Happy New Year Everyone!!
I wanted to ring in 2018 on a nice note, so I thought I’d share an unedited excerpt from When Dying Is Done (Shivers and Sins Volume 3). We’re picking up right where we left off with Volume 2, so if you haven’t read it, go do that!
If you have read Volumes 1 and 2, just know that Evie wasn’t too keen on leaving a special someone behind. And the coven wasn’t too keen on letting an angry, near feral bond witch inside its protections. Chaos ensues. Hope you enjoy.
***
“Ahh!”
Jaws clamped down on my shoulder and dragged me away from Josh’s shadow. The crunch of my collarbone as a wolf shook me in his jaws nearly drowned out my ear-splitting shrieks. I reached up behind me hard and fast, and buried my hand into the guardian’s neck. Growls turned to howls and whimpers of pain. But the wolf didn’t release me. He only bit down with sharp persistence and wrenched bone from skin and muscle.
Even under the excruciating pain, something else hummed. Something sinister, but not as foreign as I’d hoped. The stirrings of the beast in my blood, the yawn and crack as she stretched into awakening. She’d abandoned me to weakness when I failed to kill Jesse, instead letting him into my heart. Now she returned, licking her chops at a good kill. My conscience seemed farther away than ever. The squish of flesh over my hand, the hot blood lapping against my forearm like a river. The beast wanted this. She missed this.
God, I relished the feeling, the give of vital life flowing away from my opponent and into me. I could hurt something where moments ago I’d only been able to register my own pain. I closed my hand like a metal claw around a prize and snatched bone, severing a throat from meat and fur.
Killing a sacred wolf.
His death cry shuddered through me like a gong, right down to my marrow. Then the sound stopped abruptly. His limp form collapsed. But silence didn’t prevail. Other wolves felt his last breath and took up a mournful howl that tapered into pure rage at their lost pack member.
Now I had no choice. I had to escape the coven, because killing a guardian was a death sentence. The second one of these creatures could get to me they’d avenge their brother.
Over top of me, Josh’s protective form growled and buckled. His back was strewn with smaller, snapping wolves. The pack ripped and tore, clawed through him trying to get to me. Blood splattered my face. The sweet scent of wolf, the muted tang of my own bond witch flavor. I curled in on my side, spotting my escape through a haze of red. I could barely hear my own thoughts through the unceasing barks of the pack on the hunt for blood.
There…
Between the splayed legs of my tail-less wolfman, the mists churned in warning. A wolf snapped its jaws just in front of my face, distracting me. The wolf missed the front of my skull by a hair, but Josh shoved her head into the hard ground and hunkered just a bit lower.
Now!
I curled into a tighter ball, dug the hand of my uninjured arm deep into the soil. This earth had once cradled part of me as a witch in training. Now the ground soaked up my vampire blood as the price for my sacrilege.
I pushed off with my good arm as hard as I could, kicked out my legs to give me more momentum. I shoved myself through the gap in my friend’s legs like a rocket.
My friend. My protector.
Deep down, where my heart still beat with the cadence of a good woman’s, I mourned for Josh, for us. Seemed like just moments ago we were in a tent, the smell of breakfast in the air.
Seemed like just moments ago he’d kneeled in front of me, sniffing at my belly, caressing a sliver of my bare skin with the point of his nose before raising his perfect blue gaze to mine.
He’d been the first to know about my child. He’d been the one to tell me the impossible had happened, but that everything would be alright. He always had been.
And this is how I repay him? Leaving him here to die as he protects me? For a murdering rapist, a parasite I’ll finally be free of if I just let him die for Altani?
I killed the vampire queen, not Jesse.
Considering everything he’s done, taking the fall for Altani is the least he can do, the beast cooed.
Using the momentum from the shove I lurched forward onto my knees and then stumbled up to my feet.
I dared a glance at Josh as I hurtled away from him and into the beginning coils of mist. Tears stung my eyes as the world went a gauzy gray. I heard his whimper caged in a roar of frustration. He redoubled his efforts, leaping behind the spot where he’d once shielded my body. He knew I’d escaped.
Evie, come back! I can protect you. I can hold them off. We’ll explain. Let me help you!
Despair made me stumble more than blood loss or the pain in my slow-healing shoulder.
He’ll be better off without me. They may yet let him live if I’m not there setting off the wards.
The lie, even though I hadn’t spoken aloud, coated my tongue with ashes.
I would throw away every moment of tenderness between us just to run, bleeding and wounded, back into the cold world beyond the mists. All to fight for the vampire Josh had once tried to safeguard me from.
Can’t think about that now. I can’t.
I cradled my injured arm. The flesh dangled, numb and useless as the tendons and bone crawled back together. Damn near detached. The wolf I killed had left me quite the present before his death.
A few minutes ago, I’d barely been able to hold down human food. Now my body screamed for blood the way my mind screamed for Jesse. I gritted my teeth against the agonizing slow-ness of the healing and sprinted into the mists. I called out in my mind for Jesse, hoping the closer I got to the exit the more I’d be able to hear his voice in return.
The first inklings of panic tapped along my spine like raindrops on a windowpane. The mists thickened, so deep that I couldn’t see any farther than a hand’s length from my face, even with enhanced sight. My heart thudded in my chest, disorientation causing me to stumble.
Something’s wrong. Something’s… what direction am I in?
Against my own instincts, I spun hoping to see a thinning grayness behind me. I saw nothing but a cocoon of death closing in. No left or right, no up or down. Clamping my teeth in determination, I spun in the opposite direction and lunged forward, whatever forward meant.
The blow to my chest was like nothing I’d ever felt before. Even the catapult into asphalt months ago in Tennessee, when Jesse had stopped my escape car with his bare hands and sent me through the windshield, only loomed as a shadowy comparison to this moment. An arm like a tree trunk had slammed into my sternum, crushing bone and puncturing organs in the process. I fought to inhale and failed as I flew into the air, wind whistling past me, a gray world whipping away me as I soared towards the direction I’d come. Away from freedom.
Back to the death sentence. The beast licked her teeth. She’d rather die fighting than lost and starving in the mists.
Back to Josh’s body. He’s probably dead by now. Because of me. Because of me!
Jesse. That poor pack wolf. Even fucking Vaughn, the lunatic. All dead because of me.
I landed with a thud and a pathetic wheeze just as a rust and gray wolfman lunged through the mists from the outside world, eyes glowing amber with supernatural sight. With fury.
I didn’t try to lift myself up, but he didn’t trust me to stay put. His massive hand-paw stamped me into the ground. I cried out, my voice so weak even I could barely hear the squeak. Tears rushed like rivers from the corners of my eyes at the pain. A stomping sound to my left drew my attention. I’d been pinned at the base of the fight Joshua Stark had lost. My guardian lay flat on his belly, clawing at the ground with blood in his eyes. Still when he turned his head in my direction, I knew he saw me. I knew because he bared his teeth and forced his back to arch skyward. Pulling away from the ground. Still fighting.
I had the vivid sense of his nose against my belly, smelling life. His mind recalling one of he reasons he fought. His mind recalling the smell of me, of my hair. The taste of my sweat as he licked my palm. The scent of my blood, and the feel of my body against his when he held me close.
The rust and gray wolfman snapped my attention back to him as he lifted his giant maw to the overcast sky, and loosed a roar so powerful, my spine wanted to crawl out of my skin like a frightened worm.
The roar had been a call for silence, for the fighting to cease and the wolves obeyed. At least, the ones who were still conscious after Josh’s thrashing. The pack stopped tearing chunks of flesh from Josh’s massive body, stopped digging canines into his vital veins, and scratching organs free of his thick hide with massive fore paws.
The wolves whimpered and scampered away from Josh, and he collapsed, the fight siphoned out of him like his blood. Barely any of his slate gray fur remained visible under the flood of violent red. Only the faintest whisper of breath from his unconscious form revealed life. He still lived. Though for how much longer, I couldn’t say. That went for both of us.
I shuddered as the great monster turned his gaze to me once more. He titled his head, observing me with a sentience that scared me, as if his beastly face were only a mask he would soon peel off to reveal the man underneath. Then he snarled, lifted his giant fist into the air, and buried the hammer in my face.
I didn’t have time to feel shock before the world snapped off like a light.
OMG you don’t know how long I have stalked Amazon trying to find out when the 3rd installment of this series would be released!!!!! You have definitely started my New Year off right, knowing that Evie and Jesse are coming back soon. Thanks for the awesome books and I will be looking for #3 franticly lol.
Thank you Sonja! I’m glad you liked the excerpt and hope it’s worth the wait. I’m hard at work on it, and I’ll keep you guys updated, maybe even share another excerpt before all is said and done. <3 <3
Same here. I have been dying to read this next book ? I’ve read the first one twice and the second one three or four times now I think over the last few months. Thank you for the preview! ?
Omg, that’s awesome! Thanks so much for getting your copies. I’m thrilled to hear you love the Shivers and Sins world and keep revisiting it. Hopefully the last book in this arc will be just as good. Thanks for reading! <3 <3
Whoot! I’m waiting, waiting and waiting with sweet anticipation for the 3rd installment. This is a awesome series and I thoroughly enjoyed the story. My poor Kindle didn’t see too much rest. Please hurry!
Lol! Thank you, Doris! Can’t help but grin when people have a hard time putting the series down. I hope Volume 3 is just as good and that I can get it out to you guys sooner rather than later.<3 <3
Will Vaughn get his own book?
I honestly hadn’t thought about it, since I still don’t know where everyone ends up at the end of this volume. I know I have short prequels planned as goodies just for newsletter subscribers at some point in the near future. And Vaughn’s is one of them. I just don’t know if I’d have him helm his own volume/s. That said, anything is possible. He is a twisted character, but he really sticks with me and surprises me when I write him.
Please don’t kill Vaughn or Jessie…. I love this series and Killing one of them would ruin it for me. I need my HEA!!! Is book 3 the final?
Thank you so much for your awesome books!
Thank you so much for reading and loving the series! I can’t make any promises. Half the magic of this story is forcing myself not to adhere to what I’m supposed to do, but what feels right for the characters and the story. Not to say I plan to kill anyone… but I don’t plan not to kill anyone either. I just plan to write the best book I can.
For Evie and Jesse’s arc, this will be the last book. However Shivers and Sins will continue as a series. I already know what the next two volumes are about and who they will feature. The great thing about it is that S&S is a big world with lots of room to explore. And lots of room to revisit old favorites if I want to. 🙂
OMG! I need to read this book like yesterday! I have been obsessing over when the release date is. I have the book being watched by at least 6 people now. I love your books bc even though I’m wanting my HEA, we know life ain’t always gonna give you lemonade. It’s like every character has to go through a metamorphosis in order to get their Happy on! Except Evie! Please give her a break and give me one and let me have this book!!!.
Hi Karen! Sorry for the delayed response, I approved this and then forgot to send my thanks. I’m so happy to hear you love this series and got other people into it too, lol. I do aim to tell a full story where each character, even if they only have a line, has something bubbling beneath the surface. I think ultimately that’s why I didn’t pull any punches with what Evie endures and why it’s taken a while to get through each book. The metamorphosis part of the tale requires some time and thought, and I don’t often know how they’re getting to their respective endings until I’m actually writing The End. I hope when you get to the end of Volume 3, you feel like it’s worth the wait and that Evie, Jesse, and company are the fully fleshed out creatures you’ve come to love. Or hate. Or love to hate. <3 <3 <3
I’m already hooked and dying to read the rest. The series is amazing and seriously after dealing with everyday life I can’t wait to fall back into the world you’ve created!
That’s such a huge compliment Cyndi. Thank you! I know that when I fall head first into a world I love, whether it’s reading or a show, it’s the best feeling. Almost sad in a way too, when you have to leave it. I felt that way recently while watching Altered Carbon. Full hangover when I was done. So I hope when the next volume comes out I can continue to give you that experience, the fully fleshed out world you can dive into that helps you deal with the real world. I can’t think of a better compliment than that my work helps you do that. <3 <3 <3
P.S. So sorry for the delayed response. Just like another comment, I approved this and then forgot to send my response. Thank you again for reading and leaving feedback.
Oh! Can’t wait, can’t wait, can’t wait. The first two were so good I have had to read and reread them. From the little teaser above I am even more anxious to read number 3. You are such an awesome author I know the wait will be well worth it.
Thank you, Wendy!! I so appreciate you reading (and rereading, omg!). I’m putting my all into Volume 3 so it will be worth the wait, but it makes me happy to know that while you do, Volumes 1 and 2 are holding up to multiple readings. Been blown away by the love you guys have shown the series and its characters. <3 <3
This sneak peek was as intense as any scene in the other two books. As with the others, I’m walking along, when suddenly, seemingly out of nowhere, I’m in the middle of a mysterious storm; a hurricane 5; being buffeted, upended and tossed about. Of course, this scene is from the interior of a chain of events I’m not currently, privy to, but still, so intense, which is a credit to how your words immediately immerse me in the story, Kaia
I found myself in the first two books, often on the edge of crazy, only to be pulled back by one of your wild and interesting characters, as they attempted to find a balance within the creative and horrific world of your imagination. Can’t wait to read book III.
Wow, thank you so much MsAleea! Are you an undercover writer? lol. I really appreciate you reading and taking time out to comment. And I’m glad to hear that the excerpt dragged you in. Working on doing the same for the rest of the story. It’s been kicking my butt! Still, I’m gonna take that as a good sign that all the hard work will pay off. Thanks again and hope to get the next one out soon! <3
I’ve also been stalking Amazon for this book. I am dying to find out what happens.
Thank you, Sabrina! I’m dying to get the book done, so I can relate, lol. I hope it’s worth the wait and that you enjoy WDID and the other stories I’m excited to share after it (some of which will be in the Shivers and Sins world). <3 <3
Hello! I was just wondering if you could give us an update on when you think the next book might come out? I don’t want to rush you, I know writing takes time, I’m just really looking forward to the next book!
Hi Caitlin!
Thank you so much, I’m glad to hear you’re looking forward to the next volume! I never set an actual date until it goes to my editor. But the plan is to have the draft done this month which I think is doable now. If I had to guess, I’d say this spring or early summer, but please know that’s a guess. I’ll do a longer update about why the draft has taken a while to make sense of this weekend for sure. If I have something I think is solid enough to share I’ll do that too. I’ve mostly just been writing and not going back to edit since I’m on a roll. Thanks again for the love and I hope When Dying Is Done is worth the wait. <3 <3
Thanks for the intensely vivid world you’ve created. I’m really looking forward to immersing myself when the next installment is done.
But take your time, I’ve been writing for years and I know firsthand that quality takes time 😉
Thank you so much! I appreciate the love and the patience, lol. I’m hoping it will be worth the wait (my editor is fully prepared to kick my ass when I hand it off to her, so the odds are in my favor I think). It has taken longer than I expected, but it’s all taken just the right amount of time in terms of tying up all the threads I wove through Volumes 1 & 2. Looking forward to sharing it with you and thanks so much for reading!
P.S. Happy writing to you and I wish you lot of quality work and smooth sailing with the muses. <3 <3
Couldn’t put the books down when I started reading, loved how the relationships developed over time and intriguing read. Can not wait for the next book.
Thank you so much Natalie! I appreciate you reading and sharing your love for the story with me. I’m looking forward to get the last installment of Evie and Jesse’s story out there to you guys. The plan is to update you a bit more now that I’m drawing to the finish line of the draft. Hope you enjoy when it’s finally out there. <3 <3
Love this story !! I’ve been checking for the third book for what seems like an eternity. When I read that you are almost done with the completion and gave a teaser …. well I told everyone who would listen. ?
I’m afraid to see who will survive and who gets a HEA !!
No doubt I’ll shed tears. Thank You, Kaia, for sharing this world with us. I wish it didn’t have to end. ?
Wow! Thank you so much Lydia! I promise it won’t be an eternity before the book comes out. It just feels that way, lol. I don’t set a date until it’s with my editor, but a good chunk of the issues I was having have been worked out. As soon as it goes to the editing stage I’ll update everyone.
Shivers and Sins as told by Evie and Jesse will end here. But the Shivers and Sins world is vast and full of stories to tell. So we’ll see how it goes. Thank you for reading and joining me on this journey. I really appreciate it. <3 <3
I am cheap and I only read free books. But this series has me hooked. I love, love all the characters and how wicked they all are. I guess I have no choice but to wait until the third book is released. Kaia you are my most favorite author
Hi Jewel!
Thank you so much! I’m glad to hear you changed up your policy for my work and that you loved the story thus far! I’m hard at work on the next one and will be sure to update soon on my progress. Thanks for choosing me as your most favorite author, lol. I hope you continue to enjoy my work and that you know I appreciate you reading and leaving such a sweet message. <3 <3
Hello Kaia.
I could not help reading over and over both Volume 1 and 2 of Shivers and Sins. The wait for the third installment to discover Evie and Jesse’s final fate is killing me. Any set date as yet for its publication?
Hi Celine! Thank you for reading (and rereading) the first two volumes while you wait for the next one. I’m so sorry it’s taking me longer than I hoped, but I do want it out this year, so fingers crossed I can deliver. I don’t set a date until it’s in my editor’s hands and I haven’t been ready to pass it on to her just yet. But I will post a blog about the delay this weekend, and get better about keeping you guys updated. Time seems to pass differently in my brain when I’m in the thick of it, but I should make sure you know I’m still working regardless. Thank you again for check in and for loving Evie and Jesse enough to hang in there. I will try to make the story worth the wait, and same for all the ones to come after.
Hi Kaia
I fell in love with the shivers and sin series, waiting & wanting the 3rd book so badly, will it come out in the early months of 2020? Please keep writing!