Authors: C.A. Salo
The Lost Lyken
OTHER KIN BOOK 3: THE LOST LYKEN
by
C.A. Salo
TORRID BOOKS
www.torridbooks.com
Published by
TORRID BOOKS
www.torridbooks.com
An Imprint of Whiskey Creek Press LLC
Whiskey Creek Press
PO Box 51052
Casper, WY 82605-1052
Copyright
Ó
2013 by
C.A. Salo
Warning: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 (five) years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000.
Names, characters and incidents depicted in this book are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental and beyond the intent of the author or the publisher.
No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
ISBN 978-1-
61160
-707-9
Credits
Cover Artist: Gemini Judson
Editor: Sara Kent
Printed in the United States of America
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT
A SLAVE’S WAY OUT
“C.A. Salo has outdone herself and I trust this is only the beginning of a bookshelf overflowing with sexy sci-fi treats. I hope there will be a story showcasing Trea and Daniel since their characters made such a lasting impression and added to what was already an outstanding read which I definitely recommend to the masses.”
Indy
Joyfully Reviewed
“I’ve read a lot of books over the years, but
A Slave’s Way Out
is one of the hottest I’ve read in a long time. It isn’t just the chemistry between Catrin and Niko, which explodes off the pages, or the dynamics of the secondary characters. It’s that C A Salo shows a woman can be not only outstanding in her job that she fights for but also that she can be dominated by her lover and not look weak. When the reader first starts reading this book they are sucked into a different time and space right off the bat and aren’t let go of until the last word is read. They realize the voyage is over. I hope C A Salo writes more about these characters as the world she’s created is one you’ll want to visit over and over again to see how each one is doing. This is definitely going on my keeper shelf and I am looking for more of her stories.”
Donna
FAR
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT
THE DEVIL HIMSELF
“I really enjoyed the author’s unique approach to a classic love story. This wasn’t an ordinary boy-meets-girl story as it featured a creature that some might find hard to love, yet the author was able to humanize the beast in the story and make me, the reader, fall for him as well despite what some might consider imperfections. I found the author’s use of an imperfect hero, at least when it comes to looks, refreshing and interesting.
“This was a very touching love story that I would definitely recommend to those looking for something a bit different.”
Lilac
Whipped Cream Review
Rating: 4.5 Cherries
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT
A WARRIOR’S LONGING
“
A Warriors Longing
is definitely steamy. The chemistry between Lord Gage and Meiken is strong enough to raise anyone’s blood pressure. C.A. Salo did an excellent job blending the sci-fi, romance and erotica genres. Not everyone can do it so seamlessly.”
Victoria Cross
Night Owl Reviews
Other Books by Author Available at Torrid Books:
www.torridbooks.com
A Slave’s Way Out
The Devil Himself
A Lady’s Challenge
A Warrior’s Longing
The Mercenaries of Neris Series
The Werewolf’s Mate – Other Kin Series – Book 1
The Dragon’s Vamp – Other Kin Series – Book 2
Dedication
Shawn, you’re not only the best brother in the world but an awesome dad as well! I am so proud of you! Thanks for always being there for me, whether for your words of wisdom, when I need you to give me the truth straight up, or simply when I text you out of nowhere to pick your brain about guns.
J
I wuv ya boy!!
Chapter 1
His nostrils flared the moment her scent reached his nose. Glancing up, Evan noticed the average hometown girl walking into the coffee shop and smiled as he handed the customer in front of him their coffee. “Thanks and have a great day.” The moment he met his newest customer’s gaze his cock reared up. Stepping to the side to relieve the pressure he gave her a short smile. “Ms. Decker, how are you today?”
“I’m fine, Evan, how are you this morning?”
“Staying warm. Your regular?”
“Yes please.”
Evan didn’t know why he let her bother him so much, after all she was only human, but with her soft voice, dark hazel eyes and her sweet womanly scent, she drove his senses crazy every time he caught her scent. “How’s your cat doing?” he asked, turning in time to see her soft smile. He steeled himself against the arcs of lightning shooting through his system.
“Oh, Marabell’s doing well. She wasn’t very happy with me yesterday after her shots at the vet’s and hid most of the night, but she came out when I filled her bowl this morning. Although she stuck her nose up at me and gave me her backside.”
Evan slid the to-go cup along the counter, taking the two dollars she’d laid down. “Ah I’m sure she’ll be over the whole incident by the time you get home tonight.”
“Probably, but can’t say as I blame her, I hate going to the doctor’s for shots too.”
Evan choked back a growl when the top of her nose crinkled with her smile. Clearing his throat, he handed her the change. “Right.”
“Thanks, Evan, see you in the morning.”
His gaze narrowed as she turned, lowering to her bottom and the slight sway of her hips.
“Why do you torture yourself?” Winn asked.
Evan glanced over at the owner of the coffee shop and growled from the corner of his mouth. “Why can’t you tell her to stop coming in?”
“She’s a loyal customer.”
“She’s human.”
“And a loyal customer. Why not just take her to bed and be done with it?”
“You wouldn’t understand.”
Winn’s smile softened as she laid a hand on his arm. “Honey, I understand more than you give me credit for, now get back to work, more customers are coming in.”
Evan shook his head as he turned with a smile to the newcomers. He knew taking Kasey to bed would be a mistake, for something deep down told him once he did, he wouldn’t want to give her up, and that was something he wasn’t looking for–especially with a human who couldn’t protect herself against his kind if she had to.
Working the day, Evan closed the shop and headed home. Sighing, he followed the steam his hot breath made as it hit the cold air. Winter was upon them and he loved the cooler weather. Although he had to wear a jacket when out in public with the humans, he didn’t really need one with his inner body heat. Taking a left, he waited until a car went by before crossing the road to the other sidewalk. He shoved his hands in his pockets as he slowed down to see holiday shoppers strolling in and out of the Main Street stores. Sighing as his brother came to mind, Evan called once a month if not more to talk with Drake and see how the family was doing. He felt bad for the way he took off like he did five years ago, leaving his post as Alpha and dropping it all in Drake’s lap, but he couldn’t stay there, not after losing his mate and his child in one fatal battle with an enemy of his people.
“Hey you, what’s the gloomy face for? It’s the holidays,” Kasey said.
Evan stopped suddenly, staring at her until what she said registered. “Thinking about family.” It just came out. Damn it. He knew he’d made a mistake when her eyes lit up and he wished he could take it back.
“Oh, are they near here?”
“No.” Evan shook his head, knowing her fascination with Alston and the strange happenings in the area five years ago.
“Oh, have you called them?”
“No, not for about a month,” he said as he rocked back on his heels.
“I know what you mean. I haven’t either, I’m trying to get out of going home for Christmas, and I know if I call, they’ll talk me into it, especially my brother.”
Evan’s interest was piqued, although it shouldn’t be. “Why’s that?” he asked before he could stop himself.
“Don’t get me wrong, I love my family and everything, but my brother and I don’t go around much. Long story short, my parents don’t get along and we don’t like our older sister very well. The only reason I’d go is to see my grandma and dad. Even they don’t want to be around my mom.” Kasey smiled as she held her breath.
Evan’s brow lifted. “And?”
“And, my mother thinks I’m seeing someone, and would hound me until I showed up with him in tow.”
“And you’re not?”
“Nope. Just said it to get her off my back and now it’s backfired. Yay me.” She grinned.
“Yeah, that’s one way to get busted.” He couldn’t help it, he started laughing.
“Oh yeah thanks, laugh at me. No that’s all right, go ahead, I deserve it.”
“Just tell them he’s with his family or something and couldn’t make it.”
“Unfortunately I’ve done that for the last two years and it’s wearing off. My dad knows, he’s gone along with me, and I’ve thought about telling my mom that I broke it off, but she’d just try to fix me up with Gilford Weram.”
“That bad, huh?”
“Oh yes, that bad.” Kasey chuckled then shivered. “Well, I better let you go. It’s getting chilly out here.”
“Sure.”
“It was nice talking with you, Evan.”
“You too.”
“Night then.”
“Night,” he replied, liking how she lowered her eyes to him before walking away. Ms. Kasey may not realize it, but he knew she wouldn’t have any problems submitting to him and his Alpha tendencies. “Christ,” he growled. That was not an image he wanted etched on his brain.
* * * *
Evan turned the moment he scented Kasey. It had been three days since he talked to her and that was odd as she came in every day. His eyes narrowed when he noticed her hair was down and covering one side of her face—something was up. That was not typical Kasey style.
“What happened?” The question had come out more rough than intended, his eyes widening at the hint of the bruise on her right cheek. Reaching across the counter he touched her before she had a chance to back up, and moved her hair away. “Holy shit, Kasey, who did this?” he asked, his gaze going to her blackened eye.
Kasey glanced around quickly, lifting her hand to his and lowering it to the counter. “It’s taken care of,” she said softly.
Evan met her eyes as the wolf in him reared up to protect. “Who did it?” he asked slowly.
“I don’t know, I’ve already told the police everything.”
“When?”
“Ah, the night I ran into you on the street.”
Evan’s gaze narrowed as she glanced downward. “What aren’t you telling me? And don’t lie because I’ll know.”
Kasey’s eyes flew up to his again. “You’ll know?” she exclaimed breathlessly. “And how’s that? The only time we’ve really talked was the other night on the street. You know nothing about me and vice versa. Why are you all of a sudden all over me when we both know you really don’t like me?”
