Forbidden bonds, p.1
Forbidden Bonds, page 1
Forbidden Bonds
Reforming the Paranormal Council
Book 1
Copyright © Sheri Dwyer 2020
Published by Sheri Eleese at Smashwords
Smashwords Edition License Notes
This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your enjoyment only, then please return to Smashwords.com or your favorite retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.
All characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead is strictly coincidental.
First Edition September 2020
eBook ISBN 978-1-7773217-0-3
Cover Design: SelfPubBookCovers.com/Joetherasakdhi
Table of Contents
Acknowledgements
Prologue
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Epilogue
About Sheri Eleese
Other books by Sheri Eleese
Acknowledgements
To start off with, I’d like to send a big thanks to my brother, Bruce. This book wouldn’t have been written if he hadn’t reminded me that once upon a time, I had a dream. A dream that had been buried and forgotten, living life and doing adult things. Because of your encouragement, I’m now having the greatest time living my best life, because you told me I deserve it. So thanks. I owe you one Bruce.
A big thanks also goes to my Mom, Lynn, who had the pleasure of reading the first draft and listening to me ramble on and on about the storyline. You helped me find the initial plot holes and asked some key questions that helped with the development of the next drafts. Your patience, excitement, and loving support means the world to me. Thanks for being the best Mom ever.
To my fantastic beta readers Ashley and Angela. My thanks for your time and efforts. You helped in ways you don’t even know and your unconditional support made this journey so much more exciting and fun.
Ashley, thank you for your suggestions that improved the writing as a whole and for steering me in the right direction when I went astray. The added personal comments were a hoot and made me laugh. So. Hard.
Angela, thank you for pointing out those pesky little timing issues and finding numerous errors that really needed to be fixed. Your willingness to help me choose when I’m stuck between A, B, and C, is also greatly appreciated.
Last, but not least, a super big thanks to my son, James, who stood in as line editor after everyone else had done their part, finding the minutest mistakes. James, your help and support, and listening to your mom’s endless story explanations, was amazing. Especially since you really don’t like anything about the genre, theme, or the kissing. I couldn’t have done it without you buddy. Love you.
Any mistakes left behind are all on me, as I obviously messed, once again, with the final draft. True story.
I’d also like to send a big thanks to all my friends and family who showed their love and support with texts, phone calls, FB posts, and messages. Your support means the world to me. Love you guys.
And to Jen, I found a way to sneak it in here. Happy reading.
Prologue
“Do we have an accord?” Graceful hands gripped the receiver firmly, French tipped nails turning white from the pressure. “Yes, it shouldn’t be a problem. I’ll have the youngest boy at the altar next month.” Nails began clicking on the desk with irritation as the voice from the receiver began speaking faster. “Do not worry yourself. His older brother will not be a threat; I can control him.” More agitated words. “Are you questioning me? Perhaps you have forgotten who’s in charge.” The disembodied voice lowered, speaking hesitantly. “Correct, once the boy has produced an offspring, we will begin. Luckily, we know the girl can breed.” Agitated words started up again. “Make no mistake, that that was a failure on your part and will cause us much delay. Do not fail me again.” She paused as the voice continued. “The boy? Do what you will with him after. All we need is the child.”
Chapter One
Lysander Galway stepped through the door of Darkness and stopped, looking for his best friend. Tommy had called earlier that day, demanding his presence as wingman for a new guy he was pursuing. Tommy had the worst luck finding men, so Lysander expected this to turn into a disaster. However, when your best friend asks for a favor, you show up.
His searching eyes caught and held on the most beautiful man he’d ever seen. He froze in place as he thoroughly catalogued all the gorgeous parts of tall, dark, and handsome, starting with the long, ebony hair that reached down to his waist. He was dressed all in black, his silk shirt showing off his broad shoulders to perfection. Lysander ran his eyes down long, muscular legs that ended in black leather boots. Sighing to himself, he rested his gaze on the aristocratic face, noting the dark eyes, long, patrician nose, and full, decadent lips. The object of his fascination was in conversation with another man, giving off the vibe that he was the man in charge, the master of his universe. Lysander narrowed his eyes as he studied the man, wondering if it was confidence or arrogance. One was super sexy, the other, not so much. Shrugging, Lysander decided he’d like a taste regardless. He stepped in the man’s direction, looking forward to finding out. Unfortunately, duty by the name of Tommy called, in this case, literally.
“Lysander, over here.” Tommy waved him over from the bar, swaying in his chair. Lysander groaned. Awesome. His role had switched from wingman to babysitter, even faster than he expected.
“Hey Tommy, how’s it going?”
“I gave it my best shot, man.” Shaking his head, Tommy downed half his glass in a single swallow. “He turned me down. Says he’s looking for someone with boobs. Ell, I don’t have any boobs.” He lifted his shirt, smacking his chest with one hand. “See, no boobs, none at all.” He shook his head. “No boobies.” Tommy started giggling, mumbling into his drink.
Lysander’s eyes widened. He did not just say that. How could Tommy be this drunk already? It was barely past nine. “I’m sorry to hear that Tommy.” Lysander put his hand on his friend’s shoulder. “Here’s a thought. Since this place is obviously a bust, why don’t we get out of here and grab some takeout. We can eat and watch a movie at my place.”
Half-closed eyes looked at him as Tommy mulled that over, before eventually nodding. “Sure. That sounds good. But no Netflix and chill.” He snickered. “I love you, but only like a brother, so none of that funny business.” Tommy burped, then peered into his glass, and started snickering randomly. The Goddess only knew at what.
Lysander sighed, watching his ridiculous friend. He was going to mock him about this night for a very, very long time. He gestured to the bartender, signaling to close out Tommy’s tab. When it arrived, he glared. “What kind of place are you running here?”
The bartender stepped back, hands up. “Hey, what’s your damage, man?”
Lysander pointed at Tommy. “Look at him, he’s a drunken mess. You should have cut him off long before he got like this?”
The bartender’s laughter was not the reaction Lysander was expecting. “Look pal, I had no idea your buddy was such a light-weight. I only served him three drinks.” He slapped the tab down on the counter before moving to serve a customer at the other end.
Lysander grabbed the paper. Sure enough, there were only three drinks on it. “For crying out loud, Tommy. Three drinks? I’m so embarrassed for you.” He placed enough money on the bar top to cover the tab, and added a big tip for the bartender as an apology. Wrapping his hand around Tommy’s arm, he hauled his now singing friend from his seat. “Time to go, Britney.”
“I love you man.”
“I know buddy. Let’s get you out of here.”
Turning to go, he bumped into the man he’d been eyeing up earlier. Whoa. He was even more amazing up close. Lysander leaned into the man, helplessly drawn to him.
“Can I invite you gentlemen to my private table?” Such a warm, rich, decadent voice; like smooth caramel drizzled over chocolate. Lysander leaned in closer, mesmerized.
A large hand rested on his shoulder as the man pointed to a reserved section on the other side of the bar. “It’s just over there.”
Lysander shook his head, realizing that Tommy was hanging heavier in his hold. “No thanks, I need to get my friend home.”
The man leaned closer, getting right into Lysander’s face, looking intently into his eyes. The hand on his shoulder tightened. “I insist. You must stay.” Lysander got lost in his gaze. He felt a small tickle in his brain, and found himself wanting to agree with anything the man said.
“Ell, I don’t feel so good.” Tommy shifted, bumping him and breaking the connection.
Shaking the fog from his head, he glared at the man, angry for some inexplicable reason. “I said no. We’re leaving now.” He looked pointedly at the man’s hand, still re sting on his shoulder. Shrugging it off, he said, “Please excuse us.” Lysander dragged Tommy past the man. As they neared the exit, he looked over his shoulder. The man was staring thoughtfully after him, and continued to do so until they walked out the door.
Once outside, Lysander sighed in disappointment that the man had proven to be an arrogant ass. Shaking off the feeling, he began the long walk home, dragging his inebriated and loudly singing best friend with him. Tommy owed him big for this night.
“If I may say, that didn’t go very well.”
“Shut up Max.”
Max laughed. “I’ve never seen you get shot down like that before.”
“Max, that was my Bloodmate, my fated soulmate. And he just walked out on me.”
“Oh.” Max paused. “Damn.”
Damn indeed.
* * *
Lysander tore the sketch off his pad, handing it to the excited lady who joyfully squealed when she saw his caricature of her. He tucked the money she gave him into his gratifyingly full satchel. It was looking like he’d have a nice amount to donate to this week’s chosen charity. He charged a modest fee for his work, as he found that people placed greater value on something they’d paid for, than if he gave it to them for free. It made no sense to him, but since he didn’t need the money, he gave what he earned to help those less fortunate. His payment came in the form of having his work appreciated and, in many cases, treasured.
Motioning to the two kids who were next in line to come forward, he spared a moment to wonder how Tommy was feeling today. He’d barely gotten him home last night before he passed out cold. Lysander shook his head, chuckling to himself, still amazed that Tommy had been plastered on such a little amount of alcohol.
He focused his attention on the young boy and girl standing in front of him. “Hey guys, enjoying the sun today?”
“Yes, we’ve been having fun. Can we be in the picture together? It’s for our mom’s birthday.”
“Of course. Did you guys want a lifelike one or something more like a cartoon?”
The boy and girl looked at each other, torn, then started digging in their pockets, pulling out spare change, whispering quietly.
Lysander watched closely, doing a rough count of the money they were digging up, before he interrupted them, motioning them closer with his finger. “Hey guys, come here. I want to tell you a secret.” When they moved in, he leaned over, whispering. “I don’t want everyone else to hear. but I have a special rate for Mothers today, especially if it’s their birthday. You can get two pictures for one dollar. Did you want to have one of each kind?”
Frantic nodding had him smiling. “Excellent. Why don’t you guys take a seat and we’ll get started.” Humming to himself, he began sketching. While he worked, memories of his encounter with the hottie last night crept into his thoughts, just like they’d been doing all day. He kept pushing them out, but that damn man kept sneaking back in. It was starting to piss him off.
Finishing his sketch, he ripped the page out of his book, then handed it to the young girl, getting a brilliant smile in return. He grinned back at her, thinking it was the best payment he’d received all day. The boy started bouncing in his seat, obviously impatient for his picture. Lysander winked at him. “Hang tight, buddy. Just a few more minutes, then I’ll be done with yours.” He got to work, quickly sketching the caricature. Finished, he handed it over, chuckling over the happy noises he got in return.
The young girl giggled, pointing. “Look how big our heads are.”
“Whoa, mister. This is awesome. Mom’s going to love it.” The boy dug in his pocket, pulling out coins. He slowly counted out the correct change, then proudly handed it over. “Thank you. This will be the best gift ever. C’mon Janey, I want to go show dad.” He grabbed her hand and started dragging her away. “Thanks again mister.”
Lysander smiled and waved, then motioned the next person forward. He looked at the line waiting on him. It was a long one today. He usually drew a good crowd whenever he made it to the park, but not like this. It was a little strange, but flattering all the same.
Beginning his drawing of the man sitting in front of him, he noticed a car driving slowly down the street on his side of the park. Speaking of strange. He frowned, watching from the corner of his eye as it drove past him. This was about the fourth time he’d seen that same car this morning. It had caught his attention since it wasn’t every day a fancy, black, luxury car, with a driver, chauffeured someone around his neighborhood. He focused on the heavily tinted windows. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t see who was riding in the back of the car. What bothered him the most was the feeling of being watched, which was ridiculous. After all, who would want to follow him around? Shaking his head at his overactive imagination, he got back to his sketch.
Lysander walked home from the park, whistling a jaunty tune. It was a bright sunny afternoon, the birds were singing, bees were buzzing, and his soul felt recharged. After a week of dealing with ongoing family drama, he’d needed a day like today. He’d met some amazing people and made a lot of money for charity. His pencil had seemed to fly across the paper. So much so, that it had been almost magical. Which was ironic, since lack of magic was the root of most of his troubles with his family.
“Hey young man. Can you spare some change?”
Lysander quickly pivoted, going to the man sitting in the alcove of a boarded up store. Crouching down, he fought not to react to the smell wafting off the man. “Good afternoon Claude. No work for you today?”
Grinning at him, gaps showing from his missing teeth, Claude shook his head. “Not today. They take the young ones. Not an old fool like me.”
“Have you eaten today Claude?” He got a quick head shake. Okay then, sometimes charity started right in your own backyard. Lysander stood up and reached in his front pocket, pulling out a handful of crumpled bills. He handed them to the man with a stern warning. “You make sure you buy yourself something to eat with this. Don’t give it away or let someone take it from you. I want you to feed yourself. Alright?’
Claude nodded, quickly snatching the bills from his hand, then jumped up and raced down the street as quickly as his old limbs would carry him, turning into the diner near the corner. Lysander sighed. Claude did try to find work, but he was right. The younger guys got most of the odd labor jobs, so Claude invariably ended up on the street, panhandling to feed himself. Lysander helped when he could, but it felt like a losing battle.
He continued down the sidewalk, impatient to get home. Approaching the final corner before his apartment, he saw young Sally Meyer, crying, her tears streaming down her face as she stared up a tree. Hurrying over, he crouched beside her, looking through the leaves to see where she was pointing. “Ahh, I see poor Sebastien has got himself into a pickle again.”
Sally giggled through her tears, blowing mucus bubbles from her nose. “It’s a tree, not a pickle, Mr. Lizzy. I keep telling you that.”
Lysander laughed and stood, ruffling her hair. “True enough. Let’s see if I can get him to come down from there.” Moving under the tree, Lysander held out his hands, talking softly to the cat. “Sebastien, come here pretty kitty,” he crooned to the frightened cat. Sending out encouraging vibes, Lysander reached as high as he could, hoping the cat would come to him. Sometimes he got lucky. That wasn’t the case today.
“Really Sebastien? You couldn’t give me a break?” Cat eyes stared back at him unblinkingly. Lysander looked down, grimacing at his sandals, which were not the best footwear for climbing trees. Unfortunately, they were going to have to do, since the cat needed to be rescued.
He set his satchel at the base of the trunk, before shimmying up to the lowest branches. He maneuvered his feet onto the thicker section by the trunk, then pulled himself up to the next level, before sitting sideways, bracing himself on the trunk. Throwing his leg over to straddle the branch, he carefully inched toward the cat, crooning encouragement the entire time. Sebastien watched him, purring, as he patiently waited for his ride to arrive. Lysander rolled his eyes. Cats. Once he was close enough, he plucked him from the branch. Holding the cat tight to his chest, Lysander retreated down the tree, following the same path he took going up. The descent was much more difficult with a purring cat in his arms. It was totally worth it though, to stop a young girl’s tears.
