The Midnight Breed Series Companion

by Lara Adrian

  With their extra sensitive sensory skills, aren't they having problems with the women’s periods? It's a question that pops into my head always when I read about or watch a movie about vampires...

  —Marijke W., Julianadorp, Noord-Holland Netherlands

  LOL! Allow me to refer you to the bit about “sticking to the fantasy stuff” from the question above. *g*

  I guard my writing pen with my life no one is allowed to use it or touch it they can only look at it. Which leads to my question will you ever have a merchandise store?

  —Mary P., Griffin, GA USA

  LOL! We’ve had lots of requests to open a merchandise store, and I’m excited to report that it will be opening soon! The store will be part of my website redesign at www.LaraAdrian.com and will offer all kinds of fun Midnight Breed series merchandise, as well as signed (or unsigned) copies of all my books. Watch for a Grand Opening announcement in my website newsletter, likely sometime in Summer 2013.

  How hard is it for you to come up with new Breed characters or to expound on the older ones to make them come alive for a new book due to its wide popularity that wants to keep the Breed alive?

  —Jean R., Watertown, CT USA

  Well, let me tell you, hearing from readers who never want the series to end is a very nice problem to have! And it’s tempting to want to keep a good thing going. I’m having a blast writing these books, and there’s nothing more motivating than knowing thousands of eager readers are dying to get their hands on the next Midnight Breed novel as soon as it arrives in stores.

  But I also feel I have a responsibility to longtime fans of the series—and myself—to maintain the series’ integrity and not draw it out endlessly just because I can. I’m a plotting writer, so the thought of an open-ended, meandering series with no clear direction or resolution makes me more than a little twitchy! I’d rather bring it to a satisfying, but finite, conclusion earlier than necessary, than risk letting the series jump the shark years after I should have ended it.

  What are the funeral rites for Breedmates?

  —Tori R., Port Saint Lucie, FL USA

  Fortunately, we’ve not had the need to attend a Breedmate funeral within the series (yet…), but it’s very similar to the rites performed for one of the Breed, except for the release of the body. With a member of the Breed, the sun claims the body of the deceased, turning it to ash. With a Breedmate, after rites are performed, her body is cremated and her ashes remain with her mate until his death, if she had a mate, or with her Darkhaven family, if she was unmated. You’ll find the funeral ceremonies described in the Rituals section of this Companion book.

  Before you wrote the Midnight Breed books you had the Dragon Chalice fantasies as Tina St. John. Was any part of the Midnight Breed partially inspired by the Dragon Chalice series, either a character that you would've liked to develop more or differently, or were any plots inspired off the other?

  —Karen W., St. Catharines, ON Canada

  Very astute observation, Karen! I wrote the Dragon Chalice trilogy (which I’d always intended would be a quadrilogy) a couple of years before I began the Midnight Breed books. In the Dragon Chalice series, Braedon, the hero of the first book is the son of a wolf shapeshifter mother from a hidden, mythical realm and a human father. Through his mother’s lineage, Braedon is gifted with a knack for chasing down and locating lost people or objects, earning him the nickname of Hunter (though not at all related to Hunters in the Midnight Breed series). There is also a minor, but pivotal, character named Lara in that book!

  But the character I think you’re probably referring to is Draec les Nantres, henchman of the villain of that series and one-time friend of Braedon’s. I loved that dark antihero (still do) and there are bits of him that ended up in the Midnight Breed series characters, Dante in particular. The Dragon Chalice series was never supposed to end where it did, but my publishing contract for those books got cancelled after I turned in the third book, and I’ve not yet had the chance to finish the best part of the Dragon Chalice story. I will one day, hopefully soon.

  How many books will there end up being in the end for the Midnight Breed Series?

  —Rebecca D., Morristown, TN USA

  I’ve sketched out plans for seven more novels to complete the series, following Edge of Dawn, plus a handful of novellas along the way. It’s possible the number could change slightly before all is said and done, but the series is moving toward a planned conclusion in the current, second arc that began with Edge of Dawn.

  I just am dying to know whose book is next. Nathan, please?

  —Jamie R., Centennial, CO USA

  Nathan’s book is, in fact, up next! Watch for Crave the Night in early 2014.

  Lara, how does it make you feel knowing that the Midnight Breed series and all of the wonderful characters in it, have touched the lives of so many people, in so many different and profound ways?

  —Kathleen E., Mexico, NY USA

  In a word: humbled. Many people aren’t aware that I actually began my career as a published author writing historical romances set in the Middle Ages. I wrote seven novels which, for one reason or another, never gained traction in the marketplace or with readers. So, I was accustomed to writing in obscurity, telling stories for just myself (and my editor!). I had no idea how incredible it could be to have readers all over the world enjoying my books and loving my characters as much as I do.

  Every email I receive, every social network post and message, every reader I meet at a book signing or conference who takes the time to tell me what my books mean to them, or simply that they can’t wait for the next one, is a gift that far outshines any other trapping of bestseller success. It sounds so cliché to say that I love my readers, but it’s true. And I’m completely humbled and amazed by the love they give back to me.

  Questions for the Characters

  Actually to all the Breedmates: What is it like to really live with a Breed male? Do they have the same bad habits as human men? And do their special talents in the bedroom and being a warrior just make it worth it?

  —Mendi O., Summerville, SC USA

  :::amused glances and private smiles all around the room as the women of the Order wait to see who’s going to tackle that loaded question:::

  (Renata clears her throat) Yeah, that last part. Definitely. So worth it.

  ~ ~ ~

  BROCK

  How can you stand the fact not to "feel" Jenna in your blood?

  —Cerstin W., Hueckelhoven, Germany

  I feel Jenna in my heart and soul. I have everything I could ever want or need in her. Our bond couldn’t be stronger, just the way it is.

  ~ ~ ~

  CLAIRE

  When you were first brought to Wilhelm's Darkhaven and then later became his mate, what was going through your mind as you remembered everything that you had gone through with Andreas when you two were together?

  —Shauna R., Palm Bay, FL USA

  Grief. Pain. Confusion. I felt betrayed by Andre, but more than that, I felt a terrible regret for how I pushed him away our last night together. I let my insecurity create a wedge between us. When he didn’t come back that first night after we quarreled, or any of the long nights and months that followed, I didn’t have any reason to expect I would ever see him again. I made a foolish, dangerous choice in Wilhelm Roth. I didn’t realize how far he would go to keep Andre out of my life.

  Andre and I were together just four months, then separated for fifty years. Fortunately, we have all the time in the world to make up for those missed shared moments, now that we’re together again as mates.

  ~ ~ ~

  DANIKA

  Hello, Danika!!!! I realize we came into the story as it was already playing out. We didn't see much of your Conlan. I'm a HUGE fan of Highlanders. What's your favorite memory of you and Conlan together?

  —Ginelle B., Caledonia, MI USA

  Oh, there were many over the course of nearly four hundred years together. But none sweeter than the moment we ma
de our son together. After so long without the place for a child in our lives, we’d become accustomed to the lack. But then Con and I both woke the same day, feeling an overwhelming urge to bring new life into the circle of our love. I wonder now if he might have sensed his end was coming. I wonder if I sensed it too, but didn’t know to recognize it.

  The night we made love and shared our blood to create Connor was the most tender, most vulnerable I’d ever seen my brave warrior, Conlan. And I had never loved him more. Not in four hundred years, had I loved him more than in that one precious moment.

  Will Connor be joining the Order?

  —Phuong T., Angier, NC USA

  As his mother, I pray he’ll choose a different path. But Connor is his father’s son, and in my heart I know he is a warrior.

  ~ ~ ~

  GABRIELLE

  Do the Breedmates have days away? Do you girls get stir crazy? It seems like it could get claustrophobic or they could miss being out in the sun.

  —Lawren B., Menifee, CA USA

  We do go out for day trips, sometimes. But less often, as you can imagine, once the violence around Boston increased with Dragos in the picture. Lucan and the other warriors get twitchy when they’re not there to protect us during daylight activities, so for their sanity more than ours, we’ve all decided to curtail our time outside the security of the compound. Thank goodness for Internet shopping and grocery delivery!

  If you could re-do one thing in yours and Lucan's relationship what would that be?

  —Sandy S., Olathe, KS USA

  (Gabrielle smiles and sends a private, intimate look in Lucan’s direction) Not one thing. I think we’re doing everything pretty well so far.

  ~ ~ ~

  GIDEON

  Why do you wear glasses? Doesn’t the Breed have good eyesight?

  —Edan E., Indianapolis, IN USA

  Correct. All of the Breed is born with impeccable eyesight. I was no different, until things went south for me around 1974.

  (Dante snorts from across the room) Disco wasn’t good for anyone, man.

  (Gideon ignores him, looks back with a shrug) I had a bit of trouble down in Louisiana. If you want the blow-by-blow, Savannah and I spilled all the details just for that book you’re holding in your hands right now.

  This is something I have always wanted to know, Gideon...do you ever miss fighting Rogues with the others?

  —Kimberly M., Apopka, FL USA

  (Takes Savannah’s hand in his, rubbing his thumb over his mate’s smooth skin) Sure, I miss being in the thick of the action. But I made a promise to someone that means even more to me. Now I make do using my other considerable skills—if I do say so myself—to help the Order take out our enemies in other, more creative ways.

  ~ ~ ~

  HUNTER

  How has parenthood changed you?

  —Sandy S., Olathe, KS USA

  I can think of no way that it hasn’t changed me. Any more than I can think of a single thing in my life that hasn’t been changed because of the love of this woman. (kisses Corinne unabashedly, in front of everyone gathered in the room)

  ~ ~ ~

  LUCAN

  Why are the warriors so disrespected? I don't understand why the protectors of the race, not to mention some of the oldest, are looked down upon by the Darkhavens. Thank you for your service from this human who appreciates when somebody is out there trying to save our lives.

  —Liz F., Springfield, MO USA

  (Nods tightly, clearly uncomfortable with the praise or the gratitude) Let them disrespect us. We get the job done, and we do it our way. I don’t hear anyone complaining about us when the bullets and blood are flying. If anyone disrespects our methods, let them come out to the front lines and take the heat alongside us.

  Exactly how do you decide who can be part of the Order? Why did you decide on Kade and Brock and not some Darkhaven youth? Are there tests that must be passed to join the Order?

  —Diane Y., Toms River, NJ USA

  Darkhaven youth as a warrior? (tries and fails to stifle a smirk) The Order’s not an equal opportunity employer, and I make no apologies for that. Our new recruits come in through recommendation by one of the warriors, or they’re hand-picked by yours truly. We put them through some paces, take them out on a patrol or two, see what they’re made of. The ones who’re still standing come daybreak make it to another round. Sooner or later, the wheat separates from the chaff. Then I decide who stays and who goes.

  Can a vampire be changed back to a human?

  —Tiffany M., Port Arthur, TX USA

  Can a cat be changed back into a frog? Different animal altogether. Same with Breed and humans. No changes, no returns.

  Why does Lucan not utilize the Breedmates with active powers to help with the fight? I know they need to be protected but it seems that so many of them could be used to help their mates.

  —Tiffany S., APO, AE USA

  I’m not gonna be the one to call Niko’s mate to the front lines of combat, but if Renata—or any of the other women of the Order—want to contribute to our missions, they can and do. They’ve got a pretty decent track record so far too. If you need a refresher, check out Veil of Midnight, Ashes of Midnight, Taken by Midnight, and Darker After Midnight.

  What has happened in your life or continues to happen, Lucan, to make you so angry all the time? Even with Gabrielle in the beginning, you seem angry! You act as if you need her so much, but even that makes you seem angry!

  —Lynn K., Willards, MD USA

  (snarls) Why do you think I’m angry? Do I look angry to you? (brow furrows deeper, growl curls up from back of his throat) For fuck’s sake, I am not angry all the time. (glowers as Gideon barely suppresses a chortle) What’s the deal, asking about my feelings for Gabrielle, anyway? Do I need to come right out in front of everyone here and say I need her? Hell, yeah, I need her. I love her, damn it! And why the hell do I have so many questions when everyone else in this Q&A session only has one or two?

  :::Lara hastily steps into the room now:::

  Oookay, thank you for participating today, Lucan. Moving on! Who’s up next?

  ~ ~ ~

  MIRA

  Did you ever wish that looking in your eyes didn't tell the future?

  —Christian W., Keansburg, NJ USA

  Yes. Almost every day I wished for that. But it’s better now.

  ~ ~ ~

  NATHAN

  Did you meet with any of your half-brothers, e.g. the ones that were rescued along with your mother (and their mothers) by the Order?

  —Julia H., Duisburg, Germany

  No, I haven’t met any of them. Pretty sure I’ve seen some of them around Boston and elsewhere, though.

  How many people have you assassinated in your short life before your mother and Hunter found you?

  —Shannon C., West Yarmouth, MA USA

  A lot. Taking the time or attention to count them wasn’t part of my training.

  ~ ~ ~

  NIKOLAI

  How did Niko get into designing cool weapons and ammo for the Order?

  —Rachel S., Tampa, FL USA

  Why is Rachel S. from Tampa speaking to me in third person? (grins, showing his twin dimples) Remember, I was born and raised in Siberia during the height of the Cold War era. Weapons and ammo were my teething toys.

  ~ ~ ~

  RENATA

  How does it feel to be the first female "warrior" member of the Order?

  —Katy N., Alfortville, France

  Pretty fucking awesome. And by that I mean, it’s an honor.

  ~ ~ ~

  RIO

  Why could you only see your dead mate’s ghost when Dylan was in danger?

  —Lara B., Barrys Bay, ON Canada

  Why did she lead Dylan to me that day in the Czech mountains? Did she want to save my life, or did she want me to find my true mate in Dylan? You’d have to ask Eva these things.

  When Eva appeared to me on that highway, I suppose after she’d died, she’
d never tried so hard to reach out to me, the way she did when Dylan had been kidnapped by Dragos. Maybe my blood bond to Dylan helped bridge the gap between this plane and the next, and allowed Eva to appear to me.

  Whatever the reason, I am grateful for what Eva did for me that day. For us, Dylan and me. I thought I would despise Eva for the rest of my life. I can summon no hate for her now.

  ~ ~ ~

  SAVANNAH

  You have been mated to Gideon for a long time, what advice can you offer the younger Breed couples in keeping the love/romance everlasting?

  —Madeline P., Escondido, CA USA

  Be honest with your mate, even if it scares you. Share everything you are, and trust the love you have together will see you through anything.