The theme for this week is family, and I must say, I really enjoy writing stories filled with family. Series lend themselves to family relationships, and my Middlemarch series follows the stories of several brothers. There’s Saber, the oldest brother, Felix, Leo and the twins, Sly and Joe. BTW, for all those who are waiting impatiently, the twins’ story is finally underway.
Scarlet Woman by Shelley Munro
“Oh, man. Look at the tits on her.” Felix made kissing noises deep in his throat. “I’ve died and gone to heaven. Oh, man. She winked. Yep, heaven.”
Sly thumped his brother on the back. “Don’t think it’s heaven, bro. Can’t be with all that sinful lust shining on your face.”
“Cut it out, the pair of you,” Saber said, trying to scowl his boisterous younger brothers into obedience. Despite laying down the law this afternoon, the four were out of control. He had to get them settled before one of their harmless pranks boiled over into something that threatened them all.
“Yeah, gotta remember, this is punishment,” Leo chided, humor dancing in his dark eyes.
Joe let out a low whistle. “I vote the lady in red administers my punishment.”
Saber relaxed a fraction. Good. His plan was working already. If he managed to get each of his brothers mated, they’d cut out the mischievous shenanigans and settle down to raise a litter or two. And he wouldn’t have to worry about articles in the paper like the one he’d seen last month.
Black panther sighted again.
At least the article had lit a match under the council elders. Finally. Agreement that they needed to do something to help the younger males settle. Saber’s mouth firmed in introspection as he recalled the heated meeting. The council had discussed the lack of females of marriageable age. They knew the causes—the feline families tended to have male offspring while the human females seemed to enjoy the lifestyle offered in the city of Dunedin or farther afield. They attended high school and university in the city and never returned to their birthplace. The human males left too, but they tended to return after exploring a little of the world outside Middlemarch. Until the reporter’s story had appeared, no one had tried to solve the problem of a lopsided gender ratio. The article in the paper had been the catalyst. They’d all swung into action to organize a dance they hoped would benefit both the young shifter and human males living in Middlemarch. The task they’d called impossible suddenly became imperative.
Saber eyed Felix and Leo, the brothers standing closest to him, feeling the tension brought about by responsibility coalesce into a solid lump in his chest. They both strenuously denied taking part in the prank, but Saber wasn’t so sure. He knew his brothers—where there was fun to be had, they were in the thick of it.
Felix nudged Sly. “Big bro’s looking serious. He’s got Mission Mate on his mind again.”
Joe leaned closer and whispered, “Can’t have shape shifters roaming around Middlemarch for the humans to see.”
“Enough,” Saber snapped. His brothers sobered, knowing they’d pushed him far enough tonight. Dammit, he had to find them mates. It was too late for him. But not for them. None of his brothers remembered how it had been between their parents. They’d been too young when they died, but Saber remembered how they’d laughed and played together, how they’d made everything seem like a game, even the work on the farm. Yes, he remembered the intimacy between his parents, and that’s what he wanted for his four brothers.
“Look, we said we’d go along with this plan,” Felix said. “We’ll give it a shot. Me first. Introduce me to the lady in red.”
The lady in red.
The second brother to mention her. Curiosity piqued, Saber turned to check out the view. His breath stalled until the tight vise around his lungs reminded him to breathe. Saber inhaled sharply, his nostrils flaring, feline genes kicking in.
He wanted the lady in red.
But that wasn’t the purpose of this shindig. Saber consciously relaxed, telling himself she was too obvious. The invitation a little blatant for his taste, but she might spark the urge to mate in one of his brothers. “Fine. We’re next in line for introductions anyway.” He watched one of the elders walk up to the lady in red and offer his arm. The lady smiled, and Saber adjusted his thoughts. A touch of vulnerability flitted across her pale face before she answered a question posed by the elder. Wistfulness. Hope. She treated the elder with courtesy and respect, earning points from Saber. He’d noticed the impatience of some of the other women waiting to enter the marquee. Excitement jumped in him. This plan would work. The lady in red would make a fine sister-in-law.
Purchase Scarlet Woman @ Ellora’s Cave
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To read more Snippet Saturday excerpts follow the links below:
Shelli Stevens
Leah Braemel
Emma Petersen
McKenna Jeffries
Ashley Ladd
Shelley Munro
Lauren Dane
Mari Carr
Lissa Matthews
TJ Michaels
Elisabeth Naughton
Juliana Stone
Taige Crenshaw
Eliza Gayle
Jody Wallace
Related posts:
I had so much planned for this weekend. The weather is beautiful. It’s the first day of Spring. But I have been infected by pestulent people and now I am sick. First time all year. I think reading the next story in this series is in order for me.
1st Day of Spring!
by Nessa March 20th, 2010 at 7:04 amNessa – sorry to hear that the pestulent people got you in their clutches. Get better soon!
by Shelley Munro March 20th, 2010 at 12:42 pmI stopped by to read the snippet. Day late but always try to get here for this!
by Kaye Manro March 21st, 2010 at 10:09 amWe are having a long weekend in Japan. Its great to be able to sleep in on a Monday! Unfortunately, I have hay fever so I’m housebound.:o(
by Tamsyn T. March 21st, 2010 at 7:26 pmI enjoyed this snippet. Have to see how it turns out. Thank you for sharing.
by Carol L. March 22nd, 2010 at 4:20 amCarol L.