Hello all! This week for my monthly author column over at Love Bytes Reviews, I'm chatting a little about the THIRDS series and sharing an excerpt from Smoke & Mirrors!

Part 2

Sloane’s Felid side was momentarily distracted by Cael’s arrival, and his inner Therian half struggled between wanting to tear apart those responsible for this, and wanting to comfort his mate’s brother. Sloane’s instincts were on high, and it was moments like these that reminded him of the beast inside him. Not that he could ever forget, but there were days when his Felid half was peaceful. Then again, those days were usually the ones spent with Dex at his side. His Felid half was so content then, slumbering peaceful, waking only to stretch, twitch his tail at the occasional box, or yearn for a belly rub. The most Sloane heard from him was that blasted purr that would find its way out even in his Human form.

Cael was frantic. This wasn’t like being out in the field. This was his big brother that was missing, and not like the other times he’d been taken. This was different. It felt different. They didn’t have a clue who could be behind this. Cael had so many questions, but Sloane had no answers. He wanted to comfort, but he wanted to find Dex most of all. Ash stepped in, pulling Cael into his arms, murmuring comforting words as he stroked Cael’s hair.

Sloane left Ash to it, unaware that he’d called in the whole damn team. One by one they arrived, and the more questions they asked, the more on edge Sloane got. He didn’t have any goddamn answers. He appreciated their support. Knew they were here because they cared about Dex. But he had nothing. Cael was beside himself, and Sloane paced while Ash tried to calm him.

“How can I calm down? He’s gone, Ash!”

Calvin and Hobbs were the last to arrive. Their reaction to the state of the living room had been similar to the others. Disbelief followed by worry. Calvin stepped forward. “What’s going on?” Calvin asked.

“Dex is gone,” Sloane replied, his hands going to his head. “I can’t believe this. Look at this place.”

Calvin walked over to Cael. “What do you mean he’s gone? Gone where?”

“We don’t know,” Cael replied worriedly. “Sloane woke up, and Dex was gone.”

“Something’s wrong.” Sloane ran a hand through his hair. His Felid was pacing again. It wanted to do something. It wanted Dex back. Sloane wanted Dex back. “I can feel it. In my gut, deep down, like… I just know he’s in trouble. God, what if he’s hurt or….” Sloane shook his head as Ash grabbed hold of his shoulders.

“Stop. We’ll find him. Whatever’s going on, we’ll figure it out.”

“Did you see the guys who did this?” Calvin asked. He looked like he wanted to inspect the place, but didn’t dare touch anything. None of them did. The whole place had just become a crime scene. His living room was a crime scene. The place where he lay on the couch with his head on Dex’s lap, teasing, playing. Where they watched movies together, watched TV, talked for hours about random things, where… he made love to Dex.

Sloane took a deep breath and released it slowly. “That’s what’s most fucked-up about this. I didn’t hear a thing.” His vision blurred, and he breathed in once again. “I didn’t even feel it when they took him out of our bed. He was in my arms.” Sloane blinked away his tears, anger swiftly taking over. “How is that possible?”

Rosa stepped up to Sloane, looking him over. “My guess is someone injected you with something. How else would they be able to do all this without you waking up?” She checked in between his fingers, inspected his arms, then neck, before she motioned for him to lean in. Gently turning his head, and checked behind his ear. She cursed under her breath. “They injected you with something.”

Sloane’s blood ran cold. “They took him from my arms, and I didn’t feel a goddamn thing. When I get my hands on whoever did this, they’re going to regret ever stepping foot in this house.”

“You’re going to have to find them first.”

They turned to find Sparks at the front door. She was dressed in a black leather catsuit with a host of weapons tucked in her thigh rig and utility belt, along with a crossbow attached to her back.

“What did you do?” Sloane growled as he stormed over to Sparks. “You had something to do with this, didn’t you?”

Sparks calmly walked past him and into the living room, then took a seat on the coffee table.

“I had hoped to be further along in his training before this happened, but unfortunately, the timeline seems to have been moved up.”

“What are you talking about?” Sloane demanded. He flexed his fingers and did his best to keep his Felid half in control. Right now it wanted to sink its claws into Sparks. “Where’s Dex?”

“I don’t know.”

The last of Sloane’s resolve snapped. He thundered over to Sparks and threw out a hand, his fingers closing around her neck. “Don’t lie to me!”

“If I knew, I would tell you. Dex has been taken. I don’t know where or by whom exactly.”

“Exactly? What does that mean? I swear, if you don’t start giving us some fucking answers,” Sloane’s claws pierced his skin, but he barely flinched at the pain, “I don’t give a shit who you are or who you work for, I’m going to start causing you some pain,” Sloane snarled.

Sparks looked up at Sloane, as if she were searching for something. Sloane waited, his patience all but nonexistent, when Sparks finally spoke up.

“Dex was taken by those responsible for his parents’ murder.”

Sloane froze. That wasn’t possible.

“Wait, what?” Calvin shook his head. “Dex’s parents weren’t murdered. They were caught in a shooting that broke out in the movie theater they were at during their date night. Right?”

Sparks tapped Sloane’s hand, and reluctantly he released her. She had information. More than she was letting on. For now, he’d cooperate. He needed to find Dex.

“That’s what everyone has been led to believe, but the truth is, Gina and John Daley were there to meet with someone. Before the meeting could take place, they were killed.”

Cael sank down onto the floor across from Sparks. “I can’t believe this. They were murdered?”

Calvin seemed to have trouble processing. “Why would they take Dex now? I mean, his parents were killed when he was just a little kid.”

“That’s a good question. We believe Gina Daley had something in her possession before she was killed. Something important. It was possible she was going to pass this information on to whoever she was meeting. However, there was nothing on her at the time of her death.”

“That doesn’t answer why now,” Ash said. “Why, after all these years, are they making a move on Dex now?”

“We’ll have to ask Shultzon.”

Sloane threw his hands up. “What the hell does Shultzon have to do with any of this?”

Sparks stood, her steel blue eyes meeting Sloane’s. “Shultzon is the one who ordered the hit on Dex’s parents.”

Sloane stared at her. How…. That son of a bitch. Every time Sloane believed the man couldn’t be any viler, something new came to light to prove Sloane wrong. Shultzon had Dex’s parents killed? The entire room was silent, and only then did he realize all eyes were on him.

“I hope your team is ready, Sloane,” Sparks said as she headed for the door. “You’re going to have to be if you want to get Dex back alive.”

Catch the final installment Part 3 in next week's THIRDS Thursday 4/14/16!

Part 3

Sloane had heard enough. He headed for the door when Sparks stopped in her tracks. She turned, blocking his path.

“Where do you think you’re going?”

Was she serious?

“I’m going to find Dex, and I’m going to make whoever took him feel the pain I feel before I make them fucking bleed.” His anger was boiling over, and if anyone got in his way they were going to regret it.

Sparks narrowed her eyes at him. “You’re staying here. All of you are. My operatives have everything under control. The area is secure, and a team is out searching for Dex. Stay put.”

“You’re out of your fucking mind!” Sloane balled his hands into fists, his canines growing in. “You really expect me to stand here and do fuck all while he’s out there?” He stepped up to her, his vision growing sharp. “Get the hell out of my way.”

Sparks studied him. “The last thing I need is you and your team running around the city stirring up trouble we don’t need, drawing attention we don’t need. My operatives are handling it.”

“Fuck your operatives,” Sloane snarled, “and fuck you.” His inner Felid roared and Sloane shoved Sparks up against the wall. The front door slammed open and a wave of Therians in black suits flooded into the house. A blond jaguar Therian rushed him, and Sloane released Sparks, twisting and throwing a punch that landed across the guy’s jaw. The jaguar Therian barely blinked. He slammed into Sloane, throwing his arms around Sloane’s waist and knocking him back into the wall.

“Sloane!”

From the corner of his eye Sloane saw Ash take action, but he didn’t get far before he was up against several operatives. His team was surrounded, and Ash put himself between them and Sparks’s TIN Men. Sloane struggled against the blond jaguar Therian. The guy was as tall and muscular as Sloane was, and as trained as Sloane was, this guy was obviously on a whole different level. That didn’t mean Sloane wasn’t going to give it his all.

“Get the fuck off me!” Sloane thrust his head forward, head-butting the guy and sending him staggering back.

“Sloane,” Sparks hissed. “Stop, and let us do our job, or I’m going to have to do something you won’t like.”

Sloane’s eyesight sharpened, and he let out a fierce roar as he charged the blond Therian. He dodged the guy’s fists, and managed to deliver a punch to the kidneys. The guy snarled, and thrust his fists down against Sloane’s back. Sloane fell to his knees, but he quickly rolled out of the way before he could get kneed in the face. He popped up on his feet and put his fists up, rolling his shoulders as he waited for blondie to make the first move.

“Come on you Armani asshole.”

Blondie smoothed down his suit, and ran a hand through his hair before he charged Sloane. They crashed to the floor, thrashing, and landing blows. Sloane straddled the guy, his fury all he could feel as he delivered another blow across the face. They were trying to keep him from Dex.

“Get the fuck out of my way,” Ash snarled. “He needs me!”

Sloane pulled back his hand, his claws razor sharp when his arm was seized. They grabbed a hold of him wherever they could grab him. His arms, legs, torso, and neck. He twisted his body, and struggled fiercely, trying to free himself. His muscles began to burn, and he let out another fierce inhuman roar.

“He’s going to shift!” Someone yelled, and the light in the room began to dim. “Get the injector!”

“No!” Sloane pulled at his arms, but it was no use. There were too many of them. They pushed him down onto the couch, a wall of black suits holding him down. “Get the fuck off me! I need to find him!” His skin felt like it was on fire as he strained against the Therians holding him.

“I’m sorry, Sloane. This is for your own good.” Sparks looked down at him, her expression almost sympathetic.

“Please,” Sloane begged. Tears blurred his vision, and he tried to shake his head, but they held it firmly. “Please don’t do this. I need to find him.”

The blond Therian pressed the injector to Sloane’s neck, but even then Sloane didn’t stop struggling. He met Sparks’s gaze.

“You’re going to have to keep me under, because I won’t stop. I won’t stop fighting until he’s back in my arms, safe.”

Sparks nodded, and the injector fired. Sloane gasped for breath, his back arching violently off the couch cushions, his muscles seizing as the drug surged through his blood. The agents released him, and Ash pushed through.

“Get the fuck out of my way, assholes!” He dropped to his knees beside Sloane, his face pained. “I’m so sorry, Sloane. I couldn’t….”

Sloane gritted his teeth, but he smiled at Ash. You tried. It’s okay.

Ash nodded, his eyes red as he put a hand to Sloane’s forehead. “We’ll get him back to you. I swear. Have faith in him. He’s one tough little son of a bitch.”

Sloane would have laughed if he could. His body stopped seizing, and his limbs grew heavy. There was no instant knock out. Whatever the hell it was, it worked its way through his system slowly. He was in a daze, but still awake, gradually slipping under. It was like being in quicksand, sinking inch by inch. Struggling would only make him sink faster. All he could do was wait to be pulled under. Ash soothed him. He ran his fingers through Sloane’s hair. His best friend always seemed to know what he needed.

“It’s okay, buddy. I got you. I’ll be right here.” Ash’s other hand went to Sloane’s arm and he gave it a gently squeeze. “Hey, remember the first day we met Dex? When he came running in like a bat out of hell, smacked into you, and then brought that weapons display down on you, him, and Zach? All over a packet of Cheesy Doodles?”

That seemed like a lifetime ago. Sloane smiled, and he felt a tear roll down the side of his face. Ash wiped it away with his thumb. How could he forget?

“You were so pissed off,” Ash said with a soft laugh. “You didn’t know whether to beat the shit out of him or get him hauled off to the psych ward.”

Sloane turned his hand over, closing his eyes when he felt Ash take hold of his hand and squeeze, his voice quiet when he spoke.

“He’ll be back in your arms soon.”

Heaviness seeped in Sloane’s bones, and as the darkness came for him, he held onto the light. The light that was Dex. The warmth of his smile. His infectious laughter. The unconditional love he had for Sloane. Sloane needed that light. He needed Dex. They’d find him. Alive.

They had to.

“I’m okay,” Dex said, staring off at nothing in particular.

Sloane tipped Dex’s head back and searched his gaze. If anyone could see past the brave front, it was Sloane. Dex was resilient, the one everyone leaned on and turned to when they needed help. He was the shoulder they cried on. The white knight ready to charge into battle.

“Let me take care of you,” Sloane pleaded softly, placing a kiss to Dex’s brow.

Dex closed his eyes and nodded. His body visibly relaxed as Sloane began to wash him. First his hair, which was getting a little long, falling roguishly over one side of his brow when he didn’t run gel through it, then his neck and shoulders. Sloane worked his way down Dex’s body, making sure to soap him up good yet very tenderly. His beautiful skin was marred by ugly bruises, scrapes, and cuts. When he reached Dex’s fingers, Sloane was especially careful. The bandages came off, and Sloane was forced to bite down on his bottom lip to keep himself from cursing. The dark splotches under his nails would take time to disappear. Once he was done soaping Dex up, he led him under the shower to rinse him off. Dex opened his eyes but didn’t look at Sloane. He was lost somewhere in his thoughts. Sloane placed a kiss to Dex’s shoulder before he quickly showered, then got them both out of the tub. He dried them off, wrapping Dex in a big fluffy towel afterward.

In the bedroom, Sloane got dressed in a pair of pajama bottoms and a T-shirt. He made sure to find Dex’s softest, most comfortable T-shirt and pajama bottoms to dress him in.

“My feet are cold.”

Dex’s voice was so quiet, Sloane wouldn’t have heard him if he hadn’t been a Therian and standing so close.

“No problem,” Sloane replied with a smile. He kissed the tip of Dex’s nose and grabbed a few pairs of socks and presented them to Dex. “Okay, we’ve got rubber duckies, cheeseburgers, happy toast, sushi, the Mona Lisa, or Superman.”

Dex pointed to one of the pairs.

“Duckies it is.”

With a smile, Sloane returned the rest of the socks to the drawer exactly where he’d found them and then slipped Dex’s rubber ducky socks onto his feet. Dex stared at his socks. He was still for so long, Sloane was worried something had happened. He reached for Dex’s shoulder when Dex shook himself and slipped off the bed.

“I’m hungry.”

It was music to Sloane’s ears. He followed Dex downstairs to the kitchen, keeping a close eye on him just in case. It was still surprisingly early. Barely seven in the evening. He was relieved to see Dex still had an appetite.

Sloane moved with Dex around the kitchen as they prepared themselves some sandwiches, and they ate them in the living room in front of the TV. The sense of normalcy felt good and was clearly what Dex needed right now. Maybe Sloane’s luck was changing for the better, because one of the TV stations was running a marathon of Back to the Future, one of Dex’s favorites. No matter how many times he watched it, Dex never tired of it. He loved quoting the movie yet laughed as if he were watching it for the first time. Sloane was about to return their empty plates to the kitchen when the doorbell rang. Dex flinched, and Sloane placed his hand to Dex’s shoulder.

“I’ll get it.” Shit. What now?

Sloane answered the door, stumbling back so as not to get whacked by it when it swung open. Maddock marched in, looking more pissed than Sloane had ever seen him.

“Where is he?” Maddock barked.

Sloane held his hands up in front of him in the hopes of getting Maddock to calm down.

“Sarge, now’s not a good time. Please. He’s—”

Maddock shoved Sloane hard against the wall. His fingers curled around Sloane’s T-shirt, and his gaze bore into Sloane’s, nostrils flaring. When he spoke it was a low, fierce growl.

“Boy, you will stay the hell out of my way if you know what’s good for you, or I swear on my daddy’s grave I will beat the shit out of you.”

Sloane swallowed hard. There was no doubt in his mind that if he even hinted at getting between Maddock and Dex he would be on the floor and in pain within seconds.

More to come soon! Pre-order June 8th. Release Day July 8th.

GIVEAWAY

For a chance to win a signed THIRDS paperback of your choice, just leave a comment here on the blog telling me what your favorite patterned socks are. Giveaway ends Tues, May 10th, at 11:59 PM Eastern US time.

Smoke & Mirrors (THIRDS, Book 7) Sneak Peek

After coffee, Dex spoke to his little brother, insisting he was fine. Talk of Dex and Sloane having sexy times had quickly turned Cael’s fretful ramblings to gagging noises and sounds of disgust before he told Dex he was a jerkface. In true Cael fashion, it was quickly followed by an apology and insistence that Dex was not, in fact, a jerkface. Dex promised to call Cael if he needed anything and asked him to annoy Ash on his behalf, or at least make an attempt.

Less than an hour after their phone conversation, Cael was on Dex’s doorstep. Dex had opened the door, barely getting a word out before Cael launched himself at him.

“Woah, hey.” Dex let out a soft laugh as he wrapped his arms around Cael. “It’s okay, Chirpy.”

“Don’t call me that,” Cael replied, his words muffled against Dex’s shirt. He squeezed Dex gently, and held on to him.

Dex couldn’t remember the last time Cael had clung to him like this. He closed his eyes and let his head rest against Cael’s. He didn’t pull away or comment. It was clear Cael had been shaken up by what happened. Once he pulled back, he wiped at his eyes with his sleeve, and gave a sniff, a deep frown on his face. He refused to look Dex in the eye. Who knew what was going on in that overactive brain of his.

Dex put his hands on Cael’s shoulders, demanding softly, “Hey, look at me.”

With some reluctance, Cael did. His big gray eyes were glassy.

“I’m sorry I scared you.”

Cael nodded.

“How about a drink?” Dex motioned behind him, and Cael followed. They headed into the kitchen where Sloane was washing the dishes. He smiled at Cael.

“Hey.”

Cael gave him a wobbly smile before taking a seat on one of the chairs behind the counter.

“So what’ll it be?” Dex asked, subtly squeezing Sloane’s side. Cael was quiet. Like Dex, Cael was never quiet. Not unless he was engrossed in a video game or movie. “Tea? Hot chocolate?”

Cael sat up straight, seeming to shake himself out of it. “Hot chocolate. With marshmallows. Lots of marshmallows. Like, half the cup should be marshmallows.”

Dex chuckled, relieved Cael was acting like himself again. He got to work fixing up Cael’s hot chocolate while Sloane made a latte for himself and Dex. Sloane knew him so well. Dex didn’t even have to ask.

When Dex placed Cael’s hot chocolate in front of him, the tiny marshmallows forming a peak, and close to causing a tiny marshmallow avalanche, Cael frowned at it.

“I can’t stick any more on there, buddy. Gravity’s got to do its thing.” Dex studied his brother. “Cael?”

“I don’t know what to do with it.”

Dex cocked his head to one side, smiling. “You eat the top part and drink the rest, silly.”

“No, you jackass!”

Cael’s outburst surprised the hell out of Dex and Sloane. The two of them stood speechless. Dex could see Cael was barely keeping it together. Usually he was easy to read, but right now he had no idea what was going on. Cael’s face was flushed, his eyes glassy, and he looked about ready to blow his top.

“Cael, talk to me. Don’t know what to do with what?” Very gingerly, Dex made his way around the counter, stopping next to Cael.

“With you almost dying,” Cael replied through his teeth. “With you being tortured.” His hands balled into fists on the countertop, his hard gaze on the peak of marshmallows. “I know you’ve been in tough spots before, but even then, I knew you’d be okay, because you always found a way to be okay, to get yourself out of trouble. This time….” He shook his head, his lips pressed into a thin line. When he turned to look at Dex, the fear in his eyes broke Dex’s heart. “I really thought this was it. I thought I’d lost my big brother for good.” Tears pooled in his eyes and Dex didn’t hesitate. He threw his arms around Cael and hugged him close, offering what comfort he could as Cael shed quiet tears.

Pre-order coming June 9th. Copyright © 2016 Charlie Cochet. THIRDS published by Dreamspinner Press.

Hello all! Today I'm over at Two Chicks Obsessed with Books and Eye Candy for the exclusive cover reveal of Smoke & Mirrors (THIRDS, Book 7), designed the amazing L.C. Chase! You'll also find that Smoke & Mirrors is now available for pre-order! Make sure to check out the fabulous giveaway which includes Sloane's PSTC Kit!

Check out the cover reveal, and giveaway: http://twochicksobsessed.com

OUT JULY 8th

Genre: Paranormal Gay Romance Series: THIRDS Length: Novel Published: July 8th, 2016 Publisher: Dreamspinner Press Cover Artist: L.C. Chase

ABOUT THE BOOK

Life for Dexter J. Daley has never been easy, but he’s always found a way to pick himself back up with a smile on his face. Taken from his home, and the arms of his boyfriend and THIRDS partner, Sloane Brodie, Dex finds himself in a situation as mysterious and lethal as the Therian interrogating him. Dex learns what he’s secretly believed all along: his parents’ death wasn’t an accident.

Discovering the whole truth about John and Gina Daley’s homicide sets off a series of events that will change Dex and Sloane’s lives forever. As buried secrets rise to the surface and new truths are revealed, Dex and Sloane’s love for each other is put to the test, with more than their relationship on the line. If traversing the waters of murder and secret government agencies wasn’t enough, something inexplicable has been happening to Dex—and nothing will ever be the same.

ADD TO GOODREADS

READ CHAPTER ONE

PREORDER

DREAMSPINNER PRESS

EBOOK | PAPERBACK

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Charlie Cochet is an author by day and artist by night. Always quick to succumb to the whispers of her wayward muse, no star is out of reach when following her passion. From adventurous agents and sexy shifters, to society gentlemen and hardboiled detectives, there’s bound to be plenty of mischief for her heroes to find themselves in, and plenty of romance, too!

Currently residing in Central Florida, Charlie is at the beck and call of a rascally Doxiepoo bent on world domination. When she isn’t writing, she can usually be found reading, drawing, or watching movies. She runs on coffee, thrives on music, and loves to hear from readers.

Website | THIRDS HQ | Facebook | Facebook Author Page | Twitter | Pinterest | Tumblr | Instagram | Newsletter | DSP |Amazon |Goodreads

GIVEAWAY

Sloane's THIRDS Post Shift Trauma Care Kit includes kit bag with Destructive Delta pin, THIRDS agent T-shirt, snacks, and random items thrown in by Dex despite his boyfriend telling him to leave his bag alone.

Visit Two Chicks Obsessed with Books and Eye Candy to enter the giveaway!

Hello all! I can't believe we're so close to the release of Smoke & Mirrors!! Today it's up for pre-order from Dreamspinner Press! For those who like to 1-click, pre-orders will be available through other sites much closer to release day.

If you have no preference of where you order your eBook from, please consider ordering from Dreamspinner Press, as ordering directly from the publisher is always helpful.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Genre: Paranormal Gay Romance Series: THIRDS Length: Novel Published: July 8th, 2016 Publisher: Dreamspinner Press Cover Artist: L.C. Chase

Life for Dexter J. Daley has never been easy, but he’s always found a way to pick himself back up with a smile on his face. Taken from his home, and the arms of his boyfriend and THIRDS partner, Sloane Brodie, Dex finds himself in a situation as mysterious and lethal as the Therian interrogating him. Dex learns what he’s secretly believed all along: his parents’ death wasn’t an accident.

Discovering the whole truth about John and Gina Daley’s homicide sets off a series of events that will change Dex and Sloane’s lives forever. As buried secrets rise to the surface and new truths are revealed, Dex and Sloane’s love for each other is put to the test, with more than their relationship on the line. If traversing the waters of murder and secret government agencies wasn’t enough, something inexplicable has been happening to Dex—and nothing will ever be the same.

ADD TO GOODREADS

DREAMSPINNER PRESS PRE-ORDER

EBOOK: http://bit.ly/CCDSPSMEBOOK | PAPERBACK: http://bit.ly/CCDSPSMPAPERBACK

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Charlie Cochet is an author by day and artist by night. Always quick to succumb to the whispers of her wayward muse, no star is out of reach when following her passion. From adventurous agents and sexy shifters, to society gentlemen and hardboiled detectives, there’s bound to be plenty of mischief for her heroes to find themselves in, and plenty of romance, too!

Currently residing in Central Florida, Charlie is at the beck and call of a rascally Doxiepoo bent on world domination. When she isn’t writing, she can usually be found reading, drawing, or watching movies. She runs on coffee, thrives on music, and loves to hear from readers.

Website | THIRDS HQ | Facebook | Facebook Author Page | Twitter | Pinterest | Tumblr | Instagram | Newsletter | DSP |Amazon |Goodreads