Main Site: [Home][About Kate][Behind the Scenes][Blog (New Window)][Contest] [Email][Free Short Fiction][Kink of the Month Archives][Links][News] [Newsletter][Out of Print Titles] [Poll][Reviews][Upcoming Events][Videos] [Which Characters Share Your Sign?] Series Sites: [Alien Affairs][Ancient Blood][World of Blood and Soul][Horsemen] [Hot River & Yummy Love][Knights of the Ruby Order][World of Mate Marks] [Python Place][Rough, Tough and Tumble & Aspectians] [Series from the Silver Iris Galaxy] CARNAL 1 by Kate Hill Format(s): Ebook Heat Level: Erotic Pairing(s): M/M/F and M/F/M Genre/Themes: Vampire Length: Collection Publisher: Changeling Press Cover Art: Sahara Kelly ISBN: 978-1-60521-445-0 Purchase Links:Changeling Press / All Romance Ebooks / Fictionwise Related Books or Books Set in the Same Universe: Carnal 2 Blurb: Altah, Ruler of the Vampire Nation, must bond with her werewolf guardian to seal the pact between their races. The best warriors from each werewolf family do battle for the right to serve the woman who holds the greatest power in the world -- but no one, not even the Ruler of Vampires, can tame true alpha werewolves. This collection contains the previously released novellas Carnal Surrender, Carnal Indulgence, Carnal Obedience, and Carnal Discipline. The following excerpts from CARNAL 1 are for readers 18 and over. Carnal Surrender (m/f/m menage) 5 Ribbons! CARNAL SURRENDER will have you devouring pages until the very end. - Moon Tee, Romance Junkies Click here for more reviews of Carnal Surrender. Altah, Ruler of the Vampire Nation, has just risen to power and must bond with her Werewolf guardian to seal the pact between their races. The best warriors from each Werewolf family do battle for the right to serve the woman who holds the greatest power in the world. Two champions defeat all others and nearly kill each other for the chance to bond with Altah. To reward their fierce devotion, she agrees to an unprecedented union with two guardians. Fangs flashing, their massive chests heaving with the frenzy of battle, Kyros and Rex claim their reward. Their bodies entwined and hearts forever mated, the Vampire and Werewolves find pleasure beyond their dreams. To the rest of the world, Altah's word is law, but in the bedroom Kyros and Rex dominate. No one, not even the Ruler of Vampires, can tame true alpha Werewolves. Excerpt: The servant slid the dress down Altah's torso and over her curvy hips. She stepped away from the garment. While the servant picked up the dress and placed it over a cushioned chair, Altah removed her slip, bra, and underpants. Naked, she studied her reflection in the mirror. Tall and well-padded, she considered herself attractive. Slanted amber eyes and full lips gave her face an exotic look inherited from her father's bloodline. "Which nightgown would you like to wear tonight, My Lady?" "The silver one, please, Kyla," she replied. Kyla nodded and headed for the trunk at the foot of Altah's enormous bed covered in moss-green satin sheets and pillows. The Vampire Ruler's pulse leapt when she thought that tonight she would share that bed with two alpha Werewolves. She only hoped they hadn't injured each other so badly that their performance would suffer. Though she couldn't help feeling a hint of sorrow for the pain they had endured during the fights, she thrust such thoughts aside. They had chosen to accept the challenge insisted upon by their kind. It was Wolves who thought the binding ritual so important. When Rex and Kyros had been honored by being appointed her guardians, they'd rudely carried their personal vendettas into the palace walls. Such disrespect made them unworthy of her compassion. Before Kyla could open the trunk and retrieve the nightgown, the chamber door burst open. The servant screamed at the sight of Kyros and Rex, their blue eyes gleaming and fangs bared. They strode toward Altah and paused so close she felt heat emanating from their bodies and saw the sides of their strong necks pulsing to the staccato rhythm of their hearts. Still panting and from the physical and emotional strain of their fight, they defined Werewolves at their most savage. Their musky scent filled her with every breath. The wolfish pelts covering them from head to toe gleamed with blood and sweat, the muscles beneath well defined. Altah drew a sharp breath and resisted the urge to bury her hands in their furred chests, if only to satisfy her curiosity about how they felt in their wolf form. Her gaze met Kyros' and a slight smile touched his lips, as if he sensed her attraction and curiosity. The two soldiers who had been stationed outside Altah's door staggered inside. "We tried to stop them, My Lady," said one of the soldiers. He and his companion aimed their rifles at the Wolves, ready to fire at her signal. "Wait," Altah commanded, then fixed her attention on the Werewolves. "Why have you come here, unwashed and unclothed?" Their gazes swept her nude body. Kyla quickly opened the trunk, took the silver nightgown and turned to Altah, but Rex tore the garment from the servant's hand. "My Lady." Kyla looked frightened. "You may go, Kyla." "But--" A fierce look from the Vampire Ruler sent the young woman scurrying out of the chamber. "We have come to claim our reward," Kyros stated. "My Lady?" One of the soldiers asked. Both watched the Werewolves with a hint of fear. "Leave us," she ordered. They looked hesitant, so Altah repeated, "I said leave us. My guardians have arrived and your services are no longer required." With a final glance toward the Werewolves, the soldiers left the chamber. As soon as the door closed, Altah glared at Kyros and Rex. "Except for a life or death situation do not ever burst into my chamber like this again, especially covered in filth and--" "We're covered in filth because of you," Rex said, his deep voice laced with anger. He ripped the nightgown sill clutched in his claws and flung it aside. "You will be punished for this insult," Altah snapped. Werewolves' strength and reflexes far surpassed that of Vampires. Altah had no time to react before Kyros grasped her wrist and tugged her against him. His arms wrapped snugly around her torso and he held her close to his chest. The hot, damp pelt felt strangely sexy against her flesh. He spoke close to her ear, his voice deep as Rex's but his phrasing shockingly cultured. "Have we not endured enough for your sake, My Lady? We deserve repayment for shed blood and ravaged flesh. I swear to you rewarding us will not be unpleasant." "And I swear that unless you get your claws off of me, I will wear your balls on a bracelet," she snarled. When Kyros' hold tightened the slightest bit, she turned her head and sank her fangs into his hand. Grunting, he shook her slightly. "I'm surprised the lady soiled her fangs on your dirty flesh." Rex chuckled. He grasped her ankles and she kicked hard, yet he didn't release her. The Wolves carried her, twisting and snarling, toward the bed. "No! Don't ruin the sheets!" Altah shouted. "Take me in the bath. Through that door." The men paused and held each other's gaze. From her position, she couldn't see Kyros' face, but Rex tilted his head to one side, his expression thoughtful. "We'll fuck her in the bath," Rex said. Altah's heart pounded wildly. In spite of her fury she couldn't control the thrills coursing through her at the thought of being claimed by these primal Wolves. "Fuck me, you Wolf-swine?" Altah raged. "You don't fuck the Ruler of the Vampire Nation. You make love, if you're lucky!" She felt Kyros chest rumble with laughter and Rex grinned savagely. "One look in your eyes, My Lady, and it's obvious you don't want a man to make love with you," Rex said. His azure eyes shone like jewels against sleek black fur and long black hair. She wondered what he looked like in his human form, with smooth skin and claws withdrawn. And Kyros, how would he appear when the beast in him subsided? She could hardly wait to see. "Any Wolf worth his teeth fucks. He fucks long and hard. He fucks until his woman screams from the pleasure," Kyros said, the crude language a contrast to his beautiful speaking voice. His words tightened her belly, made her clit ache and her nipples tighten. They carried her through the door. A large square pool of heated water filled the center of the room. Moonlight shone through enormous oval windows and light from many candles placed at the corners of the bath glimmered on the water. Near the pool were baskets filled with towels and containers of perfumed soap and oils. Rex released her feet and Kyros swung her fully into his arms so that she was forced to hold his neck. For a moment their gazes locked and she noted his eyes were a bit larger and lighter blue than Rex's. Fringed with thick platinum lashes, they blinked slowly, seductively. She'd been with these men only a few moments, but already she was starting to know them. Rex was all fire and raw emotion. He would willingly sacrifice his life for something he believed in. She guessed by his speech he had come from poor kin, but had worked his way up as a warrior. Kyros, though no less passionate, had learned to temper his emotions. He was crafty, his intelligence nurtured by a classical education. Most likely his kin were wealthy and of an upper class. "You're a lovely bitch," Kyros said and before she could reprimand him, he covered her mouth with a kiss. Her first impulse was to struggle, but curiosity and pure lust got the better of her. His firm, soft lips moved slowly against hers. Once she relaxed, he thrust his tongue into her mouth. With a soft sigh, she tightened her grip around his neck and met his tongue stroke for stroke. His fur tickled her face but to her surprise she felt it retract and become a man's smooth flesh. She opened her eyes to see him in his man form and he tossed her into the water. Carnal Indulgence (m/f/m menage) 5 Stars! Overall, this is a delightful tale full of suspense, danger and a good dash of sex with a large helping of love. -Julie Esparza, Just Erotic Romance Reviews Captain Andre and Crispin Snaghand have spent years seeking an elusive treasure that their fathers and grandfathers died searching for. When they reluctantly join forces to track a legendary key that will supposedly unlock the treasure, they're shocked to find the holder of the key has been looking for them, too. Chantel Fire Eyes, a seductive vampiress and the most cunning pirate to sail the seas, knows the combined powers of vampire and wolves will be necessary to uncover the treasure. Fortunately convincing two sexy alpha werewolves they're meant to be a trio leads to pulse-pounding rewards far greater than gold. Excerpt: "According to the map we need to buy the ship. This needs to be an honest voyage," Chantel said. Crispin curled his lip in disgust. "Honest? We're fucking pirates." "Do you want Morall's Treasure or not, wolfswine?" Chantel demanded, her hand on her hip. She was losing patience fast. One thing about wolves, especially the alphas, they were nearly impossible to deal with. Usually it was their way or no way. Fortunately Chantel was just as stubborn. She had lost too much to the search for Morall's Treasure to let them destroy her chances of finding it now. "I want it," Andre said. "We'll buy the ship." "And share command?" Chantel added. Crispin folded his arms across his chest and glowered at her. "Oh I'm sure that will work." "It will if we keep ourselves under control," Chantel said, then added in her most patronizing tone. "Can you do that?" Crispin snorted and dropped back into his chair. Andre also sat and said, "What are we going to do about a crew?" "The ship I have in mind can easily carry seventy-five. That means each of us can select twenty-four crewmen from our ships. Everything equal." "Fine." "Good." Drawing a deep breath, Chantel released it slowly, her entire body tingling with anticipation. "Now we must bind this agreement." "Agreed," the wolves replied in unison. "I suggest we seal the pact in blood," Chantel said, her teeth aching to taste their delectable wolf's blood. Their scents had been driving her crazy with desire since they moment they'd met. It had been a long time since she'd teetered on the edge of control like this. "I suggest sex," Crispin said, his voice husky and his eyes aglow with lust. Chantel smiled. He was a wolf after her own heart. "Why not both?" she purred, stood and tugged off her shirt. She tossed it aside, baring her full breasts with their dark brown nipples already stiff with need. She felt Andre's hot gaze upon her as she approached Crispin, sat on his lap and slipped her arms around his neck. Without hesitation he wrapped an arm around her waist, careful not to touch her with his silver claws, and buried his good hand in her hair. Their mouths met with a hunger that stole Chantel's breath. Their tongues thrust and lashed one another. His wolfish fangs clicked with her vampiric ones and they groaned with pleasure at the intensity of the emotions between them. "You're both mad," Andre scoffed and headed for the door. Crispin tore his mouth from Chantel's, his hand still clutching a handful of her hair, and growled, "Stop!" Andre paused, his back to them. "If you intend to back out of our plans, be kind enough to leave the key which is still in your treacherous hand," Crispin said. Andre's jaw tightened and he turned on his heel, glaring at them. "You agreed to the partnership," Crispin stated. "I agreed to seek Morall's Treasure." "There's another treasure right here," Crispin said, his violet gaze fixed on Chantel. "I know you want this as much as we do, Andre. I can smell your desire." Chantel pushed away from Crispin and approached Andre, her hands languidly stroking her breasts. His gaze followed her fingertips along the full, dark mounds and he licked his lips then met her gaze. The passion in his eye was almost frightening in its intensity. "If you're really against sealing our pact with sex, you don't have to—" Before Chantel could finish speaking, Andre grasped her in a crushing embrace and covered her mouth in a penetrating kiss. Every thrust of his tongue seem to stoke the heat in her pussy. Her eyes closed in ecstasy, Chantel clutched his smooth shaven head. This was going to be one hell of an adventure. The kiss seemed to last forever, stealing her breath and making her legs so weak that she leaned against him for support. With a savage growl, Andre lifted Chantel over his shoulder and carried her toward the bed. She laughed and grabbed a handful of his tight ass. No sooner had he tossed her on the bed than Crispin, who was now completely naked, grasped her by the waist and hauled her so close that their bodies were aligned. His mouth covered hers and though this kiss was no less fierce than before, his tongue explored much more thoroughly. Between possessive thrusts, he traced every part of her mouth he could reach, stroking the inside of her cheeks and gently scraping his tongue over her fangs. She tasted droplets of his blood and shivered with vampiric lust. Carnal Obedience (m/m/f menage) Kate Hill's compelling story exhibits the unfairness of greed; the split in the legitimately sanctioned constitution of equality, yet the storyline still illustrates tantalizing, intense love scenes hot enough to render you feeling boneless. -Rosemary, Joyfully Reviewed The sexual introduction of Jolie, Ransom and Temple burns off the pages of this book. - Candy, Sensual Ecatromance Kate Hill provides another action-filled story with her latest Carnal series addition. Rachelle, Fallen Angel Reviews Altah, the newly appointed ruler of the Vampire Nation, needs a bounty hunter to capture two notorious thieves who have recently invaded her palace. Jolie, a free-spirited wolf, has her teeth set for the job. With their pack nearly destroyed because of political greed, Ransom and Temple have taken the law into their own hands and seek revenge on the Vampire Nation by striking them where it hurts most – in their wallet. Their greatest exploit is stealing the ancestral jewels of the Vampire Ruler right out of her own palace. What they haven't counted on is the beautiful bounty hunter who is determined to bring them to justice. Jolie has never submitted to anyone and for this reason has avoided relationships. She certainly has no intention of succumbing to the will of two gorgeous criminals. When she finds herself captured by Ransom and Temple, for the first time in her life she begins to understand the power of lust and the nature of love. Excerpt: A movement caught her attention and she saw Temple, in wolf form, step into the rushing water. He ducked under. Panic gripped her then she saw him surface and wade toward shallow water to bathe. Aroused, she watched him cleanse his sleek body. Finally he stepped out of the water and shook off his pelt. Glancing upward, he fixed his gaze upon Jolie and her belly tightened. She didn't think he'd noticed her. He stepped back into the caves and she drew a deep breath, leaning against the rocks. His scent grew stronger and she knew he was approaching. With a racing pulse, she waited, tense though she wasn't sure why. Unlike Ransom, he made her feel uncertain. Yet in that uncertainty was a level of excitement she'd never experienced with anyone else. A moment later, Temple's arm slid around her waist and he pulled her snugly against his chest. "You surprised me, Jolie." He spoke in a low voice so close to her ear that his breath tickled her. "I thought you'd enjoy seeing me die." "You think too much of yourself," she sneered, trying to pull away from him, but he held her fast. His hand moved from her waist to gently caress her stomach. "You can't make up your mind about me, can you?" His words struck too close to home. She grasped his wrist hard, her nails biting into his flesh. He didn't seem to mind and continued stroking her. Actually his touch became shockingly gentle. He cupped her breast, stroking with tenderness she never would have expected from him. His thumb brushed over her nipple, making it stiffen beneath her shirt. "You seem to be feeling better," she said sarcastically. "Much, thanks to you and Ransom. I still want to know why you helped me." "I don't know." "Of course you do. Everyone knows the reasons behind their actions." Jolie resisted the urge to close her eyes. Damn he knew just how to touch her. Still she managed to focus her thoughts and ask, "Why did you try to protect me from that bullet? You could have just knocked Ransom out of the way." He growled, clearly not liking the way she turned the conversation toward him. "Enough talk." He tugged her into the cave and thrust her roughly against the wall. His gaze fixed on hers, holding her captive. The hot, wild look in his beautiful blue eyes sent little quivers of desire racing down her spine and she was instantly wet. Grasping her wrists, he held them above her head and used a knee to thrust her legs apart. His shoved a hand down the front of her trousers and cupped her soft mound. Jolie's teeth clenched, mostly because of the turmoil inside her. She wanted him to keep touching her, but not like this. Not in anger or as a punishment because she pissed him off with her question. "Is this how you repay someone who helped save your stinking life? By attacking her?" she snarled. Instantly he dropped his hold on her and stepped away, his eyes flashing and teeth bared. His fangs elongated and his face became more wolfish. Partway between beast and man, he paced in front of her, stalking her. His clawed hands clenched into fists. "I'm not attacking you, Jolie. From now on you will come to me of your own free will. You will tell me exactly what you want so there will be no mistake. Walk away if you want. Or come to me, but if you do admit it's because you want to. Take responsibility for your actions like a wolf. Don't hide your greedy appetites like a fucking Vampire." "You don't know all Vampires," she snapped and strode toward him until they stood inches from one another, anger and lust burning between them. "And obviously not all wolves are noble. Do you think you're the only one who's lost family because of someone else's violence and greed? My entire pack was slaughtered by a rival pack. The same thing happened to my foster father with his pack. That was wolves killing wolves, Temple. No Vampires involved. You can't blame an entire race for the actions of some." He stared at her. An expression of compassion glimmered faintly beneath his icy gaze. "Unfortunately, Jolie, in order to seek justice we don't always have the luxury of sparing those who don't deserve our wrath." "That's a poor excuse." "I don't make excuses. I admit what I am and what I've done. I'm a hunter. A killer. Someone strikes me and I strike back. I can't be like you and Ransom, hoping those in power will one day see the error of their ways. By the time that happens, the rest of us will probably be destroyed." She watched him carefully, her gaze fixed on his. For the first time she almost pitied him. Yes, he was strong and courageous, willing to do anything and everything for his cause. Unfortunately the qualities that made him a potentially great leader had robbed him of the gentle emotions every living creature needed to be complete. Now she understood why he and Temple were a pair. They balanced each other. One couldn't be whole without the other. Strangely, the most complete she had ever felt was here with them. All her life she'd been searching for somewhere to belong. Yes, Crispin had made it plain she had a place with him, and his partners Andre and Chantel had always welcomed her, but they had each other. She was an outsider. Always adrift, forever tormented by memories of her destroyed pack. Maybe that was why she felt such a connection to Ransom and Temple. With a suddenness that startled her, Jolie lunged at Temple, her fangs bared, her muscles rippling, halfway between woman and wolf. He responded with a savage growl and shifted his stance, prepared for her attack. Instead of striking or clawing him, she dropped to a subservient position, a semi squat that forced her to look up to him. Soft, sensual growls rumbled in her throat. A slight, satisfied smile touched his lips. This was something all wolves understood. Respect for the alpha male and invitation to mate. Another low growl echoed from the cave mouth. Jolie glanced at Ransom who stood, his sleek body naked, his gaze fixed on her and Temple. His scent revealed raw desire and a hint of envy. He had no reason to be jealous. At this moment everything made perfect sense. They belonged together. A trio. Temple's gaze locked with Ransom's, and held his hand out. Ransom strode forward, his hand slipping into Temple's. Jolie stood, sliding her palms up their bodies. They turned to her, Temple nuzzling her neck while Ransom licked and kissed her shoulder. Temple's hand curved around her breast. He gently kneaded and brushed his thumb over her nipple. Even beneath the cover of clothes it stiffened, responding to his touch. Ransom tugged her shirt from her trousers and slid his hand beneath. He caressed her stomach, then sank to his knees, unfastened her belt and unzipped her trousers. He slid them down her legs. She lifted one foot then the other so he could remove her trousers. He ran his hands up and down her legs from thigh to calf and back again, pressing gentle kisses to her inner thighs. Pleasure washed over her and she moaned softly. Temple guided her arms above her head and pulled off her shirt. She shivered a bit as the chilly autumn air fanned her naked body. Temple moved behind her, swept her long, thick hair over her shoulder and touched his lips to the back of her neck. Jolie closed her eyes and let her head drop forward. Pleasured groans escaped her throat as Temple continued licking and kissing the back of her neck. His arms slid beneath her so he could cup her bare breasts. He pinched her nipples and brushed the pads of his thumbs over the sensitive peaks. Carnal Discipline (m/m/f menage) 4 Angels Strong, solid plot, fully fleshed characters, hot sex scenes, this book has it all. - Hayley, Fallen Angel Reviews As handmaiden to Lady Altah, Vesta has served in the palace for most of her life. She's seen many powerful men come and go, but none have caught her interest like the two latest additions to the Vampire Leader's household. Julian, the charming and intelligent Liaison for the Common Wolf, and Curt, the handsome and courageous Captain of the Guard, are the sexiest wolves she's ever met. Passion rages among the three, but neither Vesta nor Julian are prepared for the irresistible lure of disciplined sex of which Curt is an expert. This trio creates enough heat to burn down the palace walls in an unbreakable joining of Vampire and werewolves. Excerpt: "Should we undress her?" Julian glanced in Curt's direction. Vesta looked over her shoulder at the Captain. He pulled off his shirt and tossed it on a chair. Vesta went weak at the sight of his gorgeous torso. Somehow standing there shirtless, wearing his uniform trousers and boots, he looked even more powerful than usual. A low growl of arousal rumbled in Julian's chest and Vesta glanced at him. She noted he also stared intently at Curt's bare chest. Julian had a great body, too, and was taller than Curt. She could scarcely wait to see them both naked. Though she loved the idea of them fucking her, she looked forward to seeing them kiss and fondle each other. Something about two handsome, sleekly muscled men locked in each other's embrace was a major turn-on. "Yes. Let's undress her," Curt said and approached them. Julian unzipped her dress and slid it down her shoulders. He pushed it over her hips while Curt unfastened her bra. She straightened her arms so he could remove the bra easily. Vesta's heart pounded with excitement. This was a fantasy come true, having Curt and Julian at the same time. Julian slid down her panties and she stepped out of them as well as her high-heeled sandals. Standing, Julian flung aside her clothes and Vesta gazed up at him. He was quite tall and slim, yet his shoulders were broad and his chest strong. Quickly she began unbuttoning his shirt, eager to caress his bare flesh. Stepping so close behind her that she felt his hair-dusted chest brush against her back, Curt covered her hands with his and said, "What did I tell you about patience?" Vesta smiled and raised her eyes to the heavens. She met Julian's gaze. "Did he give you the lesson in patience, too?" "I believe the word he used was discipline." Julian's eyes gleamed with arousal. "You both still have a lot to learn," Curt said. He nuzzled Vesta's neck and whispered in her ear. "Slowly." Her hands trembled a bit as she resumed unbuttoning Julian's shirt, taking her time. While she worked on the shirt, Curt stepped away and finished undressing, though he kept his gaze on his partners, ready to reprimand Vesta if she moved too quickly. Her stomach tightened with excitement. Usually she and Julian dove into bed where he gently fondled her to wetness then made love to her until they exploded in climax. With Curt, everything was different. Foreplay was an art and the act itself a wild fuck powerful enough to hurl her into oblivion. When she finally unfastened the last button, Vesta sighed with pleasure and stroked Julian's sleek, hair-dusted chest. She bent to lick his nipple, using the tip of one fang to gently scrape it. Julian groaned and held her closer. Curt joined them. He unbuckled Julian's belt, unzipped his trousers and pulled them down. Moving slightly away from her, Julian quickly removed his shoes and socks. Curt took Vesta's hand and kissed it, then guided her toward the bed. "Lie on your back," he told her. Bitten, Again I loved the drama that Kate Hill has been able to introduce to the book, the conflict of heart and mind. -Sheryl, Ecataromance Sensual Click here for more reviews Bitten, Again. It took some major convincing for Nigel to accept that Sondra, his vampiric daughter, is in love with a member of the drag queen band The Elixir Maidens. Nigel's super-conservative beliefs have frequently caused problems throughout his long life, but rather than risk losing Sondra forever he agreed to accept her cross-dressing fianci, Richie. On the eve of Sondra and Richie's wedding, Nigel realizes that a drag queen son-in-law is the least of his worries. Richie's tall, dark and mysterious Creator, Daniel, appears unexpectedly at the reception and Nigel is faced with a long denied love that's stronger than ever. Only time -- and a little matchmaking from The Elixir Maidens -- will tell if that love is powerful enough to overcome wounds that have bled since the days of ancient Rome. Excerpt: In spite of his desire to stare at a man he'd always found most beautiful, Daniel kept his attention focused on everything except Nigel. Always impatient and a bit paranoid, Nigel was first to break the silence. "Do you plan to stay in New York long?" A wicked little smile on his lips, Daniel turned to him and said with mock innocence, "Are you talking to me?" "You know damn right well I'm talking to you," Nigel hissed. "I might visit for a bit." "You're injured, aren't you? What happened?" "My, my. Such personal questions from a stranger." "Fine. Don't answer. I couldn't care less if you're dying." "You've made that clear enough," Daniel muttered and took another sip from his glass. "A man like you lives for trouble, so even if you found someone willing to care about you, it would be pointless." "Contrary to popular belief, Nigel, there are people who care about me. And you? Have you found the perfect mate yet?" "There's no such thing," Nigel snapped and glared at Daniel from the corner of his eye. "But I have enough companions to satisfy my every need, in case you're interested." "I'm not." That much was true enough. He'd learned long ago to overcome any petty jealousy for a man who'd treated him with such unwarranted contempt. "Now that I know you're his Creator, I can see why Richie didn't have a chance." "What the hell is that supposed to mean?" "It means no wonder he thinks it's perfectly acceptable to don makeup and skirts and sees no difference between male friends and male friends, if you get my meaning." "It amazes me, Nigel, how a man can live so long and not progress. This is the fucking twenty-first century, not the bloody dark ages."

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