Happy Labor Day Howls and Yowls, ShapeShifter Lovers!
So, a bit of authoress commentary-news first. I am deeply disappointed that, once again, my ability to write has been shut down. Here's one tiny example of what happens.
Okay, I am clearing out a corner in a room I use for storage to fix the ceiling. The ancient tiles have loosened there. What happens to hinder me? Stop all progress?
I'm letting my pets in, the mat is black and I don't see it clear enough--a dying wasp. I step on it, feel the pricking sting. Yeah, I'm only wearing socks because my feet stay much healthier that way. Off comes the sock confirming I have been stung, but the penetration is not as bad as it could have been. Since I'm deathly allergic to bee stings, I immediately take the natural anti-allergy formula I've successfully used many times before to save my life--yep, over the years. The problem is though, I've just eaten so it won't get into my system all that fast. Inspired, I fill up a sock with baking soda to find out if that will help.
Then, I hope my reaction won't be too bad. There were a couple of hours of reaction, shortness of breath mostly, and hyperventilating... my foot swelled up, but not badly. Happily, the pain subsided fairly quickly.
No, I can't go to a hospital for treatment because I'm deathly allergic to their prescription drugs--having what is sometimes called chemical sensitivity. Realistically, anything they do would most likely kill me. Thankfully, everything worked out, though, and I'm fine.
Anyway, bottom line: problem wise, I am putting out way too many fires, and have way too many bizarre interruptions like that wasp sting to get much done. Consistently, that is.
Thus again, no time, no energy to write.
My apologies, I know hearing this over and over must get very old. However, as I've been saying lately, truth is truth.
Also, I find this rather fascinating. Of late, I have been craving GOODNESS--as if it's a particular food. You know, like ice cream. This is a deep insatiable craving. Now mind you, I love GOODNESS--someone with a big heart, for example. Or, the Romance Novel's vaunted Happy Ending.
In today's world this is probably not surprising, this weird craving, given our current sad, mask-wearing situation--given our volatile, burn-everything good down mob madness happening in some areas.
Because of the shutdown so many of us here, and around the world, are suffering bigtime, terribly. Sadness envelops the planet at this time.
Yes, our planetary society is in the Great Unraveling.
Of course, in Wolf Peak Territory no one is wearing a stop-the-virus mask, except as a joke. Howls and yowls, much hilarity has ensued among the Peak's population. Yep, making fun of the outsiders has become a favorite pastime.
And now, a new Masquerade Ball has been planned, as a fun antidote to the reality of the year 2020. This masked evening festivity will be happening at the Midnight Stardust Supperclub--first featured in HER MIDNIGHT STARDUST COWBOYS.
After all, as I've explained before, Shifters, Supernaturals, all those living in the Peak have no pandemic worries. This includes the humans, and the human-supernatural hybrids. For, Healers abound and are available to ALL.
On the compassionate side, however, Peakites continue feeding as many of the hungry, those who live outside of their borders, as they can reach. Food supply lines are expanding quickly.
In fact, since he lives close to the border on his huge ranch, Big D, the immortal hero in my current WIP, is in charge of the food supply lines in his area. That, and keeping out enemies and marauders--those who are attempting to road-warrior stampede the border.
Yes, I am planning to include this new Masquerade Ball in my WIP, Sondi and Big D's erotic love story. To that end, I am writing some possible scene snippets below the following images.
"Sondi, have you ever been to a Masquerade Ball?" Big D sharply swerved onto the dirt road, intent on leaving their small-time pursuer in the dust. A mere annoyance, he'd be rounded up like a stray calf soon enough.
"Who did you say was after us?" Sondi's tone was more curious than concerned.
"He's a known hoodlum from Talbot Peak. Most likely his uncle, a New Jersey transplant, sent him to put the mob scare into me."
"Mob scare?"
"To get a supply of food for his restaurant. Not a bad place. He could have asked in a civilized manner."
"Okay, that makes sense. No, to answer your question. I've never been to a Masquerade Ball."
"You know about the Midnight Stardust Supperclub, right?" Big D put the pedal to metal, and they hurtled toward the ranch's back entrance.
"Yeah, the alpha leader's subterranean big fancy forties club. So I hear. A lot of talk about it."
Big D glanced at Sondi for a mere instant. She smiled widely at him. "Now this is fun."
Big D grinned bigly even though Sondi couldn't see him, given his full attention remained on the road. "That's my girl."
He checked the rear view mirror. Sure enough, the dust storm caused by his fast-spinning tires obscured the small jet car chasing them--a newer model on the underground market.
"Dante and Kitty are hosting a Masquerade Ball next week, Saturday night. Would you like to go with me?" Big D paused, then took the plunge. "Now don't you worry. I'll get you the costume, everything a woman needs. Yep, whatever you want, Sondi. We can even do it online."
Silence.
Big D sensed her quick whirling thoughts, her confusion over him, as if they were his own.
"You already...get, get me everything." Her shyer nature had emerged.
One eye on his fancy-dancy computer screen, Big D whooped. The Peak's frequency drone struck--one of many. A directed flash of light that looked like a plasma ball, and the jet-powered engine died.
"They got that pesky little flea tryin' to bite our butt." Big D whooped again.
"You've got the most sci-fi amazing tech here." Sondi whipped around. She'd observed the drone's attack.
"What was he going to do if he'd caught up to us?" she asked, clearly puzzled.
"They're called stingers. Mini missiles fired like a Gatling gun." Big D slammed on the brakes, performing a spin that caused a veritable dust bowl around them.
As he sped toward the ground capture squad, he added, "Not to worry, Sondi. I gotta a shields-up button."
"I'm living a James Bond movie," she muttered loudly, but a few moments later.
Big D waited, sensing more was coming.
He kept a keen eye on the werewolf squad. In their human form, they efficiently hauled out the light-paralyzed intruder. Once his vitals were checked, they tossed him inside the squad's war wagon.
"I think I'm enjoying myself."
In his peripheral vision he saw Sondi lean forward to get a better view. Her no-fear eagerness pleased him. Heckfire, everything about the woman pleased him.
Yep, she's one helluva spunky gal, alright.
Big D rolled his car window down the old-style way. "Good job, fellas." He saluted them. "Check with Dante, but I say bundle the rattoid up good 'n tight. Deliver him back to his mobster uncle. As a message drop him at the restaurant's front door ... oh, and put an M95 mask on him."
"We wouldn't want the little rattoid to spread any nasty germs." The team leader grinned all too wolfishly.
"Good job," Sondi echoed. She'd turned in her seat, nearly draping herself across his lap.
Big D's cock launched to rocket status. Instantly. Dang, I can't frighten her off.
Using his mental prowess, Big D quickly deactivated his stud parts.
He watched Team Leader Nargoz touched the brim of his helmet. "Thank you, ma'am," he respectfully growled. "Have a good day."
Women were cherished in Wolf Peak. If any man didn't come by that naturally, Dante and his team were on the case, and fang-fierce on their case. No excuses.
Sondi deserted his lap, sitting upright. "I have to say I've never seen such extraordinary policing... like here... in the Peak. Well, not policing exactly. But protection forces. At the same time, freedom reigns. I haven't seen anyone's rights violated."
"That's the way we like it, Sondi." Big D pressed the gas pedal. At a sedate pace, he headed for the ranch. "Masquerade Ball," he reminded. "Would you like to go with me?"
Quiet permeated the car's interior. From the corner of his eye, he saw Sondi wring her hands. Then... "Sure, why not?"
Big D's heart leaped like a buck kangaroo in rut chasing after a female. Yep, he had a strong affinity for Aussie Roos.
For the last century, his grandfather had run a land-immense and remote cattle station in Australia--one reason he'd arrived on Earth.
Unable to stop himself, Big D envisioned Sondi dressed in a vibrant red gown with a red feathered mask.
But hellfire stars, true, he didn't care what she chose. He wanted her on his arm, next to him. He simply wanted to gaze upon her beauty. To hear her sassy commentary.
He wanted her in his arms as they danced.
"Time permittin' tomorrow, we'll find you a gown, Sondi."
"Red," she softly stated. "I think I'd like a red gown."
"Whatever you want." Big D's heart pounded with fierce enthusiasm, alright. "I know several costumers here in the Peak, Sondi. Most have their shops inside the Pleasure Club complex, though."
Sondi briefly, oh-so briefly touched his arm. "They say the underground Club is a shopper's paradise...what I've heard around town, that is. And from your sister."
"Sure is. The most amazin' shops. Nothing like it in my experience."
"You know. This, this is a shock to my system. What's here in Wolf Peak. The reality..." she trailed off.
Big D took his gaze off the road, looking at Sondi. She nervously rubbed the top of her thighs.
"It'll be a challenge, learnin' about us. But it's good here, Sondi. I promise."
"That's my sense of it... yeah... you wanted me to wear red. Right?"
"You'll look gorgeous. But don't mind me. Choose whatever you like the most." Big D passed through the old-fashioned iron gate that acted as a guardian for the ranch. Yep, the ultra tech hidden within did its job.
"Siren red. I've always wanted a siren red gown." She'd spoken in a dreamy voice.
"Wishes do come true." Big D grabbed a long moment to savor Sondi's soft expression. "Here in Wolf Peak."
"Certainly feels that way. Wishes coming true."
Goldurnit, if she didn't look she'd become a real princess. Finally. "Even with..." Sondi left the rest hanging.
"Even with the world falling apart around us." Big D finished. He increased their speed. Several of the ranch hands waved as they passed, and Big D replied with short honks of the horn.
"Yes. I almost feel guilty... being here," she hesitated. "Almost."
"Aren't you doing everything in your power to help others?"
"Of course." Her spiritual essence swirled around around him with a strength that surprised Big D.
"Then, Sondi, you're on your Divine Mission." Big D halted himself from taking hold of her lovely hand. Too soon, he reminded himself.
"By the way, there will be a lot of Wolf masks at the Masquerade Ball. Nothin' to worry about, though."
