Love is a Whirlwind
Beginnings Book 2
As a bull shifter, Ryan has no idea what it is to be human. When he’s purchased and brought to the home of Caleb O’Connell, he’s determined to show the young man who’s boss. However, Caleb won’t cooperate, and instead of fearing Ryan, Caleb takes a liking to the new bull he soon dubs Whirlwind.
Caleb adores the feisty Whirlwind, convinced the bovine will be the best bucking bull in the Professional Bull Riding Circuit. Then one night his entire life changes when he learns Whirlwind’s secret—the secret of shapeshifters.
Ryan and Caleb become the best of friends, and Caleb attempts to teach Ryan, as best he can, how to be a human. Their time together leads to deeper feelings... and eventually they decide to give a relationship a chance. Unfortunately, Ryan is kidnapped, and Caleb has to call in the Agency—an organization that protects shifters—or their new life together will end before it ever starts.
Continue Caleb and Ryan’s story with Blood of the Whirlwind.
Caleb and Ryan also feature in Healing Minds.
Print edition available at Amazon.
EXCERPT
Ryan jumped to his feet and grabbed the collar of the biker man’s jacket. He lifted him with one hand and pulled his fist back, ready to smash it directly into his face. But someone held his arm back. Growling in frustration, he swung his head around and met fierce green eyes. Long hands gripped his wrist, and Caleb’s face was set in a fierce frown.
“Stop, Ryan. Let. Him. Go.”
That voice. Smooth, calm, clear. He blinked several times. The violent haze that gripped his mind and clenched his muscles began to ease. He looked back at the biker man and finally noted the blood covering his face, leaking from his nose. More blood covered his white shirt and exposed skin.
Ryan grimaced and dropped the biker man like he was something smelly that was about to be put in the trash. He glanced around and noticed everyone staring at him. The bartender had a rifle out, and pointed it at his face.
“Get the hell out of here, you freak,” the bartender said, his hands shaking.
Caleb tugged on his arm, and Ryan allowed himself to be led from the bar. It wasn’t remorse he felt but… frustration. He hated it when his primal side grabbed hold of him, he hated losing control. In bull form, that was expected, needed. In human form… well… it didn’t make him any new friends.
They walked across the parking lot, and he yanked his arm from Caleb’s grip. He noticed there was blood on him too. Great.
“Let go. I’m fine—”
“No, you’re not.” Caleb rounded on him and actually shoved him back with both hands.
Ryan stumbled backward, shocked.
“How could you do that?” Caleb shouted. “How could you let yourself go like that, Ryan? You haven’t done anything like that since we were teens! You know your eyes glow and your skin ripples when you get pissed. Don’t think no one noticed that! And now that man will have to go to the hospital. You broke his arm, I saw it.”
He winced but refused to feel guilty. “He deserved it.”
Caleb gaped and then lashed out and punched his face. He roared and gripped Caleb’s collar before slamming him against a truck. He bared his teeth and made sure Caleb’s feet couldn’t touch the ground. The punch had been modest and probably wouldn’t leave a bruise, but the shock of the hit had him reeling.
“Don’t ever do that again,” he growled, his voice coming from deep in his chest.
“Or what?” Caleb shot back, his face contorted in rage. “You’ll pound me bloody too? Well, go ahead, we both know I can’t stop you. Go ahead!”
Ryan pressed his friend harder against the truck and, feeling desperate and confused, smashed his mouth against Caleb’s scowling lips.
