Monday, March 13 is the release of The Mating Game, Book 8 in my Werewolves of Montana romance series. In the book, Xavier, the Crystal Wizard, is stripped of his memories by the goddess Danu as punishment for giving his powers to Tristan, the Silver Wizard. His memories are most precious to Xavier. And yet he still has his powers, which makes for some very interesting problems! I can't imagine losing your memories - all of them - let alone when you're a 700+-year-old wizard who is both immortal and powerful. Read on for an excerpt of Xavier's book.
The Mating Game excerpt copyright 2017 Bonnie Vanak
His
eyes had darkened to storm clouds. Ciara heard sounds of disapproval and
glanced around, dismayed at the staring faces. “Everyone can see us. I wish we
had some privacy. Someplace natural and fresh.”
Xavier
waved a hand and suddenly the pool vanished. They were emerged in a
crystal-clear stream, the water up to his waist. A waterfall spilled over the
side of a mountain.
“Now,
we are finally alone.”
Ciara
looked around, her eyes wide. “The water feels wonderful. Is this your magick?
What if someone at the pool saw us vanish?”
“One
of the benefits of being the Crystal Wizard. I simply created the illusion we
left the pool to lie in the sun.” Then his expression turned troubled. “I
shouldn’t do this. You’re my charge, and the Brehon never get involved with
their charges.”
“Never?”
A
sheepish smile touched his face. “Well, some of us have done so, but I have
never had sex with one of my charges.”
“Then
it will be your first time too. Xavier, I don’t want some uncaring stranger who
sees only my body and what pleasure I can give him. I want someone who knows my
heart.”
He
looked startled. Then he placed his warm palm on her chest. A thrill raced
through her at his gentle touch.
“How
do I know your heart?” he asked softly.
Ciara
wasn’t certain. Maybe she’d sound like a fool, but it must be said in this
important moment.
“I’ve
had these dreams about you lately. Powerful dreams. They fade to mist when I
wake, but I remember saying one thing: ‘I give you my heart so we will always
be together, even unto death.’”
He
stared into her eyes, his gaze growing soft. “Those words are so familiar and
dear to me, but I cannot remember why.”
“You
know me, Xavier. You are no stranger to me. I know you feel it as well. I want no
other for my first lover.”
Xavier’s
mouth parted slightly as he stared at her lips.
“Please,”
she whispered.
The Mating Game is available for purchase through Amazon, Nook, iBooks, Google and Kobo.
