Blog Tour!!! Crave Me-- M. Robinson!!!

BLOG TOUR

CRAVE ME

BESTSELLING AUTHOR M. ROBINSON

COVER MODEL MITCH MCKERSIE

COVER DESIGN THE FINAL WRAP

RELEASE MAY 10^TH

They say in order to find yourself you have to go home.

What if home was what you're running from?

Where did that leave you?

Always on the other side of the fence.

Always looking in.

Always wishing you were someone you couldn't be.

Until one day you meet her.

The one.

She was my high, but she was also...

My demise.

MY REVIEW FOR CRAVE ME:

There are some stories, in some books, that you'll be able to prepare yourself for. Sometimes. I usually don't come across those too often. Case in point- this one. There was no way for me to prepare for the brokenness I would feel after seeing Austin's life bleed out page by page. This beautiful boy, who we had all fallen in love with in all three prior books, was so lost, so damaged, so irreprably broken. We had no idea that darkness that e held inside. The demons he was facing. We knew nothing.

As much as I thought Monica killed me with every other couple's story- she stayed me with Austin and Briggs. I thought nothing could be worse than Dylan and Aubrey, and the horrors that befell them. I thought wrong. I was too naive to think that Austin and Briggs would have it better. Their path was so much darker, so much more violent, more criminal, more life altering than anyone else's. Yet, through it all, they prevailed. A love that should've never had a fighting chance, made it. And then, time and time again- they crushed that love and slaughtered any shred of happiness they could've possibly shared. 

There were so many times that any reader would've looked at the two of them and wondered- why they didn't stop tormenting each other? How could they continue to blatantly hurt the other so callously? The answer- the craving. Their craving for each other, their craving for the love they shared, the craving for the pain they caused each other, and they craving for the solace they brough to one another's bleak existence. The craving.

The horrors of both of their lives, both individually and jointly, are not for the faint of heart. They see things, do things, live things- that no one should have to. It wears them down, it breaks them. So many times does it break them, that you'll come to hate the phrase "I'm sorry" when it comes from Austin's lips. You'll hate him. You'll hate her. You'll hate the whole damn world and how unfair it is. But you will love this damn story. You will love every raw emotion that it envokes, every angry curse you mutter, every tear you shed- every word you read. You will love it. It's the perfect end for the good 'ol boys, and the best beginning for something new. Get ready- it's a damn bumpy ride.

Colors blended together making it hard to focus on one thing. I blinked a few times and just like that…

I saw her face.

As if she was standing right in front of me.

Smiling.

Happy.

Laughing.

My whole world…

My girl.

I felt my lips curl up slightly at the vision as I reached out for her. Wanting to touch her, needing to hold her, yearning to kiss her. Craving, God, craving to fucking love her.

“I’m sorry,” I murmured out loud to no one but the illusion of my drug-infested mind. “I’m so fucking sorry,” I repeated repentantly, longing for her to believe me.

Aching for her to love me again like she used to.

I don’t know how long I sat there, staring at her beautiful face before my eyes, subconsciously rubbing the tattooed key that was placed over my heart. I couldn’t take it anymore, and the desire won over the haze.

It was too powerful.

It was too vivid.

I grabbed my phone. “Baby,” I said into the speaker. The ringing quickly followed, going straight to voicemail. I hung up and tried again. “Baby,” I urged with desperation in my tone.

Still nothing.

I tried again and again and again.

I would try until the end of time if that’s what it took for her to answer.

To talk to me.

To save me.

To crave me.

Time just seemed to standstill, as my life slowly played out in front of me. Trying to balance in between the light and the darkness when all I could see was gray.

“What?!” she screamed into the phone, finally answering after I don’t know how many failed attempts. “What the hell do you want now?”

“Mi cielo.” I breathed a sigh of relief.

She ignored my term of endearment. I hadn’t called her that in such a long time.

My heaven.

“What do you want, Austin? Why are you calling me? We’re over! I can’t do this anymore!”  

I shut my eyes and let my mind wonder, allowing it to go to another place in time where she didn’t hate me.

“I remember the first time I made you smile,” I chuckled, as if it had just happened.

My nerves were on fire. The mere sound of her breathing through the phone was too intense for me. I licked my lips, my mouth suddenly dry.

“I remember when you used to smile just for me. Do you remember, baby? Do you remember what my love feels like?”

I heard her faintly breathing.

“Do you remember my hands on you? My lips? My tongue? The first time I made you come with my mouth? Do you remember all the times since? Tell me I’m not forgotten. Tell me you remember, baby.”

Silence.

“I love you, Briggs. I love you so fucking much. You’re killing me, don’t you see that? I’m dying without you.”

“No, Austin. You were dying with me,” she rasped, knowing that it killed her to say that.

“The first time I saw your face, I thought to myself, damn, this beautiful girl is goin’ to be the death of me. You were perfect in every way. I was a cocky son of a bitch who needed you then, as much as I need you now.” 

More silence.

“I had a dream about you, baby. I always fucking dream about you. In my dream you had a ring on your finger. A ring I put there. You belonged to me. Only mine. Forever fucking mine. You were pregnant, Briggs. You looked so goddamn happy. I saw light at the end of the tunnel for the first time in years.”

She sniffled into the phone.

“I made love to you. Slow, just the way you love. Taking my time to touch every last inch of your body. Memorizing every last bit of you. Making you come until you begged me to stop. I didn’t.”

“I can’t—” she tried to interject, but I didn’t let up.

“I kissed your stomach. Our baby. Letting my lips linger there, whispering sweet lullabies, letting her know daddy will always be there. Baby, it was so real. For a second I gave you the one thing you so desperately wanted, the one thing I can’t give you.”

CRAVE ME PLAYLIST ON SPOTIFY

AMAZON US / AMAZON UK / AMAZON CA / AMAZON AU

READ THE PROLOGUE FOR FREE

CLICK HERE

Have you met the other Good Ol’ Boys?

All can be read as standalone books

➸Complicate Me

Amazon US

➸Forbid Me

Amazon US

➸Undo Me

Amazon US

➸Crave Me

Amazon US

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Exclusive content and giveaways!

USA TODAY Bestselling author of The VIP Trilogy, Tempting Bad, Two Sides Gianna, and The Good Ol' Boys series. M. Robinson loves to read. She favors anything that has angst, romance, triangles, cheating, love, and of course sex! She has been reading since the Babysitters Club and R.L. Stein. She was born in New Jersey but was raised in Tampa Fl. She is married to an amazing man who she loves to pieces. They have two German Shepherd mixes and a Tabby cat.

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New Release!!! Empire-- Rachel Van Dyken!!!

 

Heck yes, this bad boy is LIVE!!!!!

   

I have lost everything. My purpose My love My soul Death knocks on my door, I want to answer, but every time I reach for the handle -- the promise I made her brings me back. So I breathe. I live. I hate. And I allow the anger to oil beneath the surface of a perfectly indifferent facade. I am broken, I don't want to be fixed. But the Empire is crumbling and it's my job to fix it. My job to mend the pieces that were scattered over thirty years ago. A trip to New York, only one chance to redeem a lost part of our mafia family. The only issue is, the only way to fix it, is to do something I swore I'd never do again. An arranged marriage. Only this time. I won't fall. Or so help me God, I will kill her myself. My name is Sergio Abandonoto, you think you know my pain, my suffering, my anger, my hate? You have no idea. I am the mafia. I am the darkness. Blood in. No out.

AMAZON US / AMAZON UK / AMAZON AU / AMAZON CA / B&N / iBOOKS / KOBO

     

EXCERPT

Sergio looked ready to strangle me. “No. I don’t believe I asked for an annoying little sister, but if that’s what you’re offering, please don’t let me stop you. Just know, I won’t hesitate to put you over my knee if you get out of hand.” The minute the words left his mouth. I froze. He froze. The taxi driver stared little laser like holes into the rearview mirror. And Sergio leaned toward me. I swallowed as tension swirled around us. He gripped me by the chin and turned my head to the side, his lips brushing my ear. “It’s like you have a death wish.” “You wouldn’t do it.” He pulled back as both of his eyebrows shot up, and then he looked down, like he had spotted something. I followed the direction of his gaze and let out a little gasp as a gun dug into my stomach. “It’s been directed at you for the last four minutes,” Sergio said through a practiced smile. “I meant what I said. Listen well. I keep my word. Kiss me, and blood will be spilled.” “Y-you’re a crazy person!” I hissed, shoving at his chest. “And I wasn’t going to kiss you!” “Sure you weren’t.” He put the gun away. “Good talk though, right? Oh look, the movie theater.” To say that I scrambled out of the car like a kid running away from her kidnapper would be a gross understatement, but the minute my feet hit the pavement, I paused. My body told me to run. The guy had pulled a gun. On me. I didn’t even watch violent movies.  

Get the beginning of Sergio's story in Elude

Twenty-Four hours before were were to be married--I offered to shoot her. Ten hours before our wedding--I made a mockery of her dying wish. Five hours before we were going to say our vows--I promised I'd never love her. One hour before I said I do--I vowed I'd never shed a tear over her death. But the minute we were pronounced man and wife--I knew. I'd only use my gun to protect her. I'd give my life for hers. I'd cry. And I would, most definitely, lose my heart, to a dying girl--a girl who by all accounts should have never been mine in the first place. I always believed the mafia would be my end game--where I'd lose my heart, while it claimed my soul. I could have never imagined. It would be my redemption. Or the beginning of something beautiful. The beginning of her. The end of us.

AMAZON / iBOOKS / NOOK

   

Rachel Van Dyken is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author of regency and contemporary romances. When she's not writing you can find her drinking coffee at Starbucks and plotting her next book while watching The Bachelor. She keeps her home in Idaho with her Husband, adorable son, and two snoring boxers! She loves to hear from readers! You can connect with her on Facebook www.facebook.com/rachelvandyken or join her fan group Rachel's New Rockin Readers.

Her website is www.rachelvandykenauthor.com.

FACEBOOK / TWITTER / GOODREADS / AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE / NEWSLETTER

Blog Tour!!! Empire-- Rachel Van Dyken!!!

Finally, to see Sergio get some peace and happiness in his world! What an amazing feeling. This was one of my most anticipated books of the series, given how we left Sergio before, and the shockers that were previously revealed.

I was so incredibly nervous going into this one, because I knew that Rachel could take it either way. Good or incredibly, incredibly bad. While I wanted to see only good things come for these two, both the broken man and the innocent daughter of a legend, I could never have imagined the beauty that Rachel brought forth. The tears that streamed as I read this one were plenty, maybe more than any other book in the series. The memories that Sergio had to endure- the pain, the love- it was heart breakingly poignant.

For Val, her journey was more of one of self-discovery than anything. She had to come to terms with her past, her legacy, and most importantly- her future. Hers may have been the hardest journey of all. While at least Sergio had been in the life for his entire existence- Val had not. She was blind going in. Her pain was from living her new future, while Sergio’s was from living his past, while trying to allow himself to have a future at all.

And let’s not forget Andi. God, Andi. The most brilliant character that Rachel may have ever written lived in that beautiful soul. The love that she had for the special people in her life, the selflessness, the gift that she gave Sergio- there is simply nothing in comparison to that.

I adored the epilogue, both getting to see another glimpse of the gang a bit down the road, and seeing Sergio wear yet another of his many hats. The man is truly one of many talents!!

Rachel has outdone herself with Empire, and will I look forward to Enrage (Dante’s story), it still scares the bejeesus out of me, knowing that at any moment things could turn bad for this family that I have come to love so much. However, nothing could keep me from seeing this series through to the end. It is one of my all-time favorites, hands down. And, Empire has only added to that.

5 HUGE STARS!!!!!

I have lost everything. My purpose My love My soul Death knocks on my door, I want to answer, but every time I reach for the handle -- the promise I made her brings me back. So I breathe. I live. I hate. And I allow the anger to oil beneath the surface of a perfectly indifferent facade. I am broken, I don't want to be fixed. But the Empire is crumbling and it's my job to fix it. My job to mend the pieces that were scattered over thirty years ago. A trip to New York, only one chance to redeem a lost part of our mafia family. The only issue is, the only way to fix it, is to do something I swore I'd never do again. An arranged marriage. Only this time. I won't fall. Or so help me God, I will kill her myself. My name is Sergio Abandonoto, you think you know my pain, my suffering, my anger, my hate? You have no idea. I am the mafia. I am the darkness. Blood in. No out.

AMAZON US / AMAZON UK / AMAZON AU / AMAZON CA / B&N / iBOOKS / KOBO

     

EXCERPT

Sergio looked ready to strangle me. “No. I don’t believe I asked for an annoying little sister, but if that’s what you’re offering, please don’t let me stop you. Just know, I won’t hesitate to put you over my knee if you get out of hand.” The minute the words left his mouth. I froze. He froze. The taxi driver stared little laser like holes into the rearview mirror. And Sergio leaned toward me. I swallowed as tension swirled around us. He gripped me by the chin and turned my head to the side, his lips brushing my ear. “It’s like you have a death wish.” “You wouldn’t do it.” He pulled back as both of his eyebrows shot up, and then he looked down, like he had spotted something. I followed the direction of his gaze and let out a little gasp as a gun dug into my stomach. “It’s been directed at you for the last four minutes,” Sergio said through a practiced smile. “I meant what I said. Listen well. I keep my word. Kiss me, and blood will be spilled.” “Y-you’re a crazy person!” I hissed, shoving at his chest. “And I wasn’t going to kiss you!” “Sure you weren’t.” He put the gun away. “Good talk though, right? Oh look, the movie theater.” To say that I scrambled out of the car like a kid running away from her kidnapper would be a gross understatement, but the minute my feet hit the pavement, I paused. My body told me to run. The guy had pulled a gun. On me. I didn’t even watch violent movies.  

Get the beginning of Sergio's story in Elude

 

Twenty-Four hours before were were to be married--I offered to shoot her. Ten hours before our wedding--I made a mockery of her dying wish. Five hours before we were going to say our vows--I promised I'd never love her. One hour before I said I do--I vowed I'd never shed a tear over her death. But the minute we were pronounced man and wife--I knew. I'd only use my gun to protect her. I'd give my life for hers. I'd cry. And I would, most definitely, lose my heart, to a dying girl--a girl who by all accounts should have never been mine in the first place. I always believed the mafia would be my end game--where I'd lose my heart, while it claimed my soul. I could have never imagined. It would be my redemption. Or the beginning of something beautiful. The beginning of her. The end of us.

AMAZON / iBOOKS / NOOK

   

Rachel Van Dyken is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author of regency and contemporary romances. When she's not writing you can find her drinking coffee at Starbucks and plotting her next book while watching The Bachelor. She keeps her home in Idaho with her Husband, adorable son, and two snoring boxers! She loves to hear from readers! You can connect with her on Facebook www.facebook.com/rachelvandyken or join her fan group Rachel's New Rockin Readers.

Her website is www.rachelvandykenauthor.com.

FACEBOOK / TWITTER / GOODREADS / AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE / NEWSLETTER

Blog Tour Review!!! Until June-- Aurora Rose Reynolds!!!

Get ready for the BOOM guys!! Cause Aurora has delivered one hell of one for this book. June and Evan- OMG! Just, wow.

From the very first page, you are hooked. Immediately, the story of the pain that lies in June Mayson begs to be unraveled. Because you know that there is one heck of a story when it comes to the love of any Mayson- either male or female. It is what we have come to associate with this family. They love, and they love freaking hard.

June Mayson is no exception. Because her BOOM came in the form of Evan. It, like every other Mayson, was immediate and life altering. She knew it for what it was. Apparently, Evan did as well, because he wasted no time in making June his. Legally. Unbeknownst to her entire family. Yeah, remember that family that is super-duper close and all up in each other’s business? They had no clue that their girl had gotten her BOOM, and had started a life with him. All because June wanted to wait to tell them. She decided to wait to explain things after Ev left for basic training for the Marines.

Little did she know that soon after, she would receive divorce papers, and would make the decision to keep her secret- forever.

Fast forward a few years, and June’s BOOM comes back. To protect her. To love her. To claim her. Again. And this time, Evan is determined not to let his girl go. Ever.

As you can imagine, June’s walls are stronger than Fort Knox, and Evan has one hell of a fight on his hands. Good thing he was a Marine. However, in order for these two to finally fight for their HEA, they have to deal with their demons first. And my, oh my, does Evan have demons. From his craptastic family, to the horrors that he experienced in Afghanistan, to now dealing with the man that refuses to let June go- Evan is dealt more crap than most. The fact that he is able to deal with it, all while standing up to Papa Bear Asher Mayson, makes him the perfect man for his June, in my eyes.

Just as with every Mayson love, Aurora pushes the feels right to the surface on every page that she writes. You experience every emotion with these two, you laugh with them, cry with them- even want to shake the crap out of both of them when they grate on your nerves. That’s how great Aurora’s work is- she makes us feel. Everything. But most of all, you feel the love. The love of the Mayson men and women, and the love of family. If anything else, this series (and the Until series prior), symbolizes family. And that, is by far, the greatest love of all.

The Boom is real!

Meet June & Evan in Until June !

Now available!

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1T8B4ns

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1TRbaVd 

iBooks: http://apple.co/1rZwlt2

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1QNOL4n

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1sH7ivA

 Blurb

June Mayson and Evan Barrister’s whirlwind courtship resulted in a secret marriage right before he left for boot camp. Evan knows deep in his gut that June is too good for him, but after getting a taste of the beautiful life they can have together, he’s unwilling to let her go. June promises to wait for him, knowing neither time or distance will ever change her feelings for Evan—that is until she’s served with divorce papers while he’s overseas and she’s forced to let him go.

Her marriage and divorce a well-kept secret, the last person June expects to run into when she moves back to her hometown is Evan. Angry over the past, she does everything within her power to ignore the pull she feels whenever he is near. But how can she ignore the pain she sees every time their eyes meet? How can she fight the need to soothe him even if she knows she’s liable to get hurt once again?

Is it possible for June and Evan to find their way back to each other again? Or will they be stopped by an outside force before they ever have a shot?

Excerpt 1

Seeing Evan again is taking a toll on me, I can’t sleep and my mind is in a constant state of turmoil. I wake up in the middle of the night from dreams of us. The memories of him, of us are too much. Some memories have the ability to heal. The ability to light up the dark because the beauty of the memory is so bright you’re still able to bask in it.

But the memories of us are killing me slowly. They remind me that for one moment I had everything while reminding me it’s gone. It’s the realization that we’re done that’s killing me. The realization that I can see him but can’t touch him that he exist but he’s not mine is agonizing.

Excerpt 2

He’s beautiful his body is a work of art I want to touch him, I want to know what It feels like to have his bearded face against my delicate skin, I want to know if the rough edges I now see are smooth to the touch.

“June.” My name in his course tone gets my attention but when our eyes meet its not anger he’s looking at me with, its raw, powerful, hungry possessiveness.

Book Trailer

*

About the Author:

Aurora Rose Reynolds is a navy brat who's husband served in the United States Navy. She has lived all over the country but now resides in New York City with her Husband and pet fish. She's married to an alpha male that loves her as much as the men in her books love their women. He gives her over the top inspiration everyday. In her free time she reads, writes and enjoys going to the movies with her husband and cookie. She also enjoys taking mini weekend vacations to nowhere, or spends time at home with friends and family. Last but not least she appreciates everyday and admires it's beauty.

Website: http://aurorarosereynolds.com/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Aurora-Rose-Reynolds

Twitter: https://twitter.com/auroraroseR

Goodreads:  http://bit.ly/1pzLVIO

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/creynoldsauthor/

New Release!!! Finding Snow-- Alexa Riley!!!

 

Oh Koda, how do I love thee..... I could shout it from the rooftops how much I adore these shifter men!! I mean seriously, how can you not fall head over heels for these hotties? Especially when they come from the mind of Alexa Riley?

The instant attraction, heck, even love that happens when any of her men lay eyes on their ladies- god, it makes me melt. It is truly what every woman craves. And it is no different for Koda when he finds Snow in the forest. 

Quite literally happening upon his mate while out on a nature stroll was the last thing Koda expected, but finding out that she was human- the very species that tormented him for years- was almost more than he could take. That one thing ripped his heart to pieces, no matter how much he wanted Snow, he was consumed with worry that he would resent her for what she was. Little did he know, Snow had her own secrets. Secrets that could shatter the life that they were trying to build together.

My heart broke for both of them when all was revealed, because I could clearly see why each would think the other wouldn't want them. I knew that there was that possibility that the pain that had been caused to each of them could be too great to overcome, given the newness of the love they had found. But, I was happy to see that, like always with AR's books, they got their HEA. 

We also get plenty of page time with the other residents of Gray Ridge, as well as the newly introduced Denali brothers, which I can only hope get some books very soon!!! Kudos AR on another fab release!! 5 stars!!!

 

Amazon US Amazon UK Amazon CA Amazon AU

 

 

 

Koda's found his sister, Winnie, and now he's made a life for himself in Gray Ridge, Colorado. As a bear shifter, he's naturally a loner, and with so few females around, he's resigned to never finding his mate. But when he stumbles upon a woman in the woods, his whole world changes.

 

Snow's been on the run and has made a makeshift family with a band of seven wanderers. While resting in the woods and waiting for them to come back, something big finds her.

 

When Koda and Snow collide, they realize their stories are woven together more tightly than they could have imagined. Will the truth break their mates bond? Or will it bind them closer together?

 

Warning: This fairy-tale shifter story is full of alpha sweetness with a side of growly bear. What's not to love?! If you love a classic story with a dirty twist, then get your click on!

 

 

(A taste)

It’s still dark when I wake up with a jolt, the cold sweat covering my naked body. It takes me a moment, like it always does, to remember where I am and that I’m safe. The seconds tick by, and my breathing evens out. Rubbing my hands against my eyes, I remind myself that I’m not in a cage.

I give up on sleep and get up from the bed. I make my way to the bathroom, turn on the shower, and get in before the water has a chance to warm up. I’m used to cold showers after being denied the luxury of hot water for so long and then having to bathe in rivers when I escaped.

I soap up and try not to think about my past, but it always comes flooding back after a nightmare. I can’t seem to stop it, so I just have to ride it out until all the feelings pass. This dream was like so many before, most of it exactly the same, but sometimes my mind likes to add in details that weren’t there, just to fuck with me.

This time when I was dreaming, I was in the cage again. The one they kept me locked in unless they were running tests. They had a theory that if shifters were kept in small places, they would be less likely, or unable, to shift.

In this dream, I was in the cage, and I could hear Winnie crying. I know this didn’t happen because Winnie was never captured with me. She got away. I always have to remind myself of that. We were young when we were caught, but she fought and was able to get free. I was too drugged up to know what happened, and all I could remember was waking up in a cell without her.

I'd learned over the years that we were taken by a company that was doing research on shifters. They kept us as if we were animals in a lab. It was a horrible time in my life, and ever since I broke free, my only goal was finding my sister. When I found her, it was only to see that she had amnesia and was being cared for here in Gray Ridge. Winnie had gotten lucky, and Alpha Stone had taken her into the pack and kept her safe. When I found her, and when her memories came back, I felt like my journey had finally come to an end.

Only it didn’t.

I’m a bear shifter, and there aren’t as many of us as there are of other species. Even fewer bear shifter females exist. When Winnie mated with Alpha Stone, I could have left, but I didn’t want to. Bears aren’t normally pack animals, but they are close to their families. I couldn’t move away from Winnie after finally finding her, even though she was mated.

Thankfully, Alpha Stone welcomed me into the pack and gave me some land. Xavier, one of the wolf shifters, and I built my cabin out here to give me some space away from the pack and also to have a way to stay close to Winnie.

I’d been in captivity for so long that I was worried I wouldn’t be able to adjust to pack life. But Xavier had gone through some trauma before he met his mate, and he was able to give me some advice to help me cope.

When we built the house, he helped me put in extra security measures so that I could feel safe again. My nightmares used to be a lot worse, and I think he knew it. So to help, we installed bolted locks both inside and outside the entry points of the house. The locks are in place in a way that no one is going in or out of my home without my permission. The extra security helps me sleep. As long as the nightmares don’t creep in.

When I’ve finished showering, I make myself breakfast and have coffee. My life is very quiet, and I don’t have many friends—just the Gray Ridge pack people who Winnie makes me hang out with. I look over at the counter and see an invitation to a kid’s birthday party at Xavier and Gwen’s home. I know I should want to go and be around everyone, but I feel myself getting tired and wanting to hibernate.

I let out a long sigh and try to shake off the dark mood. Internally, I know that I’m safe and everything is okay. I’m just getting used to the world again. Also being around a lot of happy mated couples can start to wear on any single shifter after a while. There’s a longing that comes with wanting to find your mate, and knowing I probably never will sends another wave of sadness over me.

Closing my eyes, I see dark hair and blue eyes. I try to grab on to the image, but it’s gone like smoke through my fingers. I think of the image every time I think about finding my mate. I don’t even know where the image is from or how I remember it, but something about it is familiar.

I push away from the table and clean up the kitchen. When I finish, I look outside. The sun has come up and it’s starting to snow a bit. I love this time of year. The cool air and the clean smells of the forest calm my bear. I feel him stir inside me, and I decide he could use a walk in the woods.

Bears aren’t much for running or spending energy when they don’t have to. Our shifters are usually really big and solidly built. I lost a lot of weight when I was being held captive, but in the time since, I’ve put on a lot of weight. It feels good to have the extra layers of thick muscle and even a little extra around my mid-section. We’re pretty hairy, too, and I definitely meet that type. My long beard and chest hair help keep me warm when it's cold out. So even though it’s snowing, I don’t need much coverage.

I’ve got on a long-sleeved, cream-colored thermal shirt and jeans. I go over to the door, pull on my boots, and then go about unlocking the door. I walk outside and turn, locking the cabin back up.

The woods are quiet, and my bear is enjoying the peace. He likes being outside, but a lot of times my fear overrides his need and we stay indoors. This is good for both of us, at least for a little while.

I walk for a few miles and come through the clearing next to the lake. I don’t usually venture to this side of the protected lands, but I just need a change today. New scenery. Something inside me is telling me this will be best for me and my bear. That we need a new direction and something different to see today.

Looking off in the distance, I see a dark figure on the ground. My bear is instantly alert, and I widen my stance, preparing for danger. I raise my nose, trying to catch a scent, but the wind is at my back. Slowly and silently, I walk around the edge of the lake, looking for danger from every direction.

My bear is pacing, trying to get out, but I want to be able to hold my skin. I’m always terrified that someone will try to take me again after getting captured the last time, so I’m being extra cautious.

I don’t know what possesses me to even want to investigate the dark figure. Normally, I would just turn and run. But something’s pulling me in that direction, and I need to see what it is.

As I step closer, I see the dark figure take shape. The scent still hasn’t come my way, but I can make out that it’s a person lying in the snow. My steps are tentative and slow, and I move closer and closer.

When I realize it’s a woman, my heart starts to beat faster and my steps quicken. What if she’s a shifter in trouble? I don’t know everyone in the pack yet, so this could be a member in distress.

Moving close, I see that her eyes are closed and she’s lying on her back with her arms outstretched. She must not have been here long because not much snow has fallen on her. It’s starting to come down heavier now, and she’s getting a small dusting on her face and body.

She’s got thick black hair and skin the color of cream. Her lips are blood red, and something inside of me is pulling me towards her. I can’t explain the force that makes me go to her, but something inside me knows that I must help her.

Something inside me needs to kiss her. Taste her… Brand her.

I kneel down beside her, and the sound wakes her. Her big eyes pop open, and the blue there strikes me right in the chest. Her eyes are the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen. I want to get lost in them and let them carry me away. There’s something about them that’s familiar and safe, but also terrifying and confusing.

A heartbeat passes between us, and for a second I’m pulled back in time to a place I thought I’d left. Fear grips me, but then the woman smiles up at me, and all of that melts away.

“Hi,” she whispers, and I light up at the word. I start to say something back, but at that moment her scent hits me, and I my throat nearly closes up.

She’s human.

Rage pulses through me, and I start to stand. I want to get away from this human as fast as I can, but suddenly I’m dizzy with need. I inhale again, and I feel my bear trying to take over. He’s clawing inside me to get out to roar, but I hold him tight, trying to catch my brain up to my body.

Mate, my bear growls over and over, and I realize that this human is my mate. A human. The one thing in this world that I not only fear but never want to be near again is my mate.

I growl long and low, but the human doesn’t look surprised. She sits up and pushes back from me, but I reach out, snatching her ankle before she can get away.

“Mine,” I say through gritted teeth. I didn’t want this, not like this. But my body has no choice.

“Let me go.” I look into her eyes to see panic there. “Don’t, please. My brothers will worry. I know what you are, please don’t do this.”

The plea for her family pulls at my heart. How many times had I begged to be let free to find my family? How many times had I begged for news of my sister? I feel sadness for her, but then it’s followed by anger. Her kind are the ones that kept me from Winnie. This human is my mate. I have every right to take her from her human people.

“You’re mine now,” I say, pulling her off the ground and throwing her over my shoulder.

“Please let me go. I swear I won’t come back. I’ll never tell anyone.”

As the snow comes down heavier and heavier, I carry her back to my cabin. Our tracks are covered and no one will be able to find us. I’m taking my mate home, and she will get used to it.

“You can’t do this. You can’t take me.” There is so much panic in her voice that I nearly stop and go back, not wanting to upset her.

“I will treat you kindly and no harm will ever come to you as long as I live.” I take a breath and keep walking. “It’s more than your kind ever gave me.”

 

 

 

 

 

Alexa Riley is two sassy friends who got together and wrote some dirty books. They are both married moms of two who love football, donuts, and obsessed book heroes.

They specialize in insta-love, over-the-top, sweet, and cheesy love stories that don’t take all year to read. If you want something SAFE, short, and always with a happily ever after, then Alexa Riley is for you!

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