Not Another Battle?!

Gill looked up at the night sky.  Chloe sat next to him leaning back on her hands gazing upwards as well.

“Great display Dante’s crew came up with.  Lots of color, spark, and boom.”  A large boom drowned out Gill’s next words.

“It certainly is bigger than last year’s.” Chloe hugged her knees tight to her.  “You’ve been overly quiet since your meeting with Dante.”

“There’s a lot going on I can’t talk about.” Gill scooted closer to Chloe.  Keeping his family safe topped his priority list.  Keeping the Peak safe ranked there beside it.  There had to be a way to keep the state from infiltrating much less claiming lands for fracking.  Two more state agents appeared at his office Monday asking about accommodations and office space to lease.  And a full moon two weeks away.  Mixed nuts above, did they have enough time?  Time to get their representatives in place and deeply imbedded to get these number crunchers and picture snappers out from under everyone’s feet.  

“I know love,” Chloe offered, leaning against him.  “Miss Elly said sometimes you have to trust that what you don’t know is better than knowing.”

“Smart woman.  Dante said as much to me.  Though there are things you and I are going to know because we have to.”  Gill pulled Chloe tighter to him.  Had the coverts slipped through the ranks deeper than any of them knew?

Out in the darkness of the trees, an open area ringed by oaks and maples hundreds of years old light up as another roman candle shot into the sky.  Next to him, Kitty jumped with each boom though she never backed away as bursts of color followed.  Dante inhaled, noting each bit of subtle changes in the odors in the air.  More humans attended the fireworks display than prior years.  Of course, the number of them claiming the Peak as home increased too.  Many voiced their concerns at the hastily called town council meeting, he and Vernon used to get a feeling of their opinions on the state bullshit.  Many felt the same way most of the non-human citizens did.  This was their home and they weren’t buying what the state was selling.  Had his teams succeeded? 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Happy Weekend Gang!

Looks like the battle for the Peak rises again.  What will Dante and his crew come up with?  How deep does Gill need to burrow to keep his family and town safe?  What other preparations are happening?

Hope your Fourth is safe and sane.  Weather continues to kick my allergies and make my nose twitch.  It is better than inches of snow.  

I'm knee deep into a novella I hope to have off to a new publisher next week.  Then waiting starts.  As soon as I know more, I'll be sure to share.

Remember to share a few good books with your spice and loves.  I know I'm enjoying mine!

Until Next Week,

Solara

YOU'RE WHAT?! TIME TO TAKE COVER!

Gill opened his mouth to answer Chloe.  He closed it.  Her family members were two states over visiting other relatives.  Their safety he no lingered worried about.  However his bride and now potential off spring took priority over standing his ground with the rest of the Peakites. Getting Chloe out of town and stashed safely away from the battle edging closer mattered now.

“Love, it’s okay if you are.  Right now I’m going to ask you how fast can you pack only the bare necessities while I get you out of town.”  Gill pushed back from his desk.  He rose closing the distance between the desk and file cabinet closest to the office door.  Rachel said she saved his vacation signs in the top drawer.  He opened the cabinet and rummaged through the metal signs until he found the two he needed.  Turning around, he found Chloe standing behind him hands on her hips.

“Do you think I’m going to leave you alone when the fight for our lives is happening?  Get---”Her words muffled and failed by his hand.  God he loved her spunk and loyalty.  He loved her alive.  Not dead or maimed.  Even hurt to the point both she and their offspring paid the price.  No, getting them out of harm’s way mattered.

“Got to admire your spunk.  I adore your passion and drive darling.  This time, and yes there will probably be others, isn’t the one where you get to choose.  Our child matters more.”  Gill pressed a quick kiss on Chloe’s pouting lips.  “We’ve got packing to do lickity split.  I’ve got two calls to make.”

Ten minutes speeding across town found them at the mayoral mansion hastily tossing clothes and a few treasured possessions into two large suitcases.  Another forty-five passed while Gill made his calls and secured safe passage for Chloe and him out of town.  Fifteen minutes later, they stood at the far east end of the town closes to the old highway.  Kitty, Dante’s love and mate along with Gypsy sat with the motor running in the all-terrain vehicle as they approached.

“Kitty, thanks.  Gypsy, thank you too.  I owe both of you.”  Gill tossed the suitcases in the open door turning to Chloe.   He pulled her into his arms, kissed her deeply, and let go. 

Helping her into the vehicle, he sniffled.  He didn’t want this to be their swansong.  He wouldn’t know until the dust cleared. For now, his Chloe needed to know his deepest feelings.  “I love you.  Know that no matter what, we’re married.  And I want you and as many kids as we can have.”  He kissed Chloe again before slamming the door shut.

Chloe knuckled two tears off her cheek as she watched Gill race back to his car.  Gypsy’s words drew her attention.  “We’ll be back.  No one or anything is going to destroy Talbot’s Peak.  We’ve got a battle to wage from the outside.”

Kitty nodded as Chloe looked to her.  Both women held up their thumbs.  Chloe swallowed and spoke.  “Full speed ahead sisters.  Our enemy ain’t seen nothing yet.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

HAPPY WEEKEND GANG!

Gill is stepping up big time.  He's grown a lot since getting hitched.  The fight for the Peak is growing and intensifying.  Looks like the rumble is going down.  I'm betting on our Peakites to win.

As we start the slide into fall and a new school year, remember to take time to relax with a few good books.  Share them with your loves and spice as well as your favorite children's book with your small family members.  Reading and feeding our brain and creative imagination matters too. 

Until next week, I'll be sharing a good book or two with my loves and spice.

Smiles, 
Solara

"Mayor Gil. He's playing Secret Agent Squirrel."

Tuesday howls and yowls, shapeshifter lovers.

Today's flash scene stars Dante, alpha werewolf owner of The Pleasure Club, and his love, Kitty, a cat shapeshifter.
~~~~~~

"Mayor Gil. He's playing Secret Agent Squirrel."

Settling back in his leather chair, Dante rumbled a short laugh. He placed the decades-old phone receiver on its cradle. The Ma Belle original served as his link to Louie, and Louie's circle. Only.

As he lifted his hand from the phone, Kitty entered their private love lair, modeling the new gown he'd recently had designed for her. Pure irresistible woman, she swayed sensually toward him.

"I've never heard that phone ring once." She raised a delicate brow in question.

Immersed in her radiant expression, the one a woman wore when she felt truly admired by a man, Dante hesitated for moments, savoring. 

"Mayor Gil. He's playing Secret Agent Squirrel."

"Is that so?" His Kitty cocked her hip flirtatiously. "Secret agent squirrel... secret agent squirrel," she sang to the tune of "Secret Agent Man".

She gave her long blonde curls a lazy toss. "Somehow 'squirrel' just doesn't work for that tune." After a small laugh, she sauntered closer, her every move a sensual response to the slinky forties gown.

The champagne golden satin clung to her lovely curves, and Dante let his gaze prey on her. "Yeah, kitten mine, secret agent squirrel doesn't cut it."

"I don't think I'll be crooning that version to Mayor Gil," his Kitty exaggerated the roll of her hips, "if he ever decides to show up at the Midnight Stardust Supperclub."

"I've put the invite out. You can lead a squirrel to a hidden cache of peanuts, but you can't make him eat them." Dante opened his thighs, an invitation to his woman.

"That doesn't make sense," she complained in a sultry voice, even as she glided between his legs, and softly touched his shoulders, caressing.  "Squirrels store nuts."

"Mine are aching to be found, kitten love."

She gave him playful yet seductive smile, then rubbed her knee gently against his balls.

His cock did him proud, thickening fast. Dante smoothed his hands up her satin-covered hips as their gazes met, and the magic of their connection embraced him once again.

"You don't usually give anyone phone access. What gives, my big bad sexy werewolf?"

Kitty languidly shimmied, and Dante gripped her haunches hard, possessively, the way she liked it. Hell and howls, the way he liked it.

"Figured it was the easiest way to get the real scoop on Talbot's Peak. You know Louie, his rat's nose is always to the ground." Dante paused, inhaling her luscious sex scent.

"Louie is the rat in the know... when it comes to the Peak." Kitty stroked her fingers through his hair, her touch addicting.

"Gave him that number exclusively... had him 'let the number slip out' to Gil."

"I bet the Mayor enjoyed his squirrel paw up on you?" She leaned over, his woman, and planted a soft, soft kiss on his forehead.

"Yeah, kitten, let the squirrel think he's got hold of your nuts." Dante molded her ass with his hands. "Gil's been good for the town. Don't want to scare him away."

"Love how you think, wolf man," she murmured against his forehead, "only I'm losing my ability to think."

Fisting his hair, Kitty tugged with enough force to bring his mouth beneath hers. She teased his lips with the slow brush of hers. "Maybe we should honor the Mayor at the supperclub's Autumn Equinox Ball... how could he refuse?"

Dante grinned against his woman's mouth. "A pint or two at the pub would be more to the mayor's liking, from what I'm told."

"With all the peanuts he can eat," she breathlessly whispered, then nipped daintily at his mouth until he groaned.

Dante trapped her between his thighs, and passionately swept his hands over every inch of her he could reach. The way the satin slipped over her gorgeous shape -- slid over her perfect breasts -- mating howls, he was hotter than the devil's inferno.

Not relinquishing her grip on his hair, Kitty covered his face with kisses.  "Dante," she purred against his mouth.

Capturing her breasts, Dante fondled as the harsh sound of their pants filled the room. With a touch as fleeting as a butterfly, she tormented his cock, stretching his already too-tight leather pants.

"Hot with stud lust?" she asked just to further his need. The phrase had become an erotic trigger between them.

"Make me hotter, woman," he growled.

She mewed, a desperate little sound that didn't make it past her throat. Dante nuzzled her neck, growling endearments as her limbs went weak.

Knowing the instant his beautiful woman's knees were about to buckle, he hauled her onto his lap. Their lips seized each other, their passion still unspent. 

Dante figured their furious kisses could have steamed up every mirror in the supperclub.

~~~~~~

 
Wishing you shapeshifting love on the wild side… 

Savanna

Savanna Kougar ~ Run on the Wild Side of Romance
~~~~~~

Kitty Gets Rambunctious, Even Naughty

Full Moon in Capricorn howls and yowls, shapeshifter lovers.

Here's wishing you a HAPPY, STAY-COOL FOURTH OF JULY!
~~~~~~

Kitty Gets Rambunctious, Even Naughty

Kitty gave her long blonde locks a sassy toss. Restless despite not being in heat, she scanned the crowd, mostly Talbot's Peak families having fun on the small carnival rides, and singles flirting at the booth games.

Gypsy Red Wolf and some of her psychic friends had arrived, and were giving readings. The modest sums collected were to be used to augment the library's collection of ancient shapeshifting manuscripts.

Recently, Kitty had tracked down a private source. However, after the owner provided proof, he'd demanded an exorbitant price. Further, he'd specified no rich donor could be contacted for the funds.

Why? Kitty didn't possess a fricking clue. Flea-scratching frustrated over the situation, she frowned as she strolled toward the roped-off food area. Children of every type and stripe hopped up and down, squealing happily over the ice cream novelties, and other sweet treats.

Sergei, Gypsy's devoted lover, had suggested the street fair company. The motley troupe of shifters and gnomes had a good safety record, even impressing Mayor Link. They'd been willing to include all the town's businesses. Plus, obviously they knew the paranormal score here in The Peak.

Determined to enjoy herself, Kitty cast aside her library worries, and smiled. She spoke and waved cheerfully to everyone who called out to her, everyone who waved.

Before moving toward the snow cone stand -- calling her name and tempting her tongue with its icy and colorful allure -- Kitty gave herself a bit of a slinky shake. The tingles of friskiness assaulting her belly paid no heed.

Sure as the catnip always growing in her sunny kitchen window, she missed Dante terribly. As usual. But this wild urge had to do with her cat need to be rambunctious, act up in some silly way.

It shone like a magic beacon. With her inner huntress aroused, Kitty eyed the rainbow snow cone as the gnome attendant placed it on the counter in the holder.

Evidently he was making one for each of the six fox shifter kits, all of them Brianna's grandchildren. They vacationed with her currently, and every other day, she brought them to the library for reading time. Brianna was a former schoolteacher in the human world.

Before she could stop herself, Kitty darted behind the food stands. Spying one of the imposing oak trees, she slipped close to the broad trunk. No longer able to ignore her impulse -- one heckuva of an itch desperately in need of a good scratch -- Kitty practically tore off her clothes, then tossed them hither, thither, and yon.

Meows! Yowls! It felt positively wonderful to be naked. After a fully body stretch, Kitty quickly morphed into her cat form. She bounded toward the snow cone still before her mind's eye, the one irresistibly beckoning her.

Anticipation sizzled her spine as she streaked the last few yards. Stopping only to crouch low, Kitty sighted her rainbow prize. She sprang, her blood running high.

With ease, and light-footed of course, Kitty landed next to the snow cone holder. Six rainbow treats waited to be handed out.

Yielding to her mad desire, she licked the nearest one. And kept licking despite major tongue freeze. Then big-time brain freeze.

Yeee-owwws! Yee-owsa... but so good.

****


Free to leave the business side of his life behind, Dante strode to his Harley. He'd taken great care to shine every inch of chrome, and now he took a moment to admire his handiwork.

He grinned as the memories of his road trip days flashed through his mind. With a leap, he straddled the beast machine, rapidly put on his helmet, then roared his Hawg to life.

The rough precise purr of the power-packed engine was a balm to his soul. Gunning his Harley just for the alpha thrill of it, Dante spun his tires. He performed a quick wheelie, then peeled out of his biker bar's parking area.

Right now, the afternoon temp had to be hot enough to fry a good-sized steak on the asphalt highway he was about to speed over, toward Talbot's Peak proper. Dante anticipated the slapping force of the wind as he wound down the isolated forest road.

Given the Independence Day celebrations happening all over The Peak, the freedom vibe had gotten under his wolf hide and his human skin. So had his never-ending, humping-ravenous lust for one Kitty Katrina Collins.

A couple of days ago, he'd learned his estranged sire, and most of his criminal pack of no-goods, had skipped town for some high level conference in Las Vegas. Oh howl-hell yeah, he'd sent his carefully chosen spies to infiltrate, find out what meaty morsels of info they could.

That handled, and with the Pleasure Club humming to his tune, time now belonged to him. Paying not the slightest attention to his cruising speed, Dante flew over the highway, his only concern making certain he endangered no one.

He laughed inwardly. No cop car, no highway patrol car possessed the horsepower to keep up with his souped up Harley, let alone hope to catch him. Black ops tech vehicles, now that was a another, utterly nightmarish story.

Not today, wolf boy, he told himself. No worries. Only my sweet Kitty.

Wanting to surprise his beautiful cat woman, Dante hadn't mentally communicated with her. As of late, he relied on his lonesome heart, then his nose to locate her.

Dante slowed his speed to a crawl once he reached the outer limits of Talbot's Peak. His tamed chrome beast prowled the neighborhood street where his Kitty lived. Though, he knew she wasn't at home.

Catching her deliciously pungent scent, Dante followed the invisible trail. Howl to the Full Buck Moon that would be shining tonight! Was he raw with the need to buck inside his woman.

Dante handled his monster bike on automatic now. Closing in on Kitty's exact position, he rumbled a long growl. His impatient cock lunged against his leathers the instant his wolf gaze sighted her standing next to a good-sized oak tree.

What the... holy fuck? An apt expression since his little Kitty tossed off all of her clothes in a cat fit of absolute abandon.

Her fast shift struck him like a punch to the gut. Stopping his Harley, he hit the kickstand fast, then dismounted in one leap. Dante followed after her.

Concerned but amused, he watched her spirited run toward one of the food vendors. In hot pursuit, Dante was just in time to see his gorgeous white cat lap a rainbow snow cone.

He paused only long enough to see her eyes cross, and her tongue turn bright with the different colors. With a huge grin cracking his face, Dante reached for the cash he kept inside his leather jacket.

"There you are," he scolded. "I've been searching all over for you. Naughty, naughty pussy." Dante scooped up his Kitty, and holding her in the crook of his arm, he cuddled her close against his chest.

He tossed a twenty on the counter. "I've been trying to break her of her snow cone habit," he addressed the wide-eyed fox shifter children. "So far nothing's worked."

"A good old-fashioned spanking might do the trick." The fox woman gave him a sly wink. "Here," she reached for one of the snow cones, and handed it to him. "Put that to good use."

"Yes, ma'am. I certainly will." Dante returned her wink.

****

Kitty mewed as she kissed Dante feverishly, then languidly. Their icy tongues tangled, and explored each other with a thoroughness that left her purring-hot inside, and nearly boneless.

Good thing, she was astride his big bad bike, and within the circle of his muscle-bound arm. His oh-so willing captive.

Dante growled possessively as they dipped their tongues into the melty snow cone again. "Come here, woman." He pulled her closer against his hard virile chest, and they spent timeless moments twining their tongues together in every possible position.

Later, as they languidly caressed each other's tongues, Kitty found enough strength to raise her legs and wrap them tightly around her sexy wolf man.

"How long are going to keep me naked?" she naughtily, throatily purred.

~~~~~~

Full Buck Moon Kisses...

Savanna

Savanna Kougar ~ Run on the Wild Side of Romance ~
~~~~~~

...go renegade on Link's ape ass...

Tuesday howls and yowls, shapeshifter lovers.

Ever wish you could handle life like a shapeshifter might when they let their animal side rule?
~~~~~~

...go renegade on Link's ape ass...

"Everyone got the form?" Kitty stage-whispered. With her adrenaline rising, she held up the survey form that the ape-idiot, otherwise known as Mayor Link, had recently sent out at taxpayer expense no less.

A hushed, 'quiet before the storm' chorus of " yeah, got it," answered her.

"I got mine!" Sozchy shouted in a defiant whisper. "The Love Wolfess doesn't love this pile of scat."

After a bit of giggle, Kitty cast her gaze over the thirty or so feral pairs of eyes that looked back at her inside the mostly dark gymnasium at Talbot's Peak High School. Dark because it was nearing midnight. "Remember, if you didn't get one and still want to join in the protest fun, there are copies on the entryway table."

"Got mine from the table." Dante's rumbled whisper sent a massive case of sexy shivers through her middle. And elsewhere more private.

"We're joinin' in."

Kitty recognized Zance's twang, then smelled the timber wolf's partner, Dontoya, a black cougar. By her quick reckoning, there were more wolves than big cat shifters present, and, of course, several other kinds of outraged shifters that were ready to go renegade on Link's ape ass.

Feeling a serious giggly sort of high, she announced, "Forms down, clothes off."

Boots hitting the floor, and rustles of garments being stripped off filled her ears as Kitty placed her survey form within reach of her cat fangs. In moments, she'd pulled off, then dropped her comfy granny robe on top of her winter gear.

As she morphed to her cat self, then stretched her muscles, Kitty felt the excitement build around her. She heard the low grunts and growls, the hisses and soft yowls of the others as they shifted. About twenty of those who had shown up were from her personal circle of friends. But with the word spread about the high-school type stunt there were about to pull... well, Kitty had welcomed everyone, even a little ocelot gal who worked at City Hall.

Dante pressed his wolf nose against her shoulder in a kiss, and to let her know he would protect her no matter what. After a feline rub against her Dante's side, Kitty stiffened her stance. She roared a rallying cry... that is, as loud as her cat throat would allow.

With savage purpose accelerating the beat of her heart, Kitty snatched the survey form between her teeth, and charged for the gymnasium's backdoor exit. She'd propped it open earlier, and now the winter cold blasted her furry face as she raced into the night, everyone following close behind.

If anyone in Talbot's Peak proper was up, roaming or prowling around main street at this hour, they'd see, hear or smell her and her rebel posse as they streaked animal-naked toward the steps of City Hall. Maybe, she thought, they should have dyed themselves purple in a sort of salute to the nude purple fairy dude. Of course, getting costume fairy wings attached once they shifted, that would have been a major problem.

***

"Eeeek!" Startled beyond belief, then scared to death at what she witnessed, Phillipa scurried behind the dumpster's front wheel. She'd only just arrived in the shapeshifter mecca of Talbot's Peak, Montana. With not a penny to her name, she'd shifted into her field mouse form to search for tasty tidbits. At least, it didn't take much to keep her from going hungry. But now... omyEEKgawd. Who knew wild packs ran the streets?

With her heart trapped in her throat, Phillipa peeked around the wheel. Several breeds of big cat, a whole pack of wolves, four coyotes, an otter, a couple of skunks, one macho raccoon with a badger beside him... and! a definitely brave jackrabbit... charged toward City Hall.

Following their leader, a large fluffy white cat, the motley pack bounded up the short set of steps. But, why they had pieces of paper clamped in their jaws, Phillipa couldn't summon up even a guess. All she cared about -- it wasn't her they had clamped between their formidable fangs. With the paper flapping or flattened against their throats, they headed for the front door as if it was open instead of closed.

***

Catching a whiff of her inside woman, Lariah, a crow shapeshifter who could find her way into any building, Kitty watched the double doors open. Euphoria flowed down to her paws at their success so far, and she sprinted onto the slick entryway floor.

After sliding, then finding her balance, Kitty slowed her pace, and trotted toward Linky Stinky's mayoral office. She'd scouted out the exact route when banana breath had been on his usual extended lunch hour.

Once inside, as they'd planned, she and her renegade pack dropped the survey forms making an untidy pile in the center of the office -- also newly carpeted at taxpayer expense. Performing the first honors, Kitty moved to the center of the pile, and took up her position.

She raised her tail, and squatted. A satisfying stream of pee whispered onto the survey forms, the sound wonderfully distinctive as it rolled onto the papers before starting to soak in.

Cheering rumbles, yips and other animal hisses of approval surrounded her as Kitty raised her haunches, then daintily strolled off the pile.

"Ladies first," Dante growled, then gave a warning look to all the males lining up for their turn at hiking a leg and letting their piss do the talking.

"Tank up," Kitty yowled, nodding toward the water-filled bowls Lariah had kindly placed on the floor for them. She'd included doses of garlic for that extra bouquet of scent -- smart crow woman that she was.

With a very naughty smile, Kitty leapt on top of Linky Stinky's cluttered desk. She'd rarely been involved in juvenile pranks, not caring for that sort of thing. However, a cat girl had her limits when it came to personal privacy.

After settling herself comfortably to observe, Kitty curled her tail around her front paws. "Do your worst by doing your best," she meowed loudly.

Not that any encouragement was needed. Rivers of pee flowed across the paper pile in the most inspirational of ways. Once the lady shifters had satisfied their rebellious urges, the males took turns lifting their legs and pissing with a vengeance.

"Dueling Banjos," White Fang growled for her ears only. Several of the other wolf and coyote males had tanked up on water, and now competed with the length and strength of their streams. So far, Nick had the other alphas beat.

"Squirt, squirt," Dante rumbled, amusement owning his wolf voice. Once he'd contributed his fair share, he'd come to sit next to her. Now, he observed the scene like a sentinel.

Soon the smell from several varieties of urine saturated the air, not to mention the fire-hose like bombardment the carpet was receiving. Kevin, a coyote shapeshifter, and his cousin, Gavin, squared off opposite each other. As if they engaged in swordplay, they aimed their long streams of pee at each other.

“Cheese it, the cops!” Lariah shouted from the doorway. Pausing, she added, "Oh, and there's a blue dragon waiting on the front steps."

"A new friend," Dante answered as Kitty tilted her head in question. "Xanuvvi insisted on guarding my backside and meeting you."

"Party at O’Malley’s," White Fang growly hollered. "I'm buying. The dragon is welcome too. If he can hold his liquor, and doesn't burp fire."

"The cops are right on time," Kitty mewed to herself. In a leisurely fashion, she launched off the desk.

Dante trotted ahead of her, helping her to avoid the pee-soaked part of the carpet. They followed after her renegade posse now filing out of the room, their gaits unhurried.

For an instant, Kitty halted in the doorway sassily flipping her tail for the office camera.
~~~~~~

~ Have a Magickal and Miraculous New Year of the Dragon ~

Savanna

Savanna Kougar ~ Run on the Wild Side of Romance ~
~~~

Dante's Midnight Stardust Supperclub

Happy New Year howls and yowls, shapeshifter lovers.

Truth to tell after the mayhem sort of day I experienced yesterday, I wasn't certain I could write a post for today's blog. However, once all had finally calmed down, inspiration struck like a small lightning bolt, and Dante, my werewolf hero, came through telling me about his latest and greatest addition to the Pleasure Club. The grand opening is, of course, on New Year's Eve.
~~~~~~

Dante's Midnight Stardust Supperclub

"Only my beautiful Kitty is missing," Dante growled low and quiet out of habit, even though he was alone. Everyone else had left after putting the finishing touches on the newest addition to the Pleasure Club, the Midnight Stardust Supperclub.

For long moments, Dante imagined his lovely catwoman, Kitty, dressed in an elegant slinky gown, dancing in his arms. He whirled them over the smooth-as-glass ballroom floor -- over the rainbow shades of pearl in time to the sophisticated swinging music of a big band.

When he'd first began sketching out the design for the supperclub, he'd had Kitty in mind with each stroke, and with each idea he'd written down. Of course, once he'd finalized the plans, and began to build, the Midnight Stardust had taken on a grand and resplendent life of its own.

Standing in the center of the dance floor, Dante gradually spun around, scanning the interior of the huge geodesic structure that glistened with a subtle, snow-white luminescence. His only regret had been the necessity of keeping the supperclub underground. He'd wanted the romance of dancing and dining beneath a canopy of sparkling stars in an inky sky.

However, more important had been keeping the Midnight Stardust away from prying military-industrial-complex eyes. While the HAARP Tesla technology in Alaska could detect many underground compounds, there were ways to disguise the frequency waves, keeping his complex hidden.

To compensate the domed ceiling had been created to look like a fanciful midnight sky. Specialized filtered lighting made it appear as if stardust fell from the celestial black heavens. Often he would envision Kitty in his arms and their passionate kisses as the diamond glints of light surrounded them.

Kitty. His Kitty cat girl. More and more each day he was ferociously tempted to send her a gown, and everything a woman would need to dress for an elegant evening, along with a plea that she celebrate New Year's Eve with him.

Close, he was so close to being able to protect her from his sire and the killing fangs of his werewolf mafia. Dante growled savagely for several minutes as he swept his gaze over the second tier of the supperclub, setup for dining, enjoying drinks and viewing the dancers, and the band.

On the suggestions of many others, Dante had also installed a whole array of movie-tech affects that included a dawn sky and also twilight. He'd foregone a bright full moon just in case there were some werefolk who would be adversely affected.

The entire supperclub, or only one section, could also be infused with a golden radiance or a silvery glow. Then there were the bubbles of light, as if the dancers were inside a glass of champagne. For grins, and because he'd seen delight in the eyes of his women staff members, he'd included fizzy pink champagne light.

Not only had his ever-growing staff painstakingly put together a long playlist of romantic, big band era music, they'd searched high and low for a suitable band, finally discovering a group of Immortals who quickly became enamored with the idea of playing together once again.

Yeah-grumbles, their price had been over the top, but Dante figured it was well worth it to make the New Year's Eve grand opening one to remember and treasure. Especially if... Kitty... his Kitty gorgeous in a beautiful gown that flowed over her sexy sweet curves... if... so far, he'd managed untraced calls to her, and his Kitty's advice in designing the interior of the Midnight Stardust had been invaluable.

Tortured with thoughts of his only love, Dante strode toward the supperclub's kitchen and winery. Hiring enough competent staff had been a real, chase-the-moon challenge, as had been the menu selections. After all, catering to the tastes of werewolves, humans, paranormals, and shapeshifters of every type, carnivore and herbivore, presented problems unknown in a strictly human establishment.

Dante swiped one hand through his waves of hair, pausing to take in the sight of the second tier tables all dressed in pristine white linen with golden taper candles inside a glass globe, waiting to be lit. He'd had one helluva of a time deciding on what scents to infuse the air with, eventually choosing to keep the air purified since the ladies would be wearing various fragrances and perfumes -- the men colognes. He'd also provided a large smoking room, separate from the rest of club, but splendid in its own right.

With the reservations pouring in, Dante figured he might break even. But that was the least of his concerns. It was getting the supperclub off on the right paw, a haven for those who enjoyed a sophisticated atmospheric night out.

To encourage patrons he'd hired several dance instructors for private or group lessons in ballroom dancing. He'd also made certain there would be gallant and gentlemanly dance partners for all the ladies who were unescorted. His Vampire friends, a special breed unlike Hollywood's version of the blood drinkers, had traveled from all over the world, especially willing to meet and dance with any available woman.

Dante grinned, recalling their palpable excitement as he'd told them about the Midnight Stardust. Of course, he'd promised them real blood wine, always a particularly good inducement, given their refined palates. As well, staying at the Pleasure Club and enjoying the amenities had worked its magic over them.

Having consulted Lamar about same-sex couples, Dante had made arrangements in that regard. Although, at this point, he didn't know how much interest there would be with all the other New Year's Eve celebrations happening around Talbot's Peak.

After a quick inspection of the kitchen and the food lockers simply to reassure himself, Dante poured a dark ale he favored into a tankard, then let the irresistible lure of his secure phone line to Kitty pull him in that direction. He had to tell her the wind machines she'd suggested for the four intimate balcony dancing areas, located on the third and top tier of the supperclub, provided a breezy and dreamy romancescape for couples in love, and falling in love.

Besides, he wanted find out what color she preferred most for an evening gown.
~~~~~~

~ Have a Magickal and Shapeshifting New Year's Eve ~

Savanna

Savanna Kougar ~ Run on the Wild Side of Romance ~
~~~~~~

A Thanksgiving Moment With Dante

Grateful for the chilled night air filling his lungs, Dante loped up the long incline toward his favorite viewing spot, deep in the forest that surrounded his Pleasure Club. Autumn’s leaves, moist from the daylong drizzle, cushioned his paws and lessened the sound of his steady stride.

Since he couldn’t share Thanksgiving with the catwoman he loved, Kitty, a lone run without the encumbrance of overseeing events at the club, had been his gift to himself. Several days ago, he and Lamar had made certain the few in Talbot’s Peak who would have been alone on this day of feast-sharing, had been invited to a banquet at his biker bar.

Dante paused at the edge of the clearing high on the mountainside. Hidden behind an enormous tree trunk, he sniffed carefully for any enemy, then observed the area as he waited and listened.

He’d made certain to satisfy his hunger, so he wouldn’t feel the need to hunt. Now Dante savored each blood-rich smell, the treat like a Thanksgiving Day dinner.

At his approach most every animal had gone to ground, or headed into the forest. Except Harry, who now scurried to the top of a large boulder waiting for him.

Wanting the solace only Mother Nature could give, a time to revel in the nighttime silence, Dante padded toward his sitting spot. He could see Talbot’s Peak proper, and he knew precisely which house belonged to his Kitty.

Atop the highest surface on the boulder, Harry raised up on his tiny mouse haunches. They didn’t mentally speak, but communed at a deeper level where only harmony existed.

Harry stretched upward, his nose and whiskers quivering as he met the touch of Dante’s nose. Companionably, they settled side-by-side, Harry on the boulder, and Dante sitting close, his shoulder resting against the rock.

Staying silent, Dante reflected on the gratitude he felt for the friends he’d made since returning to Talbot’s Peak, and for all he’d been able to accomplish with the Pleasure Club. His plans had only just begun.

Mostly, Dante was grateful for his precious Kitty. His beautiful little cat shapeshifter who often surprised him with her spunky courage, and who loved him with a heart of gold.

Someday soon they would be together. Someday soon...

How’s life? He asked Harry.
~~~~~~

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ONE AND ALL...

Savanna

Savanna Kougar ~ Run on the Wild Side of Romance ~
~~~~~~

Kitty Outwits the Nude Serpent Man

After the Harvest Moon howls and yowls, shapeshifter lovers.

So, yesterday Pat introduced us to Itzcoatl, the Obsidian Serpent. The audacious demigod is naked and walking through Talbot’s Peak... well, what does a kitty shifter girl do when she catches sight of this potential danger to everyone she loves?
~~~~~~

Kitty Outwits the Nude Serpent Man

Instinctively, Kitty ‘Katrina’ Collins backed into the tight space between the library she’d just left, and Talbot’s Peak’s post office, a recent victim of the cutback. Not that postal mail delivery really mattered anymore. The town had already made plans at the latest meeting, hiring the Pony Express family as they were fondly called, to pickup and deliver everyone’s mail.

Unable to believe her eyes, at first, still Kitty squeezed herself in more tightly. The odor of serpent assaulted her nostrils. Aware she scraped her bare shoulders, she kept her gaze locked on the nude human striding boldly down the middle of the street, as if he owned the place. No, she corrected herself, as if he believed he was about to conquer the world.

Having not much use for the world at large, Kitty hardly cared about that. Talbot’s Peak, her friends... Dante, that’s who she cared about. That’s who she would claw-raking fight to defend no matter what.

Her hands flexed like cat paws, and her fingernails scraped the stone wall before she knew it. Nude man never broke stride despite several qawking stares. And, despite the mothers who sheltered their children against their bodies, blocking their view.

Where in the -- but then Kitty remembered. Most of the wolf packs were hunting for winter meat, and training their cubs in survival.

Obviously a serpent shifter of some kind, ‘nude self-important man’ was no Lamar. While slippery-dangerous, and entirely cunning at times, Lamar’s level of power paled in comparison. Switching to her feline vision, Kitty watched shimmering waves of energy emanate from the man’s centerfold-impressive physique.

Of course, he couldn’t compare to Dante, her alpha werewolf. Kitty trembled wantonly inside with the memories of their times together, and with their most recent contact -- what could only be called super amazing phone sex. Yee-ows, mee-ows!

As Kitty continued observing nude man’s progress through town, she had to wonder if his power rivaled Pasha, White Fang’s cat goddess lover. Not two days ago she’d met White Fang at the coffee shop, and they’d spent a pleasant hour or so chatting. He’d wanted to let her know that he had to leave for a few days, and Pasha would be watching over her.

Soon enough, it became apparent brazen serpent man followed his nose, searching for someone. Even though, he didn’t appear to be hungry, or to be an immediate threat, Kitty’s hackles raised. And with over half the town gone...

She stripped off her clothes and shoes, stashing them inside her large library bag. After shoving the fat bulky bag deeper into the narrow space, Kitty initiated her shift. It was her fastest way to Dante’s Pleasure Club.

Gaining her paws, she peered outward before bounding full speed across the library’s lawn. Now all she had to do was avoid the wolf shifters and the big cat shifters hunting in the forest -- avoid the wolfs, the coyotes, the bears, the raccoons -- any fearsome creature who wanted to make a meal out of a fluffy kitty cat.

Lord love a cat, she hoped the human hunters had been driven out by now. She’d had a few narrow escapes over the years with bullets singeing her fur. And, once her shoulder had been grazed.

Peaking back as she dashed into the woods, Kitty made certain Serpent Man wasn’t on her tail. She didn’t want to make the mistake of leading him to Dante, and everyone at the Pleasure Club.

Good thing she’d kept her exercise routine, Kitty decided as she raced pell mell along the barely visible path. Dante had shown it to her recently, during one of their brief telepathic connections. He’d insisted they keep some mind contact just in case. He’d also insisted she should know the shortest route to the Pleasure Club in case of an emergency.

Concentrating on the trail, and looking out for predators, Kitty couldn’t afford to lose her focus by mentally speaking with Dante now -- assuming she could make contact. Usually, she meditated first, or Dante entered her mind with his alpha forcefulness.

Suddenly hearing the swift chase of a wolf pack, then scenting a rabbit, Kitty veered off the trail. She bolted alongside it through bushes heavy with huckleberries. Damn, she would be a mess once she reached Dante, her pale coat stained by all the purple-red juice.

Dismissing her vain silliness, Kitty kept a sharp lookout and a sharp nose for bears. Likely they would be nearby gorging themselves. No sooner had the thought crossed her mind, than the bushes jiggled wildly before her. A giant of a bear reared up, sniffing for her.

Relying on her reflexes, Kitty dashed between the beast’s hind legs, and hoped her long bushy tail didn’t get swiped. Free and clear, she thanked the One Spirit, and listened to the bear bellow with outrage.

Figuring, she’d run on the trail again, since she might lose her way, Kitty dodged around several huge pine tree trunks before her paws landed on the path. Lowering her head, she stretched out, and lengthened her stride.

With her breaths coming faster, Kitty struggled to keep her pace as she sprinted up the steep incline. Still, she kept her senses honed. Within moments, she caught a whiff of tiger, one of the Tiger Yakuza, who had shifted to big cat. Her adrenaline spiked, and she flew over the pine needle-covered ground.

Dante, Dante, she chanted in time with her racing stride. She had to tell him about Serpent Man -- she had to! She couldn’t face it if any harm came to him. If any harm came to those she loved in Talbot’s Peak. She just couldn’t.

Kitty bore down, forcing herself to race the last mile as if her life... no, as if Dante’s life depended on it. When she heard the yip-yip excitement of coyotes behind her, she knew they’d scented her fatigue, and decided she was an easy kill.

Her heart hammered as fear stabbed through her. Ignoring it, she hoped for another adrenalin rush.

Instead of evading the coyote’s pursuit, and looking for a hidey-hole, or climbing the first tall tree, Kitty stayed on the path. Since they weren’t shifters or supernaturals, she still had a good chance of outrunning them.

Do not fear me, the feminine voice encouraged. I am Pasha. I will protect you.

As if she formed herself from the very air, Pasha appeared as a big cat before Kitty -- a lioness breed she didn’t recognize at all. But then, as White Fang had explained Pasha was an ancient Egyptian goddess with strong magickal powers.

In the next instant, Pasha ran beside her, saturating Kitty with revitalizing energy. Thank you. Do you know where Dante is?

I have informed him of your arrival. He is returning to the club now.

I must tell him. We may be in danger.

You caught me unaware, Katrina. I would have assisted you sooner. Danger?

A Serpent Man. A conqueror. He is walking through town. Nude.

I will investigate once you are safe with Dante.

With the biker bar now in sight, Kitty felt her heart soar. Her body followed, and she flowed over the ground, feeling liquid and hardly noticing the rapid strike of her paws.

Within moments, Dante roared toward them on his Harley. He slid to a fast stop in the bar’s parking lot. Once his boot hit the kickstand, he launched off and headed toward her, all in one smooth powerful motion.

“Kitten. Katrina,” he shouted in his low, melt-her voice. Jogging toward her, he opened his arms.

As her heart leaped toward him, Kitty leaped. She felt herself gathered against Dante’s hard-muscled chest. Collapsing into his arms, she felt the loving warmth of his embrace.

“Don’t you dare shift,” he growled affectionately. “Not until we’re alone. No other man sees my woman naked.”

Kitty smiled inside as she nuzzled his neck. Dante. I couldn’t... couldn’t let you... the Serpent man... he’s coming. No, he’s here.

“Shhh, tell me all about it once we’re inside. Once I get you clothed, so I won’t be distracted by that beautiful body of yours. Hear me, Katrina?”

Hear you, she purred.
~~~~~~

Authoress news ~

The Kougar is also posting at the HAPPILY EVER AFTER BLOG today. The title is: Envisioning Beautiful Worlds for Romance Novels.
~~~~~~

Have a Magickal Shapeshifting Week!

Savanna

Savanna Kougar ~ Run on the Wild Side of Romance ~
~~~~~~

Dante and Kitty ~ Unrequited Shapeshifter Love

Seasonal howls and yowls, shapeshifter lovers. With snowstorms playing monstrous villains this past week, I thought I’d use a snowfall to bring Dante and Kitty together, if only briefly.

Dante, Biker Alpha

Dante knows he’ll never be the werewolf son his top-of-the-pack sire wanted. That’s Devon, his brother’s role. He left Talbot’s Peak to protect the catwoman he loves. Now, he’s back. And while he’s looking for a way to win her heart again, and keep her protected, he intends to make his own alpha mark. As the secret owner of the Last Bite Lodge, Dante also owns the interspecies pleasure club hidden below.
~~~

Katrina ~Cat~ Collins, aka Kitty Kewtie

Katrina is the sweet little cat shifter who started it all with her letter to the editor. She is determined to recover from her devastating heartbreak, and continue on with her life. After a night of tender and wild passion between them, Dante swung astride his Harley and left town. Even though, she knew Dante needed time to become the alpha wolf he is now, Katrina wants nothing to do with him. So what, if she dreams about him every night.
~~~~~~

Dante and Kitty ~ Unrequited Shapeshifter Love

Dante strummed the opening chords for the song he’d written about her. How many had he composed so far? He counted ten. He’d written about how much he loved her, and about her girl-next-door loveliness. About her eyes that were the clear blue of a mountain lake. Her eyes. She could always embrace his heart with her gaze.

His notes sounded sour suddenly, and Dante nearly threw his beloved guitar against the stone wall. Instead, he laid it aside, and leaped upward striding for his favorite window. Snowflakes danced on the winds preceding the blizzard he’d sniffed in the air, as he’d walked the short distance from his pleasure club.

Overtaken with restlessness, and the ache that too often consumed him, Dante stared into the depths of the evening forest. Where was she? His Kitty. His Katrina. Was she safe and warm, curled up before her blazing fireplace, holding a mug of catnip tea?

Or did she run and gambol in a forest clearing as she loved doing whenever a new snowfall began? That’s how Dante had first met her in her animal form. While hunting the vermin population that plagued his new den home, he’d come upon her.

Hidden by the trunk of a tall pine tree, he’d stalked her with his predator’s gaze as she playfully raced in circles. With utter joy, she threw her fluffy, yet sleek feline body forward, tumbling and rolling on the thin carpet of leaves and snow. Springing high, she batted at the flurry of snowflakes, her pale fur beautiful against the forest backdrop.

“Katrina.” Her name might as well have been every sad beat of his heart. How long he’d watched her Dante didn’t remember. But, he’d finally joined her by running pell-mell into the clearing.

His Kitty had froze, preparing to run for her life. Dante pretended to ignore her. Performing a series of jumps, he snapped at the large wet flakes. A fair distance from her, he had done his own playful rolling on his back. With his paws lashing the air in every direction, he exposed his belly to her.

Shyly, carefully, she played tag with him. They took turns chasing each other, circling the clearing. Toward the end of the game, they raced madly after each other, churning up the leaves so the bits clung to their coats.

Afterward, their pants steamed up the cold air as they romped with each other like cub and kitten youngsters. Wanting her to trust him, Dante hadn’t tried to wrestle with her. Not during that first meeting between them.

Groaning, Dante pressed his forehead against the cool window pane. He had plans to woo her, win his Katrina’s love again. But, it was a long range strategy that included a way to protect her from his sire.

Scat! He needed her now. Switching to his wolf vision, Dante watched small prey animals forage for their last bites of food, then burrow themselves into their warmest places to wait out the blizzard.

Before he knew it a howl ripped through his lusting loins, straight from the crown of his hard-as-a-log cock. The howl surged inside his throat with such force, he felt it burn. Dante tipped his head back and howled.

He hadn’t been able to shift first, so strong was his longing. Still, the mournful song came from his werewolf soul. And, he knew it also came from the taint his father concealed at all costs. There was full human blood in his lineage, only discovered by a fluke blood test done on Devon.

His cur-fool of a brother had drank himself into a stupor at a frat party, and been taken to a private shapeshifter clinic. Afterward, to his brother’s credit, Devon had bitten the silver bullet, becoming a top student.

Dante wondered how much his sire had paid to ‘retrieve’ those test results, and ‘whom’ he had paid off. During his own quiet investigation, he’d been relieved to find out no blood had been spilled and no one’s head had been fang-torn off over the matter.

To a werewolf pack that turned humans into their kind, it wouldn’t have been a concern. However, his ancestry began at the inception of Rome, originating from a mysterious sect of wolfen. Unlike some of his brethren werewolves, his bite didn’t turn humans.

Taking several steps back from the window, Dante tugged off his boots in record time, then stripped off his shirt and black leather pants. Naked, he ran for the ramp leading down to his den.

As he wound through the long tunnel toward his outside entrance, his shift occurred. His fur emerged, mere pricks of pain. His bones cracked and popped, the sound minimal and the transformation painless.

In under a minute, his skeletal structure became wolf, and so did the rest of his body. His claws scraped the rock as he sprinted. His ears folded flat against his head, seeking relief from the wind.

Bursting into the darkness of evening, he gave his tail a fast shake just to feel the length of it. His speed didn’t lessen. There was no need. The clearing, their clearing was less than a mile away as the crow flew.

Each time his paw pads struck the soft forest floor, the song of the Great Mother vibrated through Dante. And he listened, his wolf being singing with her for a time. Now, he cocked one ear, listening for the familiar gait of his Katrina Cat.

Having disconnected his mind from hers, except to keep her protected, Dante didn’t know where his Kitty was. He only knew he had to be with her, if only to catch a moment’s glimpse of her. Feline or woman, he didn’t care.

If she’d needed him because she was in trouble...or, if anyone planned to harm her, Dante would know her location instantly. It was how he’d been able to secrete his Kitty away to the cave where White Fang found her. That, and the magical elixir Pasha had given him caused him to be invisible.

Hope like love sank its fangs into him, and clamped down. Dante slowed, feeling the wet cold snowflakes softly strike his muzzle. With the clearing close now, he trotted toward the tall pine tree.

Empty. The clearing was as empty as his heart.

Dante ignored the dash of a rabbit, and sat next to the pine’s trunk, his rump collapsing beneath him. He stared at the empty clearing, whimpering. Unable to leave, he watched the thick snowfall cover the ground.

When a howl burst into his throat, he tossed his muzzle high...

Dante?

With his interrupted howl almost choking him, Dante whipped around.

Kitty, his Katrina crouched behind a boulder about twice her size. She peeked around it, her eyes blue exotic gems in the darkness.

He didn’t move. Kitten, he paused, then dared, it is written.

For long moments neither one of them moved a muscle, not even to blink. Their gazes beamed into one another, the heart’s code, even if his Katrina didn’t know it. Even if she refused it.

Dante waited, knowing it was better if she did refuse him. For now. Still, feeling as if his life was held by a whisker, he waited.

Her sudden launch caught him off guard for a split second. Feline-lithe, she bounded toward him, tagging his shoulder with her nose.

You’re it, dog breath.
~~~~~~

~ HAPPY SHAPESHIFTING HOLIDAYS ~

Savanna

Savanna Kougar ~ Run on the Wild Side of Romance ~
~~~~~~