Stone-Cold Fox (Black Dog) Read online

  I choked on a laugh, because it sounded exactly like something I would have said back then. Or, you know, five minutes ago.

  “I am impressed, Mr. Tanabe.” I reached up and caressed the blade of his cheek with my fingertips. “We should do more of this.”

  “Necking in the dark?” He sounded hopeful.

  I slapped his chest. “Getting to know each other.”

  “That works too.” His arms tightened around me, lifting me onto my tiptoes to greet his lips when he lowered his head for a kiss. “I meant what I said, Mai.” He went stone-cold serious. “I will earn your love.”

  “I look forward to you trying,” I teased, threading my fingers through his wig and yanking his hot mouth down to mine. I caved to temptation, parted my lips and tasted him. Ryuu’s flavor sank into my bones, and my heart thudded against my ribs. “I won’t make it easy. I expect some first-class wooing to atone for that whole abduction-and-abandonment thing.” A wicked thought occurred to me. “I do have an idea if you can handle it.”

  A groan escaped him. “Why do I get the feeling I’m about to agree to learning more choreography while wearing tights?”

  “You dance so well.” I ruffled his hair. “What’s one—” I coughed or three into my fist, “—more routine between friends?” I played my trump card. “Besides, you thanked me like a newb. You owe me one.”

  He slid a finger between his frilly collar and his throat. “Mai…”

  “Hold that thought. I’m having a flashback. There’s a small room. Bars on the windows. Guards outside the door.” I scrunched up my face. “Hmm. The guy who locked me in there looked a lot like you. You have the same eyes.”

  He rubbed a finger between his eyebrows. “You’re never going to let me live that down, are you?”

  “Chances are…” I pretended to think about it. “Nope.”

  It would make for one heck of a how I met your mother story for our kits one day.

  “Fine.” His chest rumbled against mine. “I put myself into your very capable hands.”

  “Hey, there are kids present,” a voice called.

  I craned my neck to see around his shoulder. “Tee?”

  She wiggled her fingers at me.

  “Mai,” a small voice squealed. “You look like a princess. Can I try on the dress later? Please?”

  “Gen? Hey, brat.” I ruffled her hair when she bounded up to me. “Sure you can.”

  Katsuo, who trailed Whirlwind Gen out of the shadows, scuffed his boots as he crossed to us. “Hi, Mai.”

  “Traitor,” I accused. “I expect this type of treachery from Thierry, but et tu, Katsuo?”

  He leaned in and kissed my cheek. “You can thank me later.”

  With a tug on Gen’s ponytail, he retreated with her to where Shinji waited with Thierry. The small gathering looked on, Thierry urging Gen to help her make kissy noises at us while Shinji leaned into Katsuo and sang Mai and Ryuu sittin’ in a tree under his breath.

  I returned my attention to Ryuu and the hard press of his body against mine. “It seems we have an audience.”

  Staring at my lips, he murmured, “Funny, I don’t see anyone but you.”

  * * *

  Thierry and friends will return in a series featuring a brand new heroine who faces new dangers and old enemies that threaten the safety of both realms. Join me for Gemini: A Black Dog Series. Dead in the Water releases in January of 2016.

  * * *

  Pre-Order Dead in the Water

  Gemini, Book 1

  Camille Ellis is the Earthen Conclave’s golden girl. Her peculiar talent solves cases with a single touch. She isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty, but the brightest stars cast the deepest shadows, and her grim secrets lurk just beneath the skin.

  A routine job goes sideways when the victim’s brother barges into the investigation demanding answers. Consumed with grief, the warg will go to any lengths to avenge his sister’s death. Even if it means ensuring Cam’s cooperation at the jaws of his wolf.

  Click here to pre-order!

  Also by Hailey Edwards

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  A Feast of Souls #2

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  Evermine #2

  Eversworn #3

  Black Dog

  Dog with a Bone #1

  Dog Days of Summer #1.5

  Heir of the Dog #2

  Lie Down with Dogs #3

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  Stone-Cold Fox

  Gemini: Black Dog Series

  Dead in the Water

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  About the Author

  A cupcake enthusiast and funky sock lover possessed of an overactive imagination, Hailey lives in Alabama with her handcuff-carrying hubby, her fluty-tooting daughter and their herd of dachshunds.

  @HaileyEdwards

  authorhaileyedwards

  www.HaileyEdwards.net