by Lori King
Apparently, the veil between the realms remains intact for yet another year, because when I look around the grounds, I notice that the brothers who had Trick-or-Treat Patrol seem to be trickling back into the fold and eagerly joining the party. Even though only a few die-hard partiers remain on Twin Ravens territory, there is still plenty of obnoxious laughter, debauchery, and terrible dancing to the drivel that passes for Halloween music while they swill the free hooch provided by the MC.
I shake my head at how easily mortals ignore the existence of what they deem unexplainable and therefore impossible. Sometimes I think they are like children hiding their heads under their bedclothes, thinking they are safe from the monsters that go bump in the night. I laugh and take another swig of my beer before muttering quietly, “If you dumbasses only knew the half of it.” I, like my brethren, know that one day humans will have to face the truth. One of these days, those Immortals who seek dominion over mankind will find a way past the defenses of Immortals like the Twin Ravens MC.
But today is not that day. Nope, tonight we’ve celebrated surviving another year. Another year of defending the clueless humans. Another year and new fortress to call home here in the mortal realm. Rebuilding our clubhouse structure was one helluva lot easier than selling the bullshit story of a major gas leak and explosion that we had to push over on the local human authorities after the epic battle that went down here on Halloween night a year ago.
Knowing how close we came to failing last year, we contacted the most gifted builders of all the Immortal realms to help us build a structure that will not fall again. The new building, modeled after the old clubhouse in appearance, is a massive, native stone, three story structure which looks like it’s at least one hundred years old, and yet it could withstand a nuclear blast or a magickal attack even greater the one BonFreete and Anteria threw at us.
Why was all that necessary? Simple. The fate of mankind. This clubhouse and band of enforcers protect the cave and the source of the primordial magick that keeps this part of the human realm alive and functioning. It simply cannot fall into the wrong hands. We got lucky last time, and there’s no way we will trust in luck to keep the source safe in the future.
At the beginning of the attack by the Ghouls and Blood Wraiths, my leader, Blood, and I realized that BonFreete used the blood of one our brethren to get through the protections surrounding our clubhouse. It turns out that fucking Writhe wasn’t just on the edge of turning rogue, the fucker had been in league with those warped flesh eaters from the very beginning. In fact, it was later discovered that BonFreete had sleeper Ghouls working for him in nearly every single group of enforcers on the mortal plane. BonFreete and the freak demi-goddess Anteria, of the Blood Wraith empire, had a detailed and likely effective plan in place to take over this entire realm. Had BonFreete not foolishly insisted on being in the middle of the battle a year ago, their plan might have succeeded.
Jenniene, my mate, was the one who figured out that BonFreete was the key to it all. When she told me to take him down, we broke his hold over the humans he had converted to Ghoul. Once I ripped that fucker’s head from his body, every single Ghoul under his command, here and across the human realm, dropped dead on the spot. My own precious Jenniene only survived because I fed her my blood before taking that fucker’s head. My bond was strong enough to nullify the magickal infection spread by BonFreete’s minions.
Other magickly infected Ghouls did not fare so well. Immortal enforcers around the world had one helluva time explaining all the dead humans when those dead Ghouls instantly reverted back to their natural forms. But thankfully, the magick that allowed BonFreete and his minions to make more Ghouls with just a bite seems to have died with him. We have searched every Ghoul settlement and stronghold since that night, and there’s no hint that such dark magick is still in use. The odd alliance between Ghouls and Blood Wraiths remains uncertain, however.
Apparently, at the same moment I removed BonFreete’s head, Breena and her mate, Damian, transported his co-conspirator from this plane to a holding cell in Airendell. The fate of Anteria, the Blood Wraith demi-goddess who assisted BonFreete, is still being decided by the UCI, United Council of Immortals.
I chuckle because I like Jenniene’s nickname for the esteemed council much better than the official moniker. She refers to them as the Unorganized Collection of Idiots. It is a fitting handle for that bunch of losers.
I finish the now-warm dregs of my beer and marvel at how different this All Hallows Eve has been from those of the past century or so. This year I had no reason to crawl into a bottle of rum and try to ignore the worlds around me. Nope. This year, I had a reason to be fully present in my own life. And that reason just wrapped her arms around my waist.
The feel of my female’s body pressed against mine and her delicious scent of wood smoke, sage, and magnolias wafting up to tantalize my senses puts a massive fucking smile on my face and an equally huge erection in my pants.
“Hey, sexy wolf, havin’ fun?” Her sweet voice, rich with the flavor of our former home, makes me turn to take her into my arms. I capture her sexy, ruby-red lips for a devouring kiss. I’m starving for this female. Her body, her mind, and her blood. She’s been so busy tonight, helping Blood host this shindig, that I have actually had very little time to spend with my mate. But now she’s back in my arms, and I have every intention of making up for lost time, beginning right now.
She finally pulls away from my dominating embrace to laugh happily up into my adoring gaze. “Patience, Joker-man. The night’s not over, yet.” I nod and throw an arm over her shoulder as we turn to watch the party winding down. The sight of so many of my MC brethren and fellow supes from the area enjoying the celebration with their new mates at their side fills me with hope for the future of the Tulsa Immortals. After several moments, Jenniene asks, “So, Joker-man, which did I turn out to be? A trick or a treat?”
I laugh so hard at her question that half of the party attendees turn to watch us. When I can finally speak, I turn my woman to face me. I cup her lovely face between my massive, work-roughened hands to stare into her gorgeous eyes.
Surely she knows what a blessing her return to my life has been? She can’t harbor any doubts about us, can she? But I as I watch her carefully, I realize she is busting to share a secret. Her question was simply a prelude to sharing her news… whatever it might be. I have my suspicions, my hopes…but I need to hear it from her own precious lips.
I lean down to kiss her tenderly and whisper, “Mon Coeur, every moment in your company is always a treat.” And that’s the gods’ honest truth. We’ve spent one helluva year, dividing our time between Tulsa and New Awlins. Doing our best to protect both of the places we call home.
She giggles and kisses me back with all the unrestrained passion we share for each other. When she breaks the kiss, she whispers, “Before I translocate us to our bed back at Haven House, I have some news.” I grin happily and wait… not so patiently. With a smirk, she drawls her news with the thickest Cajun patois she can manage. “You is gonna be a daddy!”
I was expecting this news, and I know my smile must reveal my joy. Upon seeing my face, Jenniene’s delighted squeal attracts the attention of everyone here, and a loud cheer of celebration goes up and nearly drowns out my jubilant howl.
I kiss my female again before turning to face my friends and brethren. “You fuckers hear dat? I’m gonna be a Daddy!”
THE END… for now
About the Author
THANK YOU for reading! I hope you’ve enjoyed Joker’s & Jenniene’s sexy All Hallows Eve adventure and will take a moment to leave a review upon finishing the book! Look for more about the sexy waitress and Norse enforcer in GIN & WRATH – coming Oct 2016.
Audra Hart is a southern gal with plenty of life experience, which has lent itself to a colorful and somewhat naughty imagination. An avid reader from a very young age who enjoys a wide array of genres, Audra truly loves to read and write sexy paranormal romance novels
and strives to write romantic tales which are so exciting, so hot and so moving that her readers can gleefully escape their daily concerns while immersed in her fictional universe. As a lifelong fan of the Happily Ever After, Audra strives to give her readers true moments of joy within the pages of her books.
If you enjoy paranormal romance loaded with tons of action, in and out of the bedroom, as well as a fresh twist on mythology and folklore, then Audra Hart is the author for you. The heroines in these stories are always strong and sensual survivors who find themselves bonded to powerful and sexy alpha-male heroes. If you enjoy well-developed characters, intricate plots, and surprising twists... check out these stories! All of Audra's novels are written to be enjoyed by adults only.
CONNECT WITH AUDRA HART:
FB AUTHOR PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/AudraHartWritesRomance
AUDRA’S EMAIL: [email protected]
Also By Audra Hart
Sexy Supernatural Thrillers with FANGS & CLAWS… The Wolf Diaries, Henderson Pack is the latest series by Audra Hart. A sizzlin' hot series with exciting romances, enticing paranormal beings, a bit of humor & snark, tons of sizzle and fast paced action that engage the reader’s emotions from the very beginning!
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COMING SOON… Diana’s Deuce, a sizzlin’ ménage romance set in the Henderson Pack.
The Beast Realm Chronicles trilogy is a truly hot paranormal series set in the same universe as the Tulsa Immortals. This exciting, romantic series is filled with dual-natured beings, hot D/s sex, commitment, betrayal, loss, and triumph. Begin your amazing journey through the Beast Realm with…
Mara’s Homecoming
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Cameron’s Rescue
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The Airendell Chronicles trilogy. This trilogy is set in the same universe as Audra’s Tulsa Immortals series and features Spell Weavers, Vampires, Gods & Demi-gods, Shifters, and a wide array of other magickal beings. Join Morna and Lucian Michaels as they overcome a centuries-old curse that has separated them through a cycle of heartbreaking reincarnation. After centuries of repeatedly searching for his lost love, only to lose her all over again to death, our heroes have finally broken the curse but discover that fate has many more challenges in store…
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The Haunted Mate by Bryce Evans
With her world blowing up around her, Bloom Scott is feeling lost. She has no job, family, or future…until a strange letter arrives from a place called Mystery. Could she really be the beneficiary of a will from a grandmother she’s never known?
Freeman Butler has no desire to share his family's legacy with a woman he's never met, much less a human who doesn't know anything about shifters. Surviving a year without giving into his desire for the sweet smelling Bloom will be anything but easy, but he’s determined to keep what’s his.
Surrounded by strange people who believe in strange things, and spirits that seem to have it in for her, Bloom might just lose her mind before the year is up.
I would like to acknowledge my mom, who passed away a few years ago; she told me to follow my dreams and never allow anyone to tell me I couldn’t achieve them.
Thanks to the love of my life, John, for making me a place to write and even taking up the slack when I was typing away in my own world. You helped to make my dream come true. It may be a small table in the corner, but it’s my corner of make believe, where dreams do come true.
Thanks to my beautiful kids, who keep me grounded and drive me crazy at the same time. I love you all.
Thanks to Janka Dustan who agreed to be my PA and tells me now what to do and when to do it. We have been figuring it out and having a great time at it. Thanks, Janka.
Thanks to my Beta Readers: Janka Dustan and Mary Durham.
A SPECIAL THANKS to the REBELS. You know who you are.
It’s a long road, but it’s worth it! We did it!!!!!! And now we are making it a reality.
Please be kind and leave a review on the site you purchased the book from.
1
Bloom Scott stood at her front door in disbelief. She rubbed her forearms, trying to stop the chill that crept up her arm. “Can you say it again?”
“You’ve been evicted.” The sheriff’s deputy pointed at the paperwork. “Look, I’m trying to be nice here and let you get your stuff out. Ignoring this won’t make it go away, Ms. Scott. I’m giving you two hours to get moved out, or the owner is locking you out.
Sitting down hard in her chair, Bloom still couldn’t believe it. She thought about asking the deputy to say it again, but she’d heard what he said. She had hoped that she would find another job before her time was up, but she couldn’t find anything that made enough money. She was four months behind already, and her landlord had given her a generous amount of time to move out after filing the eviction notice three months before. Unfortunately, her time was now up. She’d kept wishing that this would just go away. Fat chance. She was now homeless and unemployed. How did she go from having a job, to getting laid off, to sitting at her kitchen table hearing that she had only two hours to get as much stuff loaded in her car before they locked her out?
“I’m looking for…I have a letter that needs to be signed for a…” Bloom and the deputy watched as the kid in tight biking shorts looked down at the piece of paper. “I have a certified letter for Bloom Scott.”
The police officer pointed at her. “That’s her.”
“What now?” Bloom muttered.
The kid laughed. “Hey are we on Cops?” The kid looked around her house, looking for a camera.
“Dear God, please help me,” Bloom muttered. When the kid smiled in the mirror like it was a two-way mirror, she had enough. “We’re not on a TV show and no, you’re not on Cops. Give me the damn letter.” The kid smiled and winked at her, then looked back at the mirror. “You’ve got to be kidding me. Can this day get any worse?”
“Is she going to jail?” the kid asked, still holding the certified letter.
“Hey, kid, give her the letter and get out of here,” the deputy said, shaking his head, and sat down at the table.
“Sure, officer.” Finally, the kid pulled out his phone. “Sign here.” Technology! Bloom signed her name and the kid handed her the letter. She glanced up and the kid had stopped and was staring at himself in the mirror again. “That’s so cool.”
They watched the kid for a good minute before Bloom glanced over at the officer who had his hand propped up on the table holding his head up. “Thank God there are stupid people out there. It makes my job a hell of a lot easier.” She could only nod because he was right…but at least he had a job. They both sat and watched the kid smile then turn to the side and smile again. Remembering why he was here, Bloom glanced down at the letter. It had a return address of a law firm in Mystery, Tennessee. She didn’t think she knew anyone who lived down south. Then it hit her—her dad’s family was from Tennessee. In fact, her grandmother was from a small town there.
She opened the letter and started reading,
“Dear Ms. Scott,
I’m writing this letter to inform you that your grandmother, Rose Scott, has passed away, and you were named as the beneficiary of her estate. I’m sorry for your loss. Her Last Will and Testament will be read on Tuesday, May 31, 2016. We look forward to meeting you.
Sincerely,
Jacob Weber”
This was it. A chance for something different. She had lived in Chicago all her life, and it had been a great life up until her parents were both killed in an auto accident. Then her life went to hell in a hand basket, and she still found it hard to believe how much had changed in such
a short amount of time. She’d had to drop out of college to pay for the little house she’d lived in with her parents. Her mom and dad hadn’t had much, but she thought the house belonged to them. It didn’t, and what she found after their death was a pile of bills. They had hidden so much from her. They took out loans to pay for her college and never even told her. She thought they had a college fund set up for her. Boy, was she wrong. Bloom glanced up at the sheriff’s deputy. “I think my luck just got better.”
Before the deputy could respond, Bloom jumped up and headed to her bedroom to pack. Whatever Rose Scott had, maybe she could sell it so she could have some money for a place to stay. The eight hundred dollars she had in her bank account wasn’t going to last long. Her rent here in Chicago was twenty-five hundred dollars, and that was low for living in the city. Bloom looked around her bedroom, deciding to take only what her car could carry and abandon the rest.
* * *
Bloom laughed when she saw the city limits sign. “Welcome to Mystery, Tennessee, where ghosts and goblins live and roam.” She glanced at her phone again and followed the map directions. Driving for a few miles, she started to see lights and buildings. She figured she was getting to the downtown area, and not a moment too soon. The scent from the radiator hit her nose just before smoke billowed out from under the hood of her car.
She pulled into the only parking space left. She thought it was just a little smoke, but that was an understatement, as the smoke seemed to grow in size. The car looked like it was on fire. People were standing on the sidewalks pointing. Some even had their hands to their mouths, like the car was in flames. It took her a few seconds to realize that someone was knocking on her window. When she looked up, she just stared at the most stunning hazel eyes she’d ever seen. They sparkled in shades of blue, green, and light brown. She strained to look further. His eyes seemed to be changing colors. He was mouthing something to her, but she couldn’t hear him.
