Monday, December 18, 2017

Wild for Two by Katie Cody Upcoming Release

Title: Wild for Two (Born to be Wild Book 2)
Author: Katie Cody
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Length: 24,000 words
Amazon - Goodreads


Synopsis:

Alex Lockhart is furious. Her little sister has gone and gotten herself a fiancĂ© in the jungles of Africa. Knowing her sister’s penchant for trouble she decides to meet the man in person, but unfortunately no one told her that the long-haul flight would be the least of her problems when she is assaulted in the airport lounge. Thankfully her sister sent two guides to keep her safe through the perils of the jungle, but who will protect her heart from the all too tempting twins?

Zeke and Zane jumped at the chance to escort the beautiful Alex to her sister. After seeing a picture of her, they knew instantly what she was to them, their mate. They didn’t think she would mind if they took the long way home on their journey to win her heart, especially if she didn’t know. What they didn’t count on was an old enemy coming back to haunt them. Now they must team up with some unlikely friends to save the woman they love.

Will Alex survive the perils of the jungle and the perils of the heart? Or will she meet her match when she finds she's wild for two?

This is a standalone series with a guaranteed H.E.A.

About the Author

Katie is a midwestern girl who enjoys making up worlds where happily ever after exists and anything is possible. After scouring through countless books for the swooniest heroes she finally decided to make some herself.

You may enjoy her books if you like:

1. Protective heroes
2. Cheesy love stories
3. Spunky Heroines
4. And a healthy dose of paranormal fun

Sign up for her mailing list and find out about her latest releases, giveaways, and other exclusive content! http://eepurl.com/ddkIsb

www.katiecody.com

Excerpt

Chapter 1

“Twins? What do you mean the twins are picking me up,” she glanced around surreptitiously and did her best to keep the screech out of her voice.

“It’s not as bad as it sounds. They are awfully nice and they will make sure you get here safe. Trusts me, I’ve seen them in action,” the laughter coming from her sister had her shaking her head.

What kind of danger do you think I’ll be in at the airport,” Alex asked sarcastically, “And what do you mean you’ve seen them in action?”

She paced the airport lounge anxiously as the silence on the other end of the phone grew, “Zara? What is going on,” she growled.

When her sister finally broke the silence, her words were nervous and clipped, “Its already done. Just be safe, please. I’ll see you soon,” A click sounded and she was gone.

“Did she seriously just hang up on me,” Alex wondered aloud. She shook her head in disgust as she looked around the pickup area once again.

She didn’t see anyone who fit the description yet and she had been waiting for the last half hour. Annoyed and hungry she pulled off her backpack to hunt for some change. She had seen a vending machine near the seating area and had a serious chocolate craving at the moment.

Her heels clicked as she made her way through the almost empty airport, but slowed considerably as she approached the vending machine.

Standing huddled close to it were two men standing almost taller than the machine. Their hair looked to be a dark brown and they were dressed in suits. She frowned as she considered them. Zara had said they were twins and although she couldn’t quite see the men’s faces they very well could be. Their hair looked to be a lot lighter, but maybe it was just the lighting. Although, they didn’t seem to be too interested in finding her.

She frowned in annoyance. So much for being nice guys, she thought as she strode purposely toward them.

“Hello, my name is Alex Lockhart,” she said politely holding out her had. They both turned to her quizzically and she frowned seeing that they didn’t much look like twins. One had a very bulbous nose and squinty eyes. While the other was slenderer and had a hooked nose reminding her of a hawk. She slowed and hesitantly continued, “Are…you two the ones who are supposed to pick me up,” her unease grew as they both smiled wickedly.

They glanced between one another before taking a careful step forward, “Of course, you are Zara’s sister correct,” the way they looked at her had her backpedaling instantly.

She tightened her hand on her bag and slowly started to back away, “On second thought, I think I have the wrong people sorry,” she stuttered.

As she went to turn away the beefy one grabbed a hold of her shoulder and whipped her back around, “Not so fast princess.”

Screaming she pounded her fists helplessly against his chest, but he only chuckled at her attempts. Looking over to his partner he asked, “What do you think Ed? Is this the girl Frank wants,” his voice was laced with amusement and caused her heart to sink in dismay.

She looked around frantically, but cursed her bad luck when she saw the place was empty. If only she had looked for a more populated area to wait.

Ed looked down his hawk like nose at a photograph in his hand, “Oh yeah, she’s the one,” he laughed darkly, “I wonder if the boss will mind if we play with her a bit first,” his eyes gleamed as he looked her up and down.

Seeing the look in his eyes made her skin crawl and she had to swallow a lump of bile in her throat.

As Ed reached for her she whipped her backpack around and landed a hard blow to the side of his head.

The force of the impact knocked him into the one holding her and he let go to stop his fall.

Taking advantage of the distraction, she ran as hard as she could toward the far exit, but her heels made her slower than she liked.

Before she could make it to the door heavy grunt sounded from right behind her. She twisted out of the way just as the man slammed into the ground.

“God damnit Horrace. What are you doing? Get her,” shouted the other as he came barreling just behind them.

Unfortunately, when Horrace had kicked her on his way down and she lost her footing. She landed hard on her knees, but quickly shook off her heels and hopped to her feet. Ignoring the stinging pain in her legs she ran down a nearby hall, hoping to lose them.

Throwing open a random door she almost squeaked in dismay when she saw it was a bathroom. Hearing the men coming down the corridor meant she didn’t have much time to be picky however, so she rushed in blindly.

Hunkering down in the far end stall she sat upon a toilet seat and huddled into herself, lamenting her horrible situation.

Why had she decided to run for the bathroom? Holding her knees, she closed her eyes tightly as the door to the bathroom squeaked open. Footsteps sounded and she clenched her hands sound the bars on either side of her, readying to lash out the minute they came through the door.

“Princess, why don’t you come out. I know you’re in here,” Ed’s voice was like oil, slick and putrid. Biting her lip, she prayed someone would come by soon. She had no chance against either of them. They were twice her size.

A crash sounded and she flinched before she realized it was one of the stall doors.

“Little red, little red, come out. We won’t hurt you,” he slammed open another stall door, “Much,” he chuckled.

She heard footsteps just outside her door and saw his shadow fall under the stall door.

A crash reverberated around the tile walls and she flinched, but opened her eyes slowly when no greedy hands grabbed at her. Her door was still firmly closed and a curse sounded just outside.

The shuffling of feet and a loud thud sounded before she saw Ed’s face fall to the ground under the door. His eyes were closed and blood seeped from his temple.

The air rushed from her as she stared in disbelief. The creaking of the stall door had her whipping her head up in surprise. Without thinking, she launched herself at the door as it creaked open.

She landed onto a large chest flailing and kicking, but was soon subdued as arms wrapped themselves tightly around her. She barely registered the strange shocks going through her arms at the contact.

Looking up she gasped as she stared up into striking green eyes. A wicked smile played at corners of his plump lips and shaggy black hair threatened to fall into eyes that were dancing with mirth.

“I know I’m sexy, but please contain yourself darling. Plenty of time for that later.”

Her jaw dropped at the teasing note in his voice.

Another almost identical face suddenly appeared just next to his, the only difference was the long scar marking one dark cheek. She swore when she realized they were twins.

“Speak for yourself brother. You can jump me anytime you like sweetheart,” the new man winked and moved to the other side of her, effectively blocking her in.

As she gazed up at the two men she cursed her sister, “What has Zara gotten me into?”

Chapter 2

Zeke had to tamp back his beast as he held onto their pretty little mate. Her lush curves melded to him like silk and by the look in Zane’s eyes he felt the same.

His brother automatically stood on the other side blocking the view of those bastards as they lay on the floor, soaked in their own blood. Their mate didn’t need to see them, especially not after what they had tried to do to her.

Looking down to Alex he smiled at her astonished expression. He remembered all too well the fear he and his brother experienced when they saw her being chased. Never, never would they allow that to happen again. She wouldn’t leave their sight if he had any say in it. Nodding to his brother he felt the same resolve pass through them.

“Don’t tell me…you are Zane and Zeke,” hearing the breathless words had both brothers looking back to Alex once more. Their lips widened in identical grins as they shared a look.

Zeke couldn’t stop himself from caressing her long silky hair as his brother stroked her back soothingly.

“Yes, sweetheart, I am Zeke and this is my brother Zane,” he pointed to his grinning brother. Her eyes widened as she looked from him to his brother. He couldn’t help imagining how she would look spread between them with her eyes glazed over in pleasure.

She coughed, “I…I see,” glancing to the ground she bit her lip and he stifled a moan, “Do you think you could let me down now. I can walk you know,” she crossed her arms over her chest in an attempt to look serious, but he could still hear the tremor in her voice.

“Not a chance darling,” he growled. There was no way in hell he would let her go for a long while. Not after nearly losing her.

Her eyes narrowed and her pretty little mouth turned down in a frown, but before she could get a word out Zeke stepped in.

Sidestepping his brother, Zeke held up hand, “Woah it’s arlight. I am so sorry Alex,” he apologized sweetly, but Zane barely suppressed a grin at noticing he never took his other hand off her, “What my brother means is you are probably still in shock after being chased down by those bastards,” he growled low in his throat before returning to normal at her frightened expression, “You are also barefoot and if you hadn’t noticed this is a rural airport. Once we leave its pretty much all jungle. We can’t have you walking through the jungle like that,” he shook his head diplomatically, “If you wouldn’t mind Zane could carry you…at least until we get to a village to get you a better pair of boots.”

Her eyes narrowed in suspicion, but she wiggled her toes and looked down biting her lip in indecision. Seeing his chance Zane purred in her ear, “You do want to get to your sister as fast as possible don’t you,” her skin flushed at his words and he hid his grin in her hair.

She did her best to pull away, “I…won’t you get tired? I’m heavier than I look,” her words were much softer this time and both brothers grinned in triumph. She was going to say yes and if they had it their way it would last much longer than a simple trip to the village.

Zane chuckled, “Don’t worry darling, you are as light as a feather. I don’t know how much your sister told you about us, but we are much stronger than we look. Carrying you will be my pleasure, I assure you.”

She shook her head, but sighed, “Honestly, she didn’t say much. And while we are on the subject I’d like to know what in the hell is going on? Why did those two attack me anyway,” her voice shook as the stress of the day finally caught up to her.

Both brothers winced and looked at her sympathetically. Nodding to his brother Zane began to walk them both to the exit and away from the horrible scene.

Zane stroked her hair unable to stop himself from touching her, “They were nothing but lowlife sex traffickers,” he explained.

Her eyes widened and a terrified gasp escaped her, “Did…did you say,” she stopped unable to control her shaking and the tears brimming in her eyes. She couldn’t believe what had almost happened.

His heart constricted at the sight of her tears, “Oh…Oh my darling, don’t cry. You are safe with us. I promise you,” he wiped gently at her cheek drying her eyes, “We have called the authorities and they will be taken care of,” he shook his head, “It is why your sister sent us. This area can be extremely dangerous, especially for outsiders.” The half-truth fell easily from his lips. No reason to scare her with the truth, not yet anyway.

She put a dainty hand to her mouth and sobbed before burying her face in his chest. Seeing her come to him for comfort had him swelling with pride. He wanted her to always come to them for all of her needs. He shook his head realizing he was pushing her too hard, too fast.

Rubbing her back, he silently made his way out of the airport and towards the jungle path. Zeke soon followed. Picking up their bags and the bag Alex had left behind, Zeke trailed along behind them, keeping a close watch on their surroundings.

A few minutes passed before Alex looked back up at him, “Zane, what are you doing? Don’t you have a car of some sort?”

He shook his head, “I’m sorry darling, but Zeke wasn’t kidding. We will be hiking it from here in. The trail to our village is much too hard for any sort of vehicle to make it.”

She scrunched her nose up in confusion, “Seriously? Why on earth would my sister want to stay out here is beyond me.”

Zeke spoke up then, “It’s not as bad as it sounds. Our village is quite lovely. We’d be happy to show you around once we get there,” he added cheerfully.

She shook her head disbelievingly, “That’s alright, I’m sure my sister can do that. Besides, I’m much more interested in seeing this man she is supposedly marrying,” she groused.

The two of them glanced at one another, “Lutalo is a good man and if you don’t mind me saying so he is desperately in love with your sister and your sister seems to feel the same,” Zeke said diplomatically.

She nodded, but rolled her eyes and muttered, “I’ll just bet she is.”

Hearing her anyways Zeke smiled sadly, “People do crazy things for love, sweetheart.”

Zane wondered why she was so against her sister marrying other than it being so sudden. He knew it was more than just protectiveness. She seemed to hate the very idea of love and it made him a bit uneasy.

They knew that she was their mate the minute they saw her picture. Meeting her in person only solidified that knowledge, but how were they going to get through to her when she seemed to be so against the very idea of love? He shook his head and glanced at his brother as they both frowned. It looked like they had their work cut out for them, but no matter what they had to do they would find a way to convince their little mate.

They never backed down from a challenge and Alex would be their sweetest challenge yet.

Chapter 3

Alex awoke to the sound of voices arguing.

“I’ll keep watch, while you go,” it sounded a lot like Zane, but she couldn’t be sure.

“You’ve had her all day, brother,” that growl was undeniably Zeke.

As she peeked one eye open she noticed she was still resting on Zane’s shoulder. She was facing away from Zeke and looking up she noticed a building situated on the banks of a river with men coming and going. Hanging atop the building was a rusted sign reading Joe’s Outpost.

Squinting she pushed herself up to get a better look, but unfortunately her movements alerted the other two that she was awake.

Pulling her to the front of him Zane gave her a welcome smile as if he hadn’t just been arguing with his brother about her. She rolled her eyes.

“Alex, you are awake? Did you sleep well darling,” he asked in a sickeningly sweet voice.

Zeke tilted his head with a warm smile as well, “Yes, sweetheart dream of me?”

She pretended not to notice the silent glare Zane sent his way, “Actually yes,” Zeke smirked, “I mean I slept well, thank you,” she blushed realizing what she had said, “but I really would like to stand on my own two feet now,” Zane frowned but gently set her down anyway. As soon as her bare feet touched the ground she winced at the rough gravel on her feet, but refused to show it. From the little time, she’d spent with the twins she knew they would pounce on any sign of weakness.

She hated to admit but the big guy really was comfortable. She preferred to blame it on the attack and the heat.

Wiping off her brow she glanced to the outpost once more, “Do they sell boots here?”

Zeke took that as his cue, “Yes and Zane was just about to go and get you some while I waited with you here,” the smile he sent his brother reminded her of the Cheshire cat.

Before Zane could argue she held up a hand, “Look, why don’t we all go in? I’d like to have a look around myself if you don’t mind.”

They both frowned at this, “I don’t think that’s such a good idea,” Zane began, but she started out anyway dutifully ignoring the pain caused by walking barefoot.

Seeing this both men hurried after her and each took a place at her side. It was like having an entourage of bodyguards constantly at her side. Honestly it was a lot more annoying than she had thought it would be. Glancing up at the two men she shook her head. Bad enough she had to chase down her errant little sister in some crazy jungle halfway across the world, but she was also saddled with two overprotective, pranksters. Her sister had told her about their teasing nature, but she hadn’t done them justice. It wouldn’t bother her so much if their teasing wasn’t so devastating to her senses.

“Penny for your thoughts,” Zeke asked curiously.

Blushing at having been caught thinking about them she stiffened, “Actually, I was just thinking how annoying you two were,” Sneaking a glance up a them she noticed Zeke frowning, but Zane seemed unconvinced “Give a girl a little space, why don’t you,” she growled hating herself for thinking of them in anyway other than professional disinterest.

She upped her stride and grabbed the door handle just as an elderly looking gentleman opened the door, “Oh, excuse me.”

The man simply dipped his head and smiled, “Not at all young lady,”

His eyes crinkled in the corners and his movements were smoother than she would have thought for a man his age. Stepping in she gave him a brief smile in return as she took a look around the shop.

The walls were lined with shelves of various instruments, mainly tools of varying sizes and rucksacks, but her eyes lit up as they landed on the boots in the far corner.

Seeing this the man chuckled, “I thought it a bit strange you didn’t have any…uh…suitable footwear,” he grinned at her feet.

Quickly turning away to hide her embarrassment the ding of the bell on the door saved her from having to answer.

“That would be our fault,” Zane’s low rumble filled the room and caused a shiver to go up her spine.

The old man’s kind blue eyes lit up at the sight of the twins and she wondered if they knew each other.

“Ah, I should have known it was you two. Always up to trouble,” he looked back at her and winked, “Don’t let these two push you around miss, they just love to stir people up,” he gazed at them affectionately and the men clapped him on the shoulder.

Zeke clapped the man on the shoulder, “Ratting us out as usual, eh Joe.”

Jim narrowed his eyes, “That’s Mr. Rogers to you and if I had ratted you out, you boys would have been in a lot more trouble than you would ever believe,” he shook his head, “Wasn’t a day that went by that you two weren’t out here causing mischief.”

The three men laughed and she couldn’t help, but smile at their lightheartedness as well. Their laughter was infectious, “You’ve known them a long time?”

Her question caused another round of laughter to boom about the room, “I’ve known them all their life. These two practically grew up in this store.”

Stunned she shook her head. She hadn’t realized that the twins had lived here in the jungle from birth. She eyed them once more seeing their rugged looks, the ease at which they traversed the jungle, and how they both seemed to be so attuned to their surroundings.

Now that she thought about it seeing them in any other setting would have been almost comical. The twins had a charm that was almost devastating and the way they carried themselves and their confidence made her believe that they had grown up surrounded by others. Imagining them in the jungle surrounded by animals and rough men like the ones who had attacked her earlier that day was enlightening.

Without realizing it Zane and Zeke had once again taken their places on either side of her. “What? Did you think we would be more barbaric living here in the jungle? Maybe a bit wilder than your average man,” Zane smirked.

Her eyes widened at the look in his eyes, heat bloomed on her face and she couldn’t look away no matter how hard she tried.

A soft warm breath of air breezed across her right cheekbone and goosebumps rippled across her skin, “Well, I’ve got news for you sweetheart. We are wilder than your average man,” Zeke’s whispered words sent a shaft of desire straight to her core and she felt a haze of desire sweep over her.

“I see you’ve got your hands full, gentleman. When you are ready to make a purchase, just let me know,” Joe’s voice broke through the haze like knife. Stepping away quickly she tried to regain her composure.

“I…I really need some boots,” she stammered lamely.

Joes eyes twinkled in mirth while the twins grumbled, “Of course, I imagine what you two want, can be found in the back, but if you would like I can take you there while she peruses our stock. I think you will be able to find what you need alright miss…”

“Lockhart. Alex Lockhart,” she supplied with a sigh of relief. Thankful that he seemed to understand her need for space.

Reluctantly the twins stepped back to follow Joe. Zane gave her one last look, “If you need anything just call,” his words hung in the air heavy and full of promise.

“Anything at all,” Zeke added before they departed with longing glances into a backroom.

As soon as they disappeared, she sunk down onto a nearby stool. Putting a hand to her forehead she tried to catch her breath.

“What is wrong with me? I barely know them,” she chastised herself. Looking back to the boots she tried to find something sturdy and within her price range.

A few minutes later she was doing her best to pull off a green pair of waterproof boots when a blonde man stepped in front of her. Looking up she squinted at a pair of bright blue eyes hidden in a mass of blonde hair, “I highly suggest these, they are comfortable and will last you on long treks,” he leaned down conspiratorially, “and the price isn’t bad either,” His oil slick smile made her stomach queasy as he handed her a pair of black boots.

She took them with a forced smile, “Thank you, um…”

“Jay Sullivan, at your service,” he bowed regally. She frowned, his tanned skin, bright white smile, and golden hair might charm anyone else, but the scars on his knuckles and red stain near his neck gave her pause.

This man just didn’t feel right to her and the queasy feeling in her stomach only grew the longer she was with him. Doing her best to discreetly inch away she smiled, “Thank you Mr. Sullivan. I think these will do just fine,” She grabbed the boots and headed towards the door she saw Joe and the twins disappear through.

Unfortunately, Jay stepped in her way once more, “Jay, if you please,” he leaned down coming into her space and she tried to step back, but his other arm blocked her way.

“You know it’s been a while since I’ve seen anyone as lovely as you pass through here. I would like to get to know you better,” She put a hand up to stop his lowering mouth.

“Look, I’m actually with someone and I really must be getting back to them,” She sidestepped him and tried to reach for the door, but his hand on her arm stopped her. Gasping she tugged at her arm only to have him tighten his hand further.

“You like those…gorillas,” his words were a hushed growl, “If that’s true, then you will be even more perfect than I thought,” he reached for her and before she could scream he covered her mouth with a sickly-sweet smelling cloth.

She struggled vainly as a harsh grin bloomed on his face, “Don’t worry, you’ll adjust to your new home quite nicely. Her vision blurred and spots danced in her vision as she felt her limbs become heavier and heavier. Her last thought was of how much she hated jungle men as she fell into darkness.



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