A trio of tail tales, my new shifter stories will be released soon, from Red Rose Publishing.  And since I’m going to be really busy this coming month with NaNoWriMo, I thought I would share an excerpt.

Shifter Born

[Excerpt Rated PG]

The movie was just okay, pizza with the other couple was fun and finally, they ended up alone in his car. They made out for a few minutes and then, he pulled back. His face, in the moonlight, was troubled.
“What’s the matter, Roger?”
“You know, I really like you and I’m really happy you’re with me. Right?”
“Yeah… and what are you getting at?”
“Saph, I get the feeling you’re not really here. That you’re really tense and worried and… I dunno… Maybe I’m doing something wrong.”
She sat back in her seat and looked away for a moment. “I’m sorry. I know I should relax and try to be sexier, but I just don’t feel it.”
“Is it me? My looks… Or am I doing something you don’t like?”
“I don’t know. I enjoy your company but I just don’t feel comfortable for some reason. I’m sorry. Maybe you should find another date for the prom.” As soon as she said it, she knew he was both hurt and pissed.
“Yeah. You’re right. Maybe I should.” He started the engine and drove to a nearby convenience store.
“Why are we stopping here? You want a drink?”
“No. I’m fine. Just fucking fine. My girlfriend just dumped me two weeks before the prom and I’m just fucking fine. Get out.” He hadn’t raised his voice, but the tone scared her.
“Hey! We’re five miles from my place. Just take me home and we can talk about it tomorrow.”
“No need for any more talking. You’ve been teasing me for the last month and I’ve had enough. Just get the fuck out of the car. You got a phone. Call your mom. I’m heading back to town.”
She was close to tears. “Come on, Roger. I know you’re mad, but this is the middle of nowhere. It’s not the best place for a girl to be alone at eleven at night.”
He got out, came around to her side, and opened the door. “Get the fuck out, now!”
She stood up beside the door and placed a hand on his shoulder. “Please don’t do this.”
He grabbed her hand and yanked her out of the way, and slammed the door.
“Ouch! What the hell was that for?” Suddenly, she wasn’t as hurt as she was angry.
He swung around and slapped her face, his arm returning for a backhand when she stepped aside, grabbed his wrist and yanked. Roger stumbled forward, banged his chin on the roof of the car and her elbow caught him hard in the rib cage. With a yelp, he stumbled away from her.
“You fucking bitch!”
Stepping away from the car, she balanced herself just as he reached out again. She slapped his hand aside and his face took on a mask of pure fury. He rushed in, punching at her face and she spun his attack aside, snapping a kick to the side of his knee as he passed. He yelled and tumbled over the rough gravel. When he got back up, his face was bloody, the shoulder of his shirt was torn and he was limping. Muttering obscenities, and without waiting for another round, he stumbled around the car, got in, hit the door locks and almost ran over her toes backing away.
She watched him peel out, scattering gravel. Then she heard someone clapping softly behind her.