SEx – Silver Expressions

Human Nature is one of those stories that characterises much of what passes for my writing `process`.  First off, it started with a single image flashing into my head. You know the ones, the kind that have you asking so many questions — who? where? why? — before you know it there’s a whole story fleshed out in front of you.

I’d just read this news story about grey wolves coming off the endangered species list — and therefore becoming `fair` game for hunters again — when the imaged popped into my head of a wounded wolf lying in front of a roaring fire, and another then-undefined character speaking to it in a way that suggested it wasn’t just any ordinary wolf. Thus, Dominic and Gage were born. *g*

The second thing that classes Human Nature as a typical example of how I write, is the way it managed to morph on me the second Randall was introduced. You probably know this kind of character too, the one who’s only meant to be secondary, but somehow ends up being integral to the plot.. Randall was never meant to be more than Gage’s assistant, but as you can already guess from the cover *g* he ended up being way more than that.

And let me tell you, I love it when a story just comes together that way!

Okay, enough rambling. Here’s the blurb, and a snippet of that scene that started it all off!

—

Left for dead by hunters, werewolf Dominic finds refuge at the isolated home of reclusive demon Gage and his human servant Randall. Healing from the attack, physically and mentally, Dominic has no choice but to rely on his grudging host and his enigmatic assistant.

Hidden away from humans for decades, the last thing Gage wants is a werewolf bringing trouble to his doorstep. Keeping Randall at arm’s length is problematic enough, but allowing Dominic to stay seems like the safest option–at least until Gage finds himself drawn to Dominic as much as he is to Randall.

Randall has his own reasons for driving Dominic into Gage’s arms. It’s only a matter of time until Gage discovers the secrets Randall’s been keeping–secrets that will surely destroy their fragile, undefined relationship. Still, the pull of the powerful desire that binds them all leaves him wishing there was a way to keep them both.

But as the outside world encroaches on Gage’s sanctuary, all those secrets are about to collide, unleashing a dangerous tide of betrayal, deception and love, and all three men will have to re-evaluate their priorities, their relationships, and who–or what–they are.

—

Contrary to his assistant’s belief, Gage was sorry. While he’d never grown attached to the fodder that filled out the ranks, Randall saw things differently. Randall saw them as people, as comrades. It was a strange human trait. In the past, Gage had offered to take care of the disposal himself, should any of the staff see or hear more than they ought. Randall had refused, claiming he preferred to deal with it alone, and Gage supposed it was the least he could do, to allow Randall that small indulgence.

He crossed the room, uncapping the top of a crystal decanter on the dark mahogany side table, and taking a sniff. Whiskey. Not his favored taste, but given the circumstances he couldn’t be choosy.

Taking a sip, he watched the creature by the fire. The wolf’s coat looked to be a dirty gray or brown, although it was difficult to tell with all the blood. It was losing its potency as it dried, and Gage frowned; not all this blood belonged to the animal. He could only
see two obvious wounds, and they were already beginning to heal to the point where they no longer bled.

“You’re quite welcome to change now, should you see fit,” he said mildly. “You have my assurance it won’t disturb me in the slightest should you do so. I’ve seen worse.”

Even the shivering stopped then. Gage wondered if the creature had breathed its last, until the tiniest increment of movement betrayed the life still left in it.

“Very well.” He shrugged. “I’m sure you’re aware that your pack-mates are dead. My men will be rather curious as to why you survived the ordeal when your pack did not.” Well, they wouldn’t be curious for long. Randall was nothing if not efficient. “I have no interest in you. But I would like you to make yourself at home until you decide to inform me why hunters would be after your kind on my land.”

He set the glass down, walking over to stoke up the fire, keeping it warm and blazing. The wolf didn’t even flinch at his proximity. “I should kill you now.” He held up the finely tooled and polished titanium poker, turning it over in his grasp. “However, answers are far more valuable to me than your pitiful hide.”

At first, he thought the gleaming amber was the reflection of the fire on wet fur. But the animal’s eyes were cracked open, staring at him, a dull pained gold.

“So you are alive.” Gage replaced the poker in its stand, getting to his feet. “Rest. You may as well. You aren’t going anywhere.” He considered locking the door as he left, but decided against it. Even if he tried, the creature wasn’t going to get very far.

Not until he got the answers he sought.

—

Thanks for reading, and you can pick up a copy of Human Nature here!