Joe growled, and she giggled. She clapped her hand over her mouth, having never imagined that sound coming from her.
“And best of all, I have the most handsome and sexy and kind and charming mate a woman could ever need. Did I tell you I love ye?”
“Tell me again,” Joe said. “I enjoy hearing the words.”
“I’d much rather show ye,” Mungo said with a wink.
So she did.
20 – Scarlett Meets Her Nemesis
Reception Area, Middlemarch Resort, Tiraq
Scarlett Mitchell scowled at the compuscreen and figured she wouldn’t get a break for a while yet. She’d seen that expression on the faces of her other brothers as they’d captured, courted and claimed their mates. Joe had been a male shifter on a mission, and she figured when Mungo reappeared, they’d be mates.
Which made her the last Mitchell standing.
In this branch of the Mitchell family at least. Ma would have her genealogy books out to add Mungo to the family tree. Grandchildren were the next logical step, and that might take some pressure off her.
Earlier this morning, she’d drawn the final design for the ring Joe had commissioned her to make for Mungo. Her fingers itched to get working on the gorgeous purple stone she’d discovered while fossicking on one of the neighboring planets, close to Dalcon. She’d combine it with the gold-like metal she’d located in the Dalcon market.
And to sell in the shop catering to the resort guests, she’d make earrings. Scarlett tapped the top of the compuscreen. She required more stones. Unfortunately, the best ones came from…
A ferocious roar came from outside reception. Every muscle in Scarlett’s body tensed as she turned to face the doorway. A huge naked man stomped into the reception area, tattoos decorating the right side of his torso, his black hair long and striking his shoulders. A scowl dug into his face, and his gaze glittered with rage. The group of women passing through to get to the pool and the bar stopped to gape.
“You!” he snarled.
Every particle of self-preservation urged Scarlett to bolt. She didn’t. Instead, she lifted her chin and stared at him coolly. “This is a women’s only resort. You need to leave.”
The man stomped closer. “Oh, I’m leaving all right, Thief, and you’ll be coming with me.”
Thank you for reading Journey with Joe. Did you enjoy Mungo’s and Joe’s romance? If so, please consider leaving a review at your favorite online bookstore, at Goodreads, or Bookbub. A review would make my day!
Please turn the page for an excerpt from Enticed & Seduced, part of the House of the Cat series plus an excerpt from Sea of Change, a paranormal romance featuring orca shapeshifters from enemy tribes.
If you haven’t already guessed, the next book in the Middlemarch Capture series will bring the characters in direct contact with those from my House of the Cat series. A marriage of two series as Scarlett Mitchell butts heads with Ransom Drake. Something tells me this will be a wild ride. *grin*
If you’d like to keep up with my releases, check out my newsletter or follow me on Bookbub or Amazon.
Happy reading
Shelley
Excerpt – Enticed & Seduced
A dragon shapeshifter romance.
The Indefatigable landed at the Narenda spaceport, the pilot powered down and silence fell, broken only by the squawks of a flock of scarlet birds, unsettled by the noisy arrival. Dragon shifter Gryffnn Drake’s chest rose and fell on a harsh exhalation. Tension slid through him, finding an outlet in clenched fists.
The doors slid open and the Indy crew appeared—leopard shifter Ryman Coppersmith, his mate Camryn O’Sullivan, the pilot Nanu, their medic Mogens and the luscious and unpredictable Kaya Ignatius.
A whisper-soft sigh released from Gryffnn once he confirmed Kaya was with the crew to fulfill their quarterly contract. Something about this woman called to him, to his dragon, yet she only had eyes for his older brother Ransom.
A sad fact but this time he had a strategy.
A plan.
The crew spotted him, waved and strode down the ramp in his direction. Gryffnn averted his gaze from the woman who’d claimed his attention from their first meeting and nodded in greeting.
“Gryffnn.” Ry Coppersmith held one of his twins. “How is Ransom?”
“Is he showing signs of coming out of his coma?” Camryn held their other wriggling twin.
“He’s about the same.” A wave of anxiety and sadness struck Gryffnn. His older brother’s unexplained coma concerned him. While Gryffnn didn’t mind temporarily stepping into the chieftain’s shoes, he’d prefer it if Ransom regained consciousness, especially with this new complication. “He’s reached a plateau, neither improving nor declining any further.”
“Will Sable be all right minding the twins?” Camryn asked. “They’re a handful now they’re mobile.”
“Niran’s youngest daughter intends to help my sister,” Gryffnn said. “They’re both responsible and will take good care of your offspring.”
“We’re more worried about Sable and Niran’s daughter,” Camryn said drily. “These two are hell-on-wheels.”
Gryffnn grinned, getting the general idea even though he didn’t understand the words. Camryn came from a distant planet, and sometimes her colorful language perplexed him. The Indy crew often borrowed words from her, meaning he had to concentrate. Ransom had also confessed to confusion at their word choices, which made Gryffnn less agitated with himself.
“Have you seen activity around the mine?” Nanu asked, the tendrils of his hair stirring and hissing.
Whoa! That was new. “We’ve tried to watch from afar,” Gryffnn said, eyeing Nanu’s hair. “But we’re wary of getting too close.”
“We’ll check out the area when we collect more precious stones for you,” Ry said. “What about those plants?”
Someone—probably pirates—had introduced a carnivorous plant to the planet. They’d thrived in Narenda’s tropical climate and created a new hazard for those who collected the raw materials he and the other dragons used to make their renowned jewelry.
“We’ve kept away from the mountain range,” Gryffnn said. “But rumor says the plant numbers aren’t increasing as they were. The salt spray you used to deter them has worked well.”
“We’ve come prepared with more,” Kaya said.
Without warning, a solution to his problem zipped into his mind. Gryffnn stilled, stunned by the audacious scheme, which was even better than his original idea. It might work…
The child Ry was holding shrieked, throwing up his arms.
The flight of dragons in the distance—all youngsters in training—wheeling through the sky, indicated the source of the child’s interest.
“Something wrong, Gryffnn?” Camryn set down her squirming daughter who scampered away to explore the colorful red flowers to their left.
“A complication,” Gryffnn said. “Let me collect your daughter, and we’ll walk to the compound.”
A short time later, the Indy crew sat with Gryffnn in Ransom’s office. Even though he spent many marks each cycle here, he still thought of it as his brother’s domain. Books lined two of the three walls while the large windows in a third wall overlooked the training field where the young dragon shifters practiced their flying and other battle skills. At present, two bright green dragons were practicing their flame-throwing. One opened its maw and flame flared outward, almost striking their instructor. Gryffnn stifled his burst of humor. They required better aim to progress in the ranks.
“As I mentioned, we have a complication,” Gryffnn said and glanced at Kaya. She cocked her head, interest flitting across her face. He caught a quick peek of one pointed blue ear before her straight blue hair settled back into place. Those pointed ears of hers intrigued him.
“Oh?” Ry said, his big body straightening.
Nanu wrinkled his nose and his hair hissed.
His attention diverted, Gryffnn stared in fascination at the copper-colored dreads.
“Why is your hair hissing at me?”
Nanu flashed a broad grin. “I have a mate. You remember Jazen?”
“Yes, the nurse. Your mating changed your hair?” Gryffnn asked.
“Yes,” Nanu said. “I’ll tell you the story later, once we hear about this problem of yours.”
Gryffnn heaved out a harsh sigh. “Fifteen rotations ago, I took one of the Gwilym dragon clan as my mate. The clan is based on Dalcon. It was a way to stop the war between our clans and introduce peace. Our pairing was not without problems. I left the Gwilym to return here and brought our son with me. We’ve kept a tenuous peace ever since with little contact between our two clans. Aideen Gwilym, the leader of the Dalcon clan, contacted me yes-cycle requesting a meeting.”
“Why is that a problem?” Camryn asked.
“We’ve tried to keep Ransom’s illness quiet, but I believe word is out, and she is visiting to discern the truth herself.”
“What happened to your mate?” Kaya asked. “Is she part of the visitor contingent?”
“That is the other problem.” Gryffnn’s voice hardened. “There was mention of an apology and a resumption of the relationship between our clans. I refuse to spend time with that she-devil.”
“What about your son?” Mogens asked. Streaks of black writhed across the medic’s cheeks as he studied Gryffnn.
“Another thorny problem,” Gryffnn said. “I don’t wish them to have contact with my son. My opinion—they’re testing us. Our strengths and weaknesses. They believe we are vulnerable. I fear we are on the brink of a war, and if our clan loses, Aideen and her tribe will force us to leave Narenda. This means Niran and his people are in danger too. With Ransom out of commission, Aideen considers us ripe for pillaging.”
Ry tapped his fingers on the wooden float-desk top. “Your men are well-trained. You’re doing an excellent job. Ransom couldn’t do any better. Perhaps they’ll visit and leave.”
“Aideen is not one for polite chitchat. We’ve had no communication and that thrilled me. The downside is we have no knowledge of their current situation. I heard a rumor about the limited supply of precious stones on Dalcon, but I have no idea if this is truth or fallacy.”
“You think they’re after your resources?” Ry asked.
Gryffnn yanked at his tunic collar and unfastened a toggle. “That is my suspicion. I’ve nothing to base it on, but my gut is jumping and bouncing like a dragon unused to flying.”
“Wait, what about this ex-mate of yours?” Camryn asked. “What happened after your split?”
“She mated with another dragon. I heard he died, but I haven’t determined the nature of his death.” Gryffnn scowled. “This is the first formal contact between our clans since I left Dalcon.”
“They can’t force you to mate with her,” Ry said.
Gryffnn eyed Kaya, trying to read the warrior woman. “No, but their desire for talks means they might prolong their stay for many cycles. I don’t want them here. Their visit won’t thrill Ransom either.”
“When are they coming?” Ry asked.
“I haven’t replied to the correspondence yet. I wanted to discuss the matter with you first.”
“Lad, you don’t require our input,” Mogens said, his violet gaze drilling into Gryffnn. “You are a capable leader. You have proved yourself already. Ransom is proud of you. I am certain of this.”
“I have an idea I wanted to run past you before I reply to Aideen.” Gryffnn hesitated before turning to Kaya. No, this was a good idea. A sound one, and if it meant he got to spend time with the beautiful Kaya, it couldn’t be wrong. This was his opportunity to woo and win the courageous woman. “Actually, Kaya, my plan involves you. I wondered if you would be amenable to act as my betrothed, my intended mate.”
Kaya’s blue, blue eyes widened. A spurt of amusement filled him on seeing her unattractive gape.
“Me?” Her brow wrinkled and she pressed her palm to her chest.
Gryffnn tried not to stare at her plump breasts, diverting his gaze to her eyes. “If I already have a mate, Aideen can’t use betrothal talks as an excuse to prolong their visit.”
“I guess I could pretend to be your mate,” Kaya said.
“No.” Gryffnn watched her closely. “Forgive me, but I need to be blunt. We’ll need to have sex so you take on my scent.”
“Friends with benefits?” Camryn asked.
“This term is new, but yes. That sums up my needs.”
“We’d have sex?” Kaya demanded.
“Yes.” Gryffnn was having difficulty reading the woman. Was that intrigue he saw in her expression? He wasn’t certain.
Kaya stared for a fraction longer while the other members of the Indy crew remained silent. Finally, she nodded. “It wouldn’t be a hardship having sex with you. At least I’d break my dry spell.”
“Kaya!” Nanu said.
“Oh, Kaya.” Mogens tsked.
Camryn and Ry both chuckled.
“Excellent.” Gryffnn struggled for impassive when he wanted to leap to his feet and cheer. Once Kaya got to know him, without Ransom hovering in the background, she might decide she wanted to keep him. It was up to him to become the mate of her dreams.
Will Gryffnn become the mate of Kaya’s dreams? Purchase here
Excerpt – Sea of Change
An orca shapeshifter romance.
Well hello, gorgeous. Asia Bolino tried not to stare as she slid into the Norah Jones number, following the cue from the accompanying musician. Her heart shifted into an erratic gallop while a wave of heat engulfed her body. Turn around, she pleaded silently. Oh looking good. Go on. Turn right around. Let me get a good look at you…
Aw, rats! Disappointment throbbed through her voice before she pulled herself together and continued singing the song in her husky voice. She knew that face, and the man was off limits. Way off limits.
Roman Anderson. What was he doing slumming in the Blue Venetian nightclub?
Her mother would have a conniption if she became involved with an Anderson. Ah well. No harm appreciating the view. Because there was no getting away from it—the man was a fine specimen. To hear her family talk, he was the devil incarnate, but jeepers, the man oozed sex appeal. She sucked in a breath as she viewed his rear end. Yep, looking good from all angles.
Asia held the final note before letting it trail away. The music ended, and she smiled at the audience, graciously accepting the applause with a regal incline of her head.
Roman Anderson was not the man for her. She sighed, accepting but not liking the truth. Feuds were the pits, especially when they limited the gene pool for shapeshifters like her. The warring between the Transient Orcas and the Resident Orcas was stupid and meaningless in these modern times, but Asia knew there were those who actively encouraged the rift between the tribes.
The introductory bars of another Norah Jones favorite pulled Asia back to professionalism. She started to sing in her trademark smoky voice, pleading the audience to come away with her. The low buzz of chatter in the nightclub faded, letting Asia know she was doing a good job. She let her eyes drift closed, threw back her head and poured her heart out in the music. For the three minutes of the song, she held the audience enthralled. The music faded and for a heartbeat there was total silence before the applause broke out. Asia’s eyes popped open. She grinned and bowed from the waist, giving the group of businessmen at the front table, Roman Anderson included, an excellent view of her creamy cleavage. She straightened, snagging Roman’s gaze for a long, drawn-out moment. He closed one brown eye in a wink and smiled at her—a drop-your-panties kind of smile—robbing her of breath.
Maybe he was adopted. She could corrupt him, she thought, taking half a step toward him before commonsense kicked her in the gut.
“That’s the end of Scarlet’s segment for now,” an announcer said over the loudspeaker. “She’ll be back for another at midnight.”
Asia stepped down from the stage and headed to the bar for her customary glass of sparkling w
ater. She leaned against the shiny, wooden bar and inhaled, wanting to fan the heat from her cheeks. She resisted, a little pique pulling at her normal poise. A man hadn’t affected her this way since her ill-fated romance with her ex-manager. She should know better than to lust after a pretty face.
Asia waited while Frank, the barman, served a group of young women out for a bachelorette’s party judging by the screeching and laughter. She noticed several of the women eyeing Roman, offering flirtatious smiles and flicking luxurious locks. Nope, none of her business. But she couldn’t prevent the satisfaction that stole through her when Roman ignored their overtures.
“Hey, Frank. It’s busy tonight,” she said when he finished serving the rush of customers. The sharp tang of whiskey contrasted with the sweetness of the floral scent wafting from the young women standing beside her.
“Sure is, Scarlet.” Frank placed a glass in front of her. “Looks like someone is trying to grab your attention.” He gestured behind her with a jerk of his blond head.
Asia smelled the green, fresh scent of outdoors, seconds before the warm muskiness of a male body hit her with a whoosh. Trapped between the heat of the man and the bar, she turned, ready to voice a protest.
“Sorry, Scarlet.” Roman’s voice was husky and strummed pleasantly across her nerves. It matched the sexy body perfectly. “I didn’t mean to crowd you. Someone pushed me.” His brown eyes twinkled down at her, a novel experience for Asia since she hit six foot in her bare feet and towered over most men.
“Not that I’m sorry. You feel as good as you look.”
An uncustomary blush climbed her neck and seeped into her cheeks, and she barely suppressed her sigh. Why did the enemy have to look so sexy? So tempting?
“No problem,” she drawled, pausing to take a sip of icy water. The cool liquid soothed her fluster until she glanced at Roman again. Shoot. He wanted her as much as she wanted him. He obviously had no idea of her identity. So what did she do now?
Play safe and tell him she wasn’t interested, or take a walk on the wild side?
“My name is Roman Anderson.” He held out his hand to cement the formal introductions.
Journey with Joe (Middlemarch Capture Book 5) Page 20
