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 He expected to be tortured and die on Daran. He never expected to fall in love. |  A jewel to steal. A planet to save. A leader to love? |  They introduce her to pleasures she’s never imagined, so how could just a taste ever be enough? |
 | For the sake of her people, Princess Meriane must mate with an Earth man to bring more diversity into the gene pool. When she's conceived a child, her mate will join the other males in the men's colony. In this way, her culture has perpetuated itself in peace for generations after banning the hated Triani from their midst. Finding a proper bed partner shouldn't be hard at Earth Con, should it? Zarim has been sent to Earth Con to masquerade as an Earther in order to worm his way into Meriane's bed and her heart. When he finds himself falling in love with the virginal but feisty princess, he has to discover a method to make peace between their peoples. Unfortunately, his very identity makes him an outcast on her planet. |
- Sneak Peek -
The server -- bartender, she should use the correct words -- stood not far away talking to a customer. When he spotted her, he headed in her direction and wiped the surface in front of her with a cloth.
"What can I get you?" he said.
She stared at all the bottles. With such a selection, how could she make up her mind? She could point, but that would mark her as someone who didn't know her way around Earth or its customs. She pondered the dilemma for long seconds, but no solution came to her.
"How about a glass of white wine?" the bartender said.
She waved a hand. "Far too safe."
The man stared at her. "Okay."
"But I'd better not have any mixed drinks."
"Then, you'll want something straight," he said.
Straight as opposed to crooked? Now she stared at him.
"Neat," he supplied.
"Oh, yes. Something neat." She needn't have anything sloppy, after all.
"I have some very old cognac," he said. "A little on the expensive side."
"Expense is no problem." She reached into the pocket of her uniform and placed the plastic card on the bar.
"Cognac it is, then." He produced an oddly shaped glass from under the bar and set it in front of her. It stood on a base, had a wide bowl at the bottom, and tapered to a smaller opening. Then he grabbed a bottle from behind him and poured a bit of liquor.
When she lifted the glass and swallowed the cognac, it burned down the back of her throat. The bartender didn't say anything as she coughed and sputtered. He didn't have to. Clearly, she'd taken the drink the wrong way.
"People usually sip cognac," he said after a bit.
"Wise."
So when he poured her a bit more, she only took a small amount. That made a lot more sense because now she could appreciate all the different flavors, and the shape of the glass allowed her sense of smell to pick up the perfume of the cognac. Quite complex and elegant. No wonder Earthers paid a great deal for this liquor. It was really quite remarkable.
"I'll leave the bottle," the bartender said as he smiled and walked away to take care of another customer.
Meriane poured herself a bit more and swiveled the stool so she could check out the rest of the bar.
A few more people had arrived, some in costume and others in more subdued clothing. She should interact with a few of them and get her bearings socially. Certainly an intoxicant like liquor should make people friendly.
As she sipped her drink, a sense of rightness settled into her chest. Everything was quite lovely here, wasn't it? Comforting and welcoming. The barstool was comfortable, the bartender genial, and the cognac sublime. She could relax and have some fun here as she searched for a mate. That in itself would provide plenty of stimulation for the senses.
Yes, it would.
Toward the back in a dim corner, a man sat studying her.
"What can I get you?" he said.
She stared at all the bottles. With such a selection, how could she make up her mind? She could point, but that would mark her as someone who didn't know her way around Earth or its customs. She pondered the dilemma for long seconds, but no solution came to her.
"How about a glass of white wine?" the bartender said.
She waved a hand. "Far too safe."
The man stared at her. "Okay."
"But I'd better not have any mixed drinks."
"Then, you'll want something straight," he said.
Straight as opposed to crooked? Now she stared at him.
"Neat," he supplied.
"Oh, yes. Something neat." She needn't have anything sloppy, after all.
"I have some very old cognac," he said. "A little on the expensive side."
"Expense is no problem." She reached into the pocket of her uniform and placed the plastic card on the bar.
"Cognac it is, then." He produced an oddly shaped glass from under the bar and set it in front of her. It stood on a base, had a wide bowl at the bottom, and tapered to a smaller opening. Then he grabbed a bottle from behind him and poured a bit of liquor.
When she lifted the glass and swallowed the cognac, it burned down the back of her throat. The bartender didn't say anything as she coughed and sputtered. He didn't have to. Clearly, she'd taken the drink the wrong way.
"People usually sip cognac," he said after a bit.
"Wise."
So when he poured her a bit more, she only took a small amount. That made a lot more sense because now she could appreciate all the different flavors, and the shape of the glass allowed her sense of smell to pick up the perfume of the cognac. Quite complex and elegant. No wonder Earthers paid a great deal for this liquor. It was really quite remarkable.
"I'll leave the bottle," the bartender said as he smiled and walked away to take care of another customer.
Meriane poured herself a bit more and swiveled the stool so she could check out the rest of the bar.
A few more people had arrived, some in costume and others in more subdued clothing. She should interact with a few of them and get her bearings socially. Certainly an intoxicant like liquor should make people friendly.
As she sipped her drink, a sense of rightness settled into her chest. Everything was quite lovely here, wasn't it? Comforting and welcoming. The barstool was comfortable, the bartender genial, and the cognac sublime. She could relax and have some fun here as she searched for a mate. That in itself would provide plenty of stimulation for the senses.
Yes, it would.
Toward the back in a dim corner, a man sat studying her.
- Prize One -
- Prize Two -
Ebooks, multiple formats
To ENTER:
1. Comment below what you liked about the sneak peek of Mated. (Please say more than it was interesting/romantic.)
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- MUST READ BOOKS -
| They introduce her to pleasures she’s never imagined, so how could just a taste ever be enough? | He expected to be tortured and die on Daran. He never expected to fall in love. |  A jewel to steal. A planet to save. A leader to love? |
 | Jody's won the masquerade costume competition for four years running. She should be a shoo-in for first place this year, as well, except that she's being badly upstaged by a tentacle monster costume. Tara's got to come to the rescue or it'll be one miserable drive home. Besides, Jody's a fantastic costumer, and she deserves all the attention she's not getting. When Tara springs into action to divert the audience's attention, the last thing she expects is a chance to experience some real live tentacle play herself! Only problem is, her Tentacle Monster's costume doesn't come off. He's really a shape shifting alien on the run from some real live alien bounty hunters dressed in |
what look like leftover eighties costumes from the set of Flash Gordon, and now Tara's got to help him escape, or she could end up crated off to Zenon to stand trial for aiding and abetting a fugitive.
Where are the Men in Black when you need them, anyway?
Where are the Men in Black when you need them, anyway?
- Sneak Peek -
Jody had left off a few things. Like the fact that the tentacle monster -- err, rather the guy in the tentacle monster costume -- changed colors whenever anyone got near him, and since people were running up to it -- him -- in swarming mobs, it was changing colors constantly. Tara almost felt sorry for it. He was really getting overrun. This was more than just a diversion for Jody. Looked like a rescue mission.
Tara surveyed the hallway full of event information, promo tables and registration people impatiently, waiting for Jody to make her grand appearance. Again. But hey. Any good theatrical performance needed a dress rehearsal. There she came, right on time -- or rather 45 minutes late, which was as close to on time as Jody ever got. Usually it was more like two hours. Using her best ringmaster voice, Tara hollered down the length of the hall. "Jody! Jody Miller!"
Jody turned, feigning surprise, and lifted a hand in a reasonable facsimile of a royal acknowledgement.
"Great costume!" And it was. The Faerie wings were nearly as wide as Jody was tall, and so translucent they caught the light from every direction and shimmered like cascading stars. The wheeled trunk Jody hauled in tow was equally impressive. That thing was big enough to hold a couple dead bodies.
Jody strode toward her, more at a march than a Faerie glide, tugging the case and her shoulder bag thru the crowd, nodding and smiling at everyone, gathering a trail of followers as she went. "Tara Lee!" she called back. "When did you get here?"
"Last night," Tara replied. Not that Jody didn't know -- they'd driven up together. Still, if you wanted to attract attention, personal conversations tossed the length of the mezzanine were always attention getting, on any level. And Jody was pretty sure everyone in the sculpted end of the lobby level above as well as those entering through the parking garage could hear them. "You look fantastic. You're going to take first place again this year."
Jody was closer by this time, and their volume dropped. Slightly. "Oh, I doubt that. No one's ever won Masters' division four years in a row."
If anyone could do it, Jody could. And she deserved to win. Her costumes were works of art. She didn't spend a fortune on them, either. The woman could disappear into her Costume Cave and throw just about anything together in short order.
"I want to take your costuming workshop!" Tara called back. "Looks like you're packed for quite a show!"
"Affordable Costuming, 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm in the big ballroom," Jody answered promptly. "I have Faerie Sparkles and Pixie Dust!"
A woman with three teenagers in tow blocked Jody's path to Tara now. More young people, and a good many older ones, too, quit picking at the free samples and crowded around from both sides. Jody allowed herself to be boxed in and waylaid for information.
"See you there!" Tara assured her, at a far lower volume. By the time she turned back to the Flying Spaghetti Monster, the crowd was off to find out what they could actually make themselves. Sometimes all people needed was a gentle reminder...
Tara surveyed the hallway full of event information, promo tables and registration people impatiently, waiting for Jody to make her grand appearance. Again. But hey. Any good theatrical performance needed a dress rehearsal. There she came, right on time -- or rather 45 minutes late, which was as close to on time as Jody ever got. Usually it was more like two hours. Using her best ringmaster voice, Tara hollered down the length of the hall. "Jody! Jody Miller!"
Jody turned, feigning surprise, and lifted a hand in a reasonable facsimile of a royal acknowledgement.
"Great costume!" And it was. The Faerie wings were nearly as wide as Jody was tall, and so translucent they caught the light from every direction and shimmered like cascading stars. The wheeled trunk Jody hauled in tow was equally impressive. That thing was big enough to hold a couple dead bodies.
Jody strode toward her, more at a march than a Faerie glide, tugging the case and her shoulder bag thru the crowd, nodding and smiling at everyone, gathering a trail of followers as she went. "Tara Lee!" she called back. "When did you get here?"
"Last night," Tara replied. Not that Jody didn't know -- they'd driven up together. Still, if you wanted to attract attention, personal conversations tossed the length of the mezzanine were always attention getting, on any level. And Jody was pretty sure everyone in the sculpted end of the lobby level above as well as those entering through the parking garage could hear them. "You look fantastic. You're going to take first place again this year."
Jody was closer by this time, and their volume dropped. Slightly. "Oh, I doubt that. No one's ever won Masters' division four years in a row."
If anyone could do it, Jody could. And she deserved to win. Her costumes were works of art. She didn't spend a fortune on them, either. The woman could disappear into her Costume Cave and throw just about anything together in short order.
"I want to take your costuming workshop!" Tara called back. "Looks like you're packed for quite a show!"
"Affordable Costuming, 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm in the big ballroom," Jody answered promptly. "I have Faerie Sparkles and Pixie Dust!"
A woman with three teenagers in tow blocked Jody's path to Tara now. More young people, and a good many older ones, too, quit picking at the free samples and crowded around from both sides. Jody allowed herself to be boxed in and waylaid for information.
"See you there!" Tara assured her, at a far lower volume. By the time she turned back to the Flying Spaghetti Monster, the crowd was off to find out what they could actually make themselves. Sometimes all people needed was a gentle reminder...
- Prize One -
- Prize Two -
Ebooks, multiple formats
To ENTER:
1. Comment below on what you liked about the sneak peek of Synchronicity. (Please say more than it's interesting/romantic.)
2. Follow Changeling Press on Facebook HERE.
- MUST READ BOOKS -
 A jewel to steal. A planet to save. A leader to love? | They introduce her to pleasures she’s never imagined, so how could just a taste ever be enough? | He expected to be tortured and die on Daran. He never expected to fall in love. |
 | Death by plastic pussy… When a prominent businessman is found murdered, it's up to Detective Brett Knucks and his inventor partner, Genius, to find the killer. Things get complicated when evidence of a sex bot is found on scene. As theories dissolve, they are left scrambling for suspects. Meanwhile, Genius and Brett are trying to keep their new relationship hidden. If only they can keep their hands off each other. |
- Sneak Peek -
“I’ll show you my office. We get naked, we fuck, and you can go back to work. You’re going to be tired and sore, but I believe in you. You’ll get the paperwork done while I take a much-needed nap.”
“Romantic.”
“Do you want romance?”
Brett didn’t answer. Instead, he touched the dashboard and clicked Genius’s address. The car pulled away from the curb and the swirling police lights.
Genius reached over, touching Brett’s thigh. “I have to remember to keep condoms on me at all times. We could have tried it in the car.”
Brett grinned. “The seats do swivel.” Genius let out a growl that went straight to Brett’s dick. That hand moved higher up his thigh, and he spun in his seat, leaning forward. They met halfway, their lips pressing together. Brett opened his mouth, enjoying the tongue lashing.
“My apartment seems so far away now,” Genius muttered as he kissed Brett’s chin.
“Doesn’t it, though?” Brett chuckled. This man was getting under his skin but in a good way. Genius was a good fuck, good company, and good for Brett at the moment. No complications. No expectations. This was just friendship and sex. He could do that. He liked doing that. It was the love stuff that was messy and complicated.
“You’ve only been in my office once. You didn’t get to see where the magic happens.” Genius sat back.
“Nope, I was busy shoving my pants on. Backwards, I might add.” He smiled at the memory. That had been a close call and almost fun.
“I can give you the grand tour some other time. When we get in that office, I’m going to be too busy taking your clothes off.”
“Ripping.” Brett stared at him. “Ripping my clothes off.” His cock was awake and pressing against his zipper. That was an uncomfortable feeling. He grabbed Genius’s shirt, pulling him in for another kiss. This one lasted a while. It turned from teasing to passion to desperation. They couldn’t get to the apartment fast enough. When the car finally stopped, Brett pulled away. His lips felt swollen, and his cock tented his pants. “How fast is that elevator?” Brett asked, hopping out of the car.
“Faster than the stairs.” He waved to the doorman as they passed and made good time to the elevator.
The second the doors closed, Genius kissed him again. This time, he pushed him against the wall, trapping his body. Brett groaned, needing more. He thrust his hips, rubbing himself as much as he could. Genius slid his hands under Brett’s shirt, circling his waist and pulling him in for a hug. He must have lost track of time, because the elevator doors dinged. Brett shifted his head. “Doors are open.”
Genius grunted and stepped back. His pants had a nice bulge at the front. They walked quickly toward his apartment. He hissed when the keys jingled and held his breath when they stepped into the living room.
The apartment seemed quiet. The kitchen light was on, but the rest of the place was dark. Genius grabbed his hand and tugged him toward the door to their right. Brett stepped inside the office. He was curious about this place, though. This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. This was where Genius created some of his greatest inventions. Brett’s sight was clouded by Genius, who closed the door and kissed him again.
“Got to be quiet.”
Brett nodded. He pulled away so they could make their way to the office and then worked on the buttons of his shirt.
Genius kicked off his shoes.
Brett watched him as he dropped his shirt on the floor. He toed off his own shoes and then went to work on that torturous zipper. He peeled it down, hissing at the feeling. Brett pulled his pants and boxers down in one swoop. When he straightened, he watched Genius.
The man shoved his boxers down and stood there in just his shirt. His cock peeked out from the bottom of it like some dirty show.
Well, Brett would watch that show for hours if he could.
“Romantic.”
“Do you want romance?”
Brett didn’t answer. Instead, he touched the dashboard and clicked Genius’s address. The car pulled away from the curb and the swirling police lights.
Genius reached over, touching Brett’s thigh. “I have to remember to keep condoms on me at all times. We could have tried it in the car.”
Brett grinned. “The seats do swivel.” Genius let out a growl that went straight to Brett’s dick. That hand moved higher up his thigh, and he spun in his seat, leaning forward. They met halfway, their lips pressing together. Brett opened his mouth, enjoying the tongue lashing.
“My apartment seems so far away now,” Genius muttered as he kissed Brett’s chin.
“Doesn’t it, though?” Brett chuckled. This man was getting under his skin but in a good way. Genius was a good fuck, good company, and good for Brett at the moment. No complications. No expectations. This was just friendship and sex. He could do that. He liked doing that. It was the love stuff that was messy and complicated.
“You’ve only been in my office once. You didn’t get to see where the magic happens.” Genius sat back.
“Nope, I was busy shoving my pants on. Backwards, I might add.” He smiled at the memory. That had been a close call and almost fun.
“I can give you the grand tour some other time. When we get in that office, I’m going to be too busy taking your clothes off.”
“Ripping.” Brett stared at him. “Ripping my clothes off.” His cock was awake and pressing against his zipper. That was an uncomfortable feeling. He grabbed Genius’s shirt, pulling him in for another kiss. This one lasted a while. It turned from teasing to passion to desperation. They couldn’t get to the apartment fast enough. When the car finally stopped, Brett pulled away. His lips felt swollen, and his cock tented his pants. “How fast is that elevator?” Brett asked, hopping out of the car.
“Faster than the stairs.” He waved to the doorman as they passed and made good time to the elevator.
The second the doors closed, Genius kissed him again. This time, he pushed him against the wall, trapping his body. Brett groaned, needing more. He thrust his hips, rubbing himself as much as he could. Genius slid his hands under Brett’s shirt, circling his waist and pulling him in for a hug. He must have lost track of time, because the elevator doors dinged. Brett shifted his head. “Doors are open.”
Genius grunted and stepped back. His pants had a nice bulge at the front. They walked quickly toward his apartment. He hissed when the keys jingled and held his breath when they stepped into the living room.
The apartment seemed quiet. The kitchen light was on, but the rest of the place was dark. Genius grabbed his hand and tugged him toward the door to their right. Brett stepped inside the office. He was curious about this place, though. This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. This was where Genius created some of his greatest inventions. Brett’s sight was clouded by Genius, who closed the door and kissed him again.
“Got to be quiet.”
Brett nodded. He pulled away so they could make their way to the office and then worked on the buttons of his shirt.
Genius kicked off his shoes.
Brett watched him as he dropped his shirt on the floor. He toed off his own shoes and then went to work on that torturous zipper. He peeled it down, hissing at the feeling. Brett pulled his pants and boxers down in one swoop. When he straightened, he watched Genius.
The man shoved his boxers down and stood there in just his shirt. His cock peeked out from the bottom of it like some dirty show.
Well, Brett would watch that show for hours if he could.
- Prize One -
- Prize Two -
Ebooks, multiple formats
- Prize Three -
Ebooks, multiple format
To ENTER:
1. Comment below what you liked about the sneak peek of The Stolen Sex Bot. (Please say more than it was interesting/romantic.)
2. Follow James on Facebook HERE.
- MUST READ BOOKS -
| He expected to be tortured and die on Daran. He never expected to fall in love. |  A jewel to steal. A planet to save. A leader to love? | They introduce her to pleasures she’s never imagined, so how could just a taste ever be enough? |
 | Jabel came for the hot Earth girls. So what if they only have two eyes and no tails. Earth girls are easy, right? Libby did not come looking for love. In fact, she didn't even come to get laid. Sex can be interesting when you're a transgendered woman, and the last thing she wanted to do was risk her body or her mind. A one night stand is just what they both needed, but then there are assassins and sword fights, and kidnappings... Whoever said convention life was easy, lied! |
- Sneak Peek -
Joklim was a mighty warrior, and it showed in his every word and deed. He now stood overlooking the one egg in the hatchery, his gold eyes keen on the electronic readouts that showed this new egg's development.
"Sponsor," Jabel announced, leery of walking up behind the older warrior without making his presence known. He had done that once and, even with his enhanced reflexes, he could not dodge the instinctive blow that nearly knocked him out.
"Ha, Jabel." Joklim turned, and the scarred visage of his Sponsor made Jabel want to stand at attention as he was taught in academy. "How fare you this glorious day?"
"I do well, Sponsor. My Preserver is more than pleased with my progress and now has several offers of Preservership."
"Ka." Joklim snorted, rolling all three of his eyes. It was a strange human concept that he had taken to before his own Corps service and had yet to stop. "Preservership does not make the warrior. It is the combination of lines that create the male, the tutorage of his Advocate and Sponsor that gives him his heart, and the training and knowledge of the Preserver that settles it all into place."
"Still, my Preserver has a lot of offers."
"Which he will turn down." Joklim spoke with confidence. "He has already laid claim to this newest hatching. I think he wants to prove the rearing of you was not a fluke."
"Indeed." Jabel chuckled. "If he managed to create more of me, I am not sure if the Imperium would be satisfied or horrified."
"A little of each." Joklim laughed, tossing his head back, his long black hair flowing down his back in its warrior braid. "But it is a new tradition that will keep them from growing stagnant."
Jabel thought of the many punishments he had endured because of his stubborn nature and insubordination, but none of his trainers found fault with his skills. He was nearly undefeated, his one loss coming after several hours of hand-to-hand combat at the hands of his trainers early on in his training.
"I am going to Earth Con," he informed him, watching as Joklim's smile grew. "I intend to be there for the week-long event in the town known as Philly."
"I assume there will be much debauchery?"
"You assume correctly."
"Sex? Consuming of human spirits? Sex?"
"Yes."
"Take note that I said sex twice, Jabel. I am quite sure you can do my legacy proud."
"I intend to."
"Very good." Joklim took his pleasure almost as seriously as he took his warfare. "If there are problems, an old ally of mine is stationed on earth. Mikhale Fas-something or the other." Joklim nibbled on his bottom lip, and Jabel felt a flush of pleasure when he realized how like his Sponsor he looked.
They both possessed the long black hair of the Amiret line as well as the tall, muscular form. The difference was in their complexions. Joklim was paler in skin coloration while Jabel was a creamy light brown, the combination of Advocate and Sponsor showing in his skin. They were both of a build, though Joklim's handsome visage was marred by several battle scars that proved his experience in battling the Dark Ones.
"Sponsor," Jabel announced, leery of walking up behind the older warrior without making his presence known. He had done that once and, even with his enhanced reflexes, he could not dodge the instinctive blow that nearly knocked him out.
"Ha, Jabel." Joklim turned, and the scarred visage of his Sponsor made Jabel want to stand at attention as he was taught in academy. "How fare you this glorious day?"
"I do well, Sponsor. My Preserver is more than pleased with my progress and now has several offers of Preservership."
"Ka." Joklim snorted, rolling all three of his eyes. It was a strange human concept that he had taken to before his own Corps service and had yet to stop. "Preservership does not make the warrior. It is the combination of lines that create the male, the tutorage of his Advocate and Sponsor that gives him his heart, and the training and knowledge of the Preserver that settles it all into place."
"Still, my Preserver has a lot of offers."
"Which he will turn down." Joklim spoke with confidence. "He has already laid claim to this newest hatching. I think he wants to prove the rearing of you was not a fluke."
"Indeed." Jabel chuckled. "If he managed to create more of me, I am not sure if the Imperium would be satisfied or horrified."
"A little of each." Joklim laughed, tossing his head back, his long black hair flowing down his back in its warrior braid. "But it is a new tradition that will keep them from growing stagnant."
Jabel thought of the many punishments he had endured because of his stubborn nature and insubordination, but none of his trainers found fault with his skills. He was nearly undefeated, his one loss coming after several hours of hand-to-hand combat at the hands of his trainers early on in his training.
"I am going to Earth Con," he informed him, watching as Joklim's smile grew. "I intend to be there for the week-long event in the town known as Philly."
"I assume there will be much debauchery?"
"You assume correctly."
"Sex? Consuming of human spirits? Sex?"
"Yes."
"Take note that I said sex twice, Jabel. I am quite sure you can do my legacy proud."
"I intend to."
"Very good." Joklim took his pleasure almost as seriously as he took his warfare. "If there are problems, an old ally of mine is stationed on earth. Mikhale Fas-something or the other." Joklim nibbled on his bottom lip, and Jabel felt a flush of pleasure when he realized how like his Sponsor he looked.
They both possessed the long black hair of the Amiret line as well as the tall, muscular form. The difference was in their complexions. Joklim was paler in skin coloration while Jabel was a creamy light brown, the combination of Advocate and Sponsor showing in his skin. They were both of a build, though Joklim's handsome visage was marred by several battle scars that proved his experience in battling the Dark Ones.
- Prize One -
- Prize Two -
Ebooks, multiple formats
To ENTER:
1. Comment below on what you liked about the sneak peek of Philcon or Bust? (Please say more than it was interesting/romantic.)
2. Follow Changeling Press on Facebook HERE.
- MUST READ BOOKS -
| They introduce her to pleasures she’s never imagined, so how could just a taste ever be enough? | He expected to be tortured and die on Daran. He never expected to fall in love. |  A jewel to steal. A planet to save. A leader to love? |
 | My name is Larkspur and I was born in the Colony, a labyrinth of tunnels and caves miles beneath the surface designed for prisoners. Being born among the criminals isn't an easy childhood. But I have a secret, my nails turn into sharp claws. That gives me the edge to survive down here. I learned early how to fight dirty, hide well and never trust. Here’s where I live, among the lawless. All too soon, our world changes. Something happens to the prospering world above. The criminals desiring freedom and revenge push toward the surface. Me among them. I make it to the surface and find myself in the middle of a war. |
Treston is a shy guy that’s always staring at me and Rafe is my handsome friend from the prison. Together we fight back against a group called The Blood Brotherhood. What do they want? To take over the world, of course. You’d think the bad guys would get a new plan. Starting a resistance is hard enough then I discover what makes me the way I am. It all ties into this cult and the end of the freaking world.
Humanity needs a hero, now more than ever, but all they get is me, a monster from the darkness.
Humanity needs a hero, now more than ever, but all they get is me, a monster from the darkness.
- Sneak Peek -
“Now how did you get up there?” It was Rafe’s hypnotic voice.
I froze, searched the darkness and found nothing. “A girl has to have her secrets.” I saw him the moment he stepped out of the shadows. He was a lot taller than I thought. Rafe walked closer to me. I could see the glint in his green eyes as he passed under the bright light.
The corner of his lips turned up in a half grin. “Secrets are dangerous.”
“So am I.” I held my ground. My heart beat so fast it made the vein in my neck throb with each pulse.
“You’re too pretty to be dangerous.” He spoke softer, almost a whisper.
He thought I was pretty? Okay, so I may have lost my cool for a minute there but I quickly straightened my backbone and narrowed my eyes at him. I squeezed the bag in my hands tighter to keep my focus.
“Ah, she blushes.” Rafe let out a soft chuckle.
The sound made my frown crack and fade. “I wasn’t blushing because of you.”
“Of course not.” He reached out almost as if to touch a strand of my hair that had gone awry and separated from my braid. He paused before his fingertips made contact. His smile fell. He stared behind me. “Get out of here.”
I snapped out of my weird, butterfly in my stomachs, moment very fast. Listening closely, I heard the faint sound of footsteps behind me. Slowly, I turned and kept my back toward Rafe. I didn’t trust him but I distrusted him less than others. To my surprise, he took a step in front of me. Rafe shielded me from the two men that approached. They were both young, maybe late twenties. Their clothes were filthy with soot so it looked like they’d been down here a while. That made them all the more perilous. I saw a glint on Rafe’s back. It looked like a blade tucked into the rim of his pants. At least he had a weapon. When they began the fight, I could run for it. However, I wasn’t a coward and I had a weak spot for Rafe. If he died who would I stare at while I was up in that tube waiting?
Hand over the food.” The taller of the two spoke. “And the pretty girl.”
I could have come up with some quirky comeback or given him some of my loot, but I kept silent. The last thing I needed was enemies down here.
“Larkspur is under my protection.” Rafe spoke quietly, but his tone was firm.
It surprised me to hear him say that. How did he even know my name? I waited, tense but ready. My feet were shoulder width apart, my knees bent and my grip loose in case I had to bring out the claws. They would attack us. I knew it by the desperation in their eyes. This food was mine. I wasn’t giving it up without a fight.
It happened quickly.
The taller guy came at Rafe pulling his makeshift blade. The shorter one approached me. I tossed my bag to the wall then faced him. He had a crooked nose, a scar over his eyebrow and blond hair turned brown with soot.
He lunged at me. I rushed to the right, spun behind him and shoved my elbow into his back. He grunted and came at me swiftly. I think he tried to hit me in the midsection. He didn’t get that far. Each punch he threw I stepped back until I was under the tube. I had a trick for him. I leaped into the air. My claws were nearly undetectable with the light here. They burrowed into the edges of the tube. I swung wide, over his giant frame and landed behind him. I twirled. My claws raked over his back. He went down with a yell.
A moment later Rafe was over him and delivered a kick that sent him a few feet away. His intense stare found mine. “Go. Get out.”
I caught sight of his knife. The shiny tip marred with blood. I nodded, grabbed my bag of food and took off down the tunnel. I didn’t go far, just enough to slip away into the darkness. I waited there, listened to a few grunts and footsteps as the men fled. Then there was nothing but silence again. Stale air filled my lungs as my gaze followed Rafe. He found his own shadow to camouflage. I smiled, even knowing it was foolish.
I froze, searched the darkness and found nothing. “A girl has to have her secrets.” I saw him the moment he stepped out of the shadows. He was a lot taller than I thought. Rafe walked closer to me. I could see the glint in his green eyes as he passed under the bright light.
The corner of his lips turned up in a half grin. “Secrets are dangerous.”
“So am I.” I held my ground. My heart beat so fast it made the vein in my neck throb with each pulse.
“You’re too pretty to be dangerous.” He spoke softer, almost a whisper.
He thought I was pretty? Okay, so I may have lost my cool for a minute there but I quickly straightened my backbone and narrowed my eyes at him. I squeezed the bag in my hands tighter to keep my focus.
“Ah, she blushes.” Rafe let out a soft chuckle.
The sound made my frown crack and fade. “I wasn’t blushing because of you.”
“Of course not.” He reached out almost as if to touch a strand of my hair that had gone awry and separated from my braid. He paused before his fingertips made contact. His smile fell. He stared behind me. “Get out of here.”
I snapped out of my weird, butterfly in my stomachs, moment very fast. Listening closely, I heard the faint sound of footsteps behind me. Slowly, I turned and kept my back toward Rafe. I didn’t trust him but I distrusted him less than others. To my surprise, he took a step in front of me. Rafe shielded me from the two men that approached. They were both young, maybe late twenties. Their clothes were filthy with soot so it looked like they’d been down here a while. That made them all the more perilous. I saw a glint on Rafe’s back. It looked like a blade tucked into the rim of his pants. At least he had a weapon. When they began the fight, I could run for it. However, I wasn’t a coward and I had a weak spot for Rafe. If he died who would I stare at while I was up in that tube waiting?
Hand over the food.” The taller of the two spoke. “And the pretty girl.”
I could have come up with some quirky comeback or given him some of my loot, but I kept silent. The last thing I needed was enemies down here.
“Larkspur is under my protection.” Rafe spoke quietly, but his tone was firm.
It surprised me to hear him say that. How did he even know my name? I waited, tense but ready. My feet were shoulder width apart, my knees bent and my grip loose in case I had to bring out the claws. They would attack us. I knew it by the desperation in their eyes. This food was mine. I wasn’t giving it up without a fight.
It happened quickly.
The taller guy came at Rafe pulling his makeshift blade. The shorter one approached me. I tossed my bag to the wall then faced him. He had a crooked nose, a scar over his eyebrow and blond hair turned brown with soot.
He lunged at me. I rushed to the right, spun behind him and shoved my elbow into his back. He grunted and came at me swiftly. I think he tried to hit me in the midsection. He didn’t get that far. Each punch he threw I stepped back until I was under the tube. I had a trick for him. I leaped into the air. My claws were nearly undetectable with the light here. They burrowed into the edges of the tube. I swung wide, over his giant frame and landed behind him. I twirled. My claws raked over his back. He went down with a yell.
A moment later Rafe was over him and delivered a kick that sent him a few feet away. His intense stare found mine. “Go. Get out.”
I caught sight of his knife. The shiny tip marred with blood. I nodded, grabbed my bag of food and took off down the tunnel. I didn’t go far, just enough to slip away into the darkness. I waited there, listened to a few grunts and footsteps as the men fled. Then there was nothing but silence again. Stale air filled my lungs as my gaze followed Rafe. He found his own shadow to camouflage. I smiled, even knowing it was foolish.
- Prize One -
- Prize Two -
Ebooks, multiple formats
To ENTER:
1. Comment below what you liked about the sneak peek of My Dark Fairytale? (Please say more than it was interesting/romantic.)
2. Follow Christine on Instagram HERE.
- MUST READ BOOKS -
 A jewel to steal. A planet to save. A leader to love? | They introduce her to pleasures she’s never imagined, so how could just a taste ever be enough? | He expected to be tortured and die on Daran. He never expected to fall in love. |
 | Brielle has waited faithfully for her fiancé to return from Terran Prime, only to discover she's been engaged to a lying, cheating bastard who tosses her out on her rear the moment he's back. Not one to go down without a fight, Brielle will do anything to ensure her survival -- even sign up for a bride exchange on another world. Syl has lived his life in his lab, always preoccupied with his experiments. But the moment he sees Brielle, he realizes that perhaps his life has been missing something after all. Wanting and having are two different things. What would an exotic looking female like Brielle want with an alien geek like him? |
- Sneak Peek -
“It seems I’m being evicted from my home,” she said. “And I hadn’t had a chance to tell Aaron yet, but I lost my job last week. So with no money to speak of, there’s absolutely no possibility of me landing on my feet right now.
“There’s an application you need to complete. It’s rather lengthy, but we don’t care about your finances. On Terran, women are precious, whether they are wealthy or poor.” His hand lifted and he stroked her hair. “Your hair is like the sunset. I can promise that you would have your choice of warriors.”
She glanced over her shoulder at Aaron, who was watching the exchange with an open mouth. She wasn’t sure if she should be offended that he thought her of such little worth that no one would want her, or if she should smile and rub it in his face that she was going to be with someone far superior to him. She’d take a Terran warrior over a human doctor any day.
Brielle looked back up at the captain. “Where do I sign?”
His smile broadened even further, showing even white teeth. “Excellent. Please allow me to escort you to the processing station. The application is computerized and they will be able to answer any of your questions.”
The alien placed a hand at her lower back and began guiding her through the building and toward processing. She could feel Aaron’s eyes boring into her back, but she refused to look his way again. She was finished with him. It might be completely insane to agree to be an alien’s wife, especially since she’d never put any thought into the matter, but desperate times called for desperate measures.
“Whitney,” the alien called to the human woman behind the desk. “I have another candidate for you.”
Brielle looked up at him in surprise. “Do you just wander the station looking for women to bring down here?”
He chuckled. “No. But you are not the first candidate I’ve brought to processing during my travels to Earth. Sometimes the women boarding the ships to Terran decide they want to participate. Others never want to step foot on my planet again.”
“Why would they not want to return? You do have indoor plumbing, don’t you?”
“Yes.” He smiled. “There’s indoor plumbing. Electricity too.”
“Now if you could just find a way for me to email my sisters…”
He shook his head. “No written transmissions. We do, however, have Vid-Comms set up in all of the suites and homes on Terran. They were working again as of last night. As long as your family has access to one, you’ll be able to speak to them.”
Brielle shook her head. “They can’t afford something like that. And the nearest Terran station is a few hundred miles away.”
“If you’re accepted into the program and select a Terran mate, I assure you that he will do everything in his power to make sure you can contact your family. He would never separate you from your kin. Families are important to Terrans.” He smiled and stroked her arm. “Even soft pink ones.”
“Just tell me what to do to get the ball rolling.”
“There’s an application you need to complete. It’s rather lengthy, but we don’t care about your finances. On Terran, women are precious, whether they are wealthy or poor.” His hand lifted and he stroked her hair. “Your hair is like the sunset. I can promise that you would have your choice of warriors.”
She glanced over her shoulder at Aaron, who was watching the exchange with an open mouth. She wasn’t sure if she should be offended that he thought her of such little worth that no one would want her, or if she should smile and rub it in his face that she was going to be with someone far superior to him. She’d take a Terran warrior over a human doctor any day.
Brielle looked back up at the captain. “Where do I sign?”
His smile broadened even further, showing even white teeth. “Excellent. Please allow me to escort you to the processing station. The application is computerized and they will be able to answer any of your questions.”
The alien placed a hand at her lower back and began guiding her through the building and toward processing. She could feel Aaron’s eyes boring into her back, but she refused to look his way again. She was finished with him. It might be completely insane to agree to be an alien’s wife, especially since she’d never put any thought into the matter, but desperate times called for desperate measures.
“Whitney,” the alien called to the human woman behind the desk. “I have another candidate for you.”
Brielle looked up at him in surprise. “Do you just wander the station looking for women to bring down here?”
He chuckled. “No. But you are not the first candidate I’ve brought to processing during my travels to Earth. Sometimes the women boarding the ships to Terran decide they want to participate. Others never want to step foot on my planet again.”
“Why would they not want to return? You do have indoor plumbing, don’t you?”
“Yes.” He smiled. “There’s indoor plumbing. Electricity too.”
“Now if you could just find a way for me to email my sisters…”
He shook his head. “No written transmissions. We do, however, have Vid-Comms set up in all of the suites and homes on Terran. They were working again as of last night. As long as your family has access to one, you’ll be able to speak to them.”
Brielle shook her head. “They can’t afford something like that. And the nearest Terran station is a few hundred miles away.”
“If you’re accepted into the program and select a Terran mate, I assure you that he will do everything in his power to make sure you can contact your family. He would never separate you from your kin. Families are important to Terrans.” He smiled and stroked her arm. “Even soft pink ones.”
“Just tell me what to do to get the ball rolling.”
- Prize One -
- Prize Two -
Ebooks, multiple format
To ENTER:
1. Comment below what you liked about the sneak peek of Brielle and her Alien Geek. (Please say more that it was interesting/romantic.)
2. Follow Changeling Press on Facebook HERE.
| He expected to be tortured and die on Daran. He never expected to fall in love. |  A jewel to steal. A planet to save. A leader to love? | They introduce her to pleasures she’s never even imagined, so how could just a taste ever really be enough? |
 | They have the killer on video and yet no one can see his face… Brett and Genius are on another case. This one involves a series of robberies where elderly victims are murdered. They have no idea how the victims are chosen or when the next one will be targeted. Their only clue is a video of the killer and his face is blurred. What invention could do that? Even Genius is stumped. As they look for suspects, the heat between them intensifies. Neither man has forgotten the kiss they shared and Genius wants a lot more than Brett’s lips. |
- Sneak Peek -
“Morning. I, um, I just wanted to return this to you before I forgot.” Now that Brett said it out loud, he cringed. That sounded so fucking lame. This was a bad idea.
“You came here at seven AM to return a tie.” Genius opened the door wider. “Keep it. It looked great on you.”
Brett blushed. “Oh. Thanks. Well, I’m off today, but I’ll see you at work tomorrow.”
Genius waved his hand. “You came here for more than a tie, Brett. Come in for a cup of coffee. It’s too early to function after the night we had without caffeine.”
Brett couldn’t argue that. He went into the apartment, closing the door behind him. He still couldn’t believe how big this place was. It looked like a mansion compared to his own apartment. What sort of tech did he have in here? Brett was genuinely curious.
Genius came back into the lavish but comfortable living room with two cups of coffee. He placed them on the glass table and flopped onto the couch. The robe edge slid up his bare thigh.
Oh, hell. “I can’t really stay.”
“You’re going to waste a cup of coffee?”
Shit. No. That was like a sin. Brett sat at the end of the couch, but Genius was square in the middle. He held the ceramic cup in his hands and took a sip. Oh, fuck, that tasted good. Genius definitely knew how to make a good cup of coffee, and that was one of Brett’s weaknesses. “Delicious.” His voice had gone raspy. This would be the perfect time to talk about how bad of an idea them having sex would be. “Is Zia still here?” He didn’t want her to hear anything that would scar her for life.
“She left half an hour ago. Early study group. So, it’s just us.”
They were alone in the apartment? He took another sip of coffee. “Genius.”
“Ah, ready to talk, then.” He put down his cup.
“Yes, I am. I like you, Genius, but work is too…” Brett didn’t get a chance to finish. Genius leaned over and kissed him. The moment their lips met, his thoughts scattered. He opened his mouth as Genius slid his tongue inside. Passion ignited like a fucking volcano. Brett kissed back, his hands moving to Genius’s robe.
He shrugged it off, shifting to his knees.
The kiss continued as Genius advanced, lying on top of him. Brett opened his legs, letting the other man settle between them. The air warmed between them. Genius’s hands roamed up his shirt. Brett had never been so happy not to be wearing a work shirt. Those buttons would have been scattered everywhere, and he wouldn’t have even cared.
Genius broke the kiss only to trail his lips down Brett’s neck. He shifted his hands higher until he found that chest and those nipple rings. He tugged on one, making Brett groan. A moment later, Genius was sitting as he shoved Brett’s shirt up. The man leaned over and sucked the gold hoop piercing into his mouth.
Oh, fuck. Brett grabbed his head, his fingers skimming through silky hair. It had been a long time since he’d felt this much lust. His whole body was taut, muscles rigid, and his cock was a beast. It strained at his sweatpants like they were a confining cage made for torture.
Genius let go of Brett long enough to haul his shirt off. He threw it behind the couch and went back to those nipple rings.
Kissing. Tugging with his teeth. Licking. Brett let out a low groan, and then that talented mouth was kissing lower. Genius played his tongue around Brett’s belly button. Anticipation made him gasp for breath. He’d been dreaming about this. Thinking about this nonstop. Even before he’d met Genius, he’d been attracted to his image. Now that the man was in his arms, it was like a wet dream come true.
“You came here at seven AM to return a tie.” Genius opened the door wider. “Keep it. It looked great on you.”
Brett blushed. “Oh. Thanks. Well, I’m off today, but I’ll see you at work tomorrow.”
Genius waved his hand. “You came here for more than a tie, Brett. Come in for a cup of coffee. It’s too early to function after the night we had without caffeine.”
Brett couldn’t argue that. He went into the apartment, closing the door behind him. He still couldn’t believe how big this place was. It looked like a mansion compared to his own apartment. What sort of tech did he have in here? Brett was genuinely curious.
Genius came back into the lavish but comfortable living room with two cups of coffee. He placed them on the glass table and flopped onto the couch. The robe edge slid up his bare thigh.
Oh, hell. “I can’t really stay.”
“You’re going to waste a cup of coffee?”
Shit. No. That was like a sin. Brett sat at the end of the couch, but Genius was square in the middle. He held the ceramic cup in his hands and took a sip. Oh, fuck, that tasted good. Genius definitely knew how to make a good cup of coffee, and that was one of Brett’s weaknesses. “Delicious.” His voice had gone raspy. This would be the perfect time to talk about how bad of an idea them having sex would be. “Is Zia still here?” He didn’t want her to hear anything that would scar her for life.
“She left half an hour ago. Early study group. So, it’s just us.”
They were alone in the apartment? He took another sip of coffee. “Genius.”
“Ah, ready to talk, then.” He put down his cup.
“Yes, I am. I like you, Genius, but work is too…” Brett didn’t get a chance to finish. Genius leaned over and kissed him. The moment their lips met, his thoughts scattered. He opened his mouth as Genius slid his tongue inside. Passion ignited like a fucking volcano. Brett kissed back, his hands moving to Genius’s robe.
He shrugged it off, shifting to his knees.
The kiss continued as Genius advanced, lying on top of him. Brett opened his legs, letting the other man settle between them. The air warmed between them. Genius’s hands roamed up his shirt. Brett had never been so happy not to be wearing a work shirt. Those buttons would have been scattered everywhere, and he wouldn’t have even cared.
Genius broke the kiss only to trail his lips down Brett’s neck. He shifted his hands higher until he found that chest and those nipple rings. He tugged on one, making Brett groan. A moment later, Genius was sitting as he shoved Brett’s shirt up. The man leaned over and sucked the gold hoop piercing into his mouth.
Oh, fuck. Brett grabbed his head, his fingers skimming through silky hair. It had been a long time since he’d felt this much lust. His whole body was taut, muscles rigid, and his cock was a beast. It strained at his sweatpants like they were a confining cage made for torture.
Genius let go of Brett long enough to haul his shirt off. He threw it behind the couch and went back to those nipple rings.
Kissing. Tugging with his teeth. Licking. Brett let out a low groan, and then that talented mouth was kissing lower. Genius played his tongue around Brett’s belly button. Anticipation made him gasp for breath. He’d been dreaming about this. Thinking about this nonstop. Even before he’d met Genius, he’d been attracted to his image. Now that the man was in his arms, it was like a wet dream come true.
- Prize One -
- Prize Two -
Ebooks, multiple formats
- Prize Three -
Ebooks, multiple formats
To ENTER:
1. What did you like about the sneak peek of A Date with Violence? (Please say more than it looks romantic/interesting.)
2. Follow James on Facebook HERE.
- MUST READ BOOKS -
| They introduce her to pleasures she’s never imagined, so how could just a taste ever be enough? | He expected to be tortured and die on Daran. He never expected to fall in love. |  A jewel to steal. A planet to save. A leader to love? |
 | ~Editor's Pick~ Lie one: we’re all going to survive. Nova just wanted to do her duty like everyone else. Become a soldier, keep Earth safe. When her base is attacked, she’s captured by the alien enemies but they’re nothing like she was taught. They’re smart, calculating, curious, and so her nightmare begins. Surviving. Dying. When she’s finally rescued, she can’t remember much of her humanity but she can’t tell anyone what she |
knows, like their language or the experiments. She never expects to meet the boy with the stunning green eyes, Pierce. They bring out feelings in her she had to destroy to survive. Then it comes out that the aliens are looking for something. Someone.
To keep Earth safe, Nova will have to kill the queens. Every. Last. One.
To keep Earth safe, Nova will have to kill the queens. Every. Last. One.
- Sneak Peek -
“You okay?” Pierce had stayed.
“All good.” Nova curled her hands into fists. It was just a pain killer. One foot in front of the other.
“You should stay here,” the nurse yelled.
Nova kept walking. She didn’t stumble at all as she made her way down the hall and outside. Everything looked different. The quad was filled with soldiers instead of students. The ship still puffed smoke, but it was white instead of a thick black. She eased her body left and forward. She could do this. No problem, but she didn’t want to be this vulnerable at her dorm. “Where do I go?” Had she said that aloud?
“I’m not taking you back to your dorm.”
Taking her? Nova snorted, only then realizing his hand was on her back. Again. He steered her to the left toward the senior dorms. “No.” She paused or rather stumbled to a stop.
“You’re not safe like this at your place.”
She knew that! Nova pulled away and turned around.
“Nova, will you stop being so fecking independent for one fecking day!” His deep voice boomed in the quiet evening air.
“Don’t need anyone.” She was fine by herself. The pain killer was already wearing off. She felt fine and she knew where she was going.
“Wall,” Piece said.
Wall? Nova hit the archway with her shoulder and frowned. “Ah, wall. I saw that.” Keep going. You’re fine. Maybe she’d be able to sleep with all this stuff floating through her body.
“Where are you going?”
Was he still following her? “Up.”
“Up? Did you say up?” Pierce took her arm.
“You keep touching me and I…” Hells! She almost said she liked it. “I will break … things.” Okay. That was pathetic.
“Things, huh?” He grinned.
Did they pass her dorm? “My place.” She pointed backward awkwardly. She was going to beat that nurse. This was crazy. How much pain killer did she get? She couldn’t … nothing … dritt.
“We’re going to Gianna’s.”
Oh. “Oh.” Why would that be bad? Nova shrugged. Gianna was nice. Her legs were feeling heavy and hard to lift, but her side didn’t hurt. Nothing hurt. They made their way to Gianna’s and Pierce opened the door. Nova felt like it had taken years. A few more steps and she could crash. Her daggers! She couldn’t sleep without her weapons. “Hells.”
“What?”
She practically fell into Pierce, then jerked back and banged against a wall. “Can’t sleep. Need my blades.”
He took her arm and tugged, but she refused to move. “You want to go through a bunch of soldiers to get weapons that you weren’t even supposed to have?”
Nova rolled her eyes and poked him in his bare chest. “Defense. Offense.” That explained it? “Need my blades.”
Pierce shifted and lifted Nova into his arms.
She let out a gasp that was girly and embarrassing. “Put me down or … pain you.”
“Because that made sense.” Pierce carried her to the couch. He laid her down … or tried to.
Nova wiggled to get free, sending them both crashing into the couch. “Blades before sleep,” she mumbled. No. No, she had to get up despite how warm his skin was under her chilled hands. She wrapped her arms around him a little tighter. He smelled good too. Nova inhaled deeply and moaned.
Pierce brushed hair from her face. “I’ll keep you safe.”
Nova snorted, fighting but losing the urge to snuggle against him. “Not safe. Never safe.”
Pierce leaned closer and whispered in her ear. “If anyone tries to hurt you, I’ll tear them apart.”
“All good.” Nova curled her hands into fists. It was just a pain killer. One foot in front of the other.
“You should stay here,” the nurse yelled.
Nova kept walking. She didn’t stumble at all as she made her way down the hall and outside. Everything looked different. The quad was filled with soldiers instead of students. The ship still puffed smoke, but it was white instead of a thick black. She eased her body left and forward. She could do this. No problem, but she didn’t want to be this vulnerable at her dorm. “Where do I go?” Had she said that aloud?
“I’m not taking you back to your dorm.”
Taking her? Nova snorted, only then realizing his hand was on her back. Again. He steered her to the left toward the senior dorms. “No.” She paused or rather stumbled to a stop.
“You’re not safe like this at your place.”
She knew that! Nova pulled away and turned around.
“Nova, will you stop being so fecking independent for one fecking day!” His deep voice boomed in the quiet evening air.
“Don’t need anyone.” She was fine by herself. The pain killer was already wearing off. She felt fine and she knew where she was going.
“Wall,” Piece said.
Wall? Nova hit the archway with her shoulder and frowned. “Ah, wall. I saw that.” Keep going. You’re fine. Maybe she’d be able to sleep with all this stuff floating through her body.
“Where are you going?”
Was he still following her? “Up.”
“Up? Did you say up?” Pierce took her arm.
“You keep touching me and I…” Hells! She almost said she liked it. “I will break … things.” Okay. That was pathetic.
“Things, huh?” He grinned.
Did they pass her dorm? “My place.” She pointed backward awkwardly. She was going to beat that nurse. This was crazy. How much pain killer did she get? She couldn’t … nothing … dritt.
“We’re going to Gianna’s.”
Oh. “Oh.” Why would that be bad? Nova shrugged. Gianna was nice. Her legs were feeling heavy and hard to lift, but her side didn’t hurt. Nothing hurt. They made their way to Gianna’s and Pierce opened the door. Nova felt like it had taken years. A few more steps and she could crash. Her daggers! She couldn’t sleep without her weapons. “Hells.”
“What?”
She practically fell into Pierce, then jerked back and banged against a wall. “Can’t sleep. Need my blades.”
He took her arm and tugged, but she refused to move. “You want to go through a bunch of soldiers to get weapons that you weren’t even supposed to have?”
Nova rolled her eyes and poked him in his bare chest. “Defense. Offense.” That explained it? “Need my blades.”
Pierce shifted and lifted Nova into his arms.
She let out a gasp that was girly and embarrassing. “Put me down or … pain you.”
“Because that made sense.” Pierce carried her to the couch. He laid her down … or tried to.
Nova wiggled to get free, sending them both crashing into the couch. “Blades before sleep,” she mumbled. No. No, she had to get up despite how warm his skin was under her chilled hands. She wrapped her arms around him a little tighter. He smelled good too. Nova inhaled deeply and moaned.
Pierce brushed hair from her face. “I’ll keep you safe.”
Nova snorted, fighting but losing the urge to snuggle against him. “Not safe. Never safe.”
Pierce leaned closer and whispered in her ear. “If anyone tries to hurt you, I’ll tear them apart.”
-Prize One -
- Prize Two -
To ENTER:
1. What did you enjoy about the sneak peek of The Eight Lies We Tell Each Other? (Please say more than it was interesting/romantic)
2. Follow Christine on Instagram HERE.
 A jewel to steal. A planet to save. A leader to love? | They introduce her to pleasures she’s never imagined, so how could just a taste ever be enough? | He expected to be tortured and die on Daran. He never expected to fall in love. |
Humanity needs a hero, now more than ever, but all they get is me, a monster from the darkness.
Have you ever tried to disarm an enchanted bomb with space Neanderthals trying to claim you as their mate? It’s a good way to die.
Death by plastic pussy…
Lie one: we’re all going to survive.
