My face flamed with heat at her blunt come-on. "Um..." Was all I could manage to mumble. Wow, talk about awkward. I forced myself to sit up a little straighter. "Why do you think I'm not experienced?"
She trailed gentle fingers down my arm, then took my hand in hers. "Charles," she whispered, "I can always tell." She stood and pulled me up with her.
"Uh...Brina, I..." That's when she kissed me. Her soft lips pressed against mine, meeting skin on skin. Surprised, I pushed away, kind of half-assed to be honest, but she didn't budge. Instead, she opened her mouth.
Holy shit. This was nothing like what I'd done with Linn. Brina's lips, her tongue, her body molding against mine, awakened a very male response. Working on instinct, I pulled her against me and kissed her hard, demanding more, wanting more.
Instead, she pulled away, laughing. "I thought as much."
"What?" My heart was pounding in my chest.
"Come with me to Cascade."
Was she really suggesting...? "I can't bind with..."
She laughed. "I require no promise. No pledge."
"No? I thought females wanted some kind of commitment from a guy."
"Females are as different as males. Some want forever, some want only today. I am not the little princess who follows you around like a puppy, practicing her kisses. I am a warrior born of many battles, my sister and I defeating hundreds of males on the training field and the field of war. You would not dominate me with your sword, at least not yet, but I do not ask for battle tonight. I ask for something more." She hooked her fingers in my belt and pulled me against her body, then wrapped her arms around my neck. "You will give me this night—and perhaps the morning."
I was only a hand's width taller than Brina so our eyes were only inches apart. It was a simple thing to lose myself in the magic of her violet eyes and drink in her sweet scent. Two minutes ago I was sitting on a bench grumbling to myself about my birthday being a major fuck-up. But now, all of that disappeared in Brina's beautiful eyes, as sensation and need took precedence. We kissed again and I tumbled farther.
Against my body's will, my common sense kicked in and I pulled away. My breaths came fast, and I was happy to see, so did hers. "We should slow down and maybe talk." She grinned at me as if I was a foolish child. I scowled and asked, "You're...how old?"
"Over three hundred human years, but to my cousins I am still a child. In Faerie our ages are not of great concern unless we are very young like Linn or very old like King Finvarra."
"Linn is my age."
"She is still sixteen and a virgin by choice. It is rare for a fae male to be a virgin at seventeen." Her hand brushed across my chest and my knees threatened to give out. She smiled, knowing the effect she was having on me. "Come with me and learn the color of my bedchamber," she teased.
I laughed, looking back toward the party. "Right now I'd follow you into hell." She grinned with her delicious mouth and I couldn't stop myself from kissing her again. She tasted so good. When we pulled apart, I asked, "But why me? I'm young, but I'm not stupid. You're beautiful. You can have any male in Cascade."
She laughed. "I am particular." She touched my face with gentle fingers, yet it felt like pleasurable shockwaves were shooting through my entire body. I was lost in a tornado of physical sensation that I knew little about.
Brina leaned closer and whispered against my ear, her scent intoxicating, "When I watched you stand before Finvarra, the most powerful fae who had ever ruled, you glowed with a power unique to your bloodline. Where my own people remained unmoving, you stood proudly against Kennet and the king, facing death with every beat of your strong heart. In training, you walk away exhausted and bloody, but never complaining. You are a warrior worthy of my attention."
She stepped away, but I took her hand and jerked her close again. "At court I was scared like everyone else." I wanted her to know the truth. I wasn't a hero. Far from it.
"Not like everyone else."
Another stubborn female. "I'm not some science experiment for you and your friends to laugh over." I cringed, imagining the hazards of female gossip.
She narrowed her eyes, looking insulted. "You dispute my honor? We will spend pleasurable time together and then we will part as friends. It is always thus. What is between us will forever be private."
She was pissed off and had every right to be. "I apologize." I nodded to show her the proper respect. "That was a shitty thing to say."
"It was...shitty." She smiled in such a sexy way my heartbeat went into turbo mode. I smiled back, the irony of this situation not lost on me. Two minutes ago this birthday sucked, but now...
I looked around. No one was watching us. "I can't just leave. They'll worry."
"I've told Farrell. He will tell your parents that you are with me and will be back by three tomorrow afternoon."
I groaned, thinking about the confrontation to come. "That talk's gonna be awkward."
She brushed her lips against mine. "Lesson One: Think only about now."
I fingered a lock of her silky blonde hair and smiled. "I can do that." We disappeared before anyone could stop us.
CHAPTER FIFTY-FOUR
Charlie'd spent the night with Brina. It didn't take much imagination to know what they were doing together. I'd quietly cursed that vixen for a whole five minutes last night, then gave it up. She was an experienced fae female, and as much as I denied it, Charlie was as an adult male. If she offered herself to him, he'd take her up on it. Charlie was young but he wasn't an idiot. She was lovely and very particular in her partners. Charlie's training sessions must have been going really well.
I guess I'd always thought it would be Linn and that they'd wait until they were older. So much for my motherly intuition.
Still, Brina was a female with impeccable honor and great courage. As far as his life was concerned, he was safe with her, other than her stealing his virginity, that is.
Garrett hugged me closer as we waited. "You had the talk?" I asked him. Again.
He smiled, forcing himself not to laugh. I wanted to whack him. "In several stages at different times during his life. He knows how to treat a female, and he knows how to keep from becoming a father. I have every expectation that this first experience will be..."
"Never mind. I don't want to know."
Garrett pulled me against him. "I seem to recall that at the very same age you threw yourself at me."
"Pfft. You didn't fight back for long. Anyway, I was much more mature than Charlie. Females always are."
"Oh? I can't imagine another seventeen year old dealing with the stress he lives with in a more mature manner."
"You think his life is stressful? Try being his mother." I sighed as Garrett stroked my hair. "I know you're right, but I'm afraid for him."
"So am I. But it's time to let him go."
"What do you mean?"
"Let him have the adventure he craves. If you don't, our home will become his prison. He may never come back to us at all if you deny him."
I leaned my forehead into the hollow below Garrett's shoulder, feeling slightly ashamed about my behavior last night. Charlie'd wanted me to really hear him, and I shut him out. He must be furious with me. "You're so much better at this parenting thing than I am."
He laughed so hard I thought he'd break a rib. When he saw my annoyed expression he kissed the corner of my mouth and whispered, "Let's go out to dinner. Better yet, lets take a few days off and go into San Francisco. We'll stay at our favorite hotel. I'll take you to all your favorite restaurants and touristy spots."
"But..."
"It's better if we're not here when he gets home. Leave him a note to text you that he's okay. We'll talk to him tomorrow and see him in a few days."
"Fine. Can we go to that steak house near the water?"
"Anything you want, my love."
I kissed him hard, then turned toward our room to pack. "Hold that thought for later."
CHAPTER FIFTY-FIVE
When I saw the note f
rom Mom on the kitchen table, I sent her a text. The one I got back was surprising:
Driving to SF w/Dad
Home in 4 days
Feed Samson
Will call 2morrow
Luv U
PS So sorry I didn't listen. We'll talk about college.
Even more surprising, was the note on my bed from Dad.
Charlie,
Kyle, Peter, and I know what you and Jay have planned. Children love to imagine that they're smarter than their parents, but you two sometimes forget you're surrounded by creatures with supernatural senses and hundreds of years of experience. C'mon, give us some credit.
Aaron and I used to sneak out of our homes on a regular basis, beginning at age twelve. It was only for a night or two, but we always thought it was worth the consequences. At sixteen, my dad began sending us off on our own for a month over the summer, so I understand the craving to explore. The excitement of discovering new territory calls to the animal inside of us.
All that I ask is that you leave before your mom and I return. A long goodbye will be much harder on her. This way I bear the brunt of her anger. (Wish me luck.)
I expect you home again in two months. No longer. Then we can discuss college. If you run into trouble, use your head. You have a good one. You'll be mostly among humans so try not to use your magic unless there's no other option. If you must, then be discreet. Because you'll also be among supernaturals, keep your mental shields strong and in place at all times. Some of the other supes might be more powerful than you'd expect, especially those who dabble in blood magic.
If you think a situation is out of control and you or Jay are in danger, then you're probably right. Trust your instincts and come home. There's no shame in turning your back on a battle you know you can't win. There's always another day.
Use the code when you text or email or call so we know it's you. If you don't call your mom every week, I'll send Sash to find you with orders to leave scars.
Anyone who can stand up to the King of Faerie deserves time off on his own. I love you very much and I'm proud of you, son. The day you came into my life was one of my very best.
You and Jay take care of each other. Tell him to call home when you do.
Love,
Dad
PS Please shred this note so your mom doesn't see it and shred me. (Good thing Liam is a healer.)
I read the note over one more time, then tucked it into my backpack to take with me. I threw in the rest of the items I'd planned to bring, along with a couple of things I hadn't, then gave Jay a call.
"Hey, Char." he answered with his usual California drawl.
"We're on."
Without missing a beat, Jay responded, "Cool. See ya soon."
THE END
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About the Author:
Born in LA, I'm fortunate to currently be a resident of a lovely town in Northern California, a magical place within the context of the mortal plain, where flowers bloom all winter long and people actually smile and say hello when they pass you on the sidewalk.
I've spent most of my professional life working with community theatre groups in NYC as a costume designer, production manager, stage manager, etc... I've adopted the philosophy that life is one enormous theatrical extravaganza and I'm merely doing my best to keep it interesting for myself, my family, my friends and hopefully my readers.
I've read fantasy my entire life and still read into the wee hours. Steven King said something about not having the tools to write if you don't spend a good amount of time reading. Well, I'm doing my best on that front.
I've loved every moment that I've spent with Jackie and Garrett and their motley crew of rogues. I intend to continue their story, but first I'm excited to be branching off into a series of books involving Charlie. After all, the Prophesy concerns him, so the war can't really take place without him, can it? It's only fair that I share some adventures with this interesting young man before I throw him into the heat of battle.
Although I'll be introducing several new characters in this second series, Jackie and Garrett will still be supporting characters, along with many other regulars.
Thanks for reading. You are all important to me, not just because it's cool to sell books, but mostly because it's cool to share a story with others. You can leave comments on my website or on my Facebook page. Or follow me on twitter. I love to hear from you.
Connect with Gayle Parness:
On the web: http://www.gayleparness.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GayleParnessAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/gayleparness
Cut Off is not the last book in the Rogues Shifter Series. We'll definitely be sharing more adventures with the Cuvier Clan. But before we can go down that path, I'm excited to be introducing Charlie's story:
Coming Next!
Breaking Out: Book 1 in the Triad Series - Available Summer, 2014
Seventeen year old Charlie Cuvier is one of a kind. Part cheetah shapeshifter, fae and demon, his life has been far from what most supernatural species would consider normal. Because he's the main player in one of those end of the world prophesies, he's grown up in a protective bubble, guarded day and night by the fae, and home schooled by his parents. On the flip side, he's been exposed to danger beyond anyone's imagining, confronting the Queen and King of Faerie and an archdemon all within the span of a few days. No wonder he needs a vacation.
So what's next?
In Breaking Out, Charlie sets off with his best friend, Jay, a grizzly shapeshifter, excited to finally be making his own choices and following his own path. After taking time to rough it in the Sierras, he and Jay finally make it down to LA, where they figure they can enjoy some R & R of a more civilized kind. However, before long, they're caught up in a dangerous mess involving a girl with a secret, a group of sorcerers, and a very angry demon.
As the two friends try to handle this convoluted situation without endangering the human population or alerting them to the fact that supernaturals live among them, they are being watched and followed by a dangerous being with an agenda all his own.
Book 2 Triad Series - available Winter, 2015
Book 3 Triad Series - available Summer 2015
Other Books by Gayle Parness
Cut off is Book 7 of the Rogues Shifter Series. I do recommend that you read the books in order, although they can stand on their own. If you haven't read the rest of the series, then here's the reading order:
Rebirth: Book 1 - Sixteen year old Jackie discovers that she's not human, but instead part of a large supernatural community. She trains with a group of young shapeshifters who become her close friends, and also meets Garrett, the magically powerful vampire who teaches her to use her unique powers and then manages to steal her heart. Together they face off against his destructive maker, the 500 year old vampire, Eleanor Howard.
Stalked: Book 2 - Jackie and Garrett travel to Faerie to celebrate the Midsummer Solstice Ceremony with their new fae allies, only to become the hunted enemies of a powerful fae lord who wants to claim Jackie as his own. At the same time, Garrett's team of rogues go undercover to find a female fae warrior who's disappeared without a trace. What and who they find instead, turns everyone's life upside down, forcing Jackie to have to choose between family and friendship.
Twisted: Book 3 - Now a prisoner of a fae Lord, Jackie is faced with the impossible task of planning her escape, only to find help from an unlikely source. Meanwhile, Garrett is devastated by her kidnapping, but must force himself to keep his head clear and organize the search in the field and at home. He's joined by his fae allies who prove themselves to be more than just magical warriors. Jackie's sister, Bridgett, is trying her best to fit in back at the house, but she feels tremendous guilt over Jackie's kidnapping. She's surprised by her growing attraction to William, a young vampire in Garrett's nest who also seems smitten by the same arro
w. All three stories merge as Bridgett's connection to her twin sister strengthens and the aftermath of the kidnapping takes on a life of its own.
Blown Away: Book 4
Jackie, Garrett and their team take on the difficult case of finding three teen boys who've gone missing from the werewolf pack where Sinc was raised. Through their investigation, they discover that more is at stake here than simply getting the boys back home, finding themselves entangled in a dangerous power struggle, which culminates in a vicious attack. At the same time, Jackie and Garrett are rocked by a discovery that may destroy their relationship as well as their status as allies of the fae.
Caught Between: Book 5
Jackie and Garrett travel to his maker's old villa in Carmel where he tries to face down the demons of his past. With the help of an unexpected and unwelcome guest and also a lovely surprise, Jackie is able to help Garrett find the peace he longs for. But as soon as they're back at home, the usual craziness kicks in. The Rogues, Inc. team is called into action to help solve two local murders, plus Jackie is forced to confront her most hated enemy as he's judged before the Elders of Faerie. Finally, a wantonly violent act threatens to tear apart her family, leaving her once again determined to protect the people that she loves with her magic and her strength.
Torn Apart: Book 6
Five years ago, Jackie struck a deal with a demon. Now it's time for her to live up to her part of the bargain.
In order to ensure that her son is well-trained and protected, Jackie must travel to Isaiah's world, a place teeming with dangerous creatures who will one day join forces against her family and her allies. While there she must remain in disguise, hidden from her archdemon grandmother and even her own twin sister, Bridgett, who continues to stir up trouble.
Isaiah's pushes her to her physical limits, encouraging her to take risks and to find strength in unexpected places.
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