Hey y'all. Since Behind the Eight Ball in now in KU, I thought I'd do something for that. :) And don't forget I have an author group too!
Blurb:
A cool morning, a yard full of birds, and a kitty on a
mission. What more could a werecat want? Beta Heller Wirth has it all, except a
mate—a shifter mate, that is. The last thing he wants is one of those dangerous
humans who kill without remorse. Heller knows about that firsthand. So what
does the goddess Bast do? She gives Heller exactly what he does not want—a
human: business owner Lawson Dupre.
Lawson hasn’t a clue what just happened in his car
detail shop. One minute a cute client is about to pass out, then he perks up
and starts flirting. Next thing, he runs out the door like the hounds of hell
are after him. Learning that Heller is a werecat doesn’t freak out Lawson. He
happens to be one of those rare humans who knows paranormals exists. He even
lives with one. Watch the fur fly as Heller and Lawson battle hurt feelings,
misguided beliefs, and a power shift in Heller’s clowder.
Excerpt:
Step.
Step.
Stop.
The
rustling of dead leaves caught my attention, and I froze with one paw still in
the air. Not moving and barely daring to breathe, I waited. My whiskers
twitched as a cool October breeze disturbed the scent of decaying leaves and
rich soil. The foliage trembled again as something rooted around.
I
slowly lowered my paw. The disturbance wasn’t very noticeable except to my
predatory gaze. The movement continued. Gradually, bit by bit, I crept forward,
making sure my long fur didn’t disturb the surrounding mounds of dying leaves. It
was times like these I wished my coat were short like Dolf’s. One thing was for
sure—whatever was below those leaves was going to be mine shortly. All I needed
was to cover a little more distance and I’d be close enough.
Step.
Step.
Crouch.
Heart
thumping, I watched as the movement continued. My muscles tightened and my
bottom started wiggling. Unable to wait, I sprang forward, claws extended.
Leaves flew into the air as I landed on my target. Bugs scattered. Eyes
narrowed, I searched for…. There! There was the little bugger. I growled at the
big black beetle and trapped it with my paw.
Seconds
passed. The bug wiggled under my paw, tickling me. Hunched down, I carefully
lifted my paw and peeked. Dammit, can’t
see. Unable to get a good look, I lifted my paw a little higher… and there
it went, scuttling across the ground. Gleefully I slammed a paw down, trying to
trap it. Slap. Slap. Slap. Arrgh! What’s
the deal? I keep missing.
Looked
like I’d found myself in a game of whack-a-mole, except with a beetle. And off we went. The bug scurried away
with me hot on its trail. Every time I thought I had a paw on it, I ended up
missing. Stupid critter was fast. I bounded along behind as it raced across the
ground. Then it suddenly cut back and ran straight under me.
Surprised,
I leaped in the air, all four paws coming off the ground. Whoa! Zigged when I should have zagged. I landed and nonchalantly
licked a paw. Hope no one saw that. I had to give the bug credit. That was a
smart move. The shrill cry of a mockingbird caught my attention. I lifted my
head, searching for the little tattletale.
Up
in a tree it sat, its warning cries echoing around the yard. I eyed the tree. Hmm, I could climb it, but the stupid bird
will probably just take off. Still, might be fun. Maybe after I finished
playing with the bug… and damn. The bug.
My
attention returned to where it had been, my tail slashing. Great. Lost it. Stupid bird. I sat up and threw a glare over my
shoulder at the bird. Standing, I turned my back to the little menace, tail
held high. That’s what I think of you,
buddy. I prowled around for a while, sniffing, enjoying the coolness of the
morning.
In
the early morning sunlight, the dew on the grass sparkled like diamonds. Maybe
it was pretty, but the stuff was also cold and wet against my paws. I was glad
for my fur. As I wandered back toward the house, my stomach growled. I was
hungry and… I sniffed. Oh, was that a blue jay I smelled? Oh, oh, a blue jay. Yum.
The
human side of me groaned, but the kitty part wanted to jump with joy. The noisy
little shits were actually quite intelligent. Catching one was always a feat.
Quick as I could, I hid in the bright fall foliage by the back porch. I stayed
very, very still so the stupid bird three feet from me didn’t fly off in a panic.
I
licked my lips, my whiskers twitching as I watched the little rascal across
from me raise its head. Shit, shit, shit.
What caught its attention? Come on already. It’s all fine, nothing to worry
about here. No cat hanging around. Just go back to pecking around on the
ground. Everything’s good. See? I’m not moving, not even breathing.
Crouched
low, I waited while my breakfast relaxed and returned to looking for acorns.
Other birds came and went, but I refused to get distracted. I knew the one I
wanted. Inch by agonizing inch, I crept closer to my prey. My mouth watered and
my heart thumped.
The
chatter of the birds around me was easy and relaxed, no distress calls
sounding. That’s right. Just keep on
eating. Soon I’m going to be eating you. My body tensed, back legs ready to
spring me into action….
And
the phone in the house rang.
