He’s always been her guardian. But now he’s claimed her heart.
Rorlan is Larissa’s demon guardian, and he’s been tempted by her nearly every day. Now he has her exactly where he wants her, chained in his room in Hell, taking everything he has to give and asking for more. She’s his every dream come true, a fantasy come to life. He’s just not sure he’ll be able to give her up when it’s time for her to return to the surface.
I caressed the soft, supple skin of the woman I’d chained to the wall of my room. She wasn’t just any woman though. No, she was my charge, the one woman I was sworn to protect, and what better way than to make sure she had my undivided attention? Larissa had caught me in the act of protecting her when a man attempted to rob her at knife point, and she demanded that I take her with me when I returned to Hell. So here we were.
I’d watched over her for years, and had been tempted nearly every day. Until now, I wouldn’t have dared to touch her, but recent events had shown that it wasn’t quite as frowned upon as I’d once thought. Watching her date one faithless man after another, knowing they were going to hurt her in the end, hadn’t been easy. It was, after all, my job to protect her. And I took my job very seriously.
Larissa was different from the others I’d protected in the past. There was something about her that called to me, something that made her special. At first, I’d thought it was merely my drive to fuck her senseless, but now I wondered if it wasn’t, perhaps, something more. I’d never realized that a demon could have feelings other than lust and anger, but I felt something for the woman before me. I couldn’t put a name to it, but I definitely felt something.
The light lovingly caressed her and my cock hardened even further. I wondered if once would be enough with Larissa, or would it take many times before my lust would be sated? Her scent alone was driving me mad, having her helpless and at my mercy only increased my desire for her.
I’d always been dominant in the bedroom, but the sight of her shackled, ready and waiting for me, was enough to make me want to rip the chains from the wall and throw her on the bed. But I wouldn’t do that. No, what I was doing would serve a purpose. It was something she needed, even if she didn’t realize it.
She stood there, shackled, so trusting. I’d been surprised when she’d given in to me so easily, being a natural fighter. Being bound in any way went against her very nature, and yet here she was, putting her faith in me not to harm her. While I’d known her for years, she’d just met me today. She should’ve been more cautious, especially with me being a demon, but that only seemed to intrigue her further.
A fine sheen of sweat coated her skin, and I leaned forward to lick a path from her shoulder to her neck. She tasted so sweet. I trailed my hand from her neck down her spine to her ass, loving the contrast of her fair skin and my blue tinge. My whole body was blue with intricate black tattoos covering my neck, arms and torso. All Tinta demons looked like me, and we were each sworn to protect one special woman. And Larissa was certainly special.
Thank you so much for hosting me! I loved writing this book and I hope that readers will enjoy reading it as much as I adored the process of writing it. I am working on a novella sequel to this novel, Ella’s story. Enjoy Reality Hero, I can’t wait to hear what you think. I love reader email at authorashlynnmonroe@gmail.com!
Blurb: Can reality TV handle a reluctant superhero bachelor, ten attention-seeking women, and one evil villain?
Dina Dell’s career as a television producer has hit bottom. Desperate to save her job, she comes up with the idea for a reality show called I Want to Date a Superhero. But the only superhero bachelor she knows is the only man she’s ever loved—Zane Blair.
Zane was once a normal human, but a traumatic childhood incident mutated him, along with Dina’s sister and their friends. Dina was the only one who escaped without any superhero abilities. And while she might be the “normal” one, that only left her feeling like more of an outcast.
Her lack of powers put Zane in danger. Knowing that it was only a matter of time before someone used her to get to him, she left, breaking both their hearts in the process. After all the pain she caused him, will he be willing to help her now?
Then an old enemy emerges, putting Dina’s plans on hold. When her superhero friends are the ones who need help, Dina just might learn that sometimes little Miss Average can be a hero too.
Zane looked at Dina in disbelief. Before he could stop himself, he was crushing her to him in a desperate kiss. His mouth ravished her with primitive savagery. Dina melted against him. Her lips parted and he slid his tongue into her mouth. She tasted so damn good. Feeling her body against his was an incredibly heady sensation. He never wanted to let her go. Her tongue slipped inside his mouth and explored. Zane growled and held her close for a second longer.
He pulled back, searching her expression for any sign that she was ready to admit they belonged together. Her wide eyes gazed up at him, and her lips parted slightly. She flushed, looking incredibly sexy. Just looking at her made his cock stiffen.
She put her forehead against his chin and closed her eyes. “You’d better go before someone comes to investigate how I am.”
He pushed back from her. She was a damn stubborn woman. He must like to suffer, because that was part of her appeal. He’d always loved a challenge. “Someday, I won’t obey your every command, Di.”
He had no idea just how much those old feelings still lived inside of her. She opened the door, this time he didn’t get it for her, and she ran up the stairs and into her building like the chicken she was. Her inner voice made clucking sounds the whole time she fled. Nothing terrified her quite like her longing for him. She wondered if he knew it and hoped he didn’t.
She’d never get any rest and she had a mountain of work so she sat down and started going over everything. There was a lot more to putting on good TV than just turning on a camera. The phone rang and she jumped. Her hand slapped around on top of all the papers on the desk until she found her cellphone buried under them. Her eyes were so blurry that she didn’t even bother to look at the caller ID.
“Hello,” Dina said.
“I’ve never been ashamed of you until today. Dina, how could you? You know Zane would never let you down. You used his feelings to abuse his good heart. I’m so angry with you that I don’t even know the right words to express it. If you needed something, why didn’t you talk to me first? I could’ve helped you. We could’ve come up with something different.”
There was a pause. Dina didn’t know what to say. It was a small relief when Ella continued.
“He hates the media, and now he’ll not only just be on your show, but the tabloids will eat him alive too. They’ll do all they can to find out his secret identity. You know the lies those rags print. This will start a feeding frenzy.”
Dina knew she deserved the tongue lashing, so she said nothing. She had no defense, because her twin was right.
“Call this off. Please, as my sister, do this for me and save the best man in the city from this horrible mistake. I know how you feel about him, and you know how I feel about him. We both know how he feels about you.”
There was another pause. Dina’s throat closed. She knew, and it tore at her heart.
“Are you still there?” Ella sounded annoyed.
“Yes,” Dina whispered brokenly.
“When you left, you ripped out his guts. Don’t destroy his life. He still loves you.”
“I know.” That was what made asking him to be on the show so damn hard.
“I don’t know why you turned your back on us, but you owe him. We all do. He’s the best of us. We’ve lost Aaron. Don’t take Zane away too. If he’s exposed, God only knows what will happen to him—us. Don’t do this, Dina.”
She bit her lip. She wanted to tell her sister she’d come to her senses, but it was too late.
“Ella, I’m so sorry. I hate myself, but it’s too late. They’re already airing the promos on the network, and the casting call went out. In the morning, I’m going to have dozens of women begging me to be on this show. Zane and I have been over for a very long time. We both know which one of us is in his life. You should be with him, not me. I’m his Achilles heel.”
“Being in his life isn’t the same as being in his heart, sis. He’s always loved you, and while we look alike, I’ll never be you. He wants you.”
Want more?
Dina Dell sat in the conference room waiting anxiously. A huge lump began forming in her throat. She knew things weren’t going to go well, yet she held hope old Ervin might be feeling generous. Her past hip and innovative programming ideas had once made her his most valued employee. Now she was hanging onto her job by a thread. That’s how the television business is: unforgiving. She was the mastermind behind top rated shows such as Kid Exchange and Please, Someone Marry my Mother.
Unfortunately, the wellspring of creativity had run dry. For the last year, every show she’d produced had been ratings disasters, if her productions had even been lucky enough to air at all. Dina saw the writing on the wall, and with the network making major cuts to combat the economic slump, she knew the axe was coming down…on her head.
Watching the wily old codger walk toward the room through the opaque glass, even without seeing his face, she knew he was on the warpath. His body language said it all. His fists were clenched and his shoulders were tight. He lumbered down the hall as if he were preparing for murder—the murder of her career. Ervin threw open the door with dramatic flair.
“My Cat is in Charge? Really? Really and truly? Dear God, Dina. You honestly thought this was going to make good television? Who’d ever watch this? What happened to that brilliant brain of yours? Did you have a head injury? Did you have a stroke? Did someone hit me in the head, and this is all some coma-induced nightmare? What could possibly keep me from canning your sweet little ass right now?”
“Well, the sexual harassment lawsuit over your ‘sweet ass’ comment for one, and two, I have an idea that’ll blow your mind. I swear it. This one will put the network on top again. When the big boys hear the premise, neither of us will ever have to worry about our jobs again.” She paused and took a deep breath. Sweat ran down her face, but she resisted the urge to swipe at it, just in case he didn’t notice. Oh God, can he see that I’m lying? “That whole cat thing was just to get your attention for this. I swear the network will be kissing your ass after this airs.” Dina was lying through her teeth. She had nothing that she could produce. Her only idea was one she could never actually use without destroying people she cared about. The cat thing was the most creative idea she’d had in months. Plenty of people loved cats. Someone would want to watch a show about families letting their furry feline make major life decisions. Oh fuck, that is awful. Crap. Hold it together, girl. The old man can smell fear. She gulped in another lungful of air.
He cocked a bushy, gray eyebrow and crossed his arms over his chest. Waiting. She took a breath. Folding her hands, she put them in her lap so he wouldn’t notice them shaking. Closing her eyes, she exhaled slowly. It was time to pull out the dramatics. She’d been around enough TV personalities to have picked up a thing or two about acting. Okay, maybe if I lie well, he won’t send me to spend the rest of my life living on the street and rambling incoherently about my glory days working in television. The desperate thoughts sent her heart racing. She opened her eyes and regretted it. Ervin was staring at her. He still hadn’t said a word, but she could see curiosity in his expression. Good. He’d taken the bait, too bad she had nothing to reel him in with.
“I respect you, Ervin, but I’ll take this idea to another network if you don’t want to hear it.”
His eyebrow rose. “Okay?”
He was giving her one last chance. She opened her mouth to condemn the one person who really mattered to her. Her mouth went dry and she shut it. Biting her lip, she closed her eyes. There was no more waiting, she had to do it, even if this idea cost her what was left of her soul. She looked up at her mentor.
“What if I told you I had a superhero who was willing to star in a new show? Would you want me to run with that?”
His watery eyes bulged, then he recovered and a scowl replaced his shock. “You’ve made this network some serious money, but that’s in the past. For the last year, you’ve been a harbinger of series death. Whatever you’ve touched around here has turned to steaming piles of…crap. Your ideas stink. Once upon a time, I called you the Queen of Reality TV. What happened to my amazing, rising star? Why are you pushing terrible, idiotic, horrible programming? Everything you’ve done lately makes me want to stick sharp pencils in both my eyes so I can’t see them, and scratch off my ears so I can’t hear them. Then I’d rip the hair out of my head so the pain can distract me from the memory.” His face was turning from red to purple. She cringed. This graphic assessment of her talent left her queasy. He glared at her before opening his mouth, as if to speak, then closing it again. The old man ran a hand through what was left of his straggly gray hair and pinned her with a less than friendly look. She tried to stand her ground, but under the weight of her mentor’s ire, she crumbled. Her shoulders slumped, and she couldn’t meet his eyes.
“If I didn’t respect you so much, and love you like the daughter I’m glad I never had, I’d have put you out of here six months ago. I put my sweet ass on the line for yours this morning with the network, so don’t screw me. I swear this cat thing made me want to stick a firecracker up my nose and blow my head off.”
She winced, Ervin was never one to spare feelings, but ouch…harsh. His dramatic criticism felt completely deserved. He was right. She did suck. The old coot’s face was still red from his tantrum.
“If this thing works out, I’ll be the queen again. So cool off before my only supporter has a massive heart attack and dies. Just think about your wife, and how much she’d like to spend your life insurance money.” The words seemed to calm him down, but not much.
“You’re giving your only supporter the heart problems, so last chance, kid. Turn the dung into gold or you’re fired.” He whirled around, leaving the same way he came in: abruptly. She could almost see him wiping her self-respect off his shoes as he marched away. If she screwed up this time, her career was finished. Dina genuinely worried about his health. For all his bark, he wasn’t a bad guy. He’d given her a good start in the industry. She’d been the one to screw it all up.
Dina sat quietly looking at the blank, smooth tabletop. She nibbled her lip and fought back tears. She had the perfect idea, but it was going to be a hard sell. Oh, it’d be easy to get the network interested, they’d love it. Old Ervin would respect her again. Masses of television viewers would praise her. Yet she’d hate herself…probably until she died. The only person who could star in this thing was the one person she loved the most. He was the only person she’d ever intentionally hurt. The person who could save her was the one who’d given Diamond City almost everything, and now she was going to ask for one last thing—his heart.
Night picked her up and carried her to the couch. She was awed by the fact that he could still lift her and didn’t fight him. When he sat and settled her in his lap, she sat stiff and unyielding.
Oran sat beside him and caressed her knee. “Baby, we want what’s best for you, and right now that’s letting us take care of you. And whether you want to believe it or not, you are our mate.”
“I’m not giving up my independence just because you’ve decided you need to ‘take care’ of me. I’m quite capable of taking care of myself. And what I haven’t been able to do alone, Griff has handled for me.”
Night growled. “He won’t be helping you anymore.”
“You can’t dictate who will and won’t help me. It isn’t up to you who I’m friends with. Griff has been there for me far longer than I’ve known either of you, and he’ll still be there for me after the two of you are gone. I’m not going to push him aside just because you’re territorial. If you don’t like my friends, get the hell out of my life and go harass someone else.”
“Baby, he didn’t mean it like that,” Oran said, trying to placate her. “It’s just, we want to be the ones to help you. You shouldn’t have to rely on someone else when you have us.”
She digested that for a moment. The baby was theirs so she supposed she could understand their feelings on the subject, but it didn’t mean she had to like it. She’d fought hard for the life she had, and wasn’t about to relinquish her independence now. Regardless of what they had to say, she was keeping her apartment. Despite their marks and their assurances, she wasn’t convinced she was their mate and she wasn’t going to throw away what she’d achieved in the past few years just because they’d decided to dictate her life.
“How about we compromise?” she offered. “I’ll let you help me some of the time, go to the doctor appointments with me if you’d like, but you won’t pressure me into leaving my apartment or shoving Griff out of my life.”
Night and Oran looked at one another before turning their gazes on her. After a minute or two, she had to fight the urge to squirm. Night’s gray eyes seemed to look right through her and Oran’s green gaze made her want things she couldn’t have. If she thought for a moment they loved her, she’d throw herself into their arms and gladly go with them. She knew it was ridiculous to think they’d love her after just one night. Even she wasn’t in love. Definitely in lust though. But that wasn’t enough reason to throw her life away and jump in with both feet into the unknown with two guys who were known for going through women. If the rumors were true, at least what she’d been able to pry out of her fellow waitresses at The Laughing Pig, neither had ever had a serious relationship and she wasn’t sure they were capable of it. And she hadn’t lied to them. Not knowing if she was their mate, she wasn’t ready to risk her heart. Just because they said it was so didn’t mean anything. They could be wrong, couldn’t they?
“Only if you agree that we have the right to change your mind,” Night said.
“Change my mind?” she asked weakly, having an idea what he meant.
He smiled. “Yeah. Change your mind.”
Before she could process what was happening, he leaned down and kissed her, his lips warm and firm against hers. Her heart fluttered in her chest as she sank her fingers into his hair. The voice of reason told her to push him away, but the little devil on her shoulder said it felt too good to deny herself the pleasure of his lips on hers. When his tongue invaded her mouth, she moaned and pulled him closer. The taste of him drove her crazy, made her want to do something rash, like take off all his clothes and lick him from head to toe, beg him to fuck her until she couldn’t stand.
She hadn’t been with anyone since her night with the two wolves, hadn’t wanted anyone else. They’d ruined her for other men with their intensity and passion. Sin couldn’t imagine being with another man. But some day, she’d have to get over that. Just not today.
As Night let her come up for air, she realized she was clinging to him like a vine and eased her grip. The look in his eyes was both hungry and tender as he smiled down at her. It was enough to make her want to burrow into him and never leave his embrace, but she had to be strong and stand her ground. She couldn’t be weak now of all times, couldn’t be swayed by kisses, even if they did make her melt.
“No way do you get to have all the fun,” Oran said, pulling her into his arms.
His lips claimed hers, bending her to his will. Where Night’s kiss had been tender and loving, Oran’s was full of fire. He drank from her lips as if he couldn’t get enough of her. His tongue thrust into her mouth, stroking hers before retreating only to plunge back in again. She wrapped her arms around him and held on tight, not wanting him to ever let go. She was surprised to see this dominant side of him, and liked it.
He pulled back, but didn’t release her. If they kept kissing her like this, she had a feeling she’d give in to them before too long. They were just too irresistible.
Julian looked around. The gazebo was wood from top to bottom, benches too. There wasn’t a single soft surface to lay her down, and he refused to take her on the rough wooden floor like some animal. Looking out into the shaded lawn, he had an idea.
He lifted her into his arms and stepped out of the shelter of the structure. He was taking a bigger risk on getting burned, but being with Serenity was worth it. Laying her down on the soft grass and fallen petals from the azalea bushes, he covered her body with his.
Devouring her mouth once more, he slid his hand under the edge of her dress, caressing her thigh. She opened her legs, cradling him between them. It was right where he wanted to be, but with fewer clothes. Leaving a trail of kisses down her throat and chest, he stopped to kiss the top of each breast.
“Julian, I want to see you.”
“You will, but I’m playing right now.”
“No, now!”
He chuckled. “Very well, darling.”
Julian stood and pulled his shirt over his head. He let it fall to the ground before he reached for the button and zipper on his jeans. They were barely unfastened before Serenity was on her knees, shoving the denims down his legs. In hopes he’d get to make love to her, he’d forgone underwear and his cock sprang forward, hard and ready.
He watched as she licked her lips, and with her gaze on his, she leaned forward and licked the moisture off the tip of his cock. His eyes widened in surprise and then closed in ecstasy as she eased her lips around his width, her hot mouth sliding down the length of him. Bumping against the back of her throat, he started to withdraw, but she grabbed his ass and held him to her. As she sucked and licked him, he groaned, wondering if it were possible to die from too much pleasure. He knew she’d never done anything like this before — she’d been far too inexperienced their first night together — but she was absolutely perfect at it.
Julian felt himself getting close to orgasm and hastily pulled her to her feet. She looked disappointed and licked her lips, making him want her even more. Working quickly, he divested her of her clothes, barely taking notice of her sexy undergarments. Once he had her naked and at his mercy, he fell to his knees before her and buried his face in her pussy.
Already she was wet and ready for him. He lapped up her cream and teased her clit with his tongue. She gasped with the first swipe and moaned when he flicked his tongue over it again. She tasted so good he didn’t think he’d ever get enough of her. As he pleasured her with his mouth, he felt her begin to tremble and knew she was close.
“Julian, please. I want you to be inside me when I come.”
With a growl, he pulled her to the ground and flipped her onto her stomach. Lifting her onto her knees, he trailed kisses down her spine. He covered her body with his and nipped at her ear. Positioning his cock at her slick opening, he pushed inside her, feeling her stretch around him. She was so fucking tight!
He moved slowly at first, giving her time to adjust to his size, not wanting to hurt her for anything. But then she began pushing back against him, meeting each of his thrusts. Julian wrapped an arm around her waist and plunged into her faster and harder, wanting to lose himself in her. He felt her body tensing and knew she was about to come. Without asking permission, he bit her neck, drinking from her, triggering both of their orgasms.
Spent, he rolled to his side, taking her with him. He kissed her shoulder and held her close. The only things that could have made the moment better would’ve been a bed, guaranteed privacy, and the knowledge she was his for now and always. But until that could happen, he would take what she could give him. Just knowing she loved him would have to be enough. It was certainly more than he’d ever dared hope for, more than he deserved. He’d decided long ago that he was destined to live a solitary life. And then Serenity had breezed into his life, a breath of fresh air, making his dead heart come to life again.
Freddie Sinclair thrashed through the trees, his arms pushing and breaking through limbs and brush as he raced through the thick forest in his attempt at a quick escape. He’d watched as a silent witness as the Phantoms killed Floyd. A grin spread on his lips, knowing that his biggest territory rival had failed in his quest for power. He’d killed himself with his own arrogance, thinking that he wielded more power than his opponents. Freddie’s fingers had twitched, and his heartbeat had quickened overhearing the Phantoms’ conversation about a vial containing unlimited possibilities. His lungs burned the harder his feet pounded the earth below. He needed to get out before they noticed him and killed him as well.
His boot caught on a tree stump, forcing him to the ground with a thud, pushing the air from his lungs. He pushed up with pure determination and a will to survive, sprinting faster to make up for lost time. The red of his Maserati peeked from beneath the limbs he’d used to camouflage its hiding place and called to him like a beacon, taunting him that his freedom was in sight. Unable to stop, he slammed into the side of his car, yanked the door open, and shoved the key in the ignition. Time was his only enemy now. He grabbed his phone and speed dialed the one man who could get him what he needed.
Pressing the phone between his ear and shoulder, he threw the car into gear, flicking rocks and dust as he hurried to capture his fate. “Look for a vial and get out,” he growled into the phone. “It’s probably in Floyd’s office, possibly in his safe. I don’t care if you have to take the whole damn thing. Get it and get out.” He drew in a deep breath as he pushed harder on the gas pedal, glancing in the rearview mirror to make sure he didn’t have a tail. “The Phantoms killed Floyd, and they’ll be there soon looking for answers.”
About the Book:
For years, Gracie Lister has fostered an image of party-goer and all-around bad girl. After trying to convince her father, the leader of the Phantom Protectors, that she was just as resourceful as anyone under his command, she’d given up hope of ever being accepted, and who could blame her? Never measuring up to her father’s standards was something she learned early on to embrace. Now she knows it’s time to ditch the persona she’s created and show the world what she’s truly made of. After successfully infiltrating the last territory boss and helping to bring the man down, how hard could it be to do again? She knows she’s headed in the right direction and will stop at nothing to bring down the man who threatens her happiness. When long-forgotten memories emerge, they threaten not only her game of spy she’s playing but also her life. Left broken and betrayed, she struggles to find the energy and strength to fight back.
Second-in-command Ridge Connors likes his life neat and tidy. He lives for the dangerous missions, constantly proving his rightful place within the Protectors hierarchy. When tasked with babysitting the one woman who is strictly off limits, he must struggle to douse the fire she ignites inside him long enough to keep her alive.
Mastermind Freddie Sinclair has plans of his own to set in motion. Awakening Gracie’s long-forgotten memories and secrets is part of his master plan. When she realizes she’s nothing but a pawn in his game for power, the real fun begins.
Julian studied her in the candlelight. The soft glow caressed her face, making her even more beautiful. Her long, thick hair hung in curls to her waist. While some might call her heavy, he loved her lush curves. Just the thought of having her in his arms was enough to make him hard. He’d wanted her from the first moment he’d laid eyes on her.
When she’d first been brought to the mansion, he’d worried about his reaction to her. It was obvious Aiden had returned with Serenity instead of Daniela, and he’d wondered what that meant. If Serenity was meant for Aiden, then Julian knew he’d never have a chance with the little goddess. But he’d waited and watched and after several days he’d noticed that Aiden hadn’t once sent for Serenity, hadn’t ventured anywhere near her rooms. When Aiden had begun taking women from the harem again, Julian knew the man felt nothing for Serenity.
He’d bided his time, wanting to take things slowly, give her a chance to get to know him, adjust to his presence in her life. He knew that living amongst vampires couldn’t be easy for her. But she’d thrown him for a loop today. When he’d seen her on the floor grabbing her chest, fear had nearly consumed him. He’d realized in that moment that he didn’t want to lose her — ever. And then she’d told him she didn’t want to be a vampire, that she wouldn’t let him change her. Well, he’d just have to change her mind about that.
He watched as she ate her dinner, taking dainty bites of everything, slowly sipping her wine. She was the loveliest thing he’d ever seen, and he’d lived for over a hundred years. It wasn’t like he’d never had women before. In fact, before Serenity had come to the mansion, he’d visited the harem on a regular basis, but once he’d seen her that had changed. A few of his friends had commented on his “strange behavior,” but he waved away their concerns. If he told them he’d fallen in love with the woman before him, they’d never let him hear the end of it. Humans were for food, not for love. But then, he didn’t plan on her being human much longer. He had a few weeks to make her realize that she belonged with him; he just wasn’t sure what it would take.
— A discussion between Brandt and Falan (Between Two Wolves) —
“The moment I saw you across the club last night I knew I wanted to dance with you. There was something about you that called to me; I just didn’t know what it was. And once I found out you were my mate, you owned me completely. There will never be a woman out there who could ever compare to you.”
He saw the sheen of tears in her eyes as he caressed her cheek with the back of his fingers. “Do you not realize how precious you are to us?” He lowered his head and kissed her gently. “You mean everything to us, baby.”
“Make love to me. Both of you. I want you to show me what I’ve been missing.”
Robins, the mysterious butler who works at the Chancellor mansion, appears briefly throughout the Whisper series. Although he keeps a low profile, like most in his line of work, he knows many secrets. He also has some recommendations for tourists visiting Whisper.
It’s Robins’ evening off, but he’s happy to answer a few questions about the unusual town where he resides.
1. The town of Whisper is home to a wide variety of magical beings. What is your species?
Robins: I’m half-Ghoul and half-Troll. I don’t look all that different from humans, but my eating habits are quite dissimilar.
2. What do you like best about living in Whisper?
Robins: I like the acceptance and I like being judged by who I am instead of who others think I am.
3. What places of interest in Whisper do you recommend to tourists?
Robins: I’ve always enjoyed spending free time at the Whispering Wolf Library. They often have interesting art exhibits and have a fascinating collection of occult books and volumes on the history of Whisper. To read these, you must have special clearance, however. Most residents have access to the collection.
While I’m not into the club scene, I have occasionally stopped at Dragon’s Bar. It has a very relaxed atmosphere and the owner and bartender, Cal Smith, does business with a Troll brewery, so the beer is excellent. I’ve heard the food is good as well, but it’s a bit fresh for my taste, however most humans enjoy it.
For those who enjoy wildlife, be sure to visit the wolf sanctuary run by the Pritchard family. They’re our local werewolf pack. We also have a lovely beach as well as hiking trails.
If you’re looking for souvenirs, we have some lovely shops in the town square. The Sword and Dagger Antique shop, owned by Edmond Chancellor, specializes in antique weapons, in particular swords.
For accommodations, be sure to stay at the Crawford Inn. It has quite a history and the owner, Marka Crawford, is almost always happy to chat.
4. Speaking of Edmond Chancellor, he’s your employer and the leader of the Original Town Council. What is the council and how long have you worked for Mr. Chancellor?
Robins: Although we have a mayor and other town officials, the Original Town Council is a secret organization that truly runs the town. It’s made up of the four men who founded Whisper in 1650 and a descendant of the witch who founded it with them. I worked for Mr. Chancellor’s family before he was born and I will tell you that he is very different from most of his relatives. He is a man of courage, honor and compassion. When I met him, I was a servant in the dungeon of his cousin’s house. If not for Mr. Chancellor, I would probably still be there and that’s not something I want to think about. That was nearly a thousand years ago.
5. It appears you’re very loyal to Edmond Chancellor. Does your relationship go deeper than butler and employer?
Robins: I am loyal to him not merely because he is my employer. I respect Mr. Chancellor greatly.
6. What can you tell us about Tobias Crawford?
Robins: Mr. Crawford is a member of the Original Town Council and a good friend of Mr. Chancellor. He is a cat shifter descended from an ancient line in Egypt.
7. If Tobias and Edmond were to make their union permanent, how would you feel about the cat shifter becoming part of the household at Edmond Chancellor’s mansion?
Robins: I will be as pleased to serve Mr. Crawford as I am pleased to serve Mr. Chancellor. He already visits the mansion often and is a considerate guest and a good man.
It’s getting late and something tells me it’s not a wise idea to keep a half-Ghoul half-Troll from his dinner. I hope you’ve enjoyed the interview with Robins. If you’d like to learn more about his employer and Tobias Crawford, here’s an excerpt from their story.
Vampire Edmond Chancellor and cat shifter Tobias Crawford have had a not-so-secret affair for over three hundred years. Edmond wants to bond with Tobias permanently, but Tobias has reasons for keeping his distance.
On a chilly December night, both men turn to past memories for guidance, but it’s a present danger that makes them realize that time is precious, even to men who are practically immortal.
The following excerpt from Black Cat is for readers 18 and over.
Every year since Whisper was founded, the Original Town Council had a party with family and friends. It was held at Edmond’s colonial mansion that overlooked the town from Chancellor Hill.
In the early days, the house wasn’t quite so imposing, but Edmond had expanded it and the place was now one of the largest private homes in New England.
The town itself had been Edmond’s idea–a sanctuary for the supernatural, founded by the supernatural. Here any magical person who wanted to live in harmony, without violence or prejudice, was welcome. Of course residents of Whisper took up arms when necessary, but their main goal was to create a safe haven for those in search of peace.
“Then let’s talk.” Edmond sprawled on his back and stretched. The muscles in his compact body tensed, then relaxed as he closed his eyes halfway and released a long, slow breath.
From the moment they’d met, Tobias had been captivated by him. Like most beings, supernatural or not, he’d learned to be wary of vampires, yet unlike most, he’d never been susceptible to their dangerous charms–until he’d met Edmond.
“Sorry, but I’m out of time.” Tobias rose and pulled on his clothes.
Edmond’s eyes opened fully and he raised himself on his elbows. “But you came here to talk about the party.”
“Yes. And instead we wasted time in bed.”
“Wasted? Since when is making love a waste of time?”
“Since I have somewhere to be. Let Robins plan the party. He always does most of it anyway.”
Robins, Edmond’s butler, had been with him for nearly a thousand years.
“Tobias, I’ll drop the subject of commitment, if that’s what you want, even though I don’t understand your aversion to it. As you said, we’ve been together for over three centuries.”
“Maybe you’ll drop it for now, but you’ll bring it up again. You always do.” Tobias stood in front of the mirror over Edmond’s dresser and quickly ran a brush through his glossy sable hair. He saw Edmond’s reflection in the mirror, watching him with a look of frustration on his angular face.
“I’m a man of conviction. I know what I want.” Edmond sat up and swung his legs over the edge of the bed. Though not a tall man, he had an athletic build and moved with almost catlike grace that Tobias found incredibly sexy. He paused close to Tobias and cupped the back of his head, entangling his fingers in his freshly-combed hair, he spoke against his lips, “I’ve always wanted you, Tobias. I want to spend my life with you.”
“That could be a very long time for us,” Tobias replied, somehow keeping his voice steady.
“I certainly hope so.” Edmond covered Tobias’ mouth in a possessive kiss that sent Tobias’ heart pounding.
Previous books in the Whisper series:
Whisper 1: Dragon’s Bar
Whisper 2: Bronzed
Whisper 3: Mating Call
About Kate Hill
Always a fan of romance and the paranormal, Kate Hill started writing over twenty years ago for pleasure. Her first story, a short erotic vampire tale, was accepted for publication in 1996. Since then she has sold over one hundred short stories, novellas and novels.
When she’s not working on her books, Kate enjoys reading, working out and spending time with her family and pets.
To enter for the chance to win a pdf download of a Kate Hill or Saloni Quinby Changeling Press ebook (winner’s choice of title), please comment. The contest will run for three days from the day of this post. At the end of that time, a winner will be selected from the comments. Thank you!
Welcome back to Moonspell, a tiny southern town where paranormal is normal.
Brandt Fitzgerald has wondered from time to time when he would find his mate. Imagine his surprise when he finds her — and has to share her with his brother! The boys have been known to share before, but can something on a permanent basis really work?
Falan Wright has lots of curves and a little extra. She’s never been anyone’s ideal before and now she’s suddenly faced with not one but two hot men ready to be at her beck and call. What’s a woman to do? The concept of mates isn’t unknown to Falan, but is she ready to tie herself to both Fitzgerald men? Can she be woman enough for both of them?
Falan curled up in her living room chair and touched her fingers to her lips. She’d read countless romance novels, but none of them had prepared her for Brandt’s kiss. He’d taken her by surprise. The moment his lips had touched hers time stood still. They’d felt soft yet firm as they’d moved against hers. A shiver raked her body as she remembered his tongue slowly sliding into her mouth, then retreating only to return again. He’d tasted of beer, which she usually hated, but on Brandt it had been divine. She couldn’t have asked for a better first kiss.
But why hadn’t Nolen kissed her? He claimed she was his mate, too. Did he not want her as much as Brandt did? Or had he worried about overwhelming her? If only she’d had the courage to kiss him on his way out the door. Would his kiss affect her as strongly as Brandt’s had?
She remembered how angry Brandt had seemed when she’d commented on her weight. She’d be the first to admit she had issues with her body. She’d been teased mercilessly most of her life, and had watched as all of the guys she’d liked ignored her and went out with skinny girls. What message was she supposed to derive from that except that she was fat? Her dating experience certainly hadn’t changed once she’d reached adulthood. Brandt was the first man — no, make that the first person — who’d ever called her sexy. It had made her feel all warm inside.
She understood what it meant to be their mate. And if she was honest with herself, she’d admit that she was thrilled. The thought of belonging, of being part of something special… it was all she’d ever wanted. She’d wished on countless stars to be sent a man to love who would love her in return, and now she’d been sent not one but two. She wasn’t entirely certain she could satisfy one man, much less two. But the brothers didn’t seem worried about it.
The thought of being intimate with Brandt and Nolen was both exciting and a little bit scary. She knew she couldn’t expect real life to be anything like a romance novel, but she had to wonder if they would be slow and tender, like the hero in the book she’d been reading last night. Or would it be fast and hard and leave her breathless? No matter how they made love to her, she knew she had to be honest with them and tell them she was a virgin. It was the right thing to do.
She had no doubt that they’d each been with their fair share of women, but she wondered if they’d ever shared one before. Being their mate made her special, but she wanted to be special in other ways, too. It didn’t seem fair that they got to be her first kiss, first intimate caress, first and only in her bed, if she didn’t get to be a first anything for them.
Falan had no doubt they’d be honest with her if she asked them about their sex lives; she just wasn’t one hundred percent sure she wanted to hear their answers. Men who looked like Brandt and Nolen were far from celibate. She knew they were experienced; she just had to decide whether or not she wanted to know how experienced they were. Did she really want to hear about the other women in their lives?
She picked up the card on the table and looked at it. Fitzgerald Renovations. It seemed her two hunky guys were good with their hands. She blushed at the thought of what else those hands might be good at and put the card back on the table. Looking across the room at the phone, she wondered if she should call them. They’d said she could have a few days to think things over, but what was there to contemplate? She was destined to be with them, right? From what little she knew about werewolves, she knew she’d never have to worry about infidelity, or at least she thought she didn’t. When a werewolf mated, it was for life, or so she’d been told. The moment they realized she was their mate, they wouldn’t see anyone but her. At least, that’s how she understood it. She’d only known one werewolf before and the woman didn’t live in Moonspell any longer. She’d found her mate in another pack two towns over. She and Stella hadn’t discussed the pack much, but they’d talked about guys more than once.
Maybe it would be a good idea to give Stella a call. They didn’t talk often anymore, but the werewolf had made sure to leave her new number with Falan when she’d moved.
She walked across the room and picked up the cordless phone. Dialing the number, she put the phone to her ear and went back to her chair. She curled up and waited, hoping her friend would answer. Finally, on the sixth ring, Stella picked up.
“Falan?”
“Hi, Stella. I hope I’m not calling too late.”
“No, not at all. Everything okay?”
“Sort of. I had some questions for you.”
“What kind of questions?” Stella asked.
“Werewolf questions.”
There was a pause, then, “Why do you need to know about werewolves?”
“Because Brandt and Nolen Fitzgerald informed me I’m their mate.”
Stella squealed. “That’s wonderful!”
“Is it?”
“Do you know how many women have wanted to tame those two? It’s past time for them to settle down.”
“But, why me? Wouldn’t they be better suited to another werewolf?”
“Honey, we don’t pick our mates. They’re chosen for us. If you were selected as their mate, then the three of you were destined to be together.”
“You aren’t shocked that they have to share me?”
Stella laughed. “I doubt yours will be the first ménage relationship the pack has had.”
“What about…”
“What’s really bothering you?”
“They’re so much more experienced than I am. What if they’re disappointed? I know you told me that werewolves mate for life, but what if I can’t satisfy them? It would kill me if they went to another woman.”
“Oh, honey, you won’t have to worry about that, not with those two. There’s no one more loyal than Brandt and Nolen. If you open yourself up to them and jump in with both feet, you won’t regret it.”
“You really think so?”
“I know so. Now, why don’t you give them a call and tell them you’re ready to discuss your relationship?”
“I don’t know, Stella. Maybe I should take things slowly. You know, go on a few dates and get to know them.”
Stella sighed. “It sounds like you’ve already made up your mind. Just remember that they’ll be willing to do anything for you. As of today, you’re their world.”
“No pressure or anything.”
They made their goodbyes and Falan hung up the phone. She set it down on the table and stood. Not remembering whether or not she’d locked her car, she grabbed her keys and stepped outside. Her foot landed in something warm and wet and down she went. When she saw the substance was blood, she screamed and scrambled to her feet. She turned to go back in the house and froze. He’s mine was written in blood on the front of her house, next to the door.
Heart pounding, she dashed inside, slammed the door shut and locked it. Since she’d never really dated, “he” could only be Brandt or Nolen. With shaky hands, she picked up the phone and dialed Nolen.
A contemporary/paranormal erotic-romance for Halloween
By Anne Holly
Published by Rebel Ink Press
Ian Hannigan was having the worst day of his life. A real estate prospect turned out to be a prank, his car has been stolen, and he’s stranded in the worst neighborhood he can imagine on Halloween night. If he believed in magic, he would swear he’d been cursed. Nothing could possibly make this day any worse or better… That is, nothing but Raven, a mysterious occult shop owner who not only claims to be a witch, but insists that she summoned him as the answer to her aching loneliness. Ian’s night just got a lot weirder. And his love life just got a lot more interesting.
The leads on development properties that Ian Hannigan had wasted his afternoon tracking down turned out to be bogus. Then the drizzle that had been coming all day had grown into torrents. Finally, as darkness fell, he made his way back to where he remembered parking his car only to discover it gone. His call to the police resulted in an inordinately long response time, so he deduced the Halloween whackos were starting their fun early. The twenty minutes he’d been on hold left him just barely enough cell phone battery left to call a cab that hadn’t arrived. This was how he found himself wandering around in what looked like the worst possible neighborhood for someone wearing a Rolex.
Now, soaked through his conservative suit right down to his underwear from the bitter rain, he sought out a semi-dry refuge to regroup. It looked like his only recourse was to huddle in the deep, covered doorway of a darkened ‘Occult and Curio’ shop to wait in case the police managed to come by. This wasn’t a part of town in which cabs would troll for fares.
When he selected the seemingly unoccupied alcove, he hadn’t expected company. So when the temptingly rounded figure of a young woman appeared to pop up out of nowhere beside him, he jumped. He stifled a small curse and thought to say hello, but she began working her magic on Ian without saying a word. There was a look in her shining eyes that stole the words out of his mouth. When she palmed his stirring cock without invitation, his instinct was to pull away, but the rapid intensity of his reaction seemed to paralyze him. He leaned against the entrance hall in a fog and rode the wave.
The woman was ethereal, dressed in floaty feminine clothing with unbound hair and wild motion. She looked like a red headed angel who’d fallen from heaven just for him. She rode his trouser-clad thigh as if in heat as she traced his neck with her lips. Ian thought it would be ungentlemanly of him to disoblige. Always a savvy businessman, he was never one to turn down a good offer, or perhaps he’d simply gone too long without a woman. Grasping her breast through her hippie linen peasant blouse, he felt where his drenched jacket had soaked her to the skin.
Sex with strangers might have its appeal for some men but it didn’t normally happen to Ian, not since his glory days on the college swim team, in any case. Still, here he was – with what appeared to be a flower-child nymphomaniac plastered to him like some horny variety of a clinging vine. And something in his pulse carried him along without protest. It was out of character for him, he’d always been so cagey and in control, but her passion seemed to overtake him. Perhaps it was recent disappointments or the stress of the day, but Ian was unable to resist.
Before the sex starved siren tackled him, Ian believed absolutely nothing could possibly make this day any better. Just before he captured her unpainted, coral lips and let his animal instincts take over, he thought to bless the taxi driver who never showed up.
He didn’t even know her name, but at that moment he figured it didn’t matter. What’s in a name, anyway?
~*~
LIKE MAGIC is available as a single in ebook, and also in Anne’s new Rebel Ink Press anthology, ALL I WANT: THE ANNE HOLLY-DAY COLLECTION.
Anne Holly is a Canadian writer of romance and erotic-romance, as well as a mother and teacher. She has been published by Wild Horse Press, Decadent Publishing, Rebel Ink Press, and Pink Petal Books. You may visit Anne at her blog or website, or find her on GoodReads, Facebook and Twitter (@anneholly2010). Email: anneholly2010@gmail.com.
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