Author: Kristbethke

Flash Fic Friday

Flash Fic Friday

Kristbethke

**Nost So Familiar is out in the world! Have you checked it out yet? It’s an expanded and edited version of the story once here. I have plans to release the next one in a couple of months, and I’m beginning work on book three. But in the meantime, how about a little snippet from Gareth and Owen’s current life? Enjoy!**

I loved Owen. I loved his family. I loved this pack and the life we were creating. I was happy and content and all the good things that, for most of my life, I didn’t really experience. If it weren’t for my brother, my life would have been unbearable. But now things were so damn good it was scary.

Like actually scary. Because I was waiting for something to come and take it all away.

I’d never really thought I was a fatalist, and maybe I hadn’t been before. But after the past few months, I didn’t think anyone could blame me for the change in my thinking. Everything we’d been through would be enough to put anyone on edge.

I was fine when Owen was close. He was my mate and familiar, and that meant he protected and cared for me. And though I knew I was perfectly capable of doing all that for myself, having him nearby gave me extra reassurance. But he’d gone back to work, and though I didn’t begrudge him that at all, it made me a bit twitchy to be alone all day.

Logically, I knew the threats to me were gone. There was no way I was in any sort of danger. And when I buried myself in my own work, ensconced in my workroom with even more protections, I could function just fine. But it was always a relief when Owen got home at the end of the day.

As if my thoughts conjured him—and maybe they had, considering our bonds—Owen stuck his head through the workroom door and gave me a smile. I immediately set down my pestle and mortar and crossed to him. He didn’t hesitate to pull me into his arms. For a minute or two, I just soaked him in, his warmth and his smell, and then kissed him liked he’d been gone for eight days instead of eight hours.

“Hi,” I murmured when I pulled back, smiling at the way he was looking at me. I always felt like the center of his universe when he looked at me like that.

“Hello, there.” He kissed me again, quick and easy. “Ready to go?”

I blinked. “Where we going?”

“Come on.” The mischievous grin could mean any number of things, but since I trusted him completely, I wasn’t worried.

Shoes, coat, scarf, and then we were out the door. He gave me a boost into his pick up, even though I didn’t need it, just because he liked touching my butt. I chuckled as he shut the door and rounded the hood to climb in.

It only took me two minutes to figure out where we were going. There wasn’t much on this side of town, and the only reason we ever came this way was to meet up with the pack at their running grounds. Annalise’s territory was vast and partially encompassed a national forest, but the meeting grounds was a wide open space with a pavilion and plenty of parking.

The pack was already there. At least most of them. I wouldn’t be surprised if a few more filtered in because I saw a few missing cars. It was easy to spot Owen’s parents, talking with the alpha and her husband. My brother was also there, Remy on his shoulder and his every present wolf bodyguard Marco, a silent specter standing behind him.

The real question was why everyone was there. It wasn’t a full moon. Even though shifters were obligated to shift with the full moon, it still called to them and was as good a time as any to have monthly pack meetups. And as far as I was aware, there wasn’t anything to celebrate. No birthdays this week or new pairings. Nothing that we usually got together for. So why?

“Owen?”

He grinned, and shrugged one shoulder. “You’ve had a rough week. You need to get out. So.” He gestured with one hand even as he shut off the engine with the other. “Out.”

I was touched but also a bit embarrassed, and the two emotions warred within me. “There’s no reason to get everyone to drop whatever they’re doing to—”

“Gareth. Get out of the truck.” Owen’s laugh was warm and even though I was still embarrassed, I did as he said.

Annalise’s head snapped up, and she grinned wide as she strode toward us. I hurried to meet her half way, not wanting the alpha to be the one to come to me. That wasn’t right. She immediately pulled me into a tight hug and scented my neck by swiping her wrist a long my skin.

“You all right?” she asked, gaze searching but warm.

“I am,” I assured her. She pinned me with a look and I chuckled. “Mostly. I promise. Just thinky thoughts. There was no need for everyone to go to all this trouble.”

Annalise looked confused, her brow creased. She stared at me for a moment, then turned her attention to Owen. Owen, for his part, threw up his hands like I was just so exasperating, but the twinkle in his eye gave him away.

“This is what pack does, love,” Owen said softly. He draped an arm around my waist, pulling me in. “We take care of each other. You need to get out of your head, and maybe be reminded that we’re all here to look out for one another, hm?”

I let that sink in. I was still getting used to that kind of care, because I hadn’t had much of it for most of my life. Only my brother had stood by my side, and it had been the two of us against the world. But now I also had pack. And I needed to remember that.

“Yeah. Maybe.” I leaned against Owen, letting him take my weight.

Annalise squeezed my shoulder. “Come eat. There’s so much food.”

“Okay. Thanks.”

She turned, but when Owen made to follow her, I stopped him with a hand on his wrist. He turned back, brow lifted.

“I love you. Thanks for this.” I moved my hand to clasp his fingers. “I really did need the reminder.”

Owen kissed me. “I love you. I will always do what you need.”

I poked his shoulder with a grin. “And maybe you needed pack time too?”

“Well, yeah. Maybe. But I get it a lot more than you. We need to do better about that.”

I nodded and led Owen toward the pack. They called greetings, and we waved back, joining the throng. It was still a little overwhelming, but comforting in a way that I never expected. Aeron wandered over and stood close, bumping me with his shoulder. Remy bounced over to make kissy noises and press his beak to my cheek.

Owen wrapped his arms around me when I pushed in close, and I let out a contented sigh. I took it all in, unable to stop the smile, and realized I was exactly where I was meant to be. The path to get here hadn’t been easy but it all culminated in a happily ever after that, until a few months ago, I’d never let myself hope for. But now, with Owen by my side and his pack surrounding us, I could have it. And I couldn’t be happier.

Gareth Evans is on his last chance. If he doesn’t manage to call a familiar this time, then the High Council will strip his magic and he will no longer be a mage. Gareth thinks he’s prepared for the worst, but never expects the wolf shifter. Who just so also happens to be his mate. Owen might be a surprise, but he’s exactly what Gareth needs.

Solidifying their bonds would be a whole lot easier if the High Council wasn’t breathing down their necks. With their bond on the line, Gareth and Owen take a stand. If they want their bond to continue, they have to fight for it. And that’s only the first hurdle the pair must face.

All Gareth wanted was a familiar, but he got so much more in Owen. Their bond is strong, Gareth’s magic is growing, and Owen’s support and care mean everything to Gareth. Just as things seem to be settling, a new threat emerges from an unexpected place. With Owen by his side, Gareth can do what is necessary. Love and a mate were the last things Gareth anticipated, but what started out as not so familiar has become the mage’s everything.

Get it here!

Uncategorized

Out Now

Kristbethke

Gareth Evans is on his last chance. If he doesn’t manage to call a familiar this time, then the High Council will strip his magic and he will no longer be a mage. Gareth thinks he’s prepared for the worst, but never expects the wolf shifter. Who just so also happens to be his mate. Owen might be a surprise, but he’s exactly what Gareth needs.

Solidifying their bonds would be a whole lot easier if the High Council wasn’t breathing down their necks. With their bond on the line, Gareth and Owen take a stand. If they want their bond to continue, they have to fight for it. And that’s only the first hurdle the pair must face.

All Gareth wanted was a familiar, but he got so much more in Owen. Their bond is strong, Gareth’s magic is growing, and Owen’s support and care mean everything to Gareth. Just as things seem to be settling, a new threat emerges from an unexpected place. With Owen by his side, Gareth can do what is necessary. Love and a mate were the last things Gareth anticipated, but what started out as not so familiar has become the mage’s everything.

It’s live! If you’ve been waiting for the expanded and edited version of Gareth and Owen’s story, you can get it now. For now, it’s only available on Amazon, but it’s in KU as well, so if you have subscription you can enjoy it for no additional cost.

There’s additional content, more scenes than I put here, and has been cleaned up and polished. And check out that cover by Morningstar Ashley! Isn’t it great? I love it, and I think it perfectly captures Gareth and Owen (in his shifted form obviously). I loved revisiting these guys, and am working on Lane and Walker’s story now, so look for that in the coming months. Hopefully, there will be more to come after, as we have a few characters who want their story told as well. 🙂

Uncategorized

Stuff and Things

Kristbethke

Sometimes when life throws you a curveball, unexpected good comes out of it. And sometimes, with that good, there’s still some processing that needs to be done.

I was laid off. From that new job that seemed to be going so well. Halfway through my fifth week on the job, suddenly there was more restructuring and they “last in, first out” -ed me. To say I was shocked is an understatement. I was so shocked in fact I could do little more than just stare and say okay, grab my bags and leave. In hindsight it didn’t make any sense, given the state of things there, and I realized there was probably something else afoot. I could speculate for hours about what but there’s really no point. Ultimately, I was out of a day job.

So, as you can imagine, this took, and is still taking, some mental processing. On the upside, it couldn’t have happened at a better time for me financially. There are multiple reasons for that, but the bonus part is I didn’t, and don’t, have to look for another day job right this minute. I, for the first time, can focus on my writing full time. I highly doubt that will last forever, but for the moment, it can be. It’s something I’ve always wanted and I can indulge in that a bit.

So what does that look like? Well, I’ll have a book out this December with JMS Books, a holiday story that focuses on mates that I really adore. More details on that, and the event, when the time draws closer. I will tell you it’s called Soulmate for Solstice and there’s magic and shifters.

In other news, I’m working on revamping the Mages’ Mates stories and self publishing them. I have some spectacular covers I’ll share soon. They are in the process of getting more words added, and then they’ll get a good edit. Then I’ll put them out in the world for reader enjoyment. I’m still noodling Aeron’s story, and if there’s interest, Archer could be up for a story of his own. Weigh in in the comments if you wanna see that.

I’m also working on another project that I hope to release this December as well, but bear with me as I keep that a secret a little bit longer. 🙂

The other thing going on is I’m cowriting a book (or two) with fellow author Tia Fielding. We have plans and I think you’re going to like them. As we’re in the very early stages, I don’t have many details to share. Only that we’re planning and plotting, and have begun writing. We both adore these guys, and the way the story is shaping up.

Basically, there’s a bunch of good stuff coming in the next few months. And if I can really focus, some even more exciting things coming after that. As per usual, it’ll be a mix of PNR and contemporary romance. Maybe some D/s thrown in the mix. I have about 9 zillion plot bunnies, and like gremlins, if you get them wet they multiply and if you feed them after midnight they get teeth. So I just need to figure out which ones need a bath, and which ones need to be fed…and which ones need to be left alone so they don’t do either.

It’s all good, for now, and I’m working on bringing you plenty to read.

Flash Fic Friday, Serial

Flash Fic Friday

Kristbethke

**Episode 4, finally, for Elliott and Killian and this is the last one. It’s just a beginning for them, but this is where my telling of their story ends. I’ll put up another post on another day explaining some of the things in my life and where things are going for me. But for now, enjoy!**

fff

Killian was bloody and bruised when he returned. I’d been anxiously waiting, along with most of the pack. He’d gone with several enforcers and representatives of the Shifter Council, intending for a peaceful resolution but expecting the worst. By the look of the alpha, it hadn’t gone easily.

I knew my old alpha was dead. I’d felt it the instant the pack bonds broke. And there was grief in that, but also so much relief. Then it became a waiting game, anticipating Killian’s return. When he got out of the car, and I saw him, panic threatened for just a moment. But he was whole and what few injuries he had would heal quickly once he shifted again.

Everly tried to hold me back, but she couldn’t. I ran to him, throwing myself into his arms, not caring that he was a mess. Not caring that it was my old alpha’s blood, and probably some of his own. I needed to touch, to scent, and I couldn’t explain it. But I didn’t care. Killian was home and I needed.

Killian didn’t hesitate to gather me up, hold me close, and bury his nose against my neck. And that was the moment it hit me, with him holding me so tightly and his scent all I could smell. The reason I’d felt safe with him right from the start, even when I’d been scared, even when I couldn’t talk, even when his actions accidentally caused a trauma response. He was my mate.

I started shaking, but Killian just squeezed me tighter. And even though he was probably hurting and even though other pack members were speaking, asking questions, Killian ignored them all, lifted me so I could wrap my legs around him, and carried me into the house. He didn’t stop, not even a moment’s pause, and headed straight for his bedroom, kicking the door closed behind us. He tried to set me down, but I whimpered, clinging tighter, so he sat on the bed, still holding me.

“Mine,” I whispered, awe and worry coursing through me.

“Yeah.” Killian’s voice was just as soft, but a lot more confident. He brushed my hair back and kissed my temple. “Yeah. I was hoping, if that bastard’s bonds to you were broken, you’d feel it.”

I lifted my head then, so quickly I nearly clipped his chin. But Killian moved his head at the last second. I squinted at him. “Is that why you went after him?”

“Not the only reason.” The truth rang in his words. “But one of them, yeah. He needed to pay for what he did to you, and others. He needed to be stopped. And I would have done it anyway. But the hope for you to feel our bond? That was a big motivator.”

“You didn’t say anything. You didn’t tell me.”

Killian smiled, a soft, affection expression sweeping across his face. “And I wouldn’t have. It was more important that you are safe and cared for. If you never recognized it, we would have kept on as we were. But I’m glad you did. Do.”

“I don’t know how I feel about…everything,” I admitted softly.

“That’s okay. We’ll take our time. Of course we will.” He rubbed my back with a soothing sweeping motion. Then he gave me a cheeky grin. “Do you think you can let go of me long enough for me to get cleaned up?”

My first reaction was to cling more tightly, but then I realized that he really was a mess and probably wanted to wash up pretty badly. I had to talk myself into sliding off him, but after a minute or two, I stood on my own two feet.

“You’ve got blood on you now too.”

I cocked my head, studying him, not quite sure where he was going with that. He’d just said we could take things slowly, but was he suggesting we cleaned up together? That seemed at odds with his previous intent and that wasn’t like Killian.

He stood, crossed to his dresser, and pawed in the drawers for a moment. Then he turned and handed me a shirt and a pair of sweatpants. He nodded his head toward the bathroom.

“Change and wash the blood off. I’ll be right here.”

I did as he asked, nearly tripping over my feet in my haste. It wasn’t so bad because the blood had mostly dried so there wasn’t a ton of transfer to me. My jeans were actually still clean. But since Killian had given me the clothes, I changed as soon as I wiped the blood off my forearms and face. He was only a little bit bigger than me, so while the clothes were baggy, they weren’t falling off. I pulled the drawstring on the pants tight, and emerged a few minutes later.

Killian’s gaze darkened, his pupils blowing wide, as he stared at me. Then he shook his head like he was clearing his thoughts, picked up his own pile of clothes, and headed into the bathroom. A moment later, I heard the shower turn on.

I sat on the edge of his bed, staring at the closed door, and tried to get my brain online. My old alpha was dead. My former pack was, no doubt, disbanded. Those who were innocent were being sent to rehab with other packs. Those who were guilty would be punished. Everly had explained it all to me, how it would go. They no longer had a hold over me. I was safe and cared for and, just possibly, loved. It was a novel concept I couldn’t quite wrap my brain around, even after living with this pack for more than a month. And I had a mate.

Killian walked out,  drying his hair with a towel, while I was still trying to process all the information. He tossed his towel toward the bathroom where it landed on the floor with a plop, and then sat at the end of the bed, got comfortable, then opened his arms.

“Come cuddle?”

I practically dove into his arms. Both of us let out a contented sigh, and then Killian chuckled. “It’s going to take time, and work, but we’ll get where we need to be. And we go at your pace, all right? There’s still a lot you need to work through. But I’m here for you. So is the pack.”

“When I ran, I thought I was going to die,” I said, after a few minutes contemplative silence. Killian squeezed me tighter. “I didn’t think I could trust you, or the pack. I didn’t think I would ever feel safe again.”

“And now?” he whispered.

“Now I know I was meant to be here. And I do. Trust you and feel safe. But I think it’s going to take time to really feel it, down to my bones. And now the whole mate thing. It makes sense but also…” I shrugged as much as I could. “It’s a lot.”

“Yeah. But you’ll be okay.”

I nodded, wanting to believe it so badly that I almost did. Suddenly, I didn’t feel like talking anymore. Or thinking.

“I wanna shift.”

Killian looked down at me, brows raised. “You want to run?”

“No, just…shift and…dog pile.”

If Killian thought it was a weird request, he didn’t show it. He simply stood up and pulled off the clothes he’d just put on. I did the same and then we both changed into our wolf skin. Then Killian hopped up on the bed and curled up, leaving the perfect spot for me. I hesitated, then joined him, fitting myself against him. Killian licked my muzzle, then settled down, and I tucked my head against my paws.

I was warm and safe. The bad man couldn’t get me anymore. And my mate was by
my side, giving me cuddles. I was a long way from healed, but I finally felt like it was possible, that someday, I’d be whole again. That my life would be good. Killian would make sure of it.

 

Flash Fic Friday, Serial

Flash Fic Friday

Kristbethke

**Episode 3 comin’ atcha! I know it’s been a minute, again. Stuff, life…you know how it be. Sometimes I get in my own way. But here we are, with the wolves again, and our sweet Elliott who is trying to heal. And the big, strong Alpha who will help him. Enjoy!**

The weird thing was, I found myself seeking out Killian’s company. At first, I ignored it completely. Because of course I couldn’t just hang out with the alpha whenever I wanted to. He was important and necessary. I was coming to actually trust that he had the well being of his pack at the forefront of everything he did—because after a month of seeing it constantly, there was no way to deny it—that didn’t mean I could just follow him around like a puppy.

Weirder still was that, not only did he come find me regularly throughout the day, but he never seemed to mind when we just spent time together. He talked sometimes, and I jotted answers or made gestures. Other times we just existed in the same space.

I liked it. I liked it a lot. I liked the whole pack, in fact, and was beginning to truly feel comfortable. There was a part of me that sill feared the other shoe would drop, and they would reveal their true natures—or worse, kick me out to fend for myself—I was settling and learning to trust.

Sort of.

Wolf shifters were pack animals, and we did best as a group. My human brain had been conditioned long ago not to trust, to fear instead. But my wolf side knew better. At least as far as Killian was concerned. My wolf trusted him in a way it had never trusted before. Those instincts had done everything to keep me safe before, and now they were telling me to accept that what I saw and heard and felt here was true.

It was a work in progress still, but I felt better than I had in probably my whole life. I wasn’t any kind of risk taker, but with Everly’s words from the day before in my head, I went looking for Killian.

“It’s okay to want to be near him,” Everly had said, her eyes kind and her voice soft. “If you’re driven to be at his side, trust that. There’s a reason for it. And I promise you, on Mother Moon, it’s okay.”

It still had taken me more than a day and a whole lot of nerve to do it. And even though I was looking for the alpha, I was walking slowly, cautiously, hoping to come across him without having to actively track him down. Somehow I thought that was better.

Eventually, I caught his scent when the wind shifted and my feet headed in that direction without conscious direction from my brain. Around the back of the pack house, down a path, until I found him sitting by himself. He was stretched out on the ground, his back against one of the log benches someone had placed there long ago, his attention on the pond before him. I stopped a good twenty feet away, as soon as I caught sight of him, suddenly unable to make myself get closer. I had no doubt he knew I was there, though.

“You all right?” He asked eventually, turning just his head to look at me.

“Yeah,” I said, so softly he wouldn’t have been able to hear if he was just human.

He went still. I realized I’d actually spoken, for the first time in far too long, and froze too. A heartbeat passed. Then another.

“Well, come on over,” Killian said, trying his best to act like it wasn’t a big deal. I appreciated that more than I could say. I hadn’t been able to make my voice work in so long, there’d been a part of me that thought it was gone for good.

Once again I moved without thought, until I was suddenly right beside him. He patted the ground next to him and I lowered myself, crossing my legs and tucking my hands in my lap. I couldn’t look at him, but that didn’t seem to faze him. I could feel his gaze on me though.

“It seems like you’re finally settling in,” Killian stated quietly. His voice was a soothing rumble. I’d always noticed that. Other than a few times when he’d raised his voice, he always spoke like that. I wasn’t sure if it was for my benefit or that’s how he always was. Either way, I liked it.

I nodded, then took a breath. But when I couldn’t speak, it wasn’t because my voice was gone again. Instead, I had no idea what to say. Killian reached out a hand, offering it to me without any kind of demand. It took me a minute. Maybe two. Then I slid my hand into his.

Killian let out a pleased little rumble and squeezed gently.  “Elliott, we need to talk about your former pack.”

I liked that he considered me one of his now, that the pack I’d grown up in was the before, my past, and that this pack was my future. But then his words really sank in and fear spiked. I turned wide eyes to him and tried to pull away, but Killian held firm. Strangely, it didn’t feel constrictive, only comforting.

“I haven’t pushed,” he said, almost conversationally, his attention back on the water. “It was more important to get you safe and healthy. But the abuse you suffered—” Killian choked off the words and took a slow, calming breath. That I knew was for my benefit and I appreciated it more than I could express. “They need to be stopped.”

“They’ll hunt you,” I whispered, the words scratching my throat as I forced them out.

“Probably.”

“He’s…a very bad man.” It was inadequate, but it was all I could say. I certainly couldn’t utter my old alpha’s name. Just the thought of it made my insides quake.

“I know.” Killian turned his head and offered me a smile that warmed me. “I won’t be alone and I’ll go through proper channels so justice is served.”

I didn’t believe it. I wasn’t the first one that had gotten free over the years, and nothing had ever happened to change things. I used to think that was because the pack managed to hunt down and kill whoever had escaped. But I’d made it. Surely someone else had too.

“I promise you, no matte what, you will be safe. I won’t ever let anyone hurt you again.” Killian tugged gently and I listed sideways. When he tucked me under his arm, I went willingly. The alpha’s embrace was soothing and protective, warm and comforting, and I trusted my instincts and cuddled in.

Killian dropped a kiss on my head. “I swear, Elliott.”

And the conviction was so strong in his voice, I believed him.

Flash Fic Friday, Serial

Flash Fic Friday

Kristbethke

**Episode 2 of Killian and Elliott! Because of course you knew where this was going. But poor Elliott, he’s been through it. Once again, content warning for mentions of abuse. Enjoy!**

I knew from experience that kindness could not be trusted. There was always an ulterior motive. But it was hard to remember when everyone I’d met in this pack was just so darn…nice. Everly checked in on me frequently, always wearing a smile and speaking in a gentle voice. Killian was never far, and though the first dozen or so times he’d appeared, he’s startled the crap out of me, I was getting used to it now. There was Milo who cooked for the pack and offered me at least a twenty options before settling on something to make. He didn’t seem to understand that I wasn’t picky in the least. And Raina who made sure I had the softest clothes and warmest blankets. And Bob who was grizzled and cranky, but sat with me in silence, never expecting me to say a word.

I’d met so many people, and even though I couldn’t remember all their names yet—it had only been a week—they simple reintroduced themselves and asked after my well being and reassured me, time and again, that anything I needed would be provided.

And no one seemed to mind that I couldn’t make my voice work.

Everly assured me it wasn’t physical. Yes, I’d been strangled at some point but my wolf healing had corrected that after a few days. It was a mental block of some sort, something none of us understood, but even if I wanted to talk, I just couldn’t.

But even though I communicated non-verbally and with the small pad of paper I carried around all the time now, no one seemed upset or frustrated with me. Everyone displayed infinite patience, even though it took time for conversations. Much longer than if I could just make my damn voice work.

I had all the evidence before me that this was a kind and caring pack. Not a single wolf sported bruises, everyone was well fed, and projected an air of happy. There was no oppressive weight of fear bearing down, suffocating and constricting. But even though it seemed clear this was actually a good pack—I’d heard they existed—I still couldn’t quite believe it. I was still stuck in fight or flight. Mostly flight. I wasn’t any kind of fighter.

That had been beaten out of me long ago.

Killian appeared in the doorway, as he did, but this time I’d heard him coming. I was pretty sure it was on purpose, because of course he hadn’t missed the way I reacted to him. He gave me a smile and stayed on the other side of the room, making sure there was plenty of distance between us like he always did. At first, I’d thought that it was because he couldn’t stand to be near me, but now I wondered if that was something else.

“Hi.”

I waved.

“You doing all right?”

I nodded and involuntarily hunched down a little, burrowing a little tighter into the fuzzy blanket I currently had wrapped around me. It was safe and warm. But I also readjusted it so that I could get my feet free in an instant if I needed to.

That, too, was not missed by Killian.

“You up for a little conversation?”

I shrugged one shoulder, eyeing him warily as he sauntered into the room. He kept his movements slow and easy, telegraphing his intent to sit on the other end of the huge sectional couch. There was still plenty of space between us so I didn’t feel crowded.

Once he was settled, never taking his gaze off me, he let out a tiny sigh, then rubbed a hand over his face. I studied him, trying to parse out his emotions. Usually, I was a good judge at reading the room and being able to adjust my own reactions accordingly. It was harder with Killian because I wanted to trust him and his intent, but I knew better.

“I’m going to start by saying,” he began, his voice gentle, “that you have a place here no matter what, okay? We’re here to help you and keep you safe. We want you well and healthy and whole. I swear to the goddess.”

I eyed him, still wary, but otherwise didn’t react.

“You were in quite a state when we found you at the edge of our territory. Malnourished and horribly abused. It was touch and go there for a bit. Elliott, what were you running from?”

I opened my mouth, then closed it again. I pulled the blanket tighter around my shoulders and slid my feet out from under me.

“Right,” Killian muttered to himself. “Okay, lets try this again. Were you running from your old pack?”

I nodded, slowly and just once, wide eyes never leaving the alpha.

“Did you alpha know this was going on?”

This time my nod was tiny.

The rage that filled Killian’s expression was terrifying, and his voice was guttural when he asked, “Did he do this?”

I started to shake, but at the same time was frozen, unable to move. Suddenly Killian was there, kneeling in front of me, and the only reason I didn’t make a noise was because I knew better. But unlike my previous experiences, Killian didn’t raise a hand or get in my face or scream and yell.

“Elliott, you need to breathe.” His voice was so gentle, so caring, and that was somehow even scarier than if he’d yelled. I knew what to do when someone was yelling. But this what uncharted territory. “Come on, breathe. You’re okay. You’re safe. I swear to you. Breathe.”

Killian suddenly blew in my face, and I involuntarily gasped. Only when it started to recede did I realize the edges of my vision had been going dark. I sucked in another breath, and Killian smiled.

“That’s better. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you. My anger was in no way directed at you. I’ll be more careful. But the thought of an alpha abusing their power just because they can makes me rage. Will you tell me who they are so I can take care of it?”

Panic welled up, but this time in fear for Killian’s safety. I didn’t understand the reaction, but I threw out a hand and gripped his forearm, desperate for him not to move, to not go after the alpha who had abused us so.

Killian went still under my touch, then slowly and carefully, set his hand over mine. He squeezed gently, and though I felt all his strength, I knew I could pull away at any moment and he would let me.

“Okay. Okay. We’ll work on that. Let’s just sit here and breathe, okay?”

I nodded, unconsciously matching my breaths to his. And it wasn’t until quite a while later, when I was once again alone, that I realized I’d been more scared for Killian than of him. And that I touched him, and he me, and nothing bad had happened. There was something about the alpha that called to me, made me feel safe.

My head still didn’t trust it. But my heart was another matter.

Flash Fic Friday

Flash Fic Friday

Kristbethke

**After a few week break, we’re back at it. For those interested, the new job is going well! I don’t dread going to work every day. There’s some usual office politics, but for the most part, the work is good, the people are good, and my team lead is of the mindset that humans make mistakes and there aren’t any mistakes that can’t be fixed. It’s refreshing. For the first time in the better part of two decades, I don’t mind my job! But now that I’m settled in and finding a new normal, here’s some story for you. Probably a multiple parter again. Content warning for mentions of abuse. Enjoy!**

Run. RUN. RUN!!

I had to keep moving. I couldn’t stop. If I stopped, they would catch me and that would mean my death. Exhaustion swamped through me, my legs giving out. I had no idea how long or how far I’d run. It didn’t matter. It wasn’t far enough. I pushed myself to my paws and kept moving.

Each step felt like a mile, my body giving out. Every time I stumbled, I got up again, but it took longer and long to find my feet. To get my body to move. My fur was matted with sweat and muck, my paw pads scraped and bruised. Everything hurt. My muscles cramped and seized, too long without nutrition.

I collapsed and I knew, this time, I wasn’t getting up again. My last thought, as the darkness came for me, was at least I’d be dead by the time they found me.

<><><><> 

Low murmurs penetrated the fog in my head, bringing me back to awareness. I couldn’t make out the words, or even who was speaking, but it was the first thing I noticed. The second was the soft sheets and comfortable bed. I couldn’t seem to move my body, and sleep threatened to take me under again. So I just breathed and tried to figure out what was going on.

“There you are,” a melodic voice coaxed gently. “Take your time. You’ve been out of it for two days. We’ve been doing our best to help, but recovery is hard work.”

“Everly, step back. We don’t know—”

“He’s fine.” That melodic voice came closer instead of moving away as the harsher voice instructed. “Aren’t you? You’re not going to hurt anyone. I know it.”

I wasn’t. I would never. That was part of the reason I’d ended up in this situation to begin with. Not that I knew what was going on now. Just that this voice was not one I recognized, and it was actually speaking to me with kindness. Gentleness. That wasn’t something I’d had in a very long time.

I manage to get one eye open, but immediately slammed my lid closed again, the bright light stabbing straight through to my retina. I bit back the whimper that wanted to escaped. I’d learned very young that making distressed noises were a good way to get hit.

“Killian, dim the lights please,” Everly commanded sweetly, and even though my eyes were closed, I could tell when it was done. It took me another minute or so before I could pry first one, then the other, eye open.

My body still wasn’t cooperating, and the fact that I couldn’t move made me panic. My breathing sawed in and out as I desperately tried to get my limbs to work. If I couldn’t move, then I couldn’t protect myself. Not that I was that good at it, but it was better than getting beaten without fighting back.

“Hey, hey. You’re okay.” Everly was suddenly in my line of view, her pink hair a curly fluff around her face. Her eyes were warm and concerned, and while she kept her distance, she didn’t seem afraid. I focused on her face, willing myself to calm. If I could do that, then I could figure out how to get free.

Everly smiled, showing off white teeth and one canine that was a little pointier than the rest. “I promise. You’re okay and we aren’t going to hurt you. I won’t let anyone hurt you. Not after I did so much to patch you up. You were in a right state, do you know that?”

I didn’t answer her. I couldn’t. It was better to stay quiet, to not speak, so my words couldn’t be used against me in the future. I’d learned that lesson young as well. Everly didn’t seem to mind, though, as she kept talking.

“We found you two days ago.” She paused and looked at her watch. “Almost three days now. You were near death, so we brought you immediately back. Can you tell us what happened to you?”

I didn’t move. Didn’t speak. Barely even blinked. After a long few minutes of silence, Everly smiled, but this time it was sad. “Well, it doesn’t matter. Not right now anyway. You’re safe now and we’ll get you feeling all better. I’m going to pop down to the kitchen and get you some broth to sip on now that you’re awake.”

She stood and panic ripped through me at the thought of her leaving. She was the first person who treated me with any kindness in years and even thought I didn’t trust the motivation behind it—conditioning was a powerful thing—I thought I was safer with her around. If she left, there was no telling what would happen.

“It’s all right.” Everly soothed, and even went so far as to smooth some of my hair back from my forehead. I flinched when she reached for me, but she wasn’t deterred. The touch felt nice. I didn’t trust it, but I craved it. I was so starved for touch. “I’ll be right back, I promise. And Killian is going to stay right here and watch over you until I return. Be nice, Kill.”

With that, she left and I turned my head to watch her leave. The panic hadn’t subsided despite her words and in only increased when the big man who must be Killian came closer. But he didn’t yell or hit or hurt. He sat in the chair Everly vacated and offered me a smile.

“I’m Killian, the alpha of this pack. I swear to the goddess, I will protect you now that you’re here.”

There was power in the words. The vow. I felt it deep in my bones, and for the first time in more than a decade I relaxed. Just a tiny bit, just enough to unclench. But I still eyed the alpha warily. He was pretty, there was no doubt about that. With dark hair and dark eyes, and cheekbones sharp enough to cut glass. But I didn’t let that show. I knew better.

“I don’t recognize you, so that means you aren’t from a local pack. Which means you had to come from a distance.” He squinted at me, assessing. “Just how far did you travel to make it to my territory?”

I opened my mouth to tell him I didn’t know, but nothing came out. It was as though my voice was trapped, because even though I wanted to answer him—he was the alpha after all—it didn’t work. I couldn’t speak. I lifted my hands and held them far apart.

“A long way, huh?” Killian relaxed back into the chair, his gaze never leaving me, seemingly unconcerned by the way the chair creaked. “What’s your name?”

I managed a squeak that time, but nothing else. Had I suffered some kind of damage to my throat or vocal chords? I didn’t think so, but I couldn’t remember all that had happened before I escaped. That was probably a good thing. All I knew in that moment though was that my voice didn’t work, and if I couldn’t answer a direct question from the alpha, I was in for a world of hurt.

Before I could hunch in on myself, the alpha’s expression softened. “Do you think you could write it down for me?”

I nodded, because he seemed understanding. He stood and turned, striding across the room, but a moment later he was back with pen and a small pad of paper. I took them when he handed them over, and my hand shook as I tried to hold the pen. I snuck a glance at the alpha, but he didn’t seem upset at my slowness. Even still, I wrote, the letters a little wobbly. It had been a long time since I’d written this name, and longer still since someone had used it. But I gave him the nae I’d been before I was five, the last time anyone had treated me with anything but ill intent.

The alpha peered at the paper when I turned it, then he smiled again. “Elliott. Welcome to the pack. We’ll take care of you.”

I didn’t believe it, but I nodded anyway and then closed my eyes. Once I had my strength back, I could run again.

A life alone was no life for a wolf shifter. But it was better than abuse. And I was never going to be in that position again.

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Get Your Updates

Kristbethke

First week of the new job is done!

Overall, it’s going great. Most everyone I’ve met is really nice, and my “immediate” coworkers are really lovely. There are four of us in a smaller office within the department and it seems like we all fit together pretty well. The atmosphere in the office seems pretty normal. By that, I mean, you know there’s always going to be office politics and small issues whenever you have a large group of people together for an extended period of time, but nothing out of the norm.

The only sticking point was the department manager. I didn’t meet him at my interview because he was away that day, but I did have an inside scoop as to how he was. My work bestie from my previous job, who abandoned me there to move on, works for the practice (which is how I knew about the job in the first place) and she told me things, so I was prepared for him. But there were red flags immediately upon meeting him. Ten minutes in to my first day, sitting in his office, I get that creeping uncomfortable feeling as he shares things he shouldn’t be saying to a brand new employee. Among other things, he was speaking badly about other employees. I chalked it up to his personality, and though I was uncomfortable, I reminded myself it was just one person, not the company as a whole. The company picnic was this past Friday, and he flat out told me that it was mandatory (which I couldn’t imagine to be the case, let alone for a new employee of four days) and when I asked to be excused, given the circumstances, he agreed but told me I would have to attend in the future. When we had a meeting, he spoke over me and others, and ultimately agreed with what I was saying…but not before it had been repeated by his right hand person.

Because of the inside intel I had, I knew that he was a recurring problem. There had been rumors that things were being documented for possible action. But I’m not going to lie, given my previous experience for pretty much my entire working career, I didn’t expect anything to be done about it. I consoled myself with the thought that not only were the majority of coworkers good people and that the practice as a whole seemed like a good place to work, but that my team lead actually has been working for the practice the longest of everybody there, including the doctors, and she had our backs. She repeatedly told us she would run interference and give support.

So imagine my surprise when I arrived at work on Friday morning to be told that problematic manager had been let go the previous evening. And that his right hand person had quit in protest. The department was already understaffed, largely due to people quitting as a direct result of problematic manager (which, it was implied, was a major reason for his dismissal) and now we’re severely understaffed. But both the CEO and HR rep were supportive, understanding, and cared about how we all were feeling and reacting to the news.

It’s that last part that solidified that I made the right choice with my new employment. I’m still slightly skeptical, as conditioning as made me such, but it’s a major green flag for the practice. Things are going to be bumpy for a while as they hire new people, both for regular roles and managerial ones, but I feel good about how it will all shake out.

All that is to say it’s been a rather eventful week! The biggest bonus is that while of course I’d love to be able to stay home and write full time instead of going to a day job, I don’t dread going into work every day like I have for the past…many years.

In writing news, a new serial will start on here soon, I’m hoping upcoming Friday. Expect more shifters, because that’s my love, and I have many ideas to explore there.

As Luck Would Have It is out in the world and people really seem to like it, which makes me so incredibly happy because I adore Kyle and Xavier so. Kyle is a hit, as I knew he would be, and I’ve gotten some positive feedback on Xavier’s T1 diabetes rep, which warms my heart as I worked hard to make that as accurate as possible.

As far as my next release, expect a holiday story in December. I haven’t quite got my brain around the story yet, as I had one idea I started writing but hit a major wall, but I have some other ideas as well. Don’t worry though, there will definitely be a holiday story, because holiday stories are one of my favorite things and I always want to write one. I just have to figure out if it’s going to be another Landry’s Fall book or something else entirely. Anyone have any thoughts?

Flash Fic Friday, Serial

Flash Fic Friday

Kristbethke

**On my last Friday of vacation, let’s have the conclusion of Jace and Ian’s story. New job starts on Monday and I’m making no promises about new flashes/serial. While I will try to get something done, it’s going to involve getting into a new rhythm so bear with me. In the meantime, enjoy!**

I was sort of astounded at the amount of goats Ian owned. Hundreds of them. All separated into smaller herds and held in different paddocks on his massive amount of acres. Mack had taken me on a tour because I asked, all to happy to show off. He’d worked here since he was a teen and even though the goats didn’t like it when he shifted, they loved him as a human. Every paddock we entered, the goats came running for pets and, apparently, the treats he usually had with him.

I’d taken a chance and shown up at Ian’s even knowing he might not be home. Though the goats on the land adjacent to mine and done their job and had been brought back home, he had several other contracts at the moment and Ian made it a point to try and check in on his goats every day.

He was a protection dog, and though he trusted the actual dogs who stayed with the herds, he felt better when he had eyes on them himself. I would be lying if I said that mile-wide protective streak wasn’t one of the things I liked about him best. He was tall and handsome, unfailingly kind and had a huge heart. All of that endeared him to me. But that protectiveness was something I valued as well. It got my blood humming and my heart singing.

I’d be in trouble once Ian figured that out.

We’d been dating for a few weeks by now. Ian liked to take me out, but we often ended up in my bed at the end of the night. We talked for hours, and Ian was as good a listener as he was a sharer. But more often than not, when we made it back to my house, the kiss on the porch didn’t end until we were naked, sweaty, and mutually satisfied. Then he’d curl around me, keeping me close as we fell asleep. If I managed to wiggle free in the night, he’d chase me over the bed until he had me snugged up against him again.

I loved it. Ian knew it. And I wanted more.

Ian knew that too.

I’d been out to the farm once before, but hadn’t gotten a real look at the place. It wasn’t because Ian was keeping anything from me. The schedules just hadn’t lined up. But today I had an unexpected afternoon free, so I took a chance and showed up. Ian wasn’t around, but he’d be back soon, and I wouldn’t put it past Mack to send his boss a message that his boyfriend had shown up. Ian wouldn’t shirk his duties to come back, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he hurried things along.

We were in one of the far pastures when the dogs—all three of them, there were always three with each sub-herd—suddenly stood, attention off in the distance. I knew what that meant, and turned to look where they were, to see a huge white blur speeding toward us. My heart pounded and the smile that bloomed across my face made my cheeks ache.

Mack mumbled something and walked away, but I barely noticed or cared. Ian was here and that had my entire focus.

He shifted as soon as he skidded to a stop in front of me. His gaze never left mine as he stood, and he gave the dogs a quick command that had them running off after the herd that had meandered away. I gave Ian a once over, my smile turning to a leer. He preened, which made me laugh.

“Hey there, sweetheart. Whatcha doin’ here?”

“Wanted to see the place.” I tried for non-chalant and failed. “Wanted to see you?”

Ian’s soft smile made my heart melt, and he grabbed me, pulling me in and kissed me util I couldn’t breathe. It took a few minutes, and I was more than happy to allow it. When I finally had to pull back, Ian rested his forehead against mine.

“Wanna run with me?” He murmured.

“Oh, I, uh…” I took a breath. “I don’t want to scare the goats.”

Ian chuckled, a soft sound. “They’re goats, honey. Scared, curious troublemakers is kind of their default. Besides, they need to get used to you. They’re never going to be comfortable, but they at least won’t be as wary.”

It took a second for his words, and their implication, to sink in. Ian wanted me around for a long time, and therefore, his herd would need to get used to my scent. I practically melted into a puddle, because it was too fast, too soon, but my heart didn’t care. I wanted that too. We might have met under strange circumstances, and our first few days might have been a whirlwind of weirdness, but it was clear we were compatible. Every moment we spent together was proof of that.

“If you’re sure?”

“I’ll keep you, and them, safe.”

I knew he would.

I stripped fast, leaving my clothes on the back of the ATV Mack had driven us out here in. The man himself was nowhere to be seen but I hoped if he took this back to the house, at least I’d have my clothes. And if he didn’t, at least they wouldn’t be laying in the dirt. And maybe the goats wouldn’t eat them.

I crouched and shifted, my transformation not as quick as Ian’s. I was slightly taller, but he was much more muscled. All in all, we were roughly the same size and I loved that. Ian didn’t waste any time scenting me all over, leaving his mark, and I let him. When he was done, I returned the favor.

Then he gave one big booming bark and took off. It took me a split second, but I was right behind him. We ran over his fields, jumping fences, chasing each other, tagging and pouncing. I hadn’t played like that since I was a pup, and my heart soared with the sheer freeness of it. Eventually, he herded me back toward the house where the ATV now sat by the porch but when I veered toward it for my clothes, Ian blocked my path.

He shifted. I followed suit. He was breathing hard, but his pupils were dilated and he licked his lips. He grabbed me and tossed me over his shoulder, and I laughed.

“You won’t be needing those.”

He carried me into the house, and I couldn’t stop laughing, because I hadn’t felt that carefree and cared for in a long time. I knew, with startling clarity, that this was one the beginning of a long life for us.

Flash Fic Friday, Serial

Flash Fic Friday

Kristbethke

**It’s been a bit but let’s see what our protection dog is doing! One more after this. Enjoy!**

“You could come inside, you know? You don’t have to spend the night on the back porch..”

The big white head turned to me, and I didn’t know if it was something all dogs did, or if it was because Ian was a shifter, but he gave me an epic side eye. I had to stifle my amusement because I did actually feel bad about him staying out there.

Three days. Or nights, I should say. Three nights of a Ian taking up residency on my porch, not moving, keeping watch. Mack had said that the trail Davy—and it was Davy because I’d shifted and scented it out—had left wasn’t old, with multiple trails overlapping. I wasn’t nearly as good a tracker as the bear shifter was, so while I could tell he’d been there several times, I had no idea how old they were.

Ian wanted to know why I hadn’t scented it before. Truth was I hadn’t looked for it, and hardly ever shifted when I was at home. My sense of smell as a human was crap. Not as terrible as a regular human, but nowhere near someone who’d practiced the ability. I shifted with my pack, when we ran, and that was about it. I didn’t have a reason to do it at home. And I was a mid-pack wolf, so my abilities mirrored that. I was no one special and that’s how I liked it.

For some reason, Ian had looked angry when I mentioned that, and every night for the past three days, he’d shown up at my house, shifted, and taken up residency. I’d put out a big fluffy pillow to make him more comfortable, but he remained sitting and alert. I didn’t know when, or if, he actually slept. Considering he was dealing with his goat farm during the day, or the herd on the adjacent land, and then spending his nights with me.

I narrowed my eyes at the back of his big head and opened my mouth to ask when he suddenly went completely alert. Up on all fours, his body rigid. I expected that huge booming bark, the warning sound I’d heard from his actual dogs, but it never came. He just took off, paws pounding the ground, and pounced halfway across the yard. I took off after him to see what he’d caught.

When I was closer, I heard the weird chirping of a stoat. That was the only way I could think to describe the sound.  I’d know it anywhere, the amount of times I’d been around Davy’s caravan when they shifted. They’d never really liked me, predator that I was, so it was familiar. And even though one of Ian’s paws kept the stoat pinned, it was wiggling madly and chirping like crazy.  

The stoat started shifting when it was clear he couldn’t get away from Ian. Ian remained as he was though, on high alert and ready to pounce. I realized it was, in fact, Davy about halfway through the shift and the petty part of me wanted Ian to scare Davy enough that he’d pee himself or something equally as embarrassing.

“What the hell, Davy?” I hissed, anger making my tone sharp.

Davy hunched over, hands over his naked crouch, and let out a squeak when Ian gave a warning growl. I didn’t think the little weasel was going to run now that he’d been caught, but I was secretly a little pleased Ian was keeping him in check.

“I was just looking out for you.” Davy’s voice had always been on the higher pitched side, but he was downright soprano right now. He really was scared. I didn’t know Ian well enough to say for sure that he wouldn’t attack, but I didn’t think so. Davy, clearly, wasn’t convinced.

“We’ve been done for a long time now,” I responded with patience I didn’t feel. “There’s no reason for you to be sneaking around my house and I certainly don’t need looking after.”

“Not even if the goats came into your yard?”

I narrowed my gaze. He seemed so confused, as though that made perfect sense to him when it actually didn’t make any sense at all. It took me a second to put the pieces together, because I had to put myself in his brain. Sometimes he was really dumb.

“Did you…” I had to take breathe to get the incredulity out of my tone. “Did you think that if the goats swarmed my yard I’d call you for help?”

Davy nodded so earnestly I couldn’t help the eyeroll.

Ian took a menacing step forward, his posture threatening. Davy yelped and retreated a few steps. I took a chance and placed my hand on Ian’s head. Ian relaxed, just a fraction, but he maneuvered until he was between me and Davy. Not that Davy was a threat. At all. But a warmth spread in my stomach at Ian’s actions.

“Why would I ever call you for a goat problem?” I didn’t both to try to check the disbelief this time. “If Ian hadn’t shown up himself, I would have figured out who owned the goats and called them for help.”

Davy’s mouth dropped open, staring at me with open surprise. After a minute or so, where I let him work things out, he snapped his jaw closed. “Yeah, that, um, actually makes sense.”

I sighed and then rolled my eyes. “We’re done, Davy. We’ve been done. Just stop, okay? We aren’t getting back together. I’m not going to take you back and you need to stop coming around. If I catch you again, I’m reporting you to the Council and having you sanctioned for stalking and harassment. You got me?”

He wanted to argue. I could see it all over his face. But then his gaze dropped to Ian, he took another small step back, and then looked at me again. His shoulders slumped. “Yeah. Okay. Fine.”

Davy dropped to his knees and I knew he was going to shift back. But just before he started, I remembered something. “Wait. How’d you cut the fence and not leave your scent?”

Davy waved that away, crouching low. “Oh I had Rob do that.”

And before I could say anything else, he shifted and scampered away. From the tension in Ian’s body, I knew he wanted to chase, but he stayed by my side and we watched until the little stoat body was gone from sight. I sighed, and Ian huffed a breath. A moment later, he shifted to human.

“What a tool,” Ian ground out, his voice rough from the shift.

“Yeah.” I sighed again. “Come on inside, would you?”

Ian nodded and rose. I purposely kept my gaze pinned to his face so as not to take in any of his glorious body. Now was not the time to perv on his beautiful form. Maybe later, but not now.

“Who’s this Rob he mentioned?”

“Red fox shifter.”

Ian nodded, and I got the impression he was thinking what I was. Foxes were stealthy as hell, and some of them could mask their scents completely. I didn’t know Rob was one who could, but clearly he had, considering the lack of scent at the fence.

As we walked toward the back door, I glanced sideways and ogled Ian’s shoulders, because they were just that magnificent. He caught me looking and gave me a smirk.

“So, I, uh, I bet you’ll be glad to sleep in a real bed tonight huh?”

Ian’s smirk grew. “Yours?”

I flushed hot, blood rushing at the implication. I wanted to say yes, because he was beautiful and kind, and I really liked his protective streak. But I didn’t want him to think that I was only doing it because he’d helped me. More than that, I didn’t want him, or me, to think that sex between us was some sort of payment for services rendered.

“Not tonight.” I laughed when he gave an exaggerated pout. “I’m not that easy. You need to wine and dine me first.”

Ian’s smile was radiant and my breath caught. He leaned it close just as we reached the porch. “I can do that.”