“Shane…Shane….Shane!”   

Shane jerked, both of surprise and the fact that he’d actually let himself be caught so off guard. That never happened to him.  Or at least, it never used to.   

 

He let out a sigh turning to study the annoyance that had dared to disturbed his daydreaming. While the rest of the coalition called the Fox shifter, Dr. North, Shane preferred to call him, the Devil, Mind-fucker or Dr. Evil. Of course, Shane never bothered to say any of those behind the guy. What fun would that be? No, he said it right to North’s face.   

 

Damned it North had remained stoic through the whole thing and refused to show any emotion. Shane didn’t know whether to be pissed or impressed. In the past, he’d always managed to get everybody in his life to the pissing kittens stage of mad. Even Shane’s mate, Trevor, got angry at Shane and they were mates.   

 

“Did you grow up in Japan?” Shane asked as he batted at a ball of yarn that was on the coffee table.   

Hello, irony!  

Other than that, the room was as bland as North’s personality. Hell, he didn’t even have the ink blobs pictures. Which would have been a nice way to break up the boring brown furniture, the burnt orange walls and the thick carpet that was…sigh…brown.   

 

“We’re not here to talk about me,” North replied.   

Shane went on as if he hadn’t heard. “The reason I ask is because it’s obvious that one of your parents was Japanese, while the other came from China.”   

 

For the first time ever, a flicker of emotion passed over North’s face. It was so brief that had it been anybody else they would have missed it. But, then again, Shane wasn’t just anybody else. He’d been trained to notice things like that. In fact, the skill had saved his ass one more than one occasion.   

 

“I gotta wonder how your grandparents felt about that.” Shane tilted his head to the side.   

 

“I wouldn’t know. My father’s parents never contact us and my mother left right after I was born,” North replied.   

 

While he may have been trying to keep his voice neutral, Shane could still hear the hurt. It made him feel bad. Again, something that never would have used to happen to him. Shit, while he loved having Trevor and Ava in his life, Shane hated how his new-found ability to love made him weaker.   

 

He batted at the yarn as the guilt ate at him. Damn, it! When had he grown so soft? Next, he’d be saving starving kittens and crying that those Sarah McLachlan commercials.   

 

“It could be worse, my mother sold me off to a sadistic monster,” Shane offered in way of repayment.   

 

North sat forward, his forearms resting on his knees. Shane had to admit the guy was pretty hot, in the whole intellectual, I’m-smarter-than-you kind of way. The Fox even managed to make dress pants and a sweater look sexy.   Not that Shane would ever make a move on anybody else. He had Trevor and there wasn’t anything that Shane would ever trade him away for. Shane just could see why certain members of the coalition had it so bad for the good doctor.   

“How does it make you feel to know that your mother did that?” North asked.   

Shane snorted. “I met the bitch, so I realize that I got the best side of the shitty, stick life threw at me. While my master may have been cruel and meaner than Gacey and Bundy together, it was still better than being with her. At least my master had invested in me, so it was in his best interest to keep me alive.”   

 

“But, didn’t your mother save your life when she sold you in the first place? Otherwise, your father would have killed you before you were even a month old.”   

 

“It was just a moment of softness on her part. I’m sure it was the first and only one she ever had in her short miserable life. I hold no delusions when it comes to her. Plus, there are some that would argue that killing me at birth would have been the more merciful option.”   

 

“Do you believe that? That the world would be better off dead without you?”   

 

Shane grinned down at the ball of yarn. “Have I ever told you about my first kill?”   

It was really a hypothetical question, since Shane had never shared that story with anybody. Not even Trevor and Shane knew for a fact that nothing could ever make his mate turn on him.   

 

“No,” North replied, his eyes narrowing in suspicion.   

 

Shane had to give the guy some credit. He knew that he was being set up for something, yet he still insisted on pushing on.   

 

“It was a human. Although some would call him a monster. He dealt in the slave market, but unlike most of the others he didn’t deal exclusively in humans or shifters. He bought and sold both. He only had one requirement, that the slaves in question be as young as possible.”   

 

Shane pause, but North didn’t say anything. Rolling the ball of yarn in his hands, Shane continued, “The slaver made the mistake of taking the wrong kid.  Which was really stupid on his part. Even somebody who knows little about how the shifter world works, realizes that it’s a huge mistake to mess with the only son of a Raven leader.”   

 

“So, the Raven hired you to get his son back?” North asked.   

“No, he hired my master. I was just the one sent to do the job. It was soooo easy, too. Even for a first time. I managed to sneak in and I gutted the guy before he could even cry for his guards.”   

 

“How were you able to sneak in?” North pressed.   

 

“I disguised myself as one of the slaves.”   

 

North swallowed hard, his face growing pale. “But, you said he only dealt in children.”   

 

“Yes, I did.”   

 

There was a long pause before North let out a soft curse. “How old were you?”   

 

“Ten.”   

 

“Jesus, you were so young.”   

Shane shrugged. “You want to know the really twisted thing about the whole thing. I didn’t feel bad about killing. In fact, I never have. I’ve been doing this for more than half my life, yet I never once gave a fuck.”   He finally gave his full attention to the Fox. “Tell me, Doctor, how many session will it take to fix that?”   

 

North just sat there, all deer-in-the-headlights. Shane got up and tossed the ball of yarn at him. North snapped out of it just in time to catch it. 

Reaching for the door, Shane said, “Don’t feel bad. You’ve just realized something that I’ve known all along, I’m broken and there’s no fixing me. I’m a monster just like that human. Only I’m evil in other ways.”   

 

Fixing him with a hard glare, North replied, “That’s not true.”   

 

Shane smirked, “What makes you so sure of that?”   

 

“Because a monster would never love Trevor and Ava. I see the way you look at them and I know they mean the world to you.”   

 

Damn, how Shane wanted to believe that. Then he thought back to all the lives he’d taken. Sure, most of the victims had been evil in their own way, but they’d still had souls. So, Shane should feel at least a niggle of guilt. Yet as he searched himself, he found nothing.   

Flashing his coldest smile, he said, “Well, as much fun as this chat was. I have a job.” 

 

North shivered, no doubt realized what kind of duty Shane would be performing. Only this time instead of it being because of the orders of his former master, Shane would be doing it to protect the coalition.   

“You do realize that you were around the same age,” North called. 

When Shane cocked his head in confusion, North continued, “You and Ava. You were around her age when you first killed somebody.”   

Letting out a small snarl, Shane snapped, “Ava is nothing like me and she never will be.”   

Shane then slammed the door and walked away.   

*Fair Warning-I just had a drink, so please excuse all typos and rambling*

I am finally getting caught up from RT. While it was a blast I need to get back to work and focus on the rest of the year. I have a lot of projects coming up and I can't wait to share them with you. One of them has me so excited that I can't stop jumping up and down.
The first announcement is a good news/bad news kind of thing. The next Haven Coffee Shop book won't be out until May 15th. The reason behind the delay is I had to shift my release schedule around to make room for my new M/M series. It will be called the Wayne County Wolves and is a spin-off from the Lost Shifter books that will focus on Chris's pack. The first book will come out on the 15th and will be titled, Ervin's Dilemma.

I have also set a tentative release schedule for the upcoming months:

May 1-Little Brat LostMay 15-Left In The Darkness-Haven Coffee House

May 15- Ervin's Dilemma-Wayne County Wolves

June 1-Bagged and Tagged-EMS-Heat

June 15-North's Complication (Lost Shifter)

July 1-Untitled-Blue Line Hockey

July 15-Untitled-Haven Coffee House

July 15-Untitled-Wayne County Wolves

Also, don't forget to check out my latest release Colby and the Little Wolf. Until next time, by-eeeeeee

I have good news and bad news. The bad is that Colby and the Little Wolf's release date has been pushed back some. I really wanted to have it ready for you guys by the first, but the boys weren't cooperating with me and I needed some more time with them. The good news is that they will be out on the fifteenth, so the wait won't be long! So, I hope you forgive me. I just wanted to make sure you guys got the best book possible, because I think that's what my readers deserve.

I promise as soon as I can, I will post an excerpt for you guys. I'll try to put up a new installment of the Chronicles of Shane, too.

I have been a very naughty author and fell behind. Thus, I forgot to tell you about not one, but two new releases! So without further ado, the are:

Valentines, shmalatines…just give Shane somebody to kill, or at the very least punch around a little bit. 

Shane is known for killing, maiming and causing fear. He sure as hell isn’t known for being sappy or sentimental. So when Valentine’s Day rolls around, he finds himself at a loss as to what to get Trevor. Shane knows that a simple box of chocolates or roses could do the trick, but not with a mate who’s as great as Trevor.When Shane finds himself distracted from his task when Riley is in need of help, Shane stumbles upon the perfect solution in the last place he thought possible. Will Trevor like his gift, or is Shane going to blow what is supposed to be the most romantic day of the year? 

Note: A portion of the author’s proceeds from this book will be going to the Ruth Ellis Center, a Detroit based organization aimed at helping homeless LGBT youth.  

Excerpt: 

Shane opened the door, not surprised to see Keegan in his usual place, stretched out on the battered couch in the back of Carson’s office. The floor was littered with old files that contained information on other coalitions and packs. Since Keegan had a photographic memory and was the younger brother of the coalition leader, he’d been assigned to be a liaison of sorts. 

Carson let out a bored sigh as he cocked one pierced brow. “Don’t tell me. Mitchell wants us to go out on another mission?” 

“No, actually I came here to talk to your mate,” Shane admitted. 

Keegan jerked in surprise. Short and thin with speckled brown hair, he was normally laid back and quiet. So it probably came as a surprise to him that the coalition badass was coming to him for anything. 

Narrowing his amber eyes, Keegan said, “If you want some information on one of the other coalitions so you can go in there and kill somebody you need to find, leave. I don’t deal in assassination.” 

Shane wanted to point out that since he’d joined the coalition, every target he’d taken out had been on Mitchell’s orders, but he kept that tidbit to himself. Keegan thought the world of his older brother. Shane didn’t want to burst the little guy’s bubble by telling him the ugly truth of what leading a coalition sometimes entailed. 

Shifting uncomfortably on his feet, Shane admitted, “No, it’s more of a personal question.” 

Setting down a file, Keegan sat up straighter. “Sure, what is it?” 

After he shot Carson a look that just dared him to make some wiseass remark, Shane said, “I don’t know what to get Trevor for Valentine’s Day.” 

There was a snort of laughter from Carson before he said, “How about a heart full of chocolates. But this time make sure it’s not an actual heart. Nobody wants to get an internal organ as an I-love-you gift.” 

Keegan glared at Carson. “Be nice. Shane is coming for help, not for your snarky remarks.” 

As always, Carson immediately backed down under the reprimand of his mate. While Keegan may usually be the nicest guy around, he didn’t let Carson get away with being too much of an asshole. On the other hand, Keegan was also known to be fiercely protective of Carson. A trait Shane could relate to since he’d do anything for Trevor. 

Keegan tilted his head to the side thoughtfully. “I don’t think chocolates would work.” 

“Of course not,” Shane agreed. Trevor really didn’t care for that kind of candy. 

“You could always take him out to the movies,” Keegan suggested. 

Shane shook his head. “The last time we went to the theater we got thrown out when Trevor got too frisky with me.” That was one of the many things Shane loved about his mate. Once the lights were dimmed, Trevor was horny and ready for action. It didn’t matter if they were in the privacy of their bedroom or in a crowded theater full of humans.

“It wasn’t that big of a deal. We bailed you guys out of jail right away,” Keegan pointed out. 

“Somehow I don’t think Trevor wants to spend Valentine’s Day in the Flint Jail.” 

Going With My Heart-Available now at Total-E-Bound 

Sometimes your past can intrude itself into your future…and even kill the chance for your ‘happily ever after’. 

Four years ago, Brody thought he’d finally found his happily ever after in his best friend, Dale. All those dreams were shattered, however, when Dale left to join the Air Force, leaving behind a broken hearted Brody. 

Dale knew from the moment he left Brody that he’d made the biggest mistake of his life. Now, he’s back and trying to make amends. Not only does he have to deal with his own disapproving father, but Brody isn’t ready to forgive or forget. 

Will Dale manage to convince Brody that he’s here to stay this time? Or will Dale be the one suffering a broken heart this time? 

Excerpt: 

Dale stared at the slightly weathered, red screen door and took a deep breath. 

Just knock. Come on, it’s not that hard. All you have to do is lift your damn fist and hit it against the wood a few times. You’ve faced enemy gunfire, missile attacks and bunking with guys who didn’t take a shower for two weeks, so this should be a piece of cake. 

Try telling that to his hammering heart, trembling hands and sweaty brow, though. Because at that moment he couldn’t think of anything more terrifying than facing what may be waiting for him on the other side of that door. 

He took another deep breath...and hesitated again. 

Damn it, he hadn’t come all this way just to stare at a door. 

Then he felt it—the prickling sensation that always comes when somebody is watching you. It was an instinct that all people were born with, but his four years in the military had taught him to hone that skill into a fine art. So he had no doubt—he was being stalked...but by whom? 

He glanced at the curtains of the window that looked out over the porch. Maybe the home’s occupant already realised he was present and they were getting ready for battle. His unease grew when he noted the curtains remained motionless and tightly drawn together—the thick brown cloth obscuring any chance of him seeing inside, let alone allowing anybody to peek outside. 

So that meant his stalker was somewhere else. He scanned up and down the street—the very one he’d grown up on. While each house brought back some memory from the past, he didn’t spot a single person. Nor did he see anybody looking out of the various windows. Just as he was about to give up and leave, a high pitched giggle from the other yard drew his attention. 

Turning his head, he groaned as he found himself face-to-face with Ayla. When Dale had lived there four years ago, she’d been the neighbourhood brat and it looked as if little had changed. Sure, she now wore her brown hair in a fashionable pixie cut, had grown several inches taller and had given up her overalls for a pair of tight jeans, but the ever-present smirk remained on her lips. 

"I knew you would be back," she declared, crossing her arms over her thin chest. Dale cocked a brow. 

"You did?" 

"Of course. There’s no way you can resist Brady. You’ve always had the hots for him." 

It took Dale aback that even somebody as young as Ayla had figured out his true feelings for his best friend. Had he really been that obvious? 

As if reading his mind, she rolled her big, brown eyes. "Please. You guys practically drooled over each other." 

"So, does that mean everybody knows?" Dale ventured. 

He wondered if Brady had faced prejudice and hatred for their obvious attraction and a pang of guilt hit Dale over his friend having to face that alone. 

"Yes, but most people don’t care. They like Brady too much to let something like that make them think less of him. In fact, he’s very popular..." She drew out the last word for emphasis, a malicious gleam in her gaze. 

A bitter bite of jealousy stung Dale, even though he knew he had no right to feel it. "How popular?" 

"What do you care? You took off on him." 

Since when had Ayla become Brody’s advocate? Next, she’d be coming up and kicking Dale in the shins for daring to hurt him. 

"I didn’t have a choice," Dale replied through clenched teeth. Now it was she who cocked a brow and damned if she didn’t do a better job of it. 

"We all have choices in life, Dale. Some of us are just too much of a chicken to make them."

Leaning in, Carson began to nibble on Keegan’s neck. Damn that Cheetah, he knew that always made Keegan turn to putty.

Shane walked to his car as he continued to mull the problem of the Scorpion. The biggest question of all was how in hell was he going to kill her? Scorpions were known to be damn wily and this chick was the worst of all. 

Well, damn. This isn’t how I planned for my evening to end.