MLR Press author and QSFer Pelaam has a new paranormal book out:
Conner is a hard working farmer with a generous heart and a lonely existence. When a couple of his much needed milk cows go missing he tries to find them. Instead he finds that some legends are truths. Faoladh, werewolves, exist, and a good deed done a couple of years earlier to an injured young wolf leads to changes in his life he could never have imagined.
Delighted to have such a beautiful mate as Ciaran at his side, Conner feels his life is complete. But another man’s greed threatens to destroy Conner and Ciaran’s happiness.
Excerpt
Moving carefully through the forest, Conner hesitated, listening intently. He was sure he’d heard a sound. A soft, pained, whining sound. He wasn’t far from the trap he’d set to catch a rabbit, but this sound came from something much bigger than a rabbit. He hefted his weapon, a stout blackthorn stick, and crept forward.
From behind a thick bush, Conner carefully parted some branches and peered into the clearing ahead. His trap was in sight, a rabbit in it, but it was the young, black wolf lying nearby that made the pained noises.
The wolf raised its head and struggled to lick at its side where its fur was matted. Conner guessed the poor beast had hurt itself in some way. Easing the branches back into place so as not to startle the animal, Conner carefully made his way into the clearing.
He crooned softly as he approached the injured beast, hoping it wouldn’t run away. However, it remained lying where it was, watching him. As Conner neared, he still couldn’t see the cause of the wolf’s problem, but the young beast was clearly in a great deal of pain.
Keeping a tight grip on his stick, he crouched by the wolf. The beast’s head lolled to the side so it could look at him, but the creature didn’t growl or try to bite him. Conner deemed the wolf to be a young male. Crooning a lullaby, he ran his hand gently over the area the wolf had licked, and parted the lush, dark fur.
A soft exclamation escaped him when he saw the cause of the wolf’s distress. A wooden barb was buried in its side. Conner winced. The wolf must be in agony, and yet bore his touches.
“The barb has to come out, boy. As gentle as you’ve been, I can’t trust you not to bite me.” Conner murmured quietly as he drew some twine from his spliuchan. He was pleased he’d worn the pouch. It held many small but useful items.
Tying the twine carefully around the wolf’s jaw, Conner smiled at the beast licked his hand and remained docile as the twine was tightened enough to keep that dangerous maw closed.
Taking a small knife from his spliuchan, Conner cut the barb from the wolf’s side. The beast shuddered and whined, but made no attempt to stop Conner or try to escape. Conner was certain the beast had almost given up the will to live because of the pain.
Once the barb was out, he cleaned the wound as best he could with a torn piece of his jerkin and the water he carried. He cut the twine from the wolf’s jaw and offered the beast some of his water which it lapped from his hand.
Although it hadn’t been his intention to stay out overnight, he was loathe to leave the wolf while it was so weak and helpless. Looking around, Conner decided the clearing was sheltered enough to spend the night. He left the wolf while he gathered wood for a fire, then lit it with his tinder box. He was close to one of his snares and Conner made sure the fire was safe before hurrying to check his trap.
The trap held a good-sized rabbit. Conner took his prize back to his impromptu camp and skinned the rabbit. Once his pieces were being roasted, he took the rest to the wolf. The beast ate all he gave it without snatching and after another drink of water, closed its eyes.
Once his meat was cooked, Conner settled against the bough of a tall tree to eat. The sky darkened as twilight progressed toward night. Conner checked that the fire was out, then ambled away to take care of personal necessities.
Buy Links
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Author Bio
Living in New Zealand I’m a multi-published author of m/m romance and erotica. My preferred genres are paranormal, sci-fi, fantasy and steampunk. When not writing I can be found indulging in my other passions of cookery and wine appreciation.