I smiled at her. “So do you. Is that why he chose these uniforms? Does he get a kick out of seeing your curves?”
She snorted a laugh. “Damn girl,” she said, her eyes darkening as she pulled me into a hug. “It’s good to see you here. I knew you’d be an awesome addition to our little group. And I do trust you—completely.” Her face morphed into a mischievous grin and she winked. “And I don’t think the prince notices what I wear.” She tapped her nose as though telling me a secret, but we all knew a fae’s hearing was way better than even a shifter’s. “I don’t think B’Nar, or should I say the prince heir, knows how to have a good time. Man or woman, I’ll bet he even screws with a scowl on his face. Maybe it’s the frost. Maybe things just get frozen in one position.” Her eyes widened comically. “Do you think that’s why they scowl so much? Are their cocks frozen too…?”
Despite my messed up circumstances, I bit my top lip trying not to laugh as she goaded the obviously serious prince. He scowled at her, not deigning to answer. “If you wish to become a valuable and effective member of our team, you need to be good at everything, not just fighting and weapons.”
I stared and crossed my arms over my chest, because what else was there?
“You will become proficient in tactics, the culture of our kind and your own; you will learn demon and angel law, and you will master how to have a refined conversation whilst mingling with the higher classes of both of our worlds. But first you will learn to control the additional wolf inside you.”
I shuffled from foot to foot. “I won’t have to wear a dress and shit like that will I?” I asked, twisting my fingers together.
Ava grinned. “Don’t worry, honey, that’s my department.”
“Great.” Connor would laugh his arse off at seeing me in a dress. Pain squeezed my heart at the thought of how I'd last seen him. “How long will this all take?” I asked quietly, addressing B’nar.
He shrugged. “That all depends on you. So let’s begin.” He gestured to a stack of practice weapons. “Choose your weapon. Blue. On the mats with her.”
Blue grinned and grabbed her favourite weapon of choice, a bo staff. She sauntered to the centre of the mat twirling the six foot long wooden staff with a cocky swagger. She whispered two fae words. A frown creased my brow. I didn’t recognise them, but whatever they were, runes appeared on the staff, and it turned from a harmless wooden bo into an armour covered staff with daggers at both ends. I cocked my head, studying the energy that crackled around the blades.
“Ready to get your arse kicked, Ember?” Blue sneered playfully.
I huffed and narrowed my eyes. Walking to the nearest weapons shelf, I chose two training daggers. Palming them, I swaggered to stand opposite her, rolling my head and shoulders, the fae suit clinging like a second skin. “You first.”
Despite my circumstances, I smiled. My friend was safe and well, so I made another promise—to Connor.
And attacked.
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Acknowledgments
I wanted to say a huge ‘thank you’ to all the readers who have supported me by reading my books. This author journey of mine wouldn’t be possible without you, neither would it mean as much. There is nothing like receiving a review or an email from someone who has really enjoyed one of my books!
Being an indie author is a multi-faceted career of being a small business manager, cover designer, formatter, marketer, editor, writer, accountant, social media manager, mailing list manager, graphic designer, and all round multi-tasker! All my love to all other indie authors out there! You are awesome. Don’t give up! This is a crazy thing we do but it’s so worth it when someone enjoys all the words!
Because I want to provide more ways to obtain my books and make it financially viable for me to continue to produce them, including audiobooks, I have started a Patreon. To my new Patreon supporters, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. My platform is very new and I have only two supporters, but hopefully more will join us for exclusive content and early access to ebooks, and signed paperbacks. You definitely get a mention here as you are the first to sign up to support me. I appreciate it so much.
Supporters:
J Soderberg
Rhianne Roynon.
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A special mention to Nic Page who has done a fabulous job of copy editing Wrecked. I appreciate your time and eagle eyed attention to detail!
About the Author
Karen Tomlinson is a USA Today Bestselling author of fantasy and PNR books.
Karen adores books and will read any genre that catches her eye. She was whisked away by fairies as a child, has been a dragon-rider, and grew up learning to fight. (This bit’s true!) She likes nothing better than to lose herself in an epic fantasy tale full of romance, fantasy and amazing characters.
Karen lives in Derbyshire, England, (think Mr Darcy territory) with her husband, twin girls and her gorgeous dalmatian. When she’s not busy writing, reading (or eating cake and drinking coffee) Karen likes to keep active. She loves keeping fit, walking in the hills with her family, and dancing around with her ear buds in while singing badly!
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Note from the author:
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Being an independent author can be costly. I currently have a Patreon page set up to raise funds for audiobook production. If you are willing to support me, first you are an amazing soul, second you will receive exclusive content and FREE e-books prior to release. If you choose one of the higher tiers, you will also receive a signed paperback of all new releases.
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