Howl and Roar were originally released as two separate titles with the same cast of characters. Based on reader feedback, I decided to roll both stories under a single title when I re-released Howl. I had dedicated Roar to honor my dad so I kept his dedication and referenced the story as Book II, Roar. Find out what happens to Kate and Jack and the rest of the pack in Book II.
Evil often strikes in unlikely places, outside an office in broad daylight or at secluded cabin at dusk. This unflinching pair of shifter tales reveals the beasts in our midst. After surviving a brutal attack, a single mother’s days become a battle to maintain control while her nights are a disturbing blur of dreams. A workaholic is plunged into turmoil when her weekend romantic rendezvous becomes a desperate struggle to survive. Will love save them or be their undoing?
Excerpt
Jack’s fists clenched.
“A month after Mom died, I started receiving newspaper articles about missing women. I knew Pierce picked up where his parents left off. I’ve been trying to track him down.”
“Have you talked to the police?”
“Except for the clippings, I have no proof. Even if they were to apprehend him, can you imagine what he’d do to a prison population?” Without more tangible evidence, enforcers won’t pursue the case.”
“Enforcers?”
“Since criminal behavior risks exposing the entire were population, we have our own methods of dealing with illegal activity. Enforcers investigate, evaluate and execute if necessary.”
“That’s harsh. How can one person act as judge, jury and executioner?”
“It’s necessary, to avoid exposing the community. Do you want to spend the rest of your life caged in a lab?” Jack asked.
“No.”
“I did get one woman away from him and brought her to the lodge. I assume Lillian helped her sort out her life. I haven’t heard from her since. It’s probably better that way.” Jack hesitated.
“What else?” Kate prompted.
“Pierce called me this morning. He’s here. He left cigarette butts near your window. I spent all day tracking him.” Kate hugged her knees trying to shake a sudden chill.
“When I think about what he did to you…”
“I’m all right. I want to be with you in any way, shape, or form.” Kate put her arms around him. She felt the tension in his shoulders. Kate turned his face toward hers and kissed him slowly, her free hand stroking his beard.
“I never realized you could be such a tease,” Jack murmured into her ear.
“I never knew you could be such a beast,” Kate replied and she kissed him again.
He returned her kiss, pulling her onto his lap, his hands slid up her shirt caressing her bare back while she snuggled closer and wrapped her legs around him.
The first howl startled them both.
“Damn,” Jack muttered. Kate sighed.
“We can’t be late for dinner?” She murmured.
“No. I’m not going to rush this time. We’ll continue this later in bed. I’ll wait for you outside.” His fingers traced the curve of her bare thigh when he released her. He kissed her hard on the mouth then turned abruptly and left her to change alone. If he lingered around her much longer, they would miss dinner.
Jack paced restlessly outside while he waited for Kate to join him. Changing in the chilled night air cooled his ardor. He heard the others in the distance and his stomach growled. Searching the forest for Pierce, he hadn’t eaten all day. What was taking her so long? It wasn’t as if she needed to freshen up her make up or curl her hair. Finally, after several long minutes a small silver wolf joined him. She nipped at him playfully as they raced to meet the others.
Mariposa Cruz balances writing with working as a full-time corporate paralegal. For her Create on the Side blog she has interviewed a variety of real life characters from artists to romance authors. She works, writes and dances Salsa in Reno, Nevada.