Book Blitz for Moonflower by Heather Ewen-Foster

Moonflower: Vampires of Los Angeles

Heather Ewen-Foster

Publication date: November 7th, 2023

Genres: Adult, Urban Fantasy

Sonia, a 250-year-old Australian vampire, thought she had found peace in the quiet neighborhood of Whitley Heights, Hollywood. But when a mysterious creature starts slaughtering young vampires, Sonia is thrust into a deadly game of cat and mouse.

With her friend Sunny targeted by an ancient monster, Sonia must uncover the truth behind these brutal attacks. Desperate to save her friend and end the bloodshed, Sonia navigates the treacherous politics of the vampire world. Along the way, she finds herself torn between her irresistible attraction to Alex, the enigmatic human journalist helping in her investigation, and her deep bond with sexy and charismatic Sunny, Alpha Vampire extraordinaire.

As the sinister plot unravels, Sonia’s race against time becomes a pulse-pounding battle against an impossibly powerful foe. Will she uncover the truth before more lives are lost? And what sacrifices will she have to make to protect those she loves?

Moon Flower is a spellbinding urban fantasy that will leave you breathless. Heather Ewen-Foster’s suspenseful tale immerses you in a world of danger, romance, and mythical creatures. Get ready for an electrifying adventure that will keep you turning the pages late into the night.

Amazon

EXCERPT:

Terror. Pain. Then darkness.

This is how it starts.

The only link to the world around you is the sound of your own heartbeat pounding in your ears. Your hearing seems to be the only sense still functioning, while sight, smell, touch, and taste seem oddly suspended.

You vaguely realize something is wrong with that pounding. You become aware that your pulse is slowing, beat by beat, which rapidly absorbs all of your attention.

Soon, far sooner than should be possible, you have reached that critical point where that little muscle—the strongest in the human body—struggles to keep you from crossing the threshold dividing the world of life from what awaits you at death.

But something else is terribly wrong: there is no warm light to dissolve into, there are no familiar faces waiting to usher you into paradise. There is only darkness and a failing heart that tries to pump what is no longer there. The terror within you surges as you realize that, should your heart fail, this great, dark oblivion of nothingness will become permanent. And all that is you—your very essence of self—will be gone.

And your heart, most assuredly, is failing.

It is at this crucial moment, when time seems to stand still, that you are offered a choice—a choice that is really no choice at all since the basic animal instinct to stay alive now dominates higher forms of reason.

You do not hesitate. You embrace the offer with a ferocity that speaks to the predatory nature once so close to the surface in humanity, though long since buried by generations of social, sedentary living and the trappings of “civilization.”

Then comes the oblivion, but not the one you expected—not the one which serves as the fate of everyone else. You are in limbo, with no beginning and no ending. No up and no down. But your sense of self is mercifully intact. You are still you.

Here, in this mental womb, you remain for days until— if you are one of the lucky ones—you open your eyes for the first time to a world utterly transformed. And, as you lay there staring into the brilliant colors of the night, you slowly realize that nothing will ever be the same.

This, dear readers, is what we call The Birth. My name is Sonia.

I am Vampire.

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BOOK BLITZ for Laurel Springs Boxset by Laramie Briscoe

 

  Title: The Laurel 

Springs Emergency Response Team Box Set #1 

Author: Laramie Briscoe 

Genre: Small Town Romance 

Hosted by: Buoni Amici Press, LLC.  

➜ Small Town ➜ Friends to Lovers ➜ Second Chance Romance ➜ First Responders ➜ Found Family When the Moonshine Task Force is absorbed into a new entity, Laurel Springs Emergency Response Team (LSERT) new faces come to town, new love is born, old love is found again, and there’s a plethora of drama and romance happening all over the tri-county area. LSERT puts police, firefighters, nurses, doctors, K-9 handlers, and EMT’s all in harm’s way as they work to keep the area safe from any threat. Emotions run high, passions ignite. Come with me, back to Laurel Springs, in what's sure to be a wild ride! In this four-book collection of hot cops and EMT's, known as the Laurel Springs Emergency Response Team you'll get a friends-to-lovers romance, a second-chance romance, forced proximity, and a marriage of convenience. Ransom: When emergency K-9 handler Ransom comes to Stella’s rescue, she’s determined to thank him for his heroism — and finds herself caught in a firestorm of passion! A swoon-worthy romance that stars an irresistible alpha. Suppression: Due to his tough childhood, Nick always preferred to keep his emotions carefully contained — including his feelings for his childhood friend Kelsea. But a drunken night at his best friend’s wedding brings them closer than ever, and now Nick will have to decide whether to let his guard down or lose Kelsea for good… Enigma: Karsyn and Tucker have undeniable chemistry, but their complicated shared history has always kept them apart. When a kidnapping brings Karsyn’s childhood secrets to the surface, Tucker knows he’ll do anything to protect the woman he loves… Cutter: Dispatched to the wreckage of Hurricane Tatum, Cutter meets a woman who has had enough sadness to last her a lifetime. Working together, they confess all their secrets and heal themselves in ways they never thought possible. Bonus Content is over 30,000 words!  

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Laramie Briscoe is the USA Today and Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author of over 30 books, with sales of over half a million copies.

Since self-publishing her first book in May of 2013, Laramie has appeared on the Top 100 Bestselling E-books Lists on Apple Books, Amazon Kindle, Kobo, and Barnes & Noble. Her books have been known to make readers laugh and cry. They are guaranteed to be emotional, steamy reads.

When she's not writing alpha males who seriously love their women, she loves spending time with friends, reading, and marathoning shows on Netflix. Married to her high school sweetheart, Laramie lives in Bowling Green, KY with her husband.

Book Blitz & Giveaway for Lifestyle by Kasey Fallon

Lifestyle

Kasey Fallon

(Trust Fall, #1)

Publication date: July 27th, 2023

Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

On the outskirts of Philadelphia, the LifeStyle Club caters to individuals with certain… tastes. The only club of its kind, LifeStyle is more than happy to offer possibilities for all.

A born Dominant, owning LifeS with his three best friends suits Grayson perfectly. His new fight arena is just the thing LifeS needs. All he needs is a fighter.

Lexi hasn’t needed anyone since she was twelve. Plagued with PTSD, she runs her own gym, sets her own rules, and lets no one bring her down. But Lexi has a secret. One that threatens to control her… unless she can find a Dom that will.

All she needs is a Dom.

All the stalker sees is her.

Welcome to the LifeStyle.

Amazon

EXCERPT:

He wasn’t sure what to expect from Lexi’s hangover, but he hadn’t expected waking up to an empty bed.

After adding a t-shirt to his lounge pants, he shuffled into the kitchen. No Lexi, but the coffeemaker had been turned on, and one mug had appeared in his dish rack.

If it weren’t for her little duffel bag on the floor of his bedroom he would have thought she’d left. He was reaching for a mug when the note caught his attention. A paper towel had been laid flat, and the word run was looped in some kind of blue goop.

Hair gel was his first thought, but as he picked it up he caught the scent. It was written in his dish soap. With a chuckle he pitched into the trash can.

Since he wasn’t sure when she would be back and didn’t want to leave the apartment open, he settled for a quick workout in his living room. The scent of sausage was heavy through the kitchen by the time she came in, panting.

Lexi didn’t say a word to him but passed him to stand at the sink. She turned the cold water on full and stuck her wrists under the spray. Grayson frowned.

“How far did you go? You’re fighting tonight, today is supposed to be a rest day for you.”

With her face flushed, she looked over her shoulder at him. It completed the look for him; flushed face, sports bra, and bike shorts that left little to the imagination, bent over in front of him. His mind immediately took a detour into being behind her in a different way. With her hair loose-

“I only went like two miles, most of it walking, that was why I took so long. Quick sprint at the end.”

She turned off the tap and dried her hands on a dish towel. He brought his imagination to heel and focused on the fact that she seemed comfortable in his place. He hadn’t been sure it was the right move, bringing her back here drunk; they hadn’t talked about it.

He shifted the sausage in the pan as the sizzling brought his attention back to the stove.

“So it’s okay that I brought you back here?” he asked.

“Yeah, it’s fine. I mean I’m yours now, right?”

Laughing dark eyes looked up at his, and though she spoke lightly, the statement hit him hard. Then she was talking again before he had time to think of a response.

“And it’s definitely okay if I’m getting breakfast,” she said with a smile.

“Good,” he said gruffly. “How do you like your eggs?”

He had to force the words through the sudden tightness in his chest. She was his. But was she really?

“I can make them,” she offered, and he shook his head.

“Go stretch while you’re still warmed up.”

“I don’t mind-”

Lexi stopped mid-sentence when he turned and pinned her with a stare. She snapped her mouth closed with an audible snap, and stomped past him towards the living room.

He smirked as he heard the music from her phone blast down the hall.

Good girl.

Author Bio:

I have always been - and likely always will be - a writer.

I have led a very long life in a less-than-imagined amount of years.

From childhood abuse to earning my blackbelt; from living in my car to living at the Four Seasons; from having 4 jobs at once to being unemployed with two college degrees; to losing my loved ones and winning my life.

​

One of Life's greatest joys for me is my dog (or any dog really). My beast's name is Asher and he's a gorgeous 100lb lap dog.

Website / Instagram

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Book Blitz & Giveaway for Bewitching the Vampire by

Bewitching the Vampire

Brooklyn Ann

(Brides of Prophecy, #9)

Publication date: July 21st, 2023

Genres: Adult, Paranormal, Romance

The Lord Vampire of New Orleans meets his match in the leader of the local witch coven.

Magic is returning to Earth, and Raina Callahan’s witch coven is growing more powerful. She’s been warned to be wary of catching interest from dangerous people, and sure enough, she discovers that someone is following her. Her stalker turns out to be the owner of a vampire-themed club—who really is a vampire. And although he is dead sexy and charming, Raina is not okay with his surveillance or his intent to claim her as his. She will use every means of magic at her disposal to thwart him.

Valentin St. Scarasse, Lord Vampire of New Orleans, has a weakness for voluptuous women with magic in their blood. Just when he has his sights set on what promises to be a delicious meal—and maybe a few passionate nights in bed—the Thirteenth Elder commands him to watch over the witch and her coven and keep them safe. But when Raina catches Valentin spying on her, the witch and the vampire embark on a battle of wills that will only end if they surrender to the heat between them.

As the Evil One’s cultists invade the city, Raina and Valentin must learn to trust each other and together, help their communities form an alliance that both sides swore would never happen.

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EXCERPT:

The sun had set by the time they left the restaurant. Raina groaned to see Valentin leaning against her car. “Did you even have time to feed?”

The vampire smirked and put his hand over his heart. “I’m touched that you care.”

“I just want to make sure that you aren’t planning on biting one of us.”

“And now you wound me.” Valentin gave her an unfairly sexy pout. “Ms. Callahan, I told you that your safety is of utmost importance to me. Now, may I have a ride, or will you make me walk?”

“Can’t you fly?”

His laughter held the texture of roughened velvet. “That is a rare ability with my kind.”

Raina wanted to ask more about what he could do but held her face in an impassive mask. “I guess you’ll have to take an Uber, then.”

With that, she and Alma got in her little Nissan Leaf and drove home. But when they pulled into the narrow driveway, Valentin was waiting on the curb, just outside the protective wards.

Raina glared at him as she got out of the car, noting that he remained outside the barrier. “I thought you couldn’t fly.”

“I can’t.”

“Did you turn into a bat then?” Alma asked him. “Or teleport?”

“I have my ways.” Valentin stood and dusted off his jeans. “You may as well invite me in.”

“Hell no,” Raina said as she shut her car door. “I’ve seen enough movies.”

The vampire laughed. “I don’t need an invitation to go inside your house. I’ve been in there before. You both have interesting taste in art. I especially like the movie posters. I’d just appreciate it if you to let down your ward.”

“No.”

His pout twisted things beneath her ribs. “I am tired of being outside.”

“Then go home.”

“You know I can’t do that.”

Raina threw up her hands in exasperation, and she and Alma went into the house. They tried to ignore the fact that a vampire was lurking outside and watch a movie, but ended up turning it off and going to bed early. Despite her exhaustion, Raina tossed and turned for an hour, countless questions burning in her mind. She gave up on sleep, put on her robe, and went outside. Valentin was still sitting on the curb, reading a book.

He looked up with a smirk. “I’m glad you’re here to alleviate my boredom.”

“Who is Xochitl’s uncle?” Raina demanded, marching up to him.

Valentin’s eyes widened, and he visibly shuddered. “Probably one of the most terrifying beings in existence. I don’t know how much I’m allowed to tell you about him.” He sighed. “I honestly am sorry. I hate all these unknowns and uncertainties.”

“Me too.” She thought of her own concerns with the Nightwatch Society visitor and Xochitl’s email that gave her more questions than answers. Remembering the email, she found herself blurting, “Xochitl said you were watching me during the backstage meet and greet back in February. She said you looked like you wanted to eat me. What did she mean by that?”

The vampire’s lips curved in a wicked smile. “Exactly that.”

“But what—”

Suddenly, he stood behind her. Too late, she realized she’d stepped passed the protective barrier. Valentin’s fingertips swept her hair to the side, and his lips grazed her neck as he whispered, “If you’re asking if I want to sink my teeth into your pretty neck and taste your powerful blood, the answer is yes.”

Before she could respond, he appeared in front of her, his green eyes glowing like dark emeralds. “Or, if you’re asking if I want to part your luscious thighs and plunge my tongue into your plump pussy until you scream my name in pleasure, the answer is also yes.”

Raina shivered uncontrollably as the mental picture he painted sent frissons of arousal jolting between her legs.

“Of course, I will not do either unless you ask me to,” he finished while his eyes continued to blaze emerald flame.

Finally, her faculties recovered enough for her to pull away and step back into the safety of her barrier. “Just because I’m fat doesn’t mean I have low enough self-esteem to fall for your attempts to flatter me.”

Valentin’s eyes hardened. “Just because society often lauds thinner women as paragons of beauty doesn’t mean I have to change my own personal tastes. Nor does it make you any less beautiful. Furthermore, I’ve never felt the need to feign attraction to someone. My flirtations are sincere. It’s one thing if my advances aren’t welcome, but quite another if you think I’m a liar.”

Author Bio:

Formerly an auto-mechanic, Brooklyn Ann thrives on writing romance, urban fantasy, and horror novels featuring unconventional heroines and heroes who adore them. Author of historical paranormal romance in her critically acclaimed “Scandals with Bite” series, urban fantasy in the cult favorite, “Brides of Prophecy” novels, rockstar romance in the award-winning, “Hearts of Metal” series, and horror in the “B Mine” series, horror romances riffing on the 1970s and 1980s B horror movies that feature a Final Couple instead of a Final Girl.

She lives in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho with her gamer son, rockstar/IT Guy boyfriend, three cats, a few project cars, an extensive book collection, and miscellaneous horror memorabilia.

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Book Blitz & Giveaway for Saving Piper Moonlight by Joann Keder

Saving Piper Moonlight

Joann Keder

(Piney Falls Mysteries, #2)

Publication date: July 13th 2020

Genres: Adult, Thriller

Piper has lived her entire childhood on the run. She’s about to uncover the deadly reason why…

In the second book of the Piney Falls Mysteries series, Piper Moonlight is tired of constantly looking over her shoulder, afraid of the remaining Fallen Branch cult members. She decides the best place to land is in Piney Falls, Oregon, where the cult originated. At least everyone there knows her story and she’ll be safe.

When she arrives, she finds employment under the watchful eye of Cosmo Hill, also a former Fallen Branch member, at his bakery. Cosmo doesn’t trust Piper or her story. He enlists the help of his fiancé , marketing wonder and super sleuth Lanie Anders to uncover the truth of Piper’s past.

Lanie and Cosmo soon discover there are still shocking secrets buried within the layers of the former cult. As those secrets come to light, those who keep them will stop at nothing to stay hidden. The ugly truth of Fallen Branch will force Lanie, Cosmo and Piper to make unthinkable choices to save themselves and the life they know in Piney Falls.

Goodreads / Amazon

EXCERPT:

“Can I ask–did you ever love me?”

There is laughter from the other room and a chill runs down his spine.

“I assumed we’d already discussed the uselessness of emotions. They get in the way. Imagine if I let that interfere during the last two decades. We wouldn’t be where we are, on schedule for the metamorphosis.”

“YOU wouldn’t be on schedule. The rest of us–well, me–would be fine. You don’t remember those times we were gardening at Fallen Branch, talking about the future? You said then you couldn’t picture anyone else by your side.”

“I couldn’t. That didn’t mean I loved you, though. You were the perfect partner…for a time. As you’ve said: you didn’t have control of your emotions and I could direct you easily. I gave you a list. You accomplished every bullet point.” The Killer stalks closer. “Is there anything you want them to know? I’m giving you this gift that we never gave the others. A thank you for your service. Let’s call it my ‘emotion’ for today.”

“Tell them I’m sorry. I wasn’t strong enough to continue by your side and I wasn’t smart enough to survive on my own.”

“That’s not at all what I thought you would say.”

“What did you expect? A lengthy speech? I’ve always left those to you.”

“I thought you might want them to know you were a brave soldier in our war. Kind of make them proud, at least.”

He throws his hands in the air. “I give up. You’ll make it your own story no matter what. I learned long ago that it’s impossible to please you. They’ll learn that soon enough.”

“I hope not.”

“Tell them…I tried. Just get on with it now. I can’t bear to think about it anymore.”

His killer hands him a cup. “Cheers, my friend. It was a good ride while it lasted.”

His hand brushes his killer’s and without looking up, he lifts it to his lips.

Author Bio:

USA TODAY bestselling author, Joann Keder spent most of her years in the Midwest, growing up and raising a family on the Great Plains of Nebraska. She worked for sixteen years as a piano teacher before returning to school to receive a master's degree in creative writing. A mid-life move to the Pacific Northwest led her to re-examine her priorities. She now creates stories about life and relationships in small towns while her ever-patient husband encourages her on.

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Book Blitz & Giveaway for Taniwha Creek by Stephanie Ruth

Taniwha Creek

Stephanie Ruth

(Otago Waters)

Publication date: July 22nd, 2023

Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Maybe friends really do make the best lovers…

Barista Maddie Stalwart-Jones has known Todd Kaihanga all her life, but no matter where her brain wanders when she’s not vigilant, she refuses to consider her brother’s best mate as anything other than off limits. It would be all wrong, right? The self-proclaimed pessimist is intent on ignoring the fact her cafe manager is the only guy she can relax and be herself around, and the only person she’s comfortable talking about her dead brother with.

Intent on escaping Wānaka, where everyone seems to have an opinion on her intimate business and family history, falling for Todd would be highly inconvenient.

Todd’s a patient guy, but he’s over waiting around for Maddie to notice he could be so much more than a shoulder to lean on. When Maddie’s mother finally agrees to accept some much needed help with her run down property, it’s a perfect catalyst for Todd to prove to his high school crush that his optimistic streak isn’t a curse, it’s the perfect yin to her yang. The wedding of the year is about to kick off, and there’s only one woman he wants to be dancing with.

A mid-summer Valentine’s Day novella, TANIWHA CREEK joins Stephanie Ruth’s award winning Otago Waters series, set in the beautiful South Island of Aotearoa, New Zealand. Each book stands alone, but reading them in order provides a deeper experience. Intended for readers who enjoy their slow-burn, feel-good romance on the steamy side, with the promise of a happily ever after.

Reader discretion advised, this novella deals with the trauma of a past road accident, and hoarding.

Sign on to Stephanie Ruth’s newsletter to receive bonus short stories, prologues, epilogues, and cut scenes set in the same world with the characters you love at www.stephanie-ruth.com

Amazon / Barnes & Noble

EXCERPT:

He Falls First:

“Your mother thinks the sun shines out of your every orifice. You’d think you really were born a cherub.”

“Are you harassing my hair again?

“No. I thought I was harassing your dimples.” He turned his head to look at her, but she was gazing directly up at the night sky, profile framed by vines.

He touched one forefinger lightly to the crease in her left cheek, then leaned across so his mouth could follow suit, whispering a kiss.

Maddie didn’t pull away.

“I love it when your dimples flicker like that…” he murmured against her skin. “When you’re not really smiling yet, but I know you’re happy. I know you’re content.”

“Why does it mean so much to you that I’m content?”

He leaned back. “I told you. You’re a part of me.”

Author Bio:

Award winning New Zealand contemporary romance novelist and short story writer, Stephanie Ruth lives in the South Island, Te Waipounamu, with her husband, three children, and an ever expanding array of animals. If it doesn't have a happy ending in some form or other, Stephanie's not writing it.

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Book Blitz for Declan: A Reverse Age Gap, Single Parent Romance by Laramie Briscoe

Title: Declan: A Reverse Age Gap, Single Parent Romance 

Author: Laramie Briscoe 

Genre:New Adult, Contemporary Romance, Single parent and Reverse age-gap 

Release Date: March 24, 2023 

Normal Cover 

Photographer: Wander Aguiar 

Model: Brooke 

Alternate/Discreet Cover 

Cover: Tall Story Designs/Ben Ellis 

Hosted by: Buoni Amici Press, LLC.

My sister’s best friend has always taken my breath away… Declan Tennyson At twenty-two most guys my age are living it up. Swiping left and right, trying to find what’s good for the night, instead of what’s good for life. Me? I have one of the best examples to follow. Trick and Hadley Tennyson are still in love twenty-plus-years on, and dad is looking to slow down. Which means I have a decision to make. Take the shop, or make my own way. I thought I had it all worked out, until a single-mom with brunette hair, blue eyes, and the cutest son ever needed my help on a freezing, snowy night. Claudia Wilson Declan Tennyson was always cute and annoying. My best friend’s little brother could always be counted on to be underfoot, or secretly listening to our girl talk. But the last three years? He grew into a man without me noticing. Being a single-mom is harder than I ever expected it to be, and I haven’t had time to notice anything. Not until the night Declan saved us in the snow, and if I’m not careful, he’s gonna end up saving me from myself.  

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Laramie Briscoe is the USA Today and Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author of over 30 books, with sales of over half a million copies.

Since self-publishing her first book in May of 2013, Laramie has appeared on the Top 100 Bestselling E-books Lists on Apple Books, Amazon Kindle, Kobo, and Barnes & Noble. Her books have been known to make readers laugh and cry. They are guaranteed to be emotional, steamy reads.

When she's not writing alpha males who seriously love their women, she loves spending time with friends, reading, and marathoning shows on Netflix. Married to her high school sweetheart, Laramie lives in Bowling Green, KY with her husband.

Book Blitz for Death Warmed Over by M.L. Eaden

Title: Death Warmed Over: Vampire Accords Book 1

Series: A Mythical Desires Universe Novel

Author: M.L. Eaden

Published: September 1, 2022

Genre: Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy and/or Monster Romance

Cover Art by: Vanda Pinto

A Mythical Desires Universe Novel

During the height of the Necromancer War, Mason's fate was decided. While grappling with the transition from human to vampire, Mason assists in the infected ward, continuing her work as a medic. That's where she meets Ian. Not Everyone survives to become a vampire and Ian becomes her mentor in all things undead.

Over a century later, Mason seeks Ian's help after she rescues a young girl. The reunion isn't the stuff of fairytales as Mason discovers Ian has a new lover, Jason. And Dorothea, the mysterious young girl, is more important than they realize.

Each answer Mason discovers leads further into a plot to retaliate against the one person who mediates between vampires and the rest of the world—The Envoy, Lennix Creighton. With so many lives in the balance, Mason risks her own undead existence to discover the truth.

Death Warmed Over is a spicy vampire polyamory speculative fiction with a HFN. The Mythical Desires Universe is a queer-centric world where myth and legends exist alongside advanced science and technology.

Content warnings can be found in the front matter or at mleaden.com

From Chapter 20 - 

I was waiting for the bathwater to drain when Ian and Jason appeared at the bathroom door.

“Little one all tucked in?” Jason smiled with his arm wrapped around Ian’s shoulders. Ian had an odd look on his face.

“She’ll be out for a few hours at least. I’m not sure what happens later when she’s awake during the day and we’re all dead.”

“I left out some cereal and fruit if she wakes before us.” Ian shrugged. “And I asked one of my relatives to come over and check on her in the morning.”

“I’ll make sure to leave out the tablet. Hopefully, that will keep her entertained.” I sighed. “Best we can do at this point besides make sure we spell the doors shut.”

“Easy enough. I’ll leave a key for my relative. It will get them through the magic wards.”

The guys stood there and stared. “Well, if there isn’t anything else, I’m going to take a shower.”

They exchanged a look. “Would you rather take a bath. . . with us?” Ian offered.

The smile that formed on my face must have been comical because they chuckled. “Is that a yes?” Jason prompted.

“That sounds lovely.”

Ian came into the bathroom and offered his hand. I took it. He led me past Jason. I grabbed Jason’s hand, and we all went to the other wing of the house which I hadn’t seen in quite some time.

When we arrived at the main bedroom, there was a banked fire, three robes on the bed, and three glasses of wine already poured. I heard what sounded like whirlpool noises coming from the ensuite.

“You two were rather sure of yourselves.”

“Oh please, you’ve been giving us ‘fuck me’ eyes most of the night. We’d already be here if we didn’t have to worry about half-pint. She’s cute, but a handful.” Jason’s bluntness made me laugh and Ian blushed. I missed that blush. Ian handed me a glass, then handed one to Jason.

“A toast?”

We held up our glasses. “To odd circumstances, old lovers, and new. Here’s to new memories together,” Ian said.

The glasses made a soft clink as we tapped them. I didn’t have the heart to tell them I’d be gone after I’d figured out how to get Dorothea back to her father. No sense in ruining the mood. Ian reached over and rubbed my shoulder. When I glanced at him, he gave me a slight nod.

Our connection. He knew this was temporary for me. It might be why Jason agreed to it, or wanted it. Ian always wanted me, which was nearly the only thing that was consistent with our relationship. It wasn’t a bother, because I always wanted him, too.

I took another drink of my glass, and then Jason tried to take it from me. Instead of giving up the last quarter, I drank it off. “Well, okay then,” he said, as I set the glass down. He took my hand and led me into their bathroom. Ian followed close behind. 

M.L. Eaden works by day in the tech industry, but at night, she reads books, writes stories, throws axes, and is an avid gamer with a current addiction to Azul. Originally from the sunflower state, she migrated to one with a lone star—and more sun and tries desperately to keep up with two adorable cattle dogs that still act like they are five years old instead of the seniors their vet says they are. 

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