, he needed to ease his pain. Somewhere deep
inside him something was telling him Michael belonged to him and was his to
protect.
Leaning over him, Christian spoke softly in Michael's ear. "I will
help you. I will make it so you can live. I will make it so you can stay with
me, with us for all eternity." Christian wanted to devour Michael's mouth
in a deep and lingering kiss. He wanted so much just to push his tongue into
Michael's mouth so he could taste him more thoroughly. In his mind his lips
began kissing Michael's face over and over as they lay there tasting every inch
of skin. It was a pity Michael wasn't aware of what he was thinking. If he
were, would Michael enjoy those thoughts? He wondered about Doyle. What would
he think if he knew Christian had a crush on the new guy? At least in his own
mind he could do what he wanted.
Oh well, as long as one of us is having fun.
And boy would I have had fun.
While he waited for what he needed to come along, he told Doyle all
about what he planned to do. "It's simple, I just kill some poor
unsuspecting person who happens past our way and then I will drink all their
nice delicious blood and spit it into his mouth so he can get better."
Doyle rolled his eyes. "Chris, there are easier ways to do
it."
"Yes, but will it be as fun as my way? Well, fun for me."
Though really, he should get Michael's permission before doing the deed.
Turning his attention back to Michael, Christian asked, "So do you
want me to save you?" Michael stared at him with glazed over eyes, as if
he was only half aware of what was going on. When he didn't answer, Christian
made Michael's head nod, and kissed him on the forehead. "Good boy, love.
I thought you would see it my way."
*
Doyle saw Michael try to shake his head in the negative. "Chris, he
doesn't want this. You can't change him against his wishes." It killed a
little part of Doyle to say it.
"He's already changed. I am just giving him a little boost,"
Christian said. He jumped to his feet as they heard someone approaching.
Christian's whole demeanour seemed to alter and Doyle knew the hunt was on.
Doyle watched as Christian took off through the park before turning his
attention back to Michael, who still lay on the ground. His gaze locked onto
Doyle's as if pleading.
"What do you want me to do, Michael?" Doyle had to lean down
close to listen for the other man's answer.
Michael rasped softly, "Please."
Doyle didn't hesitate as he bit his own wrist and placed it over
Michael's mouth. As he felt the pull of Michael's feeding, he hoped he wasn't
making the biggest mistake of his life. Something about Michael drew him, yet
he wasn't comfortable acknowledging how it made him feel. He wasn't gay and he
didn't ever want to be gay. He must only be feeling this way because Michael
was helpless. Who wouldn't feel sorry for someone desperately needing help?
Michael whimpered as Doyle removed his arm.
"Shh, Chris is bringing you more. I promise."
*
* *
Christian stalked his prey through the park for perhaps five minutes,
just waiting for his moment. It amazed him how stupid people really were. Why
would they walk all by themselves though a darkened park at this time of night?
Not even caring there were dangerous things out there in the night, not all of
which were animals? He gave a low growl and let the demon within run free.
The woman never had a chance. She didn't even realise she was about to
die until she turned and saw him there, and she was dead before she had time to
scream. The hardest part was carrying her back to Michael when he was tempted
to drain her himself.
"Still here? Excellent! For a moment I thought you may
have gotten bored and wandered off with Doyle," Christian said to
Michael's inert form, and then winked in Doyle's direction. He laid the girl on
the ground beside Michael. Christian drank deeply and her salty warmth flowed
readily into his mouth. Moving toward Michael, Christian gently lowered his
lips until they pressed against Michael's. He used his tongue to once again
part Michael's lips, but this time it was just enough to let the warmth he held
trickle into the other's mouth. His fingertips gently held the side of
Michael's face to keep it steady. It felt strange but nice as Michael's tongue
flicked into his mouth seeking what he had to offer. He heard Doyle growl
behind him.
Christian's eyes snapped to Doyle in confusion. "Why does he taste
like you?"
When Doyle shrugged, Christian turned back to feeding Michael. He
repeated the action of feeding Michael many times until he thought Michael
would survive the journey home. The last time, it felt more as if Michael was
responding to one of his kisses and it made him groan. He wanted so much to
explore the sensation, but instead he jerked back when he heard Kerr and Charm
approaching. What would they say if they found him on the ground kissing
Michael beside a dead body? It was bad enough Doyle had witnessed it all.
Now it was time to take Michael home so he could join his family.
"See love," Christian spoke casually to Michael's inert form,
"now that you have fed, we are going home." Christian moved to the
side as he watched Kerr pick Michael up and start to carry him toward Ambrose
Street. Charm and Doyle stayed behind to dispose of the young woman's remains
while Christian followed Kerr. He wasn't going to let Michael get too far out
of his sight. Not now. Not ever.
Wednesday 28 September 2016
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