Jane collected the eggs, setting the pail down on a shelf where it would be safe while she went to find Justin. He was really touchy lately, and mostly refused her offers of friendship and a friendly ear, but if she got close enough to him, she could read his emotions and at least give Caleb some clue as to what might be wrong. Caleb was the problem solver of the family, but he needed something to go on before he could put his quick mind to work to find a solution. Jane's empathic powers had provided those much needed clues in the past and she didn't mind helping him in this small way if it meant she could help the other men as well. She loved them all and she wanted them to be happy.
Jane knew Justin usually hid himself in the big stall he'd arranged to house his Harley and the various tools he needed to keep it in prime condition. It was about the size of one of the large birthing stalls in the barn, but unlike the rest of the building, it was spotless, with nary a piece of hay in sight. The concrete was a little oil stained, but there were good lights in there so Justin could easily see into the engine of his beloved machine. There was also a huge stack of spare parts and fluids that he had managed to stock up on before the cataclysm that would ensure the machine functioned well for the next twenty years at least. Caleb's precognition had allowed them to stock up on all sorts of things that were unavailable or hard to get now.
Jane approached slowly, seeing the light on through the partially opened door. Justin had made this small room his very own retreat. There was a space heater, a comfy chair, and a small cooler with the bottled beer she'd learned how to brew for her men. They'd loved that little surprise, she knew, and a smile dawned on her face as she thought of their incredulous reaction when she'd served up the first batch a few months ago.
The door was ajar just a few inches and she approached cautiously. Justin's temper was so unpredictable, though she knew he would never hurt her. Still, she didn't want to alienate him. She hated when he turned away from her. Only Caleb could console her when Justin's anger made him shut her out and of course, then Caleb would have words with Justin for hurting her tender empathic feelings and only make the situation worse. If at all possible, she wanted to come out of this encounter with nothing more than the information she knew Caleb would be waiting for, and no overwhelming emotions that would cause further strife between the brothers.
She edged forward, into the small patch of light that was spilling into the dark barn.
"Justin?" she asked tentatively, not wanting to startle him. His reactions were lighting quick and she'd learned not to sneak up on him unless she wanted to risk bodily injury.
"Go away Jane."
The words held anger and she heard a frantic sort of rustling as she pushed the door wider to peer inside. It was obvious what she had interrupted and her face flamed red. Justin's magnificent tattooed chest was bare, his fly was open, and his hand was barely covering his thick erection.
She was caught, like a deer in headlights, her mouth forming a perfect O of surprise that only made things worse. "I'm sorry," she said quickly, feeling waves of his anger, desire and turmoil that literally took her knees out from under her.
He saw her begin to crumple and moved to catch her. "Dammit Jane," he growled as he caught her behind her knees, bringing her into the room and placing her on the overstuffed chair he'd been sitting in. He left her there while he tried to tuck in his stiff cock and force the zipper up, but it hurt like hell and when she gasped and he looked up to see her wide eyes watching him, he nearly came right then and there.
"Justin," she said softly as he turned away. "I'm sorry. I just… got overwhelmed for a moment with your anger." Her lovely, sympathetic eyes made him squirm. "I'm so sorry."
He knew he had to get himself under control or risk hurting her more. Her damned empathic senses were too closely attuned to the O'Hara boys. She'd always been able to read him like a book and he knew his anger and turmoil could hurt her.
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EXCERPT
King of Swords by Bianca D’Arc
Jit’Suku Chronicles ~ Arcana #1
Adele pushed through the portal and waited a moment for her eyes to adjust to the gloom inside. What she could see of the place was clean and well kept. The atmosphere was dark, quiet and relaxing rather than sinister as she'd half expected. She noted the big men at the bar as her eyes adjusted slowly, scanning the room for her aunt. The place was set up with small private booths and one long bar area where the men clustered. Soldiers, they had to be, though they were all in civ clothing. On leave or perhaps retirees, she guessed, noting the bartender looked to built on the same grand scale. Soldiers were just bigger than regular human males. It had something to do with their diet and training, she knew, but other than that, she hadn't paid much attention.
Unlike many civilians, Adele had no real opinion about soldiers. Oh, she appreciated the sacrifices they made trying to keep the Milky Way Galaxy safe from the jit'suku threat, but she'd never really had any dealings with them on a personal basis. She knew many civ men discriminated against them-probably because they felt small by comparison.
She'd seen soldiers here and there throughout her travels and to a man they were all huge and rather intimidating. She supposed a civilian man would feel a little threatened by their towering height and imposing brawn, but she felt somehow comforted by their large, protective presence. Surely, if men such as these were fighting the jit'suku out on the rim, the rest of humanity would always be safe. They inspired that kind of confidence with their silent, somewhat menacing ways.
Adele swept the room once again but didn't see her aunt, so she decided to brave the quiet crowd at the bar to ask. She walked to an open space, feeling enclosed by the heat of the big men sitting on either side of her, but she refused to acknowledge the sort of tingly reaction that skittered through her body. It wasn't fear exactly, but it was definitely something that surprised her.
"Pardon me," she said in a voice that carried to the bartender. All eyes turned to her and she found herself the unexpected center of attention. "Can you tell me if Della Senna is here? I understand she's dealing here now." The bartender slung a towel over his shoulder and walked toward her with a rolling gait that oozed sex appeal. She'd never been this close to a soldier, much less half a dozen of them, and each and every one was solidly built, and handsome as sin. This bartender was perhaps the prettiest of the bunch, with perfectly chiseled features and a confident, friendly expression.
When he smiled, she felt the bottom fall out of her stomach. He was definitely what her old friend Mary would label DDG—Drop Dead Gorgeous.
"Della's on break, but she'll be back in about five minutes if you want to wait."
His deep voice sent little shivers down her spine. The man was sexy as hell and dangerous to boot. She could feel it crackling in the air around him as he stopped right in front of her on the other side of the bar. She was glad of the hard metal of the bar between them. His attention shifted to the man seated on her right. A slight nod and narrowing of his eyes was all that was needed to make the other man jump into action. A moment later, he'd drawn a barstool up behind her and politely assisted her to sit.
"Thank you." She looked over at the man on the right, surprised by his youth. This soldier was definitely younger than her and his clothes looked brand new. Perhaps he was on leave. She smiled at him and his face seemed to heat just the tiniest bit with a flush of embarrassment. She liked the young man immediately. He was polite and a little shy, which surprised her even more. Built like a freighter, she wouldn't have imagined anything as simple as a smile could fluster him, but apparently it did.
"What'll you have, ma'am?" The bartender polished a small glass and set it before her, probably assuming she'd have a typical girly drink suited to the petite glass. Feeling daring, she smiled with an air of challenge. "Do you have any Pearson's Star Ale on tap?"
The bartender straightened and smiled, taking the little glass away. "Indeed I do. Coming right up."
When he turned to fetch her ale, she was treated to a lovely view of his sculpted ass. The man was pure muscle and his formfitting pants showed his assets off to best advantage. She'd bet he made great tips from the ladies based just on his butt alone. Sighing, she and sat back on the surprisingly comfortable stool. She didn't feel as out of place here as she'd feared. The atmosphere was quiet, but welcoming.
A moment later the handsome bartender was back, placing a frothy, frosted pint before her with relish. Adele licked her lips, staring at the perfectly poured portion. She had a taste for this particular brew and didn't partake of it often due to its hefty price, but this occasion seemed to call for it. With relish, she took a sip of the thick, dark ale and the taste exploded on her tongue.
"Mmm, delicious."
She moved to get her credit chit, but a big hand swooped in from the side, pressing a credit chit into the bartender's hand.
"Allow me, ma'am."
Startled, she looked over to acknowledge the huge man sitting to her left. Blonde and blue eyed, this guy was a little older than her. Probably a retiree, and a recent one, if the newness of his clothing was anything to go by. Soldiers didn't usually have a lot of money to spare when they left the service and this ale was a luxury. She couldn't let him pay for it in good conscience, though it was a lovely gesture.
"That's very kind of you but-"
"It would be my pleasure. My name is David." His smile totally disarmed her. It was even more devastating than the bartender's.
"I'm Adele," she found herself answering, though she hadn't intended to give out any personal information to people she didn't know on this little sojourn to the far side of the station.
"A beautiful name for a beautiful lady."
The bartender groaned. "You need to brush up your lines, Dave. That one's as old as the core." The other men around them laughed and David smiled good naturedly. He seemed used to the ribbing from his comrades and paid it no mind.
"Doesn't make it any less true." His gaze held hers and for a moment it felt like only the two of them existed in the whole universe.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Bianca D’Arc has run a laboratory, climbed the corporate ladder in the shark-infested streets of lower Manhattan, studied and taught martial arts, and earned the right to put a whole bunch of letters after her name, but she’s always enjoyed writing more than any of her other pursuits. She grew up and still lives on Long Island, where she keeps busy with an extensive garden, several aquariums full of very demanding fish, and writing her favorite genres of paranormal, fantasy and sci-fi romance.
Bianca loves to hear from readers and can be reached through Twitter (@BiancaDArc), Facebook (BiancaDArcAuthor) or through the various links on her website.
Welcome to The D’Arc Side…
OTHER BOOKS BY BIANCA D’ARC
Paranormal Romance
Brotherhood of Blood
Tales of the Were
Tales of the Were ~ The Others
Tales of the Were ~ Redstone Clan
Tales of the Were ~ String of Fate
Tales of the Were ~ Grizzly Cove
Guardians of the Dark