The Raven

Chapter 22-Guest spot winners & interview with Patrice Michelle1


Michelle looked around the Raven with a mix of disgust and amusement, before lifting the Kleenex to her nose and blowing. The lilies had stopped arriving that morning, or at least she hoped they had, since she didn’t get her afternoon and evening deliveries from the florist. 2

It was Mandy and Armando’s engagement party and she’d had no choice but to show, being as she was the maid-of-honor. It was a position she couldn’t refuse, and yet a position she didn’t really relish at the moment. She’d prayed that Armando would have an undead cousin hiding somewhere to act as best man, but to her horror, he picked Dmitri. Not only did she have to think about him all the time, now she had to see him all the time, too. Talk about adding salt to a festering wound. She’d much rather Mandy just staked her and got it over with. It would have been more humane in the long run.3

The guests were starting to filter in. They were a strange mix of humans, lycans, vampires, and she was sure she’d just seen a troll go into the bathroom—but wasn’t positive. Hearing a buzz fly past her head, Michelle swatted. Her hand smacked into a winged creature, sending it flying backwards.4

“Oh!” Michelle gasped in horror to see the fairy smack into the door and tumble to the floor. The little creature shook herself, huffed, and flew straight for Michelle’s head. A little noise came from her throat and she cringed, waiting for impact. The impact never came. A very familiar fist lifted and plucked the fairy from mid-air. 5

Michelle looked at Dmitri. For a moment, her mouth fell slack as she stared at him. His hair was slicked back and he wore an expensive suit of dark grey. It brought out the handsome, piercing depths of his eyes. Her heart fluttered. Her knees weakened. Her mouth went so dry she was sure she’d died. 6

Dmitri was the first to look away. Shaking the fairy gently in his palm, he growled, “I told you to stay out until you could behave Appleblossom. Don’t think shrinking will get you in. I’ll not have any barfights tonight—got it?”7

“Quit calling me Appleblossom, you damned mangy mutt!” the fairy answered in a gruff voice that didn’t sound angelic at all.8

“Well, you’re the one who posed for the children’s book,” Dmitri teased. Suddenly, his fist began to shake and the fairy grew in his palm until he was forced to let go. The being materialized into a full-grown woman only to glare from her darkly circled eyes. She shook with outrage. But, instead of going for Dmitri, she made a move to slap Michelle. Dmitri’s hand caught hers and he motioned for Makonnen to escort her out. 9

When the fairy was gone, Michelle said the only thing she could think of. “Quit trying to protect me. I might have to work with you on this damned wedding, but I don’t need you acting the part of the boyfriend. We both know that’s not what you do best.”10

Dmitri’s eyes darkened. She could tell when he was angry.11

“Just stay away from me tonight,” she growled, not looking at him again.12

“Fine by me,” he tersely answered.13

“Great.”14

“Fine.”15

Dmitri stormed off and Michelle had to admit she was sorry to see him go.16

“I should have stuck to my policy and not dated supernatural. Look at this place. It really is a supernatural circus,” Michelle mumbled to herself when she was alone.17

“With an ass like that, I can see why you did date supernatural.”18

Michelle jolted in surprise and turned to see Teresa, Kimberly and Loretta—old friends of Mandy’s. She smiled, not knowing which spoke.19

“Yeah, it’s his temper you have to watch out for,” Michelle said, trying to smile.20

Teresa stood about 5’7” tall with a really curvy, brick-house figure that oozed sex appeal. Her long curly blonde hair was streaked with shades of red, contrasting prettily with her big blue eyes. She wore a leather halter and mini-skirt with spike heeled boots. It was easy to see why she and the outgoing Mandy were friends. It was obvious they shopped at the same stores. And Michelle was sure she’d seen her ride in on a Harley.21

Michelle looked down at her charcoal slacks and white silk shirt. She looked like an office wench. Suddenly, she felt severely overdressed. Good thing she forgot the pearl necklace.22

“Hum, I don’t care about the temper. How was he…you know.” Loretta smiled. She was shorter than Teresa and skinnier. Michelle knew she had a crazy sense of humor and a love for adventure. Well, Armando and Mandy’s engagement was plenty of adventure.23

“How was he in the sack,” Kimberly said boldly, as if the comment needed clarification. She had short, dark brown hair and was very curvaceous. She wore high heel leather boots, skintight jeans, and a sexy black t-shirt.24

Usually Michelle liked being around the spontaneous, fun woman. Kimberly was the type that wasn’t afraid to act silly or be strange just to make someone laugh, and she knew a slew of dirty jokes. But, right now, Michelle wasn’t in the mood. And she definitely didn’t want to admit she’d never even landed her own ex-boyfriend in the sack—an ex-boyfriend who was a lycan, the species of creatures known for their prowess. Great, she couldn’t even attract a sex-fiend. Hell, her last date, Carl, had tried to eat her! Could she feel like more of a loser? 25

“I’ll bet he’s one hot lover. So, is it over between you two? Do you care if I have a go or what?”26

“Jeez, Kim, just say whatever’s on your mind,” came Mandy’s voice as she joined them. The bride-to-be was wearing a deep red, almost black shimmering long coat. Michelle could see right through it and it was plain that Mandy wasn’t wearing a bra. It split open directly under her breasts, leaving her midriff bare. Mandy’s pants, for lack of a better word were made of much the same material and were slit on the sides, leaving each leg bare to the waist. Thankfully, Mandy was wearing a thong or the see through peep show she was giving up top would have been repeated below. 27

“What?!” Kimberly shot. “You said she broke it off with him. If she doesn’t want him, then I’ll take him. I—”28

With each of Kimberly’s words, Michelle grew a little paler. Teresa and Loretta hooked their arms in hers and dragged her off.29

“Michelle,” Mandy began with an I’m so sorry look.30

“Forget it. I don’t care what he does, or who for that matter. If Kimberly…” Michelle couldn’t finish the sentence. She didn’t want Kimberly anywhere near Dmitri. Kimberly was great, but Dmitri was hers and she wasn’t about to start sharing. Now, if she’d just get the nerve to let him know that she’d laid claim to him, all would be great. “It doesn’t matter. Hey, is that Patrice Michelle I saw earlier? I didn’t know you invited her.”31

“Oh, it was a last minute thing. We were at the office yesterday talking about her book that just came out in the Ellora’s Caveman collection called Dream Walker. Someone mentioned the party so I asked her to come. I’m sorry, I know you were supposed to handle the guest list—”32

“You think this is my doing?” Michelle chuckled. You have Jaci, Jaycee and Elaine to thank for this one. Oh, and your future husband and Dmitri. I didn’t send out a single invitation.”33

Mandy almost looked hurt.34

“Oh, hon, I didn’t mean it like that. I love helping to plan your wedding. It’s just, I’ve been sick with those damned flowers coming five times a day.” Michelle reached over and gave Mandy a hug. “I did pick the invitations and I kept Jaci Burton from allowing live tigers into the mix. Charlie wanted to jump out of a cake for you. I stopped him. That alone should win me the friend of the year award.”35

Mandy chuckled. “It would have been kinda funny to watch the tigers eat some of the guests. Do you know my fiancé invited a family of trolls? Who knows trolls?”36

Michelle giggled. “Ok, you. I have to go make sure that the caterers are prepared. I’m going to go yell at them and send them around with trays. You go mingle and enjoy this.”37

Mandy hugged her again. “Thanks for doing this. I know it’s not easy working with him.”38

Michelle gave a gentle shrug. “It’s nothing at all.”39

***
Mandy watched Michelle walk away towards the back of the bar and sighed. She knew better than that. Michelle still felt something for Dmitri. She’d bet her life on it. And, according to Armando, Dmitri was miserable without her—though she’d made her future husband promise to quit reading his friends. People deserved privacy in their own thoughts. Although, as the days went by and Michelle didn’t relent in her not caring, Mandy was tempted to beg Armando to take a peek into what was going on inside her friend.40

She knew Michelle was sick, but she’d been withdrawn lately. It was almost as if she were walking through motions more than living them. Sighing, Mandy turned. She’d enjoy tonight, maybe get Michelle into a drunken confession, and hopefully find out what was going on between her two friends once and for all. 41

“MANDY!!!”42

Mandy grinned at the sound of her name echoing in unison over the music that had started on the dance floor. She turned to see Anni and Jennifer, and did a little dance of excitement. Now the party would really get started! They may be the only two people in the world crazier than her. 43

Jennifer, 5’ 7” and tan, was a beautiful woman with mahogany hair. She had several body piercings that only added her to dangerous allure. She also had a thing for lycans—almost a fetish really. 44

Anni was the same height as Jennifer with curly auburn locks that flowed down her back, wickedly seductive hazel eyes and the pale skin of her Scot/Irish heritage. She loved anything Celtic, as was evidence by the large Celtic knot hanging from her neck into her cleavage. She too had a lycan fetish.45

Yep, these were Mandy’s kind of people!46

“So, where are all the wolves hiding at?” Anni demanded with a little pout to her full lips. “I know you invited more than this.”47

Mandy glanced around, spotting a group of nearly twenty lycan males talking to Dmitri. Their laughter rose boldly over the hall.48

“Yeah,” said Jenn. “We know most of them—or at least I do. Anni, here, is mad though, cause that tall one in the middle—um, Dmitri, I think he said his name was, refused her offer to let him spank her in the back room.”49

“Jenn!” Anni’s mouth fell open. 50

“Anni!” Jenn mocked. “It’s true.”51

“Ooo, yeah, I’d stay away from Dmitri,” Mandy said into the playful banter.52

“What?” Anni asked, her eyes lit with excitement. “Is he bad?”53

“He’s taken.” Mandy turned, seeing Michelle arguing with a man holding a tray. She pointed lightly in her friend’s direction.54

“No way! Michelle and a lycan. You have to be kidding!” Anni’s mouth fell open and her almond shaped eyes widened in amazement. “But, she always swore she’d only do human!”55

“Don’t say anything about it,” Mandy began.56

“What?” Anni demanded.57

“Yeah,” Jennifer added. “After all that time we spent listening to her lecture us about being careful with the supernatural…oh, no way. We so got to go tease her.”58

“Don’t,” Mandy said, her voice stern. “It’s serious.”59

Jennifer and Anni exchanged a look. They nodded in instant understanding.60

“First you and then Michelle. My, are we getting older or what? Next thing you know, we’ll be attending a baby shower,” Anni said, reaching out to touch Mandy’s stomach. “Can vampires reproduce?”
Mandy’s eyes widened as she took her friend’s hand off her stomach. She hadn’t given that much thought, and made a mental note to find out about that ASAP. She didn’t have room for little ones in her life. Hell, she barely had room for Armando. 61

“I know. I can’t believe you’re settling down with one man, Mandy. It’s…perfect.” Jennifer smiled and gave her a small hug. “Congratulations.”62

“Yeah, congrats!” Anni added, giving her own hug.63

“Thanks guys. Promise me that you won’t say anything to Michelle. They’re having problems and she’s very delicate right now.” Mandy smiled as they all three made their way to the dance floor.64

***
“WHAT IN THE HELL IS THAT!” Michelle hissed to the caterer. “Those are not what I ordered!”65

“But…?” The man began, at a loss.66

Michelle grabbed a chocolate shaped penis off his tray and shook it at him. “I specifically said to add a little class to tonight. You call this class? I told you toast points, appetizers! I’d even settle for crackers and cheese at this point. Not chocolate…privates.”67

“Oh, these are too perfect!” came a yell.68

Michelle turned to see Patrice Michelle pulling a very large chocolate penis off one of the trays. She bit into it and a rush of cream filled center rolled over her skin. She started laughing, though the possessive Irish twins, Ian and Duncan, at her side didn’t seem so amused. 69

“This is the perfect gag!” Patrice mumbled, wiping her chin. “It’s too funny.”
“What else do we have?” Michelle asked, leaning in.30570

“Look, lady,” said the caterer. “I already got fifty trays filled with these things.”71

“That’s not my problem. I didn’t tell you to do it and I’m not paying for it!”72

“They were donated by a friend of the bride, a...uh…Kimberly. She made them, we’re serving them. And Dmitri already gave the go ahead.” The little man turned and waved to his awaiting staff. They began filing out of the kitchen carrying the genitals to the awaiting party. Michelle watched in stunned horror as everyone began laughing and biting into the delicacies only to find cream dripping down their faces.73

All of a sudden, a dam burst in her eyes and she stumbled her way to the back office to hide. She shut the door behind her.74

“Hey, I’ll be done in a minute,” Mike said from the desk. He turned to look at her. “What the hell happened?”75

Michelle stiffened, wiping her eyes. “It’s nothing…these damned contacts. I got something in them and it…it hurts.”76

“Yeah, right,” Mike said. “Did my cousin say something to you? Is that what this is about?”77

“Just…just go away!” Michelle demanded, throwing herself on the couch. Before Mike could say another word, she threatened, “Lock the door behind you and, so help me, if you tell anyone you saw me in here I’ll…I’ll…I’ll cut off your balls!”78

~*****~
“Thanks for inviting me! This party is just too much!” Patrice Michelle said to Mandy and grinned and swayed lightly on her feet as she gave an air toast. She giggled. “Poor Ian though, some guy mentioned my tattoo and grabbed my ass. The poor guy almost lost it and tore the man’s head off. Duncan’s outside with him cooling off right now.”79

Patrice turned and showed Mandy the Celtic tattoo on her lower back where her black dress dipped into a low vee. 80

“I didn’t know you had a tattoo,” said Mandy, grinning. She sat at the table, laughing over the chocolate penises Kimberly had made, with Loretta and Teresa. They were taking turns biting off the tips when Patrice came up.81

“It’s fake,” Patrice admitted.82

“Hey, I want one!” Michelle announced, to Mandy’s surprise. Michelle’s silk shirt was unbuttoned low, showing the top edge of her bra beneath the white silk. Mandy had seen her out on the dance floor, moving and grinding with anything that would dance with her—but in a tasteful way. She never let any of the men get too close, but she wasn’t adverse to flirting. Mandy frowned a little to see it. It wasn’t like Michelle to lose control.83

Mandy had noticed that Michelle had been drinking quite heavily and had encouraged it. She’d even had Mike add a little extra to the mix. Michelle needed to relax.84

“Hey!” Michelle sat by Mandy. “I’m going to do it!”85

“What?” Patrice laughed. “Get laid?”86

“Nope!” Michelle announced. “I’m going to get a tattoo!”87

Anni and Jennifer came off the dance floor. “Oh, how fun! Can we go with you?”88

“I’d do it right now if there was an artist!” Michelle announced.89

“Oh, I know just the guy!” Loretta said. She got up and took off drunkenly across the dance floor.90

Michelle paled slightly, but she was too gone to care for long.91

“Ah, crap! I gotta go. Duncan’s waving at me from the door. Mandy, great party and congrats. I’ll get with you Tuesday about my books.”92

Mandy waved her off. Turning to Michelle, she asked, “Are you sure you want a tattoo?”93

“Positive,” Michelle answered nodding. She picked up Mandy’s drink and gulped it down, coughing.94

“Maybe you should think about it,” Mandy began, giggling at the face Michelle made.95

“You out of all people should support this,” Michelle growled. 96

“I just don’t want you doing something you’ll regret because of Dmi—” 97

“Don’t even say his name to me. I don’t like Dmitri!” Michelle yelled over the loud music.98

Mandy saw the hard look in her friend’s eyes. Maybe it was true. Maybe she was really over him. She slowly nodded. Michelle was a big girl, she could make her own big girl decisions.99

“Now,” Michelle announced. “Is this a party or what? Come dance with me!”100

Mandy let Michelle lead her out on the dance floor followed by the whole group. Armando was swiftly beside them, pulling his fiancée into his arms as they danced to a tune all their own, kissing and moaning in their mutual passion.101

As the single ladies danced and swayed to the music, Kimberly picked up some guy who had a python around his neck by telling him she liked to mud wrestle and owned weapons. She stumbled off with him, leading him by his collar. Teresa found herself sandwiched between a hunky lycan and a vampire. 102

Anni and Jennifer shared a large group of lycan males who were close to competing for their attention. One spanked Anni hard on her ass, and she nearly swooned with pleasure, her decision made as she wrapped her arms about the man’s neck. Jennifer picked three of them and they drunkenly stumbled from the bar as a big group.103

Loretta came back with a big giant of a man covered in tattoos. Michelle grinned and before she knew it, she was lying on her stomach atop the bar, her shirt pulled up, and the tattoo artist was crouched atop her with a buzzing tattoo machine he’d gotten from his car.104

“Just do it!” Michelle said, bracing herself and kicking her bare feet lightly on the bartop. The surrounding crowd cheered them on.105

“Touch her and die.” 106

Michelle blinked, lifting her heavy lids to look at Dmitri. She struggled to push up as his hands came for her. With a swift, angry pull, he yanked her off the bar. She fell into his strong chest. When she looked up, he was partly shifted—his eyes glittering dangerously at the tattoo artist.107

“Get out of here!” he demanded. The man nodded and left, terrified.108

Michelle was too drunk to move. Dmitri was warm, solid, close. She felt the familiar bend of his muscles to her chest. Without thinking, she lifted her arms up and grabbed his face in her hands. In front of the large, gathered crowd, she jerked his face down and thrust her tongue passionately into his mouth. Dmitri’s hands stiffened before gliding around her waist and up her back in a solid, possessive caress. His tongue rubbed against hers, rolling between her lips as he sawed his mouth to hers. 109

Weak sounds came from her throat as she tasted him. His smell was all around her, making her forget the crowd. Her fingers dipped into the silken locks of his hair, pulling him closer. Shockwaves of desire erupted in her, potent from the months they spent simmering in wait for him. His arousal for her pressed large and hot into her stomach, drawing her attention. She gasped to feel it and pulled back. 110

Blinking drunkenly, she gulped. The sounds of the crowd invaded her. They were cheering them on. Dmitri’s hot eyes were watching her. His chest was heaving and he was still partly shifted to wolf. She’d been kissing him as part lycan! That’s why his erection had felt that much bigger! His wild look devoured her and she knew if she didn’t do something quick he’d pounce on her and fuck her right on the bar with everyone watching.111

Reacting on pure fear—fear of her actions, fear of his beastly desire she’d tempted—Michelle slapped him hard and ran. Slamming into Mike, she ordered, “Take me home! NOW!”112

One glance at his cousin and Mike nodded, swept Michelle’s arm into his hand, and ran like hell.113

***
“What’s going on?” Mandy asked, coming from the back office, wiping her mouth. Slick cream slid over her fingertips and she hurriedly licked them clean. 114

“Ah, just Dmitri and Michelle again,” said Jaycee from the bar. She started laughing. “Did you get one of those chocolate cocks? They’re great aren’t they?”115

Mandy blushed and turned just in time to see Armando stepping out from the office, zipping his pants. “Umm, yeah, chocolate cock…that’s what I had…yeah,”she said with a wink in Armando’s direction. 116

117

118

119

120

121

122

123

124

125

126

127

Chapter 23-Double Trouble128


“Mandy!” Michelle rushed forward, a worried frown on her face. The Raven was nearly packed. Armando had been nice enough to let them use the club on a Friday night for their joint ‘Double Trouble’ book release party. Actually, it had been Mandy’s idea since they both had two books coming out that month. “Where have you been? I need talk to you!”129


“I’ve been planning this,” Mandy said, a little defensively. She waved her hand around to the banners and gathering crowd to a table that held their books on top.
Michelle grabbed Mandy’s arm and began to drag her towards the back office. When they were alone, she turned her desperate eyes to her friend. 130


“Is this about the engagement party?” Mandy asked. “I heard what happened. Did you really kiss Dmitri in front of everyone? Are you two back together?”
“No!” Michelle shot back, too quickly. “I mean, yes, I did kiss him, but no we aren’t back together. I haven’t even talked to him.”131

“What? After that he didn’t call you?” Mandy eyes widened in amazement.
“He called.” Michelle looked guiltily to the floor. “I didn’t answer.”
“Oh,” Mandy sighed, nodding in understanding. “Did something happen with Mike? Jaycee said you left with him.”132

“No,” Michelle answered. Then, as the question sunk in, she grimaced, “No, of course not…just…well. Oh My! Just look!” Michelle unbuttoned her pants and lifted her shirt.
“Uh, thanks.” Mandy laughed. “But, I’m kinda with Armando now.”
“Could you be serious for one second, please?” Michelle whispered, as if they could be overheard. “Look!”133

Mandy rolled her eyes before looking to where Michelle’s hip was exposed. Her jaw dropped and her mouth fell open. Slowly, Mandy knelt down. Reaching out a finger, she touched the little full moon she found there and said, “You got a tattoo. And it’s real. And it’s a full moon.” 134

“I know. I woke up after the engagement party and my hip hurt. I don’t really remember doing it…well, except of vaguely lying across some hotel room—”
“What!” Mandy demanded. “You didn’t go to a professional shop! Shit, Michelle. Do you know the diseases you could get from dirty needles—hepatitis C to name a biggie. Man, I hope they used actual tattoo ink. That crap they buy out of the Bargain Bin isn’t made for the skin and you could end up with blood poisoning….”
Mandy kept shaking her head in disappointment, probing the tattoo for infection. Her mouth opened to continue her tirade when she glanced up. Michelle’s eyes were filled with tears. 135

“Oh, no!” Michelle moaned, shaking her head. “I didn’t even think of that. I was just relieved I remembered enough about the tattoo artist to know I didn’t sleep with him in the hotel room.”
“I’ll show you hotel room,” Mandy grumbled. Seeing Michelle shake, she lightened up, “Does it hurt?” 136

“Thank you God! I’ve been dreaming of this since I met the both of you. You gotta let me stay and watch! I’ve died and gone to erotic girl heaven.”
Michelle gasped, turning to Mike in the doorway. For a moment it didn’t register that her pants were lowered and Mandy knelt before her.
“Holy Shit!” Mike exclaimed rushing forward. He stared at where Mandy touched the tattoo on Michelle’s hip. “You got a tattoo for Dmitri! Does he know?”
“It’s not for Dmitri!” Michelle hissed. Suddenly, she realized Mike had a black eye. 137


Mike ignored her. “Has he…ah…howled at the full moon yet?”
“Oooh! That’s great. I wonder if he changed at the site of it,” Mandy added.
“Oh, he’ll change all right,” Mike allowed with a knowing nod of his head.
“Would you two shut up!” Michelle hissed.
“What happened to you?” Mandy asked Mike, before Michelle could continue to scream at them. 138

“Oh, ah.” Mike shrugged. “Dmitri just needed to blow off a little steam after the engagement party.” 139

“Dmitri did that to you?” Michelle demanded. 140

“It’s nothing,” Mike answered, again shrugging. “Your boyfriend was just a little mad that you ran off with me. I told him nothing happened, but he still needed a sparring partner and the other twenty lycans he beat up only left him ready for more. You know, you shouldn’t work our kind up into a sexual frenzy like that. It took him quite a long time to release the tension you put into him. Next time, don’t start anything like that unless you’re going to finish it. Dmitri is only lycan. We’re a passionate bunch and can only deny our bodies so long before the beast comes out to play. I bet he was pounding his sausage for hours—”141

“Mike!” Michelle turned bright red. Mandy giggled. “I…I… That’s not even a saying!”
Mike gave her a wolfish grin and looked again at her hip, as Michelle pushed Mandy’s hands away and righted her clothing. “Though, I’m sure if you show him what you did for him, he’ll be—” 142

“It’s not for him! And he’s not my boyfriend!” Michelle yelled. “And it’s not a full moon. It’s a circle. It was going to be a sun but I chickened out, OK!”
Mandy smirked. Mike’s grin widened.
“Methinks the lady doth protest too much,” Mike muttered. Mandy started laughing full out, nearly falling over herself.
“Michelle, the tattoo’s finished. No one is going to believe that it’s the wrong design. I don’t believe it.” Mandy patted her lightly on the shoulder. Michelle jerked away. 143


Glaring at both of them, she demanded, “You’re to tell no one about this. It’s not for him and I’m going to have it removed.”
“I hear that hurts worse than getting them,” Mandy offered. Michelle paled. “Why don’t you just keep it? I think it’s cute.”
“Mandy, Michelle!” Jaycee called from the front door. Mike smiled, but she ignored him. “Better get out here. The press is starting to arrive.”
“Where’s my date?” Mandy asked.144

“Armando’s in the kitchen attending to the wait staff he hired for tonight,” Jaycee answered.
“Yeah, I need to go find mine,” Michelle said under her breath. They all looked at her.
“Dmitri’s not here yet,” said Jaycee.
“What do I care?” Michelle snapped. As she stormed out of the office, she growled, “And HE ISN’T MY BOYFRIEND!”145


~*****~146


“Mandy M Roth, award winning author of IMMORTAL OPS, DAUGHTER OF DARKNESS and VAMPYRE PRODUCTIONS: VALKYRIE brings us another two hit releases this month with PEACE OFFERINGS and VAMPYRE PRODUCTIONS: VALHALLA.” The speaker stopped and waited for the crowds cheering to let up. 147


Mandy stood proudly by Armando as she stepped into the crowd. She gave a wave of her hand as the spotlight hit her. A wide grin spread over her face.
“Our other author tonight, Michelle M Pillow, who most of you know for her phenomenal debut novel, THE MISTS OF MIDNIGHT and the fictionwise number one best-selling futuristic romance DRAGON LORDS: THE BARBARIAN PRINCE.”148

This time when the spotlight shone, Michelle stepped forward and gave a small smile. Next to her side a tall, slender man waited in a tux. When she stepped back, she picked up his arm and tried to fade back into the shadows.
“In PEACE OFFERINGS, Mandy Roth brings us to the world of the fairies. For over a hundred years the Blessed and Unblessed Courts have been at war. A year ago, that all changed. Peace came suddenly and left the Courts struggling to maintain it….”
Michelle listened quietly, before leaning to look at her escort. “Thanks for coming with me tonight, Brian. I didn’t want to be here alone.” 149

“…Queen Moya of the Blessed Court promised her daughter’s hand to Prince Elwyn of the Unblessed Court in hopes that this would seal the deal. Mackenzie, the Queen’s daughter is furious about this decision. Even by faerie standards this is archaic…”
“Hey, no problem,” Brian answered. “I’m only too happy to be here. I’m proud of you.” 150

“…Mackenzie wants to marry for love and passion and at the very least a man she’s met. She has never even seen what the Prince looks like, and has heard only horror stories about how barbaric he is…”
“Hey,” Mandy hissed, leaning over. She winked at Michelle’s escort. “What am I chopped liver?”
Michelle rolled her eyes. Armando glanced down at Mandy and chuckled before nodding at Michelle. 151

“Mandy’s second release this month is,” the speaker continued, “VAMPYRE PRODUCTIONS: VALHALLA. Now, I’m sure many of you are familiar with the first installment VALKYRIE.” The speaker paused and a murmur of agreement went over the crowd. He chuckled, before saying, “Valhalla, the heavenly oasis that the Valkyrie’s call home is scrambling to prepare for the Apocalypse. Evil has stopped playing by the rules and started recruiting from a supernatural gene pool. The Elder Valkyries are left no alternative but to send their strongest warrior in search of brave male souls that possess supernatural powers. Linnea isn't happy with the Elders decision, but she's always done what was expected of her, and this is no expectation. Leaping through the waterfalls and into legendary battles has never scared her before, but now she's in a race against time to gather the men before the vampires get to them…” 152

“Chopped onions maybe,” Michelle whispered under her breath. “I know your books make me cry.”
“At least my characters have sex,” Mandy teased back.
“Yeah, with everyone,” Michelle giggled. It was their way. They hated these events and teasing each other mercilessly was a game they started to get through the dreaded speeches. They both hated the spotlighted attention, Michelle more so than the bolder Mandy. 153

“…Can she find the brave warriors Valhalla needs in time? Is love inevitable? Will it last? Follow Linnea on the journey that led her to become Valerie and find out the truth of her life before Guytano.”
“Shut up, Mildly sensual,” Mandy shot.
“Whore,” Michelle answered. Her escort chuckled. Armando did the same.
“Wench.” Mandy’s grin widened.
“Can I leave yet?” Michelle asked, through the side of her mouth. “Is it over?”
“Nope,” Mandy giggled.
“Michelle Pillow’s first release this month is book one of her new dark romance series, TRIBES OF THE VAMPIRE: REDEEMER OF SHADOWS and has already gotten five star reviews…”
“I’m going to be sick,” Michelle whined. 154


“…Hathor Vinceti does not feel as if she completely belongs in the world around her, yet she never imagines that more could be waiting for her. She decides to move to London to help Georgia run her seasonal upscale bed-and-breakfast home. But in London, Hathor finds more than just an exotic city that captures the mind—she finds a thriving underworld seething with wickedly bored vampires. And what could be worse than immortal beings with nothing to do and forever to do it…?”
“Hold on, it’s almost over,” Mandy assured her. “Just smile and nod, smile and nod. Beauty Queen it baby.” 155

Michelle bobbed her head like a bobble doll causing the other three to laugh and draw the attention of the nearby crowd.
“At least I didn’t make us stand up front during this,” Mandy said. “Pretty ingenious to hire a speaker to do it for us, if I do say so myself.”
“…Surviving on blood and living in agony, Lord Servaes the Marquis de Normant has given up on trying to discover a mortal end to his vampire life. He never asked for immortality and he does not understand those who have. He never asked to use his gifts—his accursed blood—to save the mortal who dares too close to danger. Servaes is drawn to the strong willed mortal who would deny him so easily—who by all rights should not be immune to his vampiric powers—and for once he thinks of drinking of something sweeter than the dregs of society.”
They all ignored the speaker. 156


“That’s easy for you to say. You’re a…” Michelle’s face fell. Her rounded eyes looked over the crowd. Mandy glanced at her, seeing her pale face.
“Michelle’s second release coming this month is part of the ULTIMATE WARRIORS anthology, entitled SILK,” the speaker continued. “In order to keep his secret formula from the enemy, the dying Dr. William St. James made the impossible choice. He injected the only sample of it into his daughter, killing her chance at a normal life so that an elite superhero may be born. Now, ten years later and utterly alone, Quinlan St. James is still torn between the woman she could have been and the superhero, Silk, she has become…” 157


“You wrote about a superhero?” Mandy asked. Then, seeing Michelle’s pale face, she demanded seriously, “What is it?”
“Michelle?” Brain was concerned.
“…Nikandros is an immortal Protector, sworn to an eternity in the service of good. His is a lonely existence, one chosen long ago…”
Mandy followed her eyes across the hall. A small smile lit her features as she saw Dmitri in the crowd, his eyes trained on Michelle.
Michelle felt the fire of his gaze from across the room. Her heart leapt into her throat. She couldn’t breathe. She felt him as if he was pressed against her and her brain chose the moment to remind her how good his body felt, how wonderful his lips moved, how great he tasted, how rich his voice was when he said her name—when he said anything. How did things get this messed up? 158

“…Believing that Quinlan might be selling her father’s formula to the highest bidder, the Protectors send him to seduce the reclusive billionaire. However, instead of a coldhearted conspirator, he discovers a lonely woman with a heart of gold—and a secret identity. Now it’s up to him to prove her innocence without blowing his cover.”
Michelle didn’t hear the speaker of the applauding crowd. Feeling someone pulling on her arm, she glanced at Brian.
“Are you all right?” he asked. “You’re pale.” 159

“Yeah, yeah, I’m fine,” she answered reaching back to pat his arm. She looked up at him and smiled.
“Ok, but you just say the word and I’ll get you out of here.” He looked to where she’d been staring at Dmitri and she felt him tense under her hand.
“Is that…?” he began.
Suddenly, the spot light shone on them and a loud applause erupted over the crowd. The speaker was finished. Michelle lifted her hand, trying to see Dmitri. The light was too bright.
“Come on,” Mandy hooked her arm in Michelle’s and pulled her forward. “Time to bow.”160


~*****~161


“There you are, Kitten.” Armando purred as he stepped out into the back alley. “Why are you out here, all alone?” He stressed the all alone part and Mandy knew he was pissed. He didn’t trust the elements that frequented his own establishment and she found that incredibly sad. 162

“I needed some air.”
He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close to him. “I think that your Double Trouble Premiere went over well, don’t you?”
“Oh, yeah if you call Michelle turning three shades of green when we went up to the podium right before she yelled at Dmitri for punching Mike then yeah, it went great.” 163

“I cannot believe that she got a tattoo of a full moon for him, yet she distances herself so.”
“I know, but ask her and she’ll deny it.” Mandy let out a tiny laughed and rubbed her cheek against his cool chest. A shiver went through her as a small breeze blew past. Armando rubbed her arms, but did little in the way of warming her up. She felt him stiffen beneath her touch and looked up to find his face blank. “What’s wrong?” 164

“It is moments like this that I am reminded of what I am.”
She stood on her tiptoes and kissed his jaw. “I love you just the way you are.”
“But it would be better if I were human or if you were a….”
Mandy jerked away from him, not bothering to hide her surprise. “If I were a what, Armando? What? You’d rather I was a vampire? If you’re in the market for one of those, you’ll need to call Eliza-bitch back to town. Sorry, I’m just an ordinary hum…” 165

He seized hold of her and brought his mouth down on hers. The kiss was chaste at first but the moment his tongue moved into her mouth Mandy’s body ignited with the need to feel him in her. His hand went to her waist, slowly working her dress up her thighs.
She let out a sultry laugh as he fumbled with her panty hose. “Baby, not out here. It’s cold.” 166

“Do my ears deceive me, or did I just hear you turn down sex and refer to me in a tender manner?” Armando kissed her neck, continuing to work on her panty hose. “Really, what is the point of these?”
“Oh, you didn’t complain when I tied you to the bed with some of these the other night and…”
He tossed his head back and let out a low moan. “You tell me that I cannot take you out here yet you remind of all the pleasures you have to offer. You are an evil woman, Kitten.” 167

“Awe, I love you too.” She said, pulling back from him slowly. “I need to get home. It’s late and I still need to get packed for tomorrow.”
“Why, what happens tomorrow?”
Mandy bit the corner of her lip. “I told you about taking the job in Chicago.”
Armando looked like he’d been slapped. His eyes widened as he shook his head. “Non, you cannot be seriously thinking of going to work in Chicago still.”
“Yeah, seriously enough to be heading up there to apartment hunt for a few days. I need to find a place to live before I just show up for my first day. Living in a hotel does not sound the least bit appealing.”
“Did you listen to yourself?” Armando asked, narrowing his gaze. “I, I, I…never once did you mention we. I can see that the fact that there is a we now is lost on you, Mandy.” 168

“What? I’m supposed to give up the opportunity of a lifetime to stay here and…”
“And what? Be my wife? That is what you agreed to do when you put that ring on your finger, or did you not understand the terms?”
“Oh, I understood the terms just fine. I just didn’t the message about all the strings attached.”169

Armando took a step towards her and she backed up quickly. “Oh, my dear those are not strings you are so worried about, I believe it is commitment in general. You are so selfish and self-centered that you can only see what is important to you…for you…you do not bother with what others may need or feel.” 170

Mandy’s mouth dropped. “How the hell can you say that to me? I sat in Chicago ALONE crying my damn eyes out because I wasn’t pregnant with your child. And before you say that was selfish, the reason I was so frickin’ upset was because I knew how much it meant to you and I couldn’t give it to you. I couldn’t bring that one little bit of life back to you—to lesson the pain that I see in your eyes.” She let her gaze go hard. “I’ve watched you for over a year. You keep to yourself, and aside from Dmitri I don’t think you bother to make friends. I’ve seen you look at groups of people at the club with a sense of loss in your eyes. I couldn’t stand it, Armando. I wanted to fix it and I didn’t know how. I didn’t even think you noticed me, let alone were willing to let me close to you, and once you did I realized that I didn’t come equipped with the skills needed to heal you. I am what I am and if that’s a selfish bitch then so be it. Gawd, you have some nerve. You can take this ring and shove it right up your sophisticated ass…” 171


“You watched me from afar before our relationship began?” He sounded surprised.
Mandy rolled her eyes. “You can’t be serious! How many times did you ever see me bring another man into the club with me?”
Armando looked distant for a moment before shaking his head. “Now that I think about it I cannot recall a time that you did. I know that you dated other men. I could smell them on you…after you…” His face went hard and Mandy knew that this was subject that he didn’t like to talk about.
“I’m no saint, baby. I screwed other men, sure, and you had other women, but I never drug my boyfriends in to meet you.” 172

“Why?”
“What? Would you prefer that I did?” 173

Armando pulled her closer to him, his grip firm. “You have other boyfriends?”
“Focus! I’m trying to tell you that I’ve been into you for a very long time. I was concerned for your feelings even before I was aware you had any towards me.”
“Ahh,” Armando said, sounding like the realization of what she had said sunk in. “Why do you want to run away to Chicago then?”
“I’m not running to Chicago.” Mandy huffed.
“Really?”
“Don’t sound so smug.”
“I’ll do my best.” 174

Mandy couldn’t help but smile. “I bet you will.” She twisted in his arms in an attempt to head back into the club.
“Not so fast.” Armando let a razor sharp nail extend from his fingertip and ran it across her panty hose quickly. 175

She gasped at the nerve he’d shown, and felt her body tighten with anticipation of what else he might do. She didn’t have to wait long. Armando pushed her back against the cold brick and lifted her dress high above her waist. He undid the front of his own pants, kissing her lips hard, and feverously. 176

Armando gave her no more warning before he had her lifted up and thrust himself into her. Mandy screamed out, into his mouth, a mix of pleasure and pain. Unsure if she wanted him to stop or continue on, she clung to him as he hammered away at her.
Mandy looked into his dark eyes and watched as they swirled. Her head grew heavy and for a moment, she was lost as to what she’d been thinking about—what they’d been discussing. All that mattered was him, his happiness, their happiness. 177


~*****~178

Michelle listened as Brian went on and on about what an ass Dmitri was. She couldn’t disagree with him at the moment, but she did feel a bit defensive when it came to him.
“I can’t believe that you have feelings for him. It’s bad enough that he’s part dog, but come on Michelle, he’s hot-headed, arrogant, egotistical….”
“I know,” Michelle said dreamily.
“Would you like to repeat all of that, this time to my face.” Dmitri growled out, appearing suddenly behind them. 179

The tiny office seemed too small. Michelle tried to wedge her body between Brian and Dmitri, but she was too late. Brian rose to the challenge and stepped forward. “Yeah, as a matter of fact I would like to repeat it to your face. How Michelle ever managed to get herself messed up with the likes of you is beyond me. I thought I knew her better than that.”
“Just how well do you know her?” Dmitri asked, his face turning towards Michelle. She gulped and found that she couldn’t respond. She’d never seen his rage directed at her before and she didn’t care for it one bit. 180

“I know her pretty fucking well…I’m her…” That was all Brian managed to get out before Dmitri hurdled him through the air.
Instantly, Michelle snapped out of her stupor and ran towards them. “Dmitri NO! Brian, oh God… Brian?” She dropped down next to him and touched his head. He was out cold. She turned to glare at Dmitri. 181

He smiled and shrugged. “Guess, you should pick stronger fuck buddies.”
“WHAT? Are you sick? Brian is my brother you idiot!”182