Stop here on the EASTER Hoppin Blog Hop…

 UPDATE:  Congrats to Brans for winning the signed copy of FATED!

Thanks so much for stopping by today!  I love a good hop!  This is my first Easter Hop…stay tuned for another one next week.  Today I’m giving away a signed copy of FATED to someone commenting today…no restrictions on where to send it.  The farther the better…I’m still hoping to get a dot on the map below from someone in Iceland.

I’m gearing up to start promoting CLAIMED, which is book 2 in the Dark Protectors and will be out late October.  But I’ll have some ARC’s to give away this summer.  So here’s a brief peek at the king’s story:

Emma glanced to Talen’s side and fought to keep her mouth from hanging open.  Dage stood in the doorway dressed in a black tux—all powerful male animal.  The sharp angles of his face enhanced those amazing eyes.  Even in the civilized garb, something not quite tame emanated from him.

His gaze swept her head to toe.  “You’re wearing my colors, love.”  He stalked forward and leaned down to brush her cheek with a kiss.  “Soon you’ll be wearing me,” he whispered for her ears only.

Desire blasted into her even as she stepped back.  She liked things organized, nicely lined up in test tubes.  There was nothing nice about Dage, and she sure as hell couldn’t predict him.  And any outcome she’d envisioned ended with the king destroyed.  Because of her.  She shook her head.  “No.”  Damn but that sounded breathy and unsure.

His eyes hardened but he didn’t get a chance to respond because Janie threw herself into his arms.  “Uncle Dage.  Do you like my dress?”

An astonishing change came over the king.  His face softened, his eyes glowed as he caught the little girl and stood her on a cherry wood end table.  “You’re beautiful, Janie.”  His smile crinkled the corners of his mouth.

“Like a princess?”  The little girl breathed.

Dage held her tiny hand with a delicate touch Emma would have to be blind to miss.  “You are a princess, sweetheart.”

The smile bursting across her niece’s face reached Emma’s heart.  An odd relief eased her mind.  Janie’s safety wasn’t only on her shoulders anymore.  Dage and Talen were more than equipped to keep the little girl safe should the worst happen.  In case she failed to find a way to cheat death. 

Talen cleared his throat.  “Maybe we shouldn’t go to the dinner tonight.  I’m armed, but…”

Cara shook her head.  “Oh no, I am so going.  I’m starving.”  She tucked her arm through Talen’s and held out a hand to Janie.  “Come on, sweetheart.”

Dage set the little girl on her feet.  “We’ll be right behind you.”  His gaze dared Emma to refuse.

Cara gave her a lopsided grin and tugged her family out the door.  “See you at the ball.”

Emma inched toward the door.  “Let’s go to the dinner, Dage.”

He shifted his weight, effectively blocking her way.  “I thought we’d get a couple of things clear, love.”

Butterflies took flight in her stomach.  “Like what?”  She lifted her chin.  Damn but that sandalwood scent made her want to tackle him to the floor and shred clothing until she reached his flesh.

His calloused finger traced a path along her jaw and she had to quell the warmth in her core.  “First, you need to understand it’s well known you’re a probable mate—my mate.”

She drew breath in, counting slowly to five, fighting the urge to tap her pretty shoe on the plush maroon carpet.  The idea of his naked skin slowly wafted away as temper slid in.  “I choose my own destiny, Dage.  Period.”

He nodded.  “Of course.  Tonight you’re going to choose to finish what we started in the cave.”  Clasping her chin between his thumb and forefinger, he leaned down to brush her mouth with his.  Once, twice and then a third time. 

She tightened her shoulders, fighting the need to grab him.  Desire beat against her independence.  Her mind ruled her body, not the other way around.  Yet her hands drifted up his jacket, the soft fabric tickling her palms.  Her knees trembled and she clutched his lapels, yanking him closer and taking his mouth.  She slid her tongue in and explored.  Mint and male exploded on her taste buds and she groaned. 

Independence be damned.

So leave a comment on anything you want.  It is tax day.  And a beautiful weekend.  If you need a prompt…what do vampires have in common with the Easter Bunny?  (That should get your creative mind flowing!)   🙂

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