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June 27, 2008 - Friday
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EXCERPT: Born of the Shadows
 Proud and rebellious, Gideon is banished from the Light. His own words define his punishment, transforming bloodlust into literal hunger. Living by his sword, he wanders the land of mortals, embittered and alone.
Naomi works in secret, illuminating manuscripts for the Knights of St. John. Gideon is drawn to her beauty and fascinated by her innocence. She stirs the shattered remnants of his nobility, intensifying the conflict already raging within him. Gideon is unlike anyone Naomi has ever encountered before. His passionate kisses and intoxicating caresses leave her restless and wanting. Still, she senses the bleak loneliness he tries so hard to deny. Responding to his seduction with tenderness, she is determined to help him rediscover the beauty in life.
The battle lines are drawn. Gideon must seek redemption or Fall. Naomi must lead her Rebel Angel back into the light before the forces of darkness destroys them both.
(This is the second half of the scene available on Cerridwen's website.) Enjoy!
Cyndi
Gideon stared down into the woman's bright blue eyes and felt his fangs begin to lengthen. He quickly closed his mouth, unwilling to reveal his true nature. He was hungry, but it had been many long weeks since he'd touched a woman. He could not decide if he wanted to penetrate her throat with his fangs or feel her body close tightly around his shaft. Perhaps he'd do both. He wrapped his arms around her suddenly, molding her body to his. She instinctively arched and shoved against his chest, but this only pressed her lower body more intimately against him. Her eyes widened and the scent of fear exploded in his nose. "Be still," he commanded her with his dark voice and the flash of his eyes. She went limp in his arms, her eyes drifting shut, and Gideon chuckled. He hadn't meant the compulsion to be quite so powerful. Her head lolled back into the bend of his elbow, exposing her neck and ending his mental debate. He would feed first and then draw her back to awareness as he slowly seduced her senses. Burying his face in her throat, he inhaled her scent deeply. She smelled fresh and feminine, with faint traces of fear and--arousal. Gideon parted his lips and stroked his tongue along her jugular, feeling the rhythmic pounding, the power and life. Intoxicated by her scent, it took him a moment to recognize the subtle sweetness of her taste. Innocence. With careful restraint, he pricked her skin with his fangs and then quickly withdrew. He intentionally savored the rich complexity of her blood. His heart began to hammer as her nature was revealed. She was pure of heart. Selfless, devoted and true. Dark hunger slashed through Gideon and he groaned. The age-old battle within his spirit raged out of control, driving the breath from his body and the strength from his legs. He sank to his knees, his hold on the woman constant. The shriveled remnants of his goodness surged to life, reaching for her, crying out to her, but the evil in him was just as strong. He wanted her as he had never wanted anything or anyone. He threw back his head and roared. Anguish and fury saturated the sound. He longed to drown in her innocence, to gorge on her goodness until…until she was corrupted or dead? Unsteady and shaken, he sat down on the wood planked floor and pulled her into his lap, cradling her in his arms like a child. His hand trembled as he brushed the hair out of her face. She looked no different than other humans. But something about her held him back. His dark nature demanded that he use her to sate this raw, burning hunger, but he couldn't seem to move. She shifted within his arms and slowly opened her eyes. Fear erupted again. He could smell its acrid stench, hear its relentless pounding, taste its bitterness--but it had never been repulsive before. "What happened?" she asked. "I frightened you. You fainted." "I have never fainted." Her voice sounded truculent as she sat up in his lap. She squirmed a bit and then went very still, her hand splayed in the center of his chest. Her long chestnut hair was tousled, a stray wisp curled against her cheek. She stared up at him with the biggest, bluest eyes he had ever seen, and Gideon knew he would not ravage her. Seduction, on the other hand, was still a very real possibility. "Then did you pretend to faint so I would take you in my arms?" Her eyes lit with indignation and Gideon smiled, his dark hunger controlled again, at least for the present. "Why would I need such a ploy?" "Because you're not yet ready to admit that you want me, even to yourself." She laughed and the hand resting against his chest began to push. "Are you always so arrogant?" He couldn't bring himself to let her go. Her rounded bottom was doing cruel things to him, but he ached with the need to touch her. Taste her. "Kiss me, and I will release you." If you still want to be released once my mouth is moving upon yours. Naomi felt like Eve in the Garden of Eden. "I shall scream and you will be forced to let me go." "Forced by whom? This chamber is far from the domestic range. We are quite alone." She didn't move, could scarcely breathe. Brushing his warm fingers against her cheek, he tucked a curl behind her ear. "Let me taste your mouth. I only want a taste." She rubbed her palm against his chest, fascinated by the unyielding shape beneath the soft material. Why was she still sitting here? He wasn't really restraining her. This man was the personification of her darkest fantasies, the illusive, mysterious something that other people whispered about. He was potent, powerful and yet incomprehensible. His mouth covered hers, driving all rational thought from her mind. She felt the heated slide of his lips, and she trembled. She felt the sensual glide of his tongue, and she groaned. His mouth moved over and against hers, his tongue touched and tasted. She found his sleek hair and sank her fingers into the cool strands. His fingers were in her hair, too. She felt his hand close into a fist, carefully controlling her. He tilted her head, and his mouth fit more tightly over hers, guiding her lips farther apart. She accepted the bold thrust of his tongue with a little gasp. Overwhelmed and intoxicated, she felt completely out of control. He was taking too much, moving too fast. She couldn't breathe, couldn't think, could only yield to his passion. Fear found its way through the haze as he deepened the kiss. He was aggressive now, demanding, his mouth plundering the depths of hers. Naomi shoved against his chest and tore her mouth away. "More, Naomi, give me more," he growled. His arms tightened, dragging her flush against his chest. Naomi turned her face away as his words registered. "You called me Naomi." "Is there some other name you would prefer?" His mouth moved to the underside of her jaw. She felt the moist heat of his lips slide along her throat. Shoving hard against his chest, she tried to think, to understand what he was doing to her. He had demanded her name, but she hadn't told him. Scrambling off his lap, she scurried to the other side of the chamber. "How do you know my name?" For a moment, he sat there staring at her over his shoulder, but in one fluid motion, he gained his feet, and stalked toward her. "You told me your name." She felt compelled to look at him, to stare into his eyes, but she quickly averted her gaze. "Nay, sir, I did not." He stood directly across the table from her. It was no real protection. He could easily shove it aside. BUY BORN OF THE SHADOWS
7:49 AM
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June 23, 2008 - Monday
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What’s a "Rebel Angel" Anyway?
I've found inspiration for my books in some pretty unusual places, but my muse led me to a source more unexpected than most for my latest series. The basic concept for the Rebel Angels has its roots in the Bible. I've always been fascinated by angels and I have a tendency to root for the underdog. So when I learned about the Fall of Lucifer, my imagination took off on some rather unorthodox tangents. Were other angels affected by the rebellion? If one third of heaven "Fell" during the battle, how did the remaining angels react to losing so many of their comrades? Pretty soon I was researching the history of angels, studying their various roles and related mythologies.
So, back to my original question, a Rebel Angel is an angelic being who resisted the temptation to follow Lucifer's example, but was left discontent and, well rebellious. Each angel is cursed by their own words and sent on a unique quest for redemption. Born of the Shadows kicks off the trilogy with one of the most unusual vampire stories you will ever read.
Born of the Shadows
Proud and rebellious, Gideon is banished from the Light. His own words define his punishment, transforming bloodlust into literal hunger. Living by his sword, he wanders the land of mortals, embittered and alone.
Naomi works in secret, illuminating manuscripts for the Knights of St. John. Gideon is drawn to her beauty and fascinated by her innocence. She stirs the shattered remnants of his nobility, intensifying the conflict already raging within him.
Gideon is unlike anyone Naomi has ever encountered before. His passionate kisses and intoxicating caresses leave her restless and wanting. Still, she senses the bleak loneliness he tries so hard to deny. Responding to his seduction with tenderness, she is determined to help him rediscover the beauty in life.
The battle lines are drawn. Gideon must seek redemption or Fall. Naomi must lead her Rebel Angel back into the light before the forces of darkness destroy them both.
Born of the Shadow, available Thursday (June 26th) at Cerridwen Press!
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April 18, 2008 - Friday
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Series Finale Available NOW!
Ontarian Chronicles 3: City of Tears
by Cyndi Friberg
 Commander Lyrik cet Barrel must determine if the genetically engineered, cyberneticly enhanced woman is too dangerous to live. His immediate and passionate attraction to the subject of his study isn't making his assignment any easier. She might be the biggest threat Ontariese has ever faced or an invaluable ally in the conflict awaiting them.
Saebin is battling for control over the neuro-stimulators and munitions implants that have changed her into a ruthless assassin. She has never known kindness and doesn't trust the virile male she encounters as she awakens from stasis. He stirs desires she doesn't understand and longings she can't ignore. He insists she's been rescued not captured by an enemy. But Saebin has never known anything but captivity.
Website /Exclusive Web Excerpt (R rated!)/ Buy the Book
An Excerpt From: CITY OF TEARS
Copyright © CYNDI FRIBERG, 2008
All Rights Reserved, Ellora's Cave Publishing, Inc.
Blazing pain sliced into Saebin's brain and shot down her spine. She screamed, jerking away from the source of the agony.
"You told me she was in stasis!" A deep male voice intensified the pain.
"She is in stasis. I tried to disengage her main sensor ring. It triggered some sort of discharge."
Dread doused the fire sizzling across Saebin's nerve endings. Why was her handler here? The Center had been liberated. Dr. Hydran was dead.
Saebin forced her body to relax. Assess the situation; inventory your surroundings. The rhythmic beeping of sensors cut through the roaring in her ears. She was restrained facedown on a flat surface, likely a treatment table.
"Is she conscious or not?" the man snapped.
"Her brain waves have intensified but she's had mental spikes before. It was a sensor anomaly, nothing more." Her handler had been at Hydran's side as Saebin was tortured and trained, methodically subdued until only D-159 remained. "Damn it. Something is going on. Her heartbeat is erratic."
Saebin concentrated on her breathing and stabilized her pulse. In, out, slow and steady. All thoughts receded except one. Escape. She must escape.
"If she's stockpiled enough energy to bring herself out of stasis, we need Lyrik now."
"Are you sure?" Her handler moved closer to the table, her voice hushed and urgent. "You've only seen a hint of her true potential. Do you want your son exposed to—"
"He's immune to Mystic energy and all the abilities it generates." He paused. Saebin detected a soft click then three staccato beeps. "Lyrik, report to Lab A in Detention Center Three. And move your ass, boy—this is important." Three slightly lower beeps ended the transmission. "Besides, the Rodytes arrive tomorrow. We need Lyrik otherwise occupied."
"I'll have a medical team monitor her stats until your son arrives. She can't be allowed to see me. There's no telling how she'd react."
"Are you going to decrease the sedative or just wait and see what happens?"
"The levels I've been pumping into her would have killed any normal person. I can't believe she'd just wake up on her own."
Ignoring the pain ricocheting through her body, Saebin opened her eyes. Her handler was not going to slink away into the shadows. And neither was this man. She gathered Mystic energy, visualizing her next move as the pressure built. Her skin tingled. Her heartbeat raced.
"Get out!" her handler screamed.
Saebin launched an energy pulse and pushed to her hands and knees. Her stiff muscles protested with violent spasms. Her handler was half a step behind the man as they bolted for the door. No! Closing her hand into a tight fist, Saebin discharged an energy stream. It fell short, sizzling against the floor in a useless shower of sparks.
Alarms shrilled and lights flashed. Saebin leapt down from the table, groaning as her knees buckled. Why was she so weak? How long had she been in stasis?
A flurry of activity drew her attention to the transparent panels across the lab. Five armed guards rushed down the corridor. Pushing back to her feet, she rolled her shoulders and flexed her hands. Her knuckle conduits had been capped. No wonder the shot missed her handler. Aiming at the floor, she forced energy out through the thin tube implanted in her middle knuckle. The stream was tiny at first. Then pressure gathered behind the blockage and pushed it out, drilling a hole in the floor.
After clearing her other knuckle, she turned her attention to the doorway. What sort of leader ran for cover while his men rushed forward to fight? The man spoke with authority yet his actions revealed his cowardice.
The doors parted and two men advanced, one crouching as the other aimed his weapon over the first man's head. Nice formation. Saebin dropped them both with a pulse of energy.
"Shit!"
She heard the curse from somewhere beyond the doorway as the unconscious guards were dragged out of the way. Her vision blurred and static hissed along her sensory inputs. Widening her stance, she dragged air into her burning lungs. A couple knuckle shots and two blackout bursts shouldn't have drained her this badly.
The guards tried a new formation. One man crouched while two stood behind him. Not very creative, but it would have been effective on an ordinary enemy. She shook her head and they fell into an untidy heap, only one getting off a shot.
"You're making quite a mess."
A tall, blond man stepped over the fallen soldiers and joined her in the lab. She aimed her right hand at the middle of his chest, her eyes narrowed and assessing. Supple, dark brown pants hugged his lean hips before disappearing into black boots. A bright green shirt perfectly matched the emerald flash of his eyes. She swallowed hard as her gaze moved over his striking features. Her breathing hitched and her nipples hardened before her armor sent a calming pulse to counteract his effect on her anatomy.
You are D-159, an emotionless warrior. You cannot notice the breadth of his shoulders or the intensity of his gaze.
This had to be Lyrik. Only someone immune to Mystic energy would possess such a swagger. He'd just watched five of his comrades fall! If she weren't so depleted, she'd test the strength of his immunity. Instead she raised her other hand and widened her eyes as if she'd just sent a pulse his way.
"State your objective." She kept her voice even and mechanical.
"I'm not the one attacking people, sweetheart. What has you so pissed off?" She wasn't fooled by his nonchalance. He was stalking her, his gaze ever watchful.
Her energy level was building slowly. She could feel strength returning to her legs. Still, she needed time and information before she made her next move. Reinforcing her role with a deep breath, she looked into his eyes. "What is my objective?"
Enjoy!
Cyndi
10:18 AM
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March 17, 2008 - Monday
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Another Contract!
Splendor and Darkness, Book Three of the Rebel Angel series has been contracted by Cerridwen Press.  As soon as I have a release date, I’ll let you know.
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January 26, 2008 - Saturday
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EXCERPT: Operation Hydra (Ontarian Chronicles 2)
 Ontarian Chronicles Book 2
Available NOW at
Cerridwen Press
Trey dar Aune's routine rescue mission to Earth becomes incredibly complicated when he discovers Dr. Hydran is genetically engineering captive Ontarians to maximize their Mystic abilities.
Krysta despises Dr. Hydran and anyone associated with him. Still, her desire flares right along with her temper when she encounters Trey, Hydran's enigmatic new customer. How can this gorgeous stranger mean her harm when everything within her cries out for his touch and the comfort of his embrace? Her prophetic dreams promise freedom from Dr. Hydran's tyranny but first she must determine if Trey is ally or enemy.
© Cyndi Friberg, January 2008
All Rights Reserved
"It's a horrible place. Dr. Hydran is a horrible man."
Gods of the day moon, how he wanted to touch her, to kiss the frown from her lips. "Can you be a little more specific?"
"What would you like to hear?"
She tossed what remained of the wooden flower off to one side. "Have you seen the Center from the air?"
She looked so tiny, so defenseless with her disheveled hair and defiant eyes. What indignities had she suffered? He could only nod. His throat was so dry words were impossible.
"There are four identical wards. At least they look identical from the outside. Each occupant is tested at age three. If they exhibit no active gift, they're assigned to ward A. The testing is repeated every five years or whenever something happens to warrant further testing. The outcome of testing, at any time, can result in reassignment to a higher security ward."
"I'm not sure I understand." Trey did, but Mr. Darrin wouldn't have.
"At any time a child can be taken from her mother and assigned to another ward. Belle and I were lucky. We were reassigned together."
He swallowed, forced to hide his reaction behind an expressionless mask. "How old were you?"
She glanced off into the distance and pulled another wooden flower from the prickly-looking tree. "Eight. Hydran realized we were communicating telepathically, not only with each other, which is expected with twins, but with the others."
"Your mother is housed in ward A? She has no gifts?" That didn't make sense, if Krysta was who he believed her to be.
"I'm not sure where my mother was housed. I was only allowed to see her on rare occasions when Hydran... I don't want to talk about my mother."
"Can you communicate with her now?" he asked carefully.
"My mother is dead. Change the subject."
He took a deep breath, reinforcing his role. "Tell me more about the Center."
"Like I said, Belle and I were lucky. Saebin was taken from Joleen when she was five. To this day, they've not been allowed to see each other."
"Who is Saebin?"
"My best friend, except for Belle."
She wandered toward him. Trey clenched his fists, bracing his back against the tree. If she touched him, he wasn't sure he could be noble. And she wanted to touch him. Regardless of her misgivings, desire shone in her eyes.
"Why was she taken away from her mother?" His voice broke conspicuously.
"It's hard to explain."
"Try."
"She can reach into a mind and turn it off, not permanently or anything, just knock someone out with a thought."
"You said she was five. Your friend first knocked someone out when she was five?"
Her eyes narrowed. "It wasn't her fault. The guard frightened her; she merely reacted. And Hydran dragged her kicking and screaming away from Joleen. I think eleven of his people went down before the elders were able to calm her."
"Saebin can do this now at will?"
She nodded. "That's why they moved her to ward D. She was accepted into an elite program and I... I thought you were interested in healers." She didn't move back. Why didn't she move back?
He had to push his one advantage. She wanted him. Mr. Darrin wouldn't care about the other wards, guard rotations, security protocols, or the endless details Trey must eventually understand. For now, it was more important to fan the flames, draw her nearer. "I'm interested in you."
"Why?"
He grabbed the lapels of his jacket, knowing she'd retreat when she heard his question. "What's the Companion?"
She gasped and tried to pry his hands lose. "Who told you about... stupid question. Why would he want you to know... another stupid question."
Trey grinned. If he stood here long enough, she'd have the whole conversation by herself. "What has the Companion taught you? What do you still want to know?"
"Stop it!" Giving up her attempt to budge his grip on the jacket, she shoved against his chest instead.
"I thought we played this game already. Want to go another round?"
He dragged her against him, pulling her feet on top his boots to better align the apex of her thighs with his aching erection. His hands cupped her bare bottom firmly, holding her there, needing her there. She swung at him, but Trey couldn't drag his hands away from her warm skin. He just didn't care enough to stop the slap. But when she reached back to swing again, he grabbed her wrist, pulling her arms behind her back.
"Now, do you answer my questions or do I get to touch you?"
"Touch me." She sneered. "I want you to."
He laughed. "That didn't sound very sincere." He tucked her hair behind her ears and traced the shape of her mouth, laughing again when she tried to bite him. "Well, I guess we won't be kissing, just yet."
Her highly arched brows drew together and her mouth snapped shut.
"Disappointed?" She glared. "What did the Companion teach you?" His hand descended toward the overlapping lapels.
"That's a complicated question."
"Can the Companion touch you?"
"The Companion can simulate sensation."
Trey released her arms. She'd used an odd tone when she said the word can. "Have you ever used the Companion to simulate sensation?" Her hands moved to his chest. She stopped struggling. Intrigued, Trey rested his hands on her hips, on the outside of the jacket.
She shook her head.
"Then what do you do with the Companion?"
"Talk."
She started to step down from his boots. His hands tightened against her hips. "If I kiss you now, will you bite me?"
"Maybe."
He could live with that. Gently, oh so gently, he pulled her back into his arms. He brushed her hair away from her face and covered her mouth with his. For a long time he just touched her lips, enjoying the heat and her surrender.
She moved first. Tilting her head, she parted her lips. Trey accepted the subtle invitation. He licked her bottom lip, then slowly sank into her warm, wet mouth. A soft cry escaped along with her breath and desire twisted inside him.
"Oh, Krysta," he whispered, his damp lips moving against hers. He took the kiss deeper, exploring the hidden recesses of her mouth. She pushed her fingers into his hair and tentatively brushed her tongue over his.
Slipping his hand beneath the jacket, he stroked her bare behind. She was so soft, so warm, he wanted to explore every tempting curve. He slid his hand along her side and cupped her breast. With a breathless moan, she arched into the caress. Her nipple gathered against his palm. His thumb brushed the tight peak, encouraging her response.
He'd been right; she was ripe for seduction, nearly desperate for his touch. Distracting her with deep, tender kisses, he skimmed her belly with his hand. She quivered and shifted restlessly. He eased his fingers between her thighs.
Buy the book:OPERATION HYDRA
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October 8, 2007 - Monday
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Great Reviews!
It's always exciting for an author when reviewers like their work. Both of these are wonderful!
Here are snippets from the reviews. Click the links to read the whole thing.
"Taken by the Storm had it all--tense action, suspense, erotic sex, humor and a wildly imaginative plot. " Miaka Chase, Reviewer for The Romance Studio 5 stars!
"Unplug the phone and put the kids to bed; once you start reading Taken by the Storm you won't want any interruptions!" Naomi, Reviewer for Fallen Angel Reviews 5 angels!
Take care,
Cyndi
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September 27, 2007 - Thursday
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Taken by the Storm - Excerpt!
Ontarian Chronicles Releases Today! When civil war threatens the lives of her twin daughters, the High Queen of Ontariese has no choice but to hide them from the enemy. She opens an interdimensional portal and transports the royal twins to separate locations on a faraway world.
Unaware of her royal roots or her alien origins, Charlotte spends the first thirty years of her life on Earth. Believing herself human, she has no idea that her destiny is to save an alien world from the ravages of war. Or to find sensual fulfillment in the arms of a man who can control even the strands of his hair.
Tal, a powerful shape-shifting mage, comes to Earth on a desperate quest to find a mysterious woman before his nemesis destroys her. Little does Tal know the "helpless Earthling" he's come to save is the key to peace on his war-torn world…or that he will long to have her, take her, make her his.
© Cyndi Friberg, September 2007
All Rights Reserved
Charlotte snuggled into the warmth enveloping her. She splayed her fingers to better absorb the heat, and curled her toes. Her skin tingled and her mind swam within a sensual haze. She was aware of the sensations, but coherent thought was just beyond her grasp. Her face was buried against something warm and solid. Long arms encircled her back, molding her body against another body -- a hard, heated body. Her legs tangled with other legs -- muscular, masculine legs. Pressing her breasts more firmly against the solid wall of muscle in front of her, she arched into the heat. It felt strange. It felt wonderful. But it felt wrong.
There was no man in her life. No lover to keep her warm.
She had just begun to sort through the confusion when his mouth touched hers. Gently, he pressed his lips over hers, caressing her, luring her. She parted her lips, responding instinctively to the velvety slide of his mouth against hers. The tip of his tongue touched hers and she groaned. It had been so long since she reveled in the intimacy of a deep, passionate kiss. She offered her mouth and accepted his tongue.
Her hands clutched his broad back, and her legs moved against his until her sex made contact with one thick thigh. Aching heat flared within her, making her wild. She arched and undulated, her hands tangling in his long hair -- impossibly long hair.
Charlotte dragged her mouth away from his and forced her eyes to open. His hot, seeking mouth moved to her throat, but she didn't need to see his face to know who held her. His embrace was strong, demanding, and his silky hair was stroking her entire body all at once. It was the most erotic thing she had ever felt. Like silk fringe or the fur of a Persian cat, the strands moved over her skin, circling her limbs and caressing her flesh.
She couldn't think, couldn't struggle. Heat and liquid desire rolled through her body. She tried to disentangle herself from the silken web, but he only rolled with her, dragging her beneath him.
His weight pressed her into the bed and his face hovered above hers. She stared up into his otherworldly eyes, panting and rigid. He was a stranger to her. She didn't even know his name.
He wasn't human!
He spoke in a hushed, tender tone, but his words were as alien as his eyes. She could still feel his hair wrapped around her, clinging to her, caressing her. "What do you want from me?" Her voice broke and tears gathered behind her lashes.
He spoke again and she closed her eyes. He was trying to soothe her, but his otherworldly eyes, combined with their sexual position, terrified her. His warm palms skimmed up and down along the sides of her body, and his hair continued to slide against her skin. Charlotte fought against the stimulation. She couldn't let herself be seduced. But, boy, did it feel good!
This couldn't be happening. Why was this happening?
"I will not hurt you."
She gasped and opened her eyes. An odd accent flavored his words, but they were clearly English. "Who are you?" she asked. "Why were you kissing me?"
"I must have more of what I took from you on the mountain." He spoke slowly, as if searching for each word. "This will not harm you, but it will restore me to health. Do you understand? My levels are low -- no, not just low. I am dangerously weak. If I do not have more energy, my essence will disperse."
"What you were doing a minute ago is different than what you did on the mountain. On the mountain you only ..." She gasped and squirmed, as she realized just how much of his warm skin was rubbing against hers. "Why the hell am I naked?"
"Do you have a mate?"
"If this exchange involves something I would ordinarily do with my mate, forget about it."
He shifted his weight, touching her face with his fingertips. "A full body joining would afford me the highest concentration of energy, but it is not necessary."
"Glad to hear it, because I'm not doing that with you."
He chuckled and nuzzled the side of her neck. Charlotte tried to push him away, but he moved again, rolling them onto their sides, facing each other.
"May I touch you?" he whispered near her ear.
Charlotte's head began to spin. "Touch me how? What exactly is necessary for this exchange?"
"I must give you pleasure."
Did he mean ... surely, he didn't mean she had to have an ... "And if I refuse to allow this? Will you simply take what you need?"
"The exchange is tainted when it is forced. As weak as I am, it would do me no good. I need this desperately, and it must be soon, or it will be too late."
She trembled. He meant every word; she could see it in his otherworldly eyes. If she didn't allow him to touch her, he would die. Could she really be so selfish?
"I have so many questions. Once you're restored, will you answer my --"
He must have taken her phrasing as consent; he cut off her words with a quick, urgent kiss. One arm slipped beneath her neck, and his hand moved to her hip, pulling her more tightly against him.
This isn't sexual. It's medicinal.
She tried to relax, to accept the warm pressure of his mouth, but fear kept her stiff and unresponsive. He deepened the contact, coaxing her lips apart, but he refused to penetrate her mouth. He seemed to want her to come to him. Tentatively, Charlotte touched his tongue with hers.
He groaned, the desperation returning full force. Slanting his mouth over hers, he took possession. His lips molded and moved, his tongue traced and stroked and finally delved deeply. She arched into his embrace and returned his kiss with an eagerness she didn't fully understand. She wanted to taste him and wanted him to taste her. She needed to touch him, needed to feel his hands moving across her skin.
Tingling sensations erupted all over her body. She could feel it happening again, like it had on the mountain. He was gathering something within her, only it was different this time, more acute, more powerful. She was trapped by his arms and tangled in his hair. Her breasts swelled and her nipples tightened painfully, while the sensations focused and coalesced. Scalding heat radiated out from her feminine core, until even her toes felt hot. Consumed by the heat, she surrendered to the storm.
BUY TAKEN BY THE STORM
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September 4, 2007 - Tuesday
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The waiting is almost over!
The adventure begins September 27th at Cerridwen Press. IF all goes as planned (release dates are never set in stone) OPERATION HYDRA will follow on January 24, 2008, and the trilogy will conclude on April 10, 2008 with CITY OF TEARS. I'm proud of all my books, but this series has always had a special place in my heart. I hope you enjoy the ride!
(Another fabulous cover by Syneca and Nikki Browning.)
Ontarian Chronicles, Book One.
When civil war threatens the lives of her twin daughters, the High Queen of Ontariese has no choice but to hide them from the enemy. She opens an interdimensional portal and transports the royal twins to separate locations on a faraway world.
Unaware of her royal roots or her alien origins, Charlotte spends the first thirty years of her life on Earth. Believing herself human, she has no idea that her destiny is to save an alien world from the ravages of war. Or to find sensual fulfillment in the arms of a man who can control even the strands of his hair.
Tal, a powerful shape-shifting mage, comes to Earth on a desperate quest to find a mysterious woman before his nemesis destroys her. Little does Tal know the "helpless Earthling" he's come to save is the key to peace on his war-torn world…or that he will long to have her, take her, make her his.
Coming later this month!
1:21 PM
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July 9, 2007 - Monday
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A bump in the road...
The Ontarian Chronicles are running a bit behind schedule. I lost my editor. That's not nearly as dramatic as it sounds, thank God. She just moved on to other endeavors. My new editor is wonderful and I'm excited to be back on track. I'll keep you posted as the details develop, but it looks as if TAKEN BY THE STORM will release in September.
Hang in there. This series is worth the wait. IMHO
Take care,
Cyndi
Website
1:31 AM
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April 28, 2007 - Saturday
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Cover art for the Ontarian Chronicles.
This series has been under contract with Cerridwen Press for several months now, but it's finally starting to feel real.
These covers are for books one and three of the trilogy. I'll post book two (Operation Hydra) as soon as I get it. I'm thrilled with the style and the details of these covers. Cerridwen did a wonderful job. Check back for more details.
Hugs,
Cyndi
1:17 PM
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