*Graphic Langue & Sexual Content*

by Michelle M Pillow & Mandy M Roth

“Mandy?” Michelle asked, worried that her friend still seemed to be zoning out on her.   

            Mandy glanced up from her desk and smiled.  “I’m sorry, what?”  

            “It’s late and you hate working over.  What gives?”  Michelle knew something had been on Mandy’s mind all day.  They were supposed to go to lunch together, but Mandy had cancelled at the last minute.  She didn’t give Michelle a reason.  She just said that she’d catch up with her after work.  

            “Nothing, I’m fine.  Just need to handle a few things.”  

            “Anything I can help with?” 

             Mandy shook her head and looked at her computer screen.  “No, I’m good.  I’ll meet you at the club later, promise.”  

            Michelle nodded and turned from the door.  She dreaded what she had to do now.   She’d made up her mind this morning that she would iron out her feelings for Dmitri if it was the last thing she ever did.  Quite possibly it would be.  She was sure the humiliation of coming clean was going to kill her.  What if he didn’t feel the same way?  Or even close to the same way?  Was she being too serious about it?  Did she just need to loosen up a bit and…? 

“No,” Michelle said to herself.  “You are NOT going to talk yourself out of this again.  You’re going to quit being a little coward.  You’re going to be brave.  You’re going to march right up to him and say…say….  Well, whatever it is, it will be brilliant.” 

Michelle’s whole body shook with nerves, as she walked down the hall to her office.  She really hoped that Dmitri felt the same way about her as she did him.  He seemed to care for her, but her distrust of him had driven a wedge between them.   

It had been two days since she’d last seen him.  She’d all but called him a liar to his face.  Walking in and seeing him getting the lap dance of a lifetime had pushed her over the edge.  Not that she had a right to be jealous.  She’d never let him get close to her.  She’d never heard him out about his feelings, never gave him a chance.  After careful consideration, she realized it was foolish of her to think Dmitri did anything with her the night of the dreaded bachelorette party.  When she drank, she got sick.  If she was sick, she wasn’t exactly on anyone’s ‘must screw’ list.   

            She’d tried to call him several times since then, but each time she hung up like a coward before dialing the last digit.  What she had to say couldn’t be done over the phone.  It needed to be done face to face.  

            Michelle grabbed her keys and locked her office up before going to get her car.  The drive to Dmitri’s house didn’t seem long enough.  She’d spent the greater part of the day attempting to come up with some profound thing to say to him when she saw him, but was still empty-handed.  

            She parked her car outside his house and sat there for a minute.  “You can do this, Michelle.  Get a grip and, for God’s sake, stop talking to yourself.  He’ll see you and think you’re crazy.  Oh, God, you probably are crazy.  Great, Michelle, now you’re actually answering back.”  

            Getting out of the car was the hardest thing she’d ever done.  Every ounce of her wanted to turn around and head home.  She’d see Dmitri later at the bar, she was sure of it. But if she continued on that path, she’d never find out how he really felt about her and if anything could ever come of it.            

            She knocked softly on the door and waited.  The door flew open and it took her a minute to focus.  He stood there in a pair of jeans and nothing else.  

            “Michelle, what’s wrong?  Has something happened?” Dmitri asked, filling the gap between them.  

            “No,” she said, shaking her head.  “I’m fine, everyone’s fine.  I just wanted to talk to you for a second.”  

            “I have a phone.”   

            What the hell am I doing here?  He doesn’t want me here.   

“You’re right.  I should have called.  You must be busy.  It doesn’t matter.  It’s not important.”  Michelle’s mouth snapped shut.  She was babbling.  Weakly, she said, “I’ll see you around.”  She spun on her heels to leave, rolling her eyes in her head as she tried not to run away in horror. 

Dmitri caught her by her elbow and tried to turn her gently into his arms.  She was stiff.  “I didn’t mean it like that.  You don’t have to go.  I just don’t like the idea of you driving all around town by yourself.”    

            “Uh, okay,” she said, unsure how to respond to his concern.  She chanced a peek up at his handsome face and felt her knees go weak when his grey eyes locked on her.  Her pulse sped and her breathing changed.  If she didn’t spill it all soon, she’d either pass out or throw-up.  Knowing she was going to babble again, she started speaking anyway, “Dmitri, I’m sorry.  I’m sorry that I didn’t believe you about nothing happening between us that night.  It was wrong of me to assume the worst in you.  You have been very honorable and I needed…to get that out…in the open…before I….”  

            She panted, ringing her hands until her knuckles turned white. 

            “Michelle?” he said, glancing nervously over his shoulder.  “Is something wrong?” 

            She put her hand up.  “No, I’m on a roll and this doesn’t happen often so, please, let me finish.”  She didn’t wait for his approval.  “I know I’m going to regret saying this.  In fact, I already kind of regret it—” 

“Michelle?” 

“I like you.  I mean I do have feelings for you and I…oh, hell!  This is all wrong.” She made a weak noise of embarrassment.  “I need to know how you really feel about me.”  Her face was beat red when she finished.  She’d never put her emotions on the line before and never wanted to do it again.  Thinking she might be pregnant had devastated her.  Finding out that she wasn’t hurt worse.  She wasn’t sure what that meant.  

            Dmitri stood there with his mouth open.  He’d never been at a loss for words before with her.  Her gut tightened as she waited, sure the seconds were going to kill her.  He put his hand out and touched her shoulder.  “Really?”  

            Really?  That was his profound response?  Really? She’d braced herself for no, not interested, or sure let’s hop in bed and I’ll give you the ride of your life, but really wasn’t one she’d considered.  

            “Really, what?” a sexy female voice asked from the other side of the door, full of a slow Louisiana drawl.   

            Michelle’s heart leapt into her throat.  The facts hit her like a slap in the face.  She’d been too nervous to see it before—the way he looked over his shoulder, him wanting her to call first, the fact that he was only half dressed in the middle of the day.  He wasn’t alone.  Her eyes widened and she took two steps back, shaking her head in shock.   

Dmitri’s mouth opened to speak and he reached for her.  He was stopped by a thin arm moving up and around his torso.  Michelle watched in horror as a woman appeared behind Dmitri.  She ran her hand over his chest, stopping on his nipple, and looked over his shoulder.  She smiled at Michelle and leaned into Dmitri.  

            “Baby, if you want to do this, you need to hurry up.  I’ve got other clients waiting on me,” she said, with the slight hint of a drawl.  She tweaked his nipple and he jumped, his eyes darting to Michelle’s.  

            Michelle barely saw the woman in back of him.  All she could see was his round eyes—eyes that looked pained at being caught with what could only be a prostitute.  Well, better she knew now, she told herself.  The words were little comfort.           

            “I just remembered I have to meet Mandy for work,” she whispered.  It was the lamest excuse in the world, but she didn’t care.  Turning, she rushed to her car and hopped in.  She only glanced back once.  It was to see Dmitri, standing in the doorway, looking after her as the woman pulled insistently on his arm to get him inside. 

~****~

Mandy stared at her computer screen, reading the email again, for the hundredth time that day.  When she’d arrived at work she’d found it in her inbox.  She hadn’t thought much of it.  Angelica, the senior editor of the Nocturnal Journal, had been setting up an office in Chicago for weeks now.  The Journal had gone national and now, there was talk of it going global.  Seeing the job offer of a lifetime should have made her happy.  Instead, she’d spent the majority of the day in a state of numbness.   

            Angelica was offering her a chance to run the marketing department, which would be located out of the Chicago branch.  The pay increase would be nice, and it’s what she loved to do, but the nagging feeling in her gut wouldn’t go away.   

            She thought about talking to Michelle about it, but she knew Michelle’s take on careers—do whatever is necessary to succeed.  She’d shared that outlook until a few short weeks ago.  Armando had changed her somehow.  She felt drawn to him, and the thought of leaving him to chase her dreams had been eating at her all day.  She couldn’t be in love with him.  She made it a point to never fall in love.  So why the hell was she so afraid to tell him? 

            Mandy weighed her options and dialed a couple of numbers.  Ellen wasn’t home, Elaine was gone on business, and Shiloh was nowhere to be found.  She’d run out of alternatives.  She dug through her purse and sighed when she held the napkin in her hand.  She punched the numbers in her phone and held her breath.

            “Hullo?”            

            “James, hi it’s….”  

            “Mandy?”  The fact that he knew her voice made her smile.  She wasn’t sure why.  “You okay, love?”  

            “I need to talk to someone and well, you’re all I could come up with.”  It wasn’t pretty, but it was the truth and if she knew James, he wouldn’t care.  

            “Right, you down at the Raven then?”   

            “NO!  No, we can’t talk down at the club.  We need to meet somewhere else.”   

            “Probably best,” James said, his voice a bit shaky.  “Armando fancies you, and I’d rather not end up on the wrong side of a stake tonight.  You’re welcome to come here.”  

            “To your house? Umm, thanks, but no.”  She let out a nervous laugh.  “How about my place, and before you get all cute and cocky, James, this is just to talk.  I need a friend  right now, not a lover.”  She lied.  She needed a lover too, but Armando was the only one who would fit the bill.  

            “No problem, but if you tell anyone that I’ve a got a sappy side, I’ll…I’ll…hell, I don’t know what I’ll do, but it’ll be bad, I can promise you that.”   

            A prostitute!  She fumed, nearing tears.  She’d promised herself she wouldn’t cry over this.  It’s not like Dmitri ever made her any promises.  It’s not like he was her boyfriend.  She had no right to be jealous.  Oh, but she was.  The thought pissed her off.  Anger was so much easier to feel than pain.  That bastard!  He’s actually paying for a prostitute when I…when he could have me?  Great.  He’d rather spend money instead of being with… Gawd!   I’ve been passed over for a whore.  This is a new low, even for me.  I mean, why didn’t he try and sleep with me?  Was I so repulsive that he could spend the WHOLE night naked by my side and not even try to cop a feel? It’s not like he’s the gentleman Armando is. 

Michelle stopped and looked around for Mandy.  It looked as if she wasn’t here yet.  Seeing Mike at the bar, she grimaced.  The last thing she wanted right now was another insincere lycan flirting with her.  Hell, maybe that’s exactly what she needed.  It’s not like Dmitri would care what she did. 

“Give me a shot,” Michelle said, strolling up to Mike.  She sat down and stared at him.  Despite her resolve to flirt with him, she couldn’t bring herself to do it.  She felt too low. 

“I…I can’t,” Mike said, looking pained. 

“What, you run out of liquor?” Michelle asked wryly.  She placed her hands on the bar and stood.  Pointing over his shoulder, she demanded, “I want a shot of tequila.  Now.” 

Mike turned and worked for a moment.  When he came back, he set a cup of coffee on the bartop and gave a sorry grin.   

            “What the hell is this crap?” Michelle demanded, her eyes narrowing in on him.  Well, if she couldn’t annihilate Dmitri, she’d have to settle for his cousin. 

            “It’s coffee.  And I’ll have you know it’s not crap.  It was ordered special, just for you,” said Mike. 

            Michelle grimaced.  He had to be joking.  “I want tequila.” 

            “I can’t give you tequila.” 

            “Alright, then give me whiskey.  Give me Everclear.  I don’t care.  Just make sure it’s liquor and put it in a glass.” 

            “Listen, baby, I would if I could.  But, my orders are clear.  I am not to let you drink unless….”  Mike had the good grace to look embarrassed. 

            “Unless?” Michelle prodded. 

            “Unless Dmitri is here to make sure you’re watched after.  He doesn’t want you getting into trouble.” 

            Michelle froze, staring at Mike, barely able to breathe. 

            “Here, have the coffee.  Dmitri ordered it from overseas for you.  He knows you love coffee.  It’s really good.  He even ordered some of that girlie vanilla French creamer you like.” 

            Michelle couldn’t move.  Mike was looking at her like she should melt into a heap of pure feminine pleasure.  To his horror, she burst into tears and ran to the bathroom to hide. 

            Frowning, Mike lifted the cup and sniffed.  Then, with a worried look, he dumped it down the drain, moving to make a fresh pot. 

            Mike looked up from where he was absently wiping the already clean counter and jerked his thumb towards the ladies restroom.  “I wouldn’t go in there right now.  I think she’s sick or something.” 

            “What’s going on Dmitri?  You trying to lose us on the way here or what?  Not that I mind speeding, but you drive like an animal.” 

            “I am an animal,” Dmitri answered absently.  The woman who’d been at his house chuckled in appreciation at the obvious joke.  Dmitri turned to her and sighed.  “It’s nothing, Celeste.  Why don’t you and the guys go set up in the private booth in the corner?  I’ll have Mike come over to take your order.  You should eat before you get started.  Go ahead and put the suspension gear out on the floor.  Have Makonnen help if you need him.”           

Celeste Anwar shrugged a delicate shoulder before turning around to the three Cajun lycans carrying what looked to be a couple of tool boxes and some wire.  She pointed towards the private booth.  “Raoul, Gabriel, Navarre—private showing’s goin’ be over there boys.  Hey, where’s Frost?” 

“You mean the all knowing fay Prince Tamann,” laughed Navarre.  “He’s on his cell phone planning some sort of Mystery Ball.” 

The other lycans snickered. 

“Yeah, he’s looking for his chosen,” said Gabriel, oozing lethal charm and causing the others to laugh harder.  “He’s going to soul share.  Hey, Navarre, why don’t you go give him some of your Carnal Knowledge?” 

“Ah, I can’t take you guys anywhere.”  Celeste rolled her eyes.  When she turned back around, Dmitri was at the bar talking to the bartender.  “Let’s set up!  And no fighting tonight!  I mean it!” 

~****~

            So much for not crying.  Michelle sniffed, dabbing at her red eyes.  Looking in the mirror, she quickly fixed her makeup so that her emotional outburst wasn’t so evident.  With a sigh, she turned to the door and began to head out. 

            “Michelle?” 

            Michelle froze.  Dmitri!  What was he doing here?  He was supposed to be home screwing his little prostitute!  Her eyes darted around looking for a quiet escape.  The only window was sealed shut.  

            “I know you’re in there!” called Dmitri, sounding irritated.  “Either answer me or I’m coming in there after you!” 

            Michelle grimaced, again looking for an escape.  Weakly, she said, “I’m busy.”  Michelle rolled her eyes, knowing how bad that sounded.  “Go away.  You can’t come in.  This…this is the ladies room!” 

            “It’s my bar and we aren’t in grade school,” came his laughing answer. 

            “What do you want?” asked Michelle, carefully creeping closer to the bathroom door. 

            “I…ugh…you have five seconds to get decent and then I’m coming in.” 

            Michelle made a weak sound.  Ah, to hell with it!  She ran and tried to pull at the tiny, painted shut window. 

            “What are you doing?” asked Dmitri, amused. 

            Michelle turned to give him a hard stare.  When she looked at him, his dark expression didn’t match his lighter voice.  He looked livid. 

            “What are you doing?” she countered.  “I’m a lady, I belong here.” 

            Michelle heard him mumble something under his breath about ladies and thought it best not to ask him to clarify.  He shut the bathroom door, took a key from his pocket, and locked it.  Setting the key on the edge of the sink, he said, “There, now we can talk in private.” 

            “Open the door.  We have nothing to talk about.” 

            “Really?  It didn’t seem that way to me earlier when you came to my house.” 

            “I said what I needed to,” she answered weakly, backing away to put distance between them.  Man, he was just too handsome for his own good.  “I’m sorry for jumping down your throat about the night I got drunk, and I’m sorry I assumed the worst in you.  That was all I had to say.” 

            “What about the other?” he demanded. 

            “What other?” she asked weakly, playing dumb. 

            “You said you had feelings for me,” he answered, not taking his grey eyes from her face.  She swallowed nervously and took another step back. 

            “Oh, that.  Well, don’t read too much into it.  I just meant that I liked you as a friend.  I was trying to tell you that but, well, your…your….” 

            “My?” 

            “Fine, your whore interrupted me.  Listen, I really don’t care what or who you do.  I am sorry I interrupted your little—” 

            “If you don’t care what I do, why did Mike say you were upset?”  Dmitri took a step closer, coming forward until he stood only a foot away from her. 

            “Not everything revolves around you.  Gawd, you’re so vain!”  Michelle couldn’t move.  He smelled so good.  Like vanilla and mint.  Her legs trembled. 

            Dmitri let a slow, curling smile alight on his devilishly handsome features.  His voice a low rumble, he reached to touch her shoulder.  “Then, what was bothering you?” 

            “It’s….” Michelle jerked back.  Blinking hard, she couldn’t meet his eyes.  Her pulse jumped, hitting hard against her throat.  “Well, if you must know, it’s this guy I’m seeing.” 

            “A guy?” asked Dmitri, unconvinced.  “That you’re seeing?” 

            “Mmm, yeah,” said Michelle, praying that this one time she could be a convincing liar.  She really didn’t want him thinking she was pining away for him.  It was bad enough that she really was pining away for him.   

            “Does this guy have a name?” 

            “You don’t know him,” said Michelle.  “It’s not important.” 

            “Isn’t it?” 

            “No,” she answered, her voice growing faint with each of her words.  With each of his words, Dmitri moved closer. 

            “I thought you liked me as a friend,” he whispered.  “Why don’t you share your problems with this…guy.  Maybe I could help.” 

            “Hey, weren’t you mad about something when you came in here?” she demanded, finding the strength to push past him.  “I’m sorry I made you mad ‘cause I interrupted your paid time with your…woman.  However, my dating life really is none of your business.” 

            Michelle managed to slip the key from the sink before he turned around to look at her.  She edged closer to the door. 

            “Argh!” Dmitri howled, glaring.  “I really don’t understand you sometimes!  Why are you always so ready to think the worst of me!  I can’t win with you!” 

            “Hey, I’m not the one getting lap dances and sleeping with prostitutes,” Michelle yelled back.  She gasped and covered her mouth.  With a small moan of horror, she turned, unlocking the bathroom door with amazing speed. 

            Dmitri’s hand slammed down on it before she could get it opened.  His body was close to hers, radiating an intense heat that made her shiver.  She gasped for air, feeling breathless and trapped.  His face came close to her neck, as he whispered, “I thought you were seeing someone else.  What do you care if I get a few lap dances?  It’s not like we’re dating or anything.” 

            “Exactly,” said Michelle, her heart breaking just a little.   

            “So what do you care if I sleep with prostitutes?” he whispered, his lips so close she thought she felt them brushing her skin in the lightest of caresses. 

            “I don’t,” she lied.  “I’m just worried you’ll get a disease, that’s all.  Do what you want, it’s none of my business.” 

            “What if I told you I wanted it to be your business,” said Dmitri.  “That I wanted—” 

            “Michelle, what’s going on?  Mike said you were upset and that you’d locked yourself in the bathroom.” 

            There was a push on the door and Dmitri automatically pulled back, running his hands through his hair in frustration at Mandy’s voice.  Michelle didn’t turn around.  She pulled open the door and hurried out into the bar before Mandy could see Dmitri.  Giving Mandy a smile, she said, “Nothing’s wrong.  I had to make a call and the reception in the bar was bad, so I went in the bathroom.” 

            “Who were you talking to?” asked Mandy, suspiciously looking her friend over.  Michelle looked tired, stressed. 

            “Oh, just Charlotte from work.  She said we both got some new reviews in.  Daughter of Darkness got five angels and The Mists of Midnight got five blue ribbons.  She thought we’d want to know right away,” said Michelle. 

            “Oh, Charlotte,” said Mandy, not looking ecstatic by the news.  “She’s new, huh?” 

            “Yeah, I think the new boss brought her in,” said Michelle, cautiously pulling Mandy towards the main bar area.  She glanced over her shoulder to see Dmitri coming from the woman’s bathroom.  His eyes narrowed on her in frustration.  Mandy started to turn and look.  Michelle grabbed her arm and pulled.  “Hey, what’s all this stuff?  It looks like a circus is setting up.” 

            Mandy looked over to the suspicion harness that some lycans were erecting.  “Oh, they’re going to hang from those later from hooks in their chests.  It’s a freaky sideshow type thing.  Pretty cool stuff.  Yeah, Dmitri even brought in a piercer for the occasion.  I think they’re friends of his and are staying with him.” 

            “Piercings?” said Michelle, looking very interested.  “Where?” 

            Mandy laughed.  “It still amazes me that you are into piercings and tattoos.  It just doesn’t fit.” 

            “What?  They’re cool.” 

            “Over there, Celeste Anwar.  She’s a writer for NCP.  I believe she’s done Carnal Knowledge, Carnal Desire, The Color of Twilight—” 

            “Born of Night.  I’m not an idiot,” laughed Michelle.  “I know who she is.” 

            “Oh, yeah, sorry,” said Mandy, looking worn out. 

“Hey, what’s up with you?” asked Michelle. 

            “Huh?  Oh, nothing.  Come on.  I think she’s about to pierce Mike’s nipples.” 

            Michelle froze as she saw Celeste the piercer.  A sinking feeling started in the pit of her stomach.  The woman wasn’t a prostitute, she was a body piercer.  Watching as her gloved hands threaded a captive bead ring through Mike’s nipple, Michelle closed her eyes.   

“I bet you anything Dmitri got that done today,” she muttered, feeling like an idiot.  The woman had been pinching his nipples.  What else was she to think?  Watching Mike flinch, she thought, oh yeah, this. 

“What did you say?” asked Mandy. 

“Ah, Kitten,” came Armando’s voice.  He came to chuckle at Mike’s grunting noises of pain as he tried to act brave.  “Enjoying the show?” 

Mandy grinned.  “I would enjoy it even more if you were to get your Prince Albert done.” 

Armando grimaced.   

Michelle chuckled, despite herself.  “Don’t think that’s wise.  You have to keep from having sex for awhile.” 

“Ah, that doesn’t matter with us, does it Gentleman Armando?” teased Mandy.  “It’s not like we use his equipment anyway.  Come on, Armando, do it!” 

“Ah….” began Armando. 

“Excuse us,” said Dmitri.  Michelle blinked to hear him.  Turning, she started to open her mouth when she was scooped up and thrown over a hard, masculine shoulder.  She gasped in surprise as she was carted off to the office. 

“Dmitri?” she asked, shocked.  “What…?” 

He kicked the door shut behind him and set her down.  His eyes burned with flecks of gold. 

“Dmit—ohmygawd!  You’re bleeding!”  Michelle pointed at his chest.   

“It’s nothing.” 

Michelle went to him, “You got pierced didn’t you?  She wasn’t a prostitu—” 

Dmitri leaned over and grabbed Michelle’s face in his hands.  He pulled her startled expression towards his face, kissing her hard and deep.  Michelle moaned, but soon her eyes closed with a dreamy sigh.  Her hands wound up to his neck and into his soft, brownish blonde hair.   

“Dmitri…?” she tried to breathe against his lips, confused. 

“Shhh.” Dmitri grabbed her shoulders and pulled her whole length to him.  “Just shut up for once.  I’m tired of asking your permission, so I’m just going to kiss you whether you like it or not.  Besides, talking only gets us into trouble.  We can’t seem to get it right with words.” 

Michelle was about to protest, but his tongue lining the edge of her mouth kept her quiet.  She moaned softly, working her body closer to his.  She felt the lines of his chest against hers, the hardness of him pressing into her stomach from beneath his slacks.  

Dmitri growled in the back of his throat.  His hands wrapped around her back, grabbing her butt as he lifted her up.  Her legs wound around his waist.  He tasted so good.  He smelled fresh and clean, invading her senses until she could think of nothing but the feel, taste and smell of Dmitri.  Nothing else mattered.  She didn’t want him to stop, wasn’t going to make him this time.  She wanted him, this.  She wanted it bad and she was tired of denying herself. 

Michelle rubbed softly against his body, rocking against him.  A soft purr came from her as she allowed him to walk her to the office couch.  Dmitri’s strong arms supported her easily.  He was so big, so strong.  She felt so delicate when she was with him, she felt protected.  He laid her gently on her back, not parting from the kiss.  His tongue danced in her mouth, touching everywhere, exploring, demanding, taking, and she gladly let him.   

Michelle moaned and shivered.  Dmitri’s low, throaty groan answered her in approval.  Her hands moved to unbutton his shirt, wanting him desperately.  To her amazement, he stopped the kiss and looked at her, panting for air. 

Her hands stopped when she saw the possessive look in his eyes.  “It’s settled then.” 

“Settled?” she breathed, looking at his swollen lips as she licked hers. 

“Yes, you’re mine, exclusively and I am yours.”  Dmitri leaned over and kissed her stunned mouth.  Her eyes rounded in surprise as he pulled back.  “Go call this other guy you’re dating and tell him to get lost.  You have a boyfriend.” 

Michelle swallowed.  Weakly, she uttered the only thing she could think of, “There isn’t another guy.” 

Dmitri grinned, kissed her lips lightly and said, “I know.” 

To Michelle’s further amazement, he stood up and strode to the door.  As he left her alone, her body on fire for him, so desperate and achy with need, he began to whistle a happy tune.  Michelle gulped, unable to move from the unfulfilled desires in her body. 

Q:  Which would you be a vampire or a lycan, why?

A:  Lycan, of course. I can’t take the whole "dying" thing to become a vampire. Besides, I like going into the sunlight occasionally….

Actually, on further thought, I think I’d choose to be a vampire/lycan hybrid and have the best of both worlds.

 Q:  What is your favorite color M&M?

A:  Red, baby!

Q:  Could you tell us a bit about your latest release?

A:  My upcoming release is CARNAL THIRST. It’s about … a vampire! After being wounded in battle with the Lycan, Raoul, Danior must feed in order to survive and heal himself. He finds a woman to feed from but takes too much, sending her spiraling towards death. And then he has to choose whether to let her die and move on, or to try and change her to his kind.

Q:  What’s your favorite genre to write in?

A:  Paranormal. I also love contemporary, but more often than not, I’ve got a paranormal and horror bent to my work.

Q:  Can you tell us a little about your current WIP’s?

A:  I’m currently into UTTER DOMINATION, which is an erotic paranormal romance with domination/submission, and an underground organization performing illegal experiments with the supernatural. The hero is a Lycan who’s been taken captive, and the heroine is one of the "bad guys."

Q:  How did you get into writing?

A:  I got inspired long ago by reading horror writers. My first works were in that genre, but after a while, I discovered romance and decided to blend my paranormals with romance. Been happy writing away ever since!

 Q:  How do you come up with character names?

A:  I have a name book I look at, but I also do searches online. When I come up with a character, I choose a name based on key personality traits, and try to choose something that has those traits in its meaning, or a name that "sounds" like my character.

Q:  What authors inspired you growing up?

A:  Dean Koontz, John Saul, Robert R. McCammon. There are others, but these were some of the biggest influences for me.

Q:  How do balance family and writing?

A:  I’m single, so I really have to balance my writing between work and going out and doing research. Let me tell you, it’s not hard finding heroes where I live. What’s hard is choosing which one to write about.

Q:  Why do you like writing romance/erotica?

A:  I don’t like holding anything back, and with erotic romance, I don’t have to. I can be as raunchy or racy as I want to be…well, as my characters want to be.

Q:  What would you do if you weren’t a writer?