EVELISE ARCHER

Storyline written from Cameron’s Negotiator (available in German)

Trevor paced back and forth wearing a small path on the back porch of the house. When they finally rose from bed, he and Cameron had gone to his small cabin and retrieved his belongings. He still had a few weeks left in his scheduled vacation- a hiatus from his position as an F.B.I. Negotiator- so the cabin was paid for. He figured Pete, his work partner and best friend, could stay there since he’d moved into the pack house to be with his mate.

Trevor wondered how the hell he would tell Pete he shifted into a wolf. Would he even believe him unless he showed him? He’d mentioned it to Cameron and the Alpha was none too pleased to find out Trevor wanted, no needed, to tell his friend the truth. Trevor doubted it pertained to keeping their secret and more about the fact that he had a best friend—a male best friend. This hill would be one to die on, and Trevor was determined to get his way.

“Trevor, baby, stop pacing. It’ll be all right. Pops and Jay are going to help and nothing, I mean nothing, will go wrong.” Trevor leaned back into Cameron’s warm embrace.

“What if I get stuck?” Trevor asked with trepidation. Only recently finding out he was a wolf shifter, a whole new world opened up for him. A mate. A pack. The need to learn to shift for the first time. And of course his mating to Cameron, Alpha of the Sierran-Sawtooth Pack.

“Do you feel your wolf, honey? Can you feel him pacing in your mind?”

Trevor nodded.

“That’s him wanting to get out. He’s going to do all the work. All you have to do is relax and your wolf will take care of it.”

Sudden howling drew Trevor’s attention to the forest line, causing him to jump.

“What’s that?” Trevor had never heard so many howls at once. Their sounds, a symphony of various notes on the scale, both startled and fascinated him.

“Mama, Pops,” Cameron shouted through the screen door. “Jay, you better get out here.”

A line of wolves, various sizes and shapes, traversed the forest line and onto the meadow’s edge. They stood side by side, raising their heads to the sky, singing. As their melody ended, each wolf bowed his or her head, then raised them in Trevor’s direction. Bright eyes stared at him, yet he didn’t feel like he was on display. Their posture sent warm wishes through his body, suddenly energized and secure for his upcoming shift.

“Cameron?” Trevor waited for Cameron to explain what was happening. He watched Cameron turn to his parents with a questioning look.

“Honey, I have no idea how they found out, but the entire pack is here,” answered Nadine, smiling.

“But why?” asked Trevor as he shook his head in disbelief. “I don’t understand.”

He turned in Cameron’s arms, the touch of Cameron’s fingers on his cheeks soothed him.

“This is our pack. They’re here to support you in your first shift, and welcome you as pack omega. Our mating is very important to them. More important than a human marriage. We may have mated in the bedroom, but this is now our marriage. One to share with the pack. They’re bowing their heads out of respect to you as the Alpha-mate, showing you they support and protect you. Trevor, you are a very special member of this pack and they want to be a part of this wonderful transformation.”

Tears gently rolled down Trevor’s face. Complete strangers had come to welcome him and show their allegiance to him simply because he’d mated Cameron. Now, as all of Cameron’s pack witnessed, it would truly be a union. Trevor had never experienced something so awe-inspiring before. His emotions jumbled and his chest tightened. The love of his mate and his pack truly gave him peace.

“Oh my God, no pressure here.” Trevor chuckled, wiping his tears. “No pressure at all. I better make this look easy or they’ll think you mated a dork.”

“No dork. Just a beautiful wolf—who I love with all my heart, and plan to lead the pack with side by side. Now, you think you’re ready for this? The crowd won’t stay long. Once you shift, get your bearings, and howl to the sky, they’ll quietly return to their homes. We’ll see everyone again in a few nights for the party and full moon run.”

“Let’s do this. Now or never.”

“I love you, baby, and soon you’ll hear me in your head, wolf to wolf.” Trevor struggled to hold his libido in check watching Cameron strip, revealing inch after inch of muscular flesh. The man exuded strength and sex appeal simply by existing. Once naked, Cameron shifted seamlessly and in the blink of an eye, Trevor came face to face with the large, powerful, black wolf. He smiled and ran his hand through the soft fur, Cameron rubbing against his leg.

Baby, can you hear me? Cameron spoke through their mating link.

The voice in his head momentarily freaked Trevor out, but he remembered the talk they’d had that morning. Let the words flow in your mind as if you’re moving your lips and the words will come through loud and clear. Freaky cool.

I hear you, answered Trevor. You’re beautiful.

Does your wolf feel stronger?

Trevor felt a little foolish talking to his mate, the wolf, which sat in front of him, when his lips weren’t moving. He hoped Jay and Cameron’s parents didn’t think he was ignoring them.

He’s pacing back and forth and panting real hard. Cam, I have to be honest and tell you I’m a little scared. Trevor leaned down and hugged the fur ball.

There’s nothing to worry about. Tell Pops and Jay you’re ready and they’ll help. Your wolf will do all the work. He’s pacing because he wants to spring free. When you change, remember what I said about getting up slow and easy. Things will seem a little weird at first. Trevor squeezed his mate one last time and verbally not mentally, told him, “I love you.” He turned to Jay and Joshua. “Ready.”

Nadine appeared by Trevor’s side, kissing him on the cheek before retreating to the other side of the house to shift. He toed off his sneakers, pulled the T-shirt over his head, and stripped off his jeans. Nodding, Trevor closed his eyes and listened to the sound of Joshua’s voice, soft and soothing. What seemed like minutes, in reality was seconds, when Trevor experienced a tingle in his spine. The sensation traveled throughout his extremities and he slumped to the floor. His chest heaved and his breathing labored. Jay and Joshua’s voices were muffled, much like underwater swimming clogging his ears, hindering his hearing. His desire to stand took over—but when he tried, nothing happened. Trevor was scared. He had no idea what would happen to the pins and screws currently residing in his bum leg. Damn, he forgot to ask Cameron.

“Son, take it easy.” Trevor thought Joshua was speaking to him, but he couldn’t be one hundred percent sure, slight disorientation setting in. “Open your eyes, son, and look at Cameron. He’ll help you. Trevor, you’ve already shifted, so take your time.”

He’d already shifted? Wow. Trevor slowly opened his eyes and the world that was once bright was now monochromatic in color, except sharper. He lay on his side and stared into the face of his mate, crouched in front of him. Cameron’s massive head rested on his paws. Cameron’s tongue tickled when the black appendage came out and licked and slurped his own muzzle.

Tickles, Trevor said on a pant.

Trevor blinked a few more times attempting to focus on Cameron’s face.

Hi baby. Cameron’s mental link allowed him to speak to Trevor, soothing him, calming Trevor’s beating heart and racing emotions.

You’re as beautiful as I thought you’d be. White fur with yellow streaks—like your regular hair—and your eyes are still a sparkling emerald green. I can’t wait for you to get up and run with me, jump, play, and hunt with me. Think you can try to stand now?

Trevor stared at Cameron and focused on his words, twitching his legs like a dog whose asleep running in his dream. Wow, no pain. No ache. The metallic hardware, which usually resided in his leg, was no longer there. He was actually pain-free. No dull ache. No throbbing. Now this was something Trevor could get behind.

Cameron what if I can’t shift back? Trevor knew they’d discussed all this that morning, but he still needed reassurance and to hear it again.

Honey, all I have to do is order you to shift and poof, you’ll shift. The first few times I’ll have to help, but as soon as you get control over your wolf, you’ll shift as seamlessly as I do. As my mate, your wolf will obey me in the shift. Trevor nuzzled closer to Cameron and sniffed his muzzle, drawing in his woodsy scent, the smell of his mate beneath the surface.

Yeah, I’m ready to stand. Trevor had the sudden desire to shake his fur and take off running.

Let me tell my dad and Jay that you’re ready in case they need to help you on your feet. Trevor thought it was cool that Cameron could talk to any pack member, as the Alpha.

Finding no more excuses, Trevor rolled onto his belly and began to push himself to a standing position. One would think standing on four legs would be easier, but hell no. As of right now, four legs were not better than two. Jay and Joshua helped him with the final push and Trevor stood, albeit a little wobbly.

I did it, he shouted in his head. Cameron’s chuckles came through loud and clear.

You did, baby. I’m in awe of it. Trevor loved the feel of his mate sliding his furred body against him. The sensation both comforted and made him feel loved.

Trevor shook his fur out, much like a dog. Still a little unsure, he started to place one paw in front of the other.

Baby, I think I’m walking, but it’s so weird. Oops, Trevor didn’t realize he’d spoken to Cameron through their link.

You’re doing fine. You’ll get used to it and it will seem like second nature.

Trevor found himself flanked by Joshua, Jay, and Nadine—now in wolf form—with Cameron to his immediate right. Together they came to the edge of the wooden porch and Trevor listened to Cameron address the pack.

Thank you all for coming. This is a very important day for the Sierran-Sawtooth pack. I’d like to introduce you all to Dr. Trevor Langford, my mate and pack omega.

Howls resonated through the air when thirty-some wolves, including Jay, pack beta, and Cameron’s parents raised their snouts and howled a joyous tune. Trevor didn’t know if it was possible to cry as a wolf, but he swore he could taste the salted tears in his mouth leaking from his eyes.

In three days, the night of the full moon, we’ll gather here at the Alpha house for a traditional run, continued Cameron. Your support has touched my family, my mate, and me. This is what it means to be pack.

Trevor let his voice be heard and howled, knowing he’d found the man of his dreams and a family to love.

~~@~~

 

Jaeger Blurb

US Marshal Jaeger Tripp is assigned to the Federal Witness Protection Program. The hurt and destruction he’s seen—along with protecting criminals who are only cooperating with the authorities to keep themselves out of jail—have left him with a bleak and jaded view of both life and people. His current assignment is Wren O’Riley, a computer wizard who witnessed a high-profile cartel hit.

To Jaeger, Wren is the same as any other job. He must protect him long enough to get him to testify at trial, and his personal feelings have no place in his work and must be set aside. But that’s easier said than done. On the run and fighting for their lives, Jaeger and Wren can’t help but grow closer. And Jaeger can’t help seeing beyond Wren’s nerdy exterior to a man who might be just what Jaeger needs to settle his soul and capture his heart—if they survive long enough to get that chance.

 

Order of the Black Knights

Every century has seen its knights. But there are those who are never seen. They do what must be done, what has to be done—when nobody wants to get their hands dirty. They are called the Black Knights. First created in the 1100s by the wizard Moriel, these men seem cold and hard, and it is said that some have no soul. But for each knight, there is one who can bring out the man who waits inside. The question is whether or not he will kill the individual before he figures it out.

Through the ages, they’ve conquered and ruled and taken what they wanted. And they have adapted to modern times. Instead of being bullies for hire, they have taken their skills further—the Internet, the CIA, government infiltration, hacking, special ops, assassination, but each one of them has a need they don’t understand—to squash, kill, or destroy.

If the Knight pardons an enemy, he will no longer be cursed. If not, he will continue to live the same life again and again, and each life will make him harder and more unyielding. And each life will make it is less likely that he can be saved.

Excerpt

Wren looked out the dusty front window and admired the view from what would be his home for a while. He wasn’t just thinking about the studly marshal. The log cabin appeared to be modern-rustic—if that was a style. The sturdy log structure had a wide wraparound porch and sported three rockers made of rough wood.

Wren loved the to-and-fro motion of a rocking chair—something he learned from his mother on the countless days they spent together on the family property in New Mexico, whiling the hours away. He had fond memories of his mother, and even some of his family members during those days—before he started to work for his uncle and realized exactly what the family business was. He longed for those languid days again, and if Jaeger permitted him some respite, he’d take it on the front porch, rocking.

“Home for the next month.” Wren’s daydreaming was interrupted by the deep soulful voice of his watcher.

“There’s no place for you to go, so I’ll have those handcuffs now. You’re up shit creek if you have the balls to wander in the High Peaks on your own.” Wren lifted his cuffed hands from his lap and allowed Jaeger to remove the restraints.

“I’ll get our bags.” Wren rubbed his wrists as he extricated himself from the front passenger seat. The lock mechanism on the hatch of the SUV released, and Wren opened the door and pulled out the two suitcases. He also noticed the cooler and a few other bags. Provisions.

Dragging their luggage across the gravel and dirt clearing proved more difficult than expected. His arms were a little numb from being in cuffs for so long. Wren made it to the bottom of the steps and maneuvered each bag up onto the porch and then waited for Jaeger to unlock the door.

Jaeger grabbed his small bag from the backseat of the driver’s side and strode to the door as Wren carefully scrutinized him. The marshal definitely had a chip on his shoulder.

“Is there a problem with the accommodations, Mr. O’Riley?” Wren couldn’t miss the disdain in Jaeger’s voice.

“No, there isn’t. Actually I was thinking how beautiful it is here and how this would make a nice vacation home,” Wren replied.

“Well, don’t get too comfortable. We’re not here for a fucking vacation.”

Wren nodded and accepted Jaeger’s attitude and waited patiently as he punched a code into the panel and unlocked the door. Jaeger brusquely entered before him and offered no help with the bags.

Wren plopped them on the ceramic-tiled floor at the entrance and then did a three-sixty of the large, open room. The cabin truly was beautiful. Under other circumstances Wren could picture himself being fucked by the marshal in front of the large stone fireplace. Jaeger Tripp was just his type—bad-boy attitude, soulful voice, and a strong chiseled jaw. His legs went on forever, and Wren imagined himself wrapped around Jaeger’s tapered waist. They might be the same height, but Marshal Jaeger Tripp had a good fifty pounds on Wren’s slenderer body. He looked as if he could lift a small car.

“Marshal, should I put the bags someplace specific or leave them here on the floor?” Wren moved farther into the room where the ceramic tile turned to dark, notched-wood floors. Besides the large fireplace, the living space had two striped sofas in reds, blues, and tans, with accenting pillows and a large braided rug. The kitchen, although it appeared slightly older, was clean and contained a small table and two wooden chairs. The one thing Wren noticed right away was the coffee pot on the counter. What he wouldn’t do for a cup of coffee, but he dared not ask.

“There’s two bedrooms down the hall, last two doors. Toss my bag in the last room and yours in the second.” Jaeger motioned with his head as he made for the front door. “I need to get the cooler and rest of the bags. I’ll be right back.”

With that, Jaeger walked out the front door into the dusk. Wren strode down the hall, passed a bathroom on the left and a closed door on the right, and then came to what would be his room. He left his bag in front of the door and proceeded to move to the last door, open it, and enter with the marshal’s bag. The room was decorated in a country motif, and the focal point was a large, heavy wooden bed. Wren wondered if the marshal slept in the buff. A man could dream. The door to a separate bathroom was open, and Wren could see a large claw-foot tub. Nice.

Wren wondered if the government bought the cabin already made or if they had it built to suit their needs—secluded enough to attract no attention, yet within some distance of civilization.

Wren opened the door to what would be his new sleeping quarters and placed his bag on the quilt-covered bed. The room looked very much like the other bedroom, just a tad smaller and minus its own bathroom. He’d have to use the one in the hall.

He made quick work of unpacking his meager belongings, placed them in the chest of drawers, and stowed the bag in the closet. He heard movement outside his door but tried to keep his mind off the marshal. He grabbed his toiletries, stored them in the extra bathroom, and stopped in front of the third door in the hall, which was open—the door closest to the living space.

Wren’s pants tightened when he saw Jaeger’s taut, jean-clad ass. Jaeger was leaning over a chair, banging away on a keyboard. The temporary distraction gave Wren pause. He shouldn’t be lusting after the man who was assigned to protect him, especially when he held Wren in such disdain.

 

Buy Links

Dreamspinner Press

https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/jaeger-by-evelise-archer-8133-b

Amazon

https://goo.gl/N1z2ur

Books a Million

http://www.booksamillion.com/p/Jaeger/Evelise-Archer/9781635333008?id=6878998972200

Google Play

https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Evelise_Archer_Jaeger?id=eNLTDQAAQBAJ

Barnes & Noble

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/jaeger-evelise-archer/1125516195?ean=9781635333008

iTunes

https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/jaeger/id1191584222?mt=11

 

~~@~~

About the Author

Evelise Archer is a wife, mother, and grandmother. She is a new-found lover of tea, and don’t look in her office because what you find may astound you. She currently has twenty tins of tealeaves just waiting to be brewed for her drinking pleasure. She is bilingual, lives in one of the original thirteen colonies, and is a lover of the cold weather and snow. It’s a safe bet that you may find her on the beach in the autumn and winter, but rarely in the summer. She’s been married for over thirty years to a loving man who puts up with her obsession to clean—she currently owns three vacuum cleaners—, read, and spin a tale when the voices speak to her. When she’s not in front of the computer, search her out in the local gym.

Email: evarcher5@gmail.com

Blog: http://sexyforreview.blogspot.com/

Website: http://evelisearcher.blogspot.com/

Face Book: https://www.facebook.com/evelise.archer.5

Twitter: @EveliseArcher

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/evarcher5/

 

 

EZRA DAWN

(Warning: This story takes place in the skipped time period between the final chapter of An Alpha for the Demigod and the Epilogue of the same book.)

A Demigod’s Shifter Wedding

Chapter One

Lykos

 “Just remember sweetness, this was your idea.”

Declan turns to me and says, “I’m aware of that love but I didn’t think my mother would go overboard with the arrangements.”

“Well, you are the first of her sons to get married. Of course she’s going to go overboard. Everything must be perfect. I’m just glad my mother won’t be back from her cruise until the day before the ceremony. Could you imagine if those two were planning this thing together?”

He shudders. “Ugh, I don’t even want to think about it. Maybe we should elope.”

“And have your mother and mine rain hellfire down upon our heads? No thanks. Those two are scarier than my uncles when angry. Which is saying something considering my uncles are who they are.”

He rubs his hands over his face and says, “I can’t believe I agreed to this. Have you seen the setup outside? It’s beyond extravagant.”

I move behind him and begin massaging his shoulders. “I know sweetness. I’ve seen it.”

“I only wanted something small you know? Family and friends; but I’m pretty sure my dad sent word to everyone he knows. Last I checked, we had two outside packs attending, plus some unaffiliated paranormals up north, and an entire coven! Fates, thinking about it makes my head spin.”

Leaning in, I run my nose along his neck and whisper, “You know, we can have an intimate ceremony now then give your mom the extravagant ceremony she’s planned later. Or, I can find a way to take your mind off things for a while.”

He gives me his best puppy dog look and says, “Is there a third option?”

“Oh, so he wants to have the cake and eat it too?”  

I pull him in for a heated kiss and whisper, “I’m sure we can work something out.”

Taking his hand, I lead him into the bedroom and push him onto the bed. “How long has it been since we’ve done this sweetness?”

His gaze turns smoldering as he says, “Six hours, twenty-two minutes, and forty-six seconds. Not that I was counting.”

Biting back a laugh I say, “Of course not.”

Suddenly, there’s a vicious tapping on our bedroom window. Groaning, I look over and see Declan’s mom waving, trying to get our attention. Sighing I say, “Sweetness, your mom really needs to learn a thing or two about boundaries.”

“I know. On the bright side, at least she didn’t walk in on us this time.”

“Ugh. Don’t remind me.”

He flashes me a wicked grin and says, “Still don’t want to elope?”

“Don’t tempt me. This ceremony gets any crazier and I might risk the wrath of both our mothers.”

“Think we should see what my mother wants?”

“I suppose so.”

I look over at the window where his mother is still waving and point towards the living room, she gives me a thumbs up and disappears. It’s like the woman has a sixth sense for when we’re about to have sex or something. Lately, she’s been popping up at the most inopportune times and most of the time it’s for something involving the wedding that could’ve waited. I never thought agreeing to marry Declan would be so much of a headache. We’re already mated and that’s enough for me but I think my Alpha lover wants to be tied together in every way possible. Truth be told, I don’t mind the idea of marrying him. It just means we’re bonded together in more ways than one. Still, I wonder what his reaction will be when I tell him I plan to hyphenate our last names. Hehe, I can almost picture the look on his face. Man, it’s going to be priceless. Hmm…that reminds me, how should I hyphenate our names? He’s technically the Alpha so my name would go first however, I think it would roll off the tongue better if his were first. Decisions, decisions. Fuck it, I’ll flip a coin. Heads, his name goes first; tails, my name goes first.

As I make my way into the living room I take a quarter from my pocket and toss it into the air. “Damn, it’s tails.”

Declan comes up behind me and says, “What’s tails?”

I look over my shoulder at him and say, “I flipped a coin to see whose last name would go first. Heads for yours, tails for mine. It landed on tails. After we’re married our last names will be Cassidy-Devine.”

He raises an eyebrow at me. “You want to hyphenate our names?”

I fold my arms. “Yes I do. We’re equals in this relationship aren’t we?”

He nods. “Of course we are.”

“Then we’re hyphenating. I just get the feeling that if I drop my last name everyone is going to think I’m your bitch and that shit is not happening.”

He laughs and says, “Babe, you’re nobody’s bitch. Too much of a badass.”

I step into his personal space and wrap my arms around his waist. Waggling my eyebrows I say, “My badassery can’t be tamed.”

He lets out this adorable little snort as he shakes his head while trying not to laugh. “Nope, it sure can’t.”

His mom clears her throat and says, “Sorry to interrupt you two but we have a situation on our hands.”

Declan turns to face her and says, “What situation?”

She sighs. “It’s a disaster. The flowers that were delivered aren’t the ones I ordered. The shaman who was supposed to officiate was in a car accident two states over and can’t make it. Half the glassware arrived broken, we don’t have enough chairs, and to top it all off your father invited people I wasn’t aware of so I didn’t order enough food to feed everyone.”

She collapses in one of the chairs and says, “I’m sorry. I wanted you two to have the perfect wedding but now it’s ruined.”

I crouch in front of her and say, “Don’t you worry about a thing. We can fix it.”

She wipes away a tear and says, “How? It’s a disaster!”

I pat her knee and smile, “We call in the cavalry.”

Opening the mind link between us, I reach out to Declan and send him a message.

What do you say sweetness? Shall we go all out? I’ve got my uncles on telepathic speed dial. We’ll have the biggest wedding this side of the millennia eh?

Let’s do this shit.

I knew you’d say that.

Well, I can’t let my mother’s hard work go to waste. Not when she put her heart and soul into it. It may not be what I had in mind but it doesn’t matter. As long as I get to call you my husband at the end of the day I’m happy to comply with whatever my mother has planned.

Well then, let’s get this party started.

 

 

Chapter Two

Declan

 

I’m really starting to think we should’ve just eloped. I love my mom to death and I’d do anything to make her happy even if it means going through with this god awful extravaganza of a wedding. However, I believe calling in Lykos’ family might’ve been a bad idea. Things started off well and good but after three days of them all being in the same area everything has started to fall apart.

First, Poseidon tripped over a chair and dumped a bucket of ice all over Zeus. Zeus retaliated by dunking Poseidon in the bowl of cake batter. Hades sat in a lawn chair and watched the ensuing debacle with an umbrella cocktail in his hand. Well, until Zeus and Poseidon decided to team up and Hades got the short end of the stick when they decided to dump the living lobsters my mom ordered for the reception dinner all over him. I have this gut feeling that the three of them are going to take their pranks too far and do more harm than good.

Suddenly, I hear an ungodly yowl and look towards the sound. Lykos has Zeus, Hades, and Poseidon in front of him and they all look like they’ve been struck by lightning.

His gaze turns menacing as he says, “Alright you three idiots. Stop fighting! You’re here to help with the wedding preparations not destroy them. Do I need to remind you what happened the last time you three went on a rampage in the same place? Dinosaurs went extinct! The humans think it was a meteor but we all know it was you three bozos! Now clean up your act or so help me, I’ll disown all of you.”

Lykos storms off muttering something that sounds like, “Damn imbeciles, older than I am and still act like a bunch of children when they get together. Sometimes, I can’t believe we’re related.”

My mother comes out of nowhere and says, “What are you doing? Go get dressed! People will be arriving soon.”

“Mom, isn’t it a little early for that? The ceremony won’t start for a few more hours.”

She gives me her signature ‘mom’ look and says, “Don’t argue with me. Go get ready and don’t you dare try to sneak in a quickie with Lykos either. Save it for after the wedding.”

I roll my eyes and say, “Yes master, I mean mother.”

She smacks me upside the head and says, “Don’t be a dick.”

I stare at her wide-eyed.

She raises an eyebrow at me and says, “What? Don’t look at me like that. Go get dressed.”

To avoid being smacked again, I head for my parents’ house to get ready. My mom insisted on Lykos and I being separated. She’s all about tradition. Hopefully, I can find something to do to pass the time. Heh, maybe I’ll play cards with my little sister. I’ll cheat her out of all her candy bars. Is that evil? It is isn’t it? Too bad. I’m going to get those candy bars.

 

Four Hours Later….

 

My sister is pissed at me. I beat her at cards and stole all her candy bars. She’s not happy about losing. She’s sitting across from me in her pink dress with her arms folded. Her expression is like an angry pouty face. It’s cute but funny at the same time. My dad walks in the front door dressed in a tux and says, “Did you cheat your sister out of her candy bars again?”

“Maybe.”

“That’s just messed up son, taking candy from a ten year old.”

Shrugging I say, “I’m saving her from cavities.”

He nods slowly and says skeptically, “Sure you are. Anyways, your mom told me to come get you. Everyone has arrived.”

“So it’s time then?”

“It is.”

I stand and stretch, letting my muscles pop after sitting for so long. “Well, let’s go then.”

Lykos and I plan to walk down the aisle together so when I get close to the tent where everyone is waiting I stop and wait. My dad and sister go on ahead to take their seats. Lykos is walking towards me from the direction of our house where he’d been sent to change into his own tux.

When he reaches my side he takes my hand in his and says, “You look delicious in a tux sweetness.”

Smiling I say, “Yeah? So do you.”

He kisses the back of my hand and says, “You ready to do this?”

“I was born ready.”

He flashes me a wicked grin and says, “What was it you said earlier? Oh yeah, let’s do this shit.”

Letting out a bark of laughter I say, “Yeah, let’s do this shit.”

I squeeze his hand and we walk side by side towards the tent. My mother has outdone herself. Everything is done in shades of blue and white; silk and lace. The entire place looks stunning. As we step onto the platform at the end of the aisle I realize who our officiant is.

I look at Lykos with a wide-eyed expression and whisper, “Seriously? Zeus is our officiant? Is he even qualified?”

Zeus leans in and says, “I got certified for the occasion. Don’t worry you’re in good hands.”

Sweet mother of mercy kill me now.

Lykos barks out a laugh but covers it with a cough. I must’ve projected that last thought. Oops.

He smiles at me and says, “It’ll be fine sweetness.”

“I hope so.”

Zeus clears his throat and begins his spiel, “We are gathered here today to celebrate the union of these two men. I’m skipping over the ‘speak now, hold your peace’ part because these two are already bonded and this ceremony is really just a formality. So, let’s get right to it. Do you Declan Devine take Lykos Cassidy to be your lawfully wedded husband, in sickness and in health, for better and for worse, for as long as you both shall live?”

“I do.”

Zeus turns to Lykos and says, “And do you Lykos Cassidy take Declan Devine to be your lawfully wedded husband, in sickness and in health, for better and for worse, for as long as you both shall live?”

Lykos nods and says, “I do.”

My best friend hands me Lykos’ ring and Poseidon hands Lykos mine. I slip the ring onto Lykos’ finger and he does the same to mine. After we’ve exchanged rings Zeus says, “Join hands please.”

I take Lykos’ hands in mine as Zeus begins tying our hands together with a red rope. “This rope symbolizes the string of fate that ties you together. May your bond remain strong and unbreakable; may you always remain united as one; may your love conquer all who would oppose you; and may you also have many happy years to share. With this, I bind you together for eternity as husband and husband. Alpha and Alpha Mate. You may kiss.”

Leaning in, I press my lips against Lykos’ to the sound of loud cheering from our family, friends, and allies.

The kiss quickly becomes heated but since I’d rather not give everyone here a show, I pull away.

Lykos flashes me a wicked grin and says, “You’re stuck with me now sweetness.”

I grin and say, “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

The End

~~@~~

The Mortician

<sub>Dimitri Sullivan is The Mortician at the Phantom Creek Mortuary. He’s the go to guy when it comes to preparing a body for burial. No one can do the job like he can. Even the worst of injuries don’t faze him. You name it he can fix it. He’s a miracle worker. However, when it comes to romance people tend to run from him screaming. Being a Komodo dragon shifter just doesn’t do it for them.

Mufasa “Miles” Deidrick is your average lion shifter and a closeted gay man. When his sister dies unexpectedly his parents are too distraught to make the funeral arrangements, leaving the job to him. He doesn’t expect to find his mate. Now, he’s faced with a situation he has to come to terms with. One being that his mate is a man and the other? He has to come out to his parents. Procrastination won’t help him this time instead it may only hurt him.

(Warning: Contains sexual content, Man on Man action, and explicit language not suitable for those under the age of 18.)</sub>

_{The Mortician Buy Links – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071RLYSBW  https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/710233}

Prologue

“I’m sorry. This just isn’t working.”

If I had a dollar for every time I heard those words, I’d be a millionaire by now. You would think people would have the common decency to come up with a decent explanation when they break it off with you, but no. It hasn’t happened for me. They always mention my animal form. So what, I’m a Komodo dragon shifter. Apparently, my other form scares people. I know I can be a bit intimidating in either form but I’m not an asshole. It’s not like I’m going to eat them or something. That isn’t me. The tattoos probably don’t help my case either but they never mention them.

The only thing I want is a chance at a decent relationship but it seems every time I try, the other person can’t seem to get past what I am. It hurts and it sucks but I guess that’s my lot in life. I’m not holding out hope for a fated mate. It’s been years since I’ve met any fated pairs and even then they’d already been mated for years. No new pairings have surfaced in over a century. It’s a bitter pill to swallow. Especially for all the younger paranormals out there wishing for mates of their own. It hasn’t happened in a hundred years so why would it happen now? Yeah, it won’t. That sucks.

Chapter One

Dimitri

After being kicked out of my parents’ house at eighteen I spent most of my time travelling the world until I found a place to call home. Komodo dragons aren’t known for their parenting skills and even though we’re shifters with a human half my parents weren’t exactly loving. The adults usually raise their young until we reach an age where we can take care of ourselves. After that we’re on our own. I don’t resent my parents for it or anything. They only did what they thought was right. Besides, if they hadn’t I wouldn’t have ended up here in Phantom Creek with the close knit group of friends I have.

My friends and I all work at the Phantom Creek Mortuary. Each of us is a rare type of shifter you won’t find anywhere else. Well, everyone except Triton; he’s a god. We each have specific jobs to do. I’m the mortician. I prepare the bodies for burial. The guys say I’m a miracle worker because I can take the worst injury possible and fix it. I’ve never had a viewing where a closed casket was required. Normally, if the damage to the body is too extensive then the family will request a closed casket. Which is why I work miracles when it comes to repairing the damage. Making it so the family is able to view their loved ones.

I’ve got three to prepare today. Luckily, I don’t have to do too much repair work on them otherwise I’d be here all night. After I clock in, I change into my solid black scrubs and turn on my stereo. Can’t work in the quiet. The silence annoys me. Pulling out the first client of the day, Mr. Williams, I get to work. He died of a heart attack so I don’t have to do any repairing. Still, I have to embalm him, do his makeup, and dress him. Donning my gloves, I get to work setting up the embalming station. Truth be told, I rarely get any paranormals on my table. When I do though, they become priority as they’re one of our own. Mostly it’s just humans. I’m not complaining though, it is how I make a living.

~~@~~

Author Bio

Well Ezra isn't my real name obviously but I liked the name so I decided to use it. I live at home with my five dogs and one cat. I started out writing hetero romance novels but it wasn't where my heart lied. I adore all things paranormal and M/M is by far my favorite genre so I decided to start writing Paranormal Romances. There's a guaranteed happy ending with each of my books even if it may take some time for my guys to get there. I love each and every character on the page as if they were my own children. It sounds weird but that’s how I feel about them. 😃 I’ve been writing for as long as I can remember but only started actively pursuing it as a career three years ago. Since I published my first book in 2014 I have written and released nine other books with many more to come. My current list of projects is longer than my arm so I look forward to writing and creating new stories for my readers to enjoy 😊

_{Website – https://www.ezradawnauthor.com}

_{Amazon Author Page – https://www.amazon.com/Ezra-Dawn/e/B01K2S65AS}   

_{Smashwords Author Page - https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/SonicCrow}