by Ezra Dawn
Dad asks with a teasing smile on his face, “Is that what they’re calling it these days?”
Covering my face with my hands I shake my head. “Dear gods, kill me now. Just open a hole beneath my feet so, I can fall in it and die.”
Mom laughs and says, “Congratulations on your mating honey. We’re so happy for you.”
“Thanks mom. I’m happy for me too.”
Dad says, “You’ll both have to come to the house for dinner sometime soon.”
Nodding, I say, “We will.”
Mom says, “I have to get back to the hospital but, we’ll talk later.”
Dad says, “And I have to get back to the office. The paperwork is never ending.”
Chuckling, I hug them both and say, “See you soon. Call me when you decide on a day to do dinner.”
Mom nods and says, “We will. Have a nice day, honey. We love you.”
“Love you too.”
They leave the courtroom and I turn to my mate. “Ready to go home and celebrate the fact you aren’t going to jail?”
Con smiles wickedly. “Of course. But, only if your idea of celebrating involves both of us getting naked.”
Winking at him, I say, “That can be arranged.”
Nathan who’s been silent until now, clears his throat and says, “Okay, lovebirds that’s enough flirting. Connie, I love you like a brother, but I do not need to be scenting your arousal all the way back to your house so, tone it down boys. You can rip each other’s clothes off once you’re alone.”
Con sighs, “Party pooper.”
We exit the courthouse and climb into Nathan’s car. As soon as Nathan has Gracie strapped in, he gets behind the wheel and starts the engine. Looking over at Nathan, I smile wickedly and ask, “So, Nathan, how did Con get the nickname Connie anyways?”
Con groans. Nathan laughs and says, “Well it went like this, Con here got a care package while we were overseas. Only it wasn’t meant for him. Women were just starting to be allowed into active combat zones as soldiers. This package had been through hell. Half the first name was missing on the label as was the rank. The unit number was smeared too. So, a best guess was made only it was the wrong one. Con opened the package and…”
Nathan laughs harder before continuing, “It was full of romance novels, chocolate, and tampons. The whole unit started calling him Connie after that.”
Con smiles and says, “I read every single one of those books too. They weren’t bad. Could’ve done without the female parts though.”
“I’ve got some gay romances you can read, Grizz.”
I can hear the smile in his voice when he says, “How about you read them to me? Preferably naked, little sprite.”
Licking my lips, I say, “Gladly, Grizz.”
Nathan says, “Hey! What did I say about the arousal? Stop flirting, you bastards.”
Con and I laugh. We’re still chuckling to Nathan’s grumbling when he pulls into the driveway.
Con and I get out of the car but, I lean down and ask, “Sure you don’t want to come in and hang out for a bit, Nathan?”
Nathan shakes his head. “Nope, I have innocent ears in the back that don’t need to hear what naughty things you’re about to do to each other.”
“Another time then.”
Nathan nods and says, “I’m glad my friend found you. You’re good for him.”
“I’m glad he found me too.”
Closing the door, I step back as he reverses out of the driveway. Before he drives away Nathan rolls down the window and shouts, “Have fun celebrating!”
Shouting back, “We will,” I wave as he drives off. Turning to Con, I raise an eyebrow and say, “Ready to celebrate?”
Con grins at me. “You bet your sweet ass, I am, little sprite.”
“Oooh, I like it when you talk dirty, Grizz.”
Con laughs. “I aim to please.”
Wrapping my arms around him, I say, “Then I suggest you take me inside. We have some celebrating to do after all.”
“That we do, little sprite. That we do.”
Con grins wickedly and tosses me over his shoulder then runs into the house where we spend the rest of the day celebrating. When I started my plan to get Con’s attention, I didn’t see it ending this way but, I wouldn’t change a thing. I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for us. It’s going to be one hell of a ride though and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
A few days later…
That man seriously needs a keeper. Shaking my head free of thoughts of Thorne and the compromising position I caught him and his flavor of the day in on my last call before my shift ended, I finish up my paperwork on the subject before leaving the precinct. With the last call, I’ll be later getting home than I wanted to be. Today was my first day back at work since I was given time off and I spent most of the day missing Cosmo and wondering if he’s doing okay at work. I would’ve used our link to ask him but, I didn’t want to distract him from the job. Today was his first day back too after everything.
Once we were cleared to go back into the house, we cleaned up and put the place on the market because Cosmo didn’t want to go back there. My house will be going on the market soon, too, once ours is finished. It won’t be long. A couple more weeks at most to get everything inside done. My little sprite and I went over the plans for the inside of the house while laying in bed together and he approved of all the decisions I’d made. However, he reserves the right to have something redone if it doesn’t look good. I’ve also given him free reign on decorating. I know he’ll make the place into a real home full of love, laughter, and color because that’s who he is.
Parking my truck in the driveway since Cosmo has been parking his car in the garage, I hop out and head inside. I’m immediately hit with the amazing smell of dinner. Cosmo gets home before I do, and he spoils me with his cooking. We only eat takeout if he isn’t in the mood to cook. Kicking off my boots by the door, I hang my keys and utility belt, removing my gun, and anything that needs to be charged before walking into the kitchen. Cosmo is sitting at the island with my laptop in front of him. I can’t see what he’s doing, and I don’t care. Striding over, I kiss the top of his head and say, “Something smells amazing, little sprite, what’re you cooking?”
Before Cosmo can answer a familiar voice floats through the speakers of my laptop. “Someone’s got some splainin’ to do.”
Looking over Cosmo’s shoulder to the screen I see all three of my brothers staring back at me. Grinning, I wrap my arms around Cosmo’s waist and lift him so, I can occupy his seat and hold him on my lap. “Sorry I’m late.”
My oldest brother says with a smile, “Oh don’t be, your bright little friend here has been keeping us occupied. Since when do you have a roommate anyway?”
The shirt Cosmo is wearing hides his claiming bite but, that doesn’t explain why Cosmo didn’t say anything about us being mates himself.
I thought we could tell them together.
His voice in my head has me smiling. I love that we have a mind link and can communicate that way. It’s one of my favorite things.
Resting my chin on Cosmo’s shoulder, I say, “He’s not a friend. Cosmo’s my mate.”
My brothers’ happy shouts are so loud I have to hit mute on the computer for a second until they calm down. I turn the sound on just in time to hear my oldest brother say, “Congratulations on your mating. It’s good to see you smiling.”
“It’s good to be smiling. I’m the happiest I’ve ever been, thanks to my little sprite here.”
Cosmo looks up at me and smiles, “Aw I love you too, Grizz.”
My brothers laugh at Cosmo’s nickname for me but, I’m not focused on that. It’s the words Cosmo said that keep pinging around in my brain like a pinball. He loves me.
A grin stretches across my face so wide it’s almost painful. Looking down at my gorgeous little sprite, I question, “You love me?”
Cosmo blushes and nods. Turning towards the compu
ter, I say, “Sorry brothers, I’ll have to call you back,” and end the video call.
Cradling Cosmo’s face in my hands, I say, “Tell me again.”
“I love you, Grizz. I know it’s fast but…”
I shake my head. “Hush, shifters are quick to fall in love with our mates because of our animal halves. This is normal.”
Cosmo covers my hands with his and asks, “Do you love me?” The nervousness in his gaze as he waits for my answer is almost heartbreaking.
Grinning at him, I say, “Little sprite, I’ve loved you since the day you decided to put on those daisy dukes and dance while mowing your lawn, I just didn’t know it.”
Cosmo’s expression is teasing when he says, “You know, I did that on purpose to get your attention. I knew you were watching. I could feel your gaze on me every time.”
“Well, you certainly succeeded, little sprite. You have my full, undivided attention.”
Cosmo grins. “Good.”
Kissing and nipping at his neck, I say, “Tell me something, little sprite.”
“What is it?”
“How much longer on dinner?”
“It’s on warm.”
Smiling wickedly, I stand and say, “Good it’ll keep until I’m done then.”
Cosmo looks at me with a knowing expression as he wraps his legs around my waist. “Done? With what?”
“Showing you just how much I love you.”
Cosmo kisses me softly and says, “Lead the way then, Grizz.”
Winking at him, I say, “Ask and you shall receive,” then carry him into our bedroom where I make good on my promise to show him just how much I love him.
This man without any effort at all has taught me how to smile and laugh freely without hiding everything all the time. I’ll forever be grateful for that. Cosmo has taken to calling my stoic expression resting cop face whenever it makes an appearance. I find it both funny and surprisingly accurate. It’s still hard for me to show emotion around other people, but I’m working on it and with Cosmo by my side, I know I’ll get there eventually. Cosmo makes my world brighter, happier, more exciting and I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with him.
What a wonderful life it’ll be.
I don’t know how Fate pairs mates but whatever she’s doing, it works, and I’ll thank her every day and then some for bringing my amazing little sprite into my life. Things are infinitely greater with him around and I know it’s only going to continue getting better. I look forward to it.
The End
I hope you enjoyed Con and Cosmo’s story! I absolutely adored these two and their journey. I do have plans for Thorne to get a book sometime but, there’s no set date for when that’ll happen. Thank you for reading and keep an eye out for my next book coming in April 2020.
Continue reading for the blurb of one of my WIP’s book three in the Risqué Business series titled
The Lion’s Crown
Coming to you in April (hopefully!)
The Lion’s Crown
(The Lion’s Crown is a second chance romance and a short story. It can be read as a standalone but is part of a series.)
Ashton Duvall is a cheetah shifter with a secret. Ten years ago when his brother Aaron decided to move to New Orleans, Ashton went with him. However, Ashton’s reasons for leaving were not what he said they were. Being rejected by his mate sent him running. Now, ten years later, he spends his time running the most popular strip club around and only takes the stage when he’s in the mood. Having his mate pop back into his life is not something Ashton expected but, when it happens, there’s only one feeling dominating his heart. Anger.
Nathan Velez is a lion shifter and a covert operative for the CIA specializing in black ops. Ten years ago, Nathan rejected his mate because of the job he does and a deal made with his father. Now, with the deal fulfilled and retirement from the job a sure thing, Nathan is prepared to fight for what he wants. His mate. However, it’s not going to be as easy as he thought. Ashton is justifiably pissed when Nathan reappears in his life but, Nathan is determined to fix things and will do anything to earn a second chance.
Will Ashton be able to give Nathan the second chance he desires? Can Nathan fix the damage caused by his rejection and prove to Ashton that he’s here to stay? Or will the pain of the past keep them from a happy future?
(Warning: Contains sexual content and explicit language. Not recommended for those under the age of 18.)
Whenever wherever—Shakira
Genie in a Bottle—Christina Aguilera
Stikwitu—Pussycat Dolls
Chunky—Bruno Mars
I Want Crazy—Hunter Hayes
Fighter—Christina Aguilera
Tonight—Enrique Iglesias
Emotionless—Red Sun Rising
I want to thank my parents for supporting me no matter what I do and tolerating me when I get in the zone of writing and ignore them completely. By tolerating, I’m really saying thanks for putting up with my shit. You have no idea how much that means to me. I love you guys. I want to thank Lisa Oliver, one of my favorite authors for encouraging me to write the story speaking in my head instead of forcing myself to stick to a different stereotype and for being an amazing friend I can bounce crazy ideas off of.
I want to thank Jemma Brown for designing such amazing covers for me. I thank the readers for taking the time to read a story from an unknown author like me. I want to thank my characters for coming to me when I was at a loss as to what to write/do next. Last, of all I want to thank all the musicians out there for playing their music and inspiring me.
Well, Ezra isn’t my real name obviously, but I liked the name, so I decided to use it. I live at home with my four dogs and one cat. I started out writing hetero romance novels, but it wasn’t where my heart lied. I adore all things paranormal and M/M is by far my favorite genre, so I decided to start writing Paranormal Romances. There’s a guaranteed happy ending with each of my books even if it may take some time for my guys to get there. I love each and every character on the page as if they were my own children.
It sounds weird but that’s how I feel about them. I’ve been writing for as long as I can remember but only started actively pursuing it as a career in 2014. Since I published my first book in 2014, I have written and released multiple books with many more to come. My current list of projects is longer than my arm, so I look forward to writing and creating new stories for my readers to enjoy.
Standalones (M/F) *No longer available
Playboy
The Crimson Deceit
Don’t Fear the Reaper
The Boy Next Door
Standalones (M/M)
Paying for Love
Law of the Irish
Practical Ghosters
Abominable What-A?
The Cursed Prince
A Raven Walks Into A Bar *Spin-Off*
The Surgeon’s Instant Family *Spin-Off*
Not A Snowball’s Chance in Hell
Accidental Valentine
Poke His Bear (You just finished it!!!)
Asphalt Bay Pack Series (M/M)
An Alpha for the Demigod
The Enforcer’s Secret Vampire
The Beta’s Poison Bite
Taming the Feral Tiger
The Doctor’s Demon Prince
The Leopard’s Twin Troubles
The Warlock’s Beautiful Bird
The Four Horsemen Collection (M/M)
The Four Horsemen
Azazel
Sen
Taz
The Graveyard Shift (M/M)
The Mortician
The Caretaker
The Director
The Florist
The Mistake *Spin-Off*
The Driver
Venetian Hills (M/M)
The Alpha’s Master
The Second’s Cursed Mate
The Beta’s Second Chance
The Panther’s Favorite Bully
Risqué Business (M/M)
Seeking Rayne
Paranormals of Rockydale (M/M)
Misunderstanding His Mate
The Friendly Ghost’s New Beginning
Forbidden Loves (M/M)
All is Fair in Love and War
The Submission Trilogy (M/M)
The Hybrid’s Submission
The Wolf’s Hybrid Dom
The Hybrid’s Dominant Mate
Furry Tails (M/M)
Sugar and Spice
Crimson and Clover
Watson and Sherlock
Diary of a Hitman (M/M)
Blood and Bullets
Planet Xenos (M/M)
The Heir’s Vampire Guardian
Upcoming Releases:
*Titles Subject to change*
The Lion’s Crown—TBA
Death and His Necromancer—TBA
You can find me on Facebook, MeWe, Twitter, and on my website.
Facebook: Ezra Dawn Author or Ezra’s Book Groupies
MeWe: Amanda Ezra Ezra Dawn or Ezra’s Asphalt Baywatchers
Twitter: @graveshadowcrow
Website: www.ezradawnauthor.com
I look forward to hearing from you!
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