Nicole Dennis has a new MM fantasy paranormal romance out, McShayne Bloodline book 2: McShayne's Elf. And there's a giveaway. A Realm falls to the darkness. An outcast because of his mixed heritage, Braedyn of the Dark, Captain of the Royal Shields and protector of the Prince of the Southern Woodland Realm, maintains his position through sheer grit and skill. Connected to a hawk familiar, Cerin, his magic is a mixture of Arcane and wielding. At the High King’s orders, he remains by his Prince’s side through a treacherous journey through the Lands to discover answers and a new home. Losing his Realm, his parents, and his position in one-night, High Prince Conchobar Ó Díomasaigh is completely out of his familiarity. Running for his life, relying only on his protector and Captain, he digs deep to survive their trials, the growing darkness, and go wherever they must to save their Realm. At the same time, he sees his Captain in a different light and the deepening connection between them Strange adventures. New allies. Growing connections. Can they survive this wild journey to save the elves, the Realm, and their lives? About the Series: Magic passed through ancient bloodlines for generations. A powerful family gifted with a blend of Elf, Fae, and Human magic, the McShaynes watched over the balance of nature. While the Otherkin receded from any mortal connection, the McShaynes refuse to leave their ancestral lands. Until the humans turn against magic. Four McShayne sons spread across the Lands. Each one fears he is the last. They fight to survive the harsh atmosphere, maintain their bloodline gifts, and discover love and the true meaning of family. Get It at AmazonGiveaway Nicole is giving away an $10 Amazon gift card with this tour: Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b60e8d47273/? Excerpt
Streaks of fire raced through the sky. The ground rumbled beneath his feet. A half-breed elf crouched against the nearest wall to wait out the current round of bombardment. While the multi-layered and intricate braids denoted all the years of study, training, and practice to gain the skills of an archer, a scout, a tracker, and a soldier, the color of his hair and skin discredited his position. Among the elves of the Southern Woodland Realm, Braedyn of the Dark was an anomaly, a half-breed, and, according to some, not wanted. With every single step or skill he accomplished, he pushed himself even further and harder than everyone around him. Not even the three platinum charms decorating a raven black braid that denoted his position as Captain of the Royal Shields for the High Prince of the Court gained him any support. No matter what anyone said or thought, he continued to perform his duties, going above and beyond to protect his prince and the Realm. Tonight the elves faced their gravest threat. Though he should remain behind to protect the Prince, Braedyn followed his King’s orders to moved toward the front lines. His prince understood and allowed him to leave his side to perform his duties and learn what he could. If possible, he would help the defenders. Stepping away, he continued his journey to the barrier walls. “To the sky!” a look-out shouted to alert everyone. Ducking under a roof’s edge, Braedyn pressed against the stone and wood while staring at the darkened sky. It was lit by the fires that spread around their beloved Southern Nialam Forest and within the double-walled city. Another series of sharp-tipped arrows flickered while they pierced the night sky. Screams spread through the darkness. Defenders hit by the arrows. Slain by this unknown enemy. Braedyn tried to block out the sounds, but he couldn’t. The invasive attack of the unnatural creatures came out of nowhere and surrounded the double-walled city. Only the small section of sacred western wall against the lowland mountain where the ancestors created the necropolis, the pathway to the Endless Realm, was naturally protected. There was little to no advance warning of these creatures plowing through the forest. There was a flurry of misguided and scattered action around him from frightened defenders. They never faced this kind of enemy. None of their usual tactics and weapons seem to destroy their enemy, not even push them back. As if the creatures were immune from their natural magic and simple weapons. A group of young guards fled. Braedyn waved around his sacred bow, a rare gift of the twin Heartstone Trees. The twisted black and white wooden bow was gifted to the highest skilled archers and personally selected by the Trees. Holding out the bow, he moved it to catch their attention and stop them from fleeing. “Stop! What are you doing? Fleeing from your sworn duty to protect this court, this Realm. Shame upon all of you.” At the twisted light and dark colored bow, brilliant against the darkness, the young guards slid to a stop. “A Heartstone bow,” one guard whispered. “A high archer…” “Him. It’s him. The half-breed Captain.” Braedyn ignored the whispers. “Do you know that one nick of an arrow and you drop dead? Those creatures don’t die. They keep coming out of the forest and night,” one young guard said. “This is why we flee. There is nothing we can do. We must leave the court.” “All the generals are dead or out of commission. Somehow the enemy knew to find them within the darkness. The outer walls are lost. The southern corner is about to crumble. Some of those creatures are cave trolls or ogres, but it’s like they’re twisted into something else, something far worse. They’re huge. Nothing kills them,” another guard said. Braedyn looked around at what he could by the walls. He let the words and situation soak into him and roll around. No, they wouldn’t give in and flee. Not this time. Not this battle. “Sons of the Realm. Listen to me.” He spun the bow and tapped the metal end on the ground. He pointed to the guard who spoke first. “What is your name?” “Geraint Fenkrana, Guard Commander. “Commander Geraint, I have a new position for all of you,” Braedyn said. “Focus upon me.” The group turned to face him with Geraint stepping forward. Their faces bright against the darkness with swatches of dirt and soot. The lightness of their hair, skin, and eyes were a contrast against him, but they didn’t look upon him with hatred or disgust. Not any longer because he continued to stand against the fearsome enemy that threatened their home and lives. They desired leadership and he fulfilled it. Author Bio
Dreamy…Sensual…Forever Love A quiet one, Nicole Dennis is the penname of an asexual author of different genres of fiction – both LGBT+ and hetero. Lots of characters, worlds, and stories build up in her head until she must get them down on the screen – anything from romance to fantasy to paranormal. During the day, she works in a quiet office in Central Florida, where she makes her home, and enjoys the down time to slip into her imagination. She is owned by a new feline companion – a house panther, affectionately known as Brat Cat. Author Website: http://nicoledennis.net Author Facebook (Personal): https://www.facebook.com/NicoleDennis.Author Author Facebook (Author Page): https://www.facebook.com/NicoleDennis.Musings/ Author Mastadon: https://mastodon.lol/@nicoledennis Author Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2791975.Nicole_Dennis Author QueeRomance Ink: https://www.queeromanceink.com/mbm-book-author/nicole-dennis/ Author Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/nicoledennis 
 Today's teaser is from Endosymbiont, book 3 of The Vampire Guard. Lucas nodded and pulled a second keyboard closer before he tapped on it. “There were five of the little rooms, so five werewolves.” He was reading files on another of the monitors. “Their filing system, at least for the personnel, is pretty simple. Five names have a W after them. One of those names is Wolfgang Kruger.” “Wolfie,” Declan said. “German name. What is his position here?” Kai asked. Declan looked over at him and arched an eyebrow. “Do you know the name?” “I don’t think so.” Kai shook his head and confessed, “I’m not sure. I am curious where he’s from however.” “Something to figure out later,” Ori said. Lucas nodded to the list displayed on the monitor. “That leaves thirty-two people. Twenty have an H beside their names. Twelve have a V.” Blair leaned over and read from Lucas’s monitor. “One of the vampires is in Wolfie’s room.” “Thirty-six people possibly on the loose in the next two levels,” Forge said and sighed. “Eleven of whom we can’t use surveillance cameras to locate. Great.” “There is a direct route from here to the server room,” Declan said. He glanced quickly at Blair then turned back to Forge. “I’m guessing the men down there don’t know about it or they’d have used it already.” “Or they won’t fit,” Forge pointed out. “It’s also possible they’ve used it to move around undetected,” Kai pointed out. Declan and Forge nodded. “It looks like Mr. Wolfgang Kruger, Wolfie, is facility administrator, which includes heading up the security. He’s also the director of research,” Blair said. He looked around at the others. “What are we going to do with these people? There wasn’t supposed to be anyone alive other than the men down in the server room.” “That is a definite glitch,” Porter said. “Glitch?” Forge asked. “That’s more than a glitch. It’s a major fuck up. These people if they’re alive, aren’t criminals or terrorists, they’re scientists. Agreed what they’re working on is insane and has the potential to cause a lot of damage, but they haven’t done anything so far other than harm themselves.” “In any sort of biological research there’s the threat of accidents. At least with this place the odds of their weaponized organism getting out are very low,” Lucas added. “We’ll have to find a way to safely transport survivors and somewhere to take them,” Ori said. Porter nodded. “First things first, we have to find them.” “And do it quick, or when the next full moon hits there’ll be changing werewolves down here who may or may not still have the mental faculties to get to their safe rooms,” Lucas said. “Who knows how they’ll affect the integrity of the hull.” “And one of them will be cozying up with a vampire,” Declan reminded them.  Endosymbiont is available in eBook and through Kindle Unlimited.
Right now it's 50% at $2.99. COVER REVEAL 
Book Title: Death (The Four Horsemen, Book 4) Author: Sienna Moreau Cover Artist: Reese Dante Release Date: March, 2023 Genres: Dark MM paranormal Tropes: Unrequited hate, demon/horsemen, possessiveness, masochism, rough sex Heat Rating: 4 flames Pre-Order Links 
It all began with the kiss of Death. Blurb It all began with the kiss of Death. Abaddon, the Destroyer, right hand of Lucifer, has returned from the dead with one thing on his mind: revenge on the Horseman who kept him from taking back what is his. But spending time alone with Death has awakened something between them, resulting in an experience that he enjoys more than revenge. The natural conclusion is to keep doing it, of course. He never planned on his heart getting involved with a Horseman he can’t even touch. Death is the fourth Horseman of the Apocalypse, arriving only when the end is near. The Apocalypse he and his brothers were summoned for this time is over, lost when they lost one of their own, but the stakes are higher now than ever before. It isn’t just Earth that’s at risk; the fate of existence now hangs in the balance, with a power-hungry God ready to unleash a new world order. Death cannot touch another and has resigned himself to spending his existence alone, until a kiss changes everything for him. When Abaddon returns, and they pick up right where they left off, Death doesn’t fight the attraction that spirals out of control faster than they can keep up with it. Death cannot feel Abaddon’s skin against his own, but Abaddon breaks so beautifully under him anyway, taking everything that he can give and asking for more. Abaddon had never imagined that he would love anyone or fall so hard, so fast. Death had never imagined that he would find someone to walk beside him, someone to call his own. Time is running out for them, and if they don’t find a way to push back against the powers vying for them, all will be lost. The last Apocalypse is coming, and no one is safe. Death is the fourth and final book in the Four Horsemen series, filled with snark and morally questionable characters. This book is not a standalone and must be read in order. Content warnings: religious themes, extreme violence, gore, and others. Arachnophobia warning: There is also a dog-sized pet spider named Paul who just wants to be loved. Death is a dark paranormal romance featuring unrequited hate, Angels, Demons, possessiveness, masochism, and blood play. About the Author 
Sienna Moreau is an Australian dark MM romance author who likes to let the darker side of life come out to play. If you’re looking for morally grey characters, snark, mayhem and steamy situations then you’re in the right place. Social Media Links Facebook Group | Facebook Page | Instagram 
 Declan knelt beside him. “Let me.” He pressed one ear to the man’s chest. When he stood up a minute later, he said, “No heartbeat.” “Why didn’t the doctor check?” Kincade asked. Lucas waved one hand near his head. “I recently had an ear infection.” Kai reasoned it was a much simpler explanation than the real one of a vampire’s heartbeat resonated at such a low frequency only another vampire would hear it. Hopefully neither Kincade nor Madison would realize a werewolf would never have an ear infection for more than a few hours. Declan stood up and took Lucas’s arm pulling him back a few steps. Pointing at the man he focused on Forge. “I know him.” Forge nodded. The man’s arms and legs began to move in stiff, jerky motions. “What the—?” Ori exhaled. There are many more snippets on the Rainbow Snippets Facebook group. Endosymbiont is available in eBook and through Kindle Unlimited.
This week it's $2.99, that's 50% off the eBook! RELEASE BLITZ 
Book Title: Year of the Jackal Author and Publisher: Abby Kaitz Release Date: February 10, 2023 Genre: Contemporary MM romance; Romantic Comedy; New Adult Tropes: Enemies to lovers, opposites attract Themes: Taking risks, friendship, multicultural romance Heat Rating: 2 flames Length: 73 000 words/ 292 pages It is a standalone story and does not end on a cliffhanger. Buy Links - Available in Kindle Unlimited 
“Before you kill me, can I get a kiss?” Blurb It’s Silicon Valley meets the Ivy League in this new adult romantic comedy starring a computer hacker moonlighting as a prankster, an angry basketball player who just wants his underwear back, and a small college town full of oversized personalities.
Excerpt Tonight went against the lunar calendar. Max Trellis-Tan had approximately 1,380 seconds left to live. That sounded much longer than the twenty-or-so minutes he actually had. Because his legs were starting to feel like marshmallows trying to cut through cement. All that time wasted on strength training. It didn’t even prepare him for this—this—whatever the heck was happening to him right now. He stole a glance over his shoulder. Drunken bodies teetered out of his way, laughing. They laughed again, louder, and that was when Max knew the giant chasing him was closing in. 1,200 seconds left. It suddenly occurred to him that he could simply run into one of these houses on Greek Row. Safety in numbers and all that. Except the giant was bulldozing his way through the crowded sidewalk, and Max was not enough of an idiot to think he wouldn’t do the same in a house full of even more drunks. The smart thing to do was to keep running. Something was blocking the sidewalk a couple of yards away. Max gave his legs an extra push and jumped over the recycling bin that had been recommissioned as some sort of ill-conceived beer pong table. Plastic cups and cheap beer spilled in his wake. “Watch it, Jackie Chan!” The sound of high fives and hollering. “That Asian kid can run. Hey, Chan, can you get us some egg rolls?” Even with the giant just strides away from pouncing, Max had enough clarity of mind to yell: “The egg rolls in this town are atrocious!” He pushed past another group of students, ignoring the wasted frat bro who fell over after getting (accidentally!) elbowed by Max. Oops. Well, that guy wasn’t on the verge of losing his life tonight. Behind him, the growl of the giant bounding closer. It had an advantage. Those long legs: the pride of Bramburgh University. It would take another three minutes to reach the corner of Pemaquid Avenue and Butterfirth Lane. Once there, it was a straight shot to Keesby Hall. Max patted his back pocket for his student ID; still there. Just a matter of whipping it out fast enough once he got to his dorm. And then he’d lock the growling giant out and do an annoying celebratory dance as the giant crushed rocks between his fingers or whatever it was that angry people did. Anger was such a foreign feeling. Like having water inside your ear. Even now, being chased by a vicious giant, finding himself in a situation that wasn’t entirely his fault (“But it technically was,” Zach would say), Max wasn’t mad. He wasn’t even scared. This was what college was all about: making strategically arbitrary decisions and feeling the rush of it pound at your ears and fill your heart with something close to invincibility-- THWACK. He fell to the ground. “Shit, Libby! You just totally cracked his head open with Greg’s lacrosse stick!” “Oh. My. Godzilla! Hey, are you okaaay? Are you aliiive?” “He’s super cute. We should take him home and nurse him back to health. Like Florence Nightingale. Libby, we can finally have a threesome!” “Are you aliiive?” Max opened his eyes and immediately started running again. He didn’t get five feet before a pair of plywood-like arms circled his chest and tackled him back to the ground. This time, it hurt. Concrete was unforgiving a second time. An ant ventured near his nose then stopped, stroking its antennae as if preparing for the feast of Max’s impending carcass. A mouth came down right against his ear, panting. Large, cold hands flipped him over and Max found himself staring into the eyes of the giant. The movies had it all wrong. Your life didn’t flash before your eyes as you’re about to die. It’s all the other little things surrounding you: the size of the moon that night; the intoxicated laughter swirling with a particular hip-hop song blasting from one of the frat houses; the purple high-tops of a girl as she perched on the shoulders of her potential one-night stand. And the hazel eyes of the giant staring back at him. Even in the dark, they stood out like never-ending forests in autumn. Max Trellis-Tan was quite possibly about to face death soon. Not by an axe murderer, but by a two-hundred-pound basketball player with a face that belonged to a Shakespearean hero. Gallant. And also: incredibly angry. His angel of death. “Before you kill me, can I get a kiss?” he asked. About the Author Gay romance for readers who enjoy sweet with heat, smart humor, and an ensemble cast of colorful characters. Social Media Links Blog/Website | Instagram | Newsletter Sign-up 
My review of Postscript. 5 stars
*I was provided a copy of this book in exchange a fair and honest review.* This book has so much going on, I'm not sure where to begin. We are treated to two love stories, one in the present and another during the time of World War II. Society attitudes toward homosexuals were much different in the 1930s and 1940s but the New Zealand rural town of Kedgetown welcomes everyone. The story revolves around an old house and a mysterious journal that reveals its contents in small bits and only to certain people. The whole execution of how the story develops, brings people and their supernatural attributes together in unique and entertaining ways. There is an interesting cast of characters with quite a bit of development and changes going on in their lives. Men with certain supernatural abilities struggle with those gifts (or curses) and find support and friendship within this welcoming community. Postscript is a fun, emotionally charged story and a great introduction to a new series! RELEASE BLITZ 
Book Title: Postscript (Kedgetown, Book 1) Author: Anne Barwell Publisher: LaceDragon Publishing Cover Artist: T.L. Bland Release Date: February 7, 2023 Genres: M/M romance, Paranormal, Dual Timeline (contemporary & historical), Psychic Powers, mystery Tropes: Small town romance, sweet with heat, magical bookshop Themes: Family, found family Heat Rating: 3 flames Length: 50 000 words/125 pages It is book 1 in the series. There are references to a wider shared world, but the reader doesn’t need to have read them. Two of the MCs are new to the supernatural world so are introduced to it through the course of the story. It does not end on a cliffhanger. Buy Links - Available in Kindle Unlimited Amazon US | Amazon UK | Universal Link 
A magical bookshop holds the keys. Blurb Kedgetown Book 1 A magical bookshop holds the keys. When Mason Chynoweth inherits an old house in small-town New Zealand, he hopes to discover what happened to his great-great uncle Lewis after he returned from the war in 1945. Mason’s first encounter with the property is thankfully reassuring—his sensitive psychic powers aren’t triggered and he has a calm sense of coming home. Elijah Whitaker arrives in Kedgetown for an extended visit with his aunts. He’s quickly drawn to Mason and offers to help him try to find some answers in the dusty old house. It soon becomes clear that Mason is keeping secrets, but Elijah has a few secrets of his own. Like his closely guarded knowledge of the hidden supernatural world, and the fact that many of the townspeople are psi and supernaturals. What is the connection between the house and Postscript, the town’s enigmatic bookshop? Mason’s glimpses of the past give some clues, but not enough to make sense of the puzzle. When a hidden journal comes to light, the true story of Lewis’ journey is revealed, and his path and Mason and Elijah’s begin to intertwine. Excerpt “Kedgetown has always prided itself on being welcoming.” Annalise interrupted as though Mason hadn’t spoken. “It’s part of its magic.” Elijah choked on his mouthful of gravy. Mason was a stranger. They didn’t talk about the town or its history in front of anyone who hadn’t grown up here. Or make comments that might lead to awkward questions. If Mason decided to make his home here and settle in the old house, Elijah definitely would not stick around. He’d had enough of lying about who he was. “Are you okay?” Mason put down his fork, concerned. “Yeah.” Elijah shot his aunts a glare. What were they up to? He didn’t believe their innocent expressions for a moment. “Went down the wrong way.” “What do you do for a living, Mason, dear?” Annalise moved the conversation along. “I work in IT. Data entry mainly.” Mason shrugged. “It’s not very exciting, but it pays the bills, and I can do it from home.” He paused. “Which at the moment is Invercargill, but if the house pans out, it is something I could do from anywhere.” “Mason likes the house so far, and I suspect it’s mutual. But, as I said, there’s a lot of work to do first.” Annalise got up from the table, retrieved the casserole dish, and placed it between Mason and Elijah. “You boys still look hungry. Help yourselves if you want more.” “Thanks.” Elijah spooned more onto his plate. He’d forgotten what a good cook his aunt was. “Is your family in Invercargill?” “My parents are, but the rest of my family live on the West Coast. My sister lives in Greytown, so she’s only an hour away, although she’s only visited Kedgetown once.” Mason waited until Elijah had finished, then reached for the serving spoon at the same time Elijah handed it to him. Their fingers brushed. Mason went rigid. All colour drained from his face. He looked like he’d seen a ghost. Elijah glanced at Rilla, who was behind Mason. She shrugged. The serving spoon clattered to the table. “Mason?” Elijah pushed back his chair to go to Mason. Annalise laid a warning hand on Elijah’s arm. “Give him a moment to come back to us. Perhaps a cup of tea would be a good idea. For later.” A moment later, Mason gasped for breath. “I saw… what….” He glanced around the table. “It’s a very old serving spoon,” Annalise said. “With a lot of history. It was a wedding present from an old friend. I’m not exactly sure of its origins.” Mason relaxed a little. “I’m sorry I don’t mean to be rude.” He massaged his temples. “I have a… headache. Thank you for the lovely meal. I’ll see you in the morning.” He stood and bolted, footsteps loud against the wood of the stairs to his bedroom. He closed the door behind him. Elijah stared after him. “What the hell?” “Tea, I’m thinking.” Rilla sounded thoughtful and more than a little smug. “The special one you used to make for me.” “Definitely.” Annalise’s eyes glowed gold, and she smiled. “I suspected as much after we met his sister last Christmas, but this is even better than we thought.” “Huh?” Elijah glanced from one aunty to the other. “What are you up to?” “Us? We’re looking after our visitors like any good host would.” Annalise walked over to the kitchen to put the kettle on. “Help me clean up, will you? And then you can take Mason a nice cup of tea.” 
About the Author Anne Barwell lives in Wellington, New Zealand. She shares her home with kitty siblings Byron and Marigold, who are already running the house and causing havoc. Anne works in a library, is an avid reader and watcher of a wide range of genres, and is constantly on the look-out for more hours in her day. She likes to write in series and even so called one shots seem to breed more plot bunnies. Her writing is like her reading - across a range of genres, although her favourites are paranormal, fantasy, SF, and historical. Music often plays a part in her stories and/or her characters are musicians. She also hosts and reviews for other authors, and writes monthly blog posts for Love Bytes. She is the co-founder of the New Zealand Rainbow Romance writers, and a member of RWNZ. Her books have received honourable mentions five times, reached the finals four times—one of which was for best gay book—and been a runner up in the Rainbow Awards. Social Media Links Blog/Website | Facebook | Twitter Instagram | Newsletter Sign-up | Pinterest Facebook group | The Sleepless City Website | The Sleepless City FB Group Giveaway Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for a chance to win one of 5 ebooks from the authors backlist 
 The TBR Pile is having a full week of Scifi and fantasy goodness. Don't miss out!  You still have one day left to get Jewel Cave for FREE!      Four members of The Vampire Guard—Forge, Blair, Declan, and Lucas—face a dangerous and elusive enemy. And this time, it’s personal. When massive tech outages impact everything from Wi-Fi to traffic control, Blair, Forge, Declan, and Lucas think it’s a simple matter of catching troublesome hackers. But they quickly realize far more is at stake. Millions of dollars in art are the target of a thief who’s not afraid to kill---and he’s no stranger. Not only has he escaped capture, twice, a decade ago, but he’s had a hand in life-altering tragedies throughout their lifetimes. Once it becomes clear that art theft is just a fraction of his plan for mass destruction, they realize time is running out. The clock’s ticking. Catastrophe is imminent. Can they find and disarm all the bombs in time or will countless lives be lost?  Kai was a few steps behind them and Lucas and Ori just behind him, each on one side of a gurney transporting Blair into the house. The medical specialist, a human woman, carried a large plastic wrapped package. Her name was Tiffany, Declan didn’t remember her last name, though he was sure she’d mentioned it. She wasn’t the chatty type, and he really didn’t care enough to ask. “We’ll need to get this on him,” Tiffany instructed. She handed the package off to Declan and turned to Jonas, crouching in front of him. “Are you his soulmate?” She asked in a soft, gentle voice, resting one hand on his knee. Jonas nodded. “Yes.” “How well connected are you?” “Extremely well,” Jonas said at once. His voice sounded stronger. “He can’t swim.” Tiffany smiled. “He won’t have to, but that tank holds about three feet of water so he will be almost submerged for the first part. Will you be able to keep him calm?” “I think so.” Patting Jonas’s knee, Tiffany stood up and glanced around at them. “This treatment works best when both of a bonded pair are vampires, so we caught a break on that.” She checked some settings on the tank. “It’s possible to use it with vampires bonded to werewolves or humans, but it’s more difficult. The stronger their empathic connection, the easier the management of treatment.” She held out one hand to Declan. “May I have that?” Declan silently handed the package over and watched as she unpacked large sheets of what looked like bubble wrap but had two tubes attached. “Get his clothes off and he’ll need to be wrapped in these sheets. We’ll lower the temperature very quickly just so he stays unconscious,” Tiffany explained. “I’ve been dunked in very cold water, pulled under in a deep lake and wasn’t sure I was going to get my brain to work correctly when I thawed out,” Declan cut in. “We’re not going to deprive his brain of oxygen. That’s the difference. Hibernate his body, it’ll act as excellent pain control and help him sleep, but we’ll be giving oxygen the entire time.” She looked around at them. “I’ve trained my entire career with The Guard to treat critically injured vampires and werewolves because seventy years ago, before I was born and met him, my soulmate needed the same sort of treatment.” She stopped and looked away for a few seconds. “He had to go through it alone. It’s a blessing and a responsibility I take very seriously.” She stood up. “Now, Agent?” She rested her gaze on Jonas. “Forge.” “Agent Forge keep your soulmate calm and reassure him while we get him prepped. This is going to hurt.” She turned to Lucas. “Do we need to deal with any other broken bones?” “No.” Lucas shook his head. “I set his broken leg before we moved him and put a brace on his knee. I think making any further adjustments to it won’t be necessary.” He smiled softly. “I’ve done that once or twice before.” His ribs and pelvis would heal well enough because Blair’s body had been kept in alignment as they traveled. Once Blair was wrapped in the odd sheets, they carefully lifted him and set him on a hammock suspended inside the tank. Jonas couldn’t help move Blair, but he held his hand and stroked his hair. As soon as Blair hit the water he started to struggle and whimper. Declan felt sick and Lucas looked like he wanted to cry. Jonas leaned down and pressed his forehead to Blair’s. “Sshhh. It’s okay. I’m here. I won’t…” Jonas’s voice faltered. “I won’t let anything happen to you. I promise.” Declan could well imagine the guilt Jonas likely felt since Blair shouldn’t have been chasing their perp but tracking from inside the van. Declan felt that guilt in huge doses. It only took a few seconds before Blair was unconscious again, but it seemed like hours. When Jonas stood to his full height and pulled in a few deep breaths, exhaling slowly, Declan realized the cold was doing its job. Tiffany rested her hand on Jonas’s forearm. “How is he doing?” “He’s scared, but more because of being almost submerged, not from the pain anymore.” She nodded. “That’s good and to be expected. Even people who aren’t afraid of the water don’t like it when they’re initially lowered into the tank. It’s normal.” “That doesn’t make it easier,” Lucas said. “No. It does not.” She looked around at them. “Like a human in a coma, he can hear and be comforted by people talking to him. After the first eighteen hours we’ll raise the temperature enough he’ll wake up. It’s the only way to gauge his recovery rate.” “How long will this take?” Declan asked. “Each individual is unique, of course, but the average time is forty hours. Though, I’ve had treatments take almost ninety-six,” Tiffany explained while making some adjustments to the tank controls. She motioned Lucas closer. “Dr. Coate, let me show you how to operate the equipment.” **** Blair was cold. Freaking freezing, but at least the horrible, all-consuming pain had quieted to a dull ache. He felt his soulmate, Forge, in his mind. The man damn near drenched Blair in feelings of safety and love. The realization struck that he was suspended in water up to his nose, literally. Cold, bone-chilling water. When he’d try to get out and remind anyone who’d listen, he couldn’t swim, he was held still. Every time panic raced through him, trying to consume and shatter, Forge’s connection calmed him, as did his hand encasing Blair’s. Lucas spent time reading passages from a sweet sci-fi trilogy with gay characters and a generational ship. Declan and Forge told him stories from their past then Forge gave him a running commentary on what was right, and wrong, about all the new Star Trek series. Forge, Lucas and Declan would never let him drown, yet they kept him in the water. He recognized Ori and Kai’s voices, the Penningtons and a woman who seemed to be directing something, but Blair wasn’t sure what. He did have the distinct feeling that something had to do with him. Rational thinking was impossible. Blair’s brain felt as if it were encased in rubber cement, nothing made sense and any thought he tried to form drifted into oblivion only to resurface unconnected to anything specific. Exhaustion took over and Blair floated off to sleep. The water wasn’t as cold when he woke up and he’d been lifted, or maybe the water was lowered, so he was floating but not almost submerged. He shuddered and tried to heft himself out to freedom but straps around his chest held him down as did Forge’s hands. “It’s okay. Relax. I’m here. We’re all here and no one will let you sink,” Forge’s words broke through the murky haze that was Blair’s brain and he relaxed. Quarry is available in eBook, paperback and through Kindle Unlimited.
 The man stood up; he was several inches taller than Tom’s slight, just-over-six-foot frame. He held out one of those large, delicious hands and said, “Philip.” Tom shook the offered hand, liking its warm, strong feeling. No calluses, just a slight roughness to his skin. “Tom.” Philip looked down, scratched at the back of his head, and blushed. “I know.” Tom slipped into the chair opposite Philip and pushed the plate between them. “Have you tried Billy’s sandwiches? It’s one thing I look forward to every time I come here.” “You come here much?” “Not as much as I’d like. But you know how it is, have to be careful. This sure isn’t New York or Paris.” Tom bit into his sandwich, then sipped his whiskey. “Woo…not smooth.” Philip laughed. “No, it sure ain’t. But it does the job.” He picked up one of the sandwiches, took a bite, and chewed slowly. “You teach at that school up near West 140th.” It wasn’t a question. Tom nodded. “Is that where you know me from?” His voice stayed calm, but he had no idea how. Was it possible this was the father of one of his students? Tom wasn’t naïve enough to think it not possible. He’d just prefer not to get involved if that was the case. “I’m a cop, that’s part of my beat.” “Are you the reason this place never seems to get raided?” Tom asked. “I keep an ear to the ground. We’ve been lucky so far is what I figure. No one cares about a little shack this far out.” “Good thing for us,” Tom said. He relaxed and leaned over the table, closer to Philip. He smelled of a nice mixture of whiskey, laundered clothes, and a man who worked hard for his living. Tom rather liked it. An hour later they used the key Billy had given Tom. Tom’s chest was pressed to the wall just inside the door with Philip’s arms wrapped securely around Tom, holding them together. Philip groaned, hips bumping against Tom’s ass. Tom felt how Philip’s rock-hard thighs tensed, then quivered. He pulled Tom back, grip tightening, hips grinding and shoving harder against Tom until his cock pulsed and Tom was filled with heat. When Philip’s breathing was a bit calmer, he pulled away from Tom and spun him so his back was against the wall. Using those big, wonderful hands, he held Tom in place, dropped to his knees, and took Tom’s cock in his mouth. Tom’s knees buckled as Philip sucked and swirled his tongue all over Tom’s cock. He would have slid to the floor had it not been for Philip’s hands bracing him and keeping him in place. A Barlow Lens is available in eBook, paperback and
through Kindle Unlimited. This month the eBook is only $2.99. |
 Welcome to My World
|
RSS Feed
