For direct download of your Digest go to one of our retail outlets -

FICTIONWISE

EBOOKWISE

For the Print version go to: READ THE SAMPLES and GO TO THE LULU SHOPPING CART

Libraries can also purchase the Digests for their readers at LIBWISE

Jaded Beasts II, Tiger & Rabbit

Erotic-ahh Digest ISSN 1555-5496 Vol. 06-20 

Tiger – Confident in their beliefs, tigers possess ferocious characteristics that easily hide their responsive and easy-going natures. They take many risks in life, but are often rewarded with love and happiness through others they emotionally win over.
 
Rabbit – The hare is a loving, accommodating person, but they will dodge situations where they are at odds with others. Over-emotional and hasty they may be, but they are guarded in their traditional ways, besides being very calculating. 
 
Taming The Tiger – Laura Bacchi 
Summoned by a dream, Ju Hua joins the leader of the Tiger Clan to defeat a brutal foe. Who knew war could be so fun? 
 
Star TyGer – Sultry Summers 
Astronomer Sapphire Lee accidentally discovers evil Myng's ship in outer space, battling Prince Tyger’s. With Tyger's help and Sapphire's unknown powers, can they defeat Myng? 
 
The Hare of Chandor – Ann Morgan 
Shaylara Evanos must work with the notorious Valas Chandor, but couldn’t allow him into her bed, for fear of loosing her heart. 
 
Forbidden Love – K. Melton 
When Adrian meets his forbidden love, he goes against family and tradition. But will Sophie’s love be enough for two races to co-exist as one?

READ THE REVIEWS

Back to the Top

EXCERPTS

Taming the Tiger

By

Laura Bacchi

CHAPTER ONE 

He’d been in her head again.

Ju Hua stumbled out into daylight and shielded her eyes from the morning sun. If she didn’t get some sleep soon, she would surely lose her mind.

That man—that beautiful man—haunted her dreams last night as he had for the past twelve nights. At least she enjoyed looking at him in her mind’s eye. She wanted to touch the muscles rippling over his smooth, bronze chest. And the part nestled against his thighs? She wanted to touch this, too.

Over a year ago, before the Xie conquerors destroyed her village, before her father left to talk with the Mountain Spirits, the Dui had visited her clan. The warrior tribe warned of the Xie and offered to stay and protect her people. For a price.

Unfortunately, the people of the Sheep had little silver to offer, and leather-clad warriors needed no wool. She watched them ride away, each strong body becoming one with his stallion. While fear swept through the hearts of her people, she could only think about one of the Dui taking her as his woman. Riding her like he rode the horse beneath him.

The dream-man had the body of a Dui fighter. Was he a protector, too? Or perhaps a Spirit hoping to lure her to the mountains to join her father? His mouth moved during the dream, but so far she’d understood no words. Perhaps tonight she would ask him what he wanted. If he told her, maybe she would finally get some rest.

She called to her fluffy white companions. A bundle of wool named Mei trotted toward Hua and bumped her leg with affection. She threaded her fingers through the oily fuzz of her favorite ewe and laughed. “Maybe if I speak sheep to him, he will understand.”

Mei bleated in agreement, and Hua thought aloud some more. “He might be the Sheep Spirit trying to tell me where my father is or warning us of the Xie. What do you think?”

The ewe left her side to join the others heading deeper into the valley. Hua sighed. “I guess I’ll have to figure it out on my own.” She trudged up to her favorite spot and dropped her pack to the hard ground below. The wide expanse of sky offered few clouds and plenty of blue. It would be a good day for thinking.

Her mind wandered back to the man. She shut her eyes and conjured up his form. Dark, sensual eyes locked with hers. Today, during her waking moments, he seemed closer. Clearer. She could even see an amulet of some sort around his neck.

“Can you hear me?”

Hua jerked to standing and looked around for whoever had spoken. She was alone.

I am losing my mind. She pressed her fingers against her temples to make the deep male voice go away.

“I can’t go away,” said the man. “You are the one.”

The one for what? She closed her eyes again, unable to resist the mystery of his words.

“I am Li of the Tiger Clan.”

The vision in her mind became crisp and lucid, and she noted with dismay that the most intriguing part of him disappeared from view as he stepped nearer. To see a real man’s cock would be worth the insanity she experienced at the moment.

He laughed. “You are sane. It takes a strong mind to receive my Dream Presence. You are Sheep Clan, no?”

“Yes,” she whispered.

“Good. Then you are the man chosen to mend our clans’ differences and help me defeat the Xie.”

Hua frowned. “Can you see me, as I see you?”

“No.”

“And my words. Do you hear my voice?”

“No, brave one. I sense you are young and strong, but I can only feel some of your words of reply.”

Hua quickly thanked the Spirits that her thoughts about his cock apparently went unheard. This should be interesting…

“And dangerous,” he added, completing her sentence. “But together we can do this.” He reached for the amulet at this neck. Hua gasped.

She could see it clearly now. The broken, weathered medallion dangling from a leather strap resembled the one her father gave her last year before heading to the high hills. Together, the two pieces would make a whole.

What had her father said that final morning? When the two come together, so will two peoples.

Li interrupted the memory. “It is time for the Sheep and the Tiger to walk side by side. You will know where to find me.”

And the sureness in his voice told her he spoke the truth.

CHAPTER ONE

“My God, they're fighting!” Sapphire exclaimed in excited amazement, not caring the observatory was empty. Fearing she would lose important data, she hurried to focus the delicate equipment controlling the University’s mammoth telescope in space. One of several areas of the galaxy she studied for her Doctorate in Astrophysics, to her extensive knowledge nothing like this had ever been seen before. Usually peaceful and tranquil, it was now a bizarre battle zone.

As always she recorded her work on her lap top and backed it up on the University’s computer for later assessment. On a normal night, because of these back-ups, she could use this time to study other subjects, if the need arose. Or, in the privacy of the isolated and deserted observatory, enjoy an erotic fantasy, but not this evening, the explosions captivated her attention.

At first, she believed the bright flashes to be blurs of refracted light on the eyepiece. Then fearing the worst, Sapphire quickly ran diagnostics to rule out damage to the giant lenses of the state of the art telescope thousands of miles high in stationary orbit. Seeing the same flashes on the screens of the computers confirmed that wasn’t the case. Chin, the astronomer who used the equipment before her, acted strangely when she arrived to relieve him. She assumed, at the time, he was in a hurry to get home to his new wife. Now Sapphire wondered, perhaps he detected a problem and he’d left it for her to uncover? But Sapphire found the equipment functioning perfectly.

Because of the delicate equipment’s superb magnification she clearly watched a raging battle between two opposing forces. Assisted by the newest technology, though the ships were small, she could discern the differences in the two forces and their designs on her computer screens. One force was made up of possibly thirty attack ships, quick, maneuverable and seemingly undetectable by the other force. The second force radically different; one large ship housing even smaller fighters, possibly one man ships, this large ship itself capable of great destruction. The term Destructor came to Sapphire’s mind while she watched the battle.

“They swarm like bees,” she gasped aloud, undisturbed that there was no one to share her excitement. Bright yellow and red flashes of explosions replaced the glowing subdued hues of blues and whites of the nebula.  

Sapphire jerked away from the intensity and brilliancy of the explosions when she looked through the eyepiece. Incredulously, her curiosity drew her instantly back to gaze at the concentration of the unexpected battle and watch it on the computer screen. As spectacular as any science fiction movie she ever watched, the ships maneuvered at unpredictable angles. Thanks to the new technology, though the size of erasers, the ship’s differences were easily discernable on her screen. Sleek and maneuverable, quickly dodging the return fire from the larger ship, occasionally one would be struck and destroyed. With the dramatic background of the stars, yet without sound effects or dialog, she only needed popcorn and it would have been like watching a movie.

A dreaded crackling sound distracted her. Immediately Sapphire looked up from the screen, her attention drawn away from the captivating battle she became entranced by, to see the forgotten manifestation. Blue electrical charges began to form and dance on some of the metal surfaces in the room. Why, she wondered, did her long suppressed powers manifest now? Along with the electrical charges came the accompanying dreaded and intense, sexual arousal. Sapphire looked at her hands in awe, feeling the tingle begin there, in the tips of her fingers. In some manner it was connected to the events she witnessed, she felt the power of it deep in her psyche. With the tingle of what felt like electrical power building inside her lithe form, centering inside her belly, a wave of sexual arousal washed through her as the electrical energy crackled in her breast, giving her an energizing, shocking jolt. Yelping loudly, she gasped for air as a sexual climax, accompanied by the stimulating electrical shock, wracked her virginal body. In abashment she trembled, thankful she was alone, amazed at the pleasure of the sudden release of sexual energy. She stared in astonishment, watching the beam of electrical energy she created compact into a ball and flow through the eye piece of the telescope.

No longer trembling, and entranced by her here-to-fore unrecognized powers, she watched on the computer screen as the enlarging ball of pure energy gained speed, going faster than any craft of earthly design. The beam located the larger ship, suddenly splitting into several small beams and impacted the larger ship, doing sizable damage.

“Oh no!” Sapphire exclaimed in a whispered voice. Realizing the damage her powers just caused. Her fear returned, clouding out the exuberating feeling of her powers. She knew by intuition the larger ship was the epitome of evil, and she just attacked it.

Sapphire watched the battle, the beams she generated impacting the giant ship, astonished when the attacking smaller force backed away. First in awe, then fear, and lastly – strangely, erotically as her body began to react to the stimulation, in heated arousal.

“No, not again,” she sobbed as her body generated another rush of power and with it came undeniable, pleasurable release. Her nipples hard, she caressed them through her shirt to finally reach beneath and touch each with her hands, the electrical charge jolting her as it would if she touched her car door on a cold, dry evening. Still looking through the eye piece, a hand moved to her clit, and a jolting of the same affect. With her touch came another shuddering orgasm, achieved in the cold of the observatory. From her next climax came a more powerful beam that traveled through the eye piece and swiftly journeyed into space, making damaging contact with the great space ship. Positive now, her sexual arousal and climax were directly connected to the beams. Terrorized, she realized she couldn’t control them or her recalled powers.

Her “abilities” as her parents called her powers, when they would speak of them, never manifested in a manner such as this. The sudden memory of her childhood struggles to subdue and hide her powers, fearful the Chinese government would take her from her family, flashed through her mind. Another wave of charged energy began to build, blocking those thoughts from her mind. She lost control over what was happening. Another wave of energy discharged from her body to follow the others into space, leaving Sapphire breathless, and wanting, clueless as to the reasons.

The Hare of Chandor

by

Ann Morgan 

“He’s pushing you on purpose,” Shay whispered to Valas. “It’s a test. Call him on it.”

She watched as Valas stood from his seat at the bargaining table. He made an imposing figure. Standing two meters tall, with the long, lean muscles of a runner, His Royal Highness, Prince Valas, Duke of Chandor glared across the table at the Beltarran.

“Mister Ambassador, I may be my father’s second son, but do not mistake me for a boy just out of the school room.” He stepped away from the table and strode over to where the other man stood. “I am aware of Beltarra’s well earned reputation on the Jettaran Council. But let me assure you, neither Chandor, nor I, will tolerate being treated as the poor country cousin planet any longer.”

The beginnings of a smile curled Ambassador Dakkar’s lips. “Then, what is it you want from Beltarra?”

“A simple show of support,” Valas replied. “Place Chandor in nomination for the empty seat on the Council.”

Shaylara Evanos didn’t need her empathic abilities to know what Dakkar thought. However, that was the way of a diplomat; turn everything to your own advantage. The Beltarran had been playing this game for over two decades.

“And what does Chandor have to offer in return for our support?”

Valas’ blue gray eyes gleamed as he played the card saved just for Dakkar, “Most favored trading status.” He made that final step closer and gripped the other man on the shoulder. “Think of it, Beltarran horses getting first shot at Chandoran grain. The tables of Beltarra’s fine racing resorts, first choice of Chandor meat and produce.”

Shay felt Dakkar hesitate. Come on, she thought to herself, take the bait.

He will, be patient. Valas’ voice as clear inside her head as if he’d spoken aloud.

Stay out of my mind, Mage.

* * * *

After Dakkar accepted the agreement and the Beltarran ambassador and his assistant left the room, Shay let her frustration loose on Valas. “How many times must I tell you? Stay out of my mind unless it’s necessary to the negotiations.”

His smile was instantaneous. “Ah, but Lady Evanos, it’s the only intimacy you will allow me.”

“And for good reason,” she turned to face him. “I do not wish to be yet another conquest of The Hare of Chandor.”

His blue silk shirt hung untucked over loose fitting trousers as he covered the space between them in two easy strides. Before she could protest, Valas captured her hand and placed a brief kiss across the knuckles.

“You wound me, Shay,” his voice barely above a whisper. “I should have thought you smarter than to believe all the gossip.”

When he looked up at her, she knew in an instant why women fell easy prey to this man. Something more glistened in the depths of his icy blue eyes, something that spoke of power.

 “Save your flirtations for court, Your Grace.” She tugged her hand out of his grasp. “For even if I could be tempted into your bed, it wouldn’t be worth what I would loose in the bargain.”

He cocked a blond brow in her direction. “Tell me you don’t believe that old wives tale.”

“That I’ll loose my abilities if I give myself to a man with The Power? It’s told for a reason, and I choose to heed the warning.” She shrugged her shoulders. “So if that’s belief, count me a believer.”

Weeks ago, she knew working with Valas would be the most difficult part of the assignment. Advising the Prince on  nuances her empathic abilities picked up was the easy part. It was what she did on a daily basis for his elder brother, Prince Dusan, back home on Chandor. But with each passing day, Shay was finding it harder and harder to resist the pull she felt toward Valas.

The heir apparent entrusted them to secure their world a place on the Council. Shay vowed she wouldn’t give up her finest tool just because of her desire for a man.

* * * *

Later that night, in the quiet of his quarters, Valas, still damp from his bath, slipped into the simple gray robe. He knew Shay had been given the suite next to his and he imagined he could hear her, moving about while she tended to her own bedtime ablutions.

The image he created of her in his mind had him hard and aching in moments. Her long, dark hair plastered against the soft skin of her back as she rose from the tub. Beads of water glistening, as they clung to her breasts. Were he standing before her, he would be fighting back the urge to lick one off as it slid over a taut nipple.

Stop that, he chastised himself. Quit acting like the very schoolboy you denied being.

In truth, Valas had been intrigued by the emerald-eyed empath for months. The first time he noticed her, she’d been standing beside his brother at court. Dusan had bent his head down so that she could whisper something. At the time, Valas wondered if his brother's interest in the raven-haired beauty was more than professional, but a few discrete inquiries had proven otherwise.

After awhile, he’d found himself making excuses to pass through the corridor outside his brother’s study. He’d been on the verge of suggesting that she accompany him on this mission when Dusan surprised his brother with those very intentions.

Now, with each passing day that they worked together, Valas grew more certain that he had to have Shaylara. But this woman he wanted in his bed of her own volition, not because of his skillful seduction.

He chuckled to himself. He knew the rumors about his reputation as a bed-hopping womanizer. Valas would be the first to admit, he enjoyed women. No two were the same; he adored the challenge to find each one’s special beauty. Besides, there were those lovely, feminine curves and each one’s own soft scent.

However, now, only the determined Lady Shaylara Evanos occupied his thoughts. He had to find a way to convince her that the tale of loosing her power, should she surrender to him, was simply folklore. A tale told, he supposed, to discourage those with abilities from only marrying among themselves and combining the power in each successive generation.

He could prove the fallacy within his own family.

Valas jolted from his ponderings by the sound of female voices outside the glass doors leading to the balcony shared by his and Shay’s suites. Unable to resist, he crossed the room to stand in the shadow beside the door.

“Go on to bed, Ellia. I assure you, I am quite capable of locking up and getting in bed on my own.”

Valas remembered the objections his lovely empath raised when Dusan insisted that she take a lady’s maid. The only argument she hadn’t been able to refute was preventing an appearance of impropriety to the conservative delegates on the Council.

He waited until he was sure the maid retired for the night before easing the latch open and slipping out into the night.

Dampness still clung to the air from this evening’s rain. The scent from the gardens below blended rich, wet soil and heady, floral perfume. The power of the twin moons that hung in the night sky had drawn him out here every evening. Still, tonight, even that took second place to the woman who stood relaxed at the balcony railing.

The belt of Shay’s robe dangled loose at her sides, framing the flare of her hips. He imagined how the soft fabric would hug the curve of her breasts. Below the hem, Valas could see bare feet as she stood at the railing.

He knew the second she realized his presence. Her shoulders straightened and graceful hands belted the robe closed.

“How long have you been standing there?” She spoke without even turning around.

He smiled to himself, he’d gotten in under her defensive shields. He’d take that small victory for the moment, choosing a place next to her at the rail, still looking out over the garden.

“Long enough to appreciate the beauty of the night,” he paused, “and the woman. One is as lovely and mysterious as the other.”

For several moments, neither of them spoke. Shay broke the silence.

“I hear you out here each evening.”

“It’s hard for me to resist their pull.” He both pointed and cocked his head skyward. “Back home, with only one moon, I can feel the waxing and waning of its tug. But here, with two, their cycles just a bit out of sync, it’s, it’s…”

“Irresistible?” Shay’s laughter sounded musical in the night air as she finished his thoughts.

“Completely.” Unable to stop himself, Valas reached over and trailed a fingertip down her silk covered arm. He felt her quiver before she pulled away.

She shoved her hands onto the robe’s pockets. “Then I shall leave you to enjoy.”

Choosing not to stop her, he just nodded. Once he heard the door snap closed behind him, Valas turned around, and then leaned back against the railing. It would be hard to quiet his mind tonight, because of the desires Shay stirred inside him.

But he was Mage. Namesake and heir to his grandfather’s power, Valas had been trained from childhood in the ways of magic.

He kicked off his slippers, feeling the cool slabs of stone beneath his feet. As he drew his concentration inward, he let the tensions of the day flow out into the stone.

Moments passed uncounted. When he could feel his thoughts and energies focused on the task at hand, Valas dropped the final barrier. Reaching out, he felt the surge of power flow through him. Tonight, he would harness it, sending it out to gather the necessary players.

Some things in life could be left to chance. Establishing Chandor’s place on the Council wasn't one of them . He could rely on his skills, and Shay’s, but they would be useless without the right combination of people and power through which he could act.

Valas felt the coil of energy building within him. It cycled, spinning faster and faster. Every cell of his body tingled with the growing force. Finally, his instincts told him he had enough for the job. With a rush of sensation, he severed the ties.

“Bring those who are needed,” he whispered to the night.

Forbidden Love

by

K. Melton 

 CHAPTER ONE

“I don’t believe this!” Sophie Lacusta gasped, outraged that her father would suggest such a thing. Her hand came up, massaging aching temples. “I simply can’t believe you’d ask, no, demand, this of me.”

“It’s time you married. Sophie, you will be thirty-one in a few months, and it’s time to take a mate,” her father stated firmly.

Lowering her hand, Sophie looked from her mother to father in disbelief. She never thought her father would arrange a marriage. She’d been engaged before and walked in on her fiancé, making love to another woman. Instead of carrying on about it, she simply removed the engagement ring. Laying the sparkling diamond, encased in yellow gold, on the nightstand next to him, she walked out. To her family’s frustration, she called off the wedding. “No, I won’t do it,” she stated, looking her father in the eye. “I won’t be pushed into this.”

“You will do as I say!” He slammed his hand on the desk before him. “For one of our kind, you are very disrespectful.”

Sophie looked at her mother who sat quietly, wringing her hands in distress. Addressing her father, she continued, “Disrespectful? Why? For living my own life, choosing my own future and happiness? I am sorry, Father; I don’t mean to hurt you or Mother, but I can not marry this… this man you have chosen.” She waved her hand, agitated. “I will not be pressured or pushed into this again.”

Her heart raced. She disliked how the women, in her clan, let important decisions be made for them. They preferred, it seemed, to look the other way and to avoid confrontations. Sophie just couldn’t agree to such a marriage. Despite the ancient traditions of her people, some things had to change.

“Sophie, please?” her mother pleaded. “We are only looking out for your best interests.”

Sophie knelt in front of her, grasping her hands. Her gaze roamed over her mother’s face, searching for some sign of understanding. “I’m sorry that you are so distraught, Mother, but I can’t do this. Ask me to do anything, except this.” She gave the older woman a pleading glance, begging for help.

“See what you’re doing to your mother?” Her father cut in, his voice rising. “Your disobedience is tearing her apart.”

Releasing her mother’s cold hands, Sophie stood. Her pulse quickened, but she remained steadfast. She didn’t like seeing her parents this upset, but she repeated, “I will not do this.”

Sophie looked sadly at both parents then sighed. Not wanting to fight further, she gathered her purse and keys. A need to escape enveloped her. She wanted to get out of there before she gave in to her father’s bidding. “I love you both, but I will not marry someone I haven’t even met. This is not the Middle Ages.” With that, she walked out the door, ignoring the threats her father now promised to carry out.

Once outside, she hurried to her car. Tears slipped down her cheeks as she fled. The drive to town began to blur. Pulling over, her forehead rested against the steering wheel, and she cried.

“Oh, gods, why do they have to be like that?” She felt hurt and angered her father would even consider such a thing. Despite that, temptation urged her to turn the car around, apologize and accept the fate planned for her. However, an arranged marriage would never suit her. This time, Sophie knew, no matter what, she would stand her ground.

* * * *

“Corina, turn that blasted music down!” Adrian yelled to his younger sister, over the music, as they drove home.

“What’s wrong with Jessica Simpson? Nothing, I say. One day I will have boots and will walk all over you,” Corina teased her older brother.

Adrian glanced at her in amusement. Raising his hand, with a feigned swipe, he ruffled her hair. “You might like her singing, but I don’t.”

Corina laughed. Waggling her finger at her brother, she poked him on the arm. “Admit it, Adrian, you like watching that video. I saw you. Your eyes were glued to the television.”

Ignoring his sister’s giggles, Adrian turned the radio down low. What man wouldn’t like to look at a body like Jessica Simpson’s?

“Adrian, look.” Corina pointed up ahead as a car pulled to the side of the road. A woman slumped inside, her head against the steering wheel. Adrian slowed his car, almost to a stop. “Oh, my,” Corina gasped, concern filling her voice. “What if she is hurt or something?”

Adrian pulled over in front of the parked car. Quickly, he pulled out his cell and flipped it open as he jumped out of the car, taking long strides to reach the woman.

“Wait, Adrian. She’s crying.” Corina hurriedly caught up, pulling the phone from his hand, receiving a frown.

“Good Lord, how in the world do you know?”

“Well, look at her shoulders and the side of her face.” Corina said, as if annoyed, raising her brow. “For someone your age, you aren’t very bright.” Turning, she pointed to the woman in the car. “Her shoulders are shaking, and there are tear streaks on her cheeks.”

Adrian looked, with interest, at his sister then at the small woman in the car. His stomach knotted; a powerful feeling filled him. Maybe he should get to know this woman. Shrugging off the feeling, he stepped up and tapped on the window.

“Yep, you just proved you’re not very bright around the fairer sex,” his sister muttered as the woman screamed.

* * * *

“Oh, my god!” Sophie’s head came up quickly, and she screamed once, loudly. She turned a wide-eyed stare at the two strangers, peering through her car window. Blinking and trying to gather her composure, she rolled down her window slowly. Clearing her throat, she addressed them, “Uh, yes?” A sniffle and a quick wipe of her eyes and cheeks. “May I help you?” Sophie could kick herself. She hadn’t even heard or seen the other car pull up.

 Through wide hazel teary eyes, with heart racing, she matched the man’s intense gaze. Her body reacted but not with fear. A connection seemed to pass between them.

“Excuse my brother, Miss.” The pretty girl glared at the man. From their similar tone and features, she guessed they were siblings. He received a sharp jab, from the younger girl’s elbow, as she continued to speak, “For some reason, he is playing stupid today.”

Sophie looked from one to the other. Her attention settled on the handsome man whose eyes remained fixed on her. His gaze shifted onto her mouth. Did she actually see his pupils dilate? Her heart fluttered.

No one had ever reacted this way toward her before. His eyes darkened into a smoldering heat. Sexuality filtered the obvious desire in his eyes. He looked as if he would like to devour her. Cocking her head, Sophie found that very interesting. Not to mention, exciting!

“Oh, gees, we pull over to see if you need help, and you two end up ogling each other like… like…I don’t know what. But it’s disturbing as all Hell!”

Breaking eye contact with Sophie, the man spoke with authority. “Quit cursing, Corina.” Then he turned back to Sophie, none of the former intensity gone. “We’re sorry to disturb you. Are you all right? Is there anything we can do?”

Shaking her head, Sophie gazed at him; his scent surrounded her. Inhaling deeply, her stomach muscles tightened. With her hands gripping the steering wheel tightly, her nipples hardened in response to his unique male smell.

“Oh, this is just sick!” Corina complained. “I’ll be in the car.”

“I will be fine. I mean, I haven’t crashed or anything. I’m just a bit emotional.” Sophie felt herself blush. Her words sounded so lame.

“I’m Adrian Keese. Would you join me for a cup of coffee or tea?”

“Tea.”

“I’m driving home,” Corina yelled out the car window and drove off

Sophie started to laugh. “Oh my,” she stuck her head out the window, staring at the car receding in the distance. “I can’t believe she just left you here.”

Adrian chuckled. “I can. Any chance of a ride? If it’s not too much to ask.”

“Get in.” She nodded towards the passenger seat. Adrian settled into the car, and Sophie pulled out onto the road again. “I’m Sophie, by the way.” Caution didn’t seem warranted. Her kind could always sense danger.