November Newsletter

Hello Everyone,

I hope that you have all had a safe and Happy Halloween for all those who celebrate.

For everyone who participated in either blog hop I was part of in October, thank you.

Hello to all those who have signed up.

In October I was generously handed back rights to nine of my novels by the publisher. While it was a shock, I am in the works of getting the books back out for everyone to enjoy them. So stay turned on updates about those.

I have finished edits for another book called Follow The Ink: Undertaker Chronicles Book 2. This is a new series I'm exploring about a woman who takes a job as an undertaker's assistant. Here is the blurb for the first one called A Deathly Undertaking.

Darria Savege is an undertaker's assistant. When her boss is killed, she assumes the job of undertaker and all the strange things that goes with it. A necromancer is trying to retrieve an item in her curio cabinet along with the key tattooed into her arm so he can release Medusa and her sister's from limbo.

All the while Darria is learning about her new position, she awakens a mummified hand named Omar who becomes her familiar. She works with a grim reaper named Oliver who collects the souls of the bodies she works on. And she has to do her job all the while trying not to get killed, figure out what the necromancer wants, and how to keep Medusa from escaping into her world.

I do hope you find it as interesting as I do.


The events I'll be at in 2015 are:

MidSouthCon in Memphis, TN from March 20-22.
An Austin Author Affair in Austin, TX May 22-24th

I'm very excited to be a part of these because both will be awesome events.

New Release:

Gods and Mummies, oh my! is now out once more with Purple Sword Publications. So if you haven't gotten your copy feature Kalli and the feral mummies out to get her, check it out. It's fun and a little light reading. Can't be doing horror all the time.


Coming soon:

                     Come & Yeti - who doesn't love space yetis and bigfoot
                     Cosmic Shifts ( Hairy & Hung/Come & Yeti) in print
                                       
                   

Books:

Last month I tried to read The Red Tree by Caitlín R. Kiernan. I made it 80 pages into the book and just couldn't continue reading it. The first person Point of View in this novel was not written in a manner that I could connect with. I'm sure it's fine for other people, but not for me. So I gave it to friend who will love it.

At the moment I'm reading:

Winter's Tale by by Mark Helprin
Prince Lestat by Anne Rice









Throwback Excerpt: Three Fur All

“October, hi. Is everything okay?”

She saw his surprise. “I’m okay. I’m sorry about last night.”

Elliot flashed her a smile. “No apologies needed. You weren’t expecting us to be wolves. At least you didn’t run off in the middle of the night. I expected you might. Not that you wanted to steal Mika’s tiny, beat-up car.” He chuckled. “Are you hungry? Mika’s making waffles downstairs.”

“Yeah.”

She tried to move forward, but stumbled. Elliot caught her. His warm hand on her shoulder made the breath hitch in her throat. His hand traveled down her shoulder and then across her back. She leaned in closer until she stared into his eyes and saw the barriers breaking down around his heart. It was going to be tough to resist those gray eyes of his that looked out from such a kind soul. She wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed her body into him. He felt the same way that Mika had. Everything was right being in his arms. October brushed her lips along his and waited for his reaction. He returned the kiss in a slow meeting of their mouths and flicked his tongue across her bottom lip until he pulled away and shook his head.

“We can’t do this.” He tried to put a little bit of space between them, but she didn’t let go of his neck.

“Why?”

“Because you’re Mika’s. I can smell you all over him. You made your choice.”

“No.”

“We can’t have this.”

She placed a hand on his cheek and felt the warmth of his skin seep into her palm. He turned his head into her hand and sighed. “Yes, we can. I never said I was going to pick one of you.”

“It doesn’t work that way among wolves. We choose one mate for life, and that’s it.”

“Hey, October if you’re hungry—”

Elliot and she glanced over. Mika was dressed in jeans and no shirt. Flour was smeared across his chest and his left cheek. It appeared he had made the waffles from scratch. His jaw clenched when he noticed the two of them together. The veins in his neck were bulging. He opened his mouth to respond, when October unwound from Elliot and went to Mika. She slid her arm around his waist and kissed the line of his collarbone. Underneath her hand, his muscles were still rock-hard and wound tight. She flicked her tongue across him, tasting the remnants of the flour on his skin. She stood up on tiptoe and licked the tip of his ear. He quivered and looked between her and Elliot.

She followed his gaze and saw the hair was standing up on Elliot’s arms. His eyes were glowing yellow. He was breathing heavy, and his lips were pulled back in a snarl. His fists were clenched at his side. The testosterone between the two of them was so heavy she could smell it. The fur was about to fly, and she was in the middle of it.

“Whoa! Both of you just need to back off.”

“He had his hands on you,” Mika growled.

She put her hands on her hips. “Now is not the time to get into a fight over me. I might have spent the night with you, but that does not mean that you have the right to claim ownership over me.”

“You said last night—”

“I said no such thing. Both of you stop this. I’m attracted to you and Elliot. Mika, you need to calm that wolf of yours. Both of you, chill.”

Out with Amira Press


Recipe


Marble Pumpkin Cheesecake

     Ingredients
    
        Crust:

• 1 1/4 cup graham crackers & gingersnap crumbs
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spices
• 1/4 cup melted butter

          Filling:

• 2 packages 8 oz each room temperature cream cheese (Philadelphia)
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• 1 egg
• 1 cup canned or homemade pumpkin puree
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spices

Instructions

1. Heat oven to 375°F.
2. In small bowl, mix the crumbs with the spices and the melted butter. With your fingers, press evenly on the bottom and the sides of a 9" round pan with removable bottom.
3. Refrigerate for 5-10 minutes.
4. In a mixing bowl add the cream cheese, 1/3 cup sugar and heavy cream. With the paddle attachment on, stir on low speed until fluffy.
5. Add the egg and blend well.
6. Reserve 2/3 cup of the cheese mixture.
7. Add the pumpkin puree, brown sugar and pumpkin pie spices to the remaining cheese mixture.
8. Blend well.
9. Pour the pumpkin cheese mixture into the chilled crust. Spread evenly.
10. With a spoon, drop dollops of the reserved cream cheese mixture and make some swirls with a fork or knife.
11. Bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes or until the center is set.
12. Turn the oven off, leave the door open and let the cheesecake to cool for at least 1 hour. Run a knife around the cheesecake for easy removal of the pan.
13. Refrigerate for a couple of hours before slicing.

Source for this wonderful concoction can be found at: http://roxanashomebaking.com/marble-pumpkin-cheesecake-recipe/

Enjoy!

Crymsyn Hart

April Newsletter

Hi Everyone,

March went by in a blur. The first couple of weeks were great where I got a lot of word count down. Then the day job ramped up and I got way behind on the word count, but that’s okay. I did finish a new male/male shape shifter book called A Lion’s Heart and am waiting to hear back from the publisher.

Have plans to start on The Dragon and His Houseboy 2 and something else that I’m not sure quite where it fits. It’s apocalyptic with witches and angels. Hopefully it will come out. The characters are haunting me so we shall see. It is already spinning in my head. Of course I have two other WIPs that have to be finished and another one that I’m going to be starting soon.

Good news, Storm Riders 1-2 will be coming out in print later this year. Woohoo.

April is lining up to be a busy month with the writing and hopefully I can find some more balance with the day job and the writing. Thanks to everyone who has picked up one of my books. It is much appreciated.

Read below for some sneak peeks.

Hope you all have a great month.

Dark Blessings

Crymsyn

Updates:

Reborn to Darkness -  available on April 6th.

Fae Dreams  – Will be available on April 3rd.

Currently Reading/Read:

The Vampire Huntress Series 1-6 by L.A.Banks

Movies watched/plan on:

Buffy The Vampire Slayer- yeah it’s an oldie but a goodie. I’m watching the series again and looking for inspiration.

John Carter- Reminded me a lot of Avatar in some ways, but I liked it.

Paranormal Activity 3- *Slaps Forehead* Why did I ever see this? Don’t recommend it.

Tower Heist- It was okay. Wouldn’t recommend it.

Wraith of the Titans- looks awesome. Lover the first one.

Music:

Halestorm

Volbeat

Florence & The Machine

Sneak Peeks

Fae Dreams – M/F

Gracelan has dreams of being a world class fashion designer and she receives an inheritance from her aunt, she's able to pursue that dream. Then she discovers an odd request attached to her aunt's gift--a note that she should bring libations to a clearing on the property and introduce herself. Thinking the demand a little silly, Gracelan does it anyway.

The next morning, Gracelan notices a gift on her back porch. When she repeats the ceremony a second night, a handsome stranger knocks at her door a short time later,  and return the basket she'd left in the meadow. Intrigued by the visitor, Gracelan learns Lorian is a fae and she discovers he wants her more than anything. Drawn to him beyond anything she's ever experienced before, it isn't until Gracelan uncovers her secret past that they can hope to be together.

Excerpt:

When I opened my eyes again, I thought it was morning. Birds were chirping and sunlight streamed through the trees. I was at the end of the path by the table. When I looked down I was wearing a thin blue nightie. The air was warm and the scent of jasmine lingered on the breeze.

“Hello, Gracelan.”

I spun around and saw Lorian leaning against the tree. He was tan in the light with a glittery quality to his skin. My breath stopped in my throat when I saw him. He was beautiful. His lips were twisted into a breathtaking smile and it took all my will to stand my ground and not go to him.

“What do you want?”

“You.” He beckoned me over to him, wiggling his finger at me.

I tried to stop myself from going to him, but it seemed I had lost all my will power. He had control over me. This place was his to command and so was I. I knew it was a dream, but I wasn’t going to force myself to wake up. All of me desired to see where this would lead.

“Why me?” I stood a few inches from him.

He reached up and flipped the hair from my shoulder. His long finger traced my cheek then my lip. “I have my reasons. Tell me to leave and I will. Tell me you desire me and I’ll infuse you with a passion you’ve never known before.”

My thoughts were muddled. He was giving me a choice. Part of me shouted to wake up, but it was a small part. Mostly I yearned to be ravaged by him. I stood on tiptoe and brushed my lips across his which were infused with a subtle hint of vanilla. Lorian slid his arms around my waist and pulled my closer to him. His fingers rested on the top of my ass and moved lower until he gripped the cheeks firmly, the evidence of his arousal resting against my thigh. I bit his lip and thrust my tongue into his mouth. I let my hands side over his chest, between us until I cupped his cock. At that moment, he broke the kiss and lifted me up. A small squeal left my lips as he sat me on the table.

Lust burned in his eyes. He captured my lips and gripped my breasts. A feeling of haste and need overwhelmed me. I yanked down his pants and licked my lips at the sight of such a magnificent dick. I tried to stroke it more, but he growled and wrenched up my camisole exposing me to the cool air. With Lorian kneading my breasts, I pushed into him until he pinched my nipples and I cried out. The blaze he ignited in me needed to be fanned.

One hand left my breast while the other wrapped through my hair. Lorian pulled my head back so I could look into his eyes.

“Do you want me?”

I nodded.

“Say it.”

A Lion’s Heart -  M/M

Excerpt:

Long black hair hung to his broad shoulders. The craftsman who had tempted the face from the stone should be commended because Mysis was perfect. Prominent cheekbones with a smooth jaw line, a straight nose that came to a slight point and fine black eyebrows shadowed deep, honey brown eyes. His eyes were filled with wisdom and yet were so beautiful they captured Reseph. Tears burned his eyes at Mysis’s magnificence. He touched his face to the floor again not able to look at the glorious being before him.

Satin fingers trailed down his cheek and settled under his chin. The tip of Mysis’s nails pushed into his chin and forced him to lock eyes with the god. His heart fluttered like a trapped butterfly beating inside of his chest, trying to fly away from the awesomeness of the moment.

“M-My lord, what can I―?”

The god smiled and placed a finger on his lips to silence him. The gesture alone spurred sent a jolt of passion straight to his core. Reseph tried to push it aside knowing it was wrong to feel that way for the man before him.

“I want you to answer me a question.”

Reseph nodded, not wanting to say anything else in case it angered the god.

“Why did you take the libations from my altar this afternoon?”

Fear ran his blood cold. This would be the end of him. Even if it was a dream, the gods could do terrible things to him. He might wake up and find a lion waiting to devour him. He tried to look away, but the god held him by the chin. Mysis’s face remained calm and his eyes showed no anger, but Reseph wasn’t about to underestimate the celestial being. From what he had learned from Pawah, the gods were fickle.

“Forgive me. I-I didn’t take it for myself. I’d never think to put myself before you. I only did it because the mother of one of your lions wasn’t feeding her cub.”

“You do understand that sometimes even my blessed animals die. It is the cycle of life.”

He nodded. “Yes. But I couldn’t let him die and there was food aplenty.”

“So you stole from my altar to save the cub, not caring I might have use of the milk and honey left to me.”

Shivers ran through his body as he tried to stay calm. A tear slipped from his eye. “Forgive me, great Mysis. It will never happen again. I swear. Please don’t punish me.”

The god took Reseph’s face between his hands. Even though terror gripped him, he couldn’t help but be aroused by the god’s soft touch. It stole his breath and ran his throat dry. His eyes widened and when Mysis ran a finger down his cheek. It took everything in him not to let out a moan.

“You are forgiven, Reseph. Not many of my priests would show the compassion to help one of my sacred animals. I admire that. I had to see for myself if your act reflected your heart. And it does.”

“Thank you, my lord.” Relief flooded him as the god admitted he wasn’t going to take out vengeance on him.

Mysis wiped the tear from his cheek. That soft touch made him yearn for more. “You have my permission to glean what you need from my altar to care for this little one. If the priest questions you, pray to me and I will be sure he doesn’t give any trouble. If you mistreat the cub or don’t keep up your care for him, I shall be back. Know that I shall be watching.”

“Of course, magnificent one.” He breathed a sigh of relief, but the god hadn’t released him. “Is there something else I can do for you?”

Mysis trailed his finger down Reseph’s throat and over his collarbone. “I’ve had my eye on you for some time. You’re very pious in your devotions to me. The village girls who pray to me have their eye on you, but you don’t give them a second look. Why is that?”

His eyes widened. Why is he asking me this? It shouldn’t matter who he was attracted to. He wasn’t allowed to have intercourse because it was the edict of any priest to keep himself pure to serve the gods. Mysis’s fingers feathered over Reseph’s chest until they rested above his heart which nearly stopped. “I’ve never found them desirable. It’s always been men, Celestial One.”

The god leaned closer until his lips were only inches from Reseph’s. “And would it bother you if I visited you from time to time?”

“Who am I to deny you anything?”

Mysis laughed. “Even in my infinite power, I would not take away your free will. I sense your longing for me in this form. And I know your true devotion.” He trailed his finger over Reseph’s bald head which made him close his eyes in ecstasy. “Would it please you if I visited you again?”

February Newsletter

Hi Everyone,

What a month January was. I had four book releases and ended up editing five books that are coming up for the rest of the year. Of course that also included finishing Passion Fur Three the sequel to Three Fur All. Passion will be later this spring with Amira Press.

The Storm Riders series will be riding again as well with Sugar and Spice press. My hunky series about two hunky men and the women they get involved with while trying to keep Mother Nature in check. Throw in a dash of angel and a shake of demon and poof you get the Storm Riders. The first one releases in month on February 11^th.

Not much else is going on in my world. Spent some wonderful time with author Dahlia Rose and went to a mummy exhibit here in town. It gave me some wonderful ideas for further books.

Look out for a blog hop I’ll be participating in and giving away a book or two. That runs from Feb. 11-14.

Read below for some sneak peeks.

Hope you all have a great month.

Dark Blessings

Crymsyn

Updates:

Storm Riders – Will be available on Feb. 11^th.

Currently Reading/Read:

The Lady of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley

Kidnap & Ransom by Michelle Gagnon

The Vampire Diaries : Stefan’s Diaries #5: The Asylum by L. J. Smith (Author), Kevin Williamson & Julie Plec

The Making of A Monster by Gail Petersen

Eclipse by Stephanie Meyer

Breaking Dawn by Stephanie Meyer

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson

Bridget Jones’s Diary by Helen Fielding

Vampire Shift by Tim O’Rourke

The Exodus Gate by Stephen Zimmer

Movies watched/plan on:

Underworld: Awakening- Definitely recommend this one. Loved it. Left it open for another movie. Although I would rather have seen it in 2-D.

 

Grave Encounters- Great Indie Film if you love Ghost Adventures, Paranormal State, etc. A little slow at first, but loved it.

The Lady in Black- can’t wait for this one.

Ghost Rider 2: Spirit of Vengeance

Music:

Underworld Awakening Soundtrack:  Listened to it a couple of times now. I like it, but I like the first two better.

Blood & Chocolate Soundtrack:  Like this one a lot. Has gotten me into the mood to write vampires for some reason. I would recommend it.

Florence & The Machine:  Really enjoy the singer’s voice getting into them. Have to start trolling albums I think. Any suggestions?

Sneak Peeks

Storm Riders – M/F/M

George has been searching for a way to predict tornadoes that mimics her inherent ability. Her encounter with a handsome cowboy that drives away a twister has her stumped.

Wyatt and Landon are Storm Riders assigned to wrangle cyclones. When they both meet George, they’re driven to possess her even offering themselves to her for a wild, stormy night of passion. When their boss, Raul gets wind of this, he demands they cease all contact. Neither Wyatt nor Landon can stand to think she won’t be part of their lives.

She’s turned their worlds upside down, and each craves George’s touch. Will Landon and Wyatt get to keep her? Or will Raul separate them forever?

Excerpt:

“Excuse me.”

            The pit of her stomach dropped. Her glass barely touched her lips when she heard the husky voice. Everything in her froze. She turned around slowly to see who was behind her. Her gazed stared at the black, but well-worn cowboy boots that somehow seemed familiar. Dark blue jeans encased muscled calves and thighs. His pants weren’t too tight and just hinted at the curves and bulges they concealed. A stretched black shirt hugged a broad chest which only enhanced the flatness of his stomach. Sandy brown hair brushed the top of his shoulders. Full lips that might turn up into a sneer in a heartbeat were smiling at her. Dark blue eyes gazed at her holding more wisdom than they should have.

            “Can I help you with something?”

            He gave her a crooked smile. “I was wondering if you might want to dance.”

            She glanced at him and tried not to melt right there on the bar stool. The band was starting a slow song. Couples were getting snugly on the floor. A pang of longing went through her. He seemed handsome enough. He waited patiently. She sipped her drink one more time and placed it on the bar. “That’d be nice.”

            He offered her his hand. She took it. Once she did, a bolt of electricity zapped her and made her stagger. He caught her and held her close. “Are you okay?”

            She reached the top of his chin and tilted her head back so she could gaze into his eyes. For a moment, she thought she saw a tornado reflected in them. Shaking her head, she dismissed the vision. Get a hold of yourself. “Yeah. Tripped. That’s all.”

            He led her onto the dance floor and rested his palm against the small of her back. The heat of his hand burned through her thin shirt, but the overwhelming sense that a storm was near made her head spin. Her stomach knotted the way it got before a boomer rolled in. Her muscles were tense and she didn’t know why. There was a static charge in the air. She rested her hands on his shoulders and moved in time to the music. Over her partner’s shoulder, she saw Trina sandwiched between the two college boys. Her friend gave her a thumbs up.

            “What’s your name?” her mystery man asked. His hot breath tickled her ear and made her shiver inside.

            “Georgiana. Everyone calls me George. You?”

            “Wyatt.”

            She nodded and settled against his shoulder inhaling his musky scent. She tried to ignore the static charge in the air and relax into the dance. For whatever reason, she was comfortable with him. Not many men made her feel that way. If they did, then the relationship lasted a few months before they left. He pressed her a little closer against him until her breasts brushed his shirt, but he made no further move. His hand remained on her back and didn’t try to slip down and cop a feel. His other hand rested on her hip. She appreciated he was being a gentleman. Then the song ended.

            “Can I buy you a drink?” he asked.

            “I’m good thanks. I had quite day and not sure alcohol needs to be involved in it. What about you?”

            He chuckled. “I thought men bought drinks for ladies and not the other way around.”

            “Ha. I’m no lady.”

            Wyatt laughed. “You sure look like one to me.” His lips were only inches from hers.         

The pull between them was dizzying. She was already tipsy even though she was stone cold sober. Gathering her self-control, she placed a hand on his chest.

            “What would you do if I wasn’t?”

            His gaze darkened. “You really don’t want to know. If you’re playing around with me, I’ll—”

            George felt him stiffen up. Crap.“I’m just kidding. Sorry. I’ve had a-ahh…well a fucked up day. Thank you for the dance.” She began to walk away, but he caught her arm and spun her back around.

            “I know you were. I was just joshing. I’m sorry you had such a crazy day. We should compare stories. Maybe you can come back to my place and tell me all about it.”

            She raised her eyebrows. “You’re awfully full of yourself, aren’t you? Do you honestly believe I’ll go home with you just after one dance and the offer of buying me a drink?”

            Wyatt captured her lips in a kiss that caught her off guard. She stiffened before responding. The moment his lips touched hers, she heard thunder rattle everything around her. Static electricity exploded through her. Her head reeled. Before the storm around her could ease, he pulled away. She stood there, lips pursed, frozen, taking a moment before she realized it was over. When she opened her eyes, he gave her his smug smile.

            “Wow. I’ll take that as a yes.”

            He stepped closer and reached behind her settling his hand on her waist, but his fingers pressed against the mounds of her derriere. “Only if you really want to. I can sense you do. What we have between us is stimulating. A little tumble in the hay won’t hurt either one of us.”

            She bit her lip. He’s so fucking fine. I can’t say yes. I normally don’t do stuff like this, but like he said, one night wouldn’t hurt. I don’t think he’s an axe murder and I really need to get today out of my mind. “Do you always use such cheesy lines?”

            “Only on the beautiful ones.”

Passion Fur Three -  M/F/M

While taking pictures in the woods, someone tries to kidnap Cassidy. She escapes and runs into Ronan. He brings her to the police, but can’t wipe Cassidy from his mind.  To thank Ronan, Cassidy suggests going out for dinner. She’s also asked out by Henry, Ronan’s friend.

Before Cassidy can go out with either man, she’s bitten by a werewolf and all hell breaks loose. Girls are going missing. A serial killer has returned to Lupine Gorge and set his eyes on Cassidy. Ronan and Henry will find him and do anything to keep her safe. Even sacrifice themselves for the woman they love.

Excerpt:

“How is your dinner?”

            “It’s really good,” she said.
            “Anna is the best chef in town. We’re lucky to have her. But not as lucky as I am to be sitting here with you. The universe has been good to me on this night.”
            “You really go with the flow of things?”
            “Best to master your emotions than let them get the better of you. I learned that after my run-in with Tyler. He was the reason why Ronan stepped in and did what he did. We’ve been friends for many years, and he’s always been there for me. When I proposed he open the bar, he grumbled about it until I told him it was a good idea to help him interact with people. It’s not good for him to stay up on the mountain all the time. So I became the manager. After a few incidents of him losing his temper with some of the patrons, I suggested he try something to wrangle his anger.”
            “Hence the fishing.”
            Henry laughed. “Yeah. He bitches and moans that he hates it, but I know he secretly enjoys it. If he didn’t, he would’ve stopped a long time ago. It has helped him tame his inner beast.”
            “Good to know. How about we finish dinner and think about dessert?”
            “Really?”
            “Yeah, really.” She ran her finger along his arm. At her touch, she felt his muscles quiver.
            “Sounds good to me. I have some chocolate back at my place.”
            “I love chocolate. I especially enjoy licking it off my fingers. Maybe other places too.”
            “You keep talking that way, and we won’t need to go back to my place. I’ll pull you into the men’s bathroom and fuck you right there.”
            Cassidy dropped her shoe and then ran her foot along his inner thigh until her toe hit the erection that strained against his pants. He jumped when she touched him. “I have to veto the bathroom. I’m more of a bed kinda girl.”
            He gripped the edge of the table. His knuckles were white from clutching it so hard. “God, you make me so hot.”
            “I’ll make you even hotter later. Want to get the check?”
            Henry nodded. He signaled the waitress when she walked by. Cassidy took another couple of bites of her chicken. Henry paid the check, and then they got up to leave. He slid his hand around her waist and settled it on the top of her ass. Cassidy jerked from the sudden contact.
            “Is this okay?”
            “Yeah.”
            The cool spring air ran a chill through her when they walked outside. He walked her to the car and stood her against the passenger-side door. His body heat kept her warm. Henry pressed his lips to hers. She pushed herself against him, feeling his taut body. I can see myself with him. Oh yeah. He’ll be great with his clothes off. Tonight is going to be good. She giggled. He thrust his tongue into her mouth and Frenched her. Cassidy dragged her hands over his back and clutched his ass. The door handle pushed into her left ass cheek, making her uncomfortable. She broke the kiss and was about to say something when she heard a growl.
            “What the hell?”
            Henry turned toward the sound. “Don’t move, Cassidy.”
            She glanced over his shoulder and saw a large red wolf glaring at them. Its teeth were bared, and the hair on its back was raised.
            Henry stepped toward the wolf. “You know better than to come out in public. Get the hell out of here before anyone sees you.”
            The wolf snapped at him and advanced.
            “What the fuck are you doing, Henry?” Cassidy asked, not sure she was seeing right that he was talking to the animal that had stepped into the parking lot.
            He pressed the keys into her hand. “Go around the car slowly and get into the driver’s seat. I’ll make sure nothing happens to you.”
            “What? No. Not without you.”
            “Don’t argue with me on this. It won’t hurt me.”
            Cassidy saw the determined look in his eye and knew he wasn’t going to back down. She studied the wolf. It held its golden gaze on her. Henry kept himself between the wolf and her while she inched around the car. [A1] When she was halfway around the vehicle, another wolf crept out of the shadows. Henry growled at the other wolf and lunged at it. It didn’t back off. She fumbled with the keys to the car, but dropped them to the ground. When she reached down to get them, another growl rumbled in her ear. She looked up slowly. A third wolf stared directly at her. She held up her hands.
            “Nice wolf. Good boy.”
            The wolf stepped closer, blocking her path. Henry was still behind her, fending off the other two wolves. She started to rise. The wolf lunged and landed on top of her. The force of the impact knocked her into the pavement. Pain exploded in her head, and her vision clouded. The weight of the wolf on top of her didn’t vanish. Its rotten breath blasted against her face. Cassidy heard Henry’s voice yelling at her through a tunnel. Before he could get to her, powerful jaws ripped into her shoulder and scraped the bone. She cried out in agony. The wolf was suddenly gone, but her life still flashed before her eyes.
            The next thing she knew, Henry was above her. Ronan had appeared on her other side like magic. Cassidy tried to focus on what they were saying, but a burning sensation had started to spread from her shoulder and throughout her body with every beat of her heart. Soon the blaze burned away at her brain, and she knew nothing else.