Xander by Valerie Ullmer

Xander (A Dark Assassins Novel Book Three)
By Valerie Ullmer
 
Genre:  Paranormal Romance
 
[ Blurb ]
 
Half-human, half-shifter.

Xander has secretly yearned for a mate for most of his immortal existence, and yet after three of his friends found exactly what he’s always wanted, he’d come to believe that he’d missed his chance at happiness.

Until he heard her voice.

Frost is a wildlife biologist and tracker and she has been assigned, despite her adamant protests, to lead mercenaries into the mountains of Snowfall, Colorado for the sole purpose of killing immortal shifters.  In order to protect those who have no idea the kind of danger they are in, she agrees.  As she leads the armed men on a wild chase around the snow-covered pines, she could sense that she was running out of time.

Until she heard his voice.

Xander understands exactly who Frost is the moment he hears her thoughts.  With the help of Kane and Gunnar, they eliminate those in her group as they try to keep her safe.  But during the fight, she is hurt and all of his protective instincts flare to life.  As Xander learns more about her, he realizes that Frost might be the key to the creation of the immortals, both vampire and shifter.  

But when she becomes a target from those who want to destroy the Dark Company and Xander’s family, how far will he go to save her?
 
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[ Excerpt ]
 
Xander froze when he heard a feminine voice carry over to him, she sounded closer than she had been even a few moments before.  He should have sensed her coming closer.  But the only question on his mind was why she was tagging along with a group of mercenaries.  He heard the voice again, a tinny version of her voice, and for a long moment he couldn’t understand the words.  Until she stepped forward.
No, no.  Not that way.  Not that way.
Something warmed his chest as he heard her in his head as clearly as they were speaking aloud.  A familiarity washed over him and he felt connected to this woman in an elemental way.  A feeling a peace settled over him.  He knew this was the first time he’d ever heard her voice.  He was so stunned and happy that he didn’t even question how they were able to mind link.
Can either of you hear the woman’s thoughts?
Woman?  Gunnar sounded confused.
Kane’s reply was quick and clipped.  No.
Hello?
Hello?
Xander tried to get her attention.  Can you hear me?
He held his breath when he heard her distinct gasp, knowing that their mind link worked.  His chest filled with dread at the thought that she gave herself away, until he heard her next words.
“I spotted a grizzly bear in the trees to the west.  Sorry, I startled him and he ran off.”
For long seconds, the men in the clearing stared at the woman before they were ordered to keep searching.
Xander stood close enough that he could see her curves underneath the heavy white parka.  And having the worst timing in the world, Xander felt his body react.  He took a deep, cleansing breath of sharp mountain air that instantly cooled his overheated body.
Yes, I can hear you.  These men, seven in total, are looking for immortals.  They have been contracted by my boss at U.S. Fish and Wildlife to kill them.  Apparently the immortals are supposed to become animals.  Can you help me without hurting yourself?  They are heavily armed.
Xander was taken completely by surprise.  She didn’t question their connection but instead relayed vital information that he would need.  He could also start to feel her emotions.  She wasn’t scared, just determined.  He could hear her heart beating at a fast rate and her breathing strained from either the hike up the mountain or the tension in the air.  He watched as she subtly shifted her head around as she searched for him, unable to spot him in the trees.
We can help.  I’m going to communicate with my team and we’ll take out the men.  Are you okay with that?
Yes, I know they are paid mercenaries and I’m mad that they killed a wolf two days ago for no other reason than they wanted to shoot something.
What’s your name?
Frost.
Frost, I’m Xander.  When I tell you to run, run south.  Okay?
Yes, I understand.
Xander relayed the conversation he had with Frost.  We are going to have to kill them, there’s no other way around it.  They couldn’t have a threat looming over them, especially if one escaped and brought in a stronger, more trained group of mercenaries.  Although they could easily defeat any group of fighters, keeping their existence a secret was crucial.  The more humans that knew about them, the bigger the danger it posed.
 
[ About Author ]
 
Valerie writes paranormal and contemporary romances with strong alpha males and brilliant, beautiful heroines. She lives in Denver, Colorado with her wonderfully supportive husband and their funny and wise black lab. She's addicted to coffee, crime shows, and reading and writing character driven romances.
 
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NOTE FROM CONNIE

Here are the line ups for the month of August. Note that if you visit each blog and leave a comment, I'll enter your name for a chance to win a $5.00 gift certificate of your choice - Amazon or Barnes & Noble. If I have 10 authors who blogged in August, and you leave a comment on all 10 blogs, I'll enter your name 10 times for a chance to win.  Check back often, as I will update and add more authors as they sign up.

August 4         Summer of Seduction Anthology
August 7          Ann Everett
August 8         Diana Rubino
August 9          Ayla Ruse
August 10       JJ Montgomery
August 11       Janice O'Hara
August 14       Barbara White-Daille
August 15       Patricia Preston
August 16       Beverly Oakley
August 17       Caris Roane
August 18        Zara West
August 19       Valerie Ullmer
August 21       Monique DeVere
August 22       Jon Michaels
August 23        Adrian Kraft
August 24      Min Edwards
August 25      Margo Hoonstra
August 28      Seelie Kay
August 29       Izzy Szyn
August 30        Ayla Ruse
​August 31      Sharon Buchbinder