Sunday Spotlight - Adam Charles and Haunt His Heart

Welcome Adam Charles back to Sunday Spotlight. Adam is sharing a bit from Haunt His Heart, a MM paranormal read perfect for Halloween!

****

When Ben goes to visit his best friend Mark at UVA, he decides to stop by Edgar Allan Poe’s old dormitory. There, he meets a man named Raven, and the connection they feel is undeniable. He doesn’t want to miss out on time with his friend, but every moment with Raven makes him wonder if unseen forces brought them both to the historic site for a reason.

Mark couldn’t be more thrilled that his best friend has met an amazing guy. And when they go to a party Raven invited them to, Mark meets someone pretty special himself. He was already sure some higher power was working in his friend Ben’s favor, but one kiss from Loki makes a true believer out of him.

And when Mark and Loki actually encounter a supernatural presence, all four men embark on a journey they’ll never forget.

Twisted E-Publishing  *  Amazon  *  Google Play

Are you sure you don’t want to take the car? Take a spin around town? I don’t mind waiting for you after class.” Mark held the keys out to Ben one more time.

“No. I’d like to explore the campus. It’s really beautiful here,” Ben said, leaning back on the steps they were sitting on. “I think I’ll go to the rotunda, and then check out Edgar Allan Poe’s room.”

“That won’t kill much time.”

Ben smiled at his friend. “But I want to really absorb the experience. He’s my favorite poet. What would people say if I told them I’d actually been to the University of Virginia but hadn’t visited Poe’s room?”

Mark laughed. “You’re right. They’d think you were an idiot.”

“But I’ll meet you back here promptly in two hours.”

“Good deal.” Mark stood up and gathered his books. “We can go downtown and get some lunch.”

Ben nodded. “Sounds like a plan. Now get to that math class.”

Mark rolled his eyes and groaned, then waved and headed down the stairs.

As Mark walked away, Ben took a deep breath. He felt his excitement growing. He’d received both of his degrees from an urban university stuck in the middle of a smelly, dirty city. But this place was his idea of a real university. With its old buildings and beautiful landscaping, he felt he could spend the rest of his days reading a book under one of its mighty trees.

He stood up and swung his bag over his shoulder. He’d planned on going to the rotunda first, but he just couldn’t wait. From the library, he was only about three or four hundred feet from the old dorm rooms, so it made more sense to go see Poe’s room first. He set his sights on the black and gray historical marker as he cut across the grass.

He pulled his coat closer around his body as the wind picked up. Even though he would have loved the privilege of living in one of the original dorms, and it was indeed a privilege hard-won at UVA, he wasn’t sure about going through a Virginia winter without central heating.

He stopped and read the historical marker before looking over at the glassed-off room. The marker told him very little he didn’t already know, though he had to laugh because so many tourists came to see this room even though Poe was only a student there for one semester. He turned and headed for the door, wishing it might start snowing again or that one of the ravens he’d seen perched near the library would fly over and join him for his visit.

He peered into the room and was amazed at how small it really was. There was barely enough room for a rather unsafe looking single bed along with a desk and chair. There was a fireplace that looked pretty cozy, but the large window opposite the door wasn’t insulated at all. He could imagine himself sleeping on the floor as close to the fire as safely possible.

A carving of a raven perched on a branch sat on the desk.

“Cute,” he said softly.

He saw a faded plaque and a button to his right. A speaker was mounted on top of the doorframe, so he pressed the button.

Nothing happened.

“It’s broken,” said a deep, rich voice behind him.

Ben turned and saw a guy with amazing gray eyes standing there. He was fair-skinned, but not too pale, with long dark hair pulled back at his nape. He had a fabulous smile that made those big gray eyes sparkle all the more, and Ben couldn’t help smiling back.

“It’s never worked when I’ve popped by.” He shrugged. “It might have been broken for years.”

“Do you come by often?” Ben asked.

He nodded. “I moved here a few months ago, and it’s one of my favorite spots, even though nothing has happened here.”

Ben tilted his head, wondering if he was missing something. “Nothing has happened?”

The guy looked down and laughed. “Sorry. I ramble at times. I’m a paranormal investigator, actually, so I like to visit historic sites from time to time, just in case.”

“There must be a lot of places here in Charlottesville. Is that why you moved here?” The guy’s eyes danced when he laughed, and Ben couldn’t pull his gaze away for long, even though the rest of this guy was very nice to look at as well.

“I’m working on my master’s in psychology. It’s the practical side of becoming a paranormal investigator.”

Ben nodded. “So it isn’t just a hobby? It’s going to be a career?”

“Well, it’s not a realistic career choice, so I imagine I’ll be doing something else as a day job while doing this on the side.”

Ben turned back to the room. “And nothing has happened here?” He couldn’t help feeling disappointed as he gazed into the room and tried to imagine what it would’ve been like when Poe lived there.

He shook his head. “Most people think these are the places most likely to be haunted, but there’s usually no activity in them. A place being old or having a rich history is no guarantee of anything.”

“Do you like Poe?” Ben asked.

He laughed again and pointed to the little woodcarving. “I know The Raven because my mom loves it, but that’s about it.”

Ben wasn’t sure if the guy was laughing because he came here so often but didn’t really know Poe or because of the silly raven in the window. “My major was English, and I really like Poe, even though I’m more into British literature.” He held out his hand. “I’m Ben.”

“Raven,” he said, taking his hand and giving him a little smirk.

Ben laughed, but then he was distracted by how warm and soft Raven’s hand was. And how long Raven held on to his. “Ah. Sounds like your mom reallyloves that poem.”

“Yes, she does. Didn’t even give me a middle name to fall back on. But I don’t mind. It could be worse.” He finally let go of Ben’s hand.

Ben considered this, and then had to ask, “How?”

“I could be blond. Then it wouldn’t really fit me at all.”

Ben stuck his hands in his pockets to avoid fidgeting. Were they flirting? He couldn’t tell yet, but a fifteen-second handshake seemed a step in that direction. “That would be worse. At least it does suit you. Very well actually.”

The smile Raven gave Ben reassured him they were indeed flirting here. They both looked into the room for a few seconds, and then Raven asked, “Are you here visiting the campus itself or do you have friends here? Maybe I could persuade you to have dinner with me.”

Ben wanted to jump at the chance, but he couldn’t do that to Mark. “My friend Mark goes here. He’s in a math class right now. I’m just up for a visit, taking a few vacation days.”

Raven’s face fell noticeably. “That’s too bad.” Perking up a bit, he asked, “Would you like to get some coffee while he’s in class? Or I could take you around the campus. I don’t have any classes today. I just came over for a walk before heading in to work.”

Ben didn’t even have to think about it. Coffee and a free tour could definitely be a nice way to pass the time, especially with this guy. “I’d love to.”

Raven smiled. “Great. It’s only a short walk to my favorite place.”

As they walked, Ben admired the campus. The stately buildings and tall trees were so beautiful. He could really feel the history around him in the bricks and stones.

“There are actually lots of supposedly haunted sites on campus, but I think most of the stories are made up for the tourists and students,” Raven said as they passed the rotunda.

“Are there any you do think are real?”

He smiled. “There’s one from a few decades back that seemed completely fabricated to me at first, until I actually visited the place.” He pointed to a long two-story brick building with tall, slender windows.

“A real ghost?” Ben looked at all the windows, but he couldn’t see into the building at all because the blinds were all closed.

“At one time, I think so. The building’s still used for classrooms and offices.” He stopped on the lawn and pointed to the last window on the left, which was partially hidden by trees. “That room is storage now, but it was once a classroom. A girl died there under pretty scandalous circumstances.”

“What happened?” Even if he wasn’t ready to believe in ghosts, the story sounded intriguing.

He pointed across the street. “Let’s get our coffee, and then we’ll come back here.” He smiled again. Ben was definitely starting to like that smile. “Get the mood right and everything.”

Ben raised his eyebrows after he turned to check traffic, wondering just what they might be setting the mood for. He had ideas popping into his head already.

Sunday Spotlight: Adam Charles and Second Chance

Welcome Adam Charles back to Sunday Spotlight.He's sharing a bit of his new release, Second Chance (Taking a Chance, 2)

****

David has spent almost a decade living with regrets, and he’s finally worked up the courage to right a wrong from years ago. Just as he’s reconciling with his twin brother, David gets another chance to fix a relationship he screwed up. Even though he bolted out of fear, David has never been able to forget the day he kissed his friend Michael. Now that Michael is in his life again, will David be able to make it up to him? Or is it too much to hope for another second chance?

Twisted E-Publishing * Amazon US * Amazon UK * iBooks * Barnes & Noble  

Google Play * Kobo

Chapter One

David sprinkled more cheese on the breakfast casserole and then slid it back into the oven at a lower temperature. He moved to the island and began cutting up fruit to try to focus his energy. He hadn’t felt this unsettled in years. The last time he’d felt anything like what he was feeling now had been his first day of therapy four years ago. That day had been a new beginning, but at the time, it had seemed like the end. The doctor had been so concerned that he’d insisted David check himself in for one night. And one night had turned into a week as he finally let everything out, finally told someone what he’d been through. He and his estranged twin, Alex, had been texting for weeks, and they’d even talked on the phone a couple of times. But tonight … it terrified him.

He’s been open. And kind and patient, considering what I did. He wants us to work all of this out. It’s going to be fine.

Eight years ago, when Alex had confessed that he was gay, David had lost it in the worst possible way. He’d called his twin, his very best friend, a pervert before punching him twice and screaming for their mom. The rest of the day blurred in his mind even now. He’d become hysterical and demanded his parents kick Alex out. But instead, they’d gotten angry at David. He’d been bundled off to his grandmother’s house that very night, and as usual in their family, no real discussion had ever taken place. He’d only worked up the courage to tell his parents the truth about his reaction a few months ago. Tonight, he would finally tell Alex as well.

He dropped the knife because he was shaking. Part of him feared his brother would never completely forgive him. Never really love him again. Another part of him worried about how upset his brother would be once he knew the truth.

The doorbell rang, and David jumped, grabbing the island and cutting his palm on the knife he’d dropped so carelessly. He cried out and grabbed for the roll of paper towels.

“David?” called a muffled voice from the other side of the door.

“Coming!” David rushed over and pulled the door open with his left hand. “Hey, come in,” he said, trying to sound cheerful but knowing he failed at it.

Alex’s gaze went straight to his injured hand. “You okay?”

“Yeah. Just cut myself.”

Alex reached for his hand and pulled the paper towel away. “It’s not bad. You got bandages or whatever?”

“Yeah. Hall bathroom. Under the sink.”

Alex went down the hall and soon returned with the little First Aid kit. He took David by the elbow and guided him to the living room, pushing him to a seat on the couch. And then he was cleaning David’s cut and dressing it, as if there wasn’t eight years of baggage sitting there between them.

“I’m sorry,” David said as he felt tears prick at the back of his eyes. “Those words sound meaningless. Like nothing. They can’t … they just can’t make up for what I did.”

“No, words can’t,” Alex said softly as he looked at his work. “But words are where we need to start.” Alex let go of his hand and gazed up at him, waiting.

Preparing himself for rejection, David said, “I love you. But I don’t blame you if you don’t believe that. Or if you no longer love me. I abandoned you. Hurt you. I ruined everything.”

Alex’s eyes revealed nothing. “You could’ve found me any time you wanted.”

“I have to tell you why.”

“Why what? Why you rejected me when I said I was gay? Hit me and called me a pervert? Ran away and never once tried to contact me?”

“Yeah. That’s why I wanted us to sit down face to face. Alone.” His vision began to blur so he fumbled around to grab a tissue from the table behind the couch.

Alex studied him as he wiped his eyes. “Are you sick?”

“Huh?”

“Are you sick? Dying? You’re shaking. Seem scared. I haven’t seen you cry since we were like seven.”

“No. This isn’t about getting my affairs in order or some twelve-step program. It’s about what I did. And why.” He took a breath and tried to push back the tears. “I’ve kept two secrets from you. From everyone. I just told mom and dad a while ago. That’s when mom gave me your phone number.” He settled back on the couch and clutched a pillow, needing something to ground him. “I would get my phone out and stare at it. When I saw you in the park that day, smiling and laughing and looking so happy, I got dizzy. Made myself go over. Yet I was in a daze. No idea what to say or do.” He met his twin’s gaze. “And I know it was painful. Awkward. I was a wreck the rest of the day. Had to go home instead of going back to work.”

“Yeah, it was pretty bad. I was fucked up the rest of the day. Didn’t go back to work myself.” Alex tilted his head. “What are these secrets? You look like you need to tell me before you throw up or something.”

David laughed, the sound broken and nervous. He felt pretty damn sure he would throw up soon. “I … I’m …” He groaned and shut his eyes before blurting out. “I’m gay, too. But I knew when we were fifteen.”

The silence was stifling, and David made himself open his eyes. Alex sat motionless, staring down at the couch cushion between them. After nearly a minute, Alex licked his lips and asked, “What’s the other secret?” He took a deep breath and added, more harshly, “What in the fuck could be bigger than that?”

“I didn’t tell you or anyone else because of something that happened.” He paused as he tried to think of the best way to start. “Do you remember … Eric Draker?”

Alex looked up at him and nodded. “Yeah. Why?”

“He caught me looking at him one day. He got me to admit I was checking him out. Everyone knew what our parents were like. So conservative and exacting. If I’d known they’d be more open minded. If I’d had anyidea they would be okay with me being gay, the way they were the night you came out, then what happened next would never have happened.”

“What happened?” Alex said, sounding breathless. His anger seemed to shift a bit. “David … what did that asshole do?”

Bile came up David’s throat, and his stomach lurched. “Hang on.” He bolted up and ran to the bathroom, barely making it to the toilet before he vomited.

A few minutes later, he sat back on the bathroom floor and looked over to see his brother sitting on the edge of the tub looking worried. Alex stood and dampened a facecloth before handing it to David.

“I always hated that guy. Knew there was something fucked up about him.” Alex’s fists clenched. “Tell me what he did to you.”

David leaned his head back against the cool tile of the wall. “He said he’d tell mom and dad I was gay. Convinced me they’d kick me out. Hate me. That you’d hate me. That everyone at school would look at me funny. That I wouldn’t be allowed to be on the basketball team or be allowed in the locker room. All kinds of shit.”

Silence fell again. Alex inched closer and touched David’s shoulder. “I’m no expert here, but you’ll feel better if you get it all out.”

“When I told them, Mom cried. Dad got angry. Said he’d have gone right to Eric’s parents if he were still alive.”

Alex’s eyebrows shot up. “He’s dead?”

“Yeah. I had no idea until the night I told them. He killed himself apparently. Up in New York. Over four years ago. The family tried to hide it, but word spread eventually.”

“Might be best. I’ve got a feeling I’d have ended up hunting him down after tonight.”

An odd smell hit David. “Shit, the food’s burning.” He tried to get up, but Alex shook his head.

“I’ll get it.” He left the room and came back a minute later. “Cooking my favorite, huh?”

“Yeah. It ruined?”

Alex shrugged one shoulder. “Cheese got a bit crispy on top. Doesn’t matter. I don’t think I can eat.”

“Yeah, me either.”

Alex sat back down on the edge of the tub. “Can you keep going?”

Slowly, David nodded. “He said he’d keep quiet if I’d be his boyfriend. His secret boyfriend. So I said yes. I liked him, thought he was hot. We would meet when we could. Fool around. Before long we started fucking.” David took a deep breath and looked up. “I know what you were probably thinking when I first started this. That he raped me. But that wasn’t it. The abuse was emotional. Psychological. Things were good when we were touching. He never hit me, was never too rough. But the moment it was over, he changed. We didn’t talk much. Didn’t do things together. And then one day, I went to our secret place and found him with a girl. Fucking her. She was riding him, straddling his lap. And they were kissing.” He paused and took a breath, trying not to go back to that moment. He’d worked too hard to get past it. “At that moment, I realized Eric had neverkissed me. Not once. It was always me sucking him or jerking him off. Or him fucking me. I’d been so excited about doing things with a guy that I didn’t even notice how he was treating me.”

“How long had it been going on?” Alex asked.

David looked up, knowing Alex was going to be shocked. “Almost two years. I caught him like a month before you told me you were gay.” He sat up a bit more. “I went to his house the day after I’d caught him with her. Told him what I’d seen. And he laughed. I thought he’d slipped up, but no. He’d wantedme to see. Wanted me to know that, once he got some pussy, he wouldn’t need me anymore.” He shifted his weight on the floor. “He called me every homophobic name in the book. Called me a whore. A pervert. Said I was disgusting for letting myself be fucked. An idiot for thinking two guys could do anything more than get each other off.”

Alex actually lowered himself to the floor and looked David right in the eye. “I want to ask why you didn’t tell me, but I’m too astonished.”

“Astonished?”

“Yes. At the fact you were able to keep it from me. You were having sex. Secretly meeting someone. A guy we never hung out with. And I saw nothing. Knew nothing.”

“We were careful. Met maybe three or four times a month. I was scared of being caught.”

“But … two fucking years!” Alex yelled.

David winced. “Are you mad?” The question sounded idiotic, but he couldn’t think of anything else to say.

“Yes! At him!” He closed his eyes, groaning. “And you.” Opening his eyes, he shook his head as he looked down at the floor. “Fuck.”

When Alex didn’t say anything else, David said, “I didn’t love him. I wasn’t that dumb. I knew it was just sex, yet … I guess I thought he felt a little something for me. The way I did for him. Going to Gran’s after my freak out was actually a good thing. Seeing him every day was making me crazy. And you paid the price for it. By the time I had my head on straight, it had been almost two weeks. I was scared to see you. To see mom or dad. I didn’t want to come home. And that’s why I picked a college as far away as possible. I just…” David closed his eyes.

“Ran away,” Alex said, his voice harsh and full of pain.

David opened his eyes. “Yeah.”

Alex took him by the shoulders and jerked him up into an awkward hug. “Why didn’t you tell me? Why didn’t you fucking tell me? I’d have killed that piece of shit.” One hand tightened against David’s back. “I’d have helped you deal with it.”

David clutched at his twin when he felt him shaking, soon realizing they were both shaking. “I don’t know. The longer I waited, the harder it seemed.” He let out a shuddered breath. “I’m sorry.”

Alex let him go and looked at him, wiping at his own tears. “I’m pretty angry with you right now. We lost all those years. We were both hurting. And we didn’t need to.”

“I know you’re hurt. By everything. But I want to make it up to you. Somehow. Some day. As long as it takes.”

Alex sat back on his heels. “I don’t even know what to say. I can’t stay tonight.”

“That’s okay. I doubt either of us could eat anyway.” He cleared his throat. “I know I just dropped a lot on you. And I’m notmaking excuses. Just trying to explain what was going on with me.” He reached out and took his brother’s hand. “What I did was wrong. And I know it. All of it was wrong. The secrets. Staying away. I’ve been in therapy for four years. All the doctors have been pushing for this. What I just did.”

“I can’t keep talking right now.” Alex drew his hand away. “I need to go, okay?”

David nodded, simply glad Alex wasn’t yelling at him. There seemed to be hope for them, a hope he’d felt building these last weeks as they slowly tried to reestablish their relationship through random texts and awkward phone calls. “I understand.”

Alex stood up. “You okay? To be alone, I mean?”

“Yeah. I’ll be fine.”

“Okay. I’ll call you. In a few days. Maybe we can try tonight again.”

“Sounds good.”

Alex exited the room, but then he came back. “I love you, too,” he said in a low voice. “But it’s gonna be hard to really trust you now.”

David nodded. “Got it.”

Alex gave a slight nod and then rushed from the apartment, the door slamming behind him.

David made himself get up. He washed his hands and face, and then he forced himself to go back into the kitchen. He covered the casserole and slid the fruit in the fridge and then leaned on the counter, staring at the tiles. Relief washed over him, even as he still felt a flutter of nerves deep in his stomach. Everything was out in the open now, and the future was in Alex’s hands.

I don’t blame him for not trusting me. I don’t deserve his trust. Or his love.

Special Saturday Spotlight - Adam Charles and His Chance

Welcome Adam Charles back to Spotlight - he's here to share a peek at his new release, His Chance, the first book in the new series, Taking a Chance.

**

Alex has loved his best friend Robbie’s brother, Chance, for almost a year. He wants to do something about it, but he always feared saying or doing anything would hurt his relationship with Robbie. So when Robbie says Chance has a crush on him, Alex begins to hope. Will he be able to tell Chance how he really feels, or will he let this opportunity slip through his fingers?

Twisted E Publishing * Amazon US * Amazon UK * Smashwords * iTunes * B&N * Google Play * Bookstrand 

Alex shoved his hands into his pockets as he made his way across the parking lot to his apartment building. He pulled his keys out as he reached the stairs and glanced up at the sound of voices.

And he looked right into the most perfect eyes he’d ever seen.

Chance smiled at him before glancing down shyly. “Hey, Alex,” he said as he moved down the stairs past him.

“Hi, Chance.” He started to step toward Chance but stopped and drew his gaze away. His best friend and roommate Robbie was bouncing down the stairs after his little brother, grinning at Alex. “Hey, man. We’re gonna go grab some pizza? Wanna come?”

I’d love to, but all I’ll be able to do is stare at your baby brother and get tongue tied.“I already grabbed something earlier. You guys go ahead. I’m just gonna turn in early.”

Robbie shrugged. “Okay. See ya later.”

“Yeah, see ya.” They began to walk away, and before he could stop himself, he added, “Bye, Chance.”

“Bye,” he called over his shoulder without really looking back at Alex.

Alex watched a minute longer before rushing upstairs, feeling anxious.

And dirty.

Chance was no kid—he was a junior in college—but Robbie definitely looked out for Chance and sheltered him at times. Alex felt his face grow hot as his mind filled with thoughts of being with Chance, both of them naked and breathless.

His throat tightened as well. It was so much more than wanting to fuck Chance. Alex wanted the younger man there with him every single day. He wanted them to do everything together, to make plans for the future together.

He wanted Chance in his life because he was in love with him.

Alex wasn’t even sure exactly when it had happened. He and Robbie had graduated from college three years ago, just a few months before Chance had started. Once the fall semester came, they’d shown Chance around and hung out with him. Alex had liked him right away and gotten used to having him around, and somehow, it had just happened.

Alex wouldn’t have believed you could fall in love without having ever even touched someone, but he had. And he had fallen hard. Far harder than he’d ever expected to. He closed his eyes as he undressed, and the entire time, he thought of Chance. He thought of his laughter and his smile. He sighed as he thought about the way Chance always played with the seam on his jeans when they watched movies or TV together. Sometimes, Alex longed to reach over and still his hand and then simply hold it. He wanted to know how soft Chance’s skin was, how strong Chance’s grip was.

Alex grasped his throbbing cock and moaned. Thinking of Chance always got him close to the edge. At times, that was a problem, but right now, he could indulge those feelings and find a measure of release.

Alex turned on the shower and got under the spray. He leaned back against the wall as he pictured Chance on his knees under the cascade of water, his mouth open and his tongue coming out to swipe over Alex’s cock.

READ MORE

Sunday Spotlight - Adam Charles and EVAN'S WOLF

Welcome Adam Charles back to my Sunday Spotlight series!  He's bringing the final book in his CHANGES series - Evan's Wolf.

****

The final book in the Changes series...

Evan goes to a neighboring pack to help strengthen ties since their alphas have mated. Despite his excitement about meeting new people—and potentially a mate—he doesn’t make many friends right away. Lots of old pack rules have changed recently, and after a suggestion from a fellow beta, Evan begins to wonder if he’s been looking in the wrong place for a mate. He was popular with the omegas in his other pack, but maybe another beta is just the change of pace he needs…

Twisted E-Publishing  * Amazon

Evan’s Wolf

Changes, Book Three

Copyright © 2018 by Adam Charles

Evan woke up sore, but in the most fabulous way. Reece had given him the fucking of his life with that thick cock of his, and Evan wanted more, even though he preferred to top. If Reece kept fucking him like he had the night before, Evan could get used to being on the bottom.

Or they could find a cute little omega right away so Evan could still get his fill of fucking another. Imagining pounding into another man as Reece took him made Evan sigh. He stretched and rolled over, only to realize Reece wasn’t there. The man came out of the bathroom a minute later, looking a little frazzled.

“What’s up?” Evan asked. He’d expected Reece to look as sated and happy as he had when they’d fallen asleep tangled in each other’s arms.

“You’re about to meet some opponents of the new changes, if you’re up for it. Part of my job includes keeping people from getting stirred up. Over anything. I have to be even more vigilant with our alpha gone.”

“Keeping the peace?”

“Yeah, basically.”

Evan nodded. “Sure. I’ll help.” If Reece was going to face something difficult, Evan wanted to be by his side. As rough and aggressive as he’d been in bed, Reece seemed to have a sweet, tender side as well. Evan liked the combination, and it also made him feel even more protective. Maybe Reece didn’t need protecting the way an omega would, but if they were together any length of time, Evan would not tolerate any mistreatment coming Reece’s way.

“Okay, great. I have some coffee going. I’ll let you get dressed.” Reece left the room.

Evan hurriedly got dressed. He hadn’t had a chance to shower, but he could do that later. He didn’t care if anyone smelled Reece on him. Even though he seemed to have rinsed off, Reece still smelled of Evan a bit. Evan smiled, liking that.

Evan found two travel mugs for them, and they both filled them with black coffee before heading out. They found three people—two men and a woman—standing in the square basically lecturing anyone who would stop to listen to them. All three had dark hair and eyes and very similar features. They looked like they had to be related.

“Who are they?” Evan asked.

“Carson’s the biggest. Then there’s Graham and Raven. Siblings. Graham and Raven were twins, which you know is rare. Makes them feel even more entitled.” Lowering his voice, he said, “Carson’s known for pressuring omegas who resist him. No one’s ever been brave enough to say he actually forced an encounter.”

“So he’s not a fan of the new omega rights because it could mess up his fun.”

“Exactly.”

All three stopped talking and looked over at Reece and Evan. Raven came forward first, scenting the air. “And it’s begun,” she said. “One of our strongest, most virile males is fucking a beta. From another pack. This union will produce no pups, and it might take our enforcer away from us.” She bowed her head slightly. “Even if we disagree, you serve our pack well. Losing you would hurt us, especially with our alpha away.”

“Thank you for the compliment, but that doesn’t make it okay for you to say who I can or cannot fuck. Or mate. If you respect my office and service, you should do the same for our alpha, who wanted all of this.”

“And where is he?” Carson asked. He pointed to his right. “He’s with another pack, letting their alpha dominate and fuck him. Alphas fuck. It is disgraceful for any alpha to bend and submit.”

“But he fell in love,” one woman said, putting her hands on her hips and glaring at Carson. “Some people want that. Love, not just rutting to produce pups or further bloodlines.”

Carson snarled at her and everyone who nodded at her words. “It is disgraceful. And he took his brother with him. Practically gave him to the other pack. Noah was a fertile omega who should’ve been mated and bred long ago.”

A man laughed. “You say that because you wanted him and Thomas denied you.”

“That is a lie!” Carson yelled. “I am the strongest beta here. Who else would be most fit to breed the alpha’s own brother? My suit was in limbo when this other alpha turned Thomas’s head.”

“Wait a minute,” Evan said. “That’s not the way it was. They talked about it. Reflected on it. They were lovers for a time before they ever presented anything to the council. It was no whim. They put a careful proposal together. These changes are for the good of all of us.”

“This is not your concern,” Graham said as he fixed Evan with a glare.

Reece held up his hand when Graham moved toward Evan. “He was sent here by our alpha. He has a right to speak as long as he’s here. We’re all one people despite living in different packs. We have to adapt in order to survive. How can we thrive if we oppress our own kind? Omegas should have been given full rights long ago.” He fixed his gaze on Graham. “I won’t have you harassing our guest.”

“Says the man who reeks of his cum,” Graham said. He took two more steps forward. “You both waste your seed. If you want a stronger mate, there are more than enough female betas.”

“Mating should be about more,” Reece said. “I’d rather fight and work for someone I love than someone I just happened to put a baby in. You can live and fuck how you want, but you won’t poison others against these changes.”

Graham glared at them both as he moved in even closer. “You couldn’t at least choose a beta from your own pack to sate your lust with?” he whispered low enough that only they could hear him. After eyeing Evan a moment, he added, “I know I could please you better than he did.”

Sunday Spotlight - Adam Charles and Mace's Omega

Welcome to Sunday Spotlight! This week's guest is Adam Charles. Adam is sharing a bit from his new release, Mace's Omega.

Mace wasn’t looking for a mate, but when his alpha makes an alliance with the nearest pack, an omega intended for Mace is part of the deal. Mace goes into the relationship wanting nothing more than to please his alpha, but the omega’s reluctance to commit to the mating right away gives him pause. He convinces the younger man to give him a chance, and Mace soon discovers that being with this omega is going to bring him pleasure far beyond simply pleasing his own alpha.

This story was originally released in 2016. It has been edited for Twisted E-Publishing.

Amazon  *  Twisted E Publishing

Excerpt

Chapter One

Mace sat across the table from his alpha and didn’t look up. He’d expected big news upon Gideon’s return from the pack summit, but he hadn’t expected this. Not at all.

“That’s why you’ve been going off alone so often the past couple of months,” Mace said.

“Yes.” Gideon sat back and folded his arms. “Such changes are long overdue. Thomas and I love each other. The fact we’re both alphas is a good thing. Our packs will join and be stronger, and if one of us dies, the transition will be smoother because there will still be a strong alpha in place.”

Mace cleared his throat, feeling his chest tighten. “I simply didn’t realize the pack leaders were going to discuss anything besides the fair treatment of omegas.”

“Our request opened up the floor. Other alphas said they wished to take mates according to their feelings rather than the need to breed. We’ll never be exactly like human society, but we can’t keep living the way we used to. It helps with the omega issue, actually. It’s long past time we put an end to omegas being breeding stock.”

I’m glad. I know it used to be a lot worse.” Mace was a beta in his pack, but his mother had been an omega. She’d had eleven children with different men and shown little interest in raising them. He’d loved her anyway, which had made her indifference even worse.

“However, there is one concession we made to appease the leaders who objected. I’d like your help, though I could ask another.” Gideon focused his gaze and paused, and that told Mace he might not like what his alpha was going to ask of him.

“What? I’ll do anything for the good of the pack.” I’d do anything for you, even keep my feelings hidden forever. Even though I’m sure I won’t like what you’re asking, I’ll do it. For you. Mace loved his alpha more than he should, and though he’d just been told there was no longer a chance for anything to happen between them, he would still do anything for Gideon. Anything, including staying at his side as he took another as his mate.

“Since we’re both alphas, obviously we can’t breed and produce an heir. We don’t want to bring another, male or female, into our bed. So, we’re settling, in a way. Thomas has a younger brother who is an omega. I promised the gathered leaders that“not like what his alpha was going to ask of him.

“What? I’ll do anything for the good of the pack.” I’d do anything for you, even keep my feelings hidden forever. Even though I’m sure I won’t like what you’re asking, I’ll do it. For you. Mace loved his alpha more than he should, and though he’d just been told there was no longer a chance for anything to happen between them, he would still do anything for Gideon. Anything, including staying at his side as he took another as his mate.

“Since we’re both alphas, obviously we can’t breed and produce an heir. We don’t want to bring another, male or female, into our bed. So, we’re settling, in a way. Thomas has a younger brother who is an omega. I promised the gathered leaders that we would find Noah a mate and make his children our heirs.”

The silence hung between them for a moment before Mace broke it by asking, “Find him a mate?”

“Yes. I would like for it to be you. I need someone I can trust. Someone I respect. They’ll be here tomorrow. I’d like for you to spend time with him. If you like each other, we’ll consider it a match.”

So I have to not only see you with Thomas but also breed another male at your command? Mace tried to keep his voice steady as he said, “I thought you were tired of the old ways. Of alphas telling people who to be with.”

“I’m not forcing you. If you don’t like him, we’ll find someone else. Same thing if he doesn’t like you. Neither of us will force it. I’m asking you because I have the most faith in you. He’s very attractive and intelligent, so we’re hoping he’ll like you. Thomas is very particular about his brother, but I’ve assured him you’re more than good enough for Noah.”

Mace bristled at that last part. He knew he was an appealing male and couldn’t imagine an omega turning him down. Or anyone, alpha or not, disapproving of him as a mate for an omega. “You know I’ll do anything you ask, Gideon.” He swallowed against the tightening of his throat and added, “Thank you for your faith in me.”

“Of course.” Gideon leaned forward and said, “Anything I ask? Including getting over me?”

Mace went still, casting his eyes down again. He’d always made it clear he’d obey in anything, though he had never actually offered his body to his alpha.

“Gideon sat back and sighed. “You think I was oblivious? Never. It’s why I never took you to my bed. I knew your desire for me was more than lust or the need to please your alpha. Even though I find you very attractive, I refused to hurt you. And you would’ve been hurt, Mace. Trust me when I say it’s better we never touched.”

Not wanting to respond to any of that, Mace asked, “Does your mate know?”

“No, I didn’t tell Thomas. I don’t want him to treat you differently. Or worry unnecessarily. You’re my best beta, and I need you close. It would be awkward if he knew.”

“And he wouldn’t want me fathering your heirs.”

Gideon paused a moment. “No, probably not. I need him to value you as I do. Jealousy of any kind, even if it was unfounded, would inhibit that.”

“I’ll try my best to hide my feelings better.”

Gideon sighed. “Don’t be like that.”

He met Gideon’s gaze without fear, not even caring if he was reprimanded. “How can I be any other way? I wish you’d told me there was no chance for us sooner.”

“I’m sorry. I didn’t want to hurt you.”

Mace stood up, already seeking to distance himself from this conversation. To detach from this situation and his feelings altogether. There was no longer any reason to hang around Gideon’s home when duty didn’t require it. “I’ll take this omega as a mate, if he’ll accept me. If I can’t serve you in your bed … I’ll be obedient to your will and serve you in mine.”

“I’ll try my best to hide my feelings better.”

Gideon sighed. “Don’t be like that.”

He met Gideon’s gaze without fear, not even caring if he was reprimanded. “How can I be any other way? I wish you’d told me there was no chance for us sooner.”

“I’m sorry. I didn’t want to hurt you.”

Mace stood up, already seeking to distance himself from this conversation. To detach from this situation and his feelings altogether. There was no longer any reason to hang around Gideon’s home when duty didn’t require it. “I’ll take this omega as a mate, if he’ll accept me. If I can’t serve you in your bed … I’ll be obedient to your will and serve you in mine.”

Gideon’s expression hardened. “Mace, stop. You’re still my right hand. I know it hurts now, but—”

Mace held up his hand to stop his alpha’s words. “I’m fine, Gideon.”

“No, you’re upset.”

“Then let me leave to compose myself. Have faith in me, as you said you do. It seems we have a big day tomorrow, welcoming our mates.”

Gideon stood as well, crossing his arms and moving around the table. “All right. But it’s not a done deal yet. You’re meeting him to see if you two suit.”

“My alpha wishes the match. Noah is the brother of another alpha. Our children will be important. I’m honored I’ve been selected to breed him.” He waited for a response, fully aware that his flat tone held as much disrespect as any sarcastic remark he could’ve thrown out there.

“You’re defensive.” He shook his head. “Just go. You’ll be more rational in the morning.”

Mace turned on his heel and left. He couldn’t really focus on anything until he got back to his own cabin. As relieved as he was to have the confrontation over, part of him had wanted Gideon to say more, to do more. His pack lived in the forest at the southern end of the Appalachian Mountains. Thomas and his pack lived just over four miles away, on the other side of one of the smaller mountains. Uniting their territories made sense. Thomas and Gideon had been coordinating their efforts for years to keep both packs safe and well provided for. And, it seemed, working together so closely had allowed them to fall in love.

Mace opened a beer and sat down on the couch in his living room. He’d expected the blow to hurt more, but instead a dull ache had settled in his chest. All of his longing would now go unfulfilled. None of his fantasies would ever be reality. He sat there and considered his future. Taking Noah as a mate and providing Gideon with heirs did appeal to him. He would be serving the alpha in a unique way. His family would always be in favor, and he did want that for his children.

He wondered what Noah would look like, what he would be like. Thomas was a large man, even for an alpha. But being an omega, Noah would be smaller and shorter. He likely wouldn’t be as hairy and masculine as his brother.

Mace sighed and rose to throw his empty bottle away. There was no point in speculating. His mate would arrive tomorrow, and even though Noah wasn’t the man Mace wanted, he’d be damned if he’d welcome his mate into a dirty house. He cleaned the kitchen first, glad of the distraction. Next he moved on to the bedrooms and living room, tackling the bathroom. He finally fell into bed two hours later, his house clean and his heart heavy.