Seductive Studs & Sirens {24}: HIS!

So this week, I'm going to bring you a snippet from The Taghte Pack: Wolfen Bonds (a mmf shifter novel). In the final editing stages with Loose Id, I'm anxiously awaiting for this book to come out. In this little snippet, Matthias, the alpha is reminding his lover, Andy of his place. 
Enjoy and don't forget to stop by the rest of the blogs. 

Snippet:

A low whine grew in Andy’s throat before he tipped his head to the side, baring his throat in submission. Matthias licked his suddenly dry lips. It took all of his self-control to keep from biting the tempting expanse. Remember the law. You have to wait until you’ve been acknowledged as the alpha to keep Andy forever. Rubbing his cock against Andy’s, he ignored the gasping pleas for claiming. He reached between their bodies and wrapped his calloused hand around both of their lengths, using his natural lubrication to pleasure them both. As the thick fluid coated their cocks, Matthias was beyond grateful for the quirk of nature that kept them from having to stop mid-sex for lube.

His lover cried out.

“That’s it, let me hear how much you need this,” Matthias gritted out as his hand stroked their joined lengths hard and fast. He didn’t need to look down to know how erotic the contrasting hues of their skins were. No, what he needed was his scent on his mate, a way to renew their connection.

Andy arched into his hand, begging for more. “Matt, please!”

©Dakota Trace All rights reserved. This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, locations, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination, or have been used fictionally. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, locales, or events is entirely coincidental. No portion of this work may be transmitted or reproduced in any form, or by any means, without permission in writing from the author.

Seductive Studs & Sirens {21}: Claiming her mate...

Okay, once more it's time for some smexiness from my current WIP which happens to be in the editing stage with Loose Id. Wolfen Bonds, the first book in the Taghte Pack Series is a paranormal mmf series that features a Scottish Wolf pack where intrigue and lust abound.   For today's snippet, I thought I'd take a short section from the claiming scene as Colleen, the female alpha of their trinion claims her second-bond for the first time.  Enjoy! And don't forget to stop the rest of the contributors.   

Snippet:

“Mine.” Her claim was possessive.

The deep growl that escaped her throat sent a wave of lust, with a pinch of fear, through him, particularly when she straddled their joined bodies. Her intent was obvious. She would ease Andy inside of her, regardless of what form she was in. Matthias groaned at the thought of their alpha female taking from Andy even as he gave to him. He only hoped she didn’t crush both of them in the process. She had to be at least three hundred pounds.

“So fucking beautiful.” Andy lifted his hands, stroking her luxurious coat as Colleen lowered herself. With each brush of his hands against her fur, it disappeared to be replaced with supple human flesh. A quirk of werewolf physiology allowed Andy’s touch to return her to her human form. Even with his senses clouded by desire, he knew there was something totally out of the ordinary with this claiming. Matthias had been told that both dominants had to claim the submissive mate, but one look at Colleen in her bellua-vir form he could tell she was as dominant as him. Andy’s actions should’ve undone the bond. I must’ve fallen down the rabbit hole, because I’ve never heard of a female taking the third form before the second. But before he could try to reason it out, Colleen claimed Andy with a husky cry, her body completely human once more as she sank down onto Andy’s cock.

©Dakota Trace All rights reserved. This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, locations, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination, or have been used fictionally. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, locales, or events is entirely coincidental. No portion of this work may be transmitted or reproduced in any form, or by any means, without permission in writing from the author.

Seductive Studs & Sirens {19}: Unexpected return...

So this week, I'm brushing off an old WIP that has been lurking in the tombs. I toyed around with an idea of writing an a story about a couple in their "golden years" who happened to be shifters.  An oxymoron right? As a rule of thumb shifters are supposed to be nearly immortal and stop aging at their peak (around 30 or so).  But what if the shifter would continue to age like their human counterparts until they claimed their mate? What would happen if one of the mates refused to mate?  Well, that's the question I asked and went for when I started penning Not Your Average Nanny.   Enjoy and make sure to stop by the rest of the peeps' blogs.

Inspiration for Denali Yazzie

Snippet:

With his back to her, all Sedna could make out in the faint light spilling from the house was a dark figure with silvered hair. A trick of the weak lighting and shadows she figured. Most shifters mated in their thirties and retained their youthful appearance until they died. He was probably blond like some of the polar bear shifters who’d relocated to the wilds of Alaska. 

“May I help you?” The man stiffened at her voice, but didn’t turn. She continued to hold the handle of the door, her stomach suddenly clenching with dread as he rolled his shoulders in an all too familiar way. There was something about the broad back and the way the man held himself. It was as if she were looking at a hazy photo of the man she’d lost. But that couldn’t be right. The last she’d heard Denali Yazzie had his own BDSM club in Anchorage and was living the high life with his human submissives - sating a hunger he’d never willingly share with her.

©Dakota Trace All rights reserved. This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, locations, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination, or have been used fictionally. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, locales, or events is entirely coincidental. No portion of this work may be transmitted or reproduced in any form, or by any means, without permission in writing from the author.

Seductive Studs & Sirens {18}: Mine...

So once again it's time for Seductive Studs & Sirens.  While I'll be chaperoning a wonderful bunch of tweens to a band competition at Adventureland, I made sure to schedule this wonderful post and will be checking in via mobile.  So not to worry, I'll make the rounds!   With that being said here's mycontribution.  Please enjoy a sexy tidbit out of my Retro Monday novella, Xenres Sins: Ruthless.

Snippet:  

(This is shortly before Asha draws Eryk into a game of five card stud. I don't know about you, but I love verbal sparring nearly as much as physical.)

Asha wanted to toss the infuriating wolf over the table, rip the faded denim jeans from his lanky form, and slam his hard cock inside him, again and again. Until his mate wouldn’t even think about going to another. But mindful of the humans gambling less than twenty feet from them, he reined in his natural urges to dominate the cocky bastard in front of him. Drumming his fingers on the table, he debated on what to do. Truth be told, the need to challenge the wolf in front of him was nearly as great as his need to sink his aching cock into the blond man. 

“Do you honestly think there’s another in here who can give you what I can?” Since he wasn’t sure if the wolf knew exactly what Asha could give him, he baited the man.

“I don’t know, but then again, it couldn’t hurt to ask the hunky vampyre tending the bar. Or perhaps his twin, who seems to like to loiter outside the club will do. As long a dry spell as I’m having, I might choose not to be as picky as I usually am.” 

“Leave Aseem and Saeed out of this.” Asha sent a warning signal out to his two coven members. The blond shifter is off limits. He’s mine.

Through the telepathic link connecting him to the rest of his family, he felt their ready acceptance of his decree.

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BLURB:

Welcome to Xenres. Located in the heart of Dushanbe, a person can indulge in any sin imaginable, which is exactly what Eryk Solie has set out to do. As a lone Arctic wolf shifter in a foreign country, he longs for something more than mindless one night stands with men who could never completely understand him. Intuition and a tip from a local leads him to Xenres. Inside the notorious gambling hall, he finds his mate, one of the owners of the club. Too bad the man is considered to be one of the most ruthless vampyres in the district. To win a night in his mate’s arms, Eryk will have to lose at a game of chance.

Asha Talavi not only co-owns the darkest gambling haunt in town, he’s also a self-made vampyre. His ruthless nature has gotten him everything he’s ever wanted including the sexy wolf shifter who dared to accept his challenge over a hand of cards. But even after Asha claims his mate, there is treachery a foot in the form of a former lover. And when Eryk returns the following evening, he tracks down his mate to only find the man with another, claiming he doesn't remember him, or their wager and mating. Only an ancient ritual will tell if Eryk's love will be a match for Asha's ruthlessness and which shifter will in the end claim Asha.

©Dakota Trace All rights reserved. This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, locations, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination, or have been used fictionally. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, locales, or events is entirely coincidental. No portion of this work may be transmitted or reproduced in any form, or by any means, without permission in writing from the author.

Seductive Studs & Sirens {17}:Don't push your luck...

Once again it's time for some Seductive Studs & Sirens.  this week I'm going to give you a tidbit from Wolfen Bonds (a m/m/f shifter), the first book in the Taghte Pack Series. It's currently in edits with Loose ID  Enjoy your glimpse of Andy and Matthias. 

Snippet: 

It seemed like hours, but Matthias knew by the clock it had only been forty-five minutes when the door creaked open, silhouetting Andy’s naked form. A soundless growl built in his throat when his lover hesitated. If it hadn’t been for a sound farther down the hall, he was sure Andy would have stood in the opening forever. When the rectangle of light was cut off, it had little effect on Matthias’s vision. Through his human eyes, his wolf watched as Andy slipped inside the bathroom without acknowledging him. The click of the lock had his wolf pacing. It was as unhappy as he was that their mate hid from him.

Staring at the clock, he listened for the shower to come on. It took nearly ten minutes before his sensitive ears picked up the sound of spraying water. Shoving the blankets aside, Matthias made his way to the closed door. As his hand hovered over the knob, he contemplated the wisdom of forcing himself into the bathroom. More than anything he wanted to be under the pounding spray with Andy. But would it be worth trying to explain the damage to the Elders downstairs? The resulting blow out that was sure to ensue if he and Andy went at it made his stomach churn. Deciding to err on the side of caution, he stepped back from the door to return to the bed. He’d resumed his position in the bed, wondering what would occur when his mate finally came out of the bathroom. 

A few minutes later, the door unlocked and Andy appeared in the doorway, drying off his hair. It was getting long again, and he was in a dire need of trim. Matthias sighed when Andy dropped the towel to the floor. Some things never changed, whether the man was angry at him or not, he was still every inch a slob. As Andy moved to the dresser, Matthias supported his upper body on one arm as he stared at his lover’s back and tight ass. As usual his cock rose to the occasion. “Unless you want whatever you put on shredded, I wouldn’t advise it.”

©Dakota Trace All rights reserved. This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, locations, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination, or have been used fictionally. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, locales, or events is entirely coincidental. No portion of this work may be transmitted or reproduced in any form, or by any means, without permission in writing from the author.

Seductive Studs & Sirens {16}: Doggy pile?

Once again it's time for some Seductive Studs & Sirens.  Of course once more I'm going to give you a tidbit from Healing Hark. So excited...it came out yesterday!  However starting next week, I'll be moving on to a new story...LOL. Today's snippet is the morning after as all three men are doggy-piled in bed. Enjoy!

Snippet:

The feel of lips against his shoulder blade slowly dragged Hark out of dreamland. Blinking, the next thing he noticed was heat, then the unaccustomed soreness in his ass. Memories of his master's possession last night washed over him, causing him to groan softly. His master cuddled him closer. Which, of course, made his morning wood even harder. Brushing aside the cobwebs, he squinted at the shadows on the wall. It couldn't be much later than seven. The sun had barely risen. Why the hell were his men up already? They hadn't tumbled into bed until nearly three this morning. 

"It's beautiful. What does it mean?" Bryan's voice was canted low, but he felt every word breathed against his skin. "I mean, you can obviously read it. It's Japanese, isn't it?"

BUY HERE

Can their love survive healing him?

Despite being in a long-term relationship with his Master and lover, Diachi Rai, CEO Bryan Sterling is feeling restless, and it all has to do with his Master’s former submissive. Ever since Harkalone “Hark” Akula entered their home, Bryan’s life has been turned upside down. He’s acting out, standing up to his master – even courting punishment. All because of his need to help Hark.

Diachi is a man of many secrets, and Hark happens to be one of his darkest. As his first submissive, Hark was partially responsible for molding him into the powerful but discerning Dom he’s become. But when he was unable to give Hark what he needed, Diachi let Hark go, rather than share him. Now Hark is back, scarred and darker than Diachi could ever remember him being, and in dire need of a healing touch.

Hark is at the end of his tether. After losing his family: his Dom, their submissive and child along with his home, all he wants is to be left alone, not dropped in his former master’s lap like a child. But now that he’s there, he’s not only tempted by Diachi and Bryan, he’s also being drawn into their world. The question now, is will he be able to stay?

©Dakota Trace All rights reserved. This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, locations, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination, or have been used fictionally. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, locales, or events is entirely coincidental. No portion of this work may be transmitted or reproduced in any form, or by any means, without permission in writing from the author.

Seductive Studs & Sirens {15}: Three is even better...

Once again it's time for Seductive Studs & Sirens.  This week I'm bringing you another tidbit from Healing Hark. This time it features all three of our heroes and picks up shortly after last week's snippet.  Enjoy and make sure to check out the rest of the peeps on the blog hop.

Snippet:

All the tension faded from Bryan as Hark ran the hilt of the flogger up one extended arm. A soft moan escaped Bryan.

“He's very responsive. I’m barely touching him.”

“Extremely.” Diachi stepped to the side to allow Hark greater access to Bryan's body.

“Good.” A wicked smile lit up Hark’s face. “It's great to find a sub who loves the flogger nearly as much as I do.” Using his free hand, he brushed Bryan's hair back. “Which means, even though I haven't learned all your personal hot spots yet, I am intimately familiar with how to drive a person wild with such a nice toy.”

Bryan's chest rose and fell heavily, when Hark flipped the flogger over in his hand to tease the tips of his fingers with the strands. “Fuck me.”

Other than the narrowing of his eyes, Hark continued his torment, sliding the flogger back down Bryan's arm. “Perhaps later. Right now I want to see how long it takes to push you to the edge.”

The sound of the leather hitting skin filled the room. Bryan jerked and drew in a ragged breath, when the leather strands found their mark on the tender part of his side directly under his arm. “Damn. A little warning next time, Sir?”

“Now what fun would that be?” Hark lightly swung the flogger again.

1.	Thianna D	5.	Dakota Trace	9.	Morticia Knight
2.	Evelise Archer	6.	ND Wylders	10.	Joelle Casteel
3.	Charley Descoteaux	7.	KC Kendricks	11.	C.C. Williams
4.	Rose Anderson	8.	Jade Crystal

Can their love survive healing him?

Despite being in a long-term relationship with his Master and lover, Diachi Rai, CEO Bryan Sterling is feeling restless, and it all has to do with his Master’s former submissive. Ever since Harkalone “Hark” Akula entered their home, Bryan’s life has been turned upside down. He’s acting out, standing up to his master – even courting punishment. All because of his need to help Hark.

Diachi is a man of many secrets, and Hark happens to be one of his darkest. As his first submissive, Hark was partially responsible for molding him into the powerful but discerning Dom he’s become. But when he was unable to give Hark what he needed, Diachi let Hark go, rather than share him. Now Hark is back, scarred and darker than Diachi could ever remember him being, and in dire need of a healing touch.

Hark is at the end of his tether. After losing his family: his Dom, their submissive and child along with his home, all he wants is to be left alone, not dropped in his former master’s lap like a child. But now that he’s there, he’s not only tempted by Diachi and Bryan, he’s also being drawn into their world. The question now, is will he be able to stay?

©Dakota Trace All rights reserved. This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, locations, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination, or have been used fictionally. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, locales, or events is entirely coincidental. No portion of this work may be transmitted or reproduced in any form, or by any means, without permission in writing from the author.

Seductive Studs & Sirens {12}: Just enough...temptation.

Here's another yummy sexy snippet between Hark and Bryan for this week...but as I'm wrapping up this scene between two of my three heroes, next week I'll be devoting some time to Diachi and Hark. Which should be fun. So enjoy and be sure to take the time to stop at the other blogs....

Dakota

Snippet: 

“Good.” Taking the tie, he looped it around one wrist, tugging into the position he wanted, before snagging the other behind Bryan's back. Looping and twisting the tie, he completed the Lark’s Head knot with several inches of play between Bryan's wrists. “How's that?” 

A frown furrowed Bryan's brow when he gave an experimental tug. “It's loose, Sir.” 

“For the moment.” Hark landed a medium strength blow to Bryan's ass. The other man jerked hard, then gave a soft groan as the tie tightened around his wrists. 

“Son of a bitch, Sir.” He sounded winded. “It's...” he seemed at lost how to explain it. 

“Good?” Hark quickly checked the snugness of the tie, relieved that it wasn't too tight, now that Bryan's arms had returned to their original position. Much like a Chinese finger lock, pushing toward each other the bonds stayed loose but pulling apart made them tighten. A quick press to each of Bryan's finger tips revealed the circulation was more than adequate. Satisfied with the bond, he widened Bryan's stance by kicking his legs out a few inches. He hissed as it put not only Bryan's lush bottom on display but also gave Hark a clear view of Bryan's sack. Full, it seemed to hang nearly half way down his thigh. Light blond hair covered it and Hark had the sudden insane urge to feel the roughed skin against his lips. 

Not now. Not ever. Get those damned thoughts out of your head, Akula.

1. Thianna D	2.  Jade Crystal	3.  Charley Descoteaux
4. Dakota Trace	5. ND Wylders	6. C.C. Williams
7. Morticia Knight	8. KC Kendricks - Between the Keys

Seductive Studs & Sirens {11}: Between a rock and a hard spot...

For this week's snippet, I've taken another 150-ish words from my current WIP, Healing Hark.  Not only is this a first for me (a m/m/m bdsm novel) but it's a story I'm taking the time to get right. So I apologize for the delays on this book.  Pardon the pun, but I don't want to fuck up Hark's story.  With that being said. Please enjoy the snippet. It is taken from the scene just before the #MSS snippet in the previous post. Hark and Bryan have come into Bryan's office only to find his assistant of many years beaten unconscious and left to be found.  So enjoy and be sure to stop by the rest of the contributor's blogs.

Dakota 

Snippet: 

“Silence isn't an option, sub.” 

The stress Hark placed on the last word sent a shiver down Bryan's spine. Unlike some submissives who baulked at the idea of acknowledging their submissiveness any place outside of a playroom, Bryan found comfort in the word. It reminded him of his place in life. That it wasn't wrong to be submissive. To let another take control. It had him yearning to give over - even if it was at his place of work. 

“I...” He bit his lower lip, ducking his head to hide his eyes - a move that he'd never have been able to get away with his master. Hark tipped his head up with one finger under his chin.

“Before you say another word, or even try to protest, remember your master gave you to me during business hours.” Hark's gaze seemed hungrier. “To protect. To punish. To hold even - if that's what you need.” Hark drew a deep breath, the muscles on his chest expanding. “All you have to do is ask, little one.”

1. Thianna D	2. Evelise Archer	3.  Dakota Trace
4. ND Wylders	5. C.C. Williams	6. Joelle Casteel
7. Charley Descoteaux	8.

©Dakota Trace All rights reserved. This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, locations, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination, or have been used fictionally. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, locales, or events is entirely coincidental. No portion of this work may be transmitted or reproduced in any form, or by any means, without permission in writing from the author.

Seductive Studs & Sirens {10}: More temptation than she can handle...

Ah...another week of Seductive Studs and Sirens. Gotta love it. And I do...a whole bunches. This week has had very little time for new writing as I've been busy on edits for my Loose ID book, Wolfen Bonds. It's a sexy mmf shapeshifter book and I thought I'd toss out a small passage for your reading enjoyment. This is the next two paragraphs after what I posted for MySexySaturday. Poor Colleen is being teased by Andy, one of her two mates, about tempting their third and decidedly more dominant Alpha.  Enjoy and don't forget to stop by the rest of the contributors! They are listed below.

Dakota 

Snippet:

“Perhaps one day we’ll tease him. We’ll wait until he’s on his monthly teleconference with the Elders. Then we’ll sneak into his office—far enough back that you won’t fry the circuitry, and I’ll do this.” He wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her up against him. “Then when I know we have his attention, I’ll steal a kiss.”

“A…a…a kiss…” She was having trouble concentrating on his words as heat washed over her earlobe. The wet suckling of his mouth made her dig her fingers into the tight muscles of his chest. His resulting growl against her inner ear caused her nipples to harden even more. It took every ounce of self-preservation to not give in to the temptation he offered.

1. Thianna D	2. Evelise Archer	3.  ND Wylders
4.Dakota Trace	5. Joelle Casteel	6. C.C. Williams
7. Morticia Knight	8. Charley Descoteaux

©Dakota Trace All rights reserved. This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, locations, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination, or have been used fictionally. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, locales, or events is entirely coincidental. No portion of this work may be transmitted or reproduced in any form, or by any means, without permission in writing from the author

.

Seductive Studs & Sirens {9}: Unsatisfied Desire

So once again it's time to do the SS&S hop. This week I'm taking another snippet from my current WIP, Healing Hark. This is from Chapter 8 and is after Diachi has spoken with Bryan about entrusting Hark with Bryan's safety while at work.  In this scene finds Hark and Bryan arriving at Bryan's office - only to find it dark and no P.A. in sight.  Bryan wants to protest until Hark reminds him of what is at stake if he doesn't obey. Enjoy!  And don't forget to stop by the rest of the peeps blogs!  

Dakota


Snippet:

“I haven’t given you the right to punish me.”

“No.” Hark leaned in, the spicy scent of his cologne teasing Bryan’s nose. “But your Master has. Now stay put or risk my wrath, which I’m assure you, will be nothing compared to your Master’s when he finds out you disregarded your safety.” 

“So that’s what Master wanted to talk to you about this morning? He wasn’t laying down the rules, he wanted to make sure you’d keep me out of trouble. He gave me to you.” His master’s request hadn’t been unexpected after their talk the night before. Of course, instead of being pissed at the highhandedness of it, his traitorous body warmed at the thought of that Diachi trusted Hark to keep him safe. 

“Yes. Now do as I say, and stay in the elevator.” Hark slipped into the darkened room. 

Watching after him, Bryan discretely adjusted his traitorous cock. His body still ached from last night. Master had been devious after they’d turned in for the night. He’d teased and tormented every inch of Bryan until he’d been ready to climb the walls. Then instead of allowing Bryan release, Diachi had done nothing more than hold him. He hadn’t even let Bryan satisfy the erection he’d felt against his ass all night. Instead he’d whispered his love against Bryan’s temple before ordering him to go to sleep. 

1. Thianna D	2. Charley Descoteaux	3. C.C. Williams
4. Dakota Trace	5. ND Wylders	6. Evelise Archer
7. Joelle Casteel	8. Morticia Knight

'

©Dakota Trace All rights reserved. This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, locations, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination, or have been used fictionally. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, locales, or events is entirely coincidental. No portion of this work may be transmitted or reproduced in any form, or by any means, without permission in writing from the author.

Seductive Studs & Sirens {8}:Healing Hark (MMM-BDSM)

Once again it's time for me to join the wonderful peeps over at Seductive Studs and Sirens. This week I'm once again bringing you a snippet from Healing Hark. This intense little snippet comes from a frank conversation that Diachi has with his submissive with Bryan.  Unbeknownst to Bryan, Diachi has a plan to heal Hark - as long as Bryan agrees to it.  Enjoy and don't forget to stop by the rest of the peeps.

Dakota

Excerpt:

Diachi looked into Bryan’s eyes. “Do you trust me? And know that I would do nothing to hurt you?” 

Bryan gazed at him uneasily, but the love in his eyes never wavered. “Of course, Master.” 

“I want to give you to Hark during your hours at work. He needs to be reminded what it means to be responsible for another. That his actions or lack of them will affect another.” 

“Master?” The bewilderment in his tone wasn’t a surprise but the hint of panic was. 

“Shh, I’m not tired of you. He will merely be an extension of me while you’re at Sterling Foods. He will report any infractions back to me, and generally take care of you as I would.” 

A shuddering breath escaped Bryan. “An extension? What if he asks me to service him, Master?” 

Diachi struggled with himself, before answering. “Then you have my permission to do so, but I know Hark. I doubt as skittish as he is that he’ll ask such a thing. The man I remember will be reluctant to take something that isn’t his.” He brushed his fingers over his lover’s cheek. “But if he does, and you feel comfortable doing what he asks, then I want you to do it.”

 

1. Thianna D	2. Joelle Casteel	3. Rose Anderson
4. ND Wylders	5. Dakota Trace	6. Morticia Knight
7. Evelise Archer	8. Charley Descoteaux

©Dakota Trace All rights reserved. This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, locations, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination, or have been used fictionally. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, locales, or events is entirely coincidental. No portion of this work may be transmitted or reproduced in any form, or by any means, without permission in writing from the author.