I am revealing my gorgeous cover for Walker's Run. I am incredibly impressed with Marion Sipe, she is fantastic!
We are still looking at August 30th for the release and I will definitely keep everyone posted! But for now you'll have to be subdued with my gorgeous cover and an excerpt!
* * * *
Casey was afraid to give voice to the one term that would describe
what she’d seen. What...he was.“So...you’re a...werewolf?”
“Yes.”
She saw the truth in his pale eyes. “The bite?”
Braedyn looked away from her.
Her mouth went dry. She put her right hand on his cheek and forced
him to look at her. “Am I...?” Unable to finish the question, her heart
thundered in her chest.
Anguish once again filled his expression. Reaching up, he grasped
her hand in his. Casey knew in the pit of her stomach she wouldn’t like his
answer, even though he managed to look reassuring at the same time. “Yes, you
were lucky. Not many survive the first day after being bitten.”
“You said not all of you can change. What does that mean?”
He sat down in front of her, still holding her hand. “Those of us
with a human parent have a more difficult time learning to transform. It’s
incredibly painful. Those who never aquire the ability can only change with the
lunar cycles. Not everyone can handle being able to do it at will.”
Her mind whirled, trying to understand what he was saying.
“So...your father was a werewolf and your mother...is human?”
Braedyn nodded. “Yes a Native American. She’s a healer; a practiced
Homeopathic physician and herbalist. My father adored her.” He gave a soft
smile. “He truly treated her as if she were a queen.”
Casey noticed the expression on his face. Though he spoke of his
parents love it was obvious he’d worshiped his father. The pang of his death
hit her again, even more now that she knew the truth.
“What am I to expect now?” She looked down at their joined hands.
His tanned skin was such a contrast compared to hers. Casey had never
considered herself pale, but the richer russet tone in his skin made hers look
nearly alabaster.
Braedyn cleared his throat. “I can’t lie. This won’t be easy on you.
While your wound heals you will feel like you’re on fire inside. It will
continue until the first night of the full moon. During the three days the moon
is full you will change into your wolf form at sundown. Urges will build inside
you. It’s not blood you’ll crave, but the hunt. Eventually, you will learn to
work with the wolf, even control it.”
“I have only killed for food and to protect myself.” She shuddered,
tears welling in her eyes. “I don’t want to hurt anyone.”
“You are a kind and decent person, Casey. You may have to fight the
wolf on occassion. The rage that comes from nowhere, needs to be held firmly in
check. I normally request the death of someone who’s been changed against their
will.”
She searched his face. “You’re the alpha now?”
He nodded. “Those changed against their will usually go rogue, with
or without the proper training. You can imagine, having a rogue running loose
puts those of us who walk amongst the humans unnoticed, in danger.”
“Do you think I can learn?” Casey watched him smile when he reached
up and stroked her cheek.
“If I didn’t believe it, I’d have...spared you this life.” Braedyn
shook his head. “I’ve watched for many years whenever you came back to the
forest, protecting you from my sister. As the years drew on and visits became
infrequent, I...missed you.” He dropped his hand from her cheek and fidgeted.
Noticing his cheeks redden a little, she raised her brows. “Me?”
He gave a gentle laugh and nodded. “Yes. You were the first human to
play with me in my wolf form and not be frightened. My first human friend.”
She watched his pale gaze travel over her face before locking with
hers once more. “I can promise you, I’ve looked for you each time I’ve come
back to the forest. Wondering what had happened to you.”
His hand ran through his hair. “After what happened to my father, I
was wary. Too afraid to approach you as you were never far from your father or
brother.”
Casey shook her head feeling the pain of that night all over again.
The guilt she’d carried for so long. “I’m so very sorry for what’s happened.”
“No, it was just as much my fault.”
Tears pricked her eyes, and she hung her head. “I’m worried...” She
shivered, unsure if the cold or fear was the cause.
“I know and you have every right to be, but I promise I will be with
you every step of the way,” he vowed. “It’s my fault this happened, I should’ve
kept a better eye on you.”
“You’ve protected me all these years. Why?” Casey looked in his eyes
again, searching for the answers there. She noticed he looked uncomfortable
under her direct gaze.
“Because...somewhere along the years, I began to feel more than just
protective...when it came to you. I’ve watched you grow and learn to live off
the land. Seen the enjoyment in your eyes when you took in the beauty of the
forest. Knowing that beauty hasn’t been lost on you no matter how infrequent
your visits became. It...touched something in me.” He shook his head and
smiled. “I’ve never met another woman quite like you.”
Over the last four days, Casey had found herself admiring Braedyn
more while he’d tended to her with such tenderness for a man his size. Not once
did he waiver on any of the responsibilities he’d taken upon himself. Now that
she’d learned he was the alpha it made her wonder if he was shirking his duties
for her. Was he afraid he would have to kill her or was it something more?
Casey shifted a little to give him room when he sat down next to her
and opened the bottle of water. “I’m scared, Braedyn,” she whispered, leaning
against him, resting her head on his shoulder. She needed his comfort.
He placed a reassuring arm around her. “I know.”
She closed her eyes.
* * * *
Now to share my gorgeous cover with you all! August 30, 2013!
