J.D. Tyler's Blog
February 18, 2018
JOHAN ON SALE NOW!
Readers,
Are you ready for an pulse-pounding, action-packed read that will leave you breathless? JOHAN is here! Kobo will live soon. Coming soon to iTunes and in print on Amazon!
Happy Reading!
~JD
Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079WDM2CZ/...
Nook: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/joha...
On her Millennium birthday, Vampire Queen Raina Zharov combats her aching loneliness by purchasing two fallen modern-day warriors from the auction block. Irresistible, green-eyed charmer Zane Ramsey embraces his role as the Queen’s thrall, eager to fulfill her every desire. But the dark-haired, golden-eyed warrior…
Exiled Warrior of Exodus Johan Stone suffers a fate worse than death when he’s forced to sell his body in order to save his best friend’s life, but he vows that no one will ever own his soul. In spite of his resistance, he’s seduced into surrendering to the beautiful Vampire Queen Raina Zharov, and the explosive passion they experience together shakes him to his very foundation. Forces him to question everything he believed to be true about himself, and what will surely be a torturous hell of an eternity seeing to her pleasure. But Johan is soon falling in love with his mistress, conflicted between duty and awakened dark desires.
When Johan and Zane battle the demon responsible for a series of brutal killings, the imprisonment of an innocent vampire, and their own fall from grace, they’re in for the fight of their lives. Souls will be destroyed, hearts shattered. And Johan will face the toughest battle of his existence—whether he can survive long enough to reconcile himself to immortality…before tragedy parts him from Raina forever.
Author's Note: This book has been previously published. The title and author have changed. However, this book is the launch for a new series, and subsequent books have never been published.
**Warriors of Exodus is steamy paranormal romance series and contains m/f, m/f/m, and m/m sexual situations. If hotter-than-hell action and dark, dangerous heroes bother you, read elsewhere.
Are you ready for an pulse-pounding, action-packed read that will leave you breathless? JOHAN is here! Kobo will live soon. Coming soon to iTunes and in print on Amazon!
Happy Reading!
~JD
Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079WDM2CZ/...
Nook: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/joha...
On her Millennium birthday, Vampire Queen Raina Zharov combats her aching loneliness by purchasing two fallen modern-day warriors from the auction block. Irresistible, green-eyed charmer Zane Ramsey embraces his role as the Queen’s thrall, eager to fulfill her every desire. But the dark-haired, golden-eyed warrior…
Exiled Warrior of Exodus Johan Stone suffers a fate worse than death when he’s forced to sell his body in order to save his best friend’s life, but he vows that no one will ever own his soul. In spite of his resistance, he’s seduced into surrendering to the beautiful Vampire Queen Raina Zharov, and the explosive passion they experience together shakes him to his very foundation. Forces him to question everything he believed to be true about himself, and what will surely be a torturous hell of an eternity seeing to her pleasure. But Johan is soon falling in love with his mistress, conflicted between duty and awakened dark desires.
When Johan and Zane battle the demon responsible for a series of brutal killings, the imprisonment of an innocent vampire, and their own fall from grace, they’re in for the fight of their lives. Souls will be destroyed, hearts shattered. And Johan will face the toughest battle of his existence—whether he can survive long enough to reconcile himself to immortality…before tragedy parts him from Raina forever.
Author's Note: This book has been previously published. The title and author have changed. However, this book is the launch for a new series, and subsequent books have never been published.
**Warriors of Exodus is steamy paranormal romance series and contains m/f, m/f/m, and m/m sexual situations. If hotter-than-hell action and dark, dangerous heroes bother you, read elsewhere.
February 12, 2018
A Taste of JOHAN...Coming February 18!
Good morning, all! How about a little taste of JOHAN for you? Coming February 18!
JOHAN
One
“Rough crowd tonight, sweet cheeks. Sure you wanna go through with this?”
Johan stared at the young woman awaiting his answer. A girl, really. Once-pretty features already hardened beyond her years, dark eyes that had seen too much. Silver studs adorned her nose, lower lip and, unless he was mistaken, her tongue. Her black skirt barely covered the firm globes of her rear, and the taut circles of her large nipples were clearly defined underneath the wife-beater shirt. His gaze swept to her feet—combat boots?—and up to her skull.
Bright pink hair flew in tufts from her head as though trying to escape the entire horrid picture. She was smacking gum as though her life depended on it, a bored I don’t give a shit expression fixed on her face when Johan knew from experience nothing could be further from the truth.
“Yes, I’m sure.”
Dread coiled in his gut, a serpent waiting to strike. Poisoning him with fear he could not afford. More than his own life hung in the balance, and he ruthlessly squashed the useless emotion.
More smacking, the arch of a fuchsia brow. “Once your fine ass is up on the slave block, it’s too late to book out. Like, your soul is toast. You get that, right?”
“Yeah, I get that.”
Feel nothing. You have no choice.
“What about your friend?”
Johan’s gaze flicked to the sofa, where Zane had collapsed to rest. His lifelong best friend. The only person left in the world who gave a damn about him, and vice versa. Sweat trickled down his friend’s lean cheeks, dampened his sun-streaked brown hair. His breathing was raspy, getting worse by the hour.
One more night starving in the bitterly cold streets of St. Louis, sick with pneumonia, and Zane would die.
Zane raised his head and nodded, mouth drawn into a grim line.
No choice. “He gets it, too. And we are sold together, or no deal,” he reminded her. Gods, the worst thing would be for Zane to suffer alone, ill and at the mercy of a tyrant.
The girl braced her fists on her slim hips. “Gotcha. But he’ll have to be able to stand, or he can’t go on the block.”
“He will.” Even if I have to hold him up.
“Drakkon is sitting in front with the bidders. You’ve heard of the creep? The shapeshifters used to get a kick out of stealing the choice slaves he’d picked. Until he started eating our furry friends.” She paused for dramatic emphasis. Blew a noisy bubble. “No one outbids the nasty demon anymore.”
Oh, fuck. “I appreciate your honesty, but we won’t change our minds. Let’s just get this over with.”
“All right,” the girl sighed. “It’s your virgin ass. Take off your clothes.”
Confused, Johan opened his mouth to protest that he wasn’t a virgin…then realized what she meant. In spite of his resolve, a prickle of fear raced down his spine. Gritting his teeth, he forced himself not to ask questions when the answers didn’t matter.
Johan removed his clothes and tossed them aside, along with the hand blades, dagger and sword he’d carried for as long as he could remember. The weapons of a warrior. Protector. Reduced to a pathetic joke.
He and Zane would stand upon the block in their skin, allowed no comforts save what their new master deemed them worthy. A wave of misery swamped him, and he fought to hold steady as the girl began to oil his body. Preparing to show his assets to the best advantage. The more beautiful the slave, the higher the bid…and more money lining the pockets of Club Lash’s mysterious owner.
Nakedness didn’t bother Johan. But tonight, his and Zane’s nudity before bidders and gawkers alike symbolized their plummet to the dregs of society. A slave. Lower than any other creature. Less than nothing.
He stood, legs spread as the girl worked the aromatic oil into the muscles of his arms, chest, shoulders, back. She massaged his legs, then began spreading the stuff all over his cock and balls. Kneading with gentle fingers.
“Relax. You gotta show off that impressive package, sugar. You want to snag an appreciative master, don’t you?”
No. He wanted to run screaming from the building. “Is this necessary?”
She moved away for a moment and returned, holding out a glass half full of burgundy liquid. “Drink up. It will help.”
Johan downed the contents as she gave some to Zane also. Wine? If so, it wasn’t like any he’d tasted. The vile fluid burned a path clear to his toes. His body heated like a torch…and his cock…great gods.
He’d been set ablaze from the inside out. Blood filled his shaft, lifting his erection up and away from his body. Turgid, painful. He groaned, instinctively reaching for himself.
Which earned him a swat on his rear and a swift reprimand. “Hands off, big boy,” Pinky smirked. “The audience expects a sexy show during the viewing and that’s what they’ll get. And if you’re not primed and ready for your new master, the consequences will suck.”
Johan had heard the stories. Didn’t want to venture a guess as to which ones to believe. After tonight, his master could do anything he or she wished to him and Zane. In the eyes of the law, one can’t rape or torture the willing. And they’d bartered their bodies and souls willingly, at least on the surface. No one, not even the highest-ranking Superior of Exodus, would be able save them. Ironic, considering their former employers were responsible for bringing them to ruin in the first place.
Anger threatened to choke him. Useless and debilitating, like the fear. With iron determination, he blanked all thoughts of betrayal and the trial to come. Which left only his rampant prick to keep his attention, no relief on the horizon.
Zane was standing now, holding on to the end of the sofa, shaking with the effort. The laced wine seized him in vicious talons as well, and his friend moaned in misery. The girl oiled his skin everywhere, taking obvious pleasure in saving Zane’s thick erection for last. Fingers stroking the slickened, blue-veined length. Suddenly she stood, leaving him aroused and desperate.
The decadent sight of his friend’s straining body did nothing to quell Johan’s rising lust.
Zane closed his eyes. “Please,” he rasped. “Help me…”
“Sorry, stud. If you’re a good slave, maybe your master will let you off the hook. Let’s go, boys.” With a cheeky wink, Pinky led them out of the holding room directly onto a large, slick stage.
The deep crimson curtain edging the stage was drawn closed, but Johan could hear the festive noise of the crowd beyond. Anxiously awaiting tonight’s tasty fare at Lash.
He and Zane were the treat.
His heart sank as he spied two sets of silver poles. Each set consisted of two poles about eight feet high, silver chains with manacles attached to the top and bottom. One restraint for each wrist and ankle. The simple contraption was fixed upon a round section of flooring that would rotate slowly, showing all angles of their bodies to the audience. Letting the bidders savor every inch their prospective new slaves.
So much for helping Zane stand upright. But the restraints would help bear his weight without being too obvious.
Don’t think of tonight, and all the nights for the rest of your life. Don’t imagine what this master will do to us.
Johan swallowed hard, standing between the first set of poles as the girl instructed. In moments, she’d fastened his wrists and ankles, spreading him wide in a letter “x”. She secured Zane, then left without wishing them luck. Not that any amount of fortune could help them now.
Turning his head, his gaze locked with Zane’s feverish one.
“Forgive me,” he whispered.
“We were outcast, and fresh out of options, old friend. Whatever comes, we’ll face it together, just as we always have.” Zane sent him a weak smile, then faced straight ahead, stifling a raspy cough.
Regret speared Johan as he did the same. His friend was gentle and far too forgiving by half. For all his deadly skills as a warrior, Zane possessed a big heart.
The curtain began to slide open. Johan had known what to expect, but this final debasement, complete vulnerability, came as a shock nonetheless.
Bodies, a mass of them, crowded around every available table. Standing room only, all the way to the back of the room, around the bar. Smoke hung heavy in the air, a human habit. Lights filtered through the swirl, creating the ghostly image of bodies rising from Hell. At least he couldn’t see individual faces. A small comfort.
They cheered, stomped, pounded on the tables. Shouted obscenities, lewd suggestions.
And one of them would own his body and soul by the end of the evening.
Shame cut off his breath, shriveled his heart. He didn’t look at Zane again. It was done.
He’d consigned them both to a fate worse than death.
Johan, seasoned warrior, revered champion, was no better than a whore.
JOHAN
One
“Rough crowd tonight, sweet cheeks. Sure you wanna go through with this?”
Johan stared at the young woman awaiting his answer. A girl, really. Once-pretty features already hardened beyond her years, dark eyes that had seen too much. Silver studs adorned her nose, lower lip and, unless he was mistaken, her tongue. Her black skirt barely covered the firm globes of her rear, and the taut circles of her large nipples were clearly defined underneath the wife-beater shirt. His gaze swept to her feet—combat boots?—and up to her skull.
Bright pink hair flew in tufts from her head as though trying to escape the entire horrid picture. She was smacking gum as though her life depended on it, a bored I don’t give a shit expression fixed on her face when Johan knew from experience nothing could be further from the truth.
“Yes, I’m sure.”
Dread coiled in his gut, a serpent waiting to strike. Poisoning him with fear he could not afford. More than his own life hung in the balance, and he ruthlessly squashed the useless emotion.
More smacking, the arch of a fuchsia brow. “Once your fine ass is up on the slave block, it’s too late to book out. Like, your soul is toast. You get that, right?”
“Yeah, I get that.”
Feel nothing. You have no choice.
“What about your friend?”
Johan’s gaze flicked to the sofa, where Zane had collapsed to rest. His lifelong best friend. The only person left in the world who gave a damn about him, and vice versa. Sweat trickled down his friend’s lean cheeks, dampened his sun-streaked brown hair. His breathing was raspy, getting worse by the hour.
One more night starving in the bitterly cold streets of St. Louis, sick with pneumonia, and Zane would die.
Zane raised his head and nodded, mouth drawn into a grim line.
No choice. “He gets it, too. And we are sold together, or no deal,” he reminded her. Gods, the worst thing would be for Zane to suffer alone, ill and at the mercy of a tyrant.
The girl braced her fists on her slim hips. “Gotcha. But he’ll have to be able to stand, or he can’t go on the block.”
“He will.” Even if I have to hold him up.
“Drakkon is sitting in front with the bidders. You’ve heard of the creep? The shapeshifters used to get a kick out of stealing the choice slaves he’d picked. Until he started eating our furry friends.” She paused for dramatic emphasis. Blew a noisy bubble. “No one outbids the nasty demon anymore.”
Oh, fuck. “I appreciate your honesty, but we won’t change our minds. Let’s just get this over with.”
“All right,” the girl sighed. “It’s your virgin ass. Take off your clothes.”
Confused, Johan opened his mouth to protest that he wasn’t a virgin…then realized what she meant. In spite of his resolve, a prickle of fear raced down his spine. Gritting his teeth, he forced himself not to ask questions when the answers didn’t matter.
Johan removed his clothes and tossed them aside, along with the hand blades, dagger and sword he’d carried for as long as he could remember. The weapons of a warrior. Protector. Reduced to a pathetic joke.
He and Zane would stand upon the block in their skin, allowed no comforts save what their new master deemed them worthy. A wave of misery swamped him, and he fought to hold steady as the girl began to oil his body. Preparing to show his assets to the best advantage. The more beautiful the slave, the higher the bid…and more money lining the pockets of Club Lash’s mysterious owner.
Nakedness didn’t bother Johan. But tonight, his and Zane’s nudity before bidders and gawkers alike symbolized their plummet to the dregs of society. A slave. Lower than any other creature. Less than nothing.
He stood, legs spread as the girl worked the aromatic oil into the muscles of his arms, chest, shoulders, back. She massaged his legs, then began spreading the stuff all over his cock and balls. Kneading with gentle fingers.
“Relax. You gotta show off that impressive package, sugar. You want to snag an appreciative master, don’t you?”
No. He wanted to run screaming from the building. “Is this necessary?”
She moved away for a moment and returned, holding out a glass half full of burgundy liquid. “Drink up. It will help.”
Johan downed the contents as she gave some to Zane also. Wine? If so, it wasn’t like any he’d tasted. The vile fluid burned a path clear to his toes. His body heated like a torch…and his cock…great gods.
He’d been set ablaze from the inside out. Blood filled his shaft, lifting his erection up and away from his body. Turgid, painful. He groaned, instinctively reaching for himself.
Which earned him a swat on his rear and a swift reprimand. “Hands off, big boy,” Pinky smirked. “The audience expects a sexy show during the viewing and that’s what they’ll get. And if you’re not primed and ready for your new master, the consequences will suck.”
Johan had heard the stories. Didn’t want to venture a guess as to which ones to believe. After tonight, his master could do anything he or she wished to him and Zane. In the eyes of the law, one can’t rape or torture the willing. And they’d bartered their bodies and souls willingly, at least on the surface. No one, not even the highest-ranking Superior of Exodus, would be able save them. Ironic, considering their former employers were responsible for bringing them to ruin in the first place.
Anger threatened to choke him. Useless and debilitating, like the fear. With iron determination, he blanked all thoughts of betrayal and the trial to come. Which left only his rampant prick to keep his attention, no relief on the horizon.
Zane was standing now, holding on to the end of the sofa, shaking with the effort. The laced wine seized him in vicious talons as well, and his friend moaned in misery. The girl oiled his skin everywhere, taking obvious pleasure in saving Zane’s thick erection for last. Fingers stroking the slickened, blue-veined length. Suddenly she stood, leaving him aroused and desperate.
The decadent sight of his friend’s straining body did nothing to quell Johan’s rising lust.
Zane closed his eyes. “Please,” he rasped. “Help me…”
“Sorry, stud. If you’re a good slave, maybe your master will let you off the hook. Let’s go, boys.” With a cheeky wink, Pinky led them out of the holding room directly onto a large, slick stage.
The deep crimson curtain edging the stage was drawn closed, but Johan could hear the festive noise of the crowd beyond. Anxiously awaiting tonight’s tasty fare at Lash.
He and Zane were the treat.
His heart sank as he spied two sets of silver poles. Each set consisted of two poles about eight feet high, silver chains with manacles attached to the top and bottom. One restraint for each wrist and ankle. The simple contraption was fixed upon a round section of flooring that would rotate slowly, showing all angles of their bodies to the audience. Letting the bidders savor every inch their prospective new slaves.
So much for helping Zane stand upright. But the restraints would help bear his weight without being too obvious.
Don’t think of tonight, and all the nights for the rest of your life. Don’t imagine what this master will do to us.
Johan swallowed hard, standing between the first set of poles as the girl instructed. In moments, she’d fastened his wrists and ankles, spreading him wide in a letter “x”. She secured Zane, then left without wishing them luck. Not that any amount of fortune could help them now.
Turning his head, his gaze locked with Zane’s feverish one.
“Forgive me,” he whispered.
“We were outcast, and fresh out of options, old friend. Whatever comes, we’ll face it together, just as we always have.” Zane sent him a weak smile, then faced straight ahead, stifling a raspy cough.
Regret speared Johan as he did the same. His friend was gentle and far too forgiving by half. For all his deadly skills as a warrior, Zane possessed a big heart.
The curtain began to slide open. Johan had known what to expect, but this final debasement, complete vulnerability, came as a shock nonetheless.
Bodies, a mass of them, crowded around every available table. Standing room only, all the way to the back of the room, around the bar. Smoke hung heavy in the air, a human habit. Lights filtered through the swirl, creating the ghostly image of bodies rising from Hell. At least he couldn’t see individual faces. A small comfort.
They cheered, stomped, pounded on the tables. Shouted obscenities, lewd suggestions.
And one of them would own his body and soul by the end of the evening.
Shame cut off his breath, shriveled his heart. He didn’t look at Zane again. It was done.
He’d consigned them both to a fate worse than death.
Johan, seasoned warrior, revered champion, was no better than a whore.
February 8, 2018
NEW RELEASE Coming February 18!
Good morning, Readers! I know it's been far too long, but my fingers are at the keyboard again! Update: I'm working slowly on the next book in my ALPHA PACK series, Raven DeLuca's story, RAVEN'S MARK! In the meantime, will you help me get the word out on the first book in my erotic paranormal romance series? It promises to be hotter than Hades...
Coming February 18...
JOHAN
WARRIORS OF EXODUS 1
On her Millennium birthday, Vampire Queen Raina Zharov combats her aching loneliness by purchasing two fallen modern-day warriors from the auction block. Irresistible, green-eyed charmer Zane Ramsey embraces his role as the Queen’s thrall, eager to fulfill her every desire. But the dark-haired, golden-eyed warrior…
Exiled Warrior of Exodus Johan Stone suffers a fate worse than death when he’s forced to sell his body in order to save his best friend’s life, but he vows that no one will ever own his soul. In spite of his resistance, he’s seduced into surrendering to the beautiful Vampire Queen Raina Zharov, and the explosive passion they experience together shakes him to his very foundation. Forces him to question everything he believed to be true about himself, and what will surely be a torturous hell of an eternity seeing to her pleasure. But Johan is soon falling in love with his mistress, conflicted between duty and awakened dark desires.
When Johan and Zane battle the demon responsible for a series of brutal killings, the imprisonment of an innocent vampire, and their own fall from grace, they’re in for the fight of their lives. Souls will be destroyed, hearts shattered. And Johan will face the toughest battle of his existence—whether he can survive long enough to reconcile himself to immortality…before tragedy parts him from Raina forever.
**This book has been previously published. The title and author have changed. However, this book is the launch for a new series, as was intended from the start, and subsequent books have never been published.
**Warriors of Exodus is an erotic paranormal romance series and contains m/f, m/f/m, and m/m sexual situations. If hotter-than-hell action and dark, dangerous heroes bother you, read elsewhere.
Coming February 18...
JOHAN
WARRIORS OF EXODUS 1
On her Millennium birthday, Vampire Queen Raina Zharov combats her aching loneliness by purchasing two fallen modern-day warriors from the auction block. Irresistible, green-eyed charmer Zane Ramsey embraces his role as the Queen’s thrall, eager to fulfill her every desire. But the dark-haired, golden-eyed warrior…
Exiled Warrior of Exodus Johan Stone suffers a fate worse than death when he’s forced to sell his body in order to save his best friend’s life, but he vows that no one will ever own his soul. In spite of his resistance, he’s seduced into surrendering to the beautiful Vampire Queen Raina Zharov, and the explosive passion they experience together shakes him to his very foundation. Forces him to question everything he believed to be true about himself, and what will surely be a torturous hell of an eternity seeing to her pleasure. But Johan is soon falling in love with his mistress, conflicted between duty and awakened dark desires.
When Johan and Zane battle the demon responsible for a series of brutal killings, the imprisonment of an innocent vampire, and their own fall from grace, they’re in for the fight of their lives. Souls will be destroyed, hearts shattered. And Johan will face the toughest battle of his existence—whether he can survive long enough to reconcile himself to immortality…before tragedy parts him from Raina forever.
**This book has been previously published. The title and author have changed. However, this book is the launch for a new series, as was intended from the start, and subsequent books have never been published.
**Warriors of Exodus is an erotic paranormal romance series and contains m/f, m/f/m, and m/m sexual situations. If hotter-than-hell action and dark, dangerous heroes bother you, read elsewhere.
December 6, 2016
ONE LAST MIRACLE (An Armed & Deadly Christmas Novella) Available Now!
So, what the hell have I been doing the past few months? Re-charging my writing batteries for a start, working on getting my FBI romantic suspense series out there at last. And finally telling Raven DeLuca’s story in RAVEN’S MARK, which will be the 10th book in my Alpha Pack series! I’m creating again, letting my heroes find their voices, and it feels great.
My new release, ONE LAST MIRACLE, is a re-release of a Christmas novella that was part of a holiday boxed set last year, now available as a single download. If you’re in need of a feel-good story with a dash of suspense, check it out! The novella also now includes a preview of ONE LAST KISS, the gripping first full-length book in the Armed & Deadly series, coming in January!
Here’s the blurb for ONE LAST MIRACLE:
After a case gone horribly wrong, FBI Agent Mark McClendon retreats to his late grandfather’s isolated cabin, determined to escape his pain. He’s completely unprepared to find himself falling for his pretty new neighbor—but when the past comes gunning for him, Mark’s newfound love may mean the difference between a second tragedy and a holiday miracle.
Amazon Kindle:
https://www.amazon.com/Last-Miracle-A...
Kobo:
https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/one-...
Nook and ITunes: Coming Soon!
I’ll keep you all up-to-date on Raven’s progress and the January release of KISS! I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season!
Hugs,
J.D.
My new release, ONE LAST MIRACLE, is a re-release of a Christmas novella that was part of a holiday boxed set last year, now available as a single download. If you’re in need of a feel-good story with a dash of suspense, check it out! The novella also now includes a preview of ONE LAST KISS, the gripping first full-length book in the Armed & Deadly series, coming in January!
Here’s the blurb for ONE LAST MIRACLE:
After a case gone horribly wrong, FBI Agent Mark McClendon retreats to his late grandfather’s isolated cabin, determined to escape his pain. He’s completely unprepared to find himself falling for his pretty new neighbor—but when the past comes gunning for him, Mark’s newfound love may mean the difference between a second tragedy and a holiday miracle.
Amazon Kindle:
https://www.amazon.com/Last-Miracle-A...
Kobo:
https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/one-...
Nook and ITunes: Coming Soon!
I’ll keep you all up-to-date on Raven’s progress and the January release of KISS! I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season!
Hugs,
J.D.
March 13, 2016
PHOENIX REBORN available Tuesday! Sneak peek of Ch.1!
I’m so excited to announce my first m/m paranormal romance in the Alpha Pack series… PHOENIX REBORN, Nix Monroe and Noah Brook’s story, will be available in digital format on Tuesday, March 15 for only $2.99! I hope you’ll love my sexy wolf shifter and sweet half-Fae nurse as much as I loved telling their tale…
Blurb:
From USA Today Bestselling Author J.D. Tyler comes a sensual, moving tale of the Alpha Pack--a top secret team of former Navy SEALs with supernatural abilities...
Wolf shifter and Firewalker Phoenix "Nix" Monroe has finally met his ultimate Bondmate--Alpha Pack nurse Noah Brooks. Unable to accept his own sexual identity, Nix rejects Noah despite the intense attraction he feels towards him.
By the time Nix realizes he has cast aside the love of his life, it may be too late to save Noah from a terrifying enemy...
Praise for the Alpha Pack Novels
"Shifter heroes whom readers will fall head over heels for."--New York Times Bestselling Author Angela Knight
"Rapid-fire...red-hot."--Publishers Weekly
"Amazing characters, wonderful drama...hot and to die for."--Dark Faerie Tales
Order Now!
Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Phoenix-Reborn-...
Barnes and Noble:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/phoen...
Kobo:
https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebo...
A Taste of Chapter 1…
Noah Brooks strolled to work at a leisurely pace, humming a love song he’d heard Steven Tyler crooning on the radio. Something about being someone’s angel, getting saved, being loved forever.
With everything in him, he wanted to believe in love. To be in love with a man who loved and cherished him in return and would never let him go. But so far, his fated Bondmate had no problem watching Noah walk away. Every. Single. Time.
Nix doesn’t love me. Biology will eventually force his wolf to mate with me, but there will never be anything more.
The pain that squeezed Noah’s heart was becoming all too familiar, and he blinked back the tears that stung his eyes. Willing them away, he reminded himself he had a home here, at the Alpha Pack’s compound in the heart of the Shoshone National Forest, where he was finally accepted. He no longer had to run. Within the compound, he had a job he loved as the head nurse at Sanctuary, the new hospital and rehabilitation center for sick and injured paranormal beings. Since he’d arrived in Wyoming almost two years ago, he’d made some good friends.
No matter how hard life seemed determined to smack him down, he’d always managed to remain positive. He was one of those people who never met a stranger, who’d been blessed with a sunny disposition and bubbly personality. But lately?
Being constantly rejected by his true mate was slowly wearing him down, draining the life out of his smile.
“Phoenix Monroe, you’re gonna be the death of me,” he murmured, and wondered how true that might prove to be as he turned toward Sanctuary.
Nix. Tall and runway-model gorgeous, with long, dark honey-blond hair and jade green eyes fringed by thick, dusky lashes. Eyes that had smoldered with barely concealed desire more than once when gazing at Noah.
Despite how Nix fought their attraction, his reaction gave Noah hope and a bit of gratification. At least part of Nix wasn’t as opposed to taking a male for a mate as he’d have Noah believe, which meant the barrier between them could be broken down. Right?
If only he’d give in once and see how great it could be for us, he’d finally claim me. Maybe even fall in love with me.
A tendril of need and longing curled through Noah’s gut and spread south. Groaning, he clamped down on the wayward feelings, which would make his day miserable if he let them. He had to put his reluctant mate out of his mind. At least for a while.
Noah took some deep breaths of the bracing fall air, just what he needed to clear his head before work. Or so he told himself. In truth, it was a good thing the patients were quiet and settled as he arrived at work and went about his rounds that morning. He’d never risk harm to a patient by being distracted while checking charts, dispensing meds, and giving other care, but his problems with Nix weighed on his mood.
Unfortunately, his malaise didn’t go unnoticed.
“What’s wrong with you today? Or do I even need to ask?”
Turning, he faced Dr. Melina Mallory and gave her a rueful smile. “Probably not.”
“Are you all right?”
The softness of the question surprised him. Melina was a tough, no-nonsense woman and a damn fine doctor. She’d gone to bat for Noah, giving him a job when he had nowhere else to turn, and yet he couldn’t exactly call her a close friend. Truthfully, though, he wasn’t sure Melina was very close to anyone.
Small-boned, and a bit taller than Noah’s own five-seven, the doc had an angular face surrounded by dark hair. After her mate’s death in ambush several years before, she’d cut the tresses ruthlessly short. Only recently had she let her hair grow out, so it now reached her collar and thankfully softened her features. Her harsh attitude seemed to have taken a turn for the better, as well.
“Noah?” She frowned at him, waiting for a response.
“Sorry. I’m fine, Doc.”
“You’re very quiet today,” she observed. “I’m used to you chattering like a squirrel on crack, and to see you walking around with your lips zipped, just doing your job, is a bit disconcerting.”
A genuine smile bloomed across his face. “Aww, there is a heart lurking under there somewhere,” he said, pointing at her chest. “I’m touched.”
Melina snorted. “Don’t be too sure about that. I just wanted to check on you, that’s all.”
“Well, you can stop worrying. I’m not about to jump off the roof of the building. Not yet, anyway.” He winked. “Ain’t no man worth that, honey.”
She laughed quietly, the return to his usual teasing apparently putting her concerns to rest. Somewhat. “How right you are. Seriously, if you ever need to talk, my door is always open. I mean that, Noah.”
“Thanks.” He was touched, and a warm glow spread through him as she turned to go. Maybe she was more of a friend than he’d believed.
Continuing his rounds with renewed energy, he noted it was time to check on their wounded tiger shifter. Now there was a poor bastard who was in pitiful shape. Leonidis had been brought to Sanctuary several weeks ago, and they’d been unsure if the bodyguard would survive the grave injuries he’d sustained while on a case in the area. His sister and brothers, all big cat shifters, owned and operated a private security firm in St. Louis, and had been rotating through the hospital constantly since the attack. Noah couldn’t fathom how they were getting much work done at their place of business.
As Noah walked into Leo’s room, he saw it was empty for a change. The family was probably resting, worn out as they must be. Nick Westfall, the Alpha Pack’s commander, had offered them the use of a couple of rooms at the compound to save them from driving back and forth from town any longer, and they’d gratefully accepted.
The big shifter was sleeping, breathing on his own now, heartbeat steady and strong. He looked good today, and might awaken for a while, as he’d been doing more and more each day. Noah busied himself checking vital signs and recording them on the man’s chart. All routine.
Checking his notes one last time, Noah placed the chart on the rolling table and walked around the bed to change Leo’s IV bag. Working efficiently, he removed the used one, replaced it with a full bag, and connected the tubing to initiate the drip.
“Poison,” a deep voice growled from the bed. “Traitor.”
Noah froze, the hair prickling on the back of his neck. Slowly, he lowered his arms and turned to face the man. Leonidis was awake, sitting up, watching him with a predatory gaze, pupils slitted vertically. Not a good sign. Alarm spiked through Noah as he spotted razor-sharp claws emerging from the fingertips of the man’s huge hands.
“I’m your nurse,” he began, heart clenching in fear. “My name is Noah—”
“Liar!” With a roar, the man shifted into his tiger form faster than Noah ever could’ve imagined he was capable—and launched his massive body from the bed, straight at him.
“Shit!”
Noah threw himself to the side just in time to avoid being slammed by the huge beast, but his foot caught on the bottom of the IV stand, sending him and the unit crashing to the floor. Rolling to the side, he frantically fumbled for the emergency alert button hooked to the waistband of his scrubs and depressed it. Then he scrambled to his hands and knees and dove forward, trying to get underneath the bed.
A huge paw came down on one thigh, and a searing pain tore through his leg as the claws ripped into his muscle. A ragged scream ripped from his throat as he was dragged backward to what would be certain death if he couldn’t get away.
“Leo!” Noah yelled, grabbing for a hold to stop his backward slide, and finding none. “You’re in the hospital! You’re safe, I’m not going to hurt you!”
His pleas fell on deaf ears. The tiger was in complete control, out of his mind with rage. Noah twisted his body, trying to kick the beast in the face with his free leg, but only managed to piss off his attacker more. Then came a break. The tiger roared, retracted his claws and lunged again, presumably for a better hold.
For one split-second, he was free.
Throwing himself under the bed, he kept himself as far out of range as possible. In tiger form, Leonidis was much, much bigger than the bed and couldn’t push all of himself underneath the frame. Even so, the furniture offered scant protection from the sweeping claws that plunged toward him again and again.
Propelled by the assault, the bed shot backward into the wall with a loud bang. Noah pushed himself as far against the wall as he could, but it wasn’t nearly enough. Feral eyes regarded him from a broad, orange and white face striped with black, and the beast’s lips peeled back, revealing long fangs that would rip him to shreds.
Then the big cat lunged again, rattling the bed. The claws caught Noah once more, slashing him from shoulder to hip. He screamed again and curled up on the floor, his mind shutting down against the horror of dying this way. Agony laid him open once more, and he drifted.
Distantly, he became aware of pounding boots. Shouts. A big cat screeching in anger, then a brief silence.
And then a voice, so dear to him, calling his name.
Begging him to hold on.
Blurb:
From USA Today Bestselling Author J.D. Tyler comes a sensual, moving tale of the Alpha Pack--a top secret team of former Navy SEALs with supernatural abilities...
Wolf shifter and Firewalker Phoenix "Nix" Monroe has finally met his ultimate Bondmate--Alpha Pack nurse Noah Brooks. Unable to accept his own sexual identity, Nix rejects Noah despite the intense attraction he feels towards him.
By the time Nix realizes he has cast aside the love of his life, it may be too late to save Noah from a terrifying enemy...
Praise for the Alpha Pack Novels
"Shifter heroes whom readers will fall head over heels for."--New York Times Bestselling Author Angela Knight
"Rapid-fire...red-hot."--Publishers Weekly
"Amazing characters, wonderful drama...hot and to die for."--Dark Faerie Tales
Order Now!
Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Phoenix-Reborn-...
Barnes and Noble:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/phoen...
Kobo:
https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebo...
A Taste of Chapter 1…
Noah Brooks strolled to work at a leisurely pace, humming a love song he’d heard Steven Tyler crooning on the radio. Something about being someone’s angel, getting saved, being loved forever.
With everything in him, he wanted to believe in love. To be in love with a man who loved and cherished him in return and would never let him go. But so far, his fated Bondmate had no problem watching Noah walk away. Every. Single. Time.
Nix doesn’t love me. Biology will eventually force his wolf to mate with me, but there will never be anything more.
The pain that squeezed Noah’s heart was becoming all too familiar, and he blinked back the tears that stung his eyes. Willing them away, he reminded himself he had a home here, at the Alpha Pack’s compound in the heart of the Shoshone National Forest, where he was finally accepted. He no longer had to run. Within the compound, he had a job he loved as the head nurse at Sanctuary, the new hospital and rehabilitation center for sick and injured paranormal beings. Since he’d arrived in Wyoming almost two years ago, he’d made some good friends.
No matter how hard life seemed determined to smack him down, he’d always managed to remain positive. He was one of those people who never met a stranger, who’d been blessed with a sunny disposition and bubbly personality. But lately?
Being constantly rejected by his true mate was slowly wearing him down, draining the life out of his smile.
“Phoenix Monroe, you’re gonna be the death of me,” he murmured, and wondered how true that might prove to be as he turned toward Sanctuary.
Nix. Tall and runway-model gorgeous, with long, dark honey-blond hair and jade green eyes fringed by thick, dusky lashes. Eyes that had smoldered with barely concealed desire more than once when gazing at Noah.
Despite how Nix fought their attraction, his reaction gave Noah hope and a bit of gratification. At least part of Nix wasn’t as opposed to taking a male for a mate as he’d have Noah believe, which meant the barrier between them could be broken down. Right?
If only he’d give in once and see how great it could be for us, he’d finally claim me. Maybe even fall in love with me.
A tendril of need and longing curled through Noah’s gut and spread south. Groaning, he clamped down on the wayward feelings, which would make his day miserable if he let them. He had to put his reluctant mate out of his mind. At least for a while.
Noah took some deep breaths of the bracing fall air, just what he needed to clear his head before work. Or so he told himself. In truth, it was a good thing the patients were quiet and settled as he arrived at work and went about his rounds that morning. He’d never risk harm to a patient by being distracted while checking charts, dispensing meds, and giving other care, but his problems with Nix weighed on his mood.
Unfortunately, his malaise didn’t go unnoticed.
“What’s wrong with you today? Or do I even need to ask?”
Turning, he faced Dr. Melina Mallory and gave her a rueful smile. “Probably not.”
“Are you all right?”
The softness of the question surprised him. Melina was a tough, no-nonsense woman and a damn fine doctor. She’d gone to bat for Noah, giving him a job when he had nowhere else to turn, and yet he couldn’t exactly call her a close friend. Truthfully, though, he wasn’t sure Melina was very close to anyone.
Small-boned, and a bit taller than Noah’s own five-seven, the doc had an angular face surrounded by dark hair. After her mate’s death in ambush several years before, she’d cut the tresses ruthlessly short. Only recently had she let her hair grow out, so it now reached her collar and thankfully softened her features. Her harsh attitude seemed to have taken a turn for the better, as well.
“Noah?” She frowned at him, waiting for a response.
“Sorry. I’m fine, Doc.”
“You’re very quiet today,” she observed. “I’m used to you chattering like a squirrel on crack, and to see you walking around with your lips zipped, just doing your job, is a bit disconcerting.”
A genuine smile bloomed across his face. “Aww, there is a heart lurking under there somewhere,” he said, pointing at her chest. “I’m touched.”
Melina snorted. “Don’t be too sure about that. I just wanted to check on you, that’s all.”
“Well, you can stop worrying. I’m not about to jump off the roof of the building. Not yet, anyway.” He winked. “Ain’t no man worth that, honey.”
She laughed quietly, the return to his usual teasing apparently putting her concerns to rest. Somewhat. “How right you are. Seriously, if you ever need to talk, my door is always open. I mean that, Noah.”
“Thanks.” He was touched, and a warm glow spread through him as she turned to go. Maybe she was more of a friend than he’d believed.
Continuing his rounds with renewed energy, he noted it was time to check on their wounded tiger shifter. Now there was a poor bastard who was in pitiful shape. Leonidis had been brought to Sanctuary several weeks ago, and they’d been unsure if the bodyguard would survive the grave injuries he’d sustained while on a case in the area. His sister and brothers, all big cat shifters, owned and operated a private security firm in St. Louis, and had been rotating through the hospital constantly since the attack. Noah couldn’t fathom how they were getting much work done at their place of business.
As Noah walked into Leo’s room, he saw it was empty for a change. The family was probably resting, worn out as they must be. Nick Westfall, the Alpha Pack’s commander, had offered them the use of a couple of rooms at the compound to save them from driving back and forth from town any longer, and they’d gratefully accepted.
The big shifter was sleeping, breathing on his own now, heartbeat steady and strong. He looked good today, and might awaken for a while, as he’d been doing more and more each day. Noah busied himself checking vital signs and recording them on the man’s chart. All routine.
Checking his notes one last time, Noah placed the chart on the rolling table and walked around the bed to change Leo’s IV bag. Working efficiently, he removed the used one, replaced it with a full bag, and connected the tubing to initiate the drip.
“Poison,” a deep voice growled from the bed. “Traitor.”
Noah froze, the hair prickling on the back of his neck. Slowly, he lowered his arms and turned to face the man. Leonidis was awake, sitting up, watching him with a predatory gaze, pupils slitted vertically. Not a good sign. Alarm spiked through Noah as he spotted razor-sharp claws emerging from the fingertips of the man’s huge hands.
“I’m your nurse,” he began, heart clenching in fear. “My name is Noah—”
“Liar!” With a roar, the man shifted into his tiger form faster than Noah ever could’ve imagined he was capable—and launched his massive body from the bed, straight at him.
“Shit!”
Noah threw himself to the side just in time to avoid being slammed by the huge beast, but his foot caught on the bottom of the IV stand, sending him and the unit crashing to the floor. Rolling to the side, he frantically fumbled for the emergency alert button hooked to the waistband of his scrubs and depressed it. Then he scrambled to his hands and knees and dove forward, trying to get underneath the bed.
A huge paw came down on one thigh, and a searing pain tore through his leg as the claws ripped into his muscle. A ragged scream ripped from his throat as he was dragged backward to what would be certain death if he couldn’t get away.
“Leo!” Noah yelled, grabbing for a hold to stop his backward slide, and finding none. “You’re in the hospital! You’re safe, I’m not going to hurt you!”
His pleas fell on deaf ears. The tiger was in complete control, out of his mind with rage. Noah twisted his body, trying to kick the beast in the face with his free leg, but only managed to piss off his attacker more. Then came a break. The tiger roared, retracted his claws and lunged again, presumably for a better hold.
For one split-second, he was free.
Throwing himself under the bed, he kept himself as far out of range as possible. In tiger form, Leonidis was much, much bigger than the bed and couldn’t push all of himself underneath the frame. Even so, the furniture offered scant protection from the sweeping claws that plunged toward him again and again.
Propelled by the assault, the bed shot backward into the wall with a loud bang. Noah pushed himself as far against the wall as he could, but it wasn’t nearly enough. Feral eyes regarded him from a broad, orange and white face striped with black, and the beast’s lips peeled back, revealing long fangs that would rip him to shreds.
Then the big cat lunged again, rattling the bed. The claws caught Noah once more, slashing him from shoulder to hip. He screamed again and curled up on the floor, his mind shutting down against the horror of dying this way. Agony laid him open once more, and he drifted.
Distantly, he became aware of pounding boots. Shouts. A big cat screeching in anger, then a brief silence.
And then a voice, so dear to him, calling his name.
Begging him to hold on.
November 19, 2015
MISCHIEF Boxed Set Pre-Order & How To Get Your Correct Kindle Copy
Dear Readers,
As some of you know, Amazon mistakenly sent out the placeholder file to everyone who pre-ordered MISCHIEF UNDER THE MISTLETOE. A couple of our authors have been working diligently with the Amazon rep to get the correct copy sent. The correct files were pushed to all devices, but some were still not replaced, so Amazon is uploading the correct file to your account and is sending out letters explaining how to send the updated book to your device. IT'S QUICK AND EASY--I JUST DID IT AND GOT MY CORRECT COPY IN SECONDSMischief Under the Mistletoe: Holiday Hotties Just Waiting To Be Unwrapped! :)
Here are the instructions:
Hello,
Although you turned on the Automatic Book Update feature on Manage Your Content and Devices, we were unable to automatically deliver an updated version of your past Kindle purchase of Mischief Under the Mistletoe: Holiday Hotties Just Waiting To Be Unwrapped by Kristin Miller for the following reason(s):
You initially received the wrong book, but the publisher has corrected the problem and we can now offer you the correct book. Because this is a different book, any bookmarks, notes, or highlights you have added will not be transferred to the new book.
You can get the updated version of this book by going to Manage Your Content and Devices. Find the book under Your Content tab, click on the "Update Available" button next to the book's title, and then follow the update prompts. All your devices that have the eBook currently downloaded will be updated automatically the next time they connect to wireless.
We thank you for your business with Amazon.
Sincerely,
Customer Service Department
Amazon.com
**Also, we ask please, please if you've left a 1-star review for receiving the incorrect file, consider going back and revising your rating after you've received the correct book and read it. The authors had NO control over Amazon's colossal mess-up, and we've done everything in our power to get the correct book into your hands! We love our readers!
If you don't have your copy yet, you can get a little MISCHIEF for only .99 at these ebook sites:
AMAZON: http://amzn.to/1MGGApd
IBOOKS: http://apple.co/1JblRsq
B&N: http://bit.ly/1NDf7Jb
KOBO: http://bit.ly/1W7GUHI
Happy Thanksgiving!
JD
As some of you know, Amazon mistakenly sent out the placeholder file to everyone who pre-ordered MISCHIEF UNDER THE MISTLETOE. A couple of our authors have been working diligently with the Amazon rep to get the correct copy sent. The correct files were pushed to all devices, but some were still not replaced, so Amazon is uploading the correct file to your account and is sending out letters explaining how to send the updated book to your device. IT'S QUICK AND EASY--I JUST DID IT AND GOT MY CORRECT COPY IN SECONDSMischief Under the Mistletoe: Holiday Hotties Just Waiting To Be Unwrapped! :)
Here are the instructions:
Hello,
Although you turned on the Automatic Book Update feature on Manage Your Content and Devices, we were unable to automatically deliver an updated version of your past Kindle purchase of Mischief Under the Mistletoe: Holiday Hotties Just Waiting To Be Unwrapped by Kristin Miller for the following reason(s):
You initially received the wrong book, but the publisher has corrected the problem and we can now offer you the correct book. Because this is a different book, any bookmarks, notes, or highlights you have added will not be transferred to the new book.
You can get the updated version of this book by going to Manage Your Content and Devices. Find the book under Your Content tab, click on the "Update Available" button next to the book's title, and then follow the update prompts. All your devices that have the eBook currently downloaded will be updated automatically the next time they connect to wireless.
We thank you for your business with Amazon.
Sincerely,
Customer Service Department
Amazon.com
**Also, we ask please, please if you've left a 1-star review for receiving the incorrect file, consider going back and revising your rating after you've received the correct book and read it. The authors had NO control over Amazon's colossal mess-up, and we've done everything in our power to get the correct book into your hands! We love our readers!
If you don't have your copy yet, you can get a little MISCHIEF for only .99 at these ebook sites:
AMAZON: http://amzn.to/1MGGApd
IBOOKS: http://apple.co/1JblRsq
B&N: http://bit.ly/1NDf7Jb
KOBO: http://bit.ly/1W7GUHI
Happy Thanksgiving!
JD
November 8, 2015
New novella available in MISCHIEF UNDER THE MISTLETOE boxed set Nov.17, only .99!
Readers, are you ready for nineteen All New Contemporary holiday hotties, just waiting to be unwrapped from your favorite NY Times, USA Today, Amazon Bestselling, and Award Winning Authors? This anthology won't last long. Grab it while it's HOT! Only .99 from your favorite ebook outlets!
My novella, ONE LAST MIRACLE, is part of my ARMED & DEADLY FBI romantic suspense series, and I'm thrilled that Agent Mark McClendon's story is part of this amazing set!
Amazon: http://bit.ly/XMasHeat_Kindle
iBooks: http://bit.ly/XMasHeat_iBooks
B&N: http://bit.ly/XMasHeat_BN
Kobo: http://bit.ly/XMasHeat_Kobo
Novellas in the boxed set:
Kristin Miller - The Bad Boy Meets his Match
When lingerie-store owner Cora Brennan plans a getaway at a quaint mountain retreat, she never expects to reunite with the playboy she spent a memorable night with in college. Can they finally admit their true feelings for each other before love is lost to them again?
Claudy Conn - Collide & Burn
Charlie knows when she first sees Wade Devon that he is trouble. Wade likes to win. It is what he does and he wants her...no strings attached. She has to ask herself, should she, or shouldn't she.
Melanie James - Snowflakes, Exes, and Ohs
With two men vying for her affection, Abbie's heart is torn between the two. One has always been there for her, no matter what. The other left when she needed him the most.
Mindy Klasky - Fly Me to the Moon
Lexi thinks she's recovered from the fire that burned her years ago. But when she falls for PTSD-ridden army veteran Finn, she learns how deep some scars can be.
Holly S. Roberts - Ruck
Van, one of the best players in rugby and the hottest player between the sheets is looking for a holiday miracle. His brother won the girl and Van's heart is broken. Could the gift of a lifetime be his for the taking or will this bad boy ruck it up again?
Stephanie Rowe - Wrapped Up In You
Can the Christmas magic of a coastal Maine island heal two broken souls when a winter storm strands them together?
Diane Rinella - It's A Marshmallow World
One Christmas, Darla was given a mystical gift, along with an ominous message. Years later, meeting Chris puts her head in a spin. Could it be that gift from long ago holds the key to their happiness?
Kate Angell - Snow One Like You
A Vermont Christmas Eve blizzard forces Allie to close Hartley's General Store. Her best friend Rhys arrives by snowmobile, not wanting her to endure the snowstorm alone. A playful kiss under the mistletoe warms more than their hearts.
Kimberly Kincaid - Play Me
Sophie Drayton has seen enough of the wild life to know that Emilio Barrett is bad news. But the sexy stripper has secrets of his own. Will Sophie's past come back to haunt her, or will Emilio prove that a bad boy can be also be a good man?
J.D.Tyler - One Last Miracle
After a case gone horribly wrong, FBI Agent Mark McClendon retreats to his late grandfather's isolated cabin, determined to escape his pain. He's completely unprepared to find himself falling for his pretty new neighbor--but when the past comes gunning for him, Mark's newfound love may mean the difference between a second tragedy and a holiday miracle.
Robin Covington - When You Open Your Eyes
War tore Gabe and Ellie apart and three years later, he's almost given up any hope that she'll come back to him. When she returns just before the holidays, he wants nothing more for the damaged, stubborn woman he loves to stay forever but she's ready to run as soon as the gifts are opened. Chased by her nightmares, Gabe's only hope of keeping Ellie is to convince her that he'll be there when she opens her eyes.
Suzanne Ferrell- Close To The Mistletoe
When teacher Holly Murphy walks into Westen's only bar to help her friend celebrate a divorce, she doesn't expect hot carpenter Nick Fisher to save her from an embarrassing situation. His heated kisses awakens something deep inside her, but when someone sets his sights on Holly, will Nick be the one to protect her close to the mistletoe?
Kathy Ivan - Yours For The Holidays
At her hospital's annual Bachelor Auction, event organizer, Dr. Alanna Reeves, is blindsided when the tables are turned and Blake Donovan offers a huge donation--for her! Can a trip to Florida for the holidays help them discover their true feelings or drive them apart forever?
Selena Laurence - Prince of the Press
Marcus Ambrose, the newest face in political media, is one hot ticket. But when he meets his brother's down-to-earth secretary Renee, his own heart takes a knock. Can Marcus's famous 'full-court press' convince the woman of his dreams to take a shot at love?
Jennie Marts - Worth the Shot
Addison Cavanaugh had one rule: Do not date hockey players. So kissing the newest trade to her dad's team should have been off-limits--even if he is hot enough to melt the ice. Is the new player worth the shot or is she is risking her heart in a game she can't possibly win?
Teri Riggs - Finding True's Love
Six months after True's last boss viciously attacked her, she's ready to take her therapist's advice and go back into the work force. She wants her life to be normal again and working for another man will be a giant step towards that goal.
Nick has been betrayed by a pretty face for the last time and has sworn off relationships. Or so he thought until the day his new assistant, True Kelly, walked into his office.
Jennifer Theriot - Unwrapping Noel
Noel Calabrese hates Christmas as much as she hates her life. While in the Napa Valley on a business trip, she meets Leon Hallas. Could this sexy, silver fox be her ticket to happiness?
MJ Fredrick - Bluestone Christmas
Come back to Bluestone, Minnesota for Christmas, where single mom Willow Branson has moved from Texas to make a home with her daughter. But moving from a Texas winter to a Minnesota one is more challenging than she expected, and handsome handyman Chase Granzer is more than happy to help her adapt...and keep her warm.
Deb Julienne - All I Want For Christmas
Rafe Donnelly hates everything to do with the holidays. Ali Sanders is a single mother, juggling two jobs and missing most of her son's childhood. Who knew a little boy's Santa wish could change so many lives?
Enjoy some wonderful romance this holiday season!
Happy Thanksgiving!
JD
My novella, ONE LAST MIRACLE, is part of my ARMED & DEADLY FBI romantic suspense series, and I'm thrilled that Agent Mark McClendon's story is part of this amazing set!
Amazon: http://bit.ly/XMasHeat_Kindle
iBooks: http://bit.ly/XMasHeat_iBooks
B&N: http://bit.ly/XMasHeat_BN
Kobo: http://bit.ly/XMasHeat_Kobo
Novellas in the boxed set:
Kristin Miller - The Bad Boy Meets his Match
When lingerie-store owner Cora Brennan plans a getaway at a quaint mountain retreat, she never expects to reunite with the playboy she spent a memorable night with in college. Can they finally admit their true feelings for each other before love is lost to them again?
Claudy Conn - Collide & Burn
Charlie knows when she first sees Wade Devon that he is trouble. Wade likes to win. It is what he does and he wants her...no strings attached. She has to ask herself, should she, or shouldn't she.
Melanie James - Snowflakes, Exes, and Ohs
With two men vying for her affection, Abbie's heart is torn between the two. One has always been there for her, no matter what. The other left when she needed him the most.
Mindy Klasky - Fly Me to the Moon
Lexi thinks she's recovered from the fire that burned her years ago. But when she falls for PTSD-ridden army veteran Finn, she learns how deep some scars can be.
Holly S. Roberts - Ruck
Van, one of the best players in rugby and the hottest player between the sheets is looking for a holiday miracle. His brother won the girl and Van's heart is broken. Could the gift of a lifetime be his for the taking or will this bad boy ruck it up again?
Stephanie Rowe - Wrapped Up In You
Can the Christmas magic of a coastal Maine island heal two broken souls when a winter storm strands them together?
Diane Rinella - It's A Marshmallow World
One Christmas, Darla was given a mystical gift, along with an ominous message. Years later, meeting Chris puts her head in a spin. Could it be that gift from long ago holds the key to their happiness?
Kate Angell - Snow One Like You
A Vermont Christmas Eve blizzard forces Allie to close Hartley's General Store. Her best friend Rhys arrives by snowmobile, not wanting her to endure the snowstorm alone. A playful kiss under the mistletoe warms more than their hearts.
Kimberly Kincaid - Play Me
Sophie Drayton has seen enough of the wild life to know that Emilio Barrett is bad news. But the sexy stripper has secrets of his own. Will Sophie's past come back to haunt her, or will Emilio prove that a bad boy can be also be a good man?
J.D.Tyler - One Last Miracle
After a case gone horribly wrong, FBI Agent Mark McClendon retreats to his late grandfather's isolated cabin, determined to escape his pain. He's completely unprepared to find himself falling for his pretty new neighbor--but when the past comes gunning for him, Mark's newfound love may mean the difference between a second tragedy and a holiday miracle.
Robin Covington - When You Open Your Eyes
War tore Gabe and Ellie apart and three years later, he's almost given up any hope that she'll come back to him. When she returns just before the holidays, he wants nothing more for the damaged, stubborn woman he loves to stay forever but she's ready to run as soon as the gifts are opened. Chased by her nightmares, Gabe's only hope of keeping Ellie is to convince her that he'll be there when she opens her eyes.
Suzanne Ferrell- Close To The Mistletoe
When teacher Holly Murphy walks into Westen's only bar to help her friend celebrate a divorce, she doesn't expect hot carpenter Nick Fisher to save her from an embarrassing situation. His heated kisses awakens something deep inside her, but when someone sets his sights on Holly, will Nick be the one to protect her close to the mistletoe?
Kathy Ivan - Yours For The Holidays
At her hospital's annual Bachelor Auction, event organizer, Dr. Alanna Reeves, is blindsided when the tables are turned and Blake Donovan offers a huge donation--for her! Can a trip to Florida for the holidays help them discover their true feelings or drive them apart forever?
Selena Laurence - Prince of the Press
Marcus Ambrose, the newest face in political media, is one hot ticket. But when he meets his brother's down-to-earth secretary Renee, his own heart takes a knock. Can Marcus's famous 'full-court press' convince the woman of his dreams to take a shot at love?
Jennie Marts - Worth the Shot
Addison Cavanaugh had one rule: Do not date hockey players. So kissing the newest trade to her dad's team should have been off-limits--even if he is hot enough to melt the ice. Is the new player worth the shot or is she is risking her heart in a game she can't possibly win?
Teri Riggs - Finding True's Love
Six months after True's last boss viciously attacked her, she's ready to take her therapist's advice and go back into the work force. She wants her life to be normal again and working for another man will be a giant step towards that goal.
Nick has been betrayed by a pretty face for the last time and has sworn off relationships. Or so he thought until the day his new assistant, True Kelly, walked into his office.
Jennifer Theriot - Unwrapping Noel
Noel Calabrese hates Christmas as much as she hates her life. While in the Napa Valley on a business trip, she meets Leon Hallas. Could this sexy, silver fox be her ticket to happiness?
MJ Fredrick - Bluestone Christmas
Come back to Bluestone, Minnesota for Christmas, where single mom Willow Branson has moved from Texas to make a home with her daughter. But moving from a Texas winter to a Minnesota one is more challenging than she expected, and handsome handyman Chase Granzer is more than happy to help her adapt...and keep her warm.
Deb Julienne - All I Want For Christmas
Rafe Donnelly hates everything to do with the holidays. Ali Sanders is a single mother, juggling two jobs and missing most of her son's childhood. Who knew a little boy's Santa wish could change so many lives?
Enjoy some wonderful romance this holiday season!
Happy Thanksgiving!
JD
August 6, 2015
CHASE THE DARKNESS is Available Now! Read a Sneak Peek of Chapter 1…
Dear Readers,
I’m as excited as many of you that Micah’s story is finally here! Without further ado, here’s the blurb, plus a peek at Chapter 1 to tease you. Dive in and enjoy!
Blurb:
Believed dead by his Pack mates, Micah Chase, a wolf shifter and Dreamwalker, was held captive for months, subject to tortures that left him physically scarred and emotionally unsettled.
Now under the care of the Alpha Pack’s doctors, he’s been prescribed an experimental healing drug, but he still can’t shake the nightmares. Even more damning is that Micah’s problems pose a danger to his team, and if he doesn’t get himself under control, they’ll all suffer a terrible fate.
There is a key to his salvation. Jacee is a beautiful coyote shifter, and though her kind is hated, she’s falling in love with a man whose very future is in her hands. Together they’ll face his personal demons as well as a deadly enemy—and for both of them desire has never come with such risk.
Chapter 1:
Every night, Micah Chase battled the monsters in his dreams.
The ones responsible for his captivity and torture. The ones who did terrible things to him—made him do things—that made him wish he was dead. And each day, he awoke to the increasing reality that the nightmares about his hellish time in captivity weren’t simply products of a tormented and cracked mind.
They were memories.
Worms, churning up the rot in his soul, filling him with self-loathing. Hatred. Yeah, he’d liked it much better back when he couldn’t remember a fucking thing.
Pushing himself out of bed, he walked into the bathroom, feeling far older than his twenty-nine years. The Alpha Pack had been called out yesterday to eliminate a nest of goblins—how the holy fucking hell had those little bastards gotten through the portal from the Unseelie realm, anyways?—and his body was covered in scratches and bruises from their nasty little claws and teeth. He should’ve healed by now.
That he hadn’t was cause for yet another worry in a very long list of them.
In the bathroom, he studied his ruined face in the mirror. He’d taken his good looks for granted once. Before he had been tortured like a lab rat, made to scream in agony and beg for death. The dark eyes that stared back were dull, hollow with pain and mental exhaustion. Dark brown hair, once shiny and full, hung to his shoulders, limp and lifeless as his gaze. But it was the sight of his face that hurt most of all.
The left side was perfect. A reminder of how truly naive he’d once been to the evil in the world, to what one being was capable of doing to another. The right side, however, was a mess of scars, like melted candle wax had been poured from his forehead to run down over his brow, then down his cheek and neck. In reality it had been molten silver, splashed onto his face as he’d been held down, screaming.
“You’ll do what you’re told next time, dirty wolf! Isn’t that right?”
“No! Stop, please!”
“He still hasn’t learned.” Eyes burning with manic light, Dr. Bowman flicked a hand at an assistant. “Again.”
Shaking his head to clear the horrid scene from his brain, Micah gripped the sink and thought bitterly how books and movies didn’t always get it right. While he’d healed, his wolf shifter’s DNA hadn’t been able to rid him of the terrible scars.
But maybe it was fitting that the outside matched the inside.
Ignoring the throbbing in his head, he turned on the water in the shower and let it get hot before stepping into the stall. For a few minutes he stood and enjoyed the spray beating down, soothing his tired, abused muscles. It did little to ease the pain in his head, however. In fact, the throb ramped up to a sharp stab behind his left eye that left him breathless, and warmth gushed from his nose.
“Shit.”
He swiped his hand underneath his nose, then stared at the blood. There was more this time, the bleeding heavier. It would stop, though. Always did.
Tilting his head back, he let the spray wash the blood away until the flow ceased. Then he finished his shower and stepped out, toweling off. In the bedroom, he dressed in jeans and a plain black T-shirt, then pulled on his black boots, sliding his big knife into the right one. Typically he went light on weapons when he and the guys weren’t out on a call. But he couldn’t always shift into his wolf, especially in public, and it never hurt to be prepared.
As he straightened, his gaze found the small pill bottle resting on the dresser. He hated being dependent on that shit, so leaving it behind should be easy. Right? Yet the very thought of being in town, out in the field, or even across the compound, and not having it when the demons closed in? God, the idea made his hands shake and his heart race. Made him sweat.
Taking myst was like wrapping himself in a soft, warm blanket, chasing away the cold. The darkness. The stuff cocooned him in a layer of I-don’t-give-a-fuck, at least for a few blessed hours. Sweet relief.
Hating himself, he snatched the bottle with a curse and opened the lid, downed a couple pills, dry-swallowing them. Then he shoved the container into his front jeans pocket. Sucking in a deep breath, he let it out slowly and waited. Gradually, the medicine took effect and he felt the turmoil in his mind ease. His muscles relaxed, tension bleeding away.
There would be a price, though. Always was.
Leaving his quarters, he walked into the hallway and shut the door behind him. Everyone was probably at breakfast by now. The thought of eating made his stomach twist, but he didn’t want to be alone. Besides, acting normal, sticking to his routine, kept his buddies and his sister, Rowan, off his back. Mostly.
Fake it till you make it.
His boots shuffled on the carpeted floor as he made his way to his destination. Outside the dining room, he paused. The aromas of pancakes, bacon, and syrup simultaneously made his stomach rumble and stirred a flutter of nausea that rose in his throat. He was so hungry, he could have eaten a half-cooked goblin, but the side effects of the medicine prevented him from consuming much without getting sick. Another misery to add to the growing list.
“You gonna go eat or just stand there sniffing the air?”
Turning, he managed a grin for Nick Westfall, the Alpha Pack’s commander, and tried to ignore how the expression pulled strangely at the ruined side of his face. His boss was with his new mate, Calla Shaw, and the vampire princess was glowing. Nick appeared as proud and happy as any man would, being the reason for that glow—and the baby in her belly, which was several weeks along. Lucky bastard.
“Good morning,” Micah said, nodding to them both. “Princess, you look more beautiful every time I see you. How’re you feeling?”
“Thank you.” She smiled as her mate tugged her into his side possessively. “Other than some morning sickness when I first wake up, I’m doing well.”
“I’m glad to hear it. After you?” Stepping aside, he gestured for Nick and Calla to enter the dining room first. His attempt to avoid further conversation wasn’t as subtle as he’d thought, and Nick kissed his mate on the lips, hanging back.
“Go on ahead, sweetheart. I’ll be right there.”
“Okay.” She threw Micah a look of sympathy before proceeding inside.
Once she was gone, Micah tried to head Nick off. “I’m fine, so there’s no need to start in on me again. Really.”
“Is that so?” Nick’s sharp blue gaze pierced him like an ice pick. “I suppose that’s why your eyes are bloodshot and have circles under them so dark, it looks like you haven’t slept in a month. Or why your hands are shaking.”
Suddenly self-conscious, he looked away, fisting his hands to still them. “I’m okay, Nick. Just a little tired. The meds are helping.”
“From where I’m standing, I have to disagree.” The other man’s frown deepened. “But I realize now isn’t the time or place to get into a discussion. I want to talk to you after breakfast, in my office.”
Fucking fantastic. The commander was just concerned. Logically, Micah knew that, but it still sucked to be singled out and pinned down. Unreasonable anger churned in his gut, but he managed to nod. “Sure.”
Appearing satisfied with Micah’s answer, the commander left him. Taking a deep breath to steady his nerves, Micah walked into the dining room and cast about for a good place to sit. For damn sure not with his boss. He didn’t want to give the Seer more opportunity than necessary to poke around in his biz.
At one table, he spotted Noah Brooks, Sanctuary’s head nurse, sitting with Phoenix Monroe, one of Micah’s Pack bros. Noah was a smaller guy, slim, with short, messy blond hair and big blue eyes that he currently had trained on the tall, lithe man who would be his Bondmate—if only the dumbass would cooperate. But Nix refused to meet his mate halfway, had made it pretty clear to his teammates how uncomfortable he felt having a male for a mate, and it was obviously killing poor Noah and driving a wedge between the two. It took the anger already boiling in Micah’s blood and amplified it a few notches.
If I had someone who look at me the way Noah looks at Nix? I’d jump for joy. Who cares if he’s a dude?
Self-consciously Micah touched his face. Yeah, like that would ever happen now.
Also sitting at the table were his sister and her mate, Aric Savage. As much as he wanted to sit down and find out what the hell was going on with Nix lately, he wanted to get grilled by Rowan even less. But it was too late. She’d already spotted him and was smiling, waving him over. With a sigh, he resigned himself to enduring the nosy woman’s scrutiny.
Taking a seat, he nodded a greeting to the group in general. “Hey, what’s up?”
“Morning,” Rowan said brightly, eyeing him. She was annoyingly fresh-faced and alert this morning, long dark brown hair pulled back into a neat ponytail. “Did you sleep well?”
“Yep,” he lied, reaching for the pancakes. “Like a baby on tranquilizers.”
“That’s funny, ’cause you sure don’t look like you did. In fact, you look terrible.”
He snapped before he thought to filter his mouth. “Why’d you ask the question when you already knew the answer? Or do you just enjoy giving me shit?”
Rowan frowned. “Jesus, Micah, ease up.”
Across from him, Aric shifted in his seat, a low growl of warning rumbling from his chest. No doubt Micah had pissed off the man, and the wolf within, something fierce. Inside Micah, his brown wolf stirred and growled right back, unwilling to back down.
The redhead’s voice was low and even as he spoke. “Your sister is just worried about you, like all of us are. No need to bite her head off.”
The men glared at each other and the moment stretched taut. But when he saw Rowan exchange a tense glance with Nix, and Noah’s eyes widen with trepidation, his anger popped like a soap bubble. The sun was barely up and he was already ruining people’s day.
“I’m sorry.” Guilt snaked through Micah. Remorse. He tried to soften his tone as he met his sister’s concerned gaze. “I just get tired of everybody analyzing my every move, that’s all. I’m fine.”
She didn’t believe him any more than he believed himself, but she wasn’t going to push the issue in front of their friends. He didn’t know if that made him feel better or not, especially when he caught Noah and Nix exchanging worried looks of their own.
Nope, he still felt like crap.
He got busy filling his plate, knowing he wouldn’t be able to eat half of it. Too late, he realized he should’ve taken less so the leftover amount wouldn’t be as noticeable. Still, he ate what he could, chewing slowly, willing the food to settle. The bacon, tasty as it was, sat like a greasy rock in his stomach, and he gave up on it after one piece.
Hoping to lighten the mood at the table, he addressed Noah. “So, how are things going over at Sanctuary?”
His question had the desired result, the nurse’s face breaking out in a big smile. Aside from Phoenix, the younger man’s job at the new building in the Pack’s compound helping to heal and rehabilitate injured and sick paranormal beings was his favorite subject.
“It’s going pretty good,” Noah said with enthusiasm. “The recreation room on the top floor is done, and it looks awesome. We had a big-screen TV installed, and some big comfy chairs, books, magazines, and a couple of game tables, too. There’s also a juice bar, and some light workout equipment in another area.”
Noah was so animated, Micah couldn’t help but smile. “Wow. Sounds like you’ve all put in a lot of thought and work into the place.”
“We have. The new recreation area was needed for our patients who’ve healed enough that they need more to occupy themselves outside their rooms. It’s been a hit so far.”
“I’ll bet. Speaking of healing, how’s that tiger shifter who came in not long ago? What’s his name? He was pretty bad off.”
Noah’s expression sobered. “Leonidis. He’s still in rough shape. His family is taking turns staying at Sanctuary to be near him. He may make it, but we’re not sure yet about a full recovery.”
“Damn.” Micah shook his head. “I could never be a doctor or nurse. I admire what you guys are doing over there, putting broken guys like me back together.”
“You’re not broken,” Noah said softly.
Uh-oh. Here came the unwanted sympathy.
“Nah, you’re just cracked,” Nix put in, breaking the awkward moment before it could fully form.
Micah chuckled, and the others visibly relaxed, appearing relieved. Christ, did they really think he was that freaking fragile? “Cracked and super-glued so tight I’m a damn work of art. Right, Noah?”
The nurse shook his head, but his lips were turned up in a small smile edged with concern. “Right.”
Quickly Micah took two last bites of his pancakes. Then pushing his plate away, he stood, pasting on a cheerful grin. “Well, this has been fun. Gotta go check on my bike, so I’ll see you guys later.”
The others issued a round of good-byes, but Aric watched him with a narrow-eyed stare. Nothing got past the redheaded wolf, but he didn’t challenge Micah’s excuse as he turned to leave. As he started toward the exit, Micah saw that Nick was still finishing up breakfast and talking with his mate, so maybe he’d get some time to himself before the meeting with the commander.
On the heels of that thought, a loud tone pulsed through the air, startling everyone into silence. Micah halted briefly, his current troubles blown away like so much dust, for the time being. The alarm meant only one thing—the Alpha Pack had to take to the air, fast. No time for a team briefing. Nick would receive a call from his boss, General Jarrod Grant, stating the emergency situation that needed to be handled and the location. The commander had already risen from his seat and was on the move, putting his cell phone to his ear.
Micah, for one, couldn’t wait for the fight. Adrenaline coursed through his blood like fire.
He took off after Nick, his Pack brothers following suit. There was no time to dash back to their quarters. They ran outside, across the driveway, straight for the huge hangar that housed their land vehicles and aircraft to find their standby pilots already firing up two of the Hueys. Aric would pilot the third.
Some of the team armed themselves with weapons from the secure storage unit in the hangar, but aside from his knife, Micah didn’t bother. Honestly, his wolf was much stronger than his human half in a fight. And unlike most of the others, his particular Psy gift as a Dreamwalker wouldn’t help anyone much in battle—unless all the combatants suddenly fell asleep.
Not damn likely. Snorting to himself, he climbed onto Aric’s copter. If the man was flying, he couldn’t give Micah shit. Of course there was his sister to deal with, along with Sorcerer/Necromancer/black panther Kalen Black, Channeler/gray wolf Ryon Hunter, Hammer—aka former FBI agent John Ryder—and a watchful Nick.
The commander pulled out his cell phone, answering an incoming call with a greeting loud enough to be heard over the engine and whirling blades. “Jarrod, what’s going on?” After a brief conversation, he ended the call and keyed the handheld radio that would send his voice through their headsets.
“Got a bad situation fifty miles north, a panicked family under siege by what they described to the dispatcher at the sheriff’s office as large beasts with wings.” He let that sink in as the copter lifted into the air through the portal in the hangar’s roof, and several of the team cursed.
Micah almost choked. “Demons?”
“Demons are my best guess,” Nick confirmed for the benefit of those listening on units in the other helicopters. “We haven’t fought anything this lethal in a while. They’re going to make the goblins look like poodles. You guys ready?”
A chorus of Fuck yeah and We got this chimed in through the headsets, and Micah grinned in spite of the sliver of fear that send shards of ice sliding into his blood. Some things never changed. The Pack never backed down from an enemy. Never.
“Watch the fangs and claws,” Nick went on. “Their venom can be deadly, even for shifters. Go for the kill, fast. Don’t listen to anything they might say, or engage in a verbal confrontation. Let the bastards get into your head, and you’re fucked. They love to take slaves to the Underworld almost as much as they love to kill—which is probably why the family they’re trying to get to isn’t dead yet. They’re toying with the poor people, but they won’t wait much longer.”
Micah shuddered. Of all the horrors never to experience, aside from his own kidnapping and torture, being taken to the Underworld and subjected to whims of demons were right among the top five. According to legend, the demons answered to Hades. Was that even true? Another item to add to the list.
Let’s not find out.
Across from Micah, Kalen and John were talking. Glancing next to him at Rowan, he was disconcerted to find her observing him worriedly. Shaking his head to stave off any questions or lectures, he looked across to Ryon to find the man staring at him. Or, not at Micah, exactly. More like, glancing around him.
“Man, what are you looking at?” he growled.
The other man stilled for a few moments, eyes glazing over, which was creepy as hell. Then he met Micah’s gaze and simply said, “Later.”
“What?”
“I’ll talk to you about it later.”
“What the fuck is that supposed to mean?” A suspicion struck him. “You seein’ dead people again? Around me?”
Ryon’s grim silence was answer enough.
“Who are they?” Rowan demanded, startled.
“Seriously, fuck that shit. Tell ’em to buzz off.”
Ryon just sighed and turned his gaze out the open side of the Huey. “Doesn’t work that way. Wish it did.” He refused to say more, and silence descended between the three of them.
“Go on, fly away,” Micah hissed to the spirits or whatever was hovering near him. Of course, he couldn’t sense them, but that didn’t mean it bothered him any less. Ryon knew they were there, and that was good enough evidence for him. What the fuck did they want?
Ryon gave a negative shake of his head to indicate that hadn’t worked to send away the spirits, and went back to watching the forest whiz past below them.
Well, Micah’s friend didn’t seem too concerned, so apparently there was no immediate danger. Putting it out of his mind for now, he closed his eyes and mentally prepared himself for the coming battle.
Demons were big bastards. Shut out their voices. Get underneath them. Avoid sharp objects. Go for a quick kill, head and heart. Easy. Like taking a Sunday stroll.
Okay, maybe not that simple. But Micah couldn’t deny he was looking forward to the fight. Anticipation began to pump through him the closer they got to their destination, and by the time the Hueys landed in a meadow surrounded by mountains, his mind was totally focused on the job.
As soon as they were clear to move around, his sister and John bailed from the helicopter without looking back. With their particular Psy gifts—Rowan was a Dreamwalker and Hammer a Tracer—they would fight better in human form, with weapons, like when they had been in law enforcement. Kalen’s panther was lethal, but his skills as a Sorcerer were essential in a battle against such a formidable enemy, so he remained dressed in his dark jeans and long leather duster. Micah, Nick, and Aric shed their clothes quickly and shifted into their wolf forms.
Nick, a large white wolf, led them about a hundred yards from the helicopters. Jaxon Law, RetroCog/Timebender/gray wolf and the Pack’s second in command, strode quickly to the head of the group in human form to stand with Nick and John. Jax was an imposing figure, tall and muscular with short black hair and a neat goatee. He was a son of a bitch in a fight, too, no matter what form he chose.
“Listen up,” Jax called out. Then he pointed over the meadow to the north. “The homestead is just over the rise, about a mile and a half away. Unless the demons are stone deaf, they heard the copters, which means we need to strike fast. Hopefully the noise distracted them and bought the family some time, but that and landing closer meant sacrificing the element of surprise. Hit those fuckers fast and hard! Let’s go!”
Handing the enemy advance warning of your arrival? Not optimal. But sometimes there was no help for it, and you did what you had to do. They took off, their pace quickly eating up the distance. About a half mile from the place, the team’s human sniper, A. J. Stone, set up on a ridge. It was always damned comforting to know A.J. was out there, ready to pick off the enemy sneaking up behind them.
As they raced down the slope, a large, sprawling log cabin came into view. Nestled in the hills, surrounded by trees with the mountains rising majestically around it, the scene should’ve been breathtaking.
But to the terrified family inside, their haven had become a nightmare. Their screams could be heard clearly through the broken windows and bashed-in front door, even if Micah hadn’t possessed a wolf shifter’s enhanced hearing.
Pouring on the speed, Nick cleared the threshold of the front door ahead of them, Micah right behind him. The sight that greeted them should’ve terrified him, but there was no time to be afraid.
The demon standing in the living room splintering the sofa like a matchstick whirled to face them, a grin full of yellowed teeth spreading across its broad gray face. It took up the whole space at nearly seven feet tall, leathery wings spanning some twenty feet wide. Long, razor-sharp claws tipped the big, almost-humanlike hands and feet, and its chest was broad.
“Greetings, fools,” it said pleasantly. Then it tossed the sofa aside and launched itself at Nick. The fight was on.
More demons materialized seemingly from nowhere, and the team had all they could handle.
“Micah, look out!”
John’s shout came just in time to keep Micah from losing his head. Turning, he ducked, avoiding the demon’s claws but losing a tuft of fur in the process. Shit, that was close!
Snarling, Micah rushed the creature, going straight for the throat. The demon wasn’t going down so easily, however. Though it stumbled backward, it managed to grab him and fling his body across the room and into the wall. He hit hard enough to crack the plaster, which rained on him as he fell to the floor. Stunned for a moment, he shook himself off and went in for round two.
On this second charge, he changed tactics. The demon was prepared for him to jump again and go for the throat. Instead, he hurtled himself at the creature’s legs. In a flash, he sank his fangs into the vulnerable thigh muscle—and ripped out the demon’s hamstring. Screeching in pain, the bastard fell hard, writhing.
Got you now, fucker. Micah swiftly tore out its throat, and as the demon gurgled helplessly, Micah shifted into his half-man, half-wolf form. Then he used his own sharp claws like knives, plunging them into the creature’s chest and ripping out its black heart. The beast died, eyes glazing, surprise still etched on its ugly mug.
He didn’t get to savor his victory. A hard blow took him in the side, and he rolled a few feet. A new demon attacked, and he used the hamstringing method again, with success. Dispatched the enemy. And again, on another. The Pack was winning the battle, and hopefully they’d find the family—who’d stopped screaming—alive, safe, and barricaded in the basement.
Just as he finished taking the heart of another demon beneath him, Rowan screamed from somewhere behind him. “Micah!”
Still in half-form, he turned—
“Ungh.” Blinking, breath stolen away, it took him a couple of heartbeats to register the demon towering over him, smirking in triumph.
“Die, wolf.”
The claws of one of the beast’s hands were buried in Micah’s chest. The strange, cold burn of the venom was spreading through his limbs, his lungs, making it hard to breathe. He tried to lift his arm, to swipe his claws at the creature, but couldn’t. The demon laughed and dug the talons deeper.
“Micah! No!”
A loud bang sounded. And the demon fell away in a shower of blood, brain matter, and bone. The claws were torn from Micah’s chest, and he sank to his knees, gasping. Unable to retain his shift, he returned to human form and stared at the blood gushing from the grisly wound to stream down his abdomen.
“Shit,” he wheezed.
The instant he toppled to the floor, hands were on him. The noise of the waning battle faded into the background. Suddenly he was on his back with Zander Cole, the Pack’s Healer, beside him dressed in fatigues and a dark T-shirt. Tucking his gun into his waist band, Zan placed a hand over the bleeding wound.
“Steady,” he said in a quiet, soothing voice. “We’ll get you fixed up in no time.”
“Yeah. Thanks.” Micah’s next breath was strangled in his chest, as though a fist was crushing the life out of him. “Hurry.”
Zan closed his eyes and stilled. Micah was in too much pain to look down and watch what he was doing, but a warm glow began to seep into his chest. Gentle waves lapped at the agony, wearing it away gradually. His breath came easier, and he began to relax. Thank God for the Healer, or he might not have survived the trip back to the compound.
“I want you to stay still, okay?” Zan was frowning slightly, trying not to show his worry.
“Why? I feel a lot better.”
“I’d just rather you take it easy until we get you back and let the doctors examine you.”
Nick crouched at Micah’s side, back in human form, a borrowed coat wrapped around him. “House is secure. Family is safe. Kalen is wiping the demons from their memories and replacing them with poachers who broke in, looking for money and weapons.”
“Would poachers do that?”
“It was the best he could do in a pinch,” Nick said wryly. “Sheriff Deveraux is here, too. We’re letting them take over the scene.”
Sheriff Jesse Deveraux was a big, mean-tempered asshole. And a good ally to the Pack. He was one of the few humans outside the compound to know about the paranormal world and the Alpha Pack’s role in it. Grumpy or not, he was also an honest man, and a good guy to have on your side.
“So, basically, we were never here,” Micah said.
“You got it.” The commander eyed him, then glanced at Zan. A look passed between him and the Healer before he addressed Micah again. “You going to be okay?”
“Yeah.” He wasn’t sure that was totally true, but that’s what he was going with. Clearly neither of the men was convinced.
Nick patted his shoulder. “You’ll do as Zan says. Like I told you, a demon’s venom is nothing to fuck with. Zan healed the worst of the wound, but you’re going to feel like shit for a couple of days. Stay put while I send somebody for a stretcher.”
Micah opened his mouth to protest, but a glare from the boss cut it short. “Fine.”
With a sigh, he closed his eyes and drifted, ignoring the activity around him. Jeez, he was tired. Someone covered him with a blanket. Rowan stroked his hair and whispered, “I love you, you jerk,” which made him smile as he murmured the sentiment to his sister in return.
A few minutes later, he heard Nick, Zan, and Rowan talking some distance away and realized they were discussing him. He probably should’ve alerted them to the fact that he was awake.
Nah, screw that. He wanted to know what they were so uptight about that they weren’t saying to his face.
“What is it?” Rowan asked, voice quiet.
Zan answered. “I’m concerned about some anomalies I detected while I was healing your brother.”
“Anomalies? What do you mean? Like tumors or something?” Alarm tinged her questions.
“Not like a disease, but more of a sense that something isn’t right inside his body. The healing was more difficult than it should’ve been and—”
“But Nick said that demon venom is deadly, so of course something wasn’t right. Besides, it wasn’t so long ago that your healing abilities weren’t up to speed. Maybe you’re still having some trouble.”
Zan didn’t seem to take offense to that suggestion, but he was insistent. “I assure you, my healing is right on target again. The cells in Micah’s body weren’t knitting as quickly as they should have been, even after a demon attack. They needed a lot of coaxing to re-form, more than usual for one of us. I just think it bears watching, that’s all.”
“All right.” She sighed, her tension palpable. “Thanks, my friend. I appreciate it.”
“Don’t thank me. I want to see him well as much as anyone.”
Humiliation crept through Micah. He loved them for caring, but hated being a burden. Hated lying flat on his back when he was supposed to be stronger than his problems. A protector. But at the moment, it didn’t matter that he loathed his situation, because his body was doing its job. Shutting down, forcing him to rest whether he wanted to or not.
Exhaustion claimed him.
And in seeped the nightmares.
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I’m as excited as many of you that Micah’s story is finally here! Without further ado, here’s the blurb, plus a peek at Chapter 1 to tease you. Dive in and enjoy!
Blurb:
Believed dead by his Pack mates, Micah Chase, a wolf shifter and Dreamwalker, was held captive for months, subject to tortures that left him physically scarred and emotionally unsettled.
Now under the care of the Alpha Pack’s doctors, he’s been prescribed an experimental healing drug, but he still can’t shake the nightmares. Even more damning is that Micah’s problems pose a danger to his team, and if he doesn’t get himself under control, they’ll all suffer a terrible fate.
There is a key to his salvation. Jacee is a beautiful coyote shifter, and though her kind is hated, she’s falling in love with a man whose very future is in her hands. Together they’ll face his personal demons as well as a deadly enemy—and for both of them desire has never come with such risk.
Chapter 1:
Every night, Micah Chase battled the monsters in his dreams.
The ones responsible for his captivity and torture. The ones who did terrible things to him—made him do things—that made him wish he was dead. And each day, he awoke to the increasing reality that the nightmares about his hellish time in captivity weren’t simply products of a tormented and cracked mind.
They were memories.
Worms, churning up the rot in his soul, filling him with self-loathing. Hatred. Yeah, he’d liked it much better back when he couldn’t remember a fucking thing.
Pushing himself out of bed, he walked into the bathroom, feeling far older than his twenty-nine years. The Alpha Pack had been called out yesterday to eliminate a nest of goblins—how the holy fucking hell had those little bastards gotten through the portal from the Unseelie realm, anyways?—and his body was covered in scratches and bruises from their nasty little claws and teeth. He should’ve healed by now.
That he hadn’t was cause for yet another worry in a very long list of them.
In the bathroom, he studied his ruined face in the mirror. He’d taken his good looks for granted once. Before he had been tortured like a lab rat, made to scream in agony and beg for death. The dark eyes that stared back were dull, hollow with pain and mental exhaustion. Dark brown hair, once shiny and full, hung to his shoulders, limp and lifeless as his gaze. But it was the sight of his face that hurt most of all.
The left side was perfect. A reminder of how truly naive he’d once been to the evil in the world, to what one being was capable of doing to another. The right side, however, was a mess of scars, like melted candle wax had been poured from his forehead to run down over his brow, then down his cheek and neck. In reality it had been molten silver, splashed onto his face as he’d been held down, screaming.
“You’ll do what you’re told next time, dirty wolf! Isn’t that right?”
“No! Stop, please!”
“He still hasn’t learned.” Eyes burning with manic light, Dr. Bowman flicked a hand at an assistant. “Again.”
Shaking his head to clear the horrid scene from his brain, Micah gripped the sink and thought bitterly how books and movies didn’t always get it right. While he’d healed, his wolf shifter’s DNA hadn’t been able to rid him of the terrible scars.
But maybe it was fitting that the outside matched the inside.
Ignoring the throbbing in his head, he turned on the water in the shower and let it get hot before stepping into the stall. For a few minutes he stood and enjoyed the spray beating down, soothing his tired, abused muscles. It did little to ease the pain in his head, however. In fact, the throb ramped up to a sharp stab behind his left eye that left him breathless, and warmth gushed from his nose.
“Shit.”
He swiped his hand underneath his nose, then stared at the blood. There was more this time, the bleeding heavier. It would stop, though. Always did.
Tilting his head back, he let the spray wash the blood away until the flow ceased. Then he finished his shower and stepped out, toweling off. In the bedroom, he dressed in jeans and a plain black T-shirt, then pulled on his black boots, sliding his big knife into the right one. Typically he went light on weapons when he and the guys weren’t out on a call. But he couldn’t always shift into his wolf, especially in public, and it never hurt to be prepared.
As he straightened, his gaze found the small pill bottle resting on the dresser. He hated being dependent on that shit, so leaving it behind should be easy. Right? Yet the very thought of being in town, out in the field, or even across the compound, and not having it when the demons closed in? God, the idea made his hands shake and his heart race. Made him sweat.
Taking myst was like wrapping himself in a soft, warm blanket, chasing away the cold. The darkness. The stuff cocooned him in a layer of I-don’t-give-a-fuck, at least for a few blessed hours. Sweet relief.
Hating himself, he snatched the bottle with a curse and opened the lid, downed a couple pills, dry-swallowing them. Then he shoved the container into his front jeans pocket. Sucking in a deep breath, he let it out slowly and waited. Gradually, the medicine took effect and he felt the turmoil in his mind ease. His muscles relaxed, tension bleeding away.
There would be a price, though. Always was.
Leaving his quarters, he walked into the hallway and shut the door behind him. Everyone was probably at breakfast by now. The thought of eating made his stomach twist, but he didn’t want to be alone. Besides, acting normal, sticking to his routine, kept his buddies and his sister, Rowan, off his back. Mostly.
Fake it till you make it.
His boots shuffled on the carpeted floor as he made his way to his destination. Outside the dining room, he paused. The aromas of pancakes, bacon, and syrup simultaneously made his stomach rumble and stirred a flutter of nausea that rose in his throat. He was so hungry, he could have eaten a half-cooked goblin, but the side effects of the medicine prevented him from consuming much without getting sick. Another misery to add to the growing list.
“You gonna go eat or just stand there sniffing the air?”
Turning, he managed a grin for Nick Westfall, the Alpha Pack’s commander, and tried to ignore how the expression pulled strangely at the ruined side of his face. His boss was with his new mate, Calla Shaw, and the vampire princess was glowing. Nick appeared as proud and happy as any man would, being the reason for that glow—and the baby in her belly, which was several weeks along. Lucky bastard.
“Good morning,” Micah said, nodding to them both. “Princess, you look more beautiful every time I see you. How’re you feeling?”
“Thank you.” She smiled as her mate tugged her into his side possessively. “Other than some morning sickness when I first wake up, I’m doing well.”
“I’m glad to hear it. After you?” Stepping aside, he gestured for Nick and Calla to enter the dining room first. His attempt to avoid further conversation wasn’t as subtle as he’d thought, and Nick kissed his mate on the lips, hanging back.
“Go on ahead, sweetheart. I’ll be right there.”
“Okay.” She threw Micah a look of sympathy before proceeding inside.
Once she was gone, Micah tried to head Nick off. “I’m fine, so there’s no need to start in on me again. Really.”
“Is that so?” Nick’s sharp blue gaze pierced him like an ice pick. “I suppose that’s why your eyes are bloodshot and have circles under them so dark, it looks like you haven’t slept in a month. Or why your hands are shaking.”
Suddenly self-conscious, he looked away, fisting his hands to still them. “I’m okay, Nick. Just a little tired. The meds are helping.”
“From where I’m standing, I have to disagree.” The other man’s frown deepened. “But I realize now isn’t the time or place to get into a discussion. I want to talk to you after breakfast, in my office.”
Fucking fantastic. The commander was just concerned. Logically, Micah knew that, but it still sucked to be singled out and pinned down. Unreasonable anger churned in his gut, but he managed to nod. “Sure.”
Appearing satisfied with Micah’s answer, the commander left him. Taking a deep breath to steady his nerves, Micah walked into the dining room and cast about for a good place to sit. For damn sure not with his boss. He didn’t want to give the Seer more opportunity than necessary to poke around in his biz.
At one table, he spotted Noah Brooks, Sanctuary’s head nurse, sitting with Phoenix Monroe, one of Micah’s Pack bros. Noah was a smaller guy, slim, with short, messy blond hair and big blue eyes that he currently had trained on the tall, lithe man who would be his Bondmate—if only the dumbass would cooperate. But Nix refused to meet his mate halfway, had made it pretty clear to his teammates how uncomfortable he felt having a male for a mate, and it was obviously killing poor Noah and driving a wedge between the two. It took the anger already boiling in Micah’s blood and amplified it a few notches.
If I had someone who look at me the way Noah looks at Nix? I’d jump for joy. Who cares if he’s a dude?
Self-consciously Micah touched his face. Yeah, like that would ever happen now.
Also sitting at the table were his sister and her mate, Aric Savage. As much as he wanted to sit down and find out what the hell was going on with Nix lately, he wanted to get grilled by Rowan even less. But it was too late. She’d already spotted him and was smiling, waving him over. With a sigh, he resigned himself to enduring the nosy woman’s scrutiny.
Taking a seat, he nodded a greeting to the group in general. “Hey, what’s up?”
“Morning,” Rowan said brightly, eyeing him. She was annoyingly fresh-faced and alert this morning, long dark brown hair pulled back into a neat ponytail. “Did you sleep well?”
“Yep,” he lied, reaching for the pancakes. “Like a baby on tranquilizers.”
“That’s funny, ’cause you sure don’t look like you did. In fact, you look terrible.”
He snapped before he thought to filter his mouth. “Why’d you ask the question when you already knew the answer? Or do you just enjoy giving me shit?”
Rowan frowned. “Jesus, Micah, ease up.”
Across from him, Aric shifted in his seat, a low growl of warning rumbling from his chest. No doubt Micah had pissed off the man, and the wolf within, something fierce. Inside Micah, his brown wolf stirred and growled right back, unwilling to back down.
The redhead’s voice was low and even as he spoke. “Your sister is just worried about you, like all of us are. No need to bite her head off.”
The men glared at each other and the moment stretched taut. But when he saw Rowan exchange a tense glance with Nix, and Noah’s eyes widen with trepidation, his anger popped like a soap bubble. The sun was barely up and he was already ruining people’s day.
“I’m sorry.” Guilt snaked through Micah. Remorse. He tried to soften his tone as he met his sister’s concerned gaze. “I just get tired of everybody analyzing my every move, that’s all. I’m fine.”
She didn’t believe him any more than he believed himself, but she wasn’t going to push the issue in front of their friends. He didn’t know if that made him feel better or not, especially when he caught Noah and Nix exchanging worried looks of their own.
Nope, he still felt like crap.
He got busy filling his plate, knowing he wouldn’t be able to eat half of it. Too late, he realized he should’ve taken less so the leftover amount wouldn’t be as noticeable. Still, he ate what he could, chewing slowly, willing the food to settle. The bacon, tasty as it was, sat like a greasy rock in his stomach, and he gave up on it after one piece.
Hoping to lighten the mood at the table, he addressed Noah. “So, how are things going over at Sanctuary?”
His question had the desired result, the nurse’s face breaking out in a big smile. Aside from Phoenix, the younger man’s job at the new building in the Pack’s compound helping to heal and rehabilitate injured and sick paranormal beings was his favorite subject.
“It’s going pretty good,” Noah said with enthusiasm. “The recreation room on the top floor is done, and it looks awesome. We had a big-screen TV installed, and some big comfy chairs, books, magazines, and a couple of game tables, too. There’s also a juice bar, and some light workout equipment in another area.”
Noah was so animated, Micah couldn’t help but smile. “Wow. Sounds like you’ve all put in a lot of thought and work into the place.”
“We have. The new recreation area was needed for our patients who’ve healed enough that they need more to occupy themselves outside their rooms. It’s been a hit so far.”
“I’ll bet. Speaking of healing, how’s that tiger shifter who came in not long ago? What’s his name? He was pretty bad off.”
Noah’s expression sobered. “Leonidis. He’s still in rough shape. His family is taking turns staying at Sanctuary to be near him. He may make it, but we’re not sure yet about a full recovery.”
“Damn.” Micah shook his head. “I could never be a doctor or nurse. I admire what you guys are doing over there, putting broken guys like me back together.”
“You’re not broken,” Noah said softly.
Uh-oh. Here came the unwanted sympathy.
“Nah, you’re just cracked,” Nix put in, breaking the awkward moment before it could fully form.
Micah chuckled, and the others visibly relaxed, appearing relieved. Christ, did they really think he was that freaking fragile? “Cracked and super-glued so tight I’m a damn work of art. Right, Noah?”
The nurse shook his head, but his lips were turned up in a small smile edged with concern. “Right.”
Quickly Micah took two last bites of his pancakes. Then pushing his plate away, he stood, pasting on a cheerful grin. “Well, this has been fun. Gotta go check on my bike, so I’ll see you guys later.”
The others issued a round of good-byes, but Aric watched him with a narrow-eyed stare. Nothing got past the redheaded wolf, but he didn’t challenge Micah’s excuse as he turned to leave. As he started toward the exit, Micah saw that Nick was still finishing up breakfast and talking with his mate, so maybe he’d get some time to himself before the meeting with the commander.
On the heels of that thought, a loud tone pulsed through the air, startling everyone into silence. Micah halted briefly, his current troubles blown away like so much dust, for the time being. The alarm meant only one thing—the Alpha Pack had to take to the air, fast. No time for a team briefing. Nick would receive a call from his boss, General Jarrod Grant, stating the emergency situation that needed to be handled and the location. The commander had already risen from his seat and was on the move, putting his cell phone to his ear.
Micah, for one, couldn’t wait for the fight. Adrenaline coursed through his blood like fire.
He took off after Nick, his Pack brothers following suit. There was no time to dash back to their quarters. They ran outside, across the driveway, straight for the huge hangar that housed their land vehicles and aircraft to find their standby pilots already firing up two of the Hueys. Aric would pilot the third.
Some of the team armed themselves with weapons from the secure storage unit in the hangar, but aside from his knife, Micah didn’t bother. Honestly, his wolf was much stronger than his human half in a fight. And unlike most of the others, his particular Psy gift as a Dreamwalker wouldn’t help anyone much in battle—unless all the combatants suddenly fell asleep.
Not damn likely. Snorting to himself, he climbed onto Aric’s copter. If the man was flying, he couldn’t give Micah shit. Of course there was his sister to deal with, along with Sorcerer/Necromancer/black panther Kalen Black, Channeler/gray wolf Ryon Hunter, Hammer—aka former FBI agent John Ryder—and a watchful Nick.
The commander pulled out his cell phone, answering an incoming call with a greeting loud enough to be heard over the engine and whirling blades. “Jarrod, what’s going on?” After a brief conversation, he ended the call and keyed the handheld radio that would send his voice through their headsets.
“Got a bad situation fifty miles north, a panicked family under siege by what they described to the dispatcher at the sheriff’s office as large beasts with wings.” He let that sink in as the copter lifted into the air through the portal in the hangar’s roof, and several of the team cursed.
Micah almost choked. “Demons?”
“Demons are my best guess,” Nick confirmed for the benefit of those listening on units in the other helicopters. “We haven’t fought anything this lethal in a while. They’re going to make the goblins look like poodles. You guys ready?”
A chorus of Fuck yeah and We got this chimed in through the headsets, and Micah grinned in spite of the sliver of fear that send shards of ice sliding into his blood. Some things never changed. The Pack never backed down from an enemy. Never.
“Watch the fangs and claws,” Nick went on. “Their venom can be deadly, even for shifters. Go for the kill, fast. Don’t listen to anything they might say, or engage in a verbal confrontation. Let the bastards get into your head, and you’re fucked. They love to take slaves to the Underworld almost as much as they love to kill—which is probably why the family they’re trying to get to isn’t dead yet. They’re toying with the poor people, but they won’t wait much longer.”
Micah shuddered. Of all the horrors never to experience, aside from his own kidnapping and torture, being taken to the Underworld and subjected to whims of demons were right among the top five. According to legend, the demons answered to Hades. Was that even true? Another item to add to the list.
Let’s not find out.
Across from Micah, Kalen and John were talking. Glancing next to him at Rowan, he was disconcerted to find her observing him worriedly. Shaking his head to stave off any questions or lectures, he looked across to Ryon to find the man staring at him. Or, not at Micah, exactly. More like, glancing around him.
“Man, what are you looking at?” he growled.
The other man stilled for a few moments, eyes glazing over, which was creepy as hell. Then he met Micah’s gaze and simply said, “Later.”
“What?”
“I’ll talk to you about it later.”
“What the fuck is that supposed to mean?” A suspicion struck him. “You seein’ dead people again? Around me?”
Ryon’s grim silence was answer enough.
“Who are they?” Rowan demanded, startled.
“Seriously, fuck that shit. Tell ’em to buzz off.”
Ryon just sighed and turned his gaze out the open side of the Huey. “Doesn’t work that way. Wish it did.” He refused to say more, and silence descended between the three of them.
“Go on, fly away,” Micah hissed to the spirits or whatever was hovering near him. Of course, he couldn’t sense them, but that didn’t mean it bothered him any less. Ryon knew they were there, and that was good enough evidence for him. What the fuck did they want?
Ryon gave a negative shake of his head to indicate that hadn’t worked to send away the spirits, and went back to watching the forest whiz past below them.
Well, Micah’s friend didn’t seem too concerned, so apparently there was no immediate danger. Putting it out of his mind for now, he closed his eyes and mentally prepared himself for the coming battle.
Demons were big bastards. Shut out their voices. Get underneath them. Avoid sharp objects. Go for a quick kill, head and heart. Easy. Like taking a Sunday stroll.
Okay, maybe not that simple. But Micah couldn’t deny he was looking forward to the fight. Anticipation began to pump through him the closer they got to their destination, and by the time the Hueys landed in a meadow surrounded by mountains, his mind was totally focused on the job.
As soon as they were clear to move around, his sister and John bailed from the helicopter without looking back. With their particular Psy gifts—Rowan was a Dreamwalker and Hammer a Tracer—they would fight better in human form, with weapons, like when they had been in law enforcement. Kalen’s panther was lethal, but his skills as a Sorcerer were essential in a battle against such a formidable enemy, so he remained dressed in his dark jeans and long leather duster. Micah, Nick, and Aric shed their clothes quickly and shifted into their wolf forms.
Nick, a large white wolf, led them about a hundred yards from the helicopters. Jaxon Law, RetroCog/Timebender/gray wolf and the Pack’s second in command, strode quickly to the head of the group in human form to stand with Nick and John. Jax was an imposing figure, tall and muscular with short black hair and a neat goatee. He was a son of a bitch in a fight, too, no matter what form he chose.
“Listen up,” Jax called out. Then he pointed over the meadow to the north. “The homestead is just over the rise, about a mile and a half away. Unless the demons are stone deaf, they heard the copters, which means we need to strike fast. Hopefully the noise distracted them and bought the family some time, but that and landing closer meant sacrificing the element of surprise. Hit those fuckers fast and hard! Let’s go!”
Handing the enemy advance warning of your arrival? Not optimal. But sometimes there was no help for it, and you did what you had to do. They took off, their pace quickly eating up the distance. About a half mile from the place, the team’s human sniper, A. J. Stone, set up on a ridge. It was always damned comforting to know A.J. was out there, ready to pick off the enemy sneaking up behind them.
As they raced down the slope, a large, sprawling log cabin came into view. Nestled in the hills, surrounded by trees with the mountains rising majestically around it, the scene should’ve been breathtaking.
But to the terrified family inside, their haven had become a nightmare. Their screams could be heard clearly through the broken windows and bashed-in front door, even if Micah hadn’t possessed a wolf shifter’s enhanced hearing.
Pouring on the speed, Nick cleared the threshold of the front door ahead of them, Micah right behind him. The sight that greeted them should’ve terrified him, but there was no time to be afraid.
The demon standing in the living room splintering the sofa like a matchstick whirled to face them, a grin full of yellowed teeth spreading across its broad gray face. It took up the whole space at nearly seven feet tall, leathery wings spanning some twenty feet wide. Long, razor-sharp claws tipped the big, almost-humanlike hands and feet, and its chest was broad.
“Greetings, fools,” it said pleasantly. Then it tossed the sofa aside and launched itself at Nick. The fight was on.
More demons materialized seemingly from nowhere, and the team had all they could handle.
“Micah, look out!”
John’s shout came just in time to keep Micah from losing his head. Turning, he ducked, avoiding the demon’s claws but losing a tuft of fur in the process. Shit, that was close!
Snarling, Micah rushed the creature, going straight for the throat. The demon wasn’t going down so easily, however. Though it stumbled backward, it managed to grab him and fling his body across the room and into the wall. He hit hard enough to crack the plaster, which rained on him as he fell to the floor. Stunned for a moment, he shook himself off and went in for round two.
On this second charge, he changed tactics. The demon was prepared for him to jump again and go for the throat. Instead, he hurtled himself at the creature’s legs. In a flash, he sank his fangs into the vulnerable thigh muscle—and ripped out the demon’s hamstring. Screeching in pain, the bastard fell hard, writhing.
Got you now, fucker. Micah swiftly tore out its throat, and as the demon gurgled helplessly, Micah shifted into his half-man, half-wolf form. Then he used his own sharp claws like knives, plunging them into the creature’s chest and ripping out its black heart. The beast died, eyes glazing, surprise still etched on its ugly mug.
He didn’t get to savor his victory. A hard blow took him in the side, and he rolled a few feet. A new demon attacked, and he used the hamstringing method again, with success. Dispatched the enemy. And again, on another. The Pack was winning the battle, and hopefully they’d find the family—who’d stopped screaming—alive, safe, and barricaded in the basement.
Just as he finished taking the heart of another demon beneath him, Rowan screamed from somewhere behind him. “Micah!”
Still in half-form, he turned—
“Ungh.” Blinking, breath stolen away, it took him a couple of heartbeats to register the demon towering over him, smirking in triumph.
“Die, wolf.”
The claws of one of the beast’s hands were buried in Micah’s chest. The strange, cold burn of the venom was spreading through his limbs, his lungs, making it hard to breathe. He tried to lift his arm, to swipe his claws at the creature, but couldn’t. The demon laughed and dug the talons deeper.
“Micah! No!”
A loud bang sounded. And the demon fell away in a shower of blood, brain matter, and bone. The claws were torn from Micah’s chest, and he sank to his knees, gasping. Unable to retain his shift, he returned to human form and stared at the blood gushing from the grisly wound to stream down his abdomen.
“Shit,” he wheezed.
The instant he toppled to the floor, hands were on him. The noise of the waning battle faded into the background. Suddenly he was on his back with Zander Cole, the Pack’s Healer, beside him dressed in fatigues and a dark T-shirt. Tucking his gun into his waist band, Zan placed a hand over the bleeding wound.
“Steady,” he said in a quiet, soothing voice. “We’ll get you fixed up in no time.”
“Yeah. Thanks.” Micah’s next breath was strangled in his chest, as though a fist was crushing the life out of him. “Hurry.”
Zan closed his eyes and stilled. Micah was in too much pain to look down and watch what he was doing, but a warm glow began to seep into his chest. Gentle waves lapped at the agony, wearing it away gradually. His breath came easier, and he began to relax. Thank God for the Healer, or he might not have survived the trip back to the compound.
“I want you to stay still, okay?” Zan was frowning slightly, trying not to show his worry.
“Why? I feel a lot better.”
“I’d just rather you take it easy until we get you back and let the doctors examine you.”
Nick crouched at Micah’s side, back in human form, a borrowed coat wrapped around him. “House is secure. Family is safe. Kalen is wiping the demons from their memories and replacing them with poachers who broke in, looking for money and weapons.”
“Would poachers do that?”
“It was the best he could do in a pinch,” Nick said wryly. “Sheriff Deveraux is here, too. We’re letting them take over the scene.”
Sheriff Jesse Deveraux was a big, mean-tempered asshole. And a good ally to the Pack. He was one of the few humans outside the compound to know about the paranormal world and the Alpha Pack’s role in it. Grumpy or not, he was also an honest man, and a good guy to have on your side.
“So, basically, we were never here,” Micah said.
“You got it.” The commander eyed him, then glanced at Zan. A look passed between him and the Healer before he addressed Micah again. “You going to be okay?”
“Yeah.” He wasn’t sure that was totally true, but that’s what he was going with. Clearly neither of the men was convinced.
Nick patted his shoulder. “You’ll do as Zan says. Like I told you, a demon’s venom is nothing to fuck with. Zan healed the worst of the wound, but you’re going to feel like shit for a couple of days. Stay put while I send somebody for a stretcher.”
Micah opened his mouth to protest, but a glare from the boss cut it short. “Fine.”
With a sigh, he closed his eyes and drifted, ignoring the activity around him. Jeez, he was tired. Someone covered him with a blanket. Rowan stroked his hair and whispered, “I love you, you jerk,” which made him smile as he murmured the sentiment to his sister in return.
A few minutes later, he heard Nick, Zan, and Rowan talking some distance away and realized they were discussing him. He probably should’ve alerted them to the fact that he was awake.
Nah, screw that. He wanted to know what they were so uptight about that they weren’t saying to his face.
“What is it?” Rowan asked, voice quiet.
Zan answered. “I’m concerned about some anomalies I detected while I was healing your brother.”
“Anomalies? What do you mean? Like tumors or something?” Alarm tinged her questions.
“Not like a disease, but more of a sense that something isn’t right inside his body. The healing was more difficult than it should’ve been and—”
“But Nick said that demon venom is deadly, so of course something wasn’t right. Besides, it wasn’t so long ago that your healing abilities weren’t up to speed. Maybe you’re still having some trouble.”
Zan didn’t seem to take offense to that suggestion, but he was insistent. “I assure you, my healing is right on target again. The cells in Micah’s body weren’t knitting as quickly as they should have been, even after a demon attack. They needed a lot of coaxing to re-form, more than usual for one of us. I just think it bears watching, that’s all.”
“All right.” She sighed, her tension palpable. “Thanks, my friend. I appreciate it.”
“Don’t thank me. I want to see him well as much as anyone.”
Humiliation crept through Micah. He loved them for caring, but hated being a burden. Hated lying flat on his back when he was supposed to be stronger than his problems. A protector. But at the moment, it didn’t matter that he loathed his situation, because his body was doing its job. Shutting down, forcing him to rest whether he wanted to or not.
Exhaustion claimed him.
And in seeped the nightmares.Purchase:
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July 27, 2015
CHASE THE DARKNESS out August 4! And My Armed & Deadly Series Debuts! (Romantic Suspense/Thriller)
Dear Readers,
This has been quite the busy year so far! I’ve been at my computer, barely leaving the keyboard except for outings to the Romantic Times conference and the RWA National conference last week. This means lots of books on the horizon for you all, and I hope you enjoy them! Sorry for the long post, but I have LOTS of book news to share! That’s good, right?!
ALPHA PACK NEWS: CHASE THE DAKNESS, Micah Chase’s story, will be out on Tuesday, August 4! Yay! This one is heart-wrenching, wonderfully romantic, as well as action-packed, and I can’t wait to get your reaction to his tale, and the little surprise at the end. You know how much I love surprises! The blurb:
Believed dead by his Pack mates, Micah Chase, a wolf shifter and Dreamwalker, was held captive for months, subject to tortures that left him physically scarred and emotionally unsettled.
Now under the care of the Alpha Pack’s doctors, he’s been prescribed an experimental healing drug, but he still can’t shake the nightmares. Even more damning is that Micah’s problems pose a danger to his team, and if he doesn’t get himself under control, they’ll all suffer a terrible fate.
There is a key to his salvation. Jacee is a beautiful coyote shifter, and though her kind is hated, she’s falling in love with a man whose very future is in her hands. Together they’ll face his personal demons as well as a deadly enemy—and for both of them desire has never come with such risk.
MORE ALPHA PACK NEWS: Mark your calendar for Phoenix and Noah’s story! PHOENIX REBORN is set for release on March 15, 2016! I can’t tell you how excited I am to write a m/m story for my Alpha Pack boys, and I know my readers are eager as well. More to come, so stay tuned.
ARMED & DEADLY NEWS: At last, the first book in my FBI romantic suspense/thriller series is live! LETHAL TARGET: AN ARMED & DEADLY NOVELLA is book 4 of a unique anthology of suspense stories that takes place during one homeland terrorist event, and it's sexy agent heroes to the rescue! Read all 4 authors’ stories to enjoy this edge-of-your-seat ride!
Capitol Danger
A romantic suspense anthology like no other! Four stories, one event and four dangerous missions on the same night.
It’s Inauguration Night. Glamorous balls throughout the nation’s capital celebrate a landmark event. The town and nation are in the mood to celebrate. But not everyone is so pleased.
A home-grown sect known as the Red Mantle plan to make it an event to remember for their own reasons. As their assault succeeds it will be up to those attending the ball to step up and face the fanatics, or die trying.
UNMASKED: An Edgars Family Novella-by Suzanne Ferrell
Abigail Whitson and Luke Edgars are working an undercover operation during the inaugural ball in an attempt to discover who has stolen land to air missiles before they can be sold to a broker—their target for the night. When the playboy arms dealer arrives at the ball, his bodyguard turns out to be someone from Luke’s past.
That isn’t the only surprise of the night. When the ball is invaded by terrorists, Abby and Luke find themselves trying to extract the arms dealer from the fray to protect their mission, while they also risk their lives to protect innocents from the carnage.
DEATH UNDER GLASS, A Faithful Defenders Novella by Jeanne Adams
Edward Millner and his girlfriend Retta Geminous, are celebrating a glittering inaugural. When Red Mantle terrorists take the ballroom, both bullets and glass start flying. Edward and Retta help the agents still standing retake the ballroom, but casualties are high. Can Edward face his demons and use his former Special Forces medical skills to save the night? Can Retta and Edward overcome their troubled hearts in the face of certain death?
DANGER’S EDGE, An Arachnid Agency Novella by Nancy Northcott
When terrorists disrupt the inaugural ball, new Arachnid Agency operative Kelsey Mitchell tables her planned undercover operation and works to bring help into the hotel. Her only ally is Greg Reed, an FBI agent on medical leave after being shot during a robbery. Kelsey dreads making a novice mistake, and Greg is afraid he’s lost his edge.
Attraction flares between them though Kelsey knows the Feds disapprove of people who work for her freewheeling agency. Together, she and Greg must fight their demons and the terrorists to gather intel for the FBI and create a safe landing zone for a rescue force. Can they succeed against overwhelming odds, or will the battle cost one or both their lives—or their hearts?
LETHAL TARGET: An Armed & Deadly Novella by J.D. Tyler
FBI Special Agent Dalton McCoy is playing a deadly game, working undercover for Methan, leader of the extremist terrorist group, the Red Mantle. He’ll stop at nothing to keep Methan and his men from achieving their goal of bringing down key members of the government. When Dalton’s plans come to an unexpected head at the glittering inaugural ball, he doesn’t count on tenacious reporter Jolie Montfort placing herself in Methan’s line of fire as well. Now the agent must take out the terrorist leader and get them both to safety before it’s too late…
Also, stay tuned for news on ONE LAST KISS, book 1 (full novel length) of the ARMED & DEADLY series, to be released in the next couple of weeks! ONE LAST KISS technically takes place before LETHAL TARGET (the novella), but the 2 do not need to be read in order to enjoy the novella, and no major plot points will be spoiled by reading the novella first.
That’s all for now! Wherever you are, stay cool.
Happy Reading!
JD Tyler
This has been quite the busy year so far! I’ve been at my computer, barely leaving the keyboard except for outings to the Romantic Times conference and the RWA National conference last week. This means lots of books on the horizon for you all, and I hope you enjoy them! Sorry for the long post, but I have LOTS of book news to share! That’s good, right?!
ALPHA PACK NEWS: CHASE THE DAKNESS, Micah Chase’s story, will be out on Tuesday, August 4! Yay! This one is heart-wrenching, wonderfully romantic, as well as action-packed, and I can’t wait to get your reaction to his tale, and the little surprise at the end. You know how much I love surprises! The blurb:
Believed dead by his Pack mates, Micah Chase, a wolf shifter and Dreamwalker, was held captive for months, subject to tortures that left him physically scarred and emotionally unsettled.
Now under the care of the Alpha Pack’s doctors, he’s been prescribed an experimental healing drug, but he still can’t shake the nightmares. Even more damning is that Micah’s problems pose a danger to his team, and if he doesn’t get himself under control, they’ll all suffer a terrible fate.
There is a key to his salvation. Jacee is a beautiful coyote shifter, and though her kind is hated, she’s falling in love with a man whose very future is in her hands. Together they’ll face his personal demons as well as a deadly enemy—and for both of them desire has never come with such risk.
MORE ALPHA PACK NEWS: Mark your calendar for Phoenix and Noah’s story! PHOENIX REBORN is set for release on March 15, 2016! I can’t tell you how excited I am to write a m/m story for my Alpha Pack boys, and I know my readers are eager as well. More to come, so stay tuned.
ARMED & DEADLY NEWS: At last, the first book in my FBI romantic suspense/thriller series is live! LETHAL TARGET: AN ARMED & DEADLY NOVELLA is book 4 of a unique anthology of suspense stories that takes place during one homeland terrorist event, and it's sexy agent heroes to the rescue! Read all 4 authors’ stories to enjoy this edge-of-your-seat ride!
Capitol Danger
A romantic suspense anthology like no other! Four stories, one event and four dangerous missions on the same night.
It’s Inauguration Night. Glamorous balls throughout the nation’s capital celebrate a landmark event. The town and nation are in the mood to celebrate. But not everyone is so pleased.
A home-grown sect known as the Red Mantle plan to make it an event to remember for their own reasons. As their assault succeeds it will be up to those attending the ball to step up and face the fanatics, or die trying.
UNMASKED: An Edgars Family Novella-by Suzanne Ferrell
Abigail Whitson and Luke Edgars are working an undercover operation during the inaugural ball in an attempt to discover who has stolen land to air missiles before they can be sold to a broker—their target for the night. When the playboy arms dealer arrives at the ball, his bodyguard turns out to be someone from Luke’s past.
That isn’t the only surprise of the night. When the ball is invaded by terrorists, Abby and Luke find themselves trying to extract the arms dealer from the fray to protect their mission, while they also risk their lives to protect innocents from the carnage.
DEATH UNDER GLASS, A Faithful Defenders Novella by Jeanne Adams
Edward Millner and his girlfriend Retta Geminous, are celebrating a glittering inaugural. When Red Mantle terrorists take the ballroom, both bullets and glass start flying. Edward and Retta help the agents still standing retake the ballroom, but casualties are high. Can Edward face his demons and use his former Special Forces medical skills to save the night? Can Retta and Edward overcome their troubled hearts in the face of certain death?
DANGER’S EDGE, An Arachnid Agency Novella by Nancy Northcott
When terrorists disrupt the inaugural ball, new Arachnid Agency operative Kelsey Mitchell tables her planned undercover operation and works to bring help into the hotel. Her only ally is Greg Reed, an FBI agent on medical leave after being shot during a robbery. Kelsey dreads making a novice mistake, and Greg is afraid he’s lost his edge.
Attraction flares between them though Kelsey knows the Feds disapprove of people who work for her freewheeling agency. Together, she and Greg must fight their demons and the terrorists to gather intel for the FBI and create a safe landing zone for a rescue force. Can they succeed against overwhelming odds, or will the battle cost one or both their lives—or their hearts?
LETHAL TARGET: An Armed & Deadly Novella by J.D. Tyler
FBI Special Agent Dalton McCoy is playing a deadly game, working undercover for Methan, leader of the extremist terrorist group, the Red Mantle. He’ll stop at nothing to keep Methan and his men from achieving their goal of bringing down key members of the government. When Dalton’s plans come to an unexpected head at the glittering inaugural ball, he doesn’t count on tenacious reporter Jolie Montfort placing herself in Methan’s line of fire as well. Now the agent must take out the terrorist leader and get them both to safety before it’s too late…
Also, stay tuned for news on ONE LAST KISS, book 1 (full novel length) of the ARMED & DEADLY series, to be released in the next couple of weeks! ONE LAST KISS technically takes place before LETHAL TARGET (the novella), but the 2 do not need to be read in order to enjoy the novella, and no major plot points will be spoiled by reading the novella first.
That’s all for now! Wherever you are, stay cool.
Happy Reading!
JD Tyler
March 5, 2014
COLE'S REDEMPTION is Here!
Dear Readers,
COLE'S REDEMPTION is here!! Zander's story, at last!! Have some tissue handy, friends. Will the Pack mourn one of their most beloved brothers? Sometimes, actions have tragic consequences...
Blurb:
Healer and black wolf shifter Zander Cole has survived horrors that would have broken a weaker man. But when a battle leaves him deaf and his powers dimmed, Zan is devastated. Believing himself to be a burden to his team, he sees only one option: leave the Pack forever.
White wolf shifter Selene Westfall knows pain—she is certain her father was responsible for her mother’s death. And she lives to exact revenge. So when she is challenged by a savage black wolf, she puts up a vicious fight—only to become the black wolf’s Bondmate as a result of his bite.
Two damaged souls—one filled with hatred and one who’s lost his reason for living—are forced together as they come to terms with their unlikely, turbulent bond. A love neither expected may be all that stands between them and a killer trying desperately to keep the past dead and buried....
I want to hear from you! Let me know what you think of this one and which Pack members you can't wait to get their stories...
Happy Reading!
JD
Cole's Redemption
COLE'S REDEMPTION is here!! Zander's story, at last!! Have some tissue handy, friends. Will the Pack mourn one of their most beloved brothers? Sometimes, actions have tragic consequences...
Blurb:
Healer and black wolf shifter Zander Cole has survived horrors that would have broken a weaker man. But when a battle leaves him deaf and his powers dimmed, Zan is devastated. Believing himself to be a burden to his team, he sees only one option: leave the Pack forever.
White wolf shifter Selene Westfall knows pain—she is certain her father was responsible for her mother’s death. And she lives to exact revenge. So when she is challenged by a savage black wolf, she puts up a vicious fight—only to become the black wolf’s Bondmate as a result of his bite.
Two damaged souls—one filled with hatred and one who’s lost his reason for living—are forced together as they come to terms with their unlikely, turbulent bond. A love neither expected may be all that stands between them and a killer trying desperately to keep the past dead and buried....
I want to hear from you! Let me know what you think of this one and which Pack members you can't wait to get their stories...
Happy Reading!
JD
Cole's Redemption
