Dria Andersen's Blog

 

Hi guys! My first full length vampire novel is coming out in a few days, and I thought I would take this time to introduce the world to you. If you've read my novella One Night, One Bite, then you've had a small preview of the world, but I thought a small introduction would be in order before you dive in. I can't wait for you to read Levi and Amaya's story!

Introduction

 

In 1833, in the night and earlymorning of November 12th and 13th, the Leonid meteor shower blazed across thesky of what was the United States of America. 50,000 to 150,000 meteors felleach hour. Seen from as far north as New York, all the way down south, themeteors struck fear into the hearts of many. No one could ascertain the originof the phenomenon, nor could science explain the sheer number of ‘fallingstars’.

Only a small group of shamans,gathered and bound on the last slave ship headed to the eastern coast of theUnited States, understood what happened. See, they had called on theCelestials, imploring them for intervention.

Their call was answered.

Nestled in between those meteorsshowering down on the Earth were powerful Akachi stones. These stones containedchaos magic, derived from the very power source that controlled the cosmos. TheAkachi stones would land only in the South, giving rise and power to a peopleoppressed under the boot of the cruel capitalist system of slavery.

By the time dawn streaked acrossthe sky of a new day, a unique power was granted to the enslaved. Supernaturalmagic imbued them, granting their fervent wish for freedom.

Four different powers emerged,each unique in its abilities. The Chawi were witches and warlocks, capable ofwielding natural magic, direct descendants of the Shaman who’d called upon theCelestials. The Mujaji, storm gods, were able to wield the power of the four elements. The Mages,magicians of extensive power, able to control the very chaos magic granted fromthe Akachi stones. And lastly, the Bayi, powerful vampires who gained their power from the blood they ingested.

An uprising resulted from thisnewfound power, as civil war broke out across a country still in its infancy.Armed with power none had seen before, the supernaturals won the war. Theresulting shaky truce called for the country to be split into two. The NorthernUSA, where humans fled, and the Southern USA, now filled with former humans,who held supernatural power.

To control and prevent misuse ofthese new powers, the Collective was born. One elder member of each of thenewly formed powers, gaining a seat on the council and speaking for theirrespective group. The Archives were built to store and hide the Akachi stonesthat had fallen from the sky. Protecting the source of the South’s power, theirnumber one priority.

Despite the treaty, the Northtried one last ditch effort to take over the South, wanting the power for theirown. They recruited vampires from Europe, hoping to undermine the fledglingcountry. The Buru vampires descended on the South, and for years, smallskirmishes disrupted the newly formed country. Magical borders were erectedaround the newly formed South, controlled and monitored by the mages. Not evenerecting those barriers was able to prevent the descent of the creatures.

Fromthe chaos rose a Bayi vampire determined to rid his city of the evil that wasthe Buru. Never had he imagined he would carry the entirety of the South on hisback.

 

It's been a minute since I've added a blog entry, and today I'm coming at you with a sneak peek of the next installment of the Edwards Brothers series. It's Declan's turn for his story to be told and I'm excited! He and Amber have a bit of a bumpy ride, but I can't wait. It's coming out next year, but you can preorder it from now! 

For now, let's get into this sneak peek!

The sneak peek is an unedited snippet of Declan's story. 

Declan watched his mate, the smoke hazing her appearance fora moment. He let the silence fall between them. He came outside to escape theconstant introductions and the groveling. He hated it. The ballroom wascrowded, wall to wall with shifters. It had amazed him that Motsi members hadtransformed the room where he’d killed three of their members the week priorinto back into a lavish and elegant event space. The energy in the place buzzedover his skin when he’d entered. Shifters of all kinds were gathered and feralenergy saturated the room. He’d been greeted warmly by some, warily by others.

He expected the latter. He was aware that he’d beenespecially vicious in his battle with Cyrus, but he didn’t want any confusionabout how he was coming. He wanted motherfuckers to know that if they steppedto him, they would be put down expeditiously and in the most gruesome fashion.

From the way some of the wolf shifters tip-toed around him,Declan was sure his message was received. He’d come out to get a moment tohimself and to smoke.

Amber’s movements were nervous as she stepped outside andhis wolf could sense her distress. He’d sought her out the moment he hadarrived, allowing her to flit around the room avoiding him. He wasn’t beat forletting that shit last for much longer.

Even though she’d run from him the night of the kickback, heand his wolf were in agreement that she was his and he had no plans to ignorethat. He wanted her in his life and in his house out from under her mother. He’dheard somethings when he’d asked around about Amber and he wasn’t liking thestory he was getting about Bianca Bennett. He didn’t think she was in asituation that was safe, and from her animal’s state of agitation she was insome kind of danger. It had to be danger to elicit the type of panic her animalwas putting off.

“What’s wrong, mamas?” He asked and she flinched beforerelaxing and turning towards him.

“I didn’t know anyone else was out here,” she murmured,stepping closer. Her head tilted in curiosity as she observed him, her gazestopping on his mouth and the blunt he’d lifted to his lips. She lifted hergown and closed some of the distance between them to whisper… “Is that weed?”  

He looked around the dark courtyard. He and Amber stood betweentwo mosaic columns that stretched to the ceiling. Greenery trailed the ceiling,and lush plants were in huge clay pots along the walls. The whole thing wasmaybe two hundred square feet of Spanish tile and architectural touches, but itgave the illusion that they were outside in the night air, instead ofunderground. He could appreciate the ingenuity that went into building thewhole place. Even the ceiling was lit to look like the night sky.

If nothing else, the Motsi understood opulence.

“You whispering like we ain’t the only two out here.” Hesmirked. “You need to hit it?”

There was nowhere from someone else to hide since they couldsee all the way to the back of the courtyard.

Amber sighed and still glanced around to be sure they werealone. “I wish, I’ve had edibles, but I’ve never smoked.” She divulged.

“Come ‘ere,” he ordered, hiding his smile.

Her mouth parted in the most tempting fashion, her browsraising as she thought over his words.  Hebeckoned her closer and after a moment more of consideration, she walked untilshe was directly in front of him. Declan tipped her chin towards him, his gazeraking over her beautiful face.   

“I’m gonna blow the smoke into your mouth. Hold it in amoment before you blow it back out, got it?”

Her eyes widened in surprise but she nodded. The smell ofher arousal floated between them and Declan couldn’t keep the smirk from hisface. He took a deep drag, before holding his mouth over hers and blowing thesmoke between her parted lips. She expertly took the shot gun and closed hereyes.

Meanwhile he was hard enough to rip out of his tuxedo.

“God damn, bunny. I can’t wait to see that face when youcome around my dick.”

She gasped and her eyes shot open and she choked on thesmoke.

“Now, tell me the real. What’s the matter?” He changed thesubject before she could lie and say she wasn’t turned on.

“I needed to get some air,” she told him.

They sat in silence a little bit and he felt the moment sherelaxed, the weed doing its job.  Hesucked in smoke and tapped her chin, her lips falling open obediently. Thatshit was a huge turn on but he was finna behave. He blew the smoke into hermouth. She shivered but inhaled it this time without choking.

He traced her beautiful face committing it to memory. Whenher eyes opened back up, they speared him.

“You ran from me, bunny.”

“Quit calling me that,” she fussed.

He chuckled. “Why you ran?”

She sighed and settled next to him, leaning against the columnnext to them. “I already got too much going on right now. Adding someone asdominant as you feels like it could be a disaster.”

He grunted because he could feel the truth of her words. “Youhave nothing to fear from me, Amber. I can be a lot, I ain’t gon’ lie aboutthat, but I’m not finna add strife to your life, you feel me?”

Her eyes were low from the weed, but she studied him, herwolf peering from behind her gaze. He released his wolf from its leash, lettingher animal feel the hunger and need that would blossom between them if theyallowed it. A quiet growl vibrated her throat, her wolf’s acknowledgment ofhim. He smiled and nuzzled against her cheek.

Her body relaxed in his arms and their heartbeats synced. Declanhad observed his brother’s mating and thought he understood the compulsionsthat moved Devon, but nothing had prepared him for the way his brain and heartrewired themselves to put her at the center of his world. It was scary andcomforting at the same time.

“Declan,” she whispered.

Someone just outside the patio doors cleared their throatand Amber stiffened. She turned around and sighed.

“What’s wrong, Teddy?”

Her little brother. Declan filed his face away, adding tothe file in his mind that he had on Amber. He wanted to know everything abouther. He planned to be in her life, no matter what she deemed complications.

“Mom is looking for you,” her brother told her solemnly.

Declan growled. That was another reason he was out heregetting high. While his mate had been avoiding him, he’d seen her motherparading Bryant Lewis around telling everyone who would listen Bianca’sintentions for her daughter. Instead of slitting the male’s throat in front ofa room full of people, Declan had stepped outside. Was the male a part of the ‘complications’Amber had mentioned? If so, he was finna dead that shit. Mindful of her brother’spresence, he kept the words he wanted to say to himself.

“You need to end that, bunny,” he ordered her quietlyinstead, dropping a hard kiss to her lips before leaving her outside with herbrother.

Devon met him as soon as he entered. “You good?”

He nodded but stood to the side so he could watch the doorshe’d just entered. Subtle had never been his strong suit, and he knew staringwould maybe attract attention, but he didn’t give a fuck. He wanted to see whathis mate would do about his parting words. Out the corner of his eyes, hewatched Bianca and Bryant as they searched the crowd for Amber. It riled his wolf. 

“What’s wrong?” Devon asked.

“What you mean?” He stretched out his neck to release someof the tension tightening it.

Devon sucked his teeth at his stalling. “Mr. D was lookingfor you.”

“He’s trying to set me up with one of these princesses.Supposed to help me cement my position or some shit.” He said absently. Thatplan would no longer work for him and he needed to let Dallas know.

“You were open to it weeks ago. What’s changed?” His brothernarrowed his gaze on him.

Amber walked in from the balcony and his wolf went wild. Devonfrowned at the change in energy, following Declan’s line of sight towards the courtyarddoors.

His face cleared. “Oh, I see. Shawty from the kickback.Yours?”

Declan nodded, fighting to keep his wolf from pushingthrough these people to let everyone know. They both watched as she went to hermother’s side. She looked miserable, pulling away when Bryant tried to jointheir hands. He knew who Bryant Lewis was. He used his family’s bank to giveout bogus loans and then trapped people with them. He was the wanna be gangstatype that pissed Declan off. He had long warned his clients against using theLewis’ bank for that reason. Declan was pissed at the thought that Bryant hadsomehow worked his way into Amber’s life.

“That fucking clown,” Devon commented with a growl. “You gon’have to dead that.”

“I’m already knowing.” He told his brother, marching over tothe bar.

His watchful gaze scanned the ballroom, put off by the wholething. Mr. D told him the ball was to celebrate his winning, but the fact thatthese same people would’ve celebrated his death just as easy didn’t sit rightwith him. The Motsi shifters were built different that was for-fucking-sure.

While he was used to the killers and hustlers he’d grown upwith and currently did business with, these shifters operated by a wholedifferent code. There were snakes everywhere the eyes could see and none ofthem hid it. Scientist said, the more colorful the animal the more deadly itwas and that shit definitely applied when it came to the Motsi. 

 

The next installment of the Eastfield shifters is coming soon and I can't wait for y'all to meet the Edwards brothers. I'd originally planned for both of these to be novellas, but plans change and characters refuse to cooperate, so here we are. lol. 

Devon Edwards is up first. He's the oldest brother and he's been taking care of his little brother Declan their whole life. Despite the fact that he's been locked up for the last ten years, that hasn't changed. Declan is aiming for the wolf seat on the Tri-council of the Motsi and Devon is determined to make that happen, no matter the enemies they make along the way. Before he can do that, he needs to wrap up his street life, and that's not as easy as he first anticipated. 

Enter Keisha Calhoun. We met her in Silas' story. Daughter of a street hustler, she was doing everything in her power to leave that lifestyle behind. Ever since her father was killed, her life has consisted of working and she didn't leave room for much else. But, her wolf wouldn't be denied, and Devon was no easy man to resist.

Their book is dropping in June, so get ready! Keep scrolling to see the cover ans synopsis!

Devon was finally free. Ten years behind bars and his first order of business was to get out of the game, for good. Finding his mate on his first full night out was fate’s gift to him and he refused to let her slip through his fingers. But, sometimes, despite all good intention, trouble found a way…

Keisha Calhoun worked hard and kept her head down. Daughter of a well-known street hustler, she promised herself she would never live that lifestyle. Fate was funny that way though, because out of her past walked a man who represented everything she fought to leave behind. 

 Devon’s irreverent charm combined with his wolf’s dominance  made him a difficult man for Keisha to resist. But secrets from their shared past threatened the future they wanted to build together. 

 

The year is coming to a close, and we're ending with the Knight Brothers. For book 4, we're going to finally get a mate for Julian and I'm so excited! Keep scrolling for a cover reveal as well as a sneak peek of chapter 1! The release date for Julian's book will be Dec 18th. It's available for preorder now! 

As a heads up, I will be spinning this series off into a new one, so you'll see the beginnings of that storyline as you read Julian's book. So, while the new series won't be technically the Knight Brothers, it will still take place in Eastfied and will go more in-depth about the Motsi. That's coming next year, so prepare for that!

Sneak Peek of Chapter 1:
Tough.Deena Hines had had to be tough her whole life, along with resilient and fearless. None of those things were helping her at the moment. With shaking hands, her eyes traced the words typed on the fan letter she was reading. Fan mail wasn’t odd or even new, especially since her and Celine’s online content had started blowing up. Their social media was popping, and their channel had close to a million subscribers. Every week, she was surprised by how many people tuned in to watch her and Celine cook, bake, or make whatever they were crafting for that video. So no, fan mail wasn’t out of the ordinary. This one, though… She took a deep breath, refolded it, and slid it back into the pile with all the other mail she’d picked up from their post office box. The box had been packed with letters and packages from their sponsors. It had been at least two weeks since it had last been checked. She wouldn’t have noticed the letter amid all the other items except it was addressed specifically to her. That was odd. Most fan letters came addressed to their channel or social media handle and were never personalized. She peered down at the letter along with the three others just like it. All of a sudden, sitting in her car in the near-empty parking lot of the post office had her feeling exposed. Deena started her car and drove off, headed to Celine’s house to work on the herb farm they both tended. She’d been looking forward to work, but now anxiety had her shoulders tight and her pulse elevated. She was thankful for the twenty-minute drive as it gave her time to calm herself. Her jaguar moved through her body, raising the hair on her arms. The animal prodded her to make a phone call. One to someone she knew could help her, but…Was she ready for what would come with that?Just thinking about him took her back to almost two years ago and the mad escape her and Celine made from Celine’s farm. Afterward, he had taken her home and extracted her promise to call him if she needed anything. At the time, she’d been running on adrenaline and fear, so she’d dismissed him and his words. Now, though… The words rang in her mind, and with the memory, a compulsion to call him and take him up on his offering of help. But one thing about Julian Chase was that he didn’t hide what he wanted, and he wanted her. And Deena wasn’t ready for his unspoken promises. Besides, none of the letters had been signed, and by their words, they weren’t threatening. So, calling Julian would be an overreaction. It just felt a little weird to be under the level of scrutiny the letters implied. The writer observed the way she dressed, her mannerisms on camera, and even down to the lipstick color she wore to ascertain how she was feeling. It was eerie to have the writer use those things to imply a bond with her. They didn’t know her, and she for damn sure didn’t know them. How in the world could they tell on the days she wore red lipstick, she was feeling unsure of herself? What gave them the right to even speculate on that?By the time she pulled into Celine’s farm, she’d worked herself into being mad about the whole thing. Tough. Yeah, she was tough and would not allow herself to be scared by innocuous letters from a coward too scared to name themselves. Having settled on that conclusion, Deena pushed it from her mind and exited the car. Gathering the boxes, she headed into the house. Celine’s main security guard, Lance, opened the door for her. Her best friend was married to Mason Knight, a businessman who took his mate’s safety very seriously. Celine’s father-in-law was also one of the three men who ruled the shifters in Eastfield. All of that meant that Lance was her friend’s new shadow, and while he mainly remained unobtrusive, Deena was glad she didn’t have to live like that. She’d spent the majority of her childhood in youth homes. She valued her privacy above all. “Let me.” Lance held his hands out for the packages in Deena’s arms.“Thank you!” She gladly handed him the bulky items. “She up?”“In the kitchen,” he answered, leading the way. She followed him through Celine’s spacious living room and around the corner to the kitchen. Deena found her best friend at the kitchen island, her son in his high chair, food decorating his very cute face. Celine smiled in greeting and continued wiping Antonio down. CeCe’s curly hair was braided down into two braids, her rounded caramel face bare of makeup like it usually was. Her friend was beautiful in a natural, effortless way. Deena waited until Celine was done before lifting the chunky fifteen-month-old. “Hey, man-man,” Deena cooed, rubbing their cheeks together. He let out a string of garbled baby talk, reaching immediately for her hoop earrings. “Thanks for stopping at the post office. I hadn’t realized how out of control it had gotten,” Celine said.“You’ve been dealing with Antonio; I don’t know why I didn’t think to go get it myself.” Celine cocked her head to the side. “What’s wrong?”“With what?” Deena deflected immediately. “Now, I already told you Mama Di is on me about using my panther’s instincts, so that lie ain’t flying,” Celine told her.Deena tensed as her friend reached for the letters, ignoring the bigger boxes. She picked up the opened letter and shot Deena a look. “This the third one.”Deena didn’t bother correcting her friend. It was the eighth one, but she’d managed to hide the others on her previous visits to the post office. The only reason she wasn’t hiding these letters was because a part of her knew that it was getting scarier with each new one.  She let out a breath, dread coating her stomach. “And it’s just as silly as the first. Harmless.”“It reads like a stalker. We should tell Mason so he can get Julian on it. It won’t hurt to see who they’re from.” She shook her head, removing Toni’s hand from her earring. “It’s fine. The PO box keeps them from knowing where we live, so they can’t stalk us.”Celine bit her lip. “I don’t know, Deena, these could escalate more.” “And if they do, then we’ll tell your mate.” “Tell her mate what?” Mason asked, coming into the kitchen and kissing his mate. His panther was powerful, filling the kitchen with its presence. Mason Knight was fine as hell, and Deena smiled because she loved him and Celine together. Her friend had changed so much since she’d mated, all in good ways. His frame dwarfed his wife’s, his muscular body lean the way most male cat shifters were. Celine nuzzled her mate’s cheek before speaking. “Deena is getting threatening notes.”“They are not threatening,” she protested immediately. Invasive, creepy, and presumptuous, yes, but they hadn’t reached the level of threatening yet. Mason frowned and picked up the letter Celine pointed out. He read it, his frown deepening as Celine handed him the others she’d received last month from the post office.“It’s nothing, Mason. People see me on our sites and think that they know us,” she rushed to assure him.He grunted but said nothing until he’d gone through them all. “You’ve been on camera lately, lovebug. Any of these with your name on them?”Celine shook her head. “I haven’t gone through them all, but not so far as I can tell.” “I’ll get Julian on them.” “That’s not necessary, Mason,” Deena protested, her heart thumping.He raised a brow at her tone. “We’ll be the judge of that.”She shrugged and let it go. It wasn’t worth the argument. “In the meantime, don’t go pick up from the PO box anymore. They could be waiting to follow you home,” he ordered. His tone let it be known he wasn’t budging on it. She hadn’t thought of that, and it did give her pause.“That’s fine with me,” Celine said. “What is Julian going to do?” She bounced Toni, trying to keep her voice as nonchalant as possible. Mason saw right through her and smirked. “He’ll more than likely try and trace these.”She nodded, avoiding his gaze. “Would he need to talk to me?”“You want him to talk to you, lil mama?” “Just asking.” Her cheeks heated, and she hid her face behind Toni.Just thinking about Julian had her temperature up. Ever since they’d parted almost two years ago, she’d only seen him in passing as he picked up Mason or came to visit the couple as she was leaving. Sometimes they were in the same place when there were gatherings at Celine’s, but they’d both kept their distance. Still, every glimpse of him had left an impression. Mason had caught her drooling once and wouldn’t let her forget it.  “Keep your eyes on your surroundings from now on, but you’re right. These could be nothing.” He held up a hand to stop her next words. “Still, I’ll let Julian deal with it.” She nodded because there wasn’t anything to say after that. Besides, it would give her a good reason to get up the courage to talk to Julian finally.

 

Hey everyone! Today I'm bringing you a sneak peek of book 3 of the Georgia Arcana series. It's finally Ness's turn and I'm excited about her journey. If you subscribe to my newsletter, then you already got a peek of what's to come, but if you don't, now's your time to catch up. Keep scrolling for your hint of what's to come. 

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Vanessa’s leg bounced underneaththe small table as she downed another shot. She’d been in Springbrook for ayear and was just as stressed as when she’d arrived. Maybe even more so.Especially with the phone calls she was receiving. She had to figure out how totell her cousins that the federal government may — or may not —be after them. The last call she’d received from one of her contacts inher old world was worrying. There was now a bounty on her head.

And not Olivia Wick’s — Vanessa Fouche’s.

When she’d run home at hergrandmother’s summoning, she assumed that even with the power to hunt her down,he wouldn’t take the time to. This last call disabused her of that notion. Howhad the warlock found her? The bounty was a problem, but if Zane came here insearch of her, it would turn the whole town on its head. She knew the Taylorswouldn’t take it lying down, and she was almost certain her cousins would fightwith their last breaths.

Ness felt guilty because it feltlike she and her cousins had been fighting from the moment they touched down inGeorgia. From the minute her grandmother’s lawyers had found her, Nicole, andAudrey, what should’ve been a simple inheritance had turned into something muchmore complicated. In the time they had come home, they’d solved theirgrandmother’s murder, found out Audrey had a secret husband, and rid theirfamily of a centuries-old curse.

 Breaking the curse months ago should’ve freedthem from the last bit of danger surrounding the family, and here she was,bringing more.

Shit.

She sighed and waved at thebartender for another shot.

“You need to tell them.”Her grandmother Patsy wavered into view to the right of Ness.

Patsy had been dead a good yearbut was chattier than ever. Vanessa looked up, and all the spirits she’d pickedup in the last six months were staring at her in question. She sighed. Sheneeded to get rid of them, at least the ones she didn’t know. It was the onesshe did know that were being bothersome, however.

“No need in getting anattitude with us,” Candace said.

No matter what ritual she tried,Candace was a spirit that refused to leave her permanently. It wasn’t untilthey’d found old pictures in her grandmother’s safe that she finally figuredout who the woman was. She’d been shaken to see a picture of the young woman inPatsy’s things. According to some of the writings she found, the woman hadacted very much like Ness. It was eerie. Long ago, her mentor had told her thata person could never tell which of their ancestors would watch over them, andNess had finally understood that. Candace was a great-great-aunt that she’dnever heard of, never mind met in her life.

“Please. Don’t act like youdon’t need a guide,” Candace inputted.

Ness rolled her eyes because thatmuch was true. It was perfect, really, that the spirit sent was the one mostlike her. At times, it felt like Candace was trying to make sure Ness didn’tmake the same mistakes she had in life.

 “Can I have a drink and think in peace,please?” she muttered to them.

A chill moved through her beforeher skin heated. She didn’t even lift her head. Only one person could cause herbody to react that way.

“Still talking to yourself, huh?”

She finally looked up, if only tosneak a peek at him. Square jaw dusted with a light beard, his mustache framingfull, kissable lips and flawless skin, he was carved by God. Her stomach dippedbefore clenching. He was still so damn fine. His chestnut brown skin wasglowing, or maybe it was just her.

The man had had years to noticeher, and Ness could admit to holding a grudge that he hadn’t. As she’d told hergrandmother before, Trey was not checking for her. Why, then, did he insist onbothering her today?

She swallowed her drool andcleared her throat. “Don’t come over here gettin’ on my nerves, Trey.”

He smiled, and okay…that smilestill worked on her. She sighed and blamed her grandmother. Patsy had beencalling him hers since she showed up months ago, making Ness reevaluate theman. Trey was a police officer and thus automatically struck off her list ofpeople to get involved with. She may have long given up a life of crime, butsome things were ingrained. So…he was off-limits.

It was best to keep her distance,mainly because she didn’t want him digging around in her past.

Her grandmother scoffed next toher.

He sat down without asking,studying her with those inscrutable dark eyes of his. The puma within her wentwild, her magic momentarily flaring out of her control. She gathered itquickly, especially when another spirit showed up behind him. And was thatjudgment she saw on the face of his ancestor? Either way, she couldn’t affordmore shades clogging up her magic. She exhaled, thankful when the bartenderdropped two more shots in front of her. She could not deal with her traitorousbody at the moment.

“You been in town a year andhaven’t been arrested once. Gotta be some kind of a record for you.” Hesmirked. “What you sulking about?”

This fucking guy.

“I’m not in the mood, Trey. Movearound.” She threw back one of the shots.

“Awww, mama, tell me what’s wrongso I can fix it.” His eyes were sparkling with mischief, but his face wasstraight, his voice sincere. It was like he really wanted to fix it. That…

She took a deep breath becauseshe was liable to fall for his game if she wasn’t careful. “What you doing onthis side of town? Didn’t your mama ban you from this bar?”

He bit his bottom lip and eyedher. “Why you so mean to me, kitty cat?”

That fucking country ass twangcoupled with his deep voice was finna get her in so much trouble. Lord, havemercy. Her hands shook as she cupped her shot glass.

He tilted his head. “How many ofthem you done had?”

She cursed the goosebumps slidingacross her skin at his tone. It was just assertive enough to reach that placeinside of her that she mostly suppressed. “That’s not your business, deputy.”

“Only ‘cause you playing,” herebutted.

Her heart thudded, and her clitjumped — honest toGod thumped against the seat of her yoga pants. Was he being for real rightnow? What did he even mean by that? Trey was potent, the wolf inside of himpowerful and oh so very tempting…or maybe it was the four shots.

He held his hand up, and the bartender nodded athim. His eyes never left Ness, and she refused to lower hers. She knew the wolfwould see it as a challenge, but she’d never been one to back down... 

 I'm here with a cover release and a blurb for my next book in the Knight series. In the next novella we get more of Rocco Jamison, Silas' best friend and bodyguard. 

Rocco's book comes with a host of trigger warnings. He's had a hard life, and some of it is recounted on page. Nothing that's too too angsty, because y'all know how I am, but all the same, it's there. I enjoyed writing him. He's a quiet bear, and it was fun to pair him with a mate who fills silence like it's her job. I started the story with the intention of Rocco saving Julissa, but I think by the end of it, she did a bit of rescuing of her own. 

As promised in my newsletter, I'm here with a preorder link and a sneak peek of chapter 1! I can't wait for you guys to read their story!

Keep scrolling for a sneak peek of chapter 1, and click HERE to preorder your copy! 

Sneak Peek:

The crush of the crowd was instantly familiar. Strangely, it was one of the things Julissa missed about Motsi gatherings. Animal shifters of all types gathered in the ballroom, dressed in the various hues of red, celebrating…what in the world were they celebrating now? She shook her head and took another sip of champagne. She honestly didn’t know, and frankly, most of those in attendance probably didn’t care. Any reason to gather and gossip and show-off. It was one of the perks of being a part of high shifter society.

Her father was on the Tri-council, and her family was one of the founding members of the Motsi society. Micah’s position afforded Julissa many privileges that she’d enjoyed over the years. The lavish parties, the safety and protection the insular community granted had all been at her fingertips. 

The tri-council, or ruling three as they were called, was responsible for controlling and governing the shifters of Eastfield. The city was divided into three parts, the cats on the Southside, bears on the North, and wolf shifters on the Eastside. The West side was neutral and home to humans and some shifters who kept themselves separate from the Motsi, though they still answered to the council. Her father had been in his job since she was born, holding on to that position with a firm hand that meant strength for some, and fear for others.

She was happy to be home. For a year after law school, it had been touch and go. She’d traveled for that year, appeasing her mother under the guise of figuring out what she wanted to do with her life. But she already knew. It took her months of begging her father and Silas Knight’s assistant to get her an interview with him. Finally, after a year, she’d gotten the job she most wanted. Silas Knight was liaison to all the shifters in the country, and he worked with the government in their favor, creating laws and amendments that benefited their people. She wanted to be a part of that, and finally, she would be. She couldn't wait to start her new job next week. 

Tonight was the first time she’d been to a huge Motsi event in years. She’d gone to small parties here and there when she came home to visit, but she had been serious about her school work. Now that she had her dream job, she had planned to change her lifestyle, and these big events weren’t on the list. Except, in exchange for her father helping her land her new job, he required her presence at her parent's side during the more significant events. She knew what that meant. 

Micah Crespo was ready to marry off his only daughter. 

She sighed and drank some more champagne. Her father hadn’t said that in so many words, but the parade of eligible men started from the moment she’d stepped through the door. She assumed knowing her plans would be enough to deter her father, but alas. She looked around the crowded room, skimming the golden décor. The ballroom was teeming with power and crackling energy, the sound of the many conversations bouncing off the two-story ceiling. She needed a breather. But before she could get one, her mother pulled her closer and introduced someone else. Julissa pasted on a smile and held out her hand. His name ran into all the others, his promise to get in touch with her later the same. He stared at her in a way that was not at all flattering. She could almost hear coins pinging around in his head. Marrying Julissa came with a massive influx of money from her marriage trust, and this male was counting them already. She excused herself and took off for the balcony. If she were lucky, it would be empty. 

She took her first deep breath of the cool night air, and the most intoxicating smell came with it. She whipped her body around, searching the large balcony for the source. Her bear wanted to lavish in that scent and roll in it. Citrus, a hint of pepper, and deep, dark, luscious vanilla laced the potent aroma. 

It made her hungry…reckless. 

She spotted him, or well, his silhouette, in the corner of two cement posts. His body was large and powerful. Her feet carried her closer. She didn't have a choice. Her bear was pushing her at this point. His form became clear once she entered the shadows with him. His eyes glowed as he lifted his glass to sip. Intense. Julissa could think of no other word to describe his gaze. It seared through her, burning down any inhibitions she might have had. 

Her mouth watered as her gaze traced his face. His tall, muscled body fit perfectly into a red tuxedo with an elegant, subtle, plaid pattern, the suit pants hugging his thighs. Tattoos crawled from the neck of his dress shirt right up to underneath the low-cut beard that covered his strong chin. His full lips were dark pink, begging for her to bite them. Waves covered the top of his head, faded into a taper cut on the sides. 

He was…everything.

An air of danger surrounded him, her feminine instincts warning her that he may be more than she could handle, but she pushed that aside. She took a deep breath and tried to contain her racing heart. His gaze never left her as she perused his body. 

Hers.

Juilssa’s bear declared it, clawing at her insides for her to run to him. She was struck mute. 

Where someone else would rush to fill in the silence, this male didn’t. He sipped from his drink, his eyes never leaving hers. The tension rose between them, thickening the air. The years in the Motsi had made her a confident woman. Julissa had never had an issue conversing with anyone, but this man intimidated her. But simultaneously, her bear wanted to submit to him and curl under him. 

She cleared her throat and fought to think of some kind of witty banter. Anything to break the weighted silence. She wanted…no needed to know who he was. Yeah, she could start with that. Before she could open her mouth to ask, he tilted his head as though listening before his lips lifted in a small taunting smile. 

“They looking for you, sug.”

His voice. 

That deep, gravelly sound seemed to scrape over her skin, pulling goosebumps in its wake. Who was he?

“Julissa!” her mother called for her on the other side of the balcony. 

Her heartbeat thundered. Fear that she would lose this man and this moment made panic flare within her. 

“Go, mama. We’ll meet again.”

Confident. Reassuring. His words loosened her feet, and she moved to answer her mother’s call. But not before one more glance at his face. Julissa burned it into her memory. Yeah, they would meet again. She would make sure of it. 

♠♠♠♠

ROCCO WATCHED THE FEMALE, Julissa, as she left the balcony. She left behind a scent that would haunt him and his bear. It was deep, sensual amber layered on top of a bright, floral magnolia. He committed it to memory, knowing he would make well on his promise to her. It wouldn't be hard to find her. Everyone knew Julissa Crespo. Her father was a powerful man in Eastfield. One who was very protective of his daughter. Not that that would stop Rocco. His bear wanted to chase her down now, but he had other pressing matters to handle at the moment. To that end, his phone buzzed with an address. 

He waited until enough time had elapsed before he left the balcony. He didn’t want even the slightest hint of impropriety to hit her. He wanted her, yes, but he had no plans for anyone to know that. If he was lucky, he and his bear could get their fill of her, and she would still be eligible to be mated afterward. His bear bucked in denial, but Rocco squashed it. They couldn’t keep her, no matter what part of him longed to do so. They weren’t fit for her.  Adina Knight spotted him the moment he re-entered the ballroom. 

“Rocco,” she looped her arm in his. “I have some people I want you to meet.”

“Mama Di.” He warned. 

She waved off his protest. “I got my other boys mated off; it’s your turn.”

He grunted and shook his head. Mating wasn’t in the cards for him. He could tell her that, but it would go in one ear and out the other. From the moment her son had brought him home, Adina Knight had been mothering him. If she had her way, Rocco would’ve been adopted into their family and living under their roof. Despite all the therapy she’d made him get, Rocco adamantly held himself separate from them, at least as much as they would allow. 

“Silas is mated, and it’s time for you to stop following him everywhere and settle down.”

“I’m his security. It’s my job to follow him everywhere.”

She sucked her teeth. “Please. You could’ve been handed that over to Theo. You can work at any one of the garages you own.”

He shrugged because even if he weren’t protecting Silas, them people would barely see him. He spent his off time at the garage closest to his house because it specialized in vintage car restoration, and he used it to work on his own car. Adina was right. It and the others he owned made him enough money that he could quit working for Silas. But…he owed his best friend his life. 

Literally. 

It had been Silas who had found him on the street stealing money to feed himself. The day he met Silas, his whole life had changed. 

From the corner of his eye, he spotted Julissa. She was surrounded by her friends, smiling. The brightness of that smile reached down inside of him and warmed him. His bear rumbled. What would it be like to have that sunshine aimed at him? He memorized her face, from her large doe eyes surrounded by lush lashes to her button nose and full-painted lips. Her strong jaw and high cheekbones gave her a regal appearance. Her blood-red velvet gown made her pecan brown skin glow and clung to curves that made his mouth water. She was temptation come to life. His heart thumped hard against his chest. 

It wasn't for him. 

“Ma, I gotta handle something tonight, so rain check on the matchmaking,” he rumbled. 

“Liar,” Adina chided. “Fine. But I’m not giving up, despite your stubbornness.”

“Noted,” he teased and nuzzled against her cheek. 

He walked away and sought out her son. He found Silas where he’d left him last, whispering in his mate’s ear. The two made a striking couple. The natural and affectionate way they handled each other showcased their love to anyone who saw them. Silas was a different man than he’d been before he found his family, and Rocco loved that for him.

“I need to head out,” he told his friend. “Theo is circulating and close.”

Silas looked up, his eyes sharp. “What’s going on?”

“A potential tenant.” 

“Be careful, Rock. Text me when you get home.”

“I’m good.”

Silas narrowed his eyes. “You going by yourself?”

“Deena’s meeting me there.”

“Bet. See you Sunday.”

They dapped up, and Rock made his way to the exit. He felt eyes on him as he got close to the door. He turned and met eyes with Julissa. She licked her lips, and a shudder of want moved through his body. She was beautiful, and though he knew he couldn’t keep her for himself, for a moment, he was tempted. He gave her a small salute and left the room before he could be put off his task.

 

Happy New Year!

Okay, yes, I'm late with that. It's a little hectic over here, so I'm starting just a smidge late. lol. Either way, it's a new year, so let's get it popping! I like to map out my writing schedule for the year, and now that I have a solid plan, I came to share. So, my tentative schedule has me writing two full size novels and two novellas. In between there, I have a short story I want to write.

First, let's talk about what's coming up. If you joined my live a few weeks ago, I talked about what I wanted to work on. I'm determined to finished my Destiny Series this year. That's one of the full sized novels coming. And I'm going to wrap up my Georgia Arcane series with Ness's book. That's going to happen this year, but let's talk about the first quarter...

I was going to start the year off with Destiny, but I got so much love for the Knight family, that I am going to start the year back in Eastfield. The theme of this pair of novellas seems to be opposites attract. If you like the bodygaurd trope then these are for you! We're going to be following Julian and Rock as they protect their mates and I can't wait for you guys to read these!  And of course, y'all know I came with visuals. Keep scrolling for teasers for both of those. 

Also, in this first quarter, I want to drop a short story. I'm in the staging phase of a whole new world and I want to introduce that world with just a little taste of what's to come. The short story will be my first foray into a vampire story, so I'm excited to see the reception. 

With all that being said...let's go! I'll drop another newsletter when I have covers and release dates, so stay tuned for that. I'll also be back next quarter to update on the next phase!

 

It's a cover reveal! Silas Knight is coming and honestly, I can't wait for y'all to read about him and Mila. I'm including the pre-order link below as well as the cover. Let me know what you guys think!

Blurb:

For seven years Silas Knight has been focused only one thing: finding his daughter. He didn’t have time for relationships, and he certainly wasn't looking for a mate. But see… fate was a tricky thing.  The one thing he’d been avoiding was the one thing he would have to do to keep his daughter with him.

Mila Meyers has been focused on only one thing for the past four years: keeping her daughter safe. She was a widow, so relationships were the last thing on her mind. But then she ran, quite literally, into a man…or rather shifter who would change all of that. 

The solution to both their problems lay in each other. Could they put ego and mistrust aside to do what was best for the child? Especially with the threat of old enemies looming…

 

 Hi everyone! I'm here with a sneak peak of my upcoming short story that will be out in the Current anthology. I sent out a newsletter with information about my participation and this wonderful cause. If you'd like information on the current water crisis in Jackson, MS and the amazing authors who have gathered to raise money for the cause, then visit www.currentantho.com. The official release date is November 30th and I can't wait!

Let's get into this sneak peek! So for my short, I did a whole new story, in a whole new world of shifters. Demi and Marco are childhood friends. They've been through a lot together, but tragedy has a way of putting life into perspective. Priorities tend to shift and the things that had been taken for granted get re-examined. I personally love the friends to lovers trope, and sometimes it's hard to get that balance right when writing. The title of the story is Alpha, Lover, Friend...if you're wondering what type of time I'm on for this short. I say short, but for reference it's longer than Porsha's wolf, but shorter than To Her Rescue. I do want to warn you that the characters are dealing with grief from the death of a parent, so if that's a trigger for you, there are quite a few references of it. I was in my feelings when I wrote this story, so while there isn't a lot of angst between the characters, there are some moments when their grief is there on page. 

I'm excited for y'all to meet these characters and hopefully fall in love along with them. Here is the cover and blurb. Keep scrolling for a sneak peek!  

A Sneak peek of Alpha, Lover, Friend:

Shifters wanted to revealthemselves to humans. It was a dangerous proposition made even more so by thefact that if the shifters in any other city found out, they’d likely descend onGuale Falls and destroy everyone in their path. That should’ve been one ofMarco’s top priorities at the moment. The lives of his pride members were onthe line. It would’ve been the only thing on his mind any other day. Today,though…

“You think she needs more time?”

He shrugged and turned his chairaround to face his cousin and Beta. They were in his office in downtown GualeFalls. The high rise had a near-perfect view of the bay below and thewaterfalls the town was named for.

“I can’t call it with Demi.” Hefinally said.

Miles studied him; concern etchedon his face. He and his cousin shared the same upturned nose, full lips, andheavy dark brows over their round eyes. Where Marco sported a fuller beard andcornrows, Miles kept his long hair in a bun on top of his head, and his beardtrimmed close to his face. Neither of them was dressed for the corporatesetting. Miles was in jeans and a hoodie, his Jordan’s fresh out the box clean.Marco had given some effort, pairing his jeans with a dress shirt at least.Most people assumed the two of them were brothers. No one guessed they were theCEO and COO of the gaming conglomerate they’d started years ago.

 “I know how important her mother was to you.To us both.” Miles told him.

“She saved my life, a hundredtimes over,” he said softly, turning back to stare at the traffic below.

He thought about the many nightshe’d run to Ann Michaels's house because his father was out of control, drunk,and looking for something to punch. Jeff had been pissed that his mate wasgone, and all that was left of her was what he’d called an ungrateful whelp. Annhad been their next-door neighbor and had opened her home to Marco withouthesitation. He shook away the thought and swallowed down the grief knotting histhroat. It had been six months since her death, and it still caught him offguard. He couldn’t imagine how her daughter was feeling.

“Did you want somethingspecifically?” He asked Miles.

His cousin shook his head. “No, Ionly came to check in on you. Have you talked to Demi?”

His cat stirred at the meremention of his best friend. He’d been denying the animal for some time. Theysaw her enough that it soothed the beast and kept it from getting out ofcontrol. “I checked on her yesterday. She said she was ready.”

It had taken everything in himnot to demand Demi stay with him. It had only been a week ago that he’d heldher while she cried. Her grief came in waves, and he wanted to be there forher.  

“It’s time for you to tell her.”

Marco flinched. “She already hasa lot on her plate.”

“I get that, but we’repotentially talking about her life.”

“Miles, there are a lot ofreasons—”

“None good enough to let her getblindsided. She’s human and our only weakness if we’re keeping it a buck.”

 Damnit, his cousin was right. He needed tochange the subject. “How close is the marketing team to the Dominion roll out?”

It was their latest mobile game,and he was anticipating the release. It had been their first successful game,and with every new rollout, the company and his pockets grew. Marco was farfrom that hungry kid he’d been, but the lasting sting of it still drove him. Milesstudied him, his eyes seeing much more than Marco wanted him to see. He growledas the silence stretched, his cat getting agitated.

“You’re the Leo, Marco. It’stime.”

“I’m the Leo, Miles. I decidewhen it’s time.”

It took everything in him tocheck his temper. His cousin was his beta and was rightfully calling him on hisshit. Didn’t mean he had to like it.

Miles leaned forward, resting hiselbows on his knees. “We got a lot going on. Bring Demi in now, before theproverbial shit hits the fan.”

 “You realize you’re making my argument for me.”

 He didn’t want to bring her into the mess hislife could potentially become, especially with all the changes alreadyhappening in hers.

“If we’re outvoted, then theshifters are revealing themselves. There’s no way this ends with humansaccepting us with open arms. We need to be as strong as we can.”

“We still have time. Only thewolves are for it at the moment.”

Miles sucked his teeth. “If she’son pride land, it will be harder for them to use her against us in themeantime.”

They’d been arguing about thisfor months. Moving Demi to their pride land would make his life easier butsimultaneously more difficult. He was barely keeping his hands off her as itwas. Miles was gearing up for the argument when the door to his office opened,and Demetria—Demi—Michaels walked, or rather stomped into his office, holdingup a sheath of papers.

His cat rushed forward, and Marcococked his head, unsure of her mood. Her grief was there to read, but there wassomething deeper in her scent, sharper. Her brown-skinned face was free ofmakeup, her pert nose scrunched, and her thick, manicured eyebrows were bunchedin aggravation. She bit her full bottom lip, her straight white teeth theresult of her years of braces. Tight jeans and a Clark sweatshirt covered her tallcurvy body.

Dressed down, she was still badas hell.

Couldn’t another woman touch her,as far as Marco was concerned. He raked his eyes over her, sighing at just thesight of her.

“Did you pay all my mother’sbills?”

“Good morning, Demi,” Miles spoke.

Her movement halted, and sheraked his cousin with an impatient but chastised look. “Good morning, Miles,sorry.” She turned back to him and took a deep breath, visibly calming. “Didyou pay mama’s bills?”

“I did.” He answered.

“I…” she paused and frowned; theargument she came in for stalling. “Why? I’m perfectly capable of—”

He cut her off. “Demi, it hadnothing to do with you and everything to do with my relationship with Ann.”

 Her face showed her every thought as shepondered his statement. He saw the exact moment she figured out what had been asecret between him and Ann for so long. Her eyes widened, and her angerdissipated.

“You’ve been taking care of her,”she said softly.

“I’m gonna excuse myself.” Miles kissedthe top of Demi’s head as he headed out the door.

“Dem, I owe your mother much morethan money could ever have repaid.”

“That’s…Marco.” Her shouldersdeflated.

“It was between Ann and me, andnow it’s one less worry for you. I’m not sorry about it.”

She swallowed, her eyes wet,grief still palpable. “How long?”

“For as long as she allowed me.You know your mother. She told me no until the moment she was unable to work.She didn’t want the burden to fall onto you. We agreed on that much.”

Her breath hitched, and hershoulders fell. “I should’ve come home sooner.”

“Come here, Dem,” he bid her.

She walked around the desk, andhe pulled her into his lap. She wrapped her arms around his waist and settledher head against his chest.

“What am I supposed to do now? Iplanned to use money problems to push my grief out for a few more months.”

He chuckled and pulled her tighterinto him, his cat rolling over in pleasure. He wanted to kiss the pout from hermouth, pull her braids down from the bun on her head and grip them as he losthimself in her. He wanted to spend hours using pleasure to push their sharedgrief aside. He shook his head. When had his feelings for Demi startedchanging? There was so much more he needed to tell her, and bills were theleast of it. He sighed.

“You don’t laugh nearly enoughthese days.”

He grunted, not wanting to gointo that again. It was her usual refrain since she’d started working with hima year ago. She needed something she could do from home part-time while caringfor her mother. Demi said she needed the money, but he imagined she mostlyneeded the escape work provided. He knew her pride and didn’t bother offeringto take care of her and her mother while they struggled through Ann’streatment. The fact that he had the money to do it wouldn’t have swayed her.

All in all, he hadn’t regrettedhiring her. In the months since she’d started, their public image had changed,making it infinitely easier to sell his apps and ad space for those games.

He kissed the top of her head. “Whatcan I do to help?”

She snuggled, wiggling her hipsinstead of answering.

“Careful with the wiggles, Dem. I’mnot a saint.”

She sighed, “I just want tocuddle. Can you not be a guy for a few moments?”

He laughed at her ridiculousstatement. She burrowed into his neck.

“You can’t get any closer, Angel.”

“You always say that,” shemurmured as she attempted to anyway, her body pliant as she settled into hisarms.

His lion stretched within him,sending out power, wrapping it around one of the most important people in theirlife. Her body shuddered, and Demi relaxed more, her grief calming considerablyin his arms.

“This is a lot better on yourcurrent frame versus the skin and bones you were as a teenager.”

He laughed and held her tighter. “Notyou in my lap talking shit about me?”

“Just saying.”

His mood mellowed the longer heheld her. He worried about her, and having her in his lap reassured both he andhis cat. It had always been that way. He was never truly at ease unless she waswithin his sight.  He rested his head ontop of hers and breathed her in. Miles was right. Demi was his only weakness inthis world, but…he wouldn’t, no, couldn’t add to her trouble at the moment.

 Hi everyone! I'm here with a sneak peak of my upcoming short story that will be out in the Current anthology. I sent out a newsletter with information about my participation and this wonderful cause. If you'd like information on the current water crisis in Jackson, MS and the amazing authors who have gathered to raise money for the cause, then visit www.currentantho.com. The official release date is November 30th and I can't wait!

Let's get into this sneak peek! So for my short, I did a whole new story, in a whole new world of shifters. Demi and Marco are childhood friends. They've been through a lot together, but tragedy has a way of putting life into perspective. Priorities tend to shift and the things that had been taken for granted get re-examined. I personally love the friends to lovers trope, and sometimes it's hard to get that balance right when writing. The title of the story is Alpha, Lover, Friend...if you're wondering what type of time I'm on for this short. I say short, but for reference it's longer than Porsha's wolf, but shorter than To Her Rescue. I do want to warn you that the characters are dealing with grief from the death of a parent, so if that's a trigger for you, there are quite a few references of it. I was in my feelings when I wrote this story, so while there isn't a lot of angst between the characters, there are some moments when their grief is there on page. 

I'm excited for y'all to meet these characters and hopefully fall in love along with them. I'm posting a character inspiration below, as well as the sneak peek. 

A Sneak peek of Alpha, Lover, Friend:

Shifters wanted to reveal themselves to humans. It was a dangerous proposition made even more so by the fact that if the shifters in any other city found out, they’d likely descend on Guale Falls and destroy everyone in their path. That should’ve been one of Marco’s top priorities at the moment. The lives of his pride members were on the line. It would’ve been the only thing on his mind any other day. Today, though…

“You think she needs more time?”

He shrugged and turned his chair around to face his cousin and Beta. They were in his office in downtown Guale Falls. The high rise had a near-perfect view of the bay below and the waterfalls the town was named for.

“I can’t call it with Demi.” He finally said.

Miles studied him; concern etched on his face. He and his cousin shared the same upturned nose, full lips, and heavy dark brows over their round eyes. Where Marco sported a fuller beard and cornrows, Miles kept his long hair in a bun on top of his head, and his beard trimmed close to his face. Neither of them was dressed for the corporate setting. Miles was in jeans and a hoodie, his Jordan’s fresh out the box clean. Marco had given some effort, pairing his jeans with a dress shirt at least. Most people assumed the two of them were brothers. No one guessed they were the CEO and COO of the gaming conglomerate they’d started years ago.

 “I know how important her mother was to you. To us both.” Miles told him.

“She saved my life, a hundred times over,” he said softly, turning back to stare at the traffic below.

He thought about the many nights he’d run to Ann Michaels's house because his father was out of control, drunk, and looking for something to punch. Jeff had been pissed that his mate was gone, and all that was left of her was what he’d called an ungrateful whelp. Ann had been their next-door neighbor and had opened her home to Marco without hesitation. He shook away the thought and swallowed down the grief knotting his throat. It had been six months since her death, and it still caught him off guard. He couldn’t imagine how her daughter was feeling.

“Did you want something specifically?” He asked Miles.

His cousin shook his head. “No, I only came to check in on you. Have you talked to Demi?”

His cat stirred at the mere mention of his best friend. He’d been denying the animal for some time. They saw her enough that it soothed the beast and kept it from getting out of control. “I checked on her yesterday. She said she was ready.”

It had taken everything in him not to demand Demi stay with him. It had only been a week ago that he’d held her while she cried. Her grief came in waves, and he wanted to be there for her.  

“It’s time for you to tell her.”

Marco flinched. “She already has a lot on her plate.”

“I get that, but we’re potentially talking about her life.”

“Miles, there are a lot of reasons—”

“None good enough to let her get blindsided. She’s human and our only weakness if we’re keeping it a buck.”

 Damnit, his cousin was right. He needed to change the subject. “How close is the marketing team to the Dominion roll out?”

It was their latest mobile game, and he was anticipating the release. It had been their first successful game, and with every new rollout, the company and his pockets grew. Marco was far from that hungry kid he’d been, but the lasting sting of it still drove him. Miles studied him, his eyes seeing much more than Marco wanted him to see. He growled as the silence stretched, his cat getting agitated.

“You’re the Leo, Marco. It’s time.”

“I’m the Leo, Miles. I decide when it’s time.”

It took everything in him to check his temper. His cousin was his beta and was rightfully calling him on his shit. Didn’t mean he had to like it.

Miles leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “We got a lot going on. Bring Demi in now, before the proverbial shit hits the fan.”

 “You realize you’re making my argument for me.”

 He didn’t want to bring her into the mess his life could potentially become, especially with all the changes already happening in hers.

“If we’re outvoted, then the shifters are revealing themselves. There’s no way this ends with humans accepting us with open arms. We need to be as strong as we can.”

“We still have time. Only the wolves are for it at the moment.”

Miles sucked his teeth. “If she’s on pride land, it will be harder for them to use her against us in the meantime.”

They’d been arguing about this for months. Moving Demi to their pride land would make his life easier but simultaneously more difficult. He was barely keeping his hands off her as it was. Miles was gearing up for the argument when the door to his office opened, and Demetria—Demi—Michaels walked, or rather stomped into his office, holding up a sheath of papers.

His cat rushed forward, and Marco cocked his head, unsure of her mood. Her grief was there to read, but there was something deeper in her scent, sharper. Her brown-skinned face was free of makeup, her pert nose scrunched, and her thick, manicured eyebrows were bunched in aggravation. She bit her full bottom lip, her straight white teeth the result of her years of braces. Tight jeans and a Clark sweatshirt covered her tall curvy body.

Dressed down, she was still bad as hell.

Couldn’t another woman touch her, as far as Marco was concerned. He raked his eyes over her, sighing at just the sight of her.

“Did you pay all my mother’s bills?”

“Good morning, Demi,” Miles spoke.

Her movement halted, and she raked his cousin with an impatient but chastised look. “Good morning, Miles, sorry.” She turned back to him and took a deep breath, visibly calming. “Did you pay mama’s bills?”

“I did.” He answered.

“I…” she paused and frowned; the argument she came in for stalling. “Why? I’m perfectly capable of—”

He cut her off. “Demi, it had nothing to do with you and everything to do with my relationship with Ann.”

 Her face showed her every thought as she pondered his statement. He saw the exact moment she figured out what had been a secret between him and Ann for so long. Her eyes widened, and her anger dissipated.

“You’ve been taking care of her,” she said softly.

“I’m gonna excuse myself.” Miles kissed the top of Demi’s head as he headed out the door.

“Dem, I owe your mother much more than money could ever have repaid.”

“That’s…Marco.” Her shoulders deflated.

“It was between Ann and me, and now it’s one less worry for you. I’m not sorry about it.”

She swallowed, her eyes wet, grief still palpable. “How long?”

“For as long as she allowed me. You know your mother. She told me no until the moment she was unable to work. She didn’t want the burden to fall onto you. We agreed on that much.”

Her breath hitched, and her shoulders fell. “I should’ve come home sooner.”

“Come here, Dem,” he bid her.

She walked around the desk, and he pulled her into his lap. She wrapped her arms around his waist and settled her head against his chest.

“What am I supposed to do now? I planned to use money problems to push my grief out for a few more months.”

He chuckled and pulled her tighter into him, his cat rolling over in pleasure. He wanted to kiss the pout from her mouth, pull her braids down from the bun on her head and grip them as he lost himself in her. He wanted to spend hours using pleasure to push their shared grief aside. He shook his head. When had his feelings for Demi started changing? There was so much more he needed to tell her, and bills were the least of it. He sighed.

“You don’t laugh nearly enough these days.”

He grunted, not wanting to go into that again. It was her usual refrain since she’d started working with him a year ago. She needed something she could do from home part-time while caring for her mother. Demi said she needed the money, but he imagined she mostly needed the escape work provided. He knew her pride and didn’t bother offering to take care of her and her mother while they struggled through Ann’s treatment. The fact that he had the money to do it wouldn’t have swayed her.

All in all, he hadn’t regretted hiring her. In the months since she’d started, their public image had changed, making it infinitely easier to sell his apps and ad space for those games.

He kissed the top of her head. “What can I do to help?”

She snuggled, wiggling her hips instead of answering.

“Careful with the wiggles, Dem. I’m not a saint.”

She sighed, “I just want to cuddle. Can you not be a guy for a few moments?”

He laughed at her ridiculous statement. She burrowed into his neck.

“You can’t get any closer, Angel.”

“You always say that,” she murmured as she attempted to anyway, her body pliant as she settled into his arms.

His lion stretched within him, sending out power, wrapping it around one of the most important people in their life. Her body shuddered, and Demi relaxed more, her grief calming considerably in his arms.

“This is a lot better on your current frame versus the skin and bones you were as a teenager.”

He laughed and held her tighter. “Not you in my lap talking shit about me?”

“Just saying.”

His mood mellowed the longer he held her. He worried about her, and having her in his lap reassured both he and his cat. It had always been that way. He was never truly at ease unless she was within his sight.  He rested his head on top of hers and breathed her in. Miles was right. Demi was his only weakness in this world, but…he wouldn’t, no, couldn’t add to her trouble at the moment.