Book #2 Guardians Series
Excerpt
Odage stood under the full moon; the desert wind blew
through his hair and grains of sand danced past his boots. Finally, he’d found
the other half of the amulet of Tobor.
“I am extremely pleased, Odage. You have done well and
will be rewarded. However, you know this journey has only begun,” a sinister
voice echoed through the night air.
“Yes, My Lord. I’m aware of what is to come next.” Odage
sneered. He knew the dark demon wanted the amulet. The harmless stone tucked in
his curled fingers would somehow open Hell’s Gate when combined with the blood
of a guardian’s mate. His master would then be set free to rain terror on the
earth’s occupants.
“Good. Then you will start preparations. I am most anxious
to leave this realm.”
“Of course, My Lord.” Odage shoved the amulet in his
pocket and headed toward Caleb’s tent. He wondered how the slave Lileta fared
with his second-in-command. He’d been surprised when Caleb had asked for the
slave himself. Odage planned to kill her for her betrayal but decided Caleb
deserved a gift so had agreed. He grinned, knowing the other Draki could be as
brutal as he was. She might die yet.
When he reached the tent, he flung open the door and
entered. Caleb sat at the table gnawing on a chicken bone. Odage’s gaze moved
across the room where Lileta was handcuffed to the bed. Her tight pink T-shirt
showed every curve, causing his desire to stir. She pinned him with a death
glare. It really was a shame their species were incompatible. She was a
beautiful female, with flowing raven hair, golden eyes, and hips that would fit
nicely in his grip. Fortunately for her, the gods saw fit to make her species,
the Kothar Demon, poisonous to a dragon.
Caleb rose. “My liege, how may I assist you?”
“Sit; finish your meal.”
Caleb took his seat. “May I offer you something? Wine?”
“Yes, a glass of wine is in order.” Odage waited while
Caleb got up and procured another glass, filled it halfway with the red liquid
then handed it to him. He raised it. “A toast.” Caleb extended his glass. “To
finding the amulet.” Odage pulled the red stone from his pocket and placed it
on the table.
“My liege, this is wonderful news. I know how long you’ve
been searching for it.” He leaned in closer. “What happens next? Do you sell it
to the highest bidder?”
Odage smirked. “Perhaps.” He would keep his master’s plans
close to his chest, not even Caleb would be entrusted with the information. “But
first, we must rid ourselves of the vampires. Prepare to burn down Vandeldor if
you must.”
Caleb tipped his head. “Wouldn’t it be wise to find their
queen’s murderer? I’d be honored to clear your name.”
Odage narrowed his gaze. “Fuck them. They dare accuse me,
Queen Daria’s closest ally, of killing her? You know as well as I that they
will never stop hunting me. Even if they were successful in catching me, they
wouldn’t stop there. They will massacre our race.”
“Perhaps, but we are stronger than they are.”
“Yes, but I fear they have the gods on their side.”
Caleb furrowed his brows then nodded. “As you wish then. I
will devise a plan to take them out.”
“Good, I knew I could count on you.” He raised his glass
again. “To the death of our enemies.”
* * * *
Lileta had listened to the conversation between Caleb and
Odage until she thought she would vomit. She despised them both and, if given a
chance, would rid the world of their stench. When Odage had finally exited
their domicile, her body relaxed slightly. She recalled Caleb’s earlier actions
and was dumbfounded by them. Why had he rescued her from the sure death Odage
would have meted out?
The Draki leader had tied her to a post and whipped her.
It was her punishment for freeing the guardian Marcus, who he’d held prisoner.
When she thought he would end her life, Caleb had stepped forward. It wasn’t
until later she learned he had requested her for himself. So here she was, in
his tent, cuffed to his bed.
She gazed at the Draki while he finished sucking the meat
off a drumstick. If circumstances were different, she would find the man
downright sexy. His tousled dark blond hair and eyes that went from brown to
green, depending on his mood, lent a sense of mystery to the dragon. Even his
scent made her skin tight. Leather with a tinge of spice tossed in for good
measure. When the goddess Qadira created the dragons, she had really outdone herself.
There had been a time when the Draki were allies with the
guardians. Something happened in the years that she’d been gone to change that.
The animosity between the species sickened her. Bile sat at the back of her
throat, but she forced it down. It didn’t matter how attractive this man was. They could never be. She was a Kothar
Demon and he a dragon. Everything about her was poison to his species.
Her chin lifted. “What do you intend to do with me?”
He looked up from the chunk of meat still left on his
plate. His gaze studied her and filled with lust. She was accustomed to the
reaction. Men found her species irresistible. It was why she’d been taken as a
teen so many years ago and sold into slavery. She despised all those who’d used
her.
“Whatever I fucking wish.” He went back to his meal.
“You know Odage lies to you.”
His lip curled into a snarl, and he tossed the bone to the
floor. “I could kill you for that comment.”
Her nostrils flared. “Do it. You don’t frighten me, I
welcome death,” she lied.
She would give anything to see her family one last time
and tell them all how much she loved them. She would die with honor, but if
ever the chance presented itself, she would fight.
Her body was tired, the only thing that kept her going
were the other women. The humans Odage used to birth his spawn. She’d already
lost Veronica, the first slave brought to her to care for. The woman had died
in childbirth. She needed to find a way to save the others and prayed to the
gods every day that Baal and Marcus would come.
“I think I’d rather watch you suffer than take the easy
way out.”
She curled her lip. “Odage killed Daria. He so much as
admitted it and has no intention of selling that amulet. He bargains with the
spawn of Hell, and only the gods know what they’re planning.”
Before she could exhale, he was in front of her, his
fingers wrapped around her throat.
“Why did you save me, dragon?” she whispered, watching his
eyes swirl. The green flecks came together and made the most beautiful emerald.
He released his grip and grabbed a lock of her hair. Letting it slide through
his fingers, he brought it to his nose. She held her breath and tried to steady
her heartbeat.
Why does he affect
me like this? I despise him.
She wanted to touch him in the most intimate way.
“I must protect you,” he whispered.
“What?” He must be
deranged. Why in the hell would he want to protect me? There had to be an
ulterior motive.
He let go of her hair, his eyes transformed back to brown,
he reached for the handcuff and unlocked it. “We will be leaving here at dawn.
Get some rest. Take the bed and don’t even think of trying to escape.” He stood
and walked toward the exit. “I’ll sleep outside,” he announced before he
disappeared out the door.
She rubbed her wrist, her brow creased in confusion. She
had no intention of escaping, knowing as long as she wore the silver bands he’d
find her. No, her only way out was to be rescued, or for Caleb to set her free.
She laughed; he wasn’t likely to let her go. She pulled the covers back and
crawled into bed, exhausted from trying to heal the wounds Odage had inflicted.
Virtual Book Tour - June 8 - July 5
June 8 - Reading Addiction Blog Tours - Kick Off
June 9 - Stand Up Date - Review
June 11 - The Power Of Passion - Guest Post
June 11 - Let's Get Booked - Excerpt
June 12 - Avid Book Collector - Excerpt
June 13 - eBooks Galore - Review
June 14 - Mythical Books - Guest Post
June 15 - Book Nook Nuts - Excerpt
June 16 - Imagine A World - Review
June 17 - Deal Sharing Aunt - Interview
June 18 - Read it Write - Excerpt
June 19 - Books to Light Your Fire - Guest Post
June 20 - Kelly's Thoughts on Things - Guest Post
June 23 - Paranormal Romance and Authors That Rock - Review
June 24 - Pure Jonel - Review
June 25 - Indie Authors You Want to Read - Excerpt
June 26 - Always Jo Art- Guest Post
June 27 - All I Want and More - Excerpt
June 28 - Ashley's Bookshelf - Review
June 30 - D'eBook Sharing Book Reviews - Review
July 1 - Toots Book Reviews - Interview
July 2 - In Between the Lines - Review
July 3 - IEqualsAlissa - Guest Post
July 5 - Wicca Witch 4 - Review
Valerie Twombly
As a child, Valerie would often get into trouble for peeking at her mother’s favorite TV show, Dark Shadows. She can still hear her mother saying, “It will give you nightmares.” She was right of course, but that did not stop Valerie from watching. As an adult, her love of the fanged creatures never waned. She would watch any vampire movie she could find.
Being a true romantic, Valerie was thrilled when she discovered the genre of paranormal romance. Her first read was one of Lara Adrian’s, Midnight Breed Series and from there she was hooked.
Today, Valerie has decided to take her darker, sensual side and put it to paper. When she is not busy creating a world full of steamy, hot men and strong, seductive women, she juggles her time between a full-time job, hubby and her two German shepherd dogs, in Northern IL.
Valerie is a member of Romance Writers of America and Fantasy, Futuristic and Paranormal Romance Writers. She is also a member of Coffee Talk Writers and the Coffee Talk website –a site designed to support established writers and foster new talent.
Website: http://www.valerietwombly.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FangedFantasy
Twitter: https://twitter.com/fangedfantasy
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/vtwombly
Excerpt
Odage stood under the full moon; the desert wind blew
through his hair and grains of sand danced past his boots. Finally, he’d found
the other half of the amulet of Tobor.
“I am extremely pleased, Odage. You have done well and
will be rewarded. However, you know this journey has only begun,” a sinister
voice echoed through the night air.
“Yes, My Lord. I’m aware of what is to come next.” Odage
sneered. He knew the dark demon wanted the amulet. The harmless stone tucked in
his curled fingers would somehow open Hell’s Gate when combined with the blood
of a guardian’s mate. His master would then be set free to rain terror on the
earth’s occupants.
“Good. Then you will start preparations. I am most anxious
to leave this realm.”
“Of course, My Lord.” Odage shoved the amulet in his
pocket and headed toward Caleb’s tent. He wondered how the slave Lileta fared
with his second-in-command. He’d been surprised when Caleb had asked for the
slave himself. Odage planned to kill her for her betrayal but decided Caleb
deserved a gift so had agreed. He grinned, knowing the other Draki could be as
brutal as he was. She might die yet.
When he reached the tent, he flung open the door and
entered. Caleb sat at the table gnawing on a chicken bone. Odage’s gaze moved
across the room where Lileta was handcuffed to the bed. Her tight pink T-shirt
showed every curve, causing his desire to stir. She pinned him with a death
glare. It really was a shame their species were incompatible. She was a
beautiful female, with flowing raven hair, golden eyes, and hips that would fit
nicely in his grip. Fortunately for her, the gods saw fit to make her species,
the Kothar Demon, poisonous to a dragon.
Caleb rose. “My liege, how may I assist you?”
“Sit; finish your meal.”
Caleb took his seat. “May I offer you something? Wine?”
“Yes, a glass of wine is in order.” Odage waited while
Caleb got up and procured another glass, filled it halfway with the red liquid
then handed it to him. He raised it. “A toast.” Caleb extended his glass. “To
finding the amulet.” Odage pulled the red stone from his pocket and placed it
on the table.
“My liege, this is wonderful news. I know how long you’ve
been searching for it.” He leaned in closer. “What happens next? Do you sell it
to the highest bidder?”
Odage smirked. “Perhaps.” He would keep his master’s plans
close to his chest, not even Caleb would be entrusted with the information. “But
first, we must rid ourselves of the vampires. Prepare to burn down Vandeldor if
you must.”
Caleb tipped his head. “Wouldn’t it be wise to find their
queen’s murderer? I’d be honored to clear your name.”
Odage narrowed his gaze. “Fuck them. They dare accuse me,
Queen Daria’s closest ally, of killing her? You know as well as I that they
will never stop hunting me. Even if they were successful in catching me, they
wouldn’t stop there. They will massacre our race.”
“Perhaps, but we are stronger than they are.”
“Yes, but I fear they have the gods on their side.”
Caleb furrowed his brows then nodded. “As you wish then. I
will devise a plan to take them out.”
“Good, I knew I could count on you.” He raised his glass
again. “To the death of our enemies.”
* * * *
Lileta had listened to the conversation between Caleb and
Odage until she thought she would vomit. She despised them both and, if given a
chance, would rid the world of their stench. When Odage had finally exited
their domicile, her body relaxed slightly. She recalled Caleb’s earlier actions
and was dumbfounded by them. Why had he rescued her from the sure death Odage
would have meted out?
The Draki leader had tied her to a post and whipped her.
It was her punishment for freeing the guardian Marcus, who he’d held prisoner.
When she thought he would end her life, Caleb had stepped forward. It wasn’t
until later she learned he had requested her for himself. So here she was, in
his tent, cuffed to his bed.
She gazed at the Draki while he finished sucking the meat
off a drumstick. If circumstances were different, she would find the man
downright sexy. His tousled dark blond hair and eyes that went from brown to
green, depending on his mood, lent a sense of mystery to the dragon. Even his
scent made her skin tight. Leather with a tinge of spice tossed in for good
measure. When the goddess Qadira created the dragons, she had really outdone herself.
There had been a time when the Draki were allies with the
guardians. Something happened in the years that she’d been gone to change that.
The animosity between the species sickened her. Bile sat at the back of her
throat, but she forced it down. It didn’t matter how attractive this man was. They could never be. She was a Kothar
Demon and he a dragon. Everything about her was poison to his species.
Her chin lifted. “What do you intend to do with me?”
He looked up from the chunk of meat still left on his
plate. His gaze studied her and filled with lust. She was accustomed to the
reaction. Men found her species irresistible. It was why she’d been taken as a
teen so many years ago and sold into slavery. She despised all those who’d used
her.
“Whatever I fucking wish.” He went back to his meal.
“You know Odage lies to you.”
His lip curled into a snarl, and he tossed the bone to the
floor. “I could kill you for that comment.”
Her nostrils flared. “Do it. You don’t frighten me, I
welcome death,” she lied.
She would give anything to see her family one last time
and tell them all how much she loved them. She would die with honor, but if
ever the chance presented itself, she would fight.
Her body was tired, the only thing that kept her going
were the other women. The humans Odage used to birth his spawn. She’d already
lost Veronica, the first slave brought to her to care for. The woman had died
in childbirth. She needed to find a way to save the others and prayed to the
gods every day that Baal and Marcus would come.
“I think I’d rather watch you suffer than take the easy
way out.”
She curled her lip. “Odage killed Daria. He so much as
admitted it and has no intention of selling that amulet. He bargains with the
spawn of Hell, and only the gods know what they’re planning.”
Before she could exhale, he was in front of her, his
fingers wrapped around her throat.
“Why did you save me, dragon?” she whispered, watching his
eyes swirl. The green flecks came together and made the most beautiful emerald.
He released his grip and grabbed a lock of her hair. Letting it slide through
his fingers, he brought it to his nose. She held her breath and tried to steady
her heartbeat.
Why does he affect
me like this? I despise him.
She wanted to touch him in the most intimate way.
“I must protect you,” he whispered.
“What?” He must be
deranged. Why in the hell would he want to protect me? There had to be an
ulterior motive.
He let go of her hair, his eyes transformed back to brown,
he reached for the handcuff and unlocked it. “We will be leaving here at dawn.
Get some rest. Take the bed and don’t even think of trying to escape.” He stood
and walked toward the exit. “I’ll sleep outside,” he announced before he
disappeared out the door.
She rubbed her wrist, her brow creased in confusion. She
had no intention of escaping, knowing as long as she wore the silver bands he’d
find her. No, her only way out was to be rescued, or for Caleb to set her free.
She laughed; he wasn’t likely to let her go. She pulled the covers back and
crawled into bed, exhausted from trying to heal the wounds Odage had inflicted.
Virtual Book Tour - June 8 - July 5
June 8 - Reading Addiction Blog Tours - Kick Off
June 9 - Stand Up Date - Review
June 11 - The Power Of Passion - Guest Post
June 11 - Let's Get Booked - Excerpt
June 12 - Avid Book Collector - Excerpt
June 13 - eBooks Galore - Review
June 14 - Mythical Books - Guest Post
June 15 - Book Nook Nuts - Excerpt
June 16 - Imagine A World - Review
June 17 - Deal Sharing Aunt - Interview
June 18 - Read it Write - Excerpt
June 19 - Books to Light Your Fire - Guest Post
June 20 - Kelly's Thoughts on Things - Guest Post
June 23 - Paranormal Romance and Authors That Rock - Review
June 24 - Pure Jonel - Review
June 25 - Indie Authors You Want to Read - Excerpt
June 26 - Always Jo Art- Guest Post
June 27 - All I Want and More - Excerpt
June 28 - Ashley's Bookshelf - Review
June 30 - D'eBook Sharing Book Reviews - Review
July 1 - Toots Book Reviews - Interview
July 2 - In Between the Lines - Review
July 3 - IEqualsAlissa - Guest Post
July 5 - Wicca Witch 4 - Review
As a child, Valerie would often get into trouble for peeking at her mother’s favorite TV show, Dark Shadows. She can still hear her mother saying, “It will give you nightmares.” She was right of course, but that did not stop Valerie from watching. As an adult, her love of the fanged creatures never waned. She would watch any vampire movie she could find.
Being a true romantic, Valerie was thrilled when she discovered the genre of paranormal romance. Her first read was one of Lara Adrian’s, Midnight Breed Series and from there she was hooked.
Today, Valerie has decided to take her darker, sensual side and put it to paper. When she is not busy creating a world full of steamy, hot men and strong, seductive women, she juggles her time between a full-time job, hubby and her two German shepherd dogs, in Northern IL.
Valerie is a member of Romance Writers of America and Fantasy, Futuristic and Paranormal Romance Writers. She is also a member of Coffee Talk Writers and the Coffee Talk website –a site designed to support established writers and foster new talent.
Website: http://www.valerietwombly.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FangedFantasy
Twitter: https://twitter.com/fangedfantasy
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/vtwombly
0 Comments