Captive or Captor #6

 

* * * *

“How is Patrick?” Marek Glinski asked his beta and best friend Robert. The man shook his head in exasperation.

“No change there,” Robert answered running a hand through his hair. Marek certainly understood where the man was coming from. The whole situation was beyond frustrating.

After Marek defeated the previous alpha and became the leader of his pride-slash-pack, he decided to set it up as a sanctuary for shifters in need. Even though it was the twenty first century there was still so much prejudice and abuse among shifters and humans alike. There were kids being kicked out of their packs, prides, or whatever a certain group of shifters chose to call themselves. Some were being persecuted for their sexual orientation, some for the colour of their skin, others still for simply being different and not fitting in. Marek knew it all too well. He left his country in the hopes that England was going to be more accepting of whom he chose to love. To a point it was true. People were definitely much more open-minded here than they have been in Poland. Still you could find bigots and assholes everywhere and he had the bad luck to come to live in one’s territory. The previous alpha gave him permission to join the pack easily enough. Marek had not broadcasted his sexual preferences. He thought it was only his business whom he fucked. The previous alpha disagreed. Once he learned Marek was gay the Alpha decided to throw him out of the pack, not even giving him time to gather his belongings or finding a new place to live. Easy to say Marek disagreed with that decision. It ended in a challenge for leadership which Marek won.

That happened four years ago, and ever since he created a sanctuary for shifters escaping bad situations. He cooperated with police and some charities and over the years he’s dealt with numerous abused shifters. Patrick Peters’ situation was possibly the worst of them all.

Patrick had been rescued from being kept slave in a mansion of a very prominent politician lobbying for reducing shifter rights. From what Marek’s been told the police strike force found Patrick in a locked basement. The poor shifter had been so badly abused that he fought his rescuers when they came to take him away. They had to sedate him in order to get him out of that basement. Marek grimaced thinking about the poor kid and the life he led. It couldn’t have been easy even before he had been taken by that twisted fuck of a politician. The kid had been born with a very rare genetic condition that prevented him from shifting fully into either of his forms. To put it in easy terms Patrick was struck mid-shift. It was so rare in generally healthy shifters, that Marek haven’t even heard about it before.

Marek sighed as he walked to Patrick’s room. He needed to try and talk some sense into the kid. It seemed that Patrick had been brainwashed by the man he called Master. Marek had no idea what exactly had happened to the kid because Patrick wasn’t really talking to them. He refused after their initial conversation. Marek had no idea what had gone wrong but after that first day the kid avoided any kind of interaction with anyone in the alpha house where he was housed. Marek shook of his thoughts as he reached the kid’s bedroom door and knocked. Not waiting for invitation – he knew it wasn’t coming – he entered.

Patrick sat in a chair near the window and looked out of it – a pose he could be found in whenever someone visited. He didn’t turn when he heard Marek come in. Marek held back a sigh and spoke.

“Hello, Patrick, how are you today?” He asked in his heavily accented voice. He knew his accent must have sounded rough to Patrick because the kid couldn’t stop a little frown. Marek smiled at this little victory.

“Robert told me you never left your room, Patrick. Why is that? You know you need to learn and adjust to the outside world. You can’t spend your entire life in this room. Don’t you want to live a full life? Be a true member of this pride?” Surprisingly that got a reaction from the young shifter. Marek truly did not expect that. Patrick turned on his chair and glared at Marek.

“I will not be a member of your pride! My Master will come for me, you’ll see! And then we’ll leave and make a life for ourselves somewhere. We will have a pride of our own, just the two of us!” Patrick’s voice was full of conviction and Marek felt his heart squeeze a little. What had they done to the boy that he wanted to be with this Master so badly? It was the worst case of Stockholm syndrome one could imagine.

“Now, Patrick, you know that is not true. What this Master did to you, keeping you prisoner like that, it was wrong. He had no right keeping you in that basement. We explained it to you.” Marek tried for a calm tone. Obviously it had no effect as the young man’s feline features contorted in anger.

“Don’t you dare insult my Master!” Patrick shouted and jumped to his feet reminding Marek just how tall and muscular he was. It was easy to forget and treat him more like an abused kid when he was seating looking out the window all day. Right now there was no denying that this shifter was a grown man. A big, strong, grown man with deadly claws extending from his fingers. “You know nothing about my Master! He did all he could to protect me, but you people had to come and take me from him, you had no right! Now he has no one to protect him from his bastard father! I should be there with him!” Now we’re getting somewhere!

“What do you mean protect him from his father? Just who is the man you call your master?” Marek asked hoping Patrick would answer. And he wasn’t disappointed.

“My Master is Lowell Hayes, son of the politician Sir Iain Hayes.” Patrick said with proud in his voice and Marek couldn’t help but blurt out.

“Shit!” This was so not good. Marek knew the politician tried to wiggle out of the charges he was facing by claiming that whatever happened in that mansion had been the fault of his son, Lowell. Sir Iain claimed that he sent his son to live there in solitude because the man was unbalanced. Now it seemed like he might have been telling truth. Only a sick fucker would keep a shifter slave in his basement. The problem was, Lowell was nowhere to be found and with the fire damage to the house there was a suspicion he might be dead, killed in the fire. Marek’s thoughts were racing but it seemed Patrick picked up on his unease.

“What is it?” The younger shifter growled and his eyes shone dangerously. It was obvious his more feral nature was coming to the fore. “You know something about my Master! Tell me!” The rumble of a growl grew deeper, more dangerous. Even being a strong alpha type Marek couldn’t hold back his apprehension.

“I told you Patrick, this man is not your Master, he had no right...” Marek started straining for this calming tone but failed as a loud roar of a sound escaped Patrick.

“Tell me!”

“Oh for fuck’s sake!” Marek heard from the door and turned to see Robert. His best friend was a good beta and a good man but patience wasn’t his forte. Marek tried to prevent the train wreck he could see happening, tried to stop the man from talking but he was to late.

“The fucker who held you is dead.” Robert snapped from the doorway his face set in a scowl. “Good riddance if you ask me! That was one sick fucker to keep you in his basement like that! World will be a better place without him!” Robert finished his diatribe and Marek fought a groan. Yep, the man did it. To be honest he only repeated aloud what Marek was thinking, but still, Marek knew not to just blurt out anything that was on his mind. Especially when dealing with an abused shifter in a delicate situation like now. That’s why he was the alpha not Robert.

Captive or Captor #5

Consciousness was slow in coming. Lowell swam in a thick dark fog, swirls of colour surrounding him from time to time. He floated closer, then further from the surface. There were moments, when he realised there was something important he was forgetting. He wasn’t supposed to be floating in this dark place, he needed to be somewhere else. But these moments came and went, thoughts fading then becoming clearer. Slowly, steadily, the fog started to clear. First it became thinner, the blackness not so complete. Lowell became aware that he wasn’t an incorporeal ghost but a man and he was lying on his back. With that came another realisation. He hurt. His chest, shoulder, head, all of it hurt. Well, of course he hurt, he remembered, he has been shot! But then there came another thought. Purr!

Lowell struggled to sit up as he opened his eyes. It looked that he was in a hospital room. Lowell quickly scanned his surroundings trying to find any clue as to what happened to him. As might be expected there was nothing. It was a hospital room. Not a private hospital – he noticed – like the one he went to as a child to have his tonsils removed. This was most definitely a public hospital. And it made Lowell think. No matter his relationship with his father, Lowell knew sir Iain would never let one of his children stay in a public hospital. It could mean the press could get to them, or that someone could accuse him of not caring or them enough. Appearances were everything for Lowell’s father. Before he could marvel about this strange situation the door to his room opened and a nurse came in. She was an older lady, with dark skin and laughing chocolate brown eyes. She smiled at him when she saw he was awake.

“Well look who finally decided to wake up.” She said and came closer. “How are you feeling, love? You’ve been unconscious for quite some time now.”

“Um, I’m fine thank you.” Lowell answered politely. He wasn’t fine obviously. His head felt as if someone was trying to drive nails from the back of his scull straight through to his eye sockets, his shoulder burned with a dull ache and when he breathed he felt as if he was inhaling shards of glass.

“I seriously doubt that, but still, you were rather lucky. I have no idea what you thought you were doing rushing into a dangerous zone like that.” The nurse shook her head as she came closer to him to take his vitals.

“A dangerous zone?” Lowell asked feigning ignorance. He knew what she meant of course but he wanted to learn more about what happened.

“Yes, there was a raid on this politician’s mansion where you worked. They somehow discovered he was keeping a shifter enslaved there. The strike force wen in to secure and retrieve the poor boy. Everyone was evacuated from the house so they could search it, but somehow a fire broke out somewhere in the main living wing. When you ran in you ran straight for that area of the house they said. They tried to stop you and when you didn’t react they shot you with a rubber bullet. Still you wouldn’t answer and went straight for the fire. You’re lucky one of the strike team got to you in time before you died of smoke inhalation!” She scolded him. Lowell’s head swirled with all the new information. The main thing that run through his brain over and over again was: It wasn’t my father. They went to save Purr, not hurt him! Suddenly he realised something. The fire! Purr could have been hurt in it!

“Did...” he started then had to clear his throat. It hurt to speak! “Did they save him? The shifter?” The woman’s expression softened and she smiled.

“Yes, they did. It wasn’t easy from what I heard. The kid’s been abused badly and fought the people who came for him. They had to sedate him to take him away. But I heard they took him to a pack that specialises in helping rescued shifters. It seems that some bastards still think it’s okay to abuse shifters just because they have a different biology than humans!” She was clearly disgusted with the idea. So was Lowell but he said nothing. He thought about Purr. His tiger must have been terrified when these people came for him. He had no contact with any other people ever since Lowell rescued him. And when they came in all guns blazing the tiger must have thought they were Lowell’s father’s people. That’s what Lowell thought and that’s what they’ve feared for a long time. But the most important part was, that Purr was safe.

Lowell became aware that the nurse was talking to him. He was getting tired again and he felt his eyes close of their own volition.

“Hey, no sleeping yet.” The nurse scolded him gently and Lowell forced his eyes open. “Can you tell me your name, love? The best we could get about your identity was the head gardener’s statement that you were a new employee whom they just hired, but he couldn’t recall your name or address, nothing really. We couldn’t even notify your family, they must be worried, you were out for a couple of days now.”

“No family.” Lowell mumbled fighting sleep. “I’m Lo-Logan.” He corrected himself at the last moment. He did remember the kid they hired a few days before. He didn’t show up for work so they fired him again. Lowell was sure Harry; the main gardener knew it. But Harry was a shrewd old man who noticed more than he let on. He knew how much Lowell hated living in the mansion and how he wished to start a new life. Lowell needed to thank the man for his lie. “Logan Caldwell.” He finished, giving a false name and he couldn’t fight the sleep any longer. He let himself be pulled into a dark, dreamless void again, satisfied that Purr was safe and waiting for him somewhere. Just wait for me Purr! I’ll find you, no matter what!

Guess what? Here’s my new cover! It’s Thom and Ur’s story. You met them in “The Dragon’s Bard,” remember? So yeah, as you can imagine, Ur, the dragon, is the green-haired one. Like with the cover for “The Dragon’s Bard” Harris Channing caught the atmosphere of the book perfectly.

My week

 

So it’s Wednesday already. My week off passed I-have-no-clue-when. I went to bed one day and it was the beginning of my off time, I woke up and I need to go to work today. I’ve done virtually NOTHING of what I’ve had planned. Well, ok, that’s not entirely true. I did go to the doctor’s and registered there. Lucky me, it will take only two weeks to have my registration processed, yay! (yes, it was sarcasm.) I managed to fill out the cover questionnaire and send it back, I signed the contract for the book, I wrote a few thousand words into the third book in the series. But besides that?

I know it’s my problem, obsessively thinking of all the things I should have done and I haven’t. I know I need to let go. But it’s hard to change your entire way of thinking. I’ll try to look on the bright side, I swear! So:

I went for a long walk three times this week. (It’s an accomplishment because usually I spend almost entire off week home) I did some exercising. (and can feel it in my muscles) I met with a friend who’s going out of the country soon.

Hmm, when I think about it, I did quite a lot! (for me that is )

So in this cheery mood I’ll share some pictures with you!

		Just a walk VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

About short story and Ross.

I thought I’ll tell you more about the short story and how it came into being. This story is placed in Reality Series universe and happens, chronologically after Credo Quia Absurdum – book #3 in the series. It features characters that you’d have known from first three books and introduces some new ones. It also introduces a new plotline that I’ll use in next books.

I came upon an idea for this story when on a walk one day. I was passing by a charity shop and noticed a picture of a cat on a display. I thought it would be fun to draw a cat picture myself and wondered about inspiration for it. Then I remembered a photo of my cat, Neko, I’ve taken a while ago. In this picture she looks a bit like an owl. Here, judge by yourselves:

I know my brain works in mysterious ways. There was this moment when it did this weird flip: She’s an owl, she’s a cat, an owlcat!

And thus an owlcat was born. It didn’t take long (I had about three minutes left to get back home) for my mind to provide a whole background story as to why an owlcat even existed. From there the story spun mostly out of control. While writing it I’ve been surprised by my characters times and again. Tyler was afraid of Halloween? Who knew! There were more surprises but I don’t want to give you spoilers, so I’ll keep them to myself. I will tell you though, that Ross is going to be a permanent feature in Jason, Tyler and Toby’s lives.

I’ll post the next part of the story later today, for now I’ll show you the second picture that inspired Ross’s owlcat nature. This one I drew-painted myself from a reference picture.

It’s a Great Horned owl and its expressions remind me of those of a cat. Here’s another image from Google.

But seriously Ross’s appearance and behaviour is mostly based on my cats. I’ve had quite a few cats in my life and working with Ross was really fun

New house, new book, new start.

Ok, so apparently living half your life in past and half in present isn't the best thing to do. I learned it the hard way trying to cling to my old life-work-apartment, and deal with the new ones. Thankfully it's the last week of this dual life. Today I finished most of dragons #2. Only the last scene is left for the book to be finished and I'm so very happy. Now two other books are vying for my attention. I'm still not sure, if I should finish the 3-rd dragons, or concentrate on Bigwell #2. Well, anyway it's going to be decided in the next week.
In the meantime I'm leaving my day-job and staring a new one. Also, I'm ninety-percent moved to the new house. Changing from an apartment to a house and changing flat-mates takes a lot of effort and money, but I hope it is worth it.
Also just a week ahead of me is my week-long holiday. A chance to see my friends, visit my family and be at a cousin's wedding. It suddenly seems that me and my brothers are the last of the family to settle down. It's a strange feeling, but as I was writing today it suddenly occurred to me, It is worth, waiting for the one meant for me. I do realize, it is highly unlikely that I'll find the love of my life just like that, but it's better to live a fulfilled life waiting for my love, than to be  miserable doing so.
Anyway, I'm going to finish my book tomorrow, then start on the next one. Then I'll take care of the rest of many things that needs to be done when it comes to the move.
All in all, life is good.

Captive or Captor #4

Lowell saved his document and turned off the computer. Closing his eyes he stretched his arms up and behind his head. Spending time with his characters was fun but it made his back and shoulder muscles tense. Rolling his head around on his shoulders he felt a few pops and grimaced. It was gross but necessary. With everything properly stretched Lowell gave himself a few minutes to relax and center himself, before getting up and going to do some physical work.

While Lowell’s stay in the mansion was basically an exile he was still the owner’s son. He had no duties around the house, there was enough staff to deal with all the cleaning and day to day running of the big household. Still, Lowell didn’t like being idle. He needed something to keep him occupied and he found it in gardening. There were several gardeners who dealt with the grounds, but Lowell had his own private little garden at the back of the property where he grew flowers, vegetables and herbs. He even had a few young fruit trees. He was the only one taking care of that private sanctuary of his. Deciding it was time to do some weeding he changed into his “business clothes” as he jokingly called the old tattered jeans and hoodie, which he used for his gardening. Waving to some of the staff on his way out, he marched straight to the shed. Grabbing a wheelbarrow filled with all the items he’d need he whistled under his nose as he pushed it to his sanctuary.

Lowell left the wheelbarrow a couple metres away and took the few steps to the small wooden door hidden in an overgrown hedge. His private little garden was hidden well from the prying eyes and no one except himself was allowed in there. People in the mansion knew about the rule and expected it. Lowell decided to introduce the no-trespassing rule to have a place where he could be alone and, if it was possible, bring Purr there. His tiger loved their little garden as much as Lowell did and he often offered his input on the plants Lowell should have there. Lowell would bring his tiger there every chance he got and they would spend an entire days there.

Lowell grimaced at the thought. It was so unfair that Purr had to stay cooped up inside the basement when the weather outside was so lovely. Looking around Lowell noticed that several of the vegetables were ripe and ready to be picked. A smile entered his face as he thought of bringing those to his lover. He could cook a nice dinner for Purr, maybe cheer him up a bit. A plan for the evening all worked out Lowell got to work. He had some weeding to do, then he could take care of his lover.

* * * *

Lowell stood up and patted his jeans to get rid of the soil that clung to it. The weeding took him longer than he expected and it was already getting grey outside. Despite nice, hot weather autumn was bringing with it shorter days and Lowell realised it was time to go. He quickly picked up the vegetables he’d need for his planned dinner and he loaded all the tools on the wheelbarrow. He set the vegetables on top and marched towards the house.

There was a sudden feeling of unease creeping up his back. He couldn’t say what was wrong exactly, but there was definitely something not quite right about his surroundings. A strange stillness, an air of anticipation, as if something was about to happen. Just as Lowell quickened his steps, the unease getting the better of him, there was a loud noise from the direction of the mansion. A startling band, then a lot of shouting. Lowell dropped the wheelbarrow and run to the house. He noticed strangers in a combat gear standing outside, corralling the nervous looking staff on the front driveway. Completely ignoring the sight Lowell rushed to the house.

It was about Purr, it had to be. His father’s spies learned about the shifter finally and his father send his people for him. Lowell wasn’t about to let the man win. His father wasn’t about to take the most important person in Lowell’s life from him.

Lowell reached the kitchen door and run inside. There was a shouting behind him, the armed men spotted him and shouted for him not to enter. Lowell ignored it. He didn’t care who these people were, he wasn’t letting them take Purr from him. The shouting grew louder, angrier, but he couldn’t listen. As he run down the corridor and up the stairs he noticed smoke coming from the direction of his room. No, it wasn’t happening! He had to get to Purr, he had to save his lover!

Alas, it wasn’t happening. There were more shouts behind him and then he felt a horrible pain in his back. They shot him! These bastards actually shot him! Lowell gritted his teeth and pushed on. He reached the top of the stairs, he had to only go down the hallway to get to his room. From there he could barricade himself in, open the secret passage and go free his lover. They could run away, hide somewhere, where his father wouldn’t find them, they could live happily, just the two of them.

Even as Lowell thought that his vision grew blurry and the word started spinning. Before he could brace himself on the wall hi knees gave out under him, and he fell face-first on the rug-covered floor. He had enough time to see black combat shoes stepping into his line of sight, before his body gave up and he fell into a total darkness. His last thought was about Purr and what was going to happen to the shifter, now that Lowell failed to protect him.