We've got Lexi DeHalo back today to talk about her latest release!
Lexi DeHalo lived in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina until she left for college to study Chemistry and Forensic Science. Despite her love for science, Lexi’s heart has always belonged to the arts. So, after moving to the big city, she decided to pursue her creativity by writing hot stories about hot men who love other hot men.
Lexi DeHalo
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[Siren Classic ManLove: Erotic Alternative Paranormal Romance, M/M, shape-shifters, sex toys, HEA]
Charlie Throne never expected fate to pair him with a feisty Halfling who has a penchant for attracting trouble, but something about Xander captivates Charlie and he knows they were made for each other. Convincing the Halfling of this, however, is much harder than Charlie had originally thought.
Xander Wilde is a Halfling who has spent his life searching for a way to harness the power of the Resurrection Stone. But so far, the stone is proving to be more of a curse than a blessing as hits on his life from those that seek the stone’s power become more frequent. When a shifter comes to his rescue and agrees to help him, Xander is tempted by the dark promises that resonate inside Charlie’s soul and finds it impossible to resist the wolf’s charms.
But what price will the Halfling have to pay in order to have his happily ever after? Could surrendering his heart mean losing everything he’s ever known?
Excerpt
God, what’s wrong with me?
He glanced at the man standing by his side, and he could’ve sworn he felt his heart skip a beat.
Could he be the reason I’m so nervous?
He managed to find the right key and jammed it into the hole. Unlocking the door, he turned to face the man standing next to him. He didn’t dare meet his gaze.
“Well, you have officially walked me home so…” Xander wasn’t sure of what else to say. “I’ll see you later” felt a bit too contrived, especially since Xander knew it was only a lie. As soon as he was alone, Xander planned on packing his bags and leaving town.
“I didn’t catch your name,” the man said in a deep tone that sent a shiver down Xander’s spine.
“Xander. Xander Wilde.” He gnawed on the bottom of his lip, avoiding those piercing golden eyes.
“I’m Charlie Throne. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Charlie leaned against his doorframe as he ran a hand through his dark chestnut-brown hair.
Xander couldn’t help but notice him. Charlie had an exotic look about him with his dark golden eyes staring back at Xander through thick lashes and a square jaw line that framed his perfectly chiseled face. He was the embodiment of sex and Xander yearned for a taste. He felt his cheeks redden, and averted his gaze from the large shifter.
Xander could feel Charlie’s eyes on him, examining every inch, and he suddenly felt self-conscious about his outfit of choice for the day.
This was stupid, he chided himself.
Xander wasn’t usually one to let another man get him so worked up. Hell, he’d never really been attracted to anyone before now, and he was beginning to hate the butterflies in the pit of his stomach as he stood there awkwardly. This was not the time to be crushing on some random dude.
Xander cleared his throat. “Well, it was nice to meet you, too, but I’ve got work to do.”
He pushed open the door, but hesitated. Something about the way Charlie was staring at him almost made him want to pull the man inside and ravish him, but what little self-control he had left wouldn’t let him.
What the hell is happening to me?
This kind of instant attraction was new to Xander. His body ached with desire. He was dying to know what it would feel like to have this massive man’s hands all over him and his cock jumped at the thought. Xander had to bite his lip to keep from moaning out loud.
“I mean, if you don’t mind,” Charlie finished, bringing Xander out of his thoughts. Xander blinked a couple of times as he met Charlie’s gaze. Had he been talking this whole time?
Xander tried to recall what he’d been saying, but it was useless.
Get ahold of yourself, Xander. He’s just some man. Besides, after today you probably won’t see him again.
That thought struck a chord with him, and Xander realized that the idea of never seeing Charlie again pained a small part of him. This was completely irrational and illogical. He’d just met the guy, for crying out loud.
“I’m sorry, what did you say?” Xander asked, finding his voice once again.
Charlie’s furrowed brows showed his irritation. “I asked you if you would like to go to dinner with me tonight at that tavern across the street.”
Charlie pointed to one of Xander’s favorite places.
“Yeah, sure. Whatever.” He spoke the words before he had time to think about them.
Christ, did I really just agree to going on a date with him?
The logical part of Xander wanted to tell Charlie that he couldn’t, that he was leaving town and this whole thing was pointless. But he just couldn’t bear to see the disappointment on Charlie’s face, not when he looked so excited.
Charlie’s grin widened. “All right, I’ll be here in a couple of hours to pick you up. Then we can walk over together.”
Before Xander had a chance to say anything else, Charlie turned on his heels and headed down the sidewalk. He paused only for a brief second to look over his shoulder and wave at Xander.
Xander watched as that fine ass disappeared around the corner out of his sight for good. Sighing, he pushed open the door to his place and stepped inside. What he wouldn’t give to be normal right now, but the truth of the matter was, Xander was far from normal. He had no family, he belonged to no pack, and if Charlie really knew the truth about why things hunted him, there was no chance in hell he’d stick around. Xander wouldn’t want him to. Charlie seemed like a nice guy, and that was the problem. The last thing Xander wanted was a guy like Charlie getting mixed up in his mess.
He walked into the bathroom and stripped off his clothes. Stepping into the warm shower, Xander felt the instantaneous relief. He enjoyed the feel of the water beating against his aching muscles as he rubbed the soreness out of his neck from where the vampire’s meaty hand had tried to squeeze the life out of him. He could tell just by the sensitivity that it was going to leave another nasty bruise.
Xander closed his eyes and let his thoughts carry him away to another time and place. Maybe if things had been different, he might have actually been able to go on a date with a guy like Charlie instead of fleeing town before he showed to pick him up. Maybe then he’d know what it felt like to get lost in another person until nothing else mattered. He tried to picture it, how it would feel if he ran his hands along those hard muscular plains…touching him…kissing him…fucking him.
“Shit,” Xander cursed aloud as he wrapped his hand around his hard dick. His thumb swirled the mushroom-shaped head, and he imagined it was Charlie touching him. God, what he wouldn’t give to have that man for just one night.
