Sunday Spotlight - April Andrews and Pack Versus Mates

Welcome to Sunday Spotlight! April Andrews is returning to share a bit from her new release Pack Versus Mates.  It's the 8th book in her The Omega Auctions series. If you love wolf shifters, alphas and omegas, then you should check out this series!

If you’re born an omega, you don’t get to stay with your pack. Instead, you’re sent to the Omega Auctions, a place where wolves are traded between packs...a place where they have no say in their future…but a place where, at long last, some wolves are finally fighting back…

On a farm in the middle of nowhere two omega wolves are being held captive by their pack. But, Art and Joe have heard stories of a group of wolves who are setting omegas free and offering them a new life. Art and Joe want a chance at a new life too…but they don’t just want it for themselves, they want it for their mate as well.

Jared has also heard these stories and he is worried about what is going to happen to his pack, and to his mates. So, when the farm is raided by members of the free pack of wolves his first instinct is to protect Joe and Art, to keep them safe, and to keep them with his pack.

But, it isn’t going to be as simple as that. Before long, Jared is going to be faced with a difficult choice. To stand by the pack that he has been loyal to his entire life, or to stand by his mates

TWISTED E-PUB  *  AMAZON

Joe awoke to the feel of soft, fluttering kisses on the very top of his cock-head. He gasped from the contact and not least because he knew those lips better than he knew his own, and the last time he had touched them had been just hours ago as he kissed his mate goodnight.

Only, now those lips were on his shaft and Joe sighed with pleasure as they moved along the length, leaving little tingles of delight in their wake. Joe loved how that felt. Art knew exactly how to please him with his lips. It was one of the many things that Joe loved about his mate.

He sighed and arched his hips before reaching down and running his fingers through Art’s hair.

“Art?” he whispered even as hands began to run along his chest.

“Who else?” Art asked.

“That feels so good,” Joe whispered.

“Always,” Art replied.

His hands were moving lower now, running along Joe’s thighs. Joe knew what that meant, and he eagerly spread them for the other man before reaching out with his arms, welcoming Art above him, into him, exactly where the other man belonged.

But then…a shadow crossed over his vision. Joe gasped as he realized exactly what that meant. His cock jerked against Art’s open mouth. Pre-cum blossomed. Art licked it up even as Joe gasped again.

“Jared…” he whispered.

My Coffee Addiction

Coming 11/15 - Fire & Ice, Project Zed, Book 5

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.

What NOT to say to an author...

Over the years, I've discussed my career with many, many people I've met.  I rarely go into much detail other than I write "spicy romances," if pressed hard enough.

These are some of the responses I've gotten from people that are the absolute worst:

1.  You must have fun researching that topic! *wink-wink, nudge-nudge*

Well, aren't you witty? 

And no, I haven't heard that one ten-million times before! [insert eye roll]  

Most adults on this planet have or have had sex.  Just because I write erotic romance doesn't necessarily mean I have more sex than you do. I might, but that's my own personal business and I'm not sharing that with someone I just met.

2.  Need any help with that research? *wink-wink, nudge-nudge*

This is typically from some smarmy guy who I wouldn't touch with a ten-foot pole, much to my chagrin.

Yeah, no thanks.


3.  You should write my life story. I've lived such an interesting life.

Um, no.  

In my experience, those who seem to think this about themselves are pretty narcissistic.

Most of the people who've said this to me have gone on to bore me to tears with one or two of their tales of "adventures" while I force a fake smile on my lips.

Don't be that person. Please.


4.  You must be rich!

That depends on your definition of rich. Only a tiny percentage of authors make enough to live glamorously.  

After either forking over 40-70% to a publisher OR paying for editing, covers, and promotion if you self, publish, most authors don't make all that terribly much. After expenses, a very small percentage are lucky enough to make a meager living.

And don't even get me started on these privileged assholes who think it's okay to steal books online.  If it wasn't for those pricks, that meager living might be a little less meager. (May the pirates all rot in hell...)

So my answer... no, most authors are NOT rich.  Nowhere close.  And many sacrifice a lot to do what they love.  I'm sure there are a small handful out there who are running at a slight loss. 

5. Oh, you write romance? *nose rises in the air* That's not really writing, now is it?

Fuck you.  

You might not like to read what I write, but I put a ton of words on paper every single day of my life. If that's not good enough for you... well, too fucking bad.

Secondly, you're disrespecting the millions of romance fans out in the world, seeking solace and escape in the pages of those books.

You are NOT a person I want to know.

6. I've got this GREAT idea for a book.  Now sit down and let me tell you all about it.


Stop. Please don't. If something I write a year or two down the road as even a tiny little bit of something similar to a part of your idea, you could try to sue me. 

If it's such a great idea, then YOU write it.

7.  I'm going to sit back and write a book one of these days. 

Great. Talk to me once you've actually written one. Then tell me how easy it was.

For those who knew me before they find out that I'm a writer, this often gets added to that comment -  Can't be that hard, especially if you did it.

Not that hard? Here's another rousing FUCK YOU.  


**

I'm sure there are others... but these are the ones that tend to hear the most.

My Coffee Addiction

Neuerscheinung: Gefesselt von Victoria Vallo (Gefangen, Buch 1)

Neuerscheinung Gefesselt von Victoria Vallo (Gefangen Buch 1)

#gayromancedeutsch #Gay #Erotische #ScienceFiction

Wenn du ein Verbrechen auf Vaharis 6 begangen hast, gibt es mehr als einen Weg, um deine Strafe abzuarbeiten…

Matthew weiß, heute ist seine letzte Chance. Wenn er kein Angebot bekommt, seine Strafe außerhalb der Mauern des Gefängnisses abzuarbeiten, wird er tiefer in diesen höllischen Ort geschickt und ist auf die Gnade der anderen Gefangenen angewiesen.

Varan will eigentlich nur, dass jemand seine Routinearbeit für ihn erledigt, aber als er Matthew sieht, holt ihn seine Vergangenheit ein. Er will den Mann in jeder Hinsicht unterwerfen. Und die Gier des Gefängniswärters macht es ihm möglich, sich die Chance zu erkaufen, genau das zu tun.

So wird Matthew im letzten Augenblick gerettet… nur um sich in den Fängen eines Mannes wiederzufinden, der entschlossen dazu ist, seinen Körper und seine Seele zu brechen und zu besitzen.

Amazon DE  *  Twisted E Publishing

Kapitel eins

„Raus aus den Federn und macht euch hübsch, Jungs! Heute ist eure letzte Chance!“, rief der Wärter, als er im Zellentrakt der Untersuchungshaft auf und ab ging.

Matthew setzte sich auf und sah die anderen um ihn herum an. Alle stellten sich an die Zellentüren, um zu zeigen, dass sie Teil der heutigen Auswahl sein wollten. Die Gefängnisse auf Vaharis 6 waren seit Jahrzehnten überfüllt und unterfinanziert, aber der neue Gefängnisdirektor hatte bereits Schritte eingeleitet, um diese Situation zu ändern. Gefangene, die für kleinere Verbrechen verurteilt wurden, konnten an Privatleute ausgeliehen werden, um sie aus der Haftanstalt zu bekommen und Geld zu bringen.

Zumindest wurde es so beworben. Matthew wusste es besser. Die Gefangenen wurden praktisch verkauft, gezwungen alles zu tun, was ihnen von der Person gesagt wurde, die das Geld bezahlte. Und ihre neuen Aufseher, wie der Gefängnisdirektor sie nannte, berichteten über ihr Verhalten. Jedes schlechte Verhalten, egal wie klein, konnte bestraft werden.

Heute war der letzte Tag in diesem Monat, an dem potenzielle Aufseher kommen würden, um sie sich anzusehen. Wenn niemand an ihnen Interesse hatte, würden sie mit all den gewalttätigen Verbrechern im Hauptgefängnis zusammengesperrt werden.

Das war der einzige Grund, weshalb Matthew aufstand, um den anderen Männern in den Audienzsaal zu folgen. Obwohl der Gefängnisfriseur seine wallenden Locken abgeschnitten hatte, sah Matthew immer noch gut aus. Viel zu gut für das Gefängnis. Er wusste, dass viele der neuen Aufseher die Gefangenen für Sex missbrauchten, aber die Probleme, wenn es überhaupt welche gab, gingen dann nur von einer Person aus. Er hörte die Wachen über Dinge reden, die in der Vergangenheit mit Männern passiert waren. Dinge, von denen er sich noch nicht einmal vorgestellt hatte, dass sie im Gefängnis passieren würden. Und er würde alles tun, um am Ende des Tages aus diesem Ort herauszukommen.

Als er in dem großen Raum am Ende des Flurs war, stellte Matthew sich in die Nähe der Glaswand. Die potentiellen Aufseher standen mit dem Gefängnisdirektor auf der anderen Seite und tranken mit ihm. Sie beäugten die Gefangenen ganz genau, aber die Gefangenen konnten die Aufseher solange nicht sehen, bis diese sich bereit erklärt hatten, einen Deal zu machen. Ein Wärter würde den Gefangenen beiseite ziehen und ihm die Bedingungen des Aufsehers mitteilen. Natürlich hatten die Aufseher in der Vergangenheit oft darüber gelogen, was ihre Absichten mit den Männern angingen. Dieser Teil wurde vom Gefängnis auch niemals überprüft.

Matthew ging fast eine Stunde lang auf und ab, und beobachtete die vielen anderen Männer, die an die Seite gezogen wurden. Er dachte darüber nach, sein Hemd ausziehen. Einige der anderen Männer taten das, um ihre Muskeln und ihre Kraft zu zeigen und somit diejenigen Aufseher zu ködern, die auf der Suche nach jemandem zum ficken waren. Nach ein paar Momenten entschied er sich dagegen. Als er spürte, dass jemand hinter ihm auftauchte, wandte er sich hoffnungsvoll um.

Aber es war nur Tennack. Sie schliefen in verschiedenen Zellen – glücklicherweise – aber der Mann hatte ihn schon seit ihrer Ankunft vor zwei Wochen im Auge. Er war mindestens dreimal so groß wie Matthew. Er war ein Mischling. Er war definitiv teilweise menschlich, aber seine Haut hatte eine lila Färbung und er hatte Krallen anstelle von Nägeln an den Fingern und Zehen.

„Sieht aus, als ob wir kein Glück haben“, sagte Tennack.

„Wir haben noch ein paar Minuten“, antwortete Matthew und schaute weg.

„Du hast gesehen, dass ich dich beobachtet habe. Warum drehst du dich weg?“

Matthew antwortete ihm nicht.

Tennack kicherte. „Prima. Aber denk mal darüber nach. Ich könnte dich beschützen.“

Matthew drehte den Kopf und hörte zu. Er wusste, was Tennack im Gegenzug haben wollte, und es könnte sein, dass er bald nur noch wenig andere Optionen haben würde. „Wenn wir beide reingehen, meinst du?“

Tennack kam näher. „Ja. Sei meine Bitch und niemand wird dich schräg ansehen. Ich war schon mal hier. Und ich garantiere dir, dass mich keiner vergessen hat.“

„Wofür hast du gesessen?“

„Diebstahl. Wie jetzt auch.“

Skeptisch sagte Matthew: „Wenn du so ein harter Typ warst, warum haben sie dich dann rausgelassen? Bekommst du nicht ein paar Jahre extra, wenn du Scheiße baust?“

„Weil sie mich nie erwischt haben.“ Er fiel in die persönliche Wohlfühlzone von Matthew ein und griff ihm sogar an den Bizeps. „Wenn du gut bist, werde ich dich nicht schlagen. Ich werde dich jeden Abend durchs Bett ficken“, grinste er, „aber du wirst es mögen. Sobald du dich daran gewöhnt hast.“ Er trat zurück, bevor einer der Wärter herüberblickte. „Das ist das beste Angebot, das du bekommen wirst. Ein hübscher Junge wie du wird hier wirklich hart rangenommen. Wahrscheinlich bekommst du es jedes Mal von beiden Seiten. Es ist ein hartes Leben. Es wird nicht lange dauern, bis dein Arsch und dein Mund permanent gefickt werden.“

Matthew verschränkte seine Arme, um das Zittern zu stoppen. „Du willst mir nur Angst machen.“

„Verdammt richtig. Weil ich dich für mich will.“ Er zog sich langsam zurück. „Denk mal darüber nach. Ich muss sofort meinen Anspruch auf dich anmelden, um die anderen davon abzuhalten, dich zu holen. Ich würde ein oder zwei Jungs für dich umhauen, aber mehr nicht.“

„Wie romantisch.“

Tennack lachte. „Ich würde mit deinem Mundwerk vorsichtig sein. Es bringt dich sonst noch in Schwierigkeiten.“

Matthew schloss die Augen und schauderte. Als er sie öffnete, näherte sich ein Wärter. Matthew hielt den Atem an, und Verzweiflung machte sich in ihm breit, als der Mann an ihm vorbeiging. Er sackte an der Wand zusammen als ihm jemand auf die Schulter klopfte.

Es war einer der neueren Wärter. Er sah ihn von oben bis unten an. „Wie viel kannst du heben?“

„Fünfzig Pfund, denke ich“, sagte Matthew. Sein Herz raste.

Der Wärter betrachtete ihn weiter. „Das Angebot ist sechs Monate als Laufbursche, im Austausch für deine zweijährige Strafe. Sind wir im Geschäft?“

„Laufbursche?“

Der Wärter nickte kurz. „Deal?“

Matthew sah, wie die anderen Männer gruppiert wurden, um wieder auf die Untersuchungshaft-Ebene zu gehen. Der nächste Stopp wäre ihre neue Zelle, tief im Inneren des Gefängnisses. Es war vorbei – dieses Angebot würde seine einzige Chance sein.

„Deal“, sagte er und besiegelte damit sein Schicksal.