Taste Test of Rayne's Thunder (Part Five) The Battle Begins and the Games Continue

Rayne's Thunder (part five) The Battle Begins and the Games Continue is now live on Amazon. This is the fifth installment of a six part romantic serial from the Dating a Werewolf Series. All installments in this serial are priced at 0.99 or Free with Kindle Unlimited and each serves up romance, action, adventure, suspense, and danger as the Manchester siblings race against the clock to find a mate and marry by the one year anniversary of their father's death.

Introduction of this installment:

Things are looking bleak for the Manchester family and their allies. Death surrounds them as the rogues move in for the kill. In the midst of all the chaos the Mating Games continue. Rayne is on a time table and so are the rest of the siblings. In the Battle Beings and the Games Continue Rayne finally chooses her mate. She also uncovers a conspiracy perpetrated by some of the contestants for her hand in marriage. Despite everything, happily ever after is within her grasp if she can just survive the rogue attack. 

CHAPTER ONE

SYLVIE’S DEATH WAS LIKE THE CALM moments before the storm. When her heart stopped beating, the thunder roared and lightning struck the ground. A child of Mother Nature was dead and nature would mourn as would all of us. The battle lines were drawn and there was no turning back. The Colorado Pack would support its allies, and the rogue faction and the witches on their side were going to be casualties in the aftermath of the tornado that was my brother. I'd never seen him so angry. It charged all of us, making us feel indestructible, which was not a good place to be when entering into battle. And that was what we were preparing for, battle.

Despite the haze of sadness that covered us like a blanket of snow, I was happy to see that River was going to fight for his alpha seat. He’d been somewhat hesitant the last few times we spoke, always the compassionate one, caring about how his actions would affect others, how his ascension would impact our lives, never really seeking the power. But that was River, he was never a power hungry fool. He cared more for those in his life than status. It was father who pushed him into the alpha position and expected him to take the proverbial throne. Now that another had died fighting his war, he took it as a personal debt he needed to repay. He’d make sure Sylvie’s death was not in vain.

River and I were in the room when she stopped breathing. We were exchanging shifts. I was coming on and he was going to bed. She’d survived a week, but was still in critical condition. Dr. Jacobson and his colleague, Dr. Jericho, had done everything medically possible, but the magical infection that was attacking her system was powerful, and being a supernatural wound, we couldn’t take her to the emergency room. Ericka had called in the best healers available from multiple states, but with the witches divided the political red tape between those that could help and those that wouldn’t was thick.

Despite the odds, we truly believed she’d survive. Isaac was so convinced she’d pull through that he had relented and allowed us to watch over her in shifts so he could get some sleep. It was the third day of our shifts when I walked into Sylvie’s room. The memory of the moment still shook me to the core.

River was holding Sylvie’s hand. He was pleading with her to fight, tears streaming down his face. “Where the hell is the doctor?” He growled.

Sylvie’s body convulsed as River held her, his touch offering any possible comfort his presence would allow. He looked right past me. It all happened so fast that I barely processed what was happening before Dr. Jacobson ran into the room, pushing me aside as he went to work trying to save her. When he started chest compressions, realization hit me. She was dying.

I’d seen death before. I planned to be a doctor. My father forced me to hunt. I was a she-wolf. It didn’t numb me. I respected the loss of life. But no amount of familiarity would change the reaction I had when I witnessed the actual act of a human dying, it was terrifying. A cold, hard reality that we all face some day. It only made matters worse that she was so young. Cut down in the prime of life for what? Power?

“Did you hear me, Rayne?” River asked as he pumped the air bag over Sylvie’s body. His voice pulled me out of my thoughts. “Call Isaac! He needs to be here.”

I nodded, pulled the phone out of my pocket and dialed Isaac’s number, never taking my eyes off the frantic scene in front of me. When I knew he was on his way I took River’s spot at Sylvie’s side. It became a rhythmic dance between me and Dr. Jacobson. He’d compress her chest, pump pump, and I’d force air through the air bag over Sylvie’s mouth, squeeze. Pump, pump, squeeze. Pump, pump, squeeze.

We kept that dance going until Isaac arrived. By then, it’d been at least five minutes. He arrived to a corpse. The heartbreak on his face made my chest heavy. I struggled to swallow as he collapsed to his knees. “No!” It was the most heart rendering sound I’d ever heard. We both stopped the pump, pump, squeeze tango. Dr. Jacobson shook his head sadly. River turned and punched a hole in the wall as he let out a deafening howl.

There was nothing any of us could do. She was gone. Death claimed its first victim in this war. People started filing into the room. Everyone was there to pay respects. Ericka and Matthew were the next to let out wails of grief. I just stood there, unsure what to do. I’d only spoken to Sylvie a few times over the last couple of weeks, but in that time I realized I liked her. I wanted her to survive. I liked Isaac with her. They were a good pairing.

“Vengeance will be ours, my friends,” I heard River say. From that moment on, we prepared for war.

***

The next few days a rain cloud followed all of us. The Mating Games were put on hold while we mourned the loss. The men were told they could return home for a week while we made preparations for the memorial service, but they all stayed which surprised me. I guess they wanted to show their support. Some even stepped up to help River with planning the retaliation while Rhyme, Chloe, and I secretly planned the alpha ascension ritual. Rhyme was Isaac’s strength through the whole ordeal so it left the majority of the planning for Chloe and I to complete. It was nice spending quality time with my best friend, especially in a time of sorrow. We’d both lost our mothers when we were young, it was what bonded us together, and now we were able to handle the heartbreak that surrounded us because of those same coping techniques we learned in childhood.

Not that we ever forgot the pain of losing our parents, but life has a funny way of helping you get lost in the moment and pushing the pain aside. In the werewolf world, we knew danger lurked around every corner, more so lately than usual, but it was there, waiting to sneak up and bite you if you’re not careful. Losing Sylvie, watching Isaac and the other witches go through the sorrow only served as a bitter reminder that life was short and there were no guarantees. I could have lost Chloe a couple times since returning home from college. The night of my father’s wake when she mixed prescription pills with alcohol, and the kidnapping where Brick’s sisters, Britain and Jewel, stole her away from us. It only made me hold on to her tighter. What happened to Sylvie could happen to any of us, and with the battle on the horizon, there would undoubtedly be more casualties. I wasn’t going to waste any more time. As soon as River got his official ascension ceremony out of the way I was going to choose my mate and start my life. 

River had been derailed too many times at this point not to make it happen this month. I figured if we waited until it was the right time, the ‘right time’ would never come. Kind of like that old adage about a watched pot.

The cloud of gloom that followed many of us around like a lost puppy lifted the day after the memorial service. The witches had practically moved into the compound which made us assign the wolves attending the hunt to the bunk houses. We were running out of room when Lincoln suggested we use the barn as an alternative for beds.

“They’ll understand. We’re at war now.” Lincoln ran a hand through his blond curls. I’d come to know him pretty well. It was one of his tells indicating he was frustrated that he needed to argue the point.

I didn’t care. These were our pack mates and placing them in the horse barn seemed tacky, no pun intended.

“Lincoln’s right,” Storm offered his two cents as he pulled his long, dark, waves into a pony tail at the nape of his neck after closing the fridge. Just hearing his voice made my heart skip a beat. Why did someone so infuriating get to make my pulse race?

“It just seems wrong.” I argued. Being ganged up on by the two men that were in the running for my heart was uncomfortable, but seeing how they both responded to pressure in extreme circumstances was actually beneficial.

“We housed the infirmary in the barn when Chloe was kidnapped as a precaution in case we had injured wolves on the hunt. Why would this be any different?” Lincoln asked as he tapped his thumb on his lower lip while his index finger ran over the stubble on his chin to indicate he was speaking his thoughts.

He’d actually become a solid confidant over the last few months. I’d had enough interactions with him at this point to know he wasn’t my mate, but he was becoming a good friend and my back up just in case I didn’t find a mate from the contenders. He’d become important enough to me that I worried about losing him if I had to eliminate him from the running.  

“Why not put them up at the Myriad Springs Lodge?” Chloe suggested as she drank her tea. She looked brilliant as she stood in the doorway, sun shining off her blonde curls giving an illusion of a halo.

“Because they are our pack and that makes them family.” Storm grumbled as he went to refill his coffee.

I looked out the window at the setting sun. How did we get here? How did I become a decision maker in the pack? When father was alive he had his own council of trusted wolves all outside of the family, aside from my brother. River chose to keep his inner circle close to the belt which meant, Storm, Rhyme, myself, even Chloe were the people who advised him and made decisions for the pack. It was so odd, also an honor, and really made me grow up fast. I smiled. “You’re right, Lincoln. Let’s get started on adding beds to the barn just in case.”

“If you’d like, I can get the other Mating Game contenders to help.” Lincoln offered.

“That would be wonderful.” I hadn’t used the contenders as much as I should in regards to pack matters, Lincoln wormed his way into my inner circle because he had become a pack ally and close friend. He and his pack were ready to help if needed which was a great card to have in the back pocket.

He kissed me on the cheek and left the kitchen. Storm growled low in his chest. They all knew the rules. Eva was a stickler for them. No unnecessary contact with me unless sanctioned by the games. A kiss on the cheek, no matter how chaste it was, was completely unauthorized.

I sighed as I watched Lincoln leave. The man had a body that was made for looking at and his backside was probably the best part. The problem was my feelings for him had developed into friendship, not sexual. He was too controlling. My wolf didn’t like being restrained. “Behave, Storm.” I turned my attention back to him.

“What would Eva say if she knew how much time you were spending with him?”

My eyebrow rose. “Probably the same thing she’d say about the time I spend with you.” I told him pointedly.

“I don’t sneak kisses.” He took a drink from his mug.

“You probably should.” Chloe grinned, then bolted out the door laughing.

We both watched her leave. Her exit left us alone which was rare lately. When I turned back to look at him he was staring straight at me. The tension was thick like an early morning fog, and the silence stretched between us for what seemed like hours, but was only moments. He was waiting for something, but I didn’t know what it could be. “What?”

After another momentary pause he shook his head, “I don’t know why I’m doing this.”

I smashed my hand against my forehead. “Where is this coming from, Storm? Because Lincoln, who is my friend, kissed me on the cheek outside of sanctioned game activities? Because--”

“He broke the rules and you allowed him.” A tick appeared on his left cheek telling me he was holding in his anger by biting the inside of his mouth. That was a ‘Storm’ tell. He was always good at holding his emotions in.

“…because plenty of other men in this house have kissed me far more scandalously than that.” I shouldn’t have said it, knew I let my irritation get the best of me, wanted to take it back the moment the words spilled out of my lips, but he had a way of lighting my fuse.

He rushed up on me, his face inches from mine. I could feel his breath on my skin and I found myself wishing he’d kiss me. Despite his furious look, his warmth wrapped me up like a blanket on a cold evening. I hated how my body betrayed me around him. I wouldn’t back down and I knew better than to back away or he’d give chase. His nostrils flared. He scented my interest in him. Heat colored my cheeks, but I could also see how that calmed his wolf. “None of them will kiss you the way I do.” He grabbed my shoulders and held me there, staring at me. Both of us knew what we wanted, but neither willing to make the first move. It was agonizing moments of silence, both daring the other to tempt them, neither willing to give in.

“How am I to know that? You haven’t won any challenges so I can experience your kiss firsthand.” Why, oh why did I let my emotions speak?

‘Because we want to taste his kiss again,’ my wolf responded in my mind eagerly. ‘Kiss him.’ She urged.

A growl rumbled in his chest, and my hand went up to feel the vibration. My instinct took over. Being this close to this man held a level of intensity I’ve never felt with anyone else in my life. Every nerve in my body was on fire, every fiber urged me to claim him as my own. The past simply melted away in his arms and the future looked bright. I knew why he was the front runner in this competition. I understood the sheer, bittersweet attraction. The feel of his granite chest beneath my fingers, heating my hand through his shirt, had me biting my lower lip as I imagined how the muscles would ripple under his smooth skin. My breathing quickened and I silently cursed my attraction to the man.

“I haven’t won any challenges because I care about you.”

That got my attention. I shook my head, golden-brown hair bouncing around my shoulders. “That makes no sense.”

“If you’re meant to be with another one of these men you need to find out. I’m not stupid, Rayne. I can tell you want me as much as I want you, but I need to know you know it is right.”

His words surprised me. “So you threw the competition?”

He nodded. “The first one I did. The second we lost because of your ‘friend’.”

“How did you know I wouldn’t eliminate you?”

“Because.”

“Because what?” I was losing patience. It didn’t help that he was still violating my personal space. His hands had slipped from my shoulders to my upper arms. The air around us sizzled. I swear the lightbulb above us sparked and burned out from the electrical field our energies were creating. “Seriously, Storm, I--”

He claimed my lips and all sense was lost. It flew out the window. Fireworks exploded in my body starting with my gut and reaching every inch of my being. He poured every ounce of emotion into that kiss and I received it. His tongue slid across my lips and I opened to receive him. Something primal moved inside me. I felt myself melting into his strong, capable arms as desire pooled in my core.

His hand cupped my ass and my insides turned to jelly. He pressed me against him and I felt his need for me as much as I wanted him. Gods help me, but I was, in that moment, lost. Something clicked between us. It was like a key had found the lock and opened my heart.

“What the hell is going on in here?” Eva’s shrill voice cut through the passionate fog that wrapped around us like a comforting blanket. We fell apart, guilt on both of our faces.

“I was… he was just…” I closed my eyes and sighed heavily. “I’m--”

“It was my fault.” Storm interjected before I could apologize.

“That’s not really--”

“I take full responsibility for my actions.” He interrupted again.

“Damnit! It takes two to kiss, Storm! Quit trying to save me. I kissed you back.” I snapped. Gah! He was the only man that could make me go from passion to furious in two seconds flat.

Eva’s eyes bounced from me to Storm and back again like a ping pong ball in volley. “Who initiated the kiss?”

“I did.” We spoke in unison.

I glared at him and I swear I saw the beginnings of a smirk on his face which only fueled the furious train. This is why we were not good together. “Look--”

Eva held up her hand to silence me. Why was everyone shushing me?

“Storm will not be allowed to compete in the first set of games.”

“That’s totally un-”

“Unfair? Life is unfair, child. Get used to it.” She signaled for me to leave the room.

I shook my head and left. Forcing my temper down as I headed to my room. I needed to get it under control before I said something stupid and caused more drama. I was so done with being called a child and treated like a princess. I am an adult, and it was high time everyone started to see that, and part of making that image happen was acting like one.

You can get the rest of the story on Amazon here.

If you haven't started this serial now is a great time to bite into this highly rated series. By signing up for Jami Brumfield's newsletter you can get Part One free here.

Check out the five available parts of this serial on Amazon at the links below.

Part One: Master Chef
Part Two: The Veterinarian
Part Three: The Politician and the Witches
Part Four: The Mating Games
Part Five: The Battle Begins and the Games Continue
Part Six: The Alpha's Call is already in the final editing stage

Part Six completes this Rayne's story. Rhyme's Thunder will be the next romantic serial from the Dating a Werewolf Series and will be available in early 2016.

Check out the first books of eleven of my series in this box set on Amazon. Free with Kindle Unlimited or only $4.99.

Sneak peek of Rayne's Thunder (Part Four) The Mating Games

Rayne's Thunder (Part Four) The Mating Games just released and things couldn't be hotter for Rayne Manchester and the stakes couldn't be higher. Nine men have arrived each ready to compete for Rayne's hand in marriage, on the surface they all look worthy, but are they? Can she trust them? This is her heart and her future. 

Introduction

In this installment of Rayne’s Thunder, Rayne has found herself in over her head in men. These alpha males are hot and ready to settle down. Each one of them competes to win a date with her and everyone tries to outdo the next one.

Eva, the Game Master, does her best to maintain fairness through the process but Rayne fights her at every turn. Will one of the six men who win dates with Rayne Manchester win her heart or is it already taken? Which of the nine competing for her hand in marriage will be sent home? Check out the fourth installment of the popular, highly rated, romantic serial, Rayne’s Thunder (part of the Dating a Werewolf Series) today.

Meet the men of Rayn'e Game:

River and Rhyme joined me on the steps a moment later. Rhyme looked fabulous and very chic like always in her business dress attire with her black-as-night hair up in a French twist. River carried an air of masculinity in his wranglers and button-down dress shirt. His black hair styled perfectly. My siblings were used to being in the spotlight. I was not. I felt completely overshadowed by them.

Lincoln was the first to arrive. He was stable, sexy, and knew how to command the area. Control was his super power and added to his sex appeal. His tan khakis and dark brown polo were as impeccable as his golden blond curls. Not a single thing on his person was out of place. I bit my lower lip as the memory of how good his kiss was despite the dangerous situation we found themselves in during his last visit to the compound. He hugged me tightly and I breathed in his crisp pine scent mixed with desire. He would’ve been a front runner if he hadn’t run at the first sign of trouble. That and his purist ideas made me wary, but I promised myself I’d give him a second chance, and with his pack aligning with ours in the upcoming battle for the alpha seat against the rogue wolves I needed to be cautious.

“I’m glad you came back,” I told him with a smile.

He treated me to a sly, knowing grin. “And this time, I’m here to fight for the woman in front of me.” He didn’t need to apologize again. He’d already done that when I invited him to come back for the competition.

I felt a blush creep up my cheeks. “We shall see. No more notes.” I was half joking, but totally serious. The last time he came to court me he left with a ‘Dear John’ letter. It was one step up from leaving a break up text message. I was flabbergasted. I’d thought we were getting along well, but he was obviously not interested in the drama which made his attempt at brokering a peace between our two packs questionable.

Brick was the next to arrive on his motorcycle. The image of his highlighted, brown shoulder-length hair flying loosely behind him from the breeze pulled me back to the night we ran away on the bike for a picnic in the park. Before he even dropped the kickstand, I knew he’d smell of delicious cinnamon buns which oddly matched his toasted almond skin tone. The memory of his fingers grazing my lips as he fed me chocolate covered strawberries caused me to lick my lips in anticipation. When his long, thickly muscled legs reached me on the steps he pulled me hard against his solid chest, the smell of leather from his jacket mixed with vanilla and cinnamon, and circled around us weaving its spell. He moved in close, lips inches from mine, his breath hot on my skin. When I closed my eyes to receive the expected kiss he popped a tasty strawberry in my mouth. “A little something to help you remember our awesome night together.” He squeezed me tight and I swallowed the delectable treat. If I picked him, I’d gain fifty pounds before the wedding with the way he used food as a seduction tool.

“God, that was hot.” Chloe fanned herself as she whispered behind me. “I think I need a shower.” She giggled.

“Shush,” I told her, but couldn’t help but chuckle along with her.

The next to arrive was Eric Christianson. His entrance was perhaps one of the most interesting. He trotted up on a beautiful white horse. His eyes were shielded by a straw hat which did little to cover up his black locks. When he dismounted from his horse, his buckle proudly sparkled from around his slender waist which led down to painted-on Wranglers and worn but well-maintained boots. I found my eyes wandering to his chest which was covered by a button-down, blue plaid shirt that I discovered matched his twinkling eyes when he removed his hat and offered his hand to shake.

“I’m very excited to meet you, ma’am.” He seemed polite and shy, but the glint in his eyes told me he was also very capable and not afraid of danger which was a good thing around here. It seemed like we were constantly finding ourselves in treacherous situations. His hand shake reaffirmed my initial impression. It also told me he was strong and not afraid of work if the callouses were any indication. I imagined those hands on my skin would be quite thrilling.

The next arrival took me by Storm. Literally. He was my Storm. His long, dark hair was tied back in a ponytail at the nape of his neck. His familiar scent beckoned me and I found myself lost in the turmoil of emotions that came with the irritatingly observant, hard-headed ass who always managed to keep me on my toes because for some peculiar reason I cared what he thought of me. Dislike tainted with trust and interest was not a healthy concoction, but every time he turned those soul searing green eyes on me I lost all control of my senses. Logic flew out the window, and my body responded to his with a dance of desire that burned me from the core to my skin. They say there is a fine line between love and hate, and I experienced that every time I was around this man. My mind screamed danger and my body yelled, ‘Come closer’. It was the kind of relationship that never lasted, but I couldn’t help but wonder, ‘What if it could?’ and I supposed that was why he was here. He walked up the steps and offered me a cup of coffee, and in that moment I realized he wasn’t here to compete, he was here to take care of me like he did with the rest of the family. Evidence of this was when he handed Chloe, River, and Rhyme their own drinks. The man was infuriating.

I turned toward him. “Does that mean you’re not competing in the games?”

Storm sipped his drink. “I don’t play games.” His green eyes watched me over the brim of the cup. I wanted to scream, ‘No!’, to asked him ‘why?’, but I refused to stoop to his level. Instead, I turned away. I didn’t expect the next chain of events to happen. He whipped me around and pulled me into his strong arms. “I don’t play games, but for you, I’m willing to let that rule slide.”

“Meaning what, exactly?” For some reason, I needed to hear the words. I needed to know he felt an inkling of what I was starting to feel for him. I wasn’t about to put myself out there to get burned if he didn’t feel remotely the same.

“Are you ready for a real relationship with real responsibilities?”

“Are you ready to stop treating me like a child?”

“Perhaps.” He grinned.

“Then perhaps I am. We’ll have to see…if you’re still standing at the end of the Games.”

“I’ll only be standing at the end of the games if you show me you’re a worthy mate.” He caressed my cheek and I felt my legs go weak. How someone could be so strong and yet gentle was beyond me. “For now, I choose to compete.” His words made my heart skip a beat before he released me.

Chloe and Rhyme steadied me, and I breathed deeply as I turned around and awaited the next contestant in the “Marry Me” game. If Storm wasn’t such a pain in my ass the games would be over, but the luggage that came with that man was something I was going to have to work to get over before I could consider him my mate. Sure, we had explosive chemistry, but I’ve also felt sparks with the other men and they didn’t carry with them a painful, shared past.

The next to arrive did so in style, and he wasn’t alone. When the limousine door opened, James Frank and a man who looked almost identical poured out of the vehicle. The second unidentified man was sloppy drunk and James had to hold him up to keep him from falling down. James gave me a sheepish grin when Georgio and Storm pulled the almost incoherent man off James and he was able to approach me. He straightened his tie and suit jacket before offering his hand to shake.

“I apologize, Rayne. My little brother can be a handful.” Just then a little girl in a white frilly dress with red hair like James rushed out of the vehicle and clung to his pant legs. James’ cheeks burned red which enhanced his light sprinkle of freckles on his peachy face. I felt for the guy. “I’m sorry, when I agreed to come I had to bring my siblings because our parents were out of the country and…”

“It’s okay,” I squatted down to eye level with the little girl. “I’m Rayne. What’s your name?”

“Kylie,” she spoke past the thumb in her mouth.

“Welcome to my home, Kylie.” I grinned. There was something innately sexy about a man that put family first and liked kids. The way Kylie was clinging to James in that moment, I had a feeling she adored her brother.

Next to arrive was Grayson Drake. He drove up in a brand new silver BMW convertible. His dark, medium length hair was frizzy from the wind but the twinkle in his crystal blue eyes made up for the slight imperfection of his hair. The rest of him was well kept. Black slacks, cream colored polo that accented his golden-tanned skin all mixed together well to create a good looking man. He walked up to me, and instead of shaking my extended hand, he kissed the inside of my palm. “Hello, Rayne. I’m Grayson Drake, but you can call me Gray.”

“Nice to meet you, Gray.” He still had my hand and was absently caressing my knuckles in a circular motion. I didn’t pull away. It was nice, and his touch held an electrical current that grabbed my attention.

On the outside, he looked picture perfect, even with the mussed hair, but his eyes held an air of danger underneath the surface.

“I look forward to getting to know you much better.” And then came the grin -- the danger gone. Though he didn’t look it, he was definitely a bad boy.

The theme song from the Rocky movies blasted loudly from the green Jeep that pulled up next. The cinnamon skinned man shifted the vehicle into park, and then raised his hands to the bar of the topless SUV and swung himself over the closed door and onto the ground, showing off amazing strength and impressively cut arms. I had no doubt under that form-fitting dark blue t-shirt he had a four pack, if not a six pack of defined abs. The man was hot. He wore his black hair cut close to the scalp. His jeans hung low on V-shaped hips. He made his way toward me and when his brown eyes connected with mine I forgot to breathe. He was intense. I couldn’t help but notice the tattoos on his arms, wrists, and neck, and had to wonder what other tats were hidden under his clothes.

“Hello, Rayne. I am Julius.” He spoke with a strong Spanish accent which made him even hotter.

“Julius, nice to meet you.” I smiled and placed my hand in his, which dwarfed my own. If I didn’t know any better, I’d think the man was a bear shifter, not a wolf. It was easy to see how he was an enforcer and second in command of his pack.

The next guy to arrive was Simon Blake. According to the file I had on him, he owned a company that made computer games and many suspected he was a hacker. That wasn’t confirmed, but he was connected to Wolf Vengeance, a handle to an infamous hacker that had infiltrated many prominent government agencies. I knew I had to ask him about it because my interest was piqued. He arrived in a red, convertible Corvette. The first thing I noticed as he approached me were his sharp hazel eyes. Then his height. He towered over the other wolves, and his thin frame was opposite of them as well. Many shifters wore their hair long but Simon’s was shaved with dark brown growth poking up through his scalp. His hands were tattooed with intricate and colorful designs. “You must be Rayne. I’m Simon.”

“It is a pleasure to meet you Simon.”

He kissed the back of my hand, never taking those astute eyes off of me. “You are far more beautiful in person than your picture boasts.”

“Thank you.” I told him, pink coloring my cheeks.

“I look forward to getting to know you better.” He took his place next to the rest of the contestants that had already arrived.

Finally, the last bachelor arrived. I knew from the files his name was Victor, and he was a singer/songwriter and poet. He was larger than most of the men, which was saying a lot. His light brown hair fell in waves around his shoulders and was kissed by the sun. So was his tan skin. He carried a guitar case when he got out of the van that had “Stealth Wolf Men” painted on the side in a multitude of colors. It was his band’s logo.

He smiled softly, shyness in his demeanor and hazel eyes. “I’m Victor, and I’m guessing you are Rayne Manchester?”

“I am.” I nodded.

“I’m so sorry for your loss. Your father was a very good man.”

“Thank you.” His words choked me up for a moment. I hadn’t expected the condolence. It was actually very thoughtful.

“Very good, everyone! I am Eva, your game master. Please come into the house so we can get you all set up in your rooms, then a little dinner, and our first competition.”

Get the installment on Amazon here.

Have you started this highly rated romantic serial? There are only two installments left. Get caught up with one through four below. 

Rayne's Thunder (Part One) Master Chef

Rayne's Thunder (Part Two) The Veterinarian

Rayne's Thunder (Part Three) The Politician and the Witches

Rayne's Thunder (Part Four) The Mating Games

Rayne's Thunder (Part Five) The Games Continue and the Battle Begins (scheduled to be released in October 2015)

Rayne's Thunder (Part Six) The One (scheduled to be released in November 2015)

Coming soon, Rhyme's Reason and River's Fire...

I have plenty of romance, romantic comedies, fantasy, sci-fi, dystopian, and mysteries available on Amazon (all within the paranormal genre)... Some are full length, some novellas, some are part of a a series and others are stand alone. Check them all out here on my Amazon author page.

Author Jami Brumfield narrates chapter one of Rayne's Thunder part one M...

Sneak Peek of Rayne's Thunder Part Two and other Great News

So I'm wrapping up the rough draft of Rayne's Thunder (Part III) The Politician and I just realized I haven't posted the sneak peek of Part II The Veterinarian. So after drinking a steamy pot of coffee and slapping my hand for falling behind on the ball I'm ready to share a sneak peek of this new part. I hope you enjoy. I'm hearing great things and the reviews coming in are awesome.

Rayne's mission to find a mate has ran into a snag. Her best friend, Chloe has been kidnapped. They say trauma can bond people quickly but will it help increase the attraction between Rayne and Lincoln, a Veterinarian from a neighboring pack? You'll have to read to find out.

You're also going to find out more about the connection between River and Chloe in this installment. Could there be lingering feelings?

As far as Storm, Rayne is coming to respect the man for all he's done for her family, but respect is only one aspect of love. She can't seem to get past the muddy waters of their history together. Not to mention the tiny fact that he's dating her nemesis (we won't point out to her that little hiccup was her own doing).

Are you enjoying Rayne's Thunder? I know I'm loving these characters and really enjoying writing the story.

Here's a taste of part two...

Chapter One

I felt apprehension as I maneuvered my car up the winding driveway toward the home I grew up in. It had been a little over a month ago since I attended my father’s funeral here, discovered I had a year to choose a mate and marry, saved my best friend from an accidental overdose, disobeyed and disrespected my brother -- the new alpha, created a rift in the relationship between the Wyoming Pack and my own Colorado Pack, and found out the boy I’d always hated had grown into a delectably sexy man. Hotness was his middle name and he wore that like a badge of honor. Untouchable might as well have been his last name because that was what he was to me. And denial was my middle name if I believed the crap I was shoveling down my own throat at this moment.

All of that insanity happened in just the first few days I had been back. They say times of drama create explosive relationships. I was doing my best to make that a cold, hard truth. Truthfully, I was astonished that River was letting me come back home so soon, but I suppose it was easier to pair me off and get me married while I was in the same town as opposed to several states away.

Now that I was moving home, I had to wonder what other damage I was going to cause before things could get back to normal. Everything and everyone had changed drastically, and I was the one running to catch up. Thankfully, life was a marathon and not a sprint otherwise I would’ve already lost the race.

It was agreed that I needed to leave for a while to let the chaos I created settle and give my brother a chance to take control of the pack. So I went back to college to finish out the semester and transfer my credits to the local Colorado University. Two more semesters, and I’ll be ready to start medical school. As exciting as that was, driving home was like dousing the flame with water.

I spoke to my sister, Rhyme, a few times over the last month, and my best friend, Chloe, almost every day. I was worried about her. She seemed to be recovering nicely from the breakdown she had that almost cost her life, but Chloe was always good at putting on appearances, something we were all trained to do since the moment we were pups. But Chloe was human so the fact that she managed to maintain herself was extraordinary. But it was definitely not my strong point.

The one person that had no time to chat with me was my brother, River, the new alpha. I couldn’t blame him. I’d made quite a mess my last visit, but I intended to fix that mistake now. He had a hundred percent of my support. I was going to make sure he knew it. I just hoped he’d accept it.

I parked the car in front of the garage and hopped out of the vehicle. The satisfying crunch of the gravel beneath my sneakered feet reinforced I was home. I heard a ruckus out back. Many of the younger pack members were already out wrestling, preparing for the hunt tonight under the full moon. I had no idea how much I missed my pack until that moment.

The breeze carried the scent of pine and tree bark signaling the night was approaching. It always cooled down as Colorado summer evenings arrived. The wind picked up, whipping my golden-brown hair around my face as I pulled out a couple of suitcases from the trunk. I turned and ran smack into a brick wall. Hands went to steady me at the waist as I blew the wisps of hair out of my face so I could see who I hit.

“Geez, Storm, you’ve got to stop sneaking up on me like that.”

“I just wanted to see if you needed any help with your luggage.” His voice was like silk on my skin.

“No, I’m fine.” I needed to get away from him and his electric touch for so many obvious reasons.

“Don’t be ridiculous.” He grabbed my bags and started toward the house.

I sighed -- heavily, shut the trunk, and followed him into the house.

Chloe and Rhyme ran down the stairs. The girls were night and day. Chloe, brilliant with blonde hair and tanned skin, and Rhyme’s contrasting midnight black hair and pale skin. They embraced me in a bear hug as Storm took my luggage upstairs.

“I’m so glad you made it home in time for the hunt.” Rhyme cooed.

“And wait until you meet the hunk your brother is setting you up with.” Chloe grinned.   

I pulled out of the hug and looked at my two greeters. “I just got here! I wasn’t expecting to be set up on a date tonight.”

“That’s too bad because I was really looking forward to meeting you.” His voice was strong and masculine. Not that I would expect anything less from a man my father and brother picked for me. I was suddenly nervous about turning around. I knew my hair and makeup were a mess from a day’s worth of traveling.

Before I left I told my brother to pick the man that would best support his leadership of the pack. It was my way of showing fealty to the new alpha. I really disrespected him and with the problems brewing between the Carters and our family, it was not a good thing to do. River chose this man. That meant I needed to make a good impression because I was going to do everything I could to make a good mating connection with him for my brother’s position as alpha and my family.

“Okay, well, I’ll go upstairs and change and meet you down here in a few…”

Chloe shook her head and spun me around to face one of the most handsome men I’d ever met -- and I’m a werewolf! Most of them are handsome. His eyes grabbed me first. They were a crystal blue, and looked like two twinkling gems in a face complemented by two deep, lickable dimples. His skin reminded me of toasted almonds and his hair was light brown with sun kissed highlights, just like mine.

He closed the distance between us and kissed both of my cheeks, my heart stuttered at the contact. Wow! I stumbled over my greeting. “It’s nice to meet you too.”

He smelled of spice, cinnamon and sugar. It reminded me of cinnamon rolls like Meriam used to bake us for breakfast in the morning. I couldn’t help but wonder if he tasted as good as he smelled. He was dressed in a pair of relaxed fit jeans and a cashmere sweater and looked like he’d just walked off the cover of GQ.

“I’m Lincoln Evans.”

“And where are you from, Mr. Evans?”

“Please, Lincoln, and I’m from the Arizona pack.”

I nodded. “Lincoln.” I pulled my hand from his warm palm. “I have to go upstairs, freshen up and change. Can I meet you out back?”

He clicked his heels together, reminding me of an officer in the military, and said, “I look forward to your return.”

Rhyme and Chloe walked with me up the marble staircase. “How’s River?”

“Super busy but he’ll join the hunt tonight.” Rhyme looked away nervously.

“He still hasn’t forgiven me has he?” I chewed my lower lip.

“Not entirely, but he will.” Rhyme patted me on the shoulder in a comforting, big sister way. It was an odd feeling. Ever since our father’s funeral, Rhyme and I have been trying to reconnect and build a sisterly relationship, something we’ve never really had thanks to the strained relationship she had with father in contrast to the good one I had with him because of the middle child and baby of the family dynamic.

“And he thinks this Lincoln is the best possible mate to help him keep his seat as alpha?” I asked, curious about how much she knew.

“He does, and Lincoln is a veterinarian.” She smiled excitedly.

I nodded. The jigsaw pieces were starting to click into place. “And I’m studying to be a doctor.”

“Together you’ll make a power couple and offer an added layer of security.” Rhyme seemed more enthusiastic about the situation than I was.

“It takes a village, I guess.” A doctor and a veterinarian in the same alpha family would only add strength.

“Not to mention, he’s totally drool worthy.” Chloe offered a predictable comment and wiped her lips for added emphasis.

Rhyme and I looked at her and giggled. “I love you.”

“What? I know,” she nodded sarcastically, “it’s hard to find an ugly wolf.” She stopped me at the top step, “but what I wouldn’t give to fall for and have one of them fall for me.”

“Be careful what you wish for, Chloe. Need we remind you what happened with you and Eddie Gates?” I warned.

Chloe shivered. “Nope, I don’t need any reminders of that nightmare.”

Chloe started dating Gates last year. She was human, but had been a part of the werewolf community since she was seven, when I brought her home and insisted she know about everything. Chloe didn’t have a very good family life so she became part of our family very quickly.

It was not unusual for shifters to take human mates, especially as our numbers continued to dwindle out over the years. Gates claimed Chloe and proceeded to beat her every chance he got. One night she fought back and killed the man. I was away at school and knew nothing about it. Thankfully, Rhyme and River protected Chloe. They burned the body and disposed of the ashes. No one could know that a human killed a werewolf. It would devastate the uneasy truce between both species.

Chloe was forced to cover it up. The pressure became too much for her and during my father’s funeral she overdosed on her pills and mixed medication with alcohol. It was a terrifying problem and one of the few things I did right my last stay at the compound.

Now, I needed to focus on my family and help River rebuild our pack. If that meant I was to entertain and possibly mate and marry a handsome veterinarian, then so be it.

Storm exited my bedroom and nodded at us. “Glad you’re back, Rayne.”

I looked at him and my heart raced. I wanted so badly to tell him how wrong I was about him all those years, to thank him for all the help he’s given my brother, to welcome him as part of the family, but words escaped me. His dark look stole my breath and crumbled my composure. “Thank you.” I entered my room and headed straight to the closet. It was time to do the Manchester name honor.

I changed into a green t-shirt that complemented my eyes and turned a shade or two crimson when I noted the stain on the left breast area of the dirty one I arrived in. I knew I looked a mess when I meet Lincoln. He was far more generous than I first believed for him to ignore my disheveled appearance. My golden-brown hair was windblown, and not in a good way. My face paler than normal. The half-moon dark circles under my eyes gave away the fact that I hadn’t slept much lately.

I finished getting dressed, arranged my long hair into a braid that fell to the middle of my back and headed down the stairs.

When I stepped outside on the soft, green grass, my bare feet sank into the earth, and I knew I was home. I wiggled my toes and breathed in the pine, lilac and crisp mountain air. The compound property was eleven hundred acres which backed up to the rocky mountain range. Trees dotted the landscape of meadows, grassland, fields of crops, and multiple streams all of which were wonderful playgrounds for the wolves during the monthly hunts.

“Should we be partners in tonight’s hunt?” Lincoln’s smooth voice ran over me like warm water from a showerhead as he came up behind me.

“Sure.” I grinned and nodded. “I think that is a wonderful idea.”

Storm and his irritating girlfriend, Angel, came up beside us, her arm nestled firmly in the crook of his. The sight made me want to gag. If she only knew he was with her because of his loyalty to River, and my own stupidity last month, she wouldn’t be preening like a peacock that won the best-in-show award. If I hadn’t acted like a spoiled brat with Brick on our first date and disrespected my brother, and if she hadn’t been there to witness my meltdown, Storm would not be in this position. The guilt I felt over that was as huge as Pike’s Peak in the distance.

“We will also be joining you during the hunt, as chaperones.” Storm informed us.

“But it’s a twosome affair, not a foursome.” Angel batted her pretty eyes and I threw up just a little bit in my mouth at the disgustingly obvious attempt to claim him as hers.

“We’d love to have you join us.” I told them. “Isn’t that right, Lincoln?”

“Of course.” Lincoln looked a little disappointed, but he recovered quickly.

“You must understand while courting happens, River insists there are chaperones on dates for both of his sisters.” Storm explained.

“But Rhyme is with Jax tonight, and she isn’t getting a chaperone,” Angel whined. I swear I saw her stamp her foot on the ground, but it happened so fast there was no time to laugh at her explosive temper tantrum.

“Rhyme and Jax will be joined by River.” Storm kept his words short and sweet, the only indication that he was upset was the tick in his jaw. Despite the fact that I hated him most of my life, he was my brother’s best friend and I knew him better than most because of it.

“I guess that means we’ll only have one team to beat.” I pointed out the positive.

“My brothers will be competing too.” Storm added.

“Oh.”

“Yes, so we’ll need to stay close to your siblings.”

“Got it.”

There was still the possibility that Storm’s brothers, Thorn and Bear, were going to challenge River for the alpha seat. We were all on pins and needles waiting for one side of the scale to tip and spill over. The Carters against the Manchesters, kind of like the Hatfields and McCoys. There could be only one alpha. The rest were betas in line to take the alpha position. River needed to win the hunt today to prove to those that had little faith in him as the leader that he was not only stronger than they imagined, but that he was the strongest.

Storm’s brothers had been vying for the alpha seat since the day my father died. Prior to that, David, the Carter patriarch, tried to steal the alpha title from our father until dad managed to sideline the guy. The rivalry hadn’t started there. It is rumored it started with our great-great grandparents. All over a girl, in fact. Our great-great grandfathers fought over who would mate and marry the alpha’s daughter, Elizabeth, my great-great grandmother. The Carters believe they lost the alpha position because Joseph Manchester stole Elizabeth’s heart, and they’ve hated our family ever since, vowing to steal the seat back someday.

Today was not only the monthly hunt, but the lead up to the official ceremony where River will take the alpha seat, which was scheduled for tomorrow. The one thing keeping the Carters at bay is that Storm has sided with River. Storm was the strongest of the three brothers, and would protect River with his life. If Thorn and Bear made a move, it would surely spell death for Storm, but a win for River. None of us wanted the bloodshed, and River was hoping for a peaceful resolution to the problem. I was not so optimistic. It was still hard for my mind to grasp that Storm chose River over his own family, but River believed it, and Storm had done nothing to indicate he had ulterior motives so I waited idly by to see where everyone fell. If it came down to it, I would protect my brother with my last breath.   

“Hello, Colorado Wolf Pack!” River spoke loudly from atop the large boulder in our back yard. The crowd erupted in cheers. It was the first time I’d seen him or heard his voice since we last spoke before I went back to college.

It was a memory emblazoned in my mind. I could still hear the fire crackling in the mantle, and feel the anger that vibrated off of him in waves.

“I don’t want to leave,” my words barely above a whisper. “Please give me another chance to make this right.” My feet followed him to the doorway.

“I don’t know how you can right now.” His voice was so lost, so sad, full of so much disappointment.

“I’ll finish out this semester, and then come back and date whoever you think will be the best ally for the pack.” Storm had said it was time to grow up. Rhyme had made it clear I had responsibilities to the family and pack, and River and Chloe needed me. Maybe aligning myself with the best ally for the pack would be a good start.

“Maybe.”

“Come on, River. It’s a good deal and you know it.” I pleaded with his back because he refused to turn and look at me. So much like our father in that regard. My fingers ached to reach out to him, but something held me back, the wolf perhaps.

He stopped walking away. “Fine. We’ll try it and see how it goes.” Without a glance back, he left the room.

The memory still made me choke up. I only hoped things would get better now that I was home. I looked at Lincoln. He seemed like a stand-up guy. At least I hadn’t been saddled with someone who meant me or my family harm. At least, he had potential.

I turned my attention back to my brother. River stood proud, wearing jeans and a t-shirt, not his usual business suit flare. I supposed that was to endear himself to the pack members. Many had a hard time keeping clothes on, and most avoided suits with a passion. Even now, most were half dressed and ready to change. There was no greater feeling than running free as a wolf.

“We’ve faced many hardships these last few months, but today is the start of a new beginning. Allow the full moon to wash away the past, and the wolf to give you rebirth. Tonight we hunt and allow our animal to take control. Tomorrow, we rejoice in the new journey ahead of us as a united pack under your new alpha’s rule.”

The crowd roared their excitement. My brother always was a wordsmith, and today was no exception. I felt a burst of pride as I watched him claim his rightful place as the leader. My eyes flitted to Storm who was staring daggers at his brothers. Apprehension and a touch of fear ran up my spine, vertebrae by vertebrae.

I didn’t know much about Thorn and Bear. Growing up, I avoided them like the plague, but rumors of their devious acts often ran rampant in the pack. As I glanced between the three brothers, a memory flooded back to me. When we were younger, Storm came over beaten and bloodied. I was the one who answered the door.

The pre-teen version of Storm was gangly and awkward. The child version of me was small and spunky. “What do you want?” I asked as I hugged my dolly closer to my chest.

“Where is your father?”

“Out.” My younger self raised her chin defiantly.

“How about your brother?” Even then there was something dangerous in his green eyes. Something that scared me to the core, causing me to shiver with dread.

“I’ll go get him.”

“No need, little Raynie, I’m here.” River jumped down the last few steps of the marble staircase. He patted me on the head and said, “Go on upstairs. I’ll take care of our guest.”

My eyes bounced back and forth between both of the teen boys. They were only a few years older than me, but in that moment they seemed far more mature. I nodded slowly and headed toward the staircase. River pulled Storm into the foyer. Instead of running to the safety of my room, I snuck to the doorway and listened in on their conversation.

“My father is going to challenge yours at the hunt this weekend.”

“Are you sure?” River asked,, worry clear in his voice as he poured Storm some water.

“Yes, Thorn and Bear did this to me to keep my mouth shut. I couldn’t. It’s just not right.”

“Your brothers are bastards.” River clapped him on the back. “You know father will protect you from them. He’d claim you as one of his own if you gave him permission.”

“I can’t, they’re my family.” He took the water gratefully.

“Then you have to let me help you. I want you to start training with the enforcers.”

“I’m not big enough for that duty.”

“You will be when they’re done with you.”

“I don’t know, River.”

“I’m not going to let you get hurt anymore. I’ll get father’s approval, and you’ll start training tomorrow after school.” River drank his own glass of water as he sat down with Storm on the couch.

Storm lowered his head and sighed. “Okay, thank you.”

I had forgotten that memory. It was buried somewhere deep beneath my dislike for the man. From the very beginning, Storm had been supportive of my family despite those that reared him. I looked at the man out of my peripheral. He stood solid, ever the protector, watching, observing everything and everyone around us. I looked away when he turned toward me.

There were so many layers to this man I once hated. I couldn’t even remember really why I hated him anymore. It was becoming painfully obvious I wasted so many years disliking someone who didn’t deserve it. He deserved my friendship for his loyalty to this family.

I glanced over at Thorn and Bear. They both had sun-kissed skin, dark hair and hazel eyes. One wore a goatee and the other was clean shaven. Being that they were twins, it was a way to tell them apart, but I couldn’t say which brother was which. They were pumping up for the hunt, slamming their fists into each other’s arms. Neither one cared to listen to River. I wished River would just exile them from the pack, but he wasn’t that vindictive. He was not a coward and he would face them if the challenge was proposed. It was the way we were taught to live life. Grab it by the horns, and ride it until it was broken and you were in control. I was certain of one thing, Storm was right. If his brothers took control of the pack, it would be very bad indeed.

“So, without further ado, let us engage in the ritual of the hunt.” River’s voice broke me from my thoughts.

The people around me began to transform, morphing into wolves of varying sizes and colors. Instinct took over as my body engaged in the change. Hair covered my skin, my arms turned into legs, and hands to paws putting my head closer to the ground, my nose grew as my teeth lengthened. Smells, sounds, sights, and hearing increased. Instead of human. I was now a predator, deeply connected to nature. The urge to run, frolic and hunt took the driver’s seat in my mind. Human concerns seemed to fade away the longer I was the beast.

Lincoln’s black and grey wolf nudged my hindquarters and bounced back in an effort to get me engaged. I bit back playfully. We raced around Storm’s large silver wolf, then I made a beeline to River and Rhyme’s wolves. The smell of a buck scented the air and I stopped midstride. Lincoln’s wolf was forced to put on the brakes to keep from slamming into me.

Rhyme and River’s black wolves turned their heads in the same direction. Everyone froze, and then the chase was on. Padded claws hit the ground at full stride as the pack bolted in the direction of the prey.

This installment is only $0.99 or Free with Kindle Unlimited on Amazon. Get your copy here.

If you haven't read part one, here is the link.

As I mentioned earlier, the rough draft to part three is almost ready for the editor. I'm also finishing up the rough draft for Remote Paranoia (PBI Case Files #5)... here's a sneak peek of the cover.

Coming soon:

Fire Master Rising (book three of Winters Saga)
Faerie King's Guardian (book two of the Mystery Springs Series)
Dentist's Burial Ground (book three of Ghost Connection Series)
Deadly Market of Woes (book two of Demon Ascension Series)
And a few more this year...

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I'm one of the contributing authors to a box set which is coming later this year. The pre-order and cover reveal party is just around the corner. Come check out the party and meet the other 19 amazing authors in the set. There will be games, giveaways and a lot of paranormal fun. Here's the link. Hope to see you there.

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