So I've been diligently working away at String Him Up in Lights (Wingspan 6). I wasn't originally going to make it book Six but everything that happens is so closely related to Mercury on Fire I found it might be best if I did. It's still a Christmas story about family and how sometimes family isn't the people we're related to. It's where the love is.
I'm nearly finished and ready to turn the book over to my editor. It's been such a wonderful experience writing this story. Heartbreak and tragedy send the Havilar family into a spiral down. While his family is contemplating the destruction of the clan, Paul founds his mate. It turns out being a Havilar and having a vampire mate is a dangerous combination.
Here's a little excerpt (Unedited, so please excuse whatever mistakes there might be):
The cinnamon scent was something Freddie had gotten used to during his stay in Wingspan. After months, he barely noticed it anymore. But there was something about the cinnamon that stood out. Even his body reacted in ways he’d never experienced before. His fangs dropped, and he wasn’t sure, but he bet his eyes had turned blue.
“Oh no. I think I know what’s happening.” He whispered it more to himself than to Jarrell.
Jarrell pulled him to the side out of the way of the door when the bell above chimed.
Two men came out, but Freddie only really noticed one. A person carried a bag. The one with dark hair and green eyes, so light that appeared almost otherworldly. The one whose eyes told a story of a pain that just might match Freddie’s. That was who stole his attention.
Jarrell’s face turned white. And that made Freddie pay attention to the two dragon shifters’ conversation.
“…Red’s right about one thing. Blood suckers will keep taking and taking.” This came from the other one.
His mate shrugged.
“Bet Red will make us take a few of them out.” The blonde dragon smirked.
A phone rang and he pulled one from his coat pocket. He turned, walking away, as he talked.
His mate stopped and sniffed the air, ignoring the shifter with him.
Freddie froze.
“Shit,” Jarrell whispered and then moved into Freddie in a way that was seeking protection and also protective at the same time.
Freddie stopped breathing when Jarrell tried to move in front of Freddie, but the dragon shifter growled and flashed his fangs. His eyes shifted. “Move.”
Jarrell shook his head. “Not if you’re going to hurt him.”
“Fuck you. Move.” Well, his mate could be a little nicer.
“I think we’re mates,” Freddie mumbled as he pulled Jarrell to the side.
Jarrell moved to Freddie’s side then and, as soon as he did, his mate moved in, sniffing Freddie’s neck. He was so much bigger than Freddie and not just taller. He had wide shoulders and a broad chest. His scowl seemed menacing, as if he had fewer scruples than most. Maybe he’d shift and bit their heads off. Maybe he contemplated that very thing.
If he did, he must have decided against it, because he sucked in a big whiff of Freddie’s scent and then whispered, “Don’t tell anyone.”
Don’t tell anyone what? But as soon as that question floated around in his mind, he came up with the answer on his own and knew what he meant. His mate didn’t want to bond with a vampire, and it didn’t take a genius to figure out why.
Here are so books you may want to read.
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