by Anthology
She chose a colorful outfit of knit separates that didn’t wrinkle no matter how long and how tightly they’d been crammed into her suitcase. When she was finished dressing and doing her hair, she looked neat and if not professional, then at least she looked friendly.
Her clothes weren’t anything special or expensive, but she thought she looked okay for meeting people. They’d have to accept her as she was because she had never been rich and didn’t pretend to know how someone with the kind of money the Redstones apparently had, usually acted. The brothers had been friendly and kind around her. She hoped the rest of their people would be the same.
Grif dropped a kiss on her lips as he met her near the door to the hall. He was dressed in jeans and a nice white dress shirt. He looked good enough to eat, but she knew spending the entire day in his room making love wasn’t really an option. It would only postpone the inevitable and she’d done that long enough as it was.
Besides, she was hungry. Her tummy growled as Grif opened the door and they both laughed as they went downstairs. They followed the source of cooking smells to a light and airy kitchen at the back of the house.
It was like a gourmet’s dream kitchen and Lindsey couldn’t believe she would be allowed to use the state of the art appliances, if she wanted. She loved to cook and this room was like a showplace, full of wonder and what she hoped would be hours of joy to come.
“Wow,” she breathed, walking through the kitchen. Grif was beaming at her side.
“I designed the kitchen with my mother’s input. She chose the appliances and we went from there. What do you think?”
“It’s gorgeous, Grif.” She twirled to take in the whole space, getting a three hundred and sixty degree view. Matt was finishing up at the stove and Bob was ferrying plates into the room next door. “It’s really awesome.”
“Glad you like it.”
He put his hand at her back and ushered her into the next room, which proved to be a spacious dining room that looked out through large windows and a glass door to the backyard. She could see an orderly garden back there. A green oasis in the middle of the desert. It was almost magical.
Grif seated her at the large table. Belinda and Steve were there before her, along with two other people she hadn’t met.
“Lindsey, this is the Clan’s new priestess, Kate, and her new mate, Slade. I asked them to join us this morning so you could meet them first,” Grif said as he claimed the seat at her side.
She nodded uncertainly at first at the other couple, but they seemed open enough to her senses, so she began to think what she’d heard about them. She knew their names. The soldiers had discussed them with Grif a few times.
“We met your sister, Millie,” Lindsey offered with a small smile as she shook Slade’s big hand.
“Yeah, I heard.” He frowned a bit, causing her to wonder if she’d said the wrong thing, but the woman at his side reached around him to shake Lindsey’s hand.
“Don’t worry about him. He’s not happy his sister is working with a bunch of soldiers. Apparently she didn’t run it past him before she took off for Wyoming and he’s still miffed.”
Lindsey liked Kate’s open manner and firm handshake but she didn’t quite know what to say in response.
“Dig in while it’s hot,” Bob broke in, seating himself as Matt joined them with the last heaping platter of food.
There were eggs, bacon, sausage, pancakes, waffles and oatmeal. More food and variety than she could really handle. But the men dug in with gusto while she and Kate shared humorous looks. Kate seemed really nice and as breakfast commenced, the conversation was kept to light topics. Lindsey was able to get to know the new couple, as well as Bob, a little better. So far, so good.
When they’d decimated the platters and Belinda and Matt had started to ferry the empties back into the kitchen, Grif suggested he and Lindsey take a little walk with the new couple and Steve. Lindsey guessed they were going to talk business away from Belinda’s little ears, so she got up and joined the group headed for the backyard.
“What news do you have for me?” Grif asked as soon as the back door had shut behind them. They all drifted toward a picnic table set up in the shade of the biggest bird of paradise plant Lindsey had ever seen.
“Nothing good, I’m afraid,” Kate began. “Slade and I examined the body. He had tattoos, Grif. Magical ones that only we can see. Venifucus tattoos.”
“Fuck,” Grif cursed. “I knew that bastard was getting help from somewhere. He couldn’t have evaded all my trackers for so long if he hadn’t had support. Were they on his wrists?”
Grif had told her on the plane ride about how some of the evil agents of the ancient organization known as the Venifucus were marked with magical tattoos over the pulse points on their wrists. They’d talked about why it was so important to have the body checked and a lot of other things to pass the time on the flight home. She was glad now for the knowledge.
“One on the left wrist,” she confirmed. “And a few more. Alpha, they were in strange places.” Kate swallowed as if what she was about to say was painful. “There was one over his heart that radiated pure evil. We think it encoded some kind of spell.” She turned to her mate, probably seeking his support.
“We think it might be what caused him to kill his mate,” Slade stated with no sugar coating. “He also had one on his right temple and one at the base of his skull. Neither of us have ever seen anything like it. I called the Lords and their mate earlier because this might be too important to let sit, and they had no reports of anything like this either. It’s a mystery. And they’ve asked us to ship the body to them for further examination. With your permission, of course, Alpha,” Slade added, almost as an afterthought.
“They can have him, provided they promise me that after they’re done with him, his body will be burned and consecrated by a priestess. I don’t want his shade coming back to haunt us, if such things are possible. With all the ancient stuff that’s coming back now, I don’t want to find out those fairytales are true as well.”
“Neither do we,” Kate said with a touch of vehemence in her tone. “I’ll ask the High Priestess myself and make sure she understands, though I think they’ll be thinking along the same lines once they see the evil in his marks for themselves. It’s palpable. And for someone like me, they cry out to be cleansed,” Kate added.
“I’ll want you to accompany the body, Slade. I don’t trust this to anyone else. And one of my brothers will go with you. I don’t want you to let it out of your sight. Timmons had support from the Venifucus. I don’t want one of their agents taking him back, even in death.” Grif’s tone brooked no argument.
“Understood, Alpha. And I concur,” Slade replied very seriously.
This was a guy who didn’t mess around. Lindsey thought he was very much like some of the soldiers she’d met in Wyoming, but even more deadly, if that made any sense.
They were all quiet for a moment when a thought occurred to her.
“If the Venifucus was supporting him, then where were they when he came after us at the cabin? Did he just escape their control? Or were they still helping him? And is that why he was apparently able to take out four of those soldiers and get into Belinda’s room without anybody noticing?”
Grim faces turned to regard her and Lindsey felt uncomfortable under their scrutiny for a moment before she realized they weren’t angry at her, but at her words. They didn’t like contemplating the danger to the Redstones any more than she did. She’d found common ground with the new people, but none of them really liked the basis for it.
“All good questions,” Grif replied after a quiet moment. “And unfortunately I don’t think we have the answers, but you better believe we’re going to find out. If you’re right, the Venifucus have been targeting our family in particular for much longer and more thoroughly than I thought.” Grif looked angry with a hint of terror in his golden eyes that only Lindsey could see. “If they really caused Timmons to turn on Jackie, as you
believe, their interference goes back years longer than I anticipated. And if they were there, in Wyoming, helping Timmons, then we might not be as safe as I thought.”
“And don’t forget mom,” Steve said softly, but with a determined growl to his voice. “Those two who murdered her were supposedly rogue elements, but they definitely had Venifucus ties. Maybe they weren’t so rogue after all. Maybe doing damage to our family is all part of some deeper plan.”
“I don’t like this,” Grif spat. “Not at all.” He turned away and paced for a moment, coming back a few seconds later. “We need to operate as if the threat continues. We’ve seen what they’re capable of now. We need to guard against it. More than that,” he pounded one fist on the picnic table. “We need to go on the offensive.”
“Amen, brother,” Steve muttered under his breath but they all heard him. Slade just frowned, but he also had that determined light in his spooky grey eyes.
“From this moment forth, I’m declaring the Redstone Clan at war with the Venifucus. We will hunt them where they live and we will end the threat against our family and against our Clan, or die trying.”
Even Lindsey felt the weight of his words as Grif declared his private war and she knew in her heart they were doing the right thing. They’d already lost too many innocent people to the evil cult. She didn’t want to see any more of the Redstones taken out by an enemy that didn’t fight fair.
“I’m sorry I brought you into this at such a time, Lindsey,” Grif turned to her and took her hand in his. “I’d send you away, but I can’t. I need you like I need my next breath.” She put her hand over his mouth to forestall his next words. She understood.
“I wouldn’t be any other place than at your side, Grif. The Great Spirit changed me and put me here for a reason. I know that deep in my heart. I will help you and your family to the best of my ability. I don’t know what I can contribute, but I’m here and I’m not going anywhere. I love you.”
It was just that simple. Love made her brave when just thinking about the danger that possibly faced them should have made her tremble.
Grif kissed her in front of everybody, but she didn’t mind. Let them witness the power of their love.
“This is as it should be,” Kate said softly after Grif let Lindsey go. “The Alpha is stronger for having a mate and the Clan is stronger for having a matriarch. You will grow into that role in the fullness of time, Lindsey. I have no doubt about it. Let your love guide you and the Lady will show you the way.” Kate raised her hand and for a moment, Lindsey thought she saw little rainbows of light dancing around her and Grif, like some kind of magical benediction. “Whatever comes, you will face it together. Now and until the end of time.”
Lindsey liked the way that sounded. Apparently, so did Griff. He bent her back and laid a kiss on her like something out of a fairy tale. Dimly she heard laughter and even a little applause from those gathered around them and off in the distance…she thought she heard the flapping of great wings, as if an angel watched over them and had suddenly taken to flight.
# # #
Thanks for reading the first book in the Redstone Clan series by Bianca D’Arc. If you enjoyed Grif, the next books in the series are: Red, Magnus, and Bobcat, which are available now in print and ebook formats.
For more information about Bianca’s books, check out her website at WWW.BIANCADARC.COM. You can also sign up for her newsletter, to be informed of new releases as they occur.
Books by Bianca D’Arc
Paranormal Romance
Brotherhood of Blood
One & Only
Rare Vintage
Phantom Desires
Sweeter Than Wine
Forever Valentine
Wolf Hills*
Wolf Quest
Tales of the Were
Lords of the Were
Inferno
Tales of the Were ~ The Others
Rocky
Slade
Tales of the Were ~ Redstone Clan
Grif
Red
Magnus
Bobcat
Matt
String of Fate
Cat’s Cradle
King’s Throne
Jacob’s Ladder
Her Warriors
Gifts of the Ancients: Warrior’s Heart
Guardians of the Dark
Half Past Dead
Once Bitten, Twice Dead
A Darker Shade of Dead
The Beast Within
Dead Alert
Epic Fantasy Erotic Romance
Dragon Knights
Maiden Flight*
The Dragon Healer
Border Lair
Master at Arms
The Ice Dragon**
Prince of Spies***
Wings of Change
FireDrake
Dragon Storm
Keeper of the Flame
Hidden Dragons
Science Fiction Romance
Jit’Suku Chronicles ~ Arcana
King of Swords
King of Cups
King of Clubs
King of Stars
End of the Line
Futuristic Erotic Romance
Resonance Mates
Hara’s Legacy**
Davin’s Quest
Jaci’s Experiment
Grady’s Awakening
Harry’s Sacrifice
StarLords: Hidden Talent
Print Anthologies
Ladies of the Lair
I Dream of Dragons Vol. 1
Brotherhood of Blood
Caught by Cupid
The Beast Within
* RT Book Reviews Awards Nominee
** EPPIE Award Winner
*** CAPA Award Winner
About the Author
Bianca D’Arc has run a laboratory, climbed the corporate ladder in the shark-infested streets of lower Manhattan, studied and taught martial arts, and earned the right to put a whole bunch of letters after her name, but she’s always enjoyed writing more than any of her other pursuits. She grew up and still lives on Long Island, where she keeps busy with an extensive garden, several aquariums full of very demanding fish, and writing her favorite genres of paranormal, fantasy and sci-fi romance.
Bianca loves to hear from readers and can be reached through Twitter (@BiancaDArc), Facebook (BiancaDArcAuthor) or through the various links on her website.
Welcome to The D’Arc Side…
WWW.BIANCADARC.COM
Rocked
Lost In Oblivion: Book 1
by
Taryn Elliott & Cari Quinn
Taryn’s Website ~ Cari’s Website ~ Newsletter
Dedication
To Cari Quinn, who is my best friend, my cheerleader, my kick in the ass, my sounding board, and my own personal Rock Star. I love you babes. Yes, even when you don’t let me say, “Pencils down.”
To Mom & Dad, who gave me the courage to chase my dreams and never give up, even when it looked hopeless.
To Eric, who keeps his mouth shut even when he thinks I’m crazy for doing this writer deal.
To Dayna Hart for her precise editing scalpel of justice. You brought this beast down to size and I will be forever grateful.
To Matt Nathanson, who wrote the songs, “Farewell, December” and “Last Days of Summer in San Francisco” which were the driving force in the love story that is Deacon and Harper. Your music inspires me in so many ways.
And finally, to The Word Wenches, you girls make this writing thing less lonely with your laughter and support. We couldn’t have asked for a better group of people to become part of our family.
Burn
The Becoming
Breaking It Down
Ripcord
Balls to the Wall
Taste of Candy
Too Still
Trident Records
OBLIVION
Lead vox: Simon Kagan
Co-Lead Guitar: Nick Crandall
Co-Lead Guitar:
Grayson Duffy
Bass: Deacon McCoy
Drums: Jasmine “Jazz” Edwards
CHAPTER ONE
August 12, 12:00 PM - Food For Thought
Harper Pruitt hauled another tray out of her seven-tiered food cart. Lunch was the big meal when it came to a rock tour. The roadies and technicians would be working right up until the 7:30 p.m. curtain time, so they needed to fuel up now. Then she and her staff would break it down and start all over for the musicians and their guests.
Already the first wave was lined up in the doorway to the make-shift cafeteria. Pop-up tents, two dozen banquet tables, and a whirring portable air conditioner gave a brief reprieve to the outrageous heat of Alpharetta, Georgia. Honestly, how was anyone supposed to think clearly when the air was thick enough to chew?
“C’mon, Harper. It doesn’t need to be perfect. We’re just going to demolish it anyway.”
“You will wait until I’m ready, Randy Pruitt.” Her brother, a third generation roadie, was always first in line for food. He might be whip-skinny, but he could pack it away.
She snapped the last of the trays over cold packs she’d designed after much of their first week had been spent cleaning up after the rapidly melting ice. No matter how hard that air conditioning unit chugged, it was still hot as hell with seventy plus bodies in the room.
She might be low man on the cooking staff, but she had standards, dammit. She made the best lunch these idiots would ever taste. Refusing to believe that everything was wasted on the tour animals that called themselves roadies, she ignored the shuffling feet and groans behind her.