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Mid Week Tease: Breaker Zone #MWTease #MidWeekTease
Happy Hump Day! It’s time for some more sexytimes from my current WIP Breaker Zone. In this teaser, Nick, Aidan and Liam have finally gotten their mating marks, just in time for a visit from the mother-in-law. Whee…
Enjoy, and make sure to hit the list after the teaser to see other great Mid Week Teases!
With his life in ruins thanks to a psychotic ex, Dr. Nick Gardiner winds up at Olympic Cove looking for sanctuary (and free beer) with his friend Ian. The last thing he expects to find is Ian living with two redheaded sea lords and learning how to be a storm god. Adding to the confusion is a wounded merman named Aidan who washes up in the cove, requiring Nick’s professional help. Nick soon learns that the handsome mer and his partner Liam have their own plans for the ER doctor — to claim him as their agapetos, their destined mate, and fulfill his need to submit.
A chance encounter at a local junk shop reveals that Nick has his own role to play in Ian’s battle against the insane Nereid Thetis. Under the reluctant mentorship of Chiron, Nick must master the use of the Rod of Asclepius if he wants to rescue his mates from a ghastly fate and help Ian save the planet.
###
They were just finishing up breakfast when Liam got an odd look on his face. Rising, he went to the kitchen window that overlooked the beach. “Oh, no.”
Nick swallowed a mouthful of toast. “What?”
“We’re about to have visitors.” Liam winced. “I was afraid of this.”
Eyebrows up, Aidan joined the other mer at the window. He scowled at whatever he saw. “You have got to be kidding me.”
Slightly worried now, Nick stood up and went to the window. Just offshore he could see three bodies rising out of the water. “Friends of yours?”
“Not really,” Aidan said flatly.
“Aid,” Liam chided him, before turning to Nick. “I was hoping we’d be able to put this off a little longer, but she tends to be very persistent when it comes to me.”
“She?” Nick could now see that the middle figure was a woman wearing a sarong-style dress made out of what looked like a finely woven fishing net belted at the waist with a cord. It hid absolutely nothing, and even from that distance he could tell that their visitor was built like a fitness model. Graying blonde hair was held back from her face with an elaborate braid, and she wore a more elaborate version of Liam and Aidan’s thong necklaces. “Who’s that?”
Liam sighed. “My mother.”
His head snapped to the tall mer. “That’s your mother?”
“Unfortunately,” Aidan grumbled. “Looks like she came armed, too.”
Two males flanked Liam’s mother. One of them wore a mer’s thong necklace and more of that netting material casually looped around his waist, while the other, a strongly built brunet with piercing dark eyes, had a whorled shell strapped diagonally across his chest. He also wore lightweight metal armor in a shell pattern on his shoulders and arms, and an abbreviated helmet that was comprised of a headband, noseguard, and a rigid mesh over the crown. While the merman’s trident was silver, his was a flat black.
Liam reached over, squeezing Nick’s shoulder. “The one in the armor is Kasos, one of the triton commanders,” he murmured. “If he’s here with my mother, this isn’t a social call. We better get this over with.”
He headed to the back door, and Aidan fell in behind him. Adding an in-depth conversation about mer culture to his expanding mental To Do list, Nick followed his mates outside and down to the beach, where the new arrivals waited for them.
Liam stopped a few feet away, giving his mother a curiously formal nod. “Mother. I didn’t expect you to come here.”
Closer up, Nick could see the family resemblance. Mother and son had the same hazel blue eyes and elegant cheekbones. But where Liam’s face could break into dimples when he smiled, the mermaid wore a remote expression.
“My son,” she said, ignoring Aidan and Nick. “I received word that one of the land demigods wished you released from your studies to play bodyguard?” She said the last work as if it tasted like something sour.
“Lord Chiron, yes. He wants Aidan and I to guard our chuisle.” He waved Nick forward. “Mother, this is Nick Gardiner, mate to Aidan and myself. Nick, this is my mother, Lady Eine, leader of the Bright Water Elders.”
The mermaid’s mouth firmed, obviously unimpressed by Nick. “I had hoped you’d grow out of this childish affection you have for,” she paused, flicking a glance at Aidan, “your friend. But bringing a landwalker into it? Surely you must see how ridiculous this all is.”
Liam stiffened. “It isn’t ridiculous, Mother. The Oracle himself declared that Aidan is my fated mate, and that a male from the land would be our third.”
“Yes, so you said. And yet no mating mark has appeared on your back. Which should have illustrated that your affection for him,” another flicker at Aidan, “was nothing but folly.”
Grim, Liam turned and exposed his back to the newcomers. “We have the mark now. All three of us.”
Eine paled when she saw the tattoo. “How do I know that’s not something you obtained in a landwalker’s tattoo parlor?” she said tightly.
“Lady Eine.” The merman stepped forward. He had the same muscled swimmer’s build as Liam and Aidan, with warm brown eyes and a strong jaw. “I can feel the power in the mark. It’s no landwalker imitation. Your son truly has been mated with Aidan and this human.” He gave Liam a warm nod. “I’m glad you finally found your third, Li. I know how long you’ve been looking for him.”
“Thank you, Colm,” Liam said.
Nick blinked at the name. What were the chances this was the same Colm that Liam’s mother had wanted him to mate with? And why do I get the feeling my new mother-in-law is trying to do an end run around the Fates?
He knew one way to stop that. “Yeah, hi,” he said, moving to Liam’s side and deliberately taking his hand. Lady Eine’s expression flickered in momentary distaste. “It’s nice to meet you, Lady Eine. You too, Colm.”
The mer stepped forward and held out his hand to Nick. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Nick. You can call me Col.” He hesitated. “This is the right thing for people of the land to do, yes? Shaking hands when you first meet?”
“Yeah, that’s right.” Nick took his hand and shook it. There was an immense strength in the mer’s grip, but he didn’t try to crush Nick’s hand or pull any sort of stupid Neanderthal tricks. Probably because he’s on a completely different evolutionary track from the Neatherthals. “I take it you’re friends with Liam and Aidan?”
“You could say that.” Col shot the other mers a merry grin. “I’m very glad they finally found you, Nick.”
Lady Eine made a throat-clearing noise. “If you’ve been marked by the Fates, then I cannot say anything against it,” she said, her tone very clear that there were all kinds of things she wanted to say about it. “Although I am concerned about your absence from your training with the Elders. However, we have another issue. Last night, two of our rangers cornered an injured ilkothella and were able to capture it.”
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Marvelous Monday Reads: The Beginning (Witches of the Bayou)
Hello, and welcome to another edition of Marvelous Monday Reads, angels! Today I’m featuring Cherrie Mack and her delicious Free Read The Beginning (Witches of the Bayou), now available from Evernight Publishing and other fine retailers of erotic romance. Read on!
First, I would like to thank my hostess for having me as a guest today. I am thrilled to be here.
My newest read is free, courtesy of Evernight Publishing. This paranormal romance is based on a character from A Late Summer Bloom. It occurred to me, Cecily Jareau, needed her story told. Why was she so jaded? What caused her to hate her royal coven? Why did she want to walk away from her power and her witchhood?
Because her story comes to a satisfying conclusion in A Late Summer Bloom, I thought it would be fun to go back, just a little and tell the story of how it all began. After all, don’t we all love to fall in love? That no holds barred, can’t keep our hands to ourselves, butterflies in the belly kinda love?
Yeah, me too. My hope is you take the time to download and read, The Beginning-Witches Of The Bayou and love it as much as I loved writing it.
A young and powerful witch of royal birthright longs to be human. When she meets a human man who gives her the love she’s never known, her decision to renounce her heritage is an easy one. But, not everything is what it seems.
This exciting, short story is a prequel to A Late Summer Bloom—Witches Of The Bayou.
Story Excerpt
Cecily sat at Al’s House of Blue’s for the fifth night in a row. She sat in the same seat sipping the same drink and watching James play his trumpet. Having a date afterward had become a welcome routine. She was falling hard for the dashing, swoon-worthy musician and her libido had suddenly awakened from its life of hibernation. Wanting him on every level, not just physical, had her worried.
Did she dare to dream he felt the same way? He certainly gave off a territorial vibe when it came to her. And although being human was James’ advantage, it served as his drawback as well. The fact remained, she was a witch—a witch of royal status. The covens wouldn’t allow her to renounce her origins so easily.
She sighed. James hadn’t even kissed her yet and here she was thinking of a life outside the boundaries of magic.
“You look far away tonight. Everything okay?” James stood near, his aftershave soothing her anxiety.
“I’m fine.”
He pulled a chair up close to her and sat down, taking her hands in his. “No. You were thinking about something that made you sad. I could see it in your eyes.”
“And that bothers you?”
“It bothers me a great deal.”
She stared at his mouth, licking her lips. “Why?” And why haven’t you kissed me?
Without warning, swift and certain, James leaned in and kissed her lips. The contact surprised her, making her pull back. But as she leaned away, he leaned forward, not allowing her to move out of his reach. His lips claimed her, branding her with a fiery passion she never experienced. The crowd was no longer a consequence as she returned his affection. Their tongues entwined in a blistering exchange sending a mass of intense impulses bolting through her blood.
The velvety texture of his mouth was more than she could stand. His tongue, hot and slick, moved in a sinuous rhythm, owning her, imprinting his being within her heart. This wasn’t a kiss—this was a declaration. And Cecily wanted more of it. When he pulled away, she felt exposed, like a raw bundle of nerves left unprotected in the smoky atmosphere.
Applause could be heard from behind her, the audience clapping at their display. The glorious feeling disappeared quickly when Cecily recognized Brigitte standing at the back of the room. James leaned over to whisper in her ear. “After this set is over—I wanna do that again.”
She gave him a nervous smile. “Yes. I’d like that. But right now, I need to use the powder room.” She fanned herself, gave him a wink and rose up on wobbly legs. When she headed for the ladies room she saw Brigitte fall in step behind her.
After they waited for it to clear out, Brigitte leveled a stern look at her. “A human man? Really?”
Cecily stood with her hands on her hips. “James. His name is James. And yes I want a human man because ultimately, I want to be human.”
Brigitte’s eyes widened as if Cecily had committed the worst of sins. “They are unworthy. Not just of a witch but—but you? You have aristocratic blood in your veins. You can’t be serious.”
“Oh I’m serious. Neither you, nor Percy and his band of blue-blooded bullies are gonna change my mind.”
Brigitte’s facial features relaxed. “We’ll just see about that.” Cecily panicked. She’d been living as a human for over a week, performing no spells, no magic. She washed dishes and clothes and floors. She purchased food at the market, she cooked. And she was comfortable doing all of it. Now, about to embark on a human relationship, so close to a physical, loving connection, an obstacle was thrown in her path.
Just like always. Her life was one big hurdle after another. Happiness was a breath away and once again she was faced with a complication she never saw coming. That kiss should have been one of her happiest moments but was ruined by the mere presence of another of her kind.
Where to Buy
About Cherrie Mack
Cherrie Mack is a multi-published romance author who grew up in Flushing Queens NY, the youngest child of six. The city’s diversity gave her a great appreciation for many different cultures and lifestyles. After love finally claimed the girl from the city and dragged her to the suburban madness of Long Island, she settled into a quiet life with her new husband. Two children and one mini-van later, the family found themselves moving towards the sunny skies of Florida where they currently reside. When she isn’t writing, she is busy chasing her children around, laughing with her husband, struggling to learn meditation and hanging out with her best friend–a mutt named Bailey.
Over the last year, Cherrie has continued to flourish, writing contemporary erotic romance, romantic comedy, urban fantasy and her latest, paranormal romance. Her ability to cross genre’s fuels her imagination and gives her the desire to continue to push her boundaries and branch out as a writer. Although she hasn’t settled into any given sub-genre, she is confident her ability will lead her down the right path.
A member of Romance Writers of America, Cherrie is slowly spreading her wings as a romance author. Look for her books at all digital bookstores such as Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Bookstrand, ITunes, Nook, Kobo and many more.
Mid Week Tease: Breaker Zone #MWTease #MidWeekTease
Happy Hump Day! It’s time for some more sexytimes from my current WIP Breaker Zone. In this teaser, Nick is very glad to be home after a tough day, and Aidan and Liam want to show him just how much he’s appreciated. Ahem.
Enjoy, and make sure to hit the list after the teaser to see other great Mid Week Teases!
With his life in ruins thanks to a psychotic ex, Dr. Nick Gardiner winds up at Olympic Cove looking for sanctuary (and free beer) with his friend Ian. The last thing he expects to find is Ian living with two redheaded sea lords and learning how to be a storm god. Adding to the confusion is a wounded merman named Aidan who washes up in the cove, requiring Nick’s professional help. Nick soon learns that the handsome mer and his partner Liam have their own plans for the ER doctor — to claim him as their agapetos, their destined mate, and fulfill his need to submit.
A chance encounter at a local junk shop reveals that Nick has his own role to play in Ian’s battle against the insane Nereid Thetis. Under the reluctant mentorship of Chiron, Nick must master the use of the Rod of Asclepius if he wants to rescue his mates from a ghastly fate and help Ian save the planet.
###
Two hours later, Nick was showered and spread out naked on his stomach over the bed while Aidan and Liam gave him a rubdown. He hadn’t expected the mers to wait up for him, but they were both in the living room as he came into the cottage. His appetite, dulled with worry about Delphine, roared back with a vengeance when Liam brought out a slightly overcooked but perfectly edible pizza. He explained the day to them as he dug into the food with relish, polishing off a piece of strawberry rhubarb pie for dessert.
“I know we had pizza in the freezer, but do I want to know where you got the pie from?” he said, licking a last smear of strawberry glaze off his fork.
Aidan grinned around his own mouthful of dessert. “Ian drove us to Publix,” he said after swallowing. “I never had pie before, so I tried a piece earlier. I think I’m in love.”
“Great. Now you’re cheating on me with pastry.”
The mer gave him the filthiest smile. “I’m open to a foursome if you are. Me, you, Liam, and pie.”
“That does sound like a good idea,” Liam drawled. “But not right now. Tonight, chuisle, we’re going to take care of you.”
Once they were sure he was finished with dinner, the mers chivvied him into the shower, Aidan shucking out of his own clothes and joining him for an oddly thorough washing session. Afterwards, he was escorted into the bedroom, where an equally naked Liam waited for them both with a bottle of massage oil. “More goodies from Publix?” Nick asked, stretching out over the coverlet.
“Yup.” Liam popped the final p with relish. “Hope you like coconut and pineapple.”
“Yay. I always wanted to smell like a piña colada.”
“Hush and relax, boy.”
He did, sinking into the deep, soothing joy of his men’s touch. Liam worked on his shoulders and back, gently undoing all the knots that had accumulated during the day. Aidan’s hands rubbed his legs and feet in long, strong strokes, sensual without being overtly sexual. Although when the handsome mer started massaging his feet, Nick let out an orgasmic groan. “Oh, God. Keep doing that and you can have anything you want,” he mumbled into the coverlet.
Aidan’s hands stilled. “Anything?”
“Mm.” Belatedly, Nick realized he’d just handed them the equivalent of a blank check written on his body. After a moment, however, he relaxed. Whatever his Doms wanted to do with him was fine. He trusted them, body and soul, and knew that they would always take care of him. “Anything.”
Aidan’s hands left his feet and drifted up his calves, then his thighs, until they rested just under the crease of his ass cheeks. “What if we wanted to have you, chuisle?” His hands slid onto Nick’s ass, rubbing the globes of muscle there. “Both of us?”
The question confused him. “I’m yours, sir. Both of yours,” he said honestly. “If you want me, have me.”
“I don’t think you understand, boy,” Liam said softly, shifting until he was opposite Aidan and massaging one cheek. “We both want to be inside you, here. At the same time.”
Nick’s breath caught as Liam’s meaning dawned. Both of the mers were well-endowed, and sex with either of them required a certain amount of prepwork and stretching. To be penetrated by both of them at the same time was theoretically possible, but… The medical part of his brain screamed about fissures, damage to delicate tissues, muscle tears.
The submissive part of his brain rolled over and begged. To be used like that, opened so wide and taken by the masters he loved, sent blood coursing to his cock. He shifted uncomfortably, knowing his face was flushed and glowing red. “I’ve never done that before,”
“Neither have we.” Liam squeezed his ass harder, digging pleasantly into the muscle. “But we want it, Nick. We want to feel you tight around both of us, fill you up all the way, until all you can think about is us.”
“Let us do that to you, chuisle,” Aidan murmured, hand so warm as it slid into Nick’s crease, massaging the tight whorled muscle there. “Let us in.”
Nick swallowed hard, pressing his face into the coverlet and his ass into Aidan’s caresses. “Yes, sir. Please.”
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Mid Week Tease: Breaker Zone #MWTease #MidWeekTease
Happy Hump Day! Courtesy of Sandra Bunino and her Mid Week Tease, I’m bringing you yet another scene from my current WIP Breaker Zone. As you may be able to guess, Liam and Aidan are working on Nick’s recent trauma and trying to help him find ways around it. I have faith in them, don’t you?
Enjoy, and make sure to hit the list after the teaser to see other great Mid Week Teases!
With his life in ruins thanks to a psychotic ex, Dr. Nick Gardiner winds up at Olympic Cove looking for sanctuary (and free beer) with his friend Ian. The last thing he expects to find is Ian living with two redheaded sea lords and learning how to be a storm god. Adding to the confusion is a wounded merman named Aidan who washes up in the cove, requiring Nick’s professional help. Nick soon learns that the handsome mer and his partner Liam have their own plans for the ER doctor — to claim him as their agapetos, their destined mate, and fulfill his need to submit.
A chance encounter at a local junk shop reveals that Nick has his own role to play in Ian’s battle against the insane Nereid Thetis. Under the reluctant mentorship of Chiron, Nick must master the use of the Rod of Asclepius if he wants to rescue his mates from a ghastly fate and help Ian save the planet.
###
Liam let Nick’s hands go. They dropped to the human’s sides, and the dark head tilted to the side, exposing the long line of muscle and tendon just waiting to be decorated with bite marks and sucking kisses. Oh, their chuisle knew how to lure attention.
But Liam knew how to wait. Instead of putting his mouth to Nick’s offered throat, he whispered, “Now, we’re going to take off your clothes.”
A shiver ran through Nick at that, and Liam hesitated, trying to judge if it had been caused by lust or fear. The reality of the situation came back to him — the last time Nick had played with anyone on an intense level, his trust had been shattered and his body damaged. They were swimming through jellyfish-laden waters here, and one wrong move could drive their fated mate even further away from them.
He bent close to Nick’s ear again. “If something upsets you, you will tell us immediately, do you understand? We’ll sit down tomorrow and have a long talk about what you can and cannot do, and I swear to you that Aidan and I will respect your limits. But tonight is for your pleasure and comfort.”
He heard Nick swallow, and the shivering died down. “Take a deep breath.”
The human’s ribcage expanded, then contracted with the air all his kind needed. “Another.” Liam ran his hands over Nick’s shoulders, enjoying the feel of the curved muscle there. “Good. Now, I’m going to take off your shirt.”
Moving with deliberation, he slid all the buttons through their holes, tugging the smooth fabric off and tossing it to the side. He took in a soft breath, admiring Nick’s muscle definition. It wasn’t as pronounced as a mer’s, but Nick’s back and shoulders featured beautifully delineated hollows and rises that implied strength and agility. His mouth watered with the sudden urge to bite into one firm shoulder.
Instead, he ran just the pads of his fingertips across Nick’s skin, tracing the outline of his upper body. On the other side Aidan had stepped closer, running his own fingers along Nick’s chest and abs. Their human made a soft, hungry noise deep in his throat, and Aidan flashed that irresistible smile. “I think you like this, chuisle.”
“Mmm.”
Liam leaned close, nipping Nick’s earlobe again. “Use your words, love,” he ordered.
“Yes, I like this, sir.” The response was soft, almost dreamy.
Liam caught Aidan’s eye, then glanced down meaningfully. At the same time he slid his hands down Nick’s arms, gently ringing his wrists and drawing them behind his back. “You’re still wearing too much.”
“Way too much,” Aidan agreed, sinking to his knees. Liam watched over Nick’s shoulder as the other mer started undoing Nick’s belt, teasingly drawing the leather through the loops, before easing down his zipper. Nick made another noise, deeper this time.
He likes being restrained and controlled. Liam felt his own desire rise, and firmly corralled it. Tonight is for him, to show him he belongs with us.
Nick gasped suddenly, twitching in his grip. Glancing down, Liam saw his other mate planting an open-mouthed kiss at the base of Nick’s hardening cock through his underwear. He stopped a smile, pursing his lips instead.
“Did I say you could do that, boy?” he asked, putting a growl into his voice.
Aidan leaned back, eyes shadowed in the room’s dim light. “I’m sorry, sir. I couldn’t resist a taste.”
Liam was tempted to correct him, but their focus had to remain on Nick. “I’ll deal with you later,” he rumbled, and saw goosebumps rise on Nick’s skin. The idea obviously appealed to their human. “Hm. Would you like that, chuisle? I could tie you to the headboard and make you watch me punish Aidan. I’d bend him over the end of the bed and turn his ass a lovely red as you watched. He loves it when I do that. Then I’d put him on his hands and knees and push into him while he looked at you.”
This time both his boys groaned at the image he’d created. “I wouldn’t let him come for a long time,” Liam murmured, enjoyed the sensation of his own cock plumping out and pressing against the fabric of his shorts. “And every time I thrust into him, his mouth would come closer and closer to your cock, almost close enough to suck it. But never quite close enough. And all the time I was fucking him, all you could do is sit there, hard and aching so badly, and watch us.”
Nick’s head dropped back onto his shoulder. “Please, sir,” he whispered.
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Mid Week Tease: Breaker Zone #MWTease #MidWeekTease
Happy Hump Day! Courtesy of Sandra Bunino and her Mid Week Tease, I’m bringing you yet another tense scene from my current WIP Breaker Zone. In this teaser, Nick’s been rescued from Barnard by his two sexy mers Aidan and Liam and is about to have a well-deserved minor breakdown, poor bastard.
Enjoy, and make sure to hit the list after the teaser to see other great Mid Week Teases!
With his life in ruins thanks to a psychotic ex, Dr. Nick Gardiner winds up at Olympic Cove looking for sanctuary (and free beer) with his friend Ian. The last thing he expects to find is Ian living with two redheaded sea lords and learning how to be a storm god. Adding to the confusion is a wounded merman named Aidan who washes up in the cove, requiring Nick’s professional help. Nick soon learns that the handsome mer and his partner Liam have their own plans for the ER doctor — to claim him as their agapetos, their destined mate, and fulfill his need to submit.
A chance encounter at a local junk shop reveals that Nick has his own role to play in Ian’s battle against the insane Nereid Thetis. Under the reluctant mentorship of Chiron, Nick must master the use of the Rod of Asclepius if he wants to rescue his mates from a ghastly fate and help Ian save the planet.
###
“You moron,” Chiron snapped. “Why the hell did you decide to wander off on your own?”
“Yeah, hello to you, too,” Nick replied sourly. He stood in the middle of Ian’s cottage, the mers behind him, and the translucent centaur took up the other half. Ian leaned in the hallway leading to the guest rooms and kitchen, arms folded across his chest. “Just out of curiosity, when did you find out I was going to be in danger? Because some advance notice that my whackjob ex was in town looking for me would have been nice.”
His teacher shrugged. “I didn’t find out until it was happening. I’m a centaur, not Miss Cleo.”
“How did you find out?” Liam asked.
Chiron made a decidedly horsey-sounding snort. “Grandma decided to drop some knowledge on me. Since I can’t go among the slobbering masses I laughingly call humans anymore, I had to rope in the Tiny Titan for an assist.” He jerked his head at Ian, who gave him the finger. “He wanted to beam into the middle of the damned town and start looking for you. I talked him into calling you first.”
“I know where I can show up safely,” Ian grumbled.
“Don’t care. No apparating among the mundanes.”
“Back up a bit,” Nick cut in. “Grandma?”
“Gaia.”
“Who?”
“Oh, fuck me,” Chiron groaned. “Gaia, the Mother of All, the earth goddess, the avatar of the whole goddamn planet. For some reason she decided to step in and save your narrow ass from getting hauled off to Chi-town and turned into Barnard Whitfield’s personal pumpkin.”
“Shit.” The adrenaline rush he’d been riding since Barnard appeared finally began to fade, and he started shaking. “Shit. Why is all this happening to me?”
Chiron stopped, frowning. “Syncope. You two get him on the couch.”
Two arms slid around his back, easing him into a sitting position.
“Push his head between his knees. He needs to get blood back into that noggin.”
“I know, Lord.”
A large hand slid into his hair, gently cupping his skull and pushing it down. He found himself hunched over, staring at his sneakers and the area rug underneath them.
“Just breathe, Nick,” he heard Liam say softly, hand still in his hair and rubbing his scalp. Aidan performed the same motion on his back, rubbing in wide, gentle circles. “It’s all going to be okay.”
He huffed at that. “The fuck it is. I’ve got a psychotic ex-Dom who wants to carve his name into my chest, and a god’s staff that I don’t know how to use,” he said raggedly. “Oh, yeah, and apparently an earth goddess likes me. Woo fucking hoo.”
“More like the earth goddess,” Chiron said, “but whatever.”
Ian’s blue-jeaned knees appeared in his line of sight, then dropped to the floor. “I am so sorry, Nick. I never wanted to drag you into any of this,” his friend said regretfully. “And I know just how confused you are right now, trust me. But if it’s any consolation, you’ve got a lot of people who will help you figure out what you’re supposed to do, and I’m number one on that list.”
Taking in a deep breath, Nick slowly sat up. The mers’ hands tactfully disappeared, Liam and Aidan leaning back to give him space. He wished they hadn’t stopped touching him. It had helped keep his panic at bay. “Dude, I don’t know if I can do this,” he said. “I’m just an ER doc. I’m not a god, or a merman, or anything special.”
“Sorry to rain on your pity parade, Junior, but that’s not true,” Chiron said, clopping up to Ian’s side. “You’re the Bearer of Asclepius’s Rod. That makes you a pretty powerful player in this game.”
“What game?” he said, almost yelping the words. “Fighting a crazy goddess who’s pissed off at humans and wants to destroy the Earth? That game? Jesus, I don’t even know where to start.”
“I often find,” an urbane voice said, “that it’s best to start at the beginning.”
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Mid Week Tease: Breaker Zone #MWTease #MidWeekTease
Happy Hump Day! Courtesy of Sandra Bunino and her Mid Week Tease, I’m bringing you yet another tense scene from my current WIP Breaker Zone. Nick’s been cornered by his dangerous ex-Dom in a secluded park in Olympic Beach, and things do not look good for our ER doc.
Enjoy, and make sure to hit the list after the teaser to see other great Mid Week Teases!
With his life in ruins thanks to a psychotic ex, Dr. Nick Gardiner winds up at Olympic Cove looking for sanctuary (and free beer) with his friend Ian. The last thing he expects to find is Ian living with two redheaded sea lords and learning how to be a storm god. Adding to the confusion is a wounded merman named Aidan who washes up in the cove, requiring Nick’s professional help. Nick soon learns that the handsome mer and his partner Liam have their own plans for the ER doctor — to claim him as their agapetos, their destined mate, and fulfill his need to submit.
A chance encounter at a local junk shop reveals that Nick has his own role to play in Ian’s battle against the insane Nereid Thetis. Under the reluctant mentorship of Chiron, Nick must master the use of the Rod of Asclepius if he wants to rescue his mates from a ghastly fate and help Ian save the planet.
###
“You were the very devil to track down, you know,” Barnard said, sounding amused. In his Armani button-down and tailor-made linen slacks, he looked cool and in control in the June warmth. “I had you all the way to this dreadful little town, and then you disappeared. Poof, like smoke.” Slim, elegant fingers flickered in the air like a dissipating cloud. “I was afraid I’d have to call in some favors and have your cell phone tracked, but here you are. It’s almost a sign from God, don’t you agree?”
“Not really,” Nick said tightly. “I thought I told you we were over, Barnard.”
The other man tsked. “You’re still upset about my slip-up. Well, I suppose I can’t blame you. But in all honesty, pet, I didn’t hear your safeword. If I had, I would have stopped immediately, you know that.” Tilted teal eyes shone with innocence. “I’m a Dom, not a monster.”
Yes, you are a monster. I screamed at you to stop, and you smiled and said ‘just a little more.’ “I don’t care. Blood and knife play are my hard limits.”
The bastard had the nerve to tut at him. “You know it’s a Dom’s responsibility to push his sub and find his true boundaries.”
“You don’t involve hard limits in a scene, Barnard. You know that,” Nick fired back. “And I told you when we started, no knives and no fucking blood play.”
The other man’s hand shot out, grabbing his wrist and squeezing the bones there. “Language, pet,” he warned. “You know better than that.” He frowned suddenly, staring at Nick’s neck. “Are those … bruises?”
Shit. Nick wrenched his wrist loose, stepping back. “I am not your pet. I withdraw my service. You are not my Dom anymore.” His gut churned, but he spat out the words anyway despite Barnard’s increasingly cold expression. “Now get out of here and go back to Chicago. I’m sure you can find plenty of pain sluts who would love to have your name carved into their chest.”
“Of course I could, but I don’t want them. I want you, Nicholas.” Barnard smiled, a shark’s grin. “You’re so delightful, with your exceptional responsiveness and desire to serve. And such smooth, pale skin. I just want to bite it until it bleeds.”
Nauseated, Nick took another step back, the terrier following him. “You’re sounding a lot like Hannibal Lecter right now.”
The smile disappeared, and Barnard’s eyes went glacial. “I don’t enjoy being compared to a cannibalistic psychopath, Nicholas.”
“And I don’t enjoy having my safeword ignored. I’m not coming back. Ever. Get that into your head.”
Unexpectedly, the Dom’s expression changed. He snapped his fingers. “Oh. Now I understand. You’re staying with that writer friend of yours, aren’t you?”
Nick went cold. “What does Ian have to do with this?”
“That man puts the oddest notions into your head. He never liked me, you know, and I haven’t the faintest idea why.”
Because he could tell right off the bat that you were dangerous. I was fooled by the nice clothes and the fancy car. “I’m not staying with Ian, so leave him out of this. Now, if you’ll excuse me—”
He tried to step around the other man, but Barnard deftly cut him off. “Nicholas, don’t make this difficult. I have a plane waiting. Come home with me and we’ll forget all about the last three days, yes?”
Short of a lobotomy, there was no way he would ever forget the events of the last three days. Sea gods and mermen and Rods, oh my. “Get out of my way, Barnard.”
His former Dom sighed. “Oh, pet. I’m afraid you’ll have to pay for that.”
Norma started barking loudly, dancing on the edge of her leash and baring her teeth. Something moved beyond Barnard’s shoulder, coming into focus.
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Note to self
Must stop haunting the Evernight website to see how close Two to Tango is to the top of the Coming Soon list (it’s currently at number 3, by the way). The final edits have been turned in with a most appropriate dedication, I dare say, and I know Sour Cherry Designs are currently working on the cover, so I could have a cover and publication date any time now.
Checks inbox.
Yep, any time now. Aaaaaaany time now.
Have I mentioned how much I love ebook publication? It soothes the impatient 3-year-old in me.
Okay, on to other news — as of yesterday I hit the midway point on Breaker Zone (also had an almost 6K day, which was astounding), which means it’s all downhill from here. I really was hoping to have the MS done by tomorrow, but when you get handed not one but two sets of edits to be turned in within two weeks those get first dibs on your time. But it’s all okay because with any luck I’ll be typing The End in a week or so.
And that’s just fine with me because, Lord, Iron Cross is singing a siren song and I really, REALLY want to polish that baby off and 1) get it sent off to my betas, 2) clean it up, and 3) start the submission process to agents. I’ve got a really good feeling about this one, people.
Mid Week Tease: Breaker Zone #MWTease #MidWeekTease
Happy Hump Day! Today’s Mid Week Tease is a rather tense scene from my current WIP Breaker Zone, where Nick and Aidan get interrupted in flagrante delicto by a dangerous intruder. Or is he?
Enjoy, and make sure to hit the list after the teaser to see other great Mid Week Teases!
With his life in ruins thanks to a psychotic ex, Dr. Nick Gardiner winds up at Olympic Cove looking for sanctuary (and free beer) with his friend Ian. The last thing he expects to find is Ian living with two redheaded sea lords and learning how to be a storm god. Adding to the confusion is a wounded merman named Aidan who washes up in the cove, requiring Nick’s professional help. Nick soon learns that the handsome mer and his partner Liam have their own plans for the ER doctor — to claim him as their agapetos, their destined mate, and fulfill his need to submit.
A chance encounter at a local junk shop reveals that Nick has his own role to play in Ian’s battle against the insane Nereid Thetis. Under the reluctant mentorship of Chiron, Nick must master the use of the Rod of Asclepius if he wants to rescue his mates from a ghastly fate and help Ian save the planet.
###
“You dared to touch my chuisle?” the other merman shouted, rage throbbing in his voice. “I’ll kill you!”
Panicking, Nick scuttled along the wall, crabbing backwards the adjoining bathroom. He could hear Aidan shouting something at the intruder.
“Aidan, run!” he yelled. Rolling onto his hands and knees, he lurched to his feet and stumbled into the hallway, heading for the kitchen and the knives there.
He never made it. A huge hand grabbed him by the scruff of his neck, abruptly changing momentum and throwing him onto the living room floor. Grunting in pain from the impact, he flipped over and backed into the corner of the couch.
The tall man strode after him, spear poised to strike. “You bastard,” he said, lips peeled back from a brutal snarl. “You filthy, disgusting—“
A blue glow exploded in the room, dazzling both of them. Nick shut his abruptly stinging eyes against the light, only to hear Bythos shout, “Stop!”
There was a dull thud that he could feel through the floor. “How dare you threaten our guest, mer!” Ian’s boyfriend bellowed, infuriated.
Nick forced himself to crack one eyelid, then eased open the other eye. The intruder had dropped to his knees like a puppet with cut strings, spear thrown to the floor. In front of him stood Bythos and Aphros, surrounded by a sparkling nimbus of sea blue light. The redheads were dressed in simple tunics and hefting ornate silver tridents, and both of them were glaring at the intruder.
The man — mer — bowed his head. “Lord Bythos,” he said raggedly, his voice full of fear, “I beg your forgiveness. But he was molesting my mate—”
“No, he wasn’t!”
Aidan was panting and clinging to the corner of the hallway, staring frantically at all of them. “Dammit, Liam, I told you to stop!”
Liam? The giant was Liam, Aidan’s friend and Elder-in-training? Nick started to say something, and could only choke as his throat flared in sudden agony.
“Nick!” Aphros crossed to him and knelt down, one strong hand clasping his shoulder. “Are you all right?”
All that came out was a froggy croak. Between the tall mer’s hand on his throat and the scream for Aidan to run, he suspected he’d sprained his vocal cords. Gingerly, he shook his head and gestured towards his larynx.
A second nimbus of light appeared, golden this time, and Ian stepped out of it, holding a dark trident. His eyes went comically wide when he saw the scene in the living room. “What the hell is going on?” he demanded.
Nick stared at the man he’d eaten with, gotten drunk with, sat with during Diana’s wake. Then at the trident in Ian’s hand.
That was enough for one night. Very gently, he fell over.
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Okay, that’s done
Just spent the last week doing edits for Two to Tango. I may have gotten a little…focused. Yeah, focused. Others may call it line editing, but whatever. Then again, the MS is almost 70K and has some serious subplots in addition to the smut, so making sure everything was clean as possible was important (and I caught a number of bloopers, so yeah, line editing for the win).
But it’s done, and turned back into Evernight, and now I can get back to work on Breaker Zone because that sucker is going to be done by Sunday if it kills me, kills me, kills me. I want to get started on Book Three, dammit!
Mid Week Tease: Breaker Zone #MWTease #MidWeekTease
Happy Hump Day! So I’m still working on Breaker Zone, and I thought you might enjoy seeing the scene where Nick Gardiner first finds out that the world isn’t quite what he always thought it was. Enjoy, and make sure to hit the list after the teaser to see other great Mid Week Teases!
When Dr. Nick Gardiner goes on the run from a psychotic ex and ends up at Olympic Cove, the last thing he expects to find is his friend Ian living with two redheaded demigods and learning how to be a storm god. Adding to the confusion is a wounded merman named Aidan who washes up in the cove, requiring Nick’s professional help. As it turns out, the handsome mer and his partner Liam have other plans for the ER doctor — to claim him as their agapetos, their destined mate, and fulfill his need to submit.
A chance encounter at a local junk shop reveals that Nick has his own role to play in the battle against the insane Nereid Thetis. Under the reluctant mentorship of Chiron, Nick must master the use of the Rod of Asclepius if he wants to rescue his mates from a ghastly fate and help Ian save the planet.
###
A loud peal of thunder boomed through the house, making everything vibrate for a second. Nick looked up at the ceiling, wondering if the cottage could handle a lightning strike. “That was close.”
“Yeah, that was,” Ian agreed. “I’m just going to go upstairs, make sure—“ He broke off, turning to his boyfriends. “By? Aph, what’s wrong?”
The two redheads had gone rigid, heads up as if listening to something far off. Bythos broke the stasis first, turning and sprinting for the kitchen. Aphros followed on his heels, both of them stripping off their shirts as they ran. “Stay here!” the blue-eyed twin threw over his shoulder.
Ignoring the order, Ian followed them, Nick lurching in his wake. They both reached the kitchen in time to see By and Aph dashing out the back door. Nick stepped to the window, staring at the storm outside. He could just make out two pale shapes heading for the beach. “Where are they going?”
“I’m not sure. Dammit, I should go with them.”
He turned in time to see Ian yanking off his own shirt. “What? Dude, you cannot go out there,” he blurted. “They shouldn’t be out there, for God’s sake.” A horrible thought occurred to him. “Oh, Jesus. Tell me they’re not going in the water.”
Ian grimaced. “It’s a long story, and I don’t have time to explain it right now. I’m going after them.”
“The hell you are,” Nick snapped, moving to the back door and blocking it. “It’s storming out there, there’s going to be be heavy surf, plus it’s nighttime. I don’t know what they think they’re doing, but I know damn well you’re not trained to swim in that kind of weather.”
The smaller man squared his shoulders. “Get out of my way, Nick.”
“Make me.”
“All right.” Hands suddenly clamped onto his upper arms in an iron grip, and his forearms went numb as he was lifted into the air, spun and deposited away from the door.
“Stay here,” Ian ordered, as if he hadn’t just lifted someone five inches and fifty pounds heavier and moved him like a sack of groceries. “If we aren’t back by morning, call the sheriff’s department, ask for Jimmy Connors. Tell him I’m missing and you need help. He’s a friend, he’ll know what to do.”
He yanked open the back door, just in time to reveal a naked, dripping Aphros. “Move,” the redhead said breathlessly, pushing past him. An equally wet and naked Bythos came through the door next, carrying—
Nick felt his eyes bug. “Oh, my God.”
“Demigod, actually,” Bythos panted, glancing down at the unconscious merman in his arms.
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Nicola Cameron Writes 