ANNOUNCEMENT/GIVEAWAY: Mercurio’s Mating, by Michael Mandrake

QSFer Michael Mandrake has a new MM paranormal book out: Mercurio’s Mating.

Though Mercurio assisted Valios and newly fallen angel, Calisto with the birth of their babies, he hasn’t been selected as the Head Keeper. After some egregious errors, Valios doesn’t trust him thus relinquishing two of Mercurio’s most important powers. Despite losing his confidence but continues to be Valios’ loyal servant.

Dorian is a new Soul Catcher, brought over by vampire Ryland. Although a hot commodity in The Realm, he has no desire to be paired with another bloodsucker. Instead, he’s got his eyes set on Mercurio and will do anything to get him.

Though Mercurio is attracted to Dorian, he doesn’t want a relationship. Calisto has been a good friend. Why not take advantage of the vulnerable fallen?

That wayward thinking could cost Nouvelle’s resident historian his life. Can Dorian convince the snake shifter he’d be making a huge mistake?

This is the final book in the Immortals series. All books must be read in order.

This is a dark romance.

Warning: Extreme torture, some gore, and violence.

Giveaway

Michael is giving away an eBook copy of book one in the series, Demon Be Mine. Comment on this post below for a chance to win.

Excerpt

After Dorian left, Mercurio continued entering records. Despite telling Dorian he didn’t wish to work all sundown, Mercurio did exactly that, finishing all his tasks. Though Mercurio could’ve used his supernatural powers, he took great care in this work and preferred it be completed manually.

Once Mercurio finished, he figured taking a walk would clear his head. He’d also take this opportunity to shift if he could. Perhaps he would take Dorian’s advice and visit earth for kicks.

Mercurio closed his door and ambled onto the path, leading to the walkways of Nouvelle’s cobblestone streets. The sun had risen over the city, making the flowers bloom and the grass thicken in the front yards of many homes.

Though a plane above hell, Nouvelle was a sight to behold to everyone, including ones who lived here. Mercurio appreciated Valios’ work in making it. A true testament to his greatness.

“Good sunup, Mercurio.” A fellow shifter spoke to him as he walked.

“Same to you.” Mercurio bowed his head in reverence and continued on his way.

Admittedly, talking with Dorian made Mercurio think about his own future. He was so surprised the vampire hadn’t found a mate, especially one so attractive as Mr. AlMarquez. Mercurio found it peculiar and wondered if something had occurred to make Dorian hardened to commitment.

Or was Dorian as Mercurio was? Enjoying his life and not thinking of mating? Mercurio wouldn’t be shocked. Many beings, immortal or otherwise had the same thoughts.

“Mercurio.”

Hearing Calisto’s voice, he turned around. He bowed his head to Valios’ lover. “How are things, Calisto?”

These days, Calisto appeared to have taken to his position well. His long brown hair fell over his shoulders. His facial hair was perfectly trimmed. Since he wasn’t a Soul Catcher, Calisto dressed in neutral colors. On this particular occasion, he wore dark blue trousers, a matching shirt, and a vest with a black tie. A contrast to his sea blue eyes. Calisto was stunning. Mercurio was slightly jealous of Valios’ ability to turn the angel’s head.

“Wonderful. Thank you for giving Anasa the list, by the way.”

“You’re welcome. Tell me, what do you know about the new vampire captain, Dorian?”

Calisto shrugged. “Not much. According to Ryland, he’s been around a long time. He’s very handsome. Ryland is trying hard to mate him with someone. He’s set up some sort of a dating service for him,” Calisto chuckled.

“Really? That’s interesting. He came by my house last sundown. We talked for quite a while before I dismissed him.”

“Oh? Are you putting your hat in the ring to become his mate?” Calisto cocked an eyebrow.

“What? No, no.” Mercurio waved his hand and frowned. Though the prospect of being with Dorian wouldn’t be horrible, Mercurio wasn’t interested in mating.

Calisto chuckled and took Mercurio’s arm into his own. “Oh, Mercurio. Isn’t it time you found someone of your own?”

Mercurio stayed quiet, not answering.

“No silent treatment from you, my friend. You are very worthy. You’ve been around for over five centuries. Don’t you think it’s time to mate with someone special?”

“No. I’m busy, Calisto.” Mercurio walked in step with Valios’ man, not bothering to say much more. He watched his tongue too, knowing anything he said wrong might become a problem.

“Stop that.” Calisto yanked Mercurio’s arm, forcing Mercurio to face him. “I’m not a porcelain doll… and I’m a lot stronger now than when I was pregnant. I’ll admit, I was overly emotional. You should know my fallen status affected me negatively.”

“Of course. It doesn’t mean I shouldn’t watch myself. I wouldn’t want to upset the master again.”

Calisto clicked his teeth and wrapped his hand around Mercurio’s bicep. “My dear, Mercurio, you won’t. I’m also working on him to give you back those powers. He’s so stubborn.”

Mercurio only nodded and hissed low.

“Don’t be scared. You’re a mighty and wise Soul Catcher. He might’ve taken away part of your abilities, but never lose what makes you, you.”

Mercurio turned to face Calisto and peered into his blue irises. Calisto was gorgeous and seemingly, he appeared to care about Mercurio’s well-being. “Thank you for the kind words. Perhaps he’ll eventually listen.”

Calisto grinned and patted his shoulder. “He will, my friend. Well, I must get back to the children. They’re playing with Anasa and Neil right now. Maybe it’ll influence them to have a couple of their own.”

“Oh, I doubt that.” Mercurio tried not to sound so disappointed by Calisto leaving his side.

What the hell is wrong with me?

Mercurio was miffed. He’d started feeling envious of other couples. Now, he wished to have relations with Anasa and Calisto… neither of which would happen.

“I don’t. I’ll get out your way. Please come by and visit. The kids love you.”

“And I… I like them too, but only because they’re yours and Valios’,” Mercurio said with a wry grin.

Calisto laughed. “All right. See you soon.” He turned on his heel and walked in the opposite direction toward his home.

Mercurio watched the fallen angel, admiring his profile from behind, appreciating Calisto’s fine form.

Not soon enough.

Author Bio

Michael Mandrake pens complex characters already comfortable with their sexuality. Through these, he builds worlds not centered on erotica but rather the mainstream plots we might encounter in everyday life through personal experiences or the media.  To find out more visit Michael Mandrake on WordPress