by V. A. Dold
STEFAN
The five Shifter rules
Always put your mate before yourself.
Respect another shifter’s mate.
Do nothing to expose the existence of shifters.
Do no unnecessary harm to shifters or humans.
Respect all nonhumans.
Excerpt
Forty-five minutes later, the auction was finally over. She could finally go home. Her feet were swollen and something was doing a tap dance on the inside of her skull. The Tylenol® she had taken fifteen minutes ago hadn’t kicked in yet.
She considered her options as she rubbed the edge of her sole. Should I chance taking these shoes off? Crap, I might not get them back on. Then what? Go bare foot in this gown?
That wouldn’t be embarrassing, not at all.
El stood and limped to the door leading to the ballroom. She groaned as she looked at the crowd she would have to walk through to get to her truck.
This was going to be two hundred thousand times worse than a walk of shame.
She giggled at her bad joke. Yeah, she was losing it.
“What’s so funny?”
The deep timber of his drawl had no business sending her pulse racing. She waited for a panic attack to kick in, but her body remained calm.
“Nothing,” she squared off with Stefan. “Were you dropped on your head as a child?”
The smell of fresh leather surrounded her. She took a deep breath wondering once again where it was coming from.
He frowned. “No.”
She cocked her head and arched a brow at him.
“Is there a history of insanity in your family?”
“No.” He scowled. “What are you getting at?”
“No one in his right mind would bid two hundred thousand dollars. That leaves one conclusion, you’re insane.”
“Oh, I’m insane all right. Insane for you.”
“Right. Go fishing with those lines somewhere else, this woman isn’t biting.”
“Oh, cher,” he laid his hand across his heart, “you wound me.”
“Shut up, Le Beau.” She tried to push past him but he didn’t budge. “Please move out of the way.”
From the ballroom, the band began to play a romantic waltz. Her father’s favorite song-the one he always insisted she dance with him to. How odd.
He presented his hand to her. “I do believe they’re playing our song.”
She looked at his hand suspiciously. “What are you doing now?”
“I’m asking the single woman I won at the auction to dance. That is my right as the winner.” He grinned.
She stepped back and crossed her arms. “You’re kidding, right?”
“I’ve never been more serious, I assure you. Now, may I have this dance?” His hand remained extended as he waited for her response.
She eyed the hand like it might bite. “Fine. I suppose I have to.”
Stefan led her to the dance floor and took her into his arms. She was perfect. His wolf howled in triumph. Now if he could only get her to actually like him.
OUTSTANDING PRAISE FOR V.A. DOLD
& HER NOVELS
CADE
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this wonderfully written and very different kind of love story. Yes, I said love story, for that is what it is. It just happens to be about a wolf shifter who discovers his destined mate is human. They unknowingly met five years earlier in their dreams and even then their attraction to each other was something else. They meet and are stunned when they recognize their dream lovers. The story is of their journey through their first meeting, getting to know each other, their courtship, mating and marriage. This is not without problems as she has an ex that wants back in the picture.
I've already written too much as I don't like to give spoilers. Just know that this is not your regular “werewolf” story but a story of love between two different people who are destined in the end to become one. What makes it even better is that it's a series about a family with seven brothers so you can continue to read about these most imaginatively, sensually well written shifters and their destined mates, but at the same time can be read as standalone books. If you like reading about love, with some great sex and paranormal thrown in, I highly recommend picking up this book.
Dina Bushrod 5 stars
This was my first shifter read and I have to say I was extremely surprised at how much I loved this book! I guess this proves you need to move out of your comfort zone once in awhile and you discover more genres you love! If I could give this book 10 star I absolutely would! It was amazingly written and the story line had you the whole time. I couldn't put it down! I am in love with the brothers and cannot wait to read more! Congratulations on a job well done V....
Jessie Wallace 5 stars
SIMON
Simon's story takes us back to the bayou and the hot brothers looking for their mates. Simon, however, is a special case. He has some issues, issues that stem from not having that personal connection when serving our country proud!!!!! Then, of course, there's an underlying issue...someone doesn't want him to mate?!?!
Simon is strong and HOT as all get out of hell, he is just broken, broken beyond anything his family or friends can fix. He knows he needs help and he feels that there's hope when his sister-in-law simply touches him. Still that's just NOT enough...not until she touches him...not until...Rose.
Rose...a beauty, in Simon's eyes. Not your average skinny-size heroine. No way...this gal has got your curves and lack of self-confidence that goes with it. A foster child since she was a baby, the only real family is the one that she claims as her own. That would include Cade's mate, Anna, Anna’s boys, and her two foster brothers. However, like everyone else...she has a past. One that she's not even fully aware of yet (it's amazing what brothers will do for their sister). I'm personally on the fence with Rose for a long while through this story. I toss back and forth wondering if she's worthy of Simon. Thankfully, I'm no Goddess...right...LOL
As their feelings progress, outside a ploy is being sought to prevent them from becoming a mated couple...I know ...WTF!!!!
It's totally freaking CRAZY!!! Awesome fight scenes though...I totally LOVE Simon's reaction when he hears about the first attack...Priceless...LMAO!!!
The final fight scene...OMG...now, that one...it was one that was totally a read twice and absorb!!!! Maybe read again!!! OMG!!!!
Rock Him!!! Rock Him!!!
Holy Boogers!!! I just realized I didn't say one word about the love scenes between Simon and Rose...What was I thinking....they were H-O-T!!!! Notice I put the word *love* and not *sex* because between them that’s the only way to describe it...just FYI.
I totally love what Simon and Rose plan to do for the future...that’s AWESOME!!!!
This story really takes you for one heck of a ride...you’re intrigued...upset...curious…sad...overjoyed...
Then you're like ...OK...WHO THE HELL really wants the throne!!!
BJ Gaskill 5 stars
This is one of the first books I read with a military influence (real). As a Marine who worked with organizations for service dogs, I found the realism to be refreshing. Great read, I almost had tears in my eyes at one part. Great alpha major and minor characters, I did have a tinge bit of empathy for the villain (Travis). It must be the therapist in me. The heroine was tough, vulnerable and resilient. Love it! Simon's character showed so much depth and vulnerability; I almost cried again. You will find humor, roman
ce, suspense, and of course, who can truly resist a Marine. I am anxiously awaiting the next book in this series. Good read! Worth the money!
beldrenlv 5 stars
Copyright 2014 by V.A. Dold
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form whatsoever without written permission from the author–except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages in a review to be printed in a magazine, newspaper, or on the web. For information, please contact the author via email at [email protected].
This novel is a work of fiction. Any references to historical events; to real people, living or dead; or to real locales are intended only to give the fiction a sense of reality and authenticity. Names, characters, places and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously and their resemblance, if any, to real-life counterparts is entirely coincidental.
ISBN-13: 978-0990523505
ISBN-10:0990523500
Print edition July 2014
This is Dedicated
To all of my readers and fans of the Le Beau Series, I appreciate you more than I can say.
Thank you to my friends and family who cheered me on and gave me the energy to keep writing when I was running low on sleep.
A special thank you to all the Bayou Babes who support me every day.
BJ Gaskill and Mary Pavek, you rock!
And thank you, Tina, Carolyn, and Jinny; the best editors a girl could ask for
...Enjoy the adventure!
STEFAN
Le Beau Brothers
Book 3
By
V.A. Dold
Prologue- The Plan
Anna Le Beau knocked on her mother-in-law's door then absently began wringing her hands. Her heart was in her throat, and her brow glistened with sweat. Ever since her sons, Thomas and John James, had requested to be converted, she’d been on an emotional roller coaster.
The door swung open presenting Emma Le Beau and her gorgeous smile.
“Anna! What a wonderful surprise.”
“Good morning, Emma.”
“I was pouring a cup of tea, would you like one?”
“Yes, a cup would be lovely.” It would give her hands something to do. Anna took a seat at the kitchen table to watch Emma as she worked.
Emma gave her a long, speculative look, then sighed. “They finally asked, didn’t they?” Her bangles tinkled as she set the cups on the table.
“It’s truly creepy, how you know everything before anyone says a word.”
“Oh, darlin’, not everything. Them boys of mine got away with plenty,” Emma said as she patted her daughter-in-law’s hand.
Anna shivered. “I can imagine. No, wait. Don’t tell me. I’m not sure I even want to know. In some situations, ignorance is bliss.”
Emma threw back her head and laughed. “So, what would you have of me, sweetheart?”
“My boys came to us last night. They’ve thought it through and would like you to petition the goddess for their conversion. Please tell me this isn’t dangerous.”
“Oh, heavens, no. About a hundred and fifty years back, a man in Omaha requested conversion and it went very smoothly. Keep in mind, the goddess may decline the request.”
Anna sat back in her chair and visibly relaxed. “Thank goodness. I didn’t get a lick of sleep over this. So, what do we have to do?”
“Nothing. I’ll make the request this afternoon during meditation, and then we wait.”
“Oh. I sure feel silly. I was all worked up for nothing.”
Emma sipped her tea. “Leave everything to me. You just take care of my grandchild.”
Anna finished her tea, feeling much more relaxed than she had twenty minutes before. “I really could use a nap,” she sighed. “Thank you, Emma. Please let me know as soon as the goddess makes her decision.”
“Of course, I will. You run on home. And don’t worry about a thing.”
*****
Four hours later, Emma knelt before her altar as she prepared for her daily meditation time. She spoke with the spirits each day but normally didn’t make such a monumental appeal. Drawing a calming breath she forged on. It wasn’t every day a worshipper requested a human conversion.
She lit her candles and incense, closed her eyes, and laid her hands palm up in her lap.
“My child, your visits lighten my heart,” the goddess quietly spoke.
“If it pleases you, I humbly request a conversion on behalf of your beloved daughter, Anna. She asks that her two human sons be converted to shifter.”
The goddess was the creator of the wolf shifters. Long ago she blessed a village of humans with wolf souls. They were the first shifters. Since then she has only blessed a handful of humans who were not mated to a born shifter.
“Ah, Thomas and John. Both are good, honorable men. Even as humans, they have served me well by protecting my daughter from harm. I grant the request of John James to take place during the next new moon, but I have other plans for Thomas James.”
Emma bowed low. “Thank you, mother goddess. If it pleases you, may I inquire about my sons’ mates?”
A soft chuckle sounded from the wavering image. “Your second eldest son has much to learn and his mate will teach him. Her name is Rachel Jorgenson. She is the owner of Shadow Hill Stables. She will be a participant in Simon’s auction. Have Stefan attend the event and all will unfold as destiny has planned. Take care, my daughter. Blessed be.”
Watching her slowly fade, she thought, Oh goodness, this is going to take some planning.
*****
That evening, Emma invited Cade, Anna, and her boys to join her and Isaac on the deck. Sweet tea filled her pitcher on the sideboard, adding to the cooling breeze coming off the river. A secret little smile lit her face and her toes tapped a happy rhythm on the decking.
“Are you going to keep me waiting all night, Emma?” Isaac asked with a grin of his own.
She clapped excitedly. “I received answers from the goddess. She has given me the identity of Stefan’s mate. El from Shadow Hill Stables. You remember her, the healers’ group cured her stallion a while back. She’ll be at the ball Simon and Rose are hosting. I already have a plan to get her there, too. I have additional news, but you have to wait for the others, then I’ll tell everyone.”
Isaac scowled playfully and sipped his tea. A few minutes later, footsteps were heard on the wooden stairs.
“Oh! Here they are.” She rushed to hug everyone. Even Thomas wore a grin at her exuberance.
“Hi, Mother.” Cade spun her playfully in a circle.
“Oh, you.” She gave him a swat and offered tea to everyone before settling down to serious business.
Five faces stared at her in expectation. “I’m sure you already guessed I have news. John, your request will be granted at the new moon. And Thomas, the goddess told me she has plans for you as well, however she hasn’t disclosed what they are. But, keep in mind, she never does anything without a very good reason or behaves in a spiteful manner. So, don’t worry about not getting the conversion with John. I’m sorry, but you’ll have to be patient. She did tell me you were both honorable men and were serving her well.”
Anna’s hand clamped over her mouth. “So fast?”
“When the goddess makes a decision, there’s no reason to wait. I’ll teach you everything and we’ll do it together.”
“Cher, it’ll be fine,” Cade said as he wrapped his arms around her. “There’s nothing to fear, remember?”
“I know. It’s these stupid hormones. Just ignore me.”
“We have fifteen days to prepare. Tomorrow we’ll go over the preparation and prayers. We’ll also need to check the herb cabinet to verify we have everything.” Emma was all business when it came to her rituals and magic.
“Let me know when you need me to be here.”
“This is going to be great!” John shot a look at Thomas and received a toast from his brother for his success.
“I’d
still like to remain here in New Orleans and live on the plantation if that’s okay with everyone,” Thomas said, looking like a kicked puppy.
“Of course you will,” Isaac nodded. “I have plans for you myself. Can you meet with me in the morning?”
“Certainly,” Thomas replied.
Chapter One
Searching for ‘Her’
“Oh, yeah.” Stefan sighed as he closed his eyes. The dinner meeting had gone far too late into the night and he had an early morning at a job site.
He was stressed out and could really use the relief of his dream woman tonight. Just one of a million times he’d wished he could control when he received a dream.
Drifting off to sleep...He stood in the entrance to a blues club he recognized, Papa Joe’s, not far from the plantation. The smells and sounds were so real. If he hadn’t experienced these dreams hundreds of times, he would actually believe he was living this instead of dreaming.
Slowly he took in the bar and patrons. His heart stuttered as he spotted her, seated alone in the deep shadows of a booth across the dance floor. She hadn’t seen him enter and seemed very intent on her cocktail.
Long strides ate up the distance between him and his destination. In moments he stood before her with his hand extended. “May I have this dance?”
Startled, her gaze snapped to his, a second later her lips curled in a heart-stopping smile as she recognized him. Without hesitation she took his outstretched hand and followed him to a dark corner on the dance floor.
“I’ve missed you, cher,” he whispered against her neck as he laid hot, tender kisses behind her ear.
“I’ve missed you, too.” She moaned as his marauding lips grazed her neck, seductively. “Where have you been?”
