Hello and welcome!
I had plans, but as usual the Elves had other ideas… see what happened earlier today 😀
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I look up from my editing as a knock sounds from my door. Before I have time to respond, the most beautiful woman I have ever seen saunters through the doorway. Wait a moment… I locked that door. This tells me it is another of MA’s characters, which should be interesting at the very least. She is an Elf, I can tell by the pointed ears and the number of weapons she carries like so much jewelry on her. She has dark hair that falls in waves down her back and past her waist, her complexion is luminous, her lips are full and red, her body is firm and toned with curves all in the right places. And she is dressed in some sort of uniform, or at least part of one. This tells me she is definitely a Dark Elven Elite Warrior.
My mystery guest looks at me with a sultry expression and, in a voice that I would kill for, asks. Enikő?
I let the husky, full-throated sound flow through me with appreciation before I answer. I am Enikő. I can tell this woman is used to being in command by the way she quickly takes over.
I am Ilénè, my guest announces in a matter of fact tone, then adds. I have a gift for you. A few friends and I went shopping. We also had something special made up for you. I think you are going to like what is in the box.
Ilénè walks into the room with a rolling gait that I know would make most men’s eyes immediately focus on her hips, and I quickly begin to clear the top of my desk. I get the feeling that anything liquid or breakable better get moved out of the way fast. I am right. I barely manage to get this done when Ilénè places a big box on the top of the desk and over any other paperwork I hadn’t been given time to gather. I hope nothing gets mixed up amongst the papers, especially the manuscript I was working on. The pages of the book under the box aren’t numbered and if they get mixed up it could be a nightmare to figure out.
The moment Ilénè drops the box on my desk she looks at me expectantly. I look at the large garment box, then at the excited gleam in Ilénè’s eyes and ask. If I untie the ribbon, will something pop out at me? I know from reading about Ilénè that she has a fun loving personality. She also hangs around with questionable characters, mainly the Eagle Claw twins. This means anything can happen.
Ilénè chuckles, and promises, This is not a practical joke.
I notice that the bow on top is as much for decoration as anything else. The cover of the box just slips off of the bottom. I place the top of the carton to the side and see what looks like half of a ton of white tissue paper inside of the bottom half. Alright, so I exaggerate a bit, but not by much. It doesn’t take me long to notice that there is a smaller box in the middle. I open it to find a pair of red stilettos. They are gorgeous, but I will kill myself if I ever try to wear them. How do girls walk in them? Give me Birkestocks or barefoot is even better. I look further into the box and then pull out a red costume. I figure it must be a costume, either that or someone forgot to pack part of the outfit into the box.
Ilénè laughs joyously as I look for more pieces to add to the clothing, then speaks. There is no more. We heard you were planning to take a trip to our lands and wanted to make you feel welcome. To do this, we have made you an honorary Dark Elven Elite Guardian. Welcome to the group.
I stammer. I don’t know what to say. Thank you doesn’t seem quite enough to cover it.
A moment later another knock sounds and Ilénè calls out. Come in if your nose is clean, stay out if it isn’t.
An Elven male walked through the doorway and I feel my knees weaken. He is blonde with hair that is every bit as long as Ilénè’s. He is wearing a blue coat with gold buttons and braiding. He is also drop-dead gorgeous.
Ilénè smiles, as the man stiffly walks into the room and she bursts out in laughter at his awkward movements. Enikő, meet my Life Mate, Kestriel.
I smile as I greet him. How do you do, Kestriel. I know he is a High Elf, so I figure I need to be a bit more formal in my greeting.
Kestriel nods at me in acknowledgement, then turns his attention to Ilénè. What did you do to my pants? They are so stiff they threaten to crack if I try to bend. I also can’t get them off.
Ilénè’s smile widens, as she replies. I am not sure. Cambria gave me something to help hold the creases in place.
Kestriel looks at me apologetically, then bellows at Ilénè. Do you have any idea how uncomfortable this is?
Feigning innocence, Ilénè responds. I would have starched them for you, but you weren’t happy about my efforts when I starched your last bit of laundry.
Kestriel grouched. Those were my shorts. I may be wearing that rash they gave me for another week.
Ilénè looks so pleased with her handiwork, as she agrees and asks. Would you like me to kiss it better?
Kestriel suddenly stiffens visibly. Then, with a nod, he picked Ilénè, slung her over his shoulder, and headed for the exit. As he moved forward he bade me farewell, but I could tell his mind was on other things.
Ilénè smiled as she waved goodbye, as she hung upside down across Kestriel’s shoulder, then called out. I will tell Cambria you loved your gifts. In the meantime, I believe I am being taken away to receive my just punishment for deeds I plan to work harder to improve upon. Ilénè then winks.
As the door of my office closes, I can hear Kestriel’s hand connect with Ilénè’s leather clad rear. It is followed by Ilénè’s shriek, then a giggle.
I look down at the red leather outfit that I am still holding in my hands and wonder that it is still there. The same uniform looked stunning on Ilénè, but …
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I hope you enjoyed the ‘chat’, I know I did 😀
Ilénè and Kestriel are from THE WARRIOR, book 4 in the Guardians of the Empire series by M. A. Abraham.
Ilénè is a Dark Elven Elite warrior of repute, one who knows her worth. She has led her father’s elite squad for the last one hundred years, but she is getting tired of the constant drill. She has decided it is time to settle down and have a family. The question is with whom?
Kestriel was raised in the way of the ancient High Elven people, and he serves as one of the Guardians of the Empire. It is an honour and one he appreciates to the fullest. He has no intentions of soiling his hands on an Elven female of questionable repute. Until he meets Ilénè.
The moment Kestriel meets Ilénè, he knows he has met his Life Mate. The trouble with this is that he grew up with the impression that it was the male who should be the aggressor in a budding relationship, not the woman. What is a poor Elven Dragon shifter to do?
My review: 5-stars
I loved Ilénè ever since she appeared in the series. A warrior I admire not only for her skills but the way she treats her close friends. Kestriel was a surprise, a High Elf mated to a Dark Elf? I had to read this story. His patience is what made me love him, she puts him through his paces. They find their HEA, but not without a few bumps. 5-star read as usual, the author puts her signature twists in at the least expected times.
You can read chapter 1 here.
I know you will enjoy it too, I hope you will give the series a chance.
There will be a 3-day event on Facebook to celebrate the release of The Warrior, come and join in! Follow the link. Awesome author and narrator spotlights on August 14 and 15. On August 13, M. A. Abraham will have contests and games from 12pm to 8pm. There is also a Rafflecopter Giveaway ending in 2 days, so make sure you enter.
To celebrate the brand new release. Ms. Abraham is giving away an ebook copy of The Warrior. Sexy Mr. Random will pick the winner from the comments after 8 pm on Thursday, August 13, 2020.
Until next time read a book, listen to a book and don’t forget to show your love by leaving a review!
SEELKs fire & ice 
Recent Comments