Bloody or Nothing: Sudsy by Kate Hill

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Bloody or Nothing: Sudsy

by Kate HillCover art: Zuri

ISBN: 978-1-60521-384-2

Genre(s): Paranormal, Action/Adventure

Theme(s): Vampires, Gay and Lesbian

Series: Bloody or Nothing

Length: Novella

http://www.changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=1437

Blurb:

Las Vegas life is wild, but when it comes to vampiric activity, there is a protector who not only enforces the rules, but makes them too.
Sudsy Waters, owner of Bloody or Nothing, an exclusive vampire hotel, is an irresistible, ass-kicking beauty who put style in the dictionary and gave The Elixir Maidens their killer look. Usually Sudsy only gets involved with vamps, but when her path crosses that of a gorgeous singer in trouble, he lifts his "no mortals" rule.
Julian never dreamed his affair with an up-and-coming mixed martial artist would end in disaster, or in a conflict with a new vampire bloodline. No matter how bad things get, he intends to pursue the music career he's worked so hard for. While embarking on a passionate love affair, Julian and Sudsy join the fight against an evil intent on taking over the world.
Excerpt:
Bloody or Nothing: Sudsy
Kate Hill
All rights reserved.
Copyright ©2010 Kate Hill

This e-book file contains sexually explicit scenes and adult language which some may find offensive and which is not appropriate for a young audience. Changeling Press E-Books are for sale to adults, only, as defined by the laws of the country in which you made your purchase. Please store your files wisely, where they cannot be accessed by under-aged readers.

The first thing Sudsy noticed about the singer was the scent of his blood. The second thing was that he was drop-dead gorgeous.
Normally Sudsy wouldn't complain about the scent of blood, especially when it smelled as delicious as this, but the problem was he shouldn't be able to detect it unless the man was bleeding. By the richness of the aroma, it wasn't a simple paper cut either.
Still one wouldn't know the handsome, black-haired hunk was hurt, not by the way he dominated the stage with almost boyish charm and held the high notes with the lung power of a champion swimmer.
Sudsy enjoyed catching the acts at other hotels in Las Vegas, but he was rarely impressed. He'd been hearing a lot about the singer who called himself Julian -- nothing else. Simply Julian.
From what Sudsy had heard so far, all the positive reviews about this guy had been well deserved.
Julian's voice caressed each word, but it wasn't just his finesse that held his audience captive. His pleasant, offhandedly sexy manner was a major turn-on to women while at the same time non-threatening to straight men. To a gay man like Sudsy, who just happened to like long black hair, a tall lean build and lips that begged to be kissed, Julian was an absolute dream.
Beyond the physical attraction and admiration for talent, Sudsy felt a hint of concern that grew along with the scent of Julian's blood. Where was the injury? It must be bandaged somewhere beneath his sexy black clothes and it probably hurt like a bastard.
Sudsy sat close enough to the stage that he could see sweat misting Julian's chiseled face. Though tied back in a ponytail, tendrils of his long black hair clung damply to his strong neck. He gave a lively performance, so it was hard to tell if he was perspiring from exertion, fever or pain. He was so poised that one couldn't tell by his actions or speech how he felt.
As the show drew to a close, the hotel manager approached Sudsy. He and Ross had known each other for years and while they weren't exactly friends, they got along well and treated each other hospitably on one another's territory.
"How did you like the show?" Ross asked. "Julian's great, isn't he?"
"Yes," Sudsy replied, glancing briefly at Ross, then once again fixing his gaze on the sexy singer. "Why is he performing in a dump like this?"
"Dump?" Ross glared. "Why, you --"
Sudsy chuckled. "I'm just kidding. Don't you know my sense of humor by now?"
Ross straightened his jacket and grunted. "You should know I have no sense of humor when it comes to my hotel. The show's just about over. Want to meet him?"
"I'd love to."
They rose from the table and Sudsy glanced at his untouched wine glass. It wasn't that he didn't enjoy a drink once in a while, but the scent of Julian's blood left him thirsty for something stronger than alcohol.
Sudsy was reluctant to leave before the show ended, but he knew it was better to beat the crowd. On his way past a glass partition, he caught sight of himself and smiled slightly. He had to admit he was a damn good-looking drag queen. Statuesque with ebony skin and gleaming dark eyes, he had a lean, muscular build that looked good in a dress, yet was cut enough for him to turn heads when he wore men's attire as well. His black hair was cut ultra-short, but tonight he wore a burgundy wig. The thick tendrils flowed down his back and nearly matched his dark red lipstick.
Ross led the way backstage and they arrived just as Julian was coming off. Sudsy thought he looked pale beneath the lights, but up close he was as white as a proverbial sheet.
"Julian, when you have a second, I'd like you to meet Sudsy. He owns the Bloody or Nothing Hotel a few blocks from here."
"Of course," Julian replied, his voice a bit rough after his performance. He nodded, but there was no missing the tension on his face. Sudsy's keen hearing detected his erratic heartbeat and recognized the signs of a human about to faint.
He strode forward and gripped Julian by the shoulders before he hit the floor.
"Hey, somebody get some water!" Ross shouted.
Julian hadn't exactly lost consciousness, but came very close. Slipping an arm around him, Sudsy guided him to a nearby chair.
"Just take a few deep breaths," Sudsy told him.
"What's wrong?" Ross demanded. He accepted the water a young woman handed to him and held it to Julian's lips.
The singer took the glass and sipped, then shook his head, his jaw set.
"Sorry about that," he muttered, the look on his face something between annoyance and embarrassment. "I've never passed out in my life."
"Are you sick?" Ross demanded.
"Don't worry. It's nothing that will keep me off stage tomorrow night," Julian told him, a hint of sarcasm in his voice.
"That's not why I asked," Ross said. "Even though I'm glad to hear it's nothing serious. Is it?"
"No. I'm just tired. Haven't been getting much sleep," Julian replied. Something told Sudsy that wasn't the complete truth.
"Would you like me to help you undress?" asked the young woman who had brought the water.
"No thanks, Marcy," he said. "I'm going straight up to my room and get some rest. You can get the clothes later."
She nodded and walked away.
"My costumer," Julian explained to Sudsy. "I'm sorry, but I won't be very good company right now. I hope you enjoyed the show."
Sudsy nodded. When Julian rose, he placed a hand on his elbow. Though he wasn't quite as pale as he had been a moment ago, he still didn't look well and smelled strongly of blood.
"Do you need help to your room?" Sudsy asked.
"I'm fine." Julian offered a slight smile. "It's nice to meet you."
"And you."
Once Julian left to take the back stairs to his room, Ross sighed deeply and said, "Performers. You never know what the hell is going on with them. I know Julian doesn't drink much and I doubt he has a drug problem, but --"
"He's probably just tired, like he said," Sudsy reassured him.
Ross didn't look convinced, but let the subject drop.
"I really need to get back to my place," Sudsy said. "See you later, Ross."
"Bye, Suds."
Sudsy also decided to take the back way -- he didn't leave the hotel. Instead he followed Julian. Traveling quickly and stealthily came with the territory. Within moments he'd tracked Julian and was glad he'd decided to follow him.
The singer sprawled in the fourth floor corridor, this time in a dead faint.

Copyright 2010 Changeling Press, LLC 
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The Elixir Maidens (Collection) by Kate Hill

The Elixir Maidens (Collection)
by Kate Hill

cover art by Bryan Keller
ISBN: 978-1-59596-908-8
Genre(s): Paranormal, Collections
Theme(s): Vampires, Gay and Lesbian
Length: Collection

http://www.changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=1246

Blurb:

Four gorgeous drag queens. One band -- The Elixir Maidens. Friends. Lovers. Vampires.

Ruby attends a performance of the world famous illusionist Sir Hagen and decides that together, they can make some magic of their own.

With a past riddled by painful memories, Scarlet has learned to hide behind a self-protective veil. Andrew has been waiting for the perfect mate. He knows Scarlet is the one...

It's not always easy being the only straight member of the band, but Crimson loves his work. Now Crimson must decide between his career and the woman he loves.

When Richie's tall, dark and mysterious Creator, Daniel, reappears unexpectedly, Nigel is faced with a long denied love that's stronger than ever. Only time -- and a little matchmaking from The Elixir Maidens -- will tell if that love is powerful enough to overcome wounds that have bled since the days of ancient Rome.

Burgundy Peak may never be the same again.

Publisher's Note: This collection includes the previously published titles Elixir Maidens Ruby, Scarlet, Crimson, and Bitten, Again.

Excerpt:

This e-book file contains sexually explicit scenes and adult language which some may find offensive and which is not appropriate for a young audience. Changeling Press E-Books are for sale to adults, only, as defined by the laws of the country in which you made your purchase. Please store your files wisely, where they cannot be accessed by under-aged readers.

The Elixir Maidens, a well known drag queen band reminiscent of the girl groups of the nineteen fifties and sixties, buzzed around a hotel room in the New York vampire haven called Burgundy Peak. Known all over the immortal community as one of the safest, most entertaining places to work and play in, Burgundy Peak was owned by the husband of the Maidens' good friend Mel. With their latest gig in Las Vegas over, the group longed to visit the east again. Playing at a small club with a great reputation was just the sort of break they needed after a year of hustle and bustle.
If we get the gig, of course, thought Ruby, staring at his reflection in the vanity table mirror. Strange that he was more nervous auditioning at Burgundy Peak than performing in a major concert hall. Actually, his anxiety was understandable, considering the club's owner.
"Damn. My hands are shaking so much I can't get this eyeliner on straight," Ruby muttered, for the third time wiping away a streak of black marking the porcelain flesh beneath one of his slanted brown eyes.
His band mate, Crimson, curled his lip while adjusting his falsies beneath his red beaded dress. "Just cool it, Ru. You're getting your shorts in a twist over a stinking audition? Besides, we're pretty much guaranteed this gig because of Mel. Not that we need any help. We're the best. Don't ever forget that."
"Honey, I know we're the best. And it ain't Mel I'm worried about," Ruby continued. "Her husband, not Mel, runs Burgundy Peak, and everyone knows that man's reputation. I mean, this is Zigor. The Zigor. He's a killer in every sense of the word."
"Not to mention the most gorgeous piece of vampflesh this side of the Mississippi," said Scarlet, the third member of their group, his enviably high -- naturally high -- voice sounding a bit strange since he was carefully applying bright red gloss to his chiseled lips.
"It's not like we're desperate for this gig." Crimson grunted, tugging at his crotch. "Fuck, this tape is killing me. Why the hell did the airline have to lose the suitcase with my gaffs?"
A smile tugged at Ruby's lips. He and Crimson strongly preferred to restrain their male anatomy with an undergarment far more comfortable than tape, so for hours Crimson had been complaining about his missing luggage.
"Oh, poor baby," Scarlet teased, batting his lashes in Crimson's direction. "After the show I can help you peel it off. I swear I'll be really gentle."
Crimson snorted. "Save it, hot stuff."
"Pity a creature as lovely as you only likes girls." Scarlet shook his head, then turned to Ruby. "Whatever possessed us to let a straight guy into our group?"
"He's an absolutely awesome musician," Ruby said, tossing the eyeliner on the vanity. "Forget it. I can't do it."
With a loud sigh, Crimson grasped the eyeliner in one hand and Ruby's chin in the other. "Shut up and hold still. You're acting like a fucking amateur."
Ruby bit back a retort, if only to get his eyeliner applied properly.
A sharp tap on the door was followed by a stern male voice. "The Master will see you now."
Ruby recognized the voice and the exotic, virile scent as belonging to Onan, the club's chief of security. Onan was another delightfully handsome hunk of man. Unfortunately what he possessed in looks he lacked in personality. It had been literally ages since Ruby had met a person with such a sour disposition. As much as Ruby appreciated good looks, he considered charm far more impressive.
"On our way," Scarlet called, then glanced at his companions. "This is it, ladies."
"Let's go," Crimson said, his usually masculine tone now sounding distinctly feminine. In either gender, his rich voice was sexy enough to melt an iceberg.
Moments later, The Elixir Maidens found themselves in the club section of Burgundy Peak bumping and grinding their way through a medley of disco tunes. The club wouldn't open for another hour, so their audience consisted of Mel, Zigor, and several members of the staff who had paused in their work, almost instantly swept away in the Maidens' performance.
Throughout the show, Ruby couldn't keep from glancing in Zigor's direction. Mel had certainly hooked herself up with a stud. The man oozed sex appeal out of every pore, yet he had the look of a cobra about to strike. If Ruby was the squeamish type he'd have shuddered.
When the music ended, Mel and the staff broke into applause. The Maidens even garnered several cat calls. Zigor merely stood, walked to the back of the club, and disappeared through a door.
Crimson held his hands open, his large gray eyes blinking in confusion. "Are we hired or what?"
"I, for one, no longer care if we are hired," Scarlet said in his softest, most deadly voice. "I have had more than enough of the Master."
Ruby grasped Scarlet's arm before he could stalk off. "Hold it. I'm going to talk to Mel."
"What for? I --"
They paused in conversation as Mel approached, a smile on her lips. "You guys were great."
"Of course we were," Crimson said. "So you can tell the Master that no matter what he thinks --"
"He wants you to start on Friday. Have your agent contact him to make the arrangements."
Ruby wrinkled his nose. "But he just walked off. Didn't say a thing."
"With Zigor that can be good," Mel said, then hugged each of them. "It's so great to see you guys again. We have a lot to catch up on. It's going to be terrific having you here for the holidays."
For several moments they talked with Mel before excusing themselves to change out of their costumes.
Back in the room, Ruby peeled off his slinky red dress and pulled on baggy jeans, black spike-heeled boots, and a tank top that accentuated his slender waist made even slimmer by the D cups he preferred. He brushed his long auburn hair until it gleamed.
"Oh man, I'm glad that's over," Crimson grunted, tearing off his dress, wig, and padded bra. He straddled the chair in front of the vanity mirror and began swiping off his make-up in his typical rough manner that nearly made Ruby cringe. If the man didn't learn how to pat instead of scrub, his pretty complexion wasn't going to last another two centuries. "Shit, I gotta get laid."
"Crimson, baby, that's a little detail we just don't need to hear," Scarlet said.
Ruby smirked. "Of course. It's been like a whole two days since you've lured some poor girl into your bed."
"I make them happy."
"Says you," Scarlet muttered.
"If you weren't the wrong shape, baby, I'd show you how happy I make 'em."
Scarlet held up a slender hand. "Please. I gave up horny, self-centered bastards centuries ago."
Ruby slung his duffel bag over his shoulder and opened the door just as Onan was about to knock. Though fairly tall, especially with his boots on, Ruby still had to tilt his head to meet Onan's dark brown gaze.
"Master Zigor wishes you to have the keys to these rooms." Onan extended a large hand adorned with several gold rings, three keys resting in his palm. "They are among Burgundy Peak's finest suites. You may move in immediately.”
"Great." Ruby took the keys, tossed one to Crimson, the other to Scarlet, then turned back to Onan. "Anything else we can do for you?"
"No," Onan stated, his expression unreadable. He turned and walked silently down the hall.
A grin tugging at his lips, Ruby shook his head. "Guys, I have a lunch date with a friend. Talk to you later. Crimson, try to stay out of trouble."
"I'm already in trouble," came the strained reply followed by the sound of tape ripping away from flesh, then a string of curses foul enough to make Ruby blush even after fifteen hundred years of living.

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