This image caught my attention and I convinced the muse to give it a try. What will your muse make of it?

“It won’t be long now, brother.” Jia lifted a shiny, golden claw off the cool, jade green surface. Muscles that ached to be used strained and flexed under his lapis scales. Adrenaline saturated his blood, his heart racing at the prospect of freedom.

He focused his unblinking gaze on the human kneeling on the stone floor in the center of the small, round room. Her head was bowed, her shiny ebony strands obscured her face from view.

What she looked like was of no concern. The words she spoke, however, were of the utmost importance. A yellowed scroll rested in front of her knees, and she read from it.

“I call upon the power of earth and sky. I am the next in line. Grant me the magic of my forefathers.”

Jia sensed youth in her high-pitched voice. “She is but a baby, brother. Is she capable of wielding the power she seeks?”

“That is not our concern, brother. Once she finishes the incantation, we will be free once again.” The tip of Kaila’s golden tail twitched, and a plume of white smoke snaked out of his nostrils, curling into a small spiral.

As she continued to speak, it got easier to move. Jia lifted his head from his prison for the first time in a century. He breathed deep. The feeling of air expanding his lungs was a balm to his tight chest. His bones and sinew cried out in searing pain as he pushed himself free, no longer pressed flat to the decorative medallion.

He shook his head, and allowed the movement to travel down the length of his long body before watching Kaila do the same.

Freedom.

They jumped from the wall hanging at the same time. Jia summoned the fire in his belly. The heat roiling deep inside him expanded his body, and his scales shifted, flexed, and grew as he did.

He towered over the human. His large frame almost  filled half the room. He had to bow his head to keep from touching the ceiling.

And still she continued, oblivious of the their presence until Kaila let loose a rumble from deep in his chest.

She gasped, and fell backward, her eyes wide, the stench of fear wafting off her in thick waves. “I-I. You’re supposed to serve me. I’m the next in line.” Her voice trembled. Her body shook. If he didn’t know better, he’d say she was about to wet herself.

“Is she serious, brother? She cannot even control herself. She thinks to master us?” Jia snorted, the heat of his exhalation warming his nostrils.

“It does not matter, brother.” Kaila lowered his large head, his gold scales shimmering.

Tears streamed down the human’s face, and she shut her eyes tight. “I command you not to eat me!”

Kaila grunted and tapped the claws of his front feet against the floor. “We serve the next in line.”

The woman looked up at Kaila first, and then Jia. Her shaking lessened, and her breathing slowed. “I want you to destroy my enemies.”

Jia stared at her, his body calm. There was no sense of urgency. No desire to hunt. He turned to Kaila. Realization washed over him as his brother nodded.

Kaila leaned in close to the woman and blew a breath in her face that made her hair fly backward. He licked his muzzle with his forked tongue, his eyes glowing. “Your words do not move us.” He leaned closer still, almost touching her face. “You are not the next in line.”

Ah, love around the world. A special thanks goes out to Jane Garcia for her amazing artwork!

It’s date night with Misery!

New to the Misery series? Let’s get you all caught up.

• A Demon Lord is Here and He Wants to Interview Me
• Nulli On My Mind – Misery, the Demon Lord Returns
• Misery Sends for Nulli
• Misery Loves Company – Nulli Pays a Visit
• Misery Loves Company – Nulli Pays a Visit Part 2
• Misery and Yuri Have a Chat
• Misery Loves Company: Surprises All Around

As always, thanks to Yuri Bellamy for collaborating with me on these posts!

My biking class relaxed me just enough to allow me to focus on picking an outfit for dinner with Misery. I settled on a simple, purple dress, snug at the waist with a modest amount of cleavage. “Hope he likes it.” I slipped into a pair of heels and piled my hair up high on my head in a big, messy bun. “Hmm.” I turned in front of my full length mirror, taking in the full ensemble. “He’s a demon. Maybe I should rub some charcoal briquettes on my neck for a smoke effect.” For reasons I’ll never understand, I pondered this idea for more than a fraction of a second. “Nah.”

I opted to go without a fragrance, and checked my purse one more time to make sure I had everything I’d need. The doorbell brought a smile to my face and sweat to my palms. I took a deep breath, crossed the room, and opened the door.

“Hi Misery.” He looked amazing, dressed in a dark suit and tie, a jacket over his arm. Though, I couldn’t help peering around him. “Is Yuri with you?”

A dribble of blackness pooled in his irises as he looked at me. “No,” he said in a low voice with a hint of a growl in it. “Yuri’s not coming to dinner with us.” He cleared his throat and leaned toward me, inhaling. “You smell lovely…and, surprisingly not like Yuri. What happened, Nulli?”

I stepped aside so he could come in, completely confused. “Not like Yuri? Why would I smell like Yuri?”

Misery stepped closer to me, his face inches away from mine. His eyes were almost completely black now, although in anger or desire, I couldn’t tell. I was hoping for the latter. Horny, I could deal with. An angry demon, not so much.

“Because apparently, you got him sweaty and limping and told him to ingest more protein.”

No doubt about it, it was definitely anger. If Misery didn’t look so serious, I’d laugh at the absurdity of his implication. I did my best to keep it in, but I couldn’t hold back the smile at the memory. “Yuri came to my RPM class earlier. It’s one of the things I do when I workout.” I looked into his darkened eyes, my levity gone in a flash, heat creeping into my blood. Did he just try to accuse me of what I think he did? “Do you think I’m that promiscuous? I don’t even know your last name, let alone Yuri’s.” I walked away from him, needing a little space before I said something I shouldn’t.

Misery took an audible breath behind me and exhaled. He said nothing for a moment. And then: “I apologize–I shouldn’t have assumed. And if you wanted to know my last name, the only thing you have to do is ask. It’s Illich. My full name is Misery Illich.”

“That wasn’t the point, Misery.” I turned to face him, some of the irritation evaporating from my muscles. “What is it with you two? Aren’t you friends?”

Misery set his jacket on a chair off to the side of my entryway, walked over, and took my hand, exhaling roughly as he did so. “Yes, but perhaps we have been letting our competitive spirit as friends and male demons get the better of us around you. Be assured it’s nothing you’ve done–it’s simply that you’ve caught Yuri’s attention as thoroughly as you’ve caught mine.”

“I… Oh.” Damn it! He wasn’t supposed to be so, so honest. What am I supposed to say to that? As flattered as I was, and you’ve gotta know, having two Adonis-like demons’ attention is pretty freaking flattering, I felt guilty. “But you are friends. I don’t think this is a good idea, Misery. I don’t think you want me coming between you. That was never my intention.”

Misery cupped my cheek in his large, warm palm and moved his second hand behind my waist, where it soon began to warm my skin through my dress. “I can see your concerns, but I am beginning to care about you too much to end this. As for for Yuri, I’ve known him for a long time. He may become competitive with me on occasion, but nothing has ever severed our friendship and nothing ever will.”

He stared at me, into me, as if he was holding me upright with just his gaze alone. How in the world am I going to stay sane around these two? The way he held me spoke volumes. It was secure, yet gentle, possessive, but not constricting. He was giving me the freedom to step out of his grasp, while holding on in a way that conveyed he didn’t want to let me go.

Clean up on aisle one!

What kind of demon is he exactly? Do they have mind numbing powers? “Okay.”  It was the best I could do. My thoughts were becoming a jumbled mush of images, accompanied by waves of hot and cold over my strangely sensitized skin. “We should, um. You know.”

“Go?” His voice had grown hoarse and slightly growly, the sound sending tingles through me. That just wasn’t fair at all.

“Yeah.” Was this some kind of magic? I felt high. I couldn’t feel my feet on the floor. “Misery, are you doing something?” At least I was able to get a complete sentence out this time.

He withdrew his hand from my waist. “No.” He seemed to realize his other hand was still on my face and removed that one too. “Unless you meant touching you.”

And just like that, the proverbial bucket of ice water was tossed over my head. How could anyone go from burning inferno, to glacier in the blink of an eye like that? “Okay then. Let me get my purse and I’ll be ready.” Maybe the change in him was for the best. This could get complicated.

****

Misery watched Nulli move deeper into the house to find her purse and willed his eyes to return completely copper while he waited for her.

Nulli had grown aroused while he’d had his hand on her waist. He could tell the moment it happened. Various parts of his anatomy, namely his brain and cock, couldn’t get over how amazing she’d smelled, sweet, like fresh fruit, with a slight tang. Edible, and no doubt delicious, but he knew he’d have to be patient. Nulli had already proven she wasn’t the type of woman to jump into bed with just anyone.

She returned with her purse in hand, and he offered her an arm. She took it, and he tried not to inhale near her lest he catch her all too tempting scent again. “I came here by taxi, and we can also leave here by taxi if you wish, unless you would prefer a different method of transport.”

“I can drive.” Her tone was different. She sounded as if she was uncertain of something.

Misery frowned. She was definitely more absent from their conversation than she had been a minute ago, but why? Was he the cause of her change?

He walked to the door with her and touched her gently on the arm when they stopped in front of it. “Have I done something to offend you?”

“No. I’m not offended.” The smile on her lips was polite, but nothing like the one she usually gave. “Why do you ask?”

“You seemed…distant a moment ago. I wanted to ensure everything was all right.”

“Distant? Me?” She shook her head and grasped the door knob. “Come on. Let’s get your seafood.” She didn’t sound angry, and a little bit of her usual demeanor emerged. But it wasn’t enough.

Misery was silent as he followed her to her sleek black sedan, but stopped her before they could get into it. “Nulli…”

“I’m not mad. It’s just hard to read you sometimes. I’m still getting to know you. I’ll learn all your nuances in time.” She gave him a sly wink, her mouth curling into a devilish smirk. The effect on him was immediate. She looked so tempting, smelled so irresistible.

He blocked her path and cupped her cheek, fighting the need to touch her more. “I will try to be clearer about what I am feeling.” Nulli narrowed her eyes a bit, and as the silence lengthened between them Misery’s keen night vision allowed him to see the color tingeing her brown cheeks. He bit back the sudden and primal urge to hike her dress up and take her against the sedan and leaned toward her instead, giving her every chance in the world to pull away.

She was managing to push every button he had, inflaming him without even trying. He held chivalry in high regard, but there was no denying the pull he felt. The question was, once their lips met, would he be able to hold back?

I asked author, SS Hampton, Sr. if he’d stop by for a visit. He agreed, and he’s giving us insight into a topic that ties in with my most recent Enemy of the Writing State post.

Before we jump into the juicy bits, let’s start with a little background info.

SS Hampton, Sr. is a full-blood Choctaw of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, a divorced grandfather to 13 wonderful grandchildren, a published photographer and photojournalist, and a member of the Military Writers Society of America.

He is a serving member of the Army National Guard with the rank of staff sergeant, with prior service in the active duty Army (1974-1985), the Army Individual Ready Reserve (1985-1995) (mobilized for the Persian Gulf War), and enlisted in the Army National Guard in October 2004, after which he was mobilized for Federal active duty for almost three years.

Hampton is a veteran of Operations Noble Eagle (2004-2006) and Iraqi Freedom (2006-2007); he has recently been told that he must retire from the Army National Guard on 1 July 2013. His writings have appeared as stand-alone stories and in anthologies from Dark Opus Press, Edge Science Fiction & Fantasy, Melange Books, Musa Publishing, MuseItUp Publishing, Ravenous Romance, and as stand-alone stories in Horror Bound Magazine, The Harrow, and River Walk Journal, among others.

Second-career goals include becoming a painter and studying for a degree in photography and anthropology—hopefully to someday work in and photograph underwater archaeology. After 12 years of brown desert in the Southwest and overseas, he misses the Rocky Mountains, yellow aspens in the fall, running rivers, and a warm fireplace during snowy winters. As of December 2011 in Las Vegas, Nevada, Hampton officially became a homeless Iraq War veteran.

Sometimes I Write Erotica

Much of the time I enjoy writing science fiction (The Samar Café, Intimate Journeys Anthology, Melange Books), or military fiction with a strong element of the supernatural (An Incident on MSR Tampa; Dancing in Moonlight; The Lapis Lazuli Throne; and The Sentinels, Musa Publishing). I also enjoy dabbling in an occasional western with erotic and horror undertones (Good Maize, the now defunct Ruthie’s Club), or just plain fantasy, with erotic undertones – for example, a Gothic fantasy (no, not threatened heroines in shadowy castles, but modern Goths, such as Burning, the now defunct Gothic-Rose website, and the related Knowing and Unknowing, Whispering Spirits magazine).

I like writing about adventures on new worlds and on star ships thousands of light-years distant. There are also adventures in this world, perhaps far in the future, or perhaps far, far in the distant past. I also like writing a good military story, though it has to have a strong element of the supernatural—the two just seem to go together. And today’s Goths, well, some of them lend themselves to a definite supernatural mysteriousness that can become a good story.

But, sometimes I write erotica. And why not? Erotica, in my opinion, is not just a nuts-and-bolts, blow-by-blow description of sex. It is not just about two people simply passing in the night, though there is nothing wrong with that.

No, in my opinion erotica, though it may contain some graphic description of sex, is more of a celebration of sex between two people. Erotica is a celebration of two people who are attracted to one another, who are excited by each other, and can’t wait to learn about each other’s bodies, and what each other likes. Erotica is about two people who meld together and for a few brief ecstatic moments, physically become one. That moment of intense physicality sometimes provides a link, a bond, that will see two people together through challenges or adventures, whether past, present, or future. At least until they really get to know one another, and then…

The story of two people does not have to end with “Happily Ever After.” Sometimes a “Happy For Now” works just as well though it may not be as satisfying.

And sometimes the story of two people is only the beginning—pretty much like the story of Sharon Rogers and Patricia Renner. Especially when Patricia has a secret that is older than Egypt or Sumeria…

Where can you find his work?

Melange Books

http://www.melange-books.com/authors/sshampton/index.html

Musa Publishing

http://www.musapublishing.com/index.php?main_page=index&manufacturers_id=50

MuseItUp Publishing

http://museituppublishing.com/bookstore2/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=514&category_id=60&manufacturer_id=249&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=1

Amazon.com Author Page

http://www.amazon.com/SS-Hampton-Sr/e/B00BJ9EVKQ

Amazon.com.UKAuthor Page

http://www.amazon.co.uk/SS-Hampton-Sr/e/B00BJ9EVKQ

Goodreads Author Page

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6888342.S_S_Hampton_Sr_

Thanks so much for stopping by. Don’t be a stranger!

Guest writer, Mistress of the Shadows joins us today with the Musing she saw when she looked at this photo. What will your muse see? Share it in the comments!

Fear pulsed through his veins, hurried footsteps matching the speed of his heartbeat as they ran. He was so tired; his little legs ached as he was drug along by the hand clamped to his own. He ran until he just couldn’t run anymore. A woman’s soft hands cupped his face, her large pale blue eyes brimming with tears as she looked behind them. She was so small, so petite, and so very exhausted…but still, she scooped him up in her arms and pressed forward.

She weaved among the enormous trees, her excellent night vision taking over as the sun’s rays continued to wane. As the darkened gloom began to close, she could see the large figures leaping and bounding at the edges of her sight. Their long tails whipping behind them as they jumped through the trees, claws scraping against the bark. Fierce growls emanated from them as they gnashed their cruel jaws together, promising death if she should falter.

He buried his head into her shoulder and clung to her as she ran. She stumbled, she fell, but she never let him go. Her arms held him securely even as her legs began to give way, the cuts and bruises on her feet making the pain unbearable…but still she forced herself to keep moving. Tears flowed down her face as she cradled the little body close to her, trying to protect him as best she could from the terror she knew was bearing down on them.

The child tried so hard to be brave. He could hear the snarling sounds behind them, could hear the angry hiss of the beasts they were trying so hard to elude. His mother’s legs finally gave out underneath her and they both tumbled to the ground hard. She instantly scrambled to cover him with her body, unable to go on, unwilling to let anything happen to her only son. She cradled his little face in her hands and met the blue eyes that mirrored her own.

She could feel her inner beast rising up within her, clawing to the surface with the need to defend her baby. Instinctively, she knew she was outmatched; even in her fully feral form, the Were-rabbit doe would never be able to outfight the great felines that were hunting them. Begging her rabbit to forgive her and lend her the strength she needed, she shoved the animal down with ruthless determination. She vowed to shield her son as long as she was able, and steeled herself for what was to come.

She curled her body around him, holding his stare as the pain flashed across her face. He could hear her whispered words of love and apology as her body jerked; he could see the blood start trickling from her nose and the corner of her mouth as she leaned her lips to kiss his forehead. Her soft voice was strained as she told him not to be afraid, to have faith that help was on the way. He couldn’t see what was happening, all he could see was his mother’s love shining from her eyes as one of the creatures that had been chasing them began tearing her apart.

Suddenly, he heard a roar—filled with rage and louder than anything he’d ever heard before—as the monster was ripped away, forcing his mother’s body to jerk hard. Her luminous eyes, though filled with tears and dazed with pain, blinked rapidly as she cradled him even closer. Her arms, though so very weak, still held him carefully as she leaned her forehead against his.

He could hear the sounds of fighting, feel the earth thudding underneath his back as bodies were hurled against it in the heat of combat. His mother flooded him with love through their bond, trying to drown out the shrill screams that were accompanied by the sound of ripping flesh. He felt her body shudder against him as she held him tightly, keeping his head buried so that he couldn’t witness the carnage that surrounded them.

He heard a piteous cry that could only be the death wail of a dying creature. His mother cried out as gentle hands closed around her shoulders, softly prying her away from him. Sobs shook her then, her small frame heaving as her emotions took over. The boy’s father gathered her up in his large arms, rocking her with care as she cried. The boy could see her back, the bloody evidence of what she’d given to protect him running down his father’s body as he cradled her against him.

The boy stood up, and looked around. There was blood everywhere; it covered the trees, the grass, and the earth. Even the beautiful white daisies that nodded by the nearby stream were stained with red. Four large bodies seemed to be the cause of most of it; parts of them were strewn all over the area, even bits of fur and claws and teeth.

He reached his little hand up to touch the weeping woman, and his hand passed through where her back should have been. His fingers pushed through her body cavity, and he jerked his hand back as he felt the pulse of her heart against the back of his hand. He stood in shock as he looked at his fingers. Bright red blood stained his small palms, bits of torn flesh sticking to his fingers as he held them out. Tears welled up in his eyes as he wished, with all his heart, to wake up from this terrible dream.

The boy’s tiny body started shaking. He looked up, and all he could see was his mother’s broken body and his father’s large hands. He backed away until he could stare up at his father’s face…and he saw the truth in the older man’s defeated gaze. As his little ears concentrated he could hear his mother’s heart beat getting weaker, and he heard the instant that it stopped. He watched his father close his eyes, and lay his head against the silent chest of the woman in his arms as soul wrenching sobs shook his large frame.

Deep gashes scored his heavily muscled shoulders, his right bicep slashed to the bone. His right eye was already swelling shut from the beating he’d received while trying to keep his family safe. His heart ached as the evidence of his failure lay limp and lifeless in his arms. After gently laying the body of his wife on the shredded forest floor, the large Were looked back up at the face of his son and his eyes blazed with rage and denial. His roar of loss shook the forest as he poured out his grief in one long, primal scream…

~Mistress of Shadows

_____________________________

Thanks so much for stopping by. This Musing is a full of action, sadness and rage. Let’s see what your muse has to say, or feel free to leave a comment for my guest!

Many of us think we know the difference, but do we really?

Many writers seek to tell tales filled with passion, and love, but when the writing is done, they don’t know what to call their masterpiece. Let’s clear the air, shall we?

Erotica

Many writers and readers believe that any story that contains sex is erotica.

How do I define erotica?

Erotica is the label given to stories where the sex is the main feature of the book. These tales aren’t plot driven. The sexual activity is front and center, and is used to carry the book form beginning to end.

Is this a bad thing? Certainly not. There are publishers who look for erotica exclusively. Many readers enjoy the escape erotica provides. For some, twists, turns, and deep character development aren’t necessary in each and every book they read.

Erotic Romance

How do I define erotic romance?

Erotic romance is the label given to stories where there is a definite plot, along with sexual activity. In this genre, the sex is shown for a reason. It doesn’t just move the story along, it reveals something about the characters or their situation.

Sex as a tool?

Yes indeed. Let’s dissect this a little. Say we have a hero who’s been in servitude all his life. He’s used to doing what he’s told, never thinking for himself. What happens if we pair him with a heroine who’s used to ordering people around?

Their first sexual encounter will reveal much about the struggles they may face down the line in their relationship.

How?

Will the heroine:

• want to be submissive?
• want to be dominate?
• be critical?

Will the hero:

• let go of the past?
• feel free to think for himself?
• initiate the lovemaking?
• ask what she wants?
• take what he wants?
• take the lead?

When we break down the rationale for why an author is showing this moment in an erotic romance, we see how they are attempting to share insight into the characters.

In both erotica and erotic romance, the sex can be hot and steamy. What it all boils down to is, how much story do you want with that coupling?

I had quite a little surprise this time around. What will we get into next? Let’s find out!

New to the Misery series? Let’s get you all caught up.

• A Demon Lord is Here and He Wants to Interview Me
• Nulli On My Mind – Misery, the Demon Lord Returns
• Misery Sends for Nulli
• Misery Loves Company – Nulli Pays a Visit
• Misery Loves Company – Nulli Pays a Visit Part 2
• Misery and Yuri Have a Chat

After what felt like a never ending data dump with my Kick Group Chicks, I remembered I had a biking class to teach. I changed clothes as fast as I could, and raced to the gym, setting up my music and chatting with a few club members. I clipped into my bike, ready to start. That is, until a tall, gorgeous, amethyst-eyed demon walked into the room. “What the hell?” I said that out loud, didn’t I?

The ladies in the room turned around, each smiling and adjusting their butts on the bike seats. I knew what the horny little harlots were doing. They were moving for his inspection. He didn’t seem to notice. He was staring at me with a look that was both predatory and as sexy as all get out.

I unhooked my shoes from the pedals and jogged over to him, pulling him into a corner. “What are you doing here, Yuri?” Not my best greeting. Let me clear this up.  ”It’s not that I’m not happy to see you, it’s just… Why am I seeing you?”

Yuri took my hand in his, kissing my palm before lacing his fingers through mine, until I stopped him. He frowned when I pulled my hand away, but when he spoke, his voice was cheerful.”I read on your Twitter feed that you taught here every afternoon except Saturday, and wanted to see this gym of yours.”

Apparently, straight forward displays of interest were common to demons. Misery sent Mesa to fetch me, and now Yuri was at my job.  ”You… You came all the way here to see the gym?”

“You seem to enjoy this place. I wanted to see what you do here, maybe participate.” He smiled innocently, a habit he seemed to be fond of doing.

“You want to take my class?” Wow. Can’t say I expected that, but then again, it was pretty cool. “All right. Follow me.” I set him up on the last open bike in the front row. I wanted to keep an eye on him, not that it would be hard to watch what must be an incubus pedaling in my class. “Follow my cues. Watch this read out and keep your numbers near where I say if you can.” If ever there was a time to start drinking, this might be it. I mean really. Who could concentrate with this man looking at you? “Whatever you do, don’t stop. You can slow your legs, but keep them moving, okay?”

Yuri nodded, his purple gaze only leaving mine for a brief moment while he adjusted his position on the bike. “I think I can manage to stay with you, since these contraptions don’t actually go anywhere.” He winked and started pedaling. “Ready when you are.”

He watched me intently, staring, a tiny bit of black creeping into his eyes. Good gracious, was he trying to kill me? If I could have poured a bucket of water over my head, I would have. Instead, I made my way back to my bike, and took a few swallows from my sport bottle as if I’d just emerged from a trek through the Gobi desert. Focus, Nulli. You’ve got a class to teach, remember? “Good afternoon. I hope you came to sweat, because I intend to work you today.”

“Well I’m all for being worked.”

I choked on my water, my eyes tearing. Everyone in the room turned to look at Yuri. He sat on his bike grinning, completely oblivious.

“Are you okay?” His voice dropped lower, concern taking over his features as he prepared to get off his bike.

I nodded and lifted a hand to stop him. I needed a few coughs to clear my throat, and when I could speak,  I started the music and moved into the warm up. This was going to be a long class.

****

Misery walked down his upstairs hall deep in thought. He wanted to give Nulli a gift at dinner, but wasn’t sure what to bring her. On top of all that, there were other things to be concerned with. He tapped a pencil against the notepad he carried, hitting the sharpened point over the figures he’d scrawled. Mesa had enlightened him on the human convention of tipping at restaurants, and he wanted to make sure he was prepared to leave an acceptable amount. The sound of awkward footsteps approaching stole his attention, and he looked up in time to see Yuri enter the hall.

Yuri looked a mess. His long curls were plastered to his face and forehead, and he was wearing drab, baggy clothes Misery had never seen him in before, each item drenched with sweat. He was limping slightly, which seemed odd. Why would Yuri be limping? Had he gotten in a fight? “Dear God, you look terrible. What the devil happened to you?”

Yuri hobbled to a stop in front of Misery. “I was with Nulli. I never imagined a woman could have such stamina. I mean, she never stopped, she just kept asking for more, more, more. Push it harder! Don’t stop! Keep it up! My God, I don’t think I can do that every day.”

Snap!

Misery broke the pencil he was holding before he realized what he was doing. Then he saw red. “What did you say?” Nulli couldn’t have slept with Yuri right before meeting him for dinner, could she? No, she’d never–

“I said, ‘I don’t think I can do that every day’. I’ll see you later…I’ve got to go pass out now.” Yuri turned back to Misery. “Oh yeah, and can you have your cook send up some food for me? Nulli says I’m going to need more protein….Lots of protein, she said. Judging by the way I feel, I’m going to need it now. And a bath. Definitely a bath.”

Misery barely managed to hold himself in check. He wanted to launch his body at Yuri. How had Yuri managed to gain that level of trust with her? Was she already lost to him? Yuri hadn’t done anything to influence her, had he? Would he stoop to such a thing? He snarled in frustration as Yuri moved past him and Yuri stopped, a new found wariness entering his eyes as he glanced over his shoulder at Misery. “What’s your problem?” He didn’t sound angry, just mildly surprised.

Misery couldn’t respond. His body burned, his rage bringing him dangerously close to his blood lust state as his anger rose to a fever pitch inside of him. He watched Yuri leave with tension in his jaw, both halves of the pencil lying nearly forgotten some distance away from his boots. Yuri’s words replayed in his head, every syllable, every detail. He had no idea why Yuri might need protein, or what the hell his soon to be former friend had been doing with Nulli, but he was going to get some answers from her–tonight.

Where can you find me this week?

Author, Nikki Prince interviews Rhuul and Avalea, of Rhuul’s Flame.

I stopped by Alcide and Other Obsessions to talk about one of my celebrity crushes.

Author Allie Ritch showcased character profiles for Rhuul and Avalea, of Rhuul’s Flame.

Krystle, of The Booknatics reviewed, Initiate.

Misery stopped by Twitter to chat with a few of my friends and me. Connect with him at @Lord_Misery

Initiate is Book of the Month in the Paranormal Romance: New and Upcoming Books/Authors (PNR NaUBA) group on Goodreads. Join us, read along, and ask questions.

I’ve returned from my visit and wow, what a ride. What are those two demons up to now?

New to the series? Catch up from the beginning!

• A Demon Lord is Here and He Wants to Interview Me
• Nulli On My Mind – Misery, the Demon Lord Returns
• Misery Sends for Nulli
• Misery Loves Company – Nulli Pays a Visit
• Misery Loves Company – Nulli Pays a Visit Part 2

Misery dialed Mesa’s phone number as he moved down the staircase in his front hall. He stopped on the lowest stair and held his cell phone to his ear. “Mesa? How is Nulli? Has she returned to the living world yet?”

“Yes, she woke up slightly dazed, but that is normal. She is having some water.”

“Can you put her on the phone?”

Mesa paused. Misery could hear her speaking to someone in the background before returning to the line. “She needs a moment to collect herself. Did you have a question for her?”

“I told her I would take her to dinner. I need her address. Also, I need you to get me some human money. I will probably need it for the dinner.”

“I will have her tell you the address. Then we will figure out the money.”

“All right.”

The sound of footsteps made Misery turn. Yuri was coming down the staircase behind him. “I can get you human money.”

Misery wasn’t surprised the other demon had heard him, even from where he had been standing on the upstairs landing above the staircase. The man’s hearing was almost as good as his. “Illegally?”

“There are no laws against buying currency from the living world in hell.” He stuck his hands in the pockets of his slacks and grinned. “Besides, you are a demon lord. You make the laws in this territory.”

Nulli came on the line before Misery could reply. “Hey there.” Her voice sounded a little breathy, as if she’d just yawned.

“Hello, Nulli. Are you well?”

“Yeah. At least I think so. Nothing’s singed, so that’s good, right?” Her laughter was light and soothing, easing the tension from his muscles.

“It is very good, and I was glad to hear you returned to the human world safe and sound.” Misery paused. “I am not familiar with human cuisine. Is there a particular restaurant you would like to have dinner at tomorrow?”

“That depends. What do you like to eat?”

“Seafood or almost any style of meal served with rice and meat. I am not picky, but I prefer a two to three course meal.”

“Okay. I can work with that. I think I know a place you might like.”

Misery smiled. “Perfect–although as long as you like the place, Nulli, I am willing to go anywhere.”

“I can find something at most places.” He could hear the smile in her voice, pushing images of her face into the front of his mind. “Will you be my guest this time? Dinner’s on me.”

Misery inhaled deeply. “I would prefer to pay for your meal.”

Yuri snorted behind him.

“Misery, you’re not from here. I don’t know how much you know about this place, but I wouldn’t be a good hostess if I asked you to come all the way here, to a restaurant you’ve never been to, and expect you to pay for our food.” She breathed in, her tone slightly higher. “Please be my guest. I wouldn’t feel right otherwise.”

“Ah.” Misery made eye contact with Yuri, who mouthed, “Do it or you will piss her off.”

“Then I accept. Where do I meet you?” A rush of pleasure and pride infused his body as he listened to her rattle off directions to her house. The fact that she was so willing to invite him to her home spoke volumes about her trust for him.”I will be there at seven in the evening tonight.” He hung up after saying goodbye and focused his attention on Yuri. His next words emerged on a growl. “I want you to stay away from her.”

Yuri raised one elegant brown eyebrow. “There is no crime in looking.”

Misery snarled. “There is if you’re trying to charm a woman I’m courting.”

Yuri stopped smiling. “I was not trying to charm her away from you. But when I saw her…”

“What about when you saw her?”

“She looks so different than the demon women I’m used to. Everything about her is different. And when she spoke, the way she spoke was different too. I wanted to put my best foot forward with her.”

“Even to the point of flirting with her?”

Yuri shrugged. “Can’t help it if I’m friendly. I’m a highborn. But it’s not the same with her. She’s… unique, magnetic. I mean, have you really looked at her? What sane demon would pass up a chance with a woman like that? And she writes fascinating stories too.”

Misery relaxed slightly. “You have a point. And, you could serve as a good test of my relationship with her. If what she feels for me is strong, she won’t grow to care for you more.”

Yuri rubbed a hand through his curls and stared at Misery. “And if she does? I must warn you, this is not a game for me. I have every intention of winning her heart if I can.”

“In the extremely unlikely event she grows to care for you more than she does for me, I will consider backing down from pursuing her. But it is not going to happen.”

Misery ignored Yuri’s eye roll and fished his cell out of his pocket again. Bringing money to dinner suddenly seemed like a good idea—he still wanted to pay for their meal if he could figure out a way to do so without offending Nulli—but he didn’t want to go through Yuri to do it. He texted Mesa and told her, once she returned, she was to exchange some of his money for human money through her contacts in the black market.

But she wasn’t to tell to Yuri about it. That was most important.

“What are you telling Mesa?” Yuri asked.

Misery ended his texting session and looked up from his phone. Yuri knew him too well. There were only a handful of people he texted on a regular basis, and Mesa was one of them. “You do not really need to know, my friend. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to make some plans for tonight.”

****

Yuri watched Misery leave the front hall before doing the same.

He was eager to learn more about Nulli, but he knew better than to pester his friend for more information on a woman they both wanted, so he walked back to his guest bedroom and signed onto the internet using the laptop he always traveled with. Misery might have the advantage in this situation just by virtue of having known Nulli first, but a quick visit to Nulli’s website, Facebook, and Twitter feed would give him a thorough profile of her likes and dislikes…

An hour later, he had what he needed. Nulli mostly wrote paranormal romance, a genre he knew little to nothing about, but she did love something he loved—physical exertion. Granted, it wasn’t the type of physical exertion he preferred to partake in, but Nulli did do something called working out almost every day, and now that he knew where she did it, he knew just what he had to do to impress her…