Short, tiny - The End

As promised, the end of the short, short, tiny story --

Crossroads

Ignoring the governor’s calls, Little spent the next week talking with Faye over quite a few delicious dinners.

Tonight, he didn’t want to leave. “You’re beautiful.” Many opportunities had arisen to slake his desires yet he found no one as refreshing and sexy as Faye. “Come to my hotel?” She nodded. Lit bumped the table when he stood and knocked over the saltshaker. Bad luck or lousy timing, his phone picked that moment to chirp. Walking around the table, he pulled Faye up and into his arms. “I have to go.”

“Will I see you again?”

The governor first.He kissed her lips softly and whispered, “I want to come back.”

“I’ll be here.”

Turning, Lit strode away from Faye and out the door.

Little was once again escorted to the small office where he paced as he waited.

Shaw arrived, slammed the door closed, and snapped, “Why didn’t you answer my calls?”

Lit sucked in a deep breath. “The truth or I’ll discover it on my own.”

“I was told you’d ask no questions.” The body of the man responsible for wresting the state from the brink of bankruptcy crumpled dejectedly into the chair behind his desk. “My son met Faye at a university function and he talked about her incessantly on his last visit home.”

“Go on.”

“He’ll become suspicious if I pry but their involvement is…it’s inappropriate.”

Falling into the seat flanking the desk, Lit clenched and unclenched his fist. “Damn you for thinking she’s not good enough.”

“You misunderstand.” The governor’s hands shook. “Faye is my daughter.”

So much for my stance on need-to-know.

“My wife was sick in the hospital for months before she died. I had a toddler on my hands… Hell, I don’t expect anyone to understand how lonely and scared I was when I sought solace in another woman’s arms.” He closed misty green eyes and sighed. “It doesn’t excuse what we did.”

“What a damn mess.”

Shaw stood and walked to peer out the window. “I need to keep this quiet.”

“What if her mother decides to tell her?”

“She won’t. Faye’s mother never expected anything.” Shoulders slumped. “She’s a real treasure.”

“Trésor.”

“She already worked there. I purchased and had the restaurant redecorated before giving it to her so she wouldn’t return to Birmingham.” Thinning gray hair and a telltale tremble epitomized the dire toll Martin Shaw’s deceitfulness had taken. “She picked the name.” A wan smile tugged his lips as he stared out the window and slipped into the past forgetting about Little Merrick.

“Christ.” Lit left unnoticed. On the drive to his place, he had thought about his two tours in the military after which he used the majority of time to build a solid reputation as a private investigator for anyone willing to purchase his services. Nearing forty, he’d barely made time for the occasional one nightstand but enough money had been amassed to live comfortably for the rest of his days.

Little had reminisced long enough.

He shoved the readdressed envelope containing the governor's last check into his mailbox, raised the tiny red flag, and headed back to Eddystone.

Entering Trésor, Lit grimaced as he conjured the vision in his mind of sitting at the crossroads.

Faye rounded the bar. “I’m glad you came back.”

“So am I, but we need to talk.”

Damn if anything is running over my ass.

Enjoy your weekend and if the opportunity arises –

Growl and roar-it’s okay to let the beast out.

Something short, tiny...

Last day to vote in Best of 2014 polls at the LoveRomancesCafe. (you must be a member)

**Best BDSM/Kink Book

Firstborn by J. Hali Steele (Changeling Press)

And for your enjoyment, a short, short, tiny piece (1,500) I wrote for a contest, didn’t win but there will be another time! J Giving you first half and hope you’ll come back tomorrow for the end.

Crossroads

Life doesn’t wait while you decide which path to take; sit at the crossroads too long—something will run over your ass. Little Merrick had read that somewhere. Clutching an envelope while standing in front of his mailbox, he recalled his latest job with distaste.

Two weeks ago, Lit had surreptitiously entered Trésor and the moment he laid eyes on his quarry, he realized everything would go to hell. He was even more conscious of that fact when, a few days afterward, he decided to meet his target face-to-face. Faye Warren had short, dark blonde hair, and hazel eyes more green than brown perused him head to toe as he approached the bar. Taking a seat at the end, he gave her the once over as a sinking feeling filled his gut. There was more here than met the eye otherwise Governor Martin Shaw would have used his own people instead of hiring him.

“What can I get for you?”

The soft raspy sound of her voice brought parts of Lit to life that hadn’t awakened in a decade. “Lager, bottle, no glass.”

Returning, Faye placed a cold beer in front of him. “Tough day?”

“No.” He studied the woman wondering if her sun kissed skin was as warm as it looked. “Why do you ask?”

“You growled.” She laughed lightly and well-knotted strings around his heart began to fray when she leaned forward and whispered conspiratorially, “I won’t turn you in to animal control.”

The unraveling began in earnest. “What if I bite?”

“I bite back.” Tilting her head, she grinned. “I’m Faye.”

“Lit.”

“Welcome to Trésor, Lit.”

“You welcome all the patrons this way?”

“No.”

“Why me?”

“I like the way you look.” Faye’s lips curved invitingly before she moved away to wait on a newcomer.

Lit finished his beer and left.

With a reputation as an investigator who operated on a need-to-know basis, he asked no questions, Lit accepted a job, finished it, and received payment. He was highly compensated for discretion and the less he knew the better. He spent the next few nights in the shadows at Trésor before driving two hours to the state capitol to give a brief report. Directed to a private office in the mansion, Lit took a seat and waited.

The governor possessed a heavy tread for such a slight man. “Well, Merrick?”

“She always goes home alone.” An extremely nice home shared with her mother, the owner of Trésor. That tidbit of information was a matter of public record. “She’s not seeing anyone.”

“Keep her under observation a few more days.”

Lit stood. “That’s another five grand.” His services didn’t come cheap. Striding to the door, he spun to face the man who remained at the desk with his head buried in his hands. “Mail it.”

“Done.”

˜ ˜ ˜

Eddystone was a small town containing one motel, and working in the only nice restaurant and bar for miles, Faye knew everyone. She hoped the tall, broad shouldered stranger with piercing blue eyes, buzz cut brown hair, and a gruff voice would return. Faye got her wish while subbing on bar duty for a sick employee. She grabbed a cold beer and made her way down the counter waiting on one customer before she reached the man. “Welcome back, Lit. Lager, bottle, and no glass, right?”

“You remember what everyone drinks?”

“Only those I like.” Air around Faye sizzled when their fingers brushed as she passed him the beer.

“Worked here long?”

Faye had received her degree in accounting before returning to assist in running the restaurant. She kept books as well as bartended in a pinch and, frankly, she enjoyed that part of the job more than pouring through mundane paperwork. “I’m the manager.” Lifting his beer to place a coaster beneath the bottle, she added, “Trésor is family owned.”

“Treasure.”

The kitchen door swung open and closed with a swish behind the evening bartender. “An endearment my father used.” Before Lit asked more questions, she blurted, “Stay for dinner, my replacement just arrived.” Not likely Lit would be a regular who’d complicate her life. “Where are you from?”

“Is your father dead?”

“Why would you think that?” She wiped the bar top.

“You said used, I thought maybe...”

She did. “Don’t know, I never knew him.” She’d become as adept at brushing aside questions about her father as her mother was. It didn’t bother Faye in the same way it did when she was younger. “Dinner?”

“Sure.”

Retrieving a menu, she opened it in front of him. “The chef is quite good.”

“A thick steak, rare.”

“I’ll be right back.” Faye instructed a passing server to prepare a quiet table, and after placing an order for two porterhouses with salads, she escaped to her office to check her hair and refresh her makeup. She returned to the dining area and took a seat across from Lit. Faye asked again, “Where you from?”

“Harrisburg.”

“Staying at the motel or making the two hour drive?”

“Motel. I’m finishing up some business.” Their food arrived and they ate in silence until Lit commented, “Your chef is better than good.”

“I’ll let her know.”

The man didn’t seem to be aware of the sex appeal he exuded. When he smiled, Faye made her mind up to do this every night until he was gone. “Tomorrow’s special is chicken pot pie.”

“With a flaky crust?”

“Always.”

“I’ll be here.”

Tomorrow...The End; meanwhile...

Growl and roar-it’s okay to let the beast out.

It's Friday

And it's cold! Nothing new if you live where I do. Anyway, I'm reading Graveyard Shift (Lana Harvey Reaper's Inc. Book 1) on my Kindle every chance I get, and boy, I'm loving it! I hope Angela Roquet doesn't mind my sharing that with everyone. *Smile*

Take a peek:

http://www.amazon.com/Graveyard-Shift-Lana-Harvey-Reapers-ebook/dp/B009M0ARH0

Since I'm sharing may as well throw in my favorite new commercial - Geico does the best damn commercials! Hey, Donna, have you seen this? *Laughing*


That's all for me, have a great weekend and don't forget -

Growl and roar-it's okay to let the beast out.

Her Maine Stud

Her Maine Stud

(SOS Series #3)

New today at Changeling Press

Tyrant Blue Blade Runner, special agent with the U.S. Dept. of Fish and Wildlife Special Outreach Services Division known as SOS, shouldn’t dally with a woman whose accident he perpetrated. Turns out Coral Gillespie is not only stealing cats from his property, she’s having some neutered! While monitoring the thief, her pert nose, saucy way with words, and generous swell of hips not only captures Ty’s attention, the wily woman may become his undoing.

Goddamn Gryphon! When he saw his brother, he’d demand to know why he hadn’t divulged information as important as Coral risking her life.

“You okay with this? You look funny.”

Ty tightened his hands around the steering wheel. “I’m fine.”

“Promise you’ll follow my lead or stay in the truck.”

Follow her lead! Christ, his ass was in deep shit because no way would he allow anyone to get within a hair’s breadth of her. “Sure, got it.”

“Pull over here. I want to peep in this guy’s backyard.”

“Why?”

“He’s got a shepherd he treats like shit. I’ve warned him once.”

“He doesn’t get a second chance?”

“Hell no.” She opened the door before he came to a complete stop and grinned at him over her shoulder. “Today, it’s the dog’s turn for a chance.”

After parking, he jumped out and trotted after her. Coral had already eaten up half the alley at a slow run. On her heels, he couldn’t keep his eyes off her ass encased in black leather. When she came to a stop, Ty slammed into the back of her and wrapped his arms around her waist to steady Coral. “Sorry.”

“Gee-willikers,” she hissed.

The words were so incongruous with her attitude and attire, Tyrant burst out laughing.

“Keep it down, he’s always home.”

“Sorry.”

She turned to glare at him, hands on hips. “You are.”

“I’m what?”

“Sorry.” She shook her head. “I can’t do this with you, go wait in the truck.”

“Like hell I will.”

“Tyrant! I don’t need you to back me up. I’ve done this for years.”

“Why didn’t I know about it?”

“Umm, because we just met?” Coral’s hazel eyes pierced him. “Look, you’re one hell of a specimen of man, but I could probably take your ass in under ten seconds.”

He grew more irritated with each passing moment. “Do what you have to so we can get the hell out of here.”

They reached a chain link fence with a hole only large enough for Coral to fit through, and she quickly folded her body and slipped into the muddy, garbage-strewn yard. She turned a corner and he lost sight of her. “Hey, boy.” Her soft voice slid down his spine and started his cock on a trip to bone-hard town. Christ! Not now.

He heard a gruff voice yell, “Gillespie, touch my dog, and I’ll knock your fucking ass out.”

“Okay, you know I’m here.”

A thud followed by grunting sent him into action. Jumping the fence, Tyrant ran a few feet and turned the corner to see Coral straddling a two hundred pound man and binding his hands with plastic cuffs.

“I’m leaving these a little loose.” She tugged the ties. “You can yell for your girl to cut them once I leave.”

“Bitch!”

“Another word, I’ll clobber your ass again, Jinks.” She tapped his face. “I told you he’d better look healthier in a week.”

“I feed him table scraps.”

“Jinks, he needs regular meals and fresh water. Don’t you get that?”

“One more chance, my kid loves him.”

“No more, it’s his turn now.”

“Fine. I can’t stand the fucker.”

“Then we don’t have a problem.” She looked over her shoulder. “Took you long enough. Loosen the dog’s rope and get him out of here.”

He got the dog loose and said, “I’m not leaving you.”

“Oh for goodness sakes.” She stood and nudged the man on the ground with a booted toe. “Don’t move until we’re gone or I’ll use this again.” She waved the nightstick in the air, and for the first time, Tyrant noticed blood running from the man’s nose.

Fuckin’ A, Coral was badass!

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Growl and roar-it’s okay to let the beast out. - jhalisteele

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Dirty Rotten Vampires

Dirty Rotten Vampires 2

Love Me Madly

*NEW RELEASE* at Changeling Press

With one undead and the other full of fire, they have two choices -- fight dirty and love madly.

Split (Sophronius) Kryder doesn’t enjoy hunting demon-mixed vampires -- hell, his daughter is one. Drawn back into the battle for vampire supremacy, he needs a new partner. The council tossed the name Tang into the pot so Split figures the vamp must be good. Turns out Tang Odette has curves and legs that go on, and on. A maddening inferno of desire ensues, wreaking havoc on his world, and to possess her Split plans to fight dirty… and win.

The new slayer assigned to Tangerine Odette is an ancient, chauvinistic, and cold-ass vampire she plans to ditch immediately. His superior attitude drives her crazy. Doesn’t help any that each time she’s near him her body heats up more than a pit in hell. Maybe if she gives the old jackass a taste of what he pines for, he’ll whimper away into a corner and leave her to fight.

“I should still rip your heart out for touching her.” Considering everything, the night had passed quietly.

“Zef, I couldn’t help it.” Split glared at the man across the bar. “You fared no better with her mother. Their heat, the delicious scent, shit, I grew tired of feeling cold and lonely.”

“I loved her mother until the day Satan snatched life from her.”

Seeing the sadness in his eyes, understanding the pain, Split sympathized. “I know the sorrow you suffer.”

“We cannot allow the council to continue these horrid experiments, and possessing Avista’s potions, they can possibly change them to be…”

“The dirty, rotten vampires we are.” Split had hunted rogues with Vig and Zef, exchanging blood a myriad of times permitting him a glimpse of the older vamps mind.

“Or continuing being undead depending on how you look at it,” He studied Split hard. “If I didn’t know your mind, I’d still kill you.”

“A, stay out of my head or I will smack you down. B, you know nothing about what I feel.”

“I hadn’t expected such anger.”

“She’ll calm down.”

“Will they both be safe with Vigier?”

“Well, I know one of them will. Did you see how he looked at Kiwi?” Shaking his head, Split chuckled. “Zef, what the hell is up with the names?” Not that he didn’t love the sound of Tangerine playing through his mind, but Split was curious.

“Their mother rarely came above and when she did she craved exotic fruits.” Zef wrinkled his nose. “Imagine calling them Pomegranate or Carambola.”

“At least Vig is with us.”

“I was not sure initially.”

Swallowing the liquor in one shot warmed Split, bringing to mind the fire he’d found between Tang’s thighs.

“Jesus, Split!”

“Hell, I’m sorry.”

“About what?” Ringer had popped into the room. “Never mind, I hear it loud and clear.”

“We’ve got to work together; therefore, can we make a deal to steer clear of each other’s mental paths.” Split didn’t want anyone delving into his feelings or other things he might do if opportunity once again presented itself.

Frigid air swept the space. “I can’t remain in a place so damn cold.” All heads turned to see Tang rubbing her arms in an effort to warm up in front of the window where Vigier had unceremoniously deposited the demi-vamp.

Lines puckered Vig’s mouth, and the dip in temperature spoke volumes. Evidently, the councilman had had his fill of caretaking and it appeared he no longer cared how frigid it was, unavoidable considering the age of the vamps seated around the bar. “This place does smack of a meat locker.” Snapping his fingers blasted the temp up enough to take the chill away. He glowered at Split. “She wasn’t like this until she spent time in your company.”

“You and your ilk raised her.” Split shrugged. “I tried cooling her off.” He let the vision of Tang slipping into cold bath water run into her mind. “Guess it didn’t work.”

“Childish bunch of bastards.” She stomped across the room and harangued Zef. “What the hell are these?” Pulling her dark blonde hair back showed a tiny knob on each side of her head. “They’re growing.” Tapping the toe of her foot, she squinted. “Do not expect me to care for you, you…”

“I think they’re kind of cute.” Split rounded the bar and took a closer look before rubbing one of the bumps. Heat slowly pulsed through his hand. “Shit, Zef, you need to tell her about her mother.” Using his other hand, he touched Tang again.

“Do it once more, prick, I’ll break your fingers.”

“See what I mean?” Vig shook his head. “Disrespectful of her elders and she needs to have her potty mouth washed out.”

“Stop!” Split noticed her red eyes blinked rapidly. Tang was afraid. “Honey, it’s okay.”

“You don’t remember me at all, do you?” Zef pretended indifference, but Split felt sure the other vamps sensed pain squeezing his heart. “Your mother was not a demi-vamp.”

“What?”

“She was completely demon.”

Dirty Rotten Vampires 1

Hurt Me Good

A cold heart plus hot blood sweetens the pain.

AVAILABLE HERE:

Changeling Press; All Romance Ebooks; B&N; Kobo; Amazon

Barringer Ganteau has hunted enough demon-mixed vampires to last a million lifetimes. His wish is to see all demi-vamps maimed, preferably dead. Single-handedly, he attempts to vanquish the scourge of mixed breeds from the face of the earth. Then Ringer meets Armada, a demi-vamp with the power to deliver the kind of pain he desires and melt his frozen heart.

Armada comes from Haiti, carrying the exotic heat of the islands and her kind with her. When she faces a cold-hearted vampire, a being superior to her mixed heritage, she vows to hate him as much as he hates her. Armada hadn’t reckoned with the vamp’s ability to use pain to bring out a side of her she had not known existed.

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Growl and roar-it's okay to let the beast out.

Santa's Clause and Win Free Books

Santa's Clause is coming to town!

Available now at Changeling Press.

Breaking bad with Santa is so damn good!

Lacey Dalton gave up on Santa Claus a long time ago. Every Christmas Eve she waited like a good girl to see what Santa would bring. He never came. Now she’s in her late twenties and he shows up with a contract! If Lacey signs on the dotted line, anything she wants is hers… if she lets Santa have her for one night!

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11th Annual A Very Changeling Christmas Contest

Changeling's Naughty Nights of Christmas -- with a Peppermint Twist:

- Twelve winners will receive one Changeling book of your choice.

- Five Golden Ring winners will each receive Free Books For A Year

- Five winners, one book a month all year (2015, five winners, 12 books each)

- One Peppermint Twist winner will receive one book a week all year (2015, one winner, 52 books)

The best part -- all you have to do is buy any Peppermint Twist Christmas title at ChangelingPress.com between Black Friday and December 31st, 2014, and you're automatically entered to win.

Winners for the Free Books for a Year Contest will be announced December 31st at the Changeling New Year's Eve Party, held on our Changeling Press Readers' Loop.

The Not So Fine Print:

* Naughty Nights of Christmas Winners are eligible to win more than one prize.

* Winners will be chosen randomly from purchasers of books in the Changeling Press Peppermint Twist Christmas Series.

* Each Peppermint Twist Christmas e-book purchase made in 2014 before the final prizes are announced counts as an entry.

* Winners may choose any Changeling titles currently in production on the ChangelingPress.com website at the time the prize is awarded.

* Prizes are available as Changeling Press E-books, to be downloaded from ChangelingPress.com only.

* Free e-book download links do not accumulate, and will expire if not used within 30 days from the date on which they were awarded.

Visit Changeling Press today!

Joann

Growl and roar-it’s okay to let the beast out.

Hellaciously delicious!

Irreverent...funny...hellaciously delicious!

Slick - Hellacious 2

Getting the handsome blue-eyed devil out of her mind won't be easy. Maybe one more time, one night...

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Excerpt:

“You think you have a chance with her?”

“Yeah, I do.”

“And if he comes back?”

“She says she’s over him.” Damn, when he’d asked if she was sure, Marcia had changed the subject.

“And don’t be like Sly, making a promise to stay out of her mind.”

“I won’t need to read her mind. I can win her without that bullshit.”

“Right, right.” Wick’s laughter dripped with sarcasm.

“I’m not going to delve into her psyche and root around like you would.”

“What the fuck is it with you two?” He shook his head. “Women are most adept at telling lies.”

“Whoa, man, don’t bundle all women in a group like that. Wave would never lie.” Sly glared at their eldest brother.

Wick pulled another frosty beer out of thin air, and sat back down in the same, magically dry, spot. “Your woman is different, she has,” he glanced skyward, “ties above, she can’t lie.”

“She wouldn’t lie if she didn’t have a heavenly connection.”

Slick needed to stop this before it got out of hand. After the last altercation between his two older brothers, he’d spent more time than he cared fixing his place. “Could you two take this somewhere else?”

Wicked spun on him. “Fuck off.”

“Fuck off? This is my place. Skedaddle your ass to the fourteenth floor where you can do as you please.”

“Skedaddle. What the hell kind of word is that?” Sly laughed.

Wick wasn’t done. “You really think Waverly wouldn’t lie to you if she could get away with it?”

“Hell’s sake, Wick, let it go.” Slick was thrown against the wall, and held pinned there. “What the…”

“Answer me, Sly.”

“Bro, I don’t know what your problem is, but it’s not with Slick, let him go.”

“You gonna make me?”

Heat in the apartment blossomed a hundred degrees, and they groaned in unison knowing what was coming. Slick fell to the floor as it split open. The flames licked through the space followed by Lucifer’s forked tail. Flapping around, it destroyed every piece of furniture in the room before it wrapped around the triplets and yanked them through the flaming abyss, and below.

Slick brushed at the embers on his pants. “I didn’t start this shit. Wick was in my apartment playing games.”

“What is happening to each of you?” Satan spat.

“Each of you?” Wick flopped into a chair and eyed Sly. “I’m not the one pussy-whipped.” Turning toward Slick, he added, “Or the one trying to wrangle a piece of ass.”

“Wicked, what did crawl up your ass and die?”

Slick thought, for a change, he might come out of this unscathed.

“What the fuck do you mean?”

Holy shit! Slick watched as his brother’s lips snapped shut forming a solid line, and his cheeks puffed out. His older brother’s eyes turned red with fury, and horns sprouted only to melt into his hair.

“Don’t you dare come into my house and act like you own it. I’m not your brother, and I will whip your ass from here to kingdom come and back.” He and Sly watched silently as Satan’s horns pulled back in his head, followed by the talons disappearing, and the tail flipping out of sight. “He twisted and dropped onto his throne. “Christ, I’m tired.”

A bolt of lightning blasted through the wall and wedged there. All eyes watched it wage war with the stone holding it. The shaft shook left, right, and then slid forward another foot.

Josette appeared from a white mist and stood, her back to the jagged bolt. “Lucifer, say you’re sorry.”

“The hell I will.”

“Lucifer…”

“For crying out loud, I’m sorry, okay.”

The bolt slid back through the wall and shook the earth as it left Hell and traveled heavenward.

Barb from Drue's Random Chatter says about Firstborn, Hellacious 3!

"I want to read more from this author. Can't wait to see what else is in store for me in her stories. I think everyone has some wicked in them, I know I do! I am so glad I read this book because I had one hellacious time reading this book! My question for you is can you handle the heat?"

Barb gives Hellacious 3: Firstborn

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J. Hali Steele

Growl and roar-it’s okay to let the beast out.

www.jhalisteele.com