 My snippet this week is from For the Long Run. My snippet is PG-13  “Since this started it’s sure felt like it was coming after me,” Jay grumbled. Eric’s gaze popped up. He squinted, focusing on Jay. “It was going after you. What changed between yesterday and today? Whoever this creature is masquerading as was at that party last night, I’m positive. So, what, my Jay, changed between the party and this morning?” Read more snippets in the Rainbow Snippets Facebook group!  For the Long Run is available in eBook, Audio, paperback and through Kobo Plus. The eBook is on sale for $2.99 through the end of November.
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 Sophie Whittemore has a new queer dark fantasy/paranormal mystery out (Ace, demi, bi, gay, gender-fluid, lesbian, non-binary, poly, trans, queer): Wake the Dead. And there's a giveaway. An ominous presence awakens in the small town of Gamin. Fairies murdered by crazed monsters. Magic that makes immortals lose their minds and their heads (literally). Whispers of a vendetta against the fairy crime lords who own the infamous Kraken Club. One ace siren detective, Lili, is dragged back into defending her turf…and hopefully, she doesn’t die this time around. Warnings: violence, survivors, mental illness. Universal Buy Link | GoodreadsGiveaway Sophie is giving away a $20 gift certificate for Nine Star Press with this tour: Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b60e8d47303/ Excerpt The Kraken Club The Kuntilanak’s name was Indah, at least, it was in the strip club. Her long, black hair wrapped like a shroud around her body as she circled the pole. When her hair coiled past her shoulders, it revealed the nail sticking out of the back of her neck, thick as a child’s fist, the color of rust and blood. Black rope was tied around her legs, cuffing them to the soles of the boots she wore as heels. A tall and thin man, a fairy, with willow-emerald skin and eyes the color of lotus leaves, held out a wad of dollar bills. He placed them at her feet. “Smile,†he told her. She did, baring her fangs. The fairy grinned. “Ah.†He traced his thumb against those fangs, still grinning as she sank them into skin that tasted of rotting leaves and nectar. The fangs retracted when he didn’t flinch. “Like a vampire.†Indah laughed, bending over to pocket the bills in one smooth movement. “The vampires wish they were Kuntilanak like me.†### As soon as she pressed the bills to the glittering zipup pouch at her thigh, they disappeared. The fairy waggled his long, thin fingers. “Alakazam.†He chuckled even though this wasn’t a laughing matter. Being of fairy blood, he couldn’t care less. “Fae magic doesn’t feed me. Money does. So, if you’re not willing to pay with real cash, then get out.†She spat at his eye, praying he went blind. “Setan.†She moved toward the bathroom, taking the long way around so she wouldn’t run into the handsy Ljósálfar manning the bar with his light-blond hair and translucent skin. He thought he was handsome, and he took many a mortal woman to bed, but his overconfidence turned the Kuntilanak girl off him. Overconfidence just made you all the more of an asshole, and she knew his type. Pelle was just another elf acting as a handler in this gods-forsaken place. She slammed into the bathroom and took the sink covered in the least amount of glitter and wadded tissue paper. She splashed under her armpits and near her groin, counting the feeble bills she’d collected in the first hour of the night. The blue bathroom door swung lazily open behind her, screeching against tile. “Fuck off, Pelle!†She screamed it out, hoping she could scare him off. Instead, it was the green fairy. He stood in front of her with his legs splayed wide, his eyes focused on her face. “You again? I’m not for free.†She raised her middle finger, water trickling down the sides of her face. Smelling a sweet-smoky mix of nail polish and cigarettes in the back. No reaction. His eyes stayed focused on her face. “Hello? Fairy dude, you doing all right?†His neck bent backward then slammed forward again. Something splintered: wood, blood, and bone. “They’re coming,†he said. “The ones who see all.†Then he struck. Author Bio
Sophie Whittemore is a Dartmouth Film/Digital Arts major with a mom from Indonesia and a dad from Minnesota. They’re known for their Gamin Immortal series (Catch Lili Too) and Legends of Rahasia series, specifically, the viral publication Priestess for the Blind God. Their writing career kicked off with the whimsical Impetus Rising collection, published at age 17. They grew up in Chicago and live a life of thoroughly unexpected adventures and a dash of mayhem: whether that’s making video games or short films, scripting for a webcomic, or writing about all the punk-rock antiheroes we should give another chance (and subsequently blogging about them).
Author Website: https://www.sophiawhittemore.com Author Facebook (Personal): https://www.facebook.com/sofia.margareth/ Author Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesophiewhit/ Author Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15057772.Sophie_Whittemore Author Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Sophie-Whittemore/author/B01CHOEOFS 
'20 Facts About Lili of the Gamin Immortals Series
Lili is an immortal who wanders into the small town of Gamin with only her peacoat from the Victorian era on her back and absolutely no memory of how she got there. The cynical, depressed immortal turns into a hardboiled detective when a nosy poltergeist drags her into an absolute mess of a murder mystery. She’s a jaded asshole who turns into a semi-softie when it comes to finding her queer found family. And we love her for it! Without further ado, here’s a game of twenty questions… no. Twenty fun facts about Lili!
BONUS: If Lili could choose an alternative life path aside from being a monster detective–she'd be a rockstar. She’s just not the kind of siren that sings! She prefers kicking ass, taking names, raising hell, helping her friends raise the dead, and occasionally, losing at cards to a garuda : )  ALL my books are on sale. Those published by JMS Books are 60% off and everything else is $2.99 (English eBooks only). Click on the banners to find the goodies.          
Hachi + Araine: The Dream Series by Michael G. Hurston After waking up from a thousand-year cryosleep to a world they no longer recognize, Hachi and her golem Araine embark on a perilous journey with human scavenger Sara to find others like themselves, navigating a world of romance, tragedy, and self-discovery along the way. The stories need to be read in order. Series Links BOOK DETAILS BOOK 1 Book Title: Hachi + Araine // Awake: The Dream Series Book 1 Length: 45 000 Words Release Date: October 20, 2023 Genres: Science Fiction, Space Opera, Romance Tropes: Polyamorous and Pansexual relationships Themes: Strong Female Protagonist, Self-discovery Heat Rating: 3.5-4 flames It is not a standalone story and this book ends on a cliffhanger. Buy Links - Available in Kindle Unlimited 
Blurb Hachi is an unstoppable Tau-born juggernaut on the battlefield with her golem Araine. The two wake up in a cryopod after a thousand-year sleep to find the world she knew is gone, and the others who came with her are nowhere to be found. Determined to find others like themselves, Hachi and Araine embark on their search, encountering a human scavenger named Sara, and a treasure hunt through space ensues. While Hachi is confident in her abilities as a warrior, she is insecure and unsure of herself in social interactions. She is forced to deal with not only the loss of her own kind, but with people she doesn’t know, and more than she could have expected. Throughout their adventure, Hachi must confront her vulnerabilities, even as she battles against seemingly insurmountable obstacles. With the help of Araine and Sara, Hachi must not only find others like herself but also discover the truth about the new world she finds herself in, regardless of what tragedies occurred and what may yet still befall them. BOOK 2 Book Title: Hachi + Araine // Nightmares: The Dream Series Book 2 Length: 45 000 Words Release Date: October 20, 2023 Genres: Science Fiction, Space Opera, Romance Tropes: Polyamorous and Pansexual relationships Themes: Strong Female Protagonist, Self-discovery Heat Rating: 2-3 flames It is not a standalone story and this book ends on a cliffhanger. Buy Links - Available in Kindle Unlimited 
Blurb Taking place immediately after the events of book 1, Hachi and Araine have now recovered their memories as well as been granted a boon from the Founders. Together the pair are tasked with locating the remaining unopened Tau-born vaults hidden somewhere across the Sol System. Determined to complete her mission and return to the man she’s known all her life. Araine and Hachi set out on a quest that takes them through the universe and back, but for every action, there is a reaction, and they’ll need to face the consequences of every decision they’ve made. Meanwhile Lamant and Mira work tirelessly to attempt to restore the woman Hachi loved back to life, though things take a darker turn when an unknown ship appears suddenly on the outskirts of our galaxy. BOOK 3 Book Title: Hachi + Araine // Falling: The Dream Series Book 3 Length: Approximately 45 000 Words Release Date: October 20, 2023 Genres: Science Fiction, Space Opera, Romance Tropes: Polyamorous and Pansexual relationships Themes: Strong Female Protagonist, Self-discovery Heat Rating: 2-3 flames It is not a standalone story. It does not end on a cliffhanger, but leaves some aspects open. Buy Links - Available in Kindle Unlimited 
Blurb One year after the events of book 2, Hachi is trying her best to help lead the new world she created, even as her relationship with Araine is strained. A new series of challenges, both emotional and physical awaits her. A celebration gone awry, a mission to the belts to rout out the last remnants of the old regime, and ongoing struggles with relationships are now just par for the course for Hachi and Araine. Along with the help of Gemini, Scarlet, Darius, and KAD their goal is to bring safety and a lasting peace to the people of Sol. But the clock is ticking as Amrita has warned her. Will any of Hachi’s actions matter once they face off against entities known only as the First Children. Unfamiliar beings from Draco that rival the abilities of the Founders and want nothing more than to consume all life within Sol. About the Author I’ve worked in MarTech/WebOps for the last twenty years. Most of my daily writing is spent on Business Requirement Documents, Project Plans, and Engineering Tickets. I started creative writing in my spare time. I enjoy writing fantasy and science fiction as well as d20 campaigns. Everything I make from writing goes to helping provide a better life for my cat. Author Links Blog/Website | Amazon Author Page 
NEW RELEASE 
Book Title: Get Frosted Author and Publisher: Amy Aislin Cover Artist: Morningstar Ashley Release Date: November 21, 2023 Genre: Contemporary m/m romance Tropes: brother’s best friend, Christmas, rivals to lovers Themes: A story about home and finding the place where you belong. Heat Rating: 3 flames Length: 58 000 words It is a standalone story and does not end on a cliffhanger. Buy Links - Available in Kindle Unlimited Universal Link | Amazon US | Amazon UK 
Blurb For years, Mik has wanted nothing more than to put coal in Rudy Snow's stocking. As former pro hockey players, they’ve been rivals for years. It started in Mik’s rookie season, when a reporter pitted him against his older brother's best friend. Rudy pushes Mik’s buttons like no one else, going out of his way to one-up him at every turn. Now they manage pubs in a small town that takes Christmas to a level best seen in Hallmark movies, but not much else has changed. They’re still rivals, this time pitting gingerbread martinis against pomegranate sangria. But when they’re forced to work together to plan a special holiday party, sparks ignite. Maybe it's a bad idea to put coal in Rudy's stocking after all. They both might just catch fire. Then again, what better way is there to stay warm on a cold winter's night? Christmas Falls is a multi-author M/M romance series set in a small town that thrives on enough holiday charm to rival any Hallmark movie. All books in the Christmas Falls series: Excerpt “You certainly know how to make a splash,” said a dry voice at his elbow, shaking him out of his irritation. And setting into motion a new kind of annoyance that fizzled in Mik’s blood. “No one asked you,” he said to his brother’s best friend. Rudy Snow raised one dark eyebrow, because of course he could do that. When Mik tried, he ended up with both eyebrows at his hairline. “It’s certainly . . .” Rudy cast his gaze around, taking everything in. “Unique.” “It’s majestic.” “It looks like the Island of Misfit Toys. All you’re missing is a Charlie-in-the-Box.” Crossing his arms over his chest, Mik clenched his teeth. “You’re not allowed to judge. You don’t even have a wreath on your front door.” Rudy made a sound in the back of his throat, a rumbly laugh that made the back of Mik’s neck itch. “Do you often happen to find yourself outside my house, Miki?” Mik’s stupid feelings went all gooey at the nickname. Or maybe that was just hunger. “It’s on my way to work.” “Sure. If you take the long way.” God. Why did he have to be so annoying? And hot. And annoyingly hot. All dark-haired and dark-eyed and scruffy-jawed, with a natural tan to his skin that perpetually made him look like he’d just come from the beach. He stood a couple of inches taller than Mik’s five feet eleven. At a year older than Mik’s thirty-one, Rudy was as fit now as he’d been when he’d played in the NHL, even two and a half years post-retirement. Mik had considered himself lucky to be drafted to his brother’s team’s rival. With Mik playing for Washington and Josh playing for Pittsburgh, it had given Mik the chance to step out of his brother’s shadow and assert himself as his own person. And playing up the rivalry between their teams had been all sorts of fun at family get-togethers. The problem Mik hadn’t anticipated had been twofold. First, because Josh’s rookie year had been the gold fucking star of rookie years, Mik had been instantly compared to him when he’d been drafted a year later, forevermore casting him in the role of Josh Gilmore’s little brother. Second, there was Pittsburgh defenseman Rudy Snow. And Pittsburgh defenseman Rudy Snow wasn’t shy about checking his teammate’s little brother into the boards during Mik’s first Washington versus Pittsburgh game. “It’s no secret in the league that your brother and his teammate Rudy Snow are good friends,” a reporter had said to Mik during the post-game interview after that game. “What do you have to say to your brother’s best friend after that check in the second period?” Um, nothing? He’d barely known Rudy. Plus, checking was what hockey players did. While both those things were true, that hadn’t been what the reporter wanted to hear. So Mik had smirked and said, “That he better watch out. He won’t get the jump on me again. In fact, next time, I’m going to swipe the puck out from under him and score. Just wait and see.” Mik had later learned that Rudy had responded to that with a pithy, “He can try.” And that was it. Instant rivalry. About the Author Amy’s lived with her head in the clouds since she first picked up a book as a child, and being fluent in two languages means she’s read a lot of books! She first picked up a pen on a rainy day in fourth grade when her class had to stay inside for recess. Tales of treasure hunts with her classmates eventually morphed into love stories between men, and she’s been writing ever since. She writes evenings and weekends—or whenever she isn’t at her full-time day job saving the planet at Canada’s largest environmental non-profit. An unapologetic introvert, Amy reads too much and socializes too little, with no regrets. She loves connecting with readers. Join her Facebook Group to stay up-to-date on upcoming releases and for access to early teasers, find her on Instagram, or sign up for her infrequent newsletter. Social Media Links Blog/Website | Facebook | Instagram Newsletter Sign-up | Facebook Group Giveaway Enter the Rafflecopter Giveaway for a chance to win a signed paperback of Get Frosted 
 The lower level of the building turned out to be a garage. “I found this building and fixed it up, put up the fencing, all the security stuff,” Daniel explained, leading the way from where the Jeep was parked to a door. “These stairs go to the upper levels. I live on the second one, third one is empty right now, except for the extra weapons and supplies I keep up there. I’ve never had to, but it’s in a good, defensible position.” Kyle had to take his word for it on that. “How long have you been here?” There were a series of locks that needed to be put in place after the door closed behind them. “I said I wouldn’t run, why lock all these locks?” Daniel chuckled. “They’re not to keep you in, they’re on the inside. These are to keep unwanted visitors out. I joined up with the Freedom Militia about eight years ago, when I was your age. Before that I was in the government security force.” Digesting that bit of information as they climbed the narrow stairs to the second floor, Kyle was shown how to operate the locks and traps at the door to their living quarters. The space was one open room with a bathroom off to one side. It was clean and orderly, though not obsessively so. The windows had bars, the doors multiple locks, and somehow the place still felt like home. “Thank you for bringing me here.” “You’re the first, not even Pierre’s been here.” Daniel nodded to a closet near the bathroom. “There’re extra clothes, towels, and shaving supplies in the drawers in there. Help yourself.” He pointed at the bathroom. “And the shower is in there. I’ve only got one bed, but in the morning we can round up a cot or another bed or something. I’ll sleep in the recliner tonight, you take the bed.” Turning away he took wood from a pile near a large, round stove, piled it in, and lit a fire. “It’ll warm up here in no time.” “I’d love a shower about now.” Kyle looked between Daniel and the bed, feeling a flush start working its way up his neck. “That bed is big and I don’t want to take it from you.” He shrugged and laughed nervously. “We can share for now, I don’t mind. But if you do, I’ll sleep in the recliner.” Daniel shrugged, but was still turned partially away from him. Kyle didn’t miss the way his lips twitched up for a few seconds before he stood and brushed his hands off. “Go get a shower, there’s plenty of hot water.” Strays is available in eBook and through Kobo Plus.
My snippet this week is from Scintilla, book 1 of El Corazon.  The whole thing ended when one of the agents produced a photograph of Brandon and his biological parents. It would’ve been glaringly plain to even someone with very bad eyesight, Brandon had no memory of that photograph. The three of them sat together, Brandon on Zoe’s lap smiling and appearing to be clapping his hands. He was maybe a year old. Zoe and William were a quarter century younger, they looked like any other happy young couple with their little boy. For the first time Brandon had the thought that maybe his parents had been in love at some point. It was gut-wrenching. Tears sprung from Brandon’s eyes to be hastily brushed away. He handed the photo back saying, “I never saw this before today. I don’t remember it being taken and don’t remember her.” It was the truth too. The woman in the photo wasn’t the woman he’d recently met. Brandon could honestly say he knew nothing of the woman in that photo. They let him go. Even as Brandon slid into the seat of Gisele’s rented Mercedes, he expected agents to pour out of the building and haul him away. No one chased them. “This isn’t over by a long shot, but none of you will go to prison,” Gisele said kindly. “Thank you.” As they drove, Brandon stared out the window but the only real thing he could see was Raul standing over Zoe with her flesh falling from his fangs. Werewolves kill to protect. Raul didn’t leave you. Enjoy many more diverse snippets in the Rainbow Snippets Facebook group.  Scintilla is available in paperback, eBook and through Kindle Unlimited.
BOOK BLAST 
Book Title: Caged Time Author: Erik S. Meyers Publisher: Mirador Publishing Release Date: February 2, 2021 Genres: LGBTQ Jewish historical fiction Tropes: Struggling to be yourself in a place/time that doesn't really want you Themes: Coming out, being yourself Heat Rating: 4 flames Length: 144 pages It is a standalone book and does not end on a cliffhanger. Buy Links 
David Tarniss faces his desire and his faith Short Blurb In 1930s New York, David Tarniss leads a quiet life as a cab driver-too quiet. In reality he is hiding a dark secret, his homosexuality, something for which he will pay dearly due to the unique circumstances of the time. A fascinating, if disturbing, story about the challenges that confronted gays (and Jews) in 1930s New York. Long Blurb In 1930s New York, Jewish immigrant David Tarniss leads a quiet life as a cab driver—too quiet—In reality he is hiding a dark secret, his homosexuality, something for which he will pay dearly due to the unique circumstances of the time. Based on the author's fictional interpretation of a family tragedy, "Caged Time" is an attempt to explain how society can mold who you are and significantly impact your life. The novel focuses on a small group of characters that all have key significance in David’s life, the people that most affect what he does, how he thinks, and how he lives. The setting of the novel is even more impactful as it plays out in the context of a pre-World War II society haunted by the looming war. Most of the characters are Jewish, bringing another angle to the events. Whenever things seem to be moving forward, David faces a setback. Whether being shunned by his brother when he reveals who he is, haunted by a strange encounter with a friend, or being beat up when he least expects it, he's always taking two steps forward and one back. But he always seems determined to go on. A fascinating, if disturbing, look at the challenges that confronted gays (and Jews) in 1930s New York with a glimmer of hope at the end. Excerpt David hurried down Eighth Avenue, his usual brisk New York walk that his relatives often scolded him about, saying he was being antisocial and not walking with them. Well, he just walked fast; it didn’t have anything to do with being social or antisocial. He whizzed past stores, restaurants, and coffee shops, full of people as they chatted with their friends on this cool Saturday morning—summer at its weakest point with fall just around the corner. He was content wearing his checkered coat, although a brisk wind came up countering the sun’s warmth and he thought he maybe should have brought a scarf. As he approached Union Square, that nervous, giddy feeling hit him, and he began to shake from the thought of what was to come. Though he had tried to compose himself while on the train and walking down the street, as soon as he got nearer to Child’s, his palms started sweating and his pace quickened. Somehow he felt couldn’t help but feel ashamed about being who he was and the thought of meeting with others of his kind, as it were, made him shake. He really wanted to meet someone. His nerves often held him back. But not today! I don’t have anything to be nervous about, David told himself. I come here every Saturday. Today I just have a different goal in mind. At that moment he arrived at Child’s, his favorite coffee shop, and peered in the window, half expecting everyone to stop what they were saying or doing and turn their heads at him, as if they were all waiting, watching. Of course, the thought was ridiculous, and no one did anything of the sort. He slowly reached for the handle, staring more at it than the interior, his heart beating rapidly and his fingers twitching in anticipation. Or is it fear? David wondered. Then, with a rush, he pushed open the door, strode inside, and quickly found a booth near the door, which meant, like many of the other men inside, he was waiting, watching...and hoping. The place wasn’t that big with only a few booths along the walls and several tables in the middle, so David was happy to have the perfect vantage point. About the Author 
Currently in Austria, Erik Meyers is an American abroad for years and years who has lived or worked in six countries on three continents, the longest in Germany. I'm an award-winning author and communications professional with 25 years of expertise in a variety of corporate roles. Reading and writing are my passions, when I'm not hiking one of the amazing trails in Austria or elsewhere. Author Links Giveaway Enter the Rafflecopter Giveaway for a chance to win one of 2 signed copies of the book 
 Enjoy an excerpt from No Regrets, book 5 of Pain an Pleasure.  “It’s fun to watch, though,” Taren added. “But first, it looks like the band is getting ready.” He pushed back from the table and stood up, holding his hand out to Ian. “I promised my boy dancing.” Ian smiled and laid his hand in Taren’s and let himself be pulled gently to his feet. “You did, sir.” As they swayed slowly to the music, Taren held Ian firmly around his waist while his other hand massaged and kneaded Ian’s ass. Ian leaned into Taren and let himself be guided around the dancefloor. The sensation of Taren’s shirt rubbing against his bared nipples pinched between the little screws sent sparks straight down to his balls and cock, locked up in a steel cage with nubs pressing into his flesh. Ian’s breath caught in his dry throat with every exhale. He felt daring and inched a hand down Taren’s torso toward his groin, but his efforts were squelched when Taren took hold of his hand. “Hmm,” Taren rumbled in Ian’s ear. “Nice try, boy. You’ll have to wait until later.” He turned them in a slow circle. “Have you enjoyed everything?” “Oh, yes, sir. Very much.” Ian drew in a slow breath, making sure to rub his nipples over Taren’s chest again. “I enjoyed our time with Kevin.” “No regrets, boy?” Taren kissed Ian’s cheek and held him more tightly. Ian leaned back far enough to look Taren in the eye for a few seconds before he dropped his gaze. Did he regret their time with Kevin and his thoughts about the man afterward? He’d had fun and pleased his husband, how could that be something he’d regret? “Not a single one, sir. It made me realize how much I love and want you. Only you, sir.” Taren took advantage of the situation and caught Ian in a tender, passionate kiss. When he broke their kiss, he whispered in Ian’s ear, “I love you more.” When the music turned to quicker beat songs they left for the demonstration.      My teaser this week is from Electric Candle, book 2 of The Sleepless City (series cowritten with Anne Barwell).  They sipped their drinks and took turns reading in detail and discussing what a cambion might do. Blair answered questions when asked but was otherwise disturbingly quiet. “Does the jukebox work?” Blair asked abruptly and stood up, walking toward one of the two machines. The group of men who were rowdy and drunk were right next to the jukebox Blair was heading for. “God, he’s clueless.” Forge shook his head and followed Blair. He stopped at the bar between Blair and the men and ordered another beer. He turned his back on the group, leaned against polished wood, and watched Blair. Cold, smooth glass touched his arm, and he looked down. Sally had his beer. She leaned closer and whispered, “They’ve been in here every night this week, loud and annoying.” Forge nodded, took his beer, and walked over to Blair. He looked over the song choices, every few seconds casting a glimpse at the group at the bar. Moving so he blocked his actions, he slid one arm around Blair’s waist and rested his open palm on Blair’s belly. He knew he shouldn’t be this open but being so close to Blair the last few hours was clouding his thought processes. “You okay?” Forge spoke against Blair’s ear. “Yeah, sure.” “Find anything you like?” Forge asked. A shiver rippled through Blair, his abdominal muscles tensed, and he leaned nearer to Forge. “To listen to, I mean.” Words from the bar floated to Forge’s ears: get a room, drunk enough to tap that, fag. When he glanced their way, they dissolved into fits of laughter. One stumbled into another, and they knocked glasses and bottles on the bar over, spilling them onto people sitting nearby. Blair glanced their way, then back at the jukebox. “Would it be all right…? I mean, do you mind if…um…maybe I could stay with you tonight?” “I’d like that,” Forge said, shifting his weight so he pressed more firmly against Blair’s side. “I can sleep on the couch.” Forge snickered. “I don’t think that’ll be necessary.” Their moment was interrupted by one of the men falling off his stool, crashing to the floor and taking a tray of dirty glasses with him. Forge groaned. Blair looked at the group of men once again. “I guess you need to go be a cop now?” “Yeah. Sorry.” Forge held out his beer bottle. “Mind holding that for me?” “Not at all.” Blair grinned, took Forge’s beer, and drank from it while he leaned on the jukebox and watched. “Okay, guys, it’s been fun and all, but maybe it’s time to call it a night,” Forge said. He walked to the closest of the drunken group and took his arm, helping him off the floor. In his periphery, he saw Lucas hooking a finger in the air, signaling Blair to move. “H-heeey,” the guy slurred, staggered to his feet, and took a swing at Forge. As Forge twisted and leaned away from the sluggish punch, he saw Blair dodge away from the jukebox, shake his head, and amble back to their table. Forge pulled his leather jacket open far enough so the badge clipped to his belt was easily seen. “Ohh….” The sound came out a hiccup. The guy stumbled back and collided with one of his friends, and they both laughed. “He’s a cop.” Apparently, that was even more hilarious, since the group laughed even more. Forge yanked another guy to his feet. “Yeah, we’re done here.” “Wassa matter, purty blondie boy not enough?” The guy tried pulling out of Forge’s grip. Forge heard Simon say, “Sit down, Ben.” Then add, “Get back, Blair.” Ben said something, but Forge stopped paying attention when one of the drunks slapped a beer bottle against the bar and broke it, holding it out. “Oh, for the love of….” Forge darted forward and grabbed the man’s wrist with enough force his hand opened and the shattered bottle slipped from his grip. He dragged the guy to the door and booted him outside. The other three began shouting. People sitting nearby moved out of the way. Lucas slid between Forge and the door and snarled when the guy tried to get back inside. Forge heard the guy scramble backward and garble a surprised, “What the fuck are you?” One of the men picked up a chair, swinging it in a circle. Simon and Blair moved fast, scooping their drinks off the table while Ben rescued Forge’s tablet and the papers just seconds before the chair crashed into the center of the table. Holding everything over his head, Ben would have been plowed over if Simon hadn’t grabbed him and pulled him away. He reached out with the other hand and did the same to Blair. Forge heard Simon grumble, “The next time I say, ‘stay back,’ maybe you will.” Lucas darted around and caught the guy from the back, hustling him out the door. Forge faced the other two, did his best to appear to bulk up, let his eyes turn to solid blue and showed his fangs. The two remaining men grabbed each other’s arms, trying to back away, but there was nowhere to go when Forge sprinted and blocked their retreat to the back. “What the hell!” One guy stumbled and would have fallen had Blair not flashed in and snatched him up by the shirt collar. Forge swallowed a laugh. From Blair’s expression, he was definitely surprised he’d caught the guy. Lucas was guarding the door again, so Forge relieved Blair of his burden and shoved the guy hard enough he crashed into Lucas. Without missing a beat, Lucas’s eyes glowed gold and he growled. The guy gulped, pulling out of his grip. Lucas pushed the door open and gave the guy a hearty shove out into the parking lot. “Duck,” Simon yelled and grabbed the last of the men. Lucas dropped to his knees and the last guy skimmed over his back and sailed outside. A few minutes later, everything had calmed down, chairs had been righted, and Sally was back to getting food out to the customers. “Thank you,” she said when she made her way to their table. “I doubt they’ll be back,” Simon told her. “Have you seen this?” Sally asked Blair, gesturing with another beer, the cap still in place. “It’s the sexiest thing.” She patted Blair’s shoulder. “Don’t worry, I’m not interested in your boyfriend, you’re safe.” Blair cocked an eyebrow at Forge. “Seen what?” he asked. Forge took the bottle Sally offered. “Sometimes, she’ll get me to do this all night.” His fangs slipped down, and he hooked one under the bottle cap then pushed it out with his tongue. He caught the cap and tossed it on the table, grinning broadly as the rest of the men laughed. Later, as they were getting ready to leave, Ben asked, “Why would this cambion want to collect sperm or eggs?”  Electric Candle is available in eBook, paperback
and through Kindle Unlimited. |
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