His mate had people who cared deeply for her. But soon he would take over that role.

I’m pulling the trigger this weekend, y’all! So, if you’ve been waiting patiently for this book, you won’t have to wait much longer.

There was so much more I wanted to include – enough for a whole other book really – Steele is such an interesting character. She’s been featured in some of my other books, and this novel won’t be the last time you hear from her. But I’m already getting behind on the schedule I set for this year. I’m determined to publish more frequently. I will conquer my reluctance to let go! Thanks for sticking with me. Here’s another snippet where the last blog leaves off. I hope you’re into it.

XOXO,

SS

The smile vanished as a man approached. His body tensed, preparing to charge to her rescue. Then he relaxed. It was one of her brothers. Tommy was right beside him, directing traffic as Tramp propped up his groggy sister and led her from the room.

Stealthily, he followed, smiling at this person and that one, laughing at a joke or pointing a finger like, “you the man!” a silly, cheerful gesture that always seemed to work on humans. But he let no one stop him as he followed after them. People smiled at him, but no one said anything when he mounted the stairs. Tramp caught him on the way down.

“Bathrooms occupied?”

Miles grinned and shrugged. He never lied if he could help it. But the other man just laughed and went on his way.

He moved gracefully down the hall, his feet silent on the carpet as he followed her scent and the quiet sound of rustling sheets to a back bedroom.

“Wash,” he heard.

He stood outside the door and watched as Tommy gave her cousin a warm face towel. Eva – he couldn’t bring himself to call her Steele – took it and sleepily wiped her face and neck.

“Again.”

He grinned at the bossy order, and bit his lip to stifle a laugh when Eva turned the towel over and complied. She tried to fuss when Tommy brought out a toner and cotton balls, but her cousin ignored her, working quickly to prep her face with the potion. She even rinsed the wash cloth and wiped his mate’s plump décolletage and long-fingered, capable-looking hands.

He’d liked Tommy immediately. She was one of those charming, genuine people you couldn’t help but enjoy being around. Now, he would cherish her. Not the same way he did his mate, of course, but as kindred. She loved his Eva. She took care of her.

“Hold your breath.”

Tommy sprayed something on his mate’s face, then patted it in. He watched as she gently applied a cream underneath her cousin’s eyes. Next came a long drink of water and a lip balm.

Soon, he thought, a bubble of happiness expanding in his chest just from being close by. Soon I will do those things for her.

When her toilette was complete, Tommy gently pushed Eva back and swung her legs onto the bed. He could tell she was already asleep as her cousin gently tugged the jeans from her body and pulled a sheet over her. A gentle snore made him smile, and the smile grew when Tommy stoked the black hair and clicked off the light. He was glad his Eva had someone to care for her.

He was back downstairs at the party before she left the bedroom, laughing and accepting a beer from a female caterer who made it clear she found him attractive. He took the beer with thanks and forgot her, moving to the other side of the room where some of the men were gathered in a huddle.

Soon, he promised himself. Soon.