It's You: Sex, Lies And Family Secrets, #4

By M. L. Tompsett

Fans of Kim Harrison & Charlaine Harris books will enjoy sinking their teeth into this book and series.

Fate has a funny way of interfering in one's life.

From the day I was born, I was predestined to be the next Queen of Darshia — me, Princess Alley Smithlyn. 

The catch is I'm now betrothed to some Dark One prince from another kingdom. If I don't find my soul mate by my twenty-fifth birthday, I'll be walking down the aisle with this prince to prevent war between our two kingdoms.

I thought I'd discovered not one, but two soul mates while competing at the paranormal games until assassins swarmed the venue, capturing and slaughtering paranormals, especially those of royal blood. Determined to survive, I managed to escape to Darshia, and thanks to fate, my life was changed forever.

With a small child to care for and my betrothed arriving for our engagement party, all seems lost — until a handsome ghost from my past arrives.

Can a man I once loved with all my heart save me, or am I destined to continue to live in a world of lies with the wrong man?

The life of a princess is never easy… but I must survive at all costs and protect not only my daughter but also my heart, if I'm going to be the next Queen of Silver.

It's You - This is the fourth book, in the Sex, Lies and Family Secrets, series.

This eBook contains: coarse language, adult sexual themes, blood, vampires, witches, werewolves, violence, nudity, handsome — muscled men, certain scenes may cause triggers. A kick arse independent female — who will do anything to protect the ones she loves. This book is written and edited in Australian/UK English. Which means spelling will be different. If you are offended by any of these themes, this book is not for you.

Books in the series -

The Guy Next Door

Dark Surprises

You Never Know

It's You

Coming soon - What You Know

Looking for something a little different - my latest contemporary
Insta Bride.

The Bodyguard's Convenient Marriage

Ghost of a Chance in Love

Secret Heiress

Or my shifter romance
Kept in the Dark of Love and Lust

• Language: English
• Publisher: M. L. Tompsett
• Release date: Oct 30, 2019
• ISBN: 9780995385894

M. L. Tompsett

M. L. Tompsett has been creating worlds to escape to since she was a little girl. Years later she is still enjoying her writing in her imaginative make-believe worlds with interesting characters and steamy scenes. Finally moving forward to the big wide scary world of publishing in print and the new world of digital eBook publishing.Married to her childhood sweetheart. They live in Victoria, Australia and have two fully grown, handsome and extremely talented sons.With her new books out on the digital shelves and in print (softcover) M. L. Tompsett is excited to see something she has been working on for far too long become a reality.In the Sex, Lies and Family Secret, series- The Guy Next Door- Dark Surprises- You Never Know- It's You- What You Know- Boxset - 1-2-3Shifter series- Kept in the Dark of Love and Lust- Kept in the Dark of Lies and DeceitContemporarySecond Chance at Love, series.- Insta Bride- The Bodyguard's Convenient Marriage- Ghost of a Chance in Love.

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

WOLF KING AND ALPHA

My breath hitches, and my heart speeds up when the woman I love appears naked through the cascading water of the waterfall.

My Alpha, please. We must go, Jacobson, my fourth in command, warns me again. His rushed whisper breaks my thoughts, interrupting the battle I face with my emotions, and I release an anguished breath.

My days hiding deep amongst the afternoon shadows would be over if only my wolf pack would accept a non-shifter for my mate to stand by my side. Too many members prefer the old ways. When it is safe, I will change the rules and the way they think.

Trees and thick bushes almost block the sight of the woman I love and continue to protect. I angle my head to the side to better my view as I lean against the large pine tree. The rough bark digs into my clothing, preventing me from going any further.

The scent of pine fades away from my nose as a warm breeze carrying my mate’s tantalising scent fills my nostrils, and my mouth waters — reminding me of her exotic taste.

Water streams down her body with each step she takes towards the shore. Jealousy hits me in the chest. If only I were those droplets of water touching and caressing every inch of her glorious body, especially over her small rounding belly where my child grows. It is just about killing me, being so near, and not being able to touch or hold her.

My head is in constant turmoil, with my wolf fighting against my mind shields. He growls, pushes, and hits inside my skull, demanding to be let out.

I know what he wants, and I agree with him too. Our heart is breaking, shattering into a thousand pieces, and our soul aches, remaining separated from our mate.

The day Alley and I escaped our captors — I hungered to hold her again in my arms. Instead, I portal here, watching over and protecting my mate from a distance.

My wolf releases a mournful whine; he disagrees with my painful decision that this will be our last time here. We cannot continue to risk her life this way. I’m in constant danger, and if anything should happen to Alley because of me, I will never forgive myself.

My hands twitch by my sides, eager to caress her smooth, silky skin and feel our babe move and kick from within her glorious body. I need her so much…

As I continue to stand here, admiring her beauty and storing her image deep in my memory. I know it’s time to leave. I cannot allow another moment to slip by.

We need to leave — now, Lucas. Come on, man, before someone discovers us, Jacobson pleads. His eyes continue to roam, looking for danger.

With one last farewell look at my mate, I nod towards Jacobson in understanding and give the signal. As one, my men and I step further back into the dark shadows, out of sight of the waterfall.

Before I can turn, I know it is already too late. My ears pick up the faint sound of light footsteps close by. I could just about kick myself for my negligence.

I stopped surveying my surroundings for danger, and now we are in trouble. I have failed not only my men but more thoughtlessly, I have left my soul mate open to attack.

My men follow my lead. With our weapons raised, we crouch low, ready to strike. I can sense someone approaching from deep within the shadows. A powerful entity, and yet… Hmm, interesting, they are alone.

‘Stand down, Lucas. I know exactly who you are. You do not need to fear me.’

The trespass of her gentle voice has me bewildered as it caresses my mind, sending my senses into overdrive.

How did she breach through my powerful mind shields?

Within a beat of my heart, I realise who is mind speaking to me. This woman is more powerful than I ever gave her credit for!

I gain control of my mind, feeling my wolf ready to shift to protect us. I force him to back down and lift my hand, warning my men to stand down and mentally push the order ‘Do not attack.’

Agitation assaults my mind barriers from my men. My wolf enforcers are prepared to fight and protect me with their lives. They can sense the danger close by and do not agree with my order to stand down.

If it had not been for my soulmate mentioning how she trusts this woman with her life several times, I would have been attacked by now.

‘Thank you, Lucas. This must be a bit of a shock to you. Come. It is time you moved away from here. My daughter will sense you if you remain here any longer, and we both know that will be a deadly mistake.’

A woman dressed in dark, tight clothing, with features similar to my mate’s, steps out of the shadows and appears at my side. Her words speak the truth. The longer I linger, the more danger I place my mate in. My mate’s life is more important than my own, and I will protect her until my last breath.

‘Forgive me, Queen Alexia. I am usually more aware of my surroundings.’

‘I understand, Lucas. I would not like to be in your shoes. You should follow me quietly.’

‘Where are you planning on taking me, Queen Alexia?’

She casually looks over at my men before focusing back on me.

‘Inform your men. You will meet them later. For now, only you are granted passage to come with me.’ With a lift of her chin and her eyebrow raised in question. I notice a glint in her eyes as if she is challenging me. ‘We have little time. …The choice is yours, Lucas,’ she says before taking a step back and blending with the shadows disappearing from my sight.

CHAPTER TWO

WOLF KING AND ALPHA

Not knowing if it’s a trap and deciding to take the chance, I send my men back to our portal.

From what I have learned from my secret sources, I would be dead already if Queen Alexia desired it.

My loyal enforcers inform me of their warnings and protests before stepping through the portal, except for one.

My alpha, should I wait here for you?

I shake my head in annoyance and reply, Thanks, Jacobson. You better go back and explain things to Jackson — I also require for him to send out extra patrols on the east side of our territory. I don’t trust Alpha Peterson and his mangy wolf pack.

With a nod of his head, Jacobson murmurs, Watch your back, Lucas. I don’t know if I’d trust a Dark One.

My eyebrow raises at Jacobson’s words. Hmm. I’d better monitor my fourth. Those nine words have my inner warnings on alert.

Jacobson, remember this — if Queen Alexia used her magic, she could have easily slaughtered the lot of us. I am appreciative she is on our side.

His eyes widen at my words, then quickly change to disgust. Is she really that dangerous? Because she looks all woman to me, if you know what I mean! he murmurs with his trademark grin.

My hackles rise to his stupidity. No wonder he has never progressed higher than a fourth. Jacobson. That is why I am the Alpha. Never underestimate anyone.

I think it is time to reassess my men, especially Jacobson — there is something not quite right…

With a firm nod of his head, Jacobson salutes and casually glances around before stepping through the portal, and the mass of light closes behind him.

I follow Queen Alexia amongst the shadows towards her castle, weaving and jumping over fallen trees. We continue the journey along a narrow animal trail edged by thick bushes until we arrive at what looks like a secret entrance behind a fallen tree against a rock wall.

Queen Alexia lifts her hand and presses her finger to her lips before stepping into the mysterious dark opening.

With my shifter senses on full alert, they enable me to follow the queen carefully without mishap. Our pace is fast, turning left and right along narrow underground corridors. A dim glow resonates towards the ground every few metres, helping illuminate our path.

It does not take me long to realise something is playing with my mind, trying to confuse me — a battering of sensations causes my heart to stutter, and I struggle to breathe. For I am sure I have been walking through several protective wards — my senses are repeatedly bombarded as if I’m being attacked and buried alive at the same time.

My wolf’s agitation continues; he is barely coping with the wards, and it does not help when he does not like the odour of damp earth niggling at my nose.

He pushes hard against my mental barriers. Thankfully, I am a powerful alpha, preventing my wolf from transforming and escaping the way we came and out in the fresh air.

By the time we changed directions and climbed a steel staircase, my wolf relaxed enough in my head when the smell of dampness faded.

We approach a couple of solid security doors, one on each side of our standing position. Queen Alexia quietly opens the door on the left, just enough to peek through a small opening. I send out my senses, not detecting another entity, and decide it is safe to continue following her.

In a hushed tone, the queen says, Lucas, I know who and what you are. I know you are my daughter’s other soul mate and the father of her unborn child.

I shake my head, and my forehead scrunches. How do you know who I am? Avoiding the father and unborn child part.

Oh Lucas, never underestimate a royal woman of Darshia, especially one of us Smithlyn girls.

With that, Queen Alexia gives me a wink. Yes, a wink and then a smile, and continues walking.

I glance over at her womanly body, watching her arse with each step. If I were not already mated, I would be envious of Drake, Alexia’s husband. At least I know where my mate got her gorgeous curves.

I shake my head and concentrate on where to place my footing in the dimly lit corridors.

Queen Alexia, I’ll ask again. Where are we going?

My wolf is eager to be let out and allowed to search the surrounding area. I think he has detected a faint trace of our mate nearby.

Lucas, we will have afternoon tea after your generous donation. Also, we will have a crucial meeting.

Donation. Afternoon tea…meeting…is she serious?

A meeting? About what, may I ask?

We walk around a corner and through an open doorway before coming to a stop. Apprehension fills me as I finally take in our surroundings.

What the…?

Are we in a medical facility? Why has Queen Alexia brought me here?

Take a seat, Lucas, and roll up your sleeves.

Before I can take a step, my knees are taken out from below me. I land hard against a cushioned seat, and my arms connect with its armrests. I attempt to move my limbs several times, only to discover they will not budge.

I glance up, my eyes narrowing towards the powerful female.

Now wait a minute, Queen Alexia. My mind races with likely scenarios — what is she up to?

I feel my wolf pace back and forth. He does not like being restrained, and neither do I. My wolf will attempt to transform and attack if I am not careful. I must remain focused…

Lucas. You are about to have your blood bagged, ready for consumption by your mate and growing unborn child. This is something you are going to continue doing for the next few months.

Now hang on— I demand.

Her eyes spark with annoyance. No, Lucas. I am not about to place my daughter’s life in danger again. I have had enough from Philip, her pathetic, contracted husband. Now relax. The doctor will begin shortly.

My nostrils flare in agitation as I drag in a rugged breath to calm myself. Frustrated is a light word I would use at how I am feeling toward the woman in front of me.

If you were not my soul mate’s mother, I would never have followed you in here. Alley is my mate and wife. The woman I love with all my heart and soul, and soon to be the mother of my child. I would do anything for her. With that, I compel my body to relax in the funny-looking chair with the extra-wide armrests.

See. Now that was not very hard, was it? she says with a sigh. So…my son-in-law, we have much to discuss and not much time to find a solution.

Huh? What solution? What do we need to discuss?

Lucas, you are the King and Alpha of your pack. We need to find a solution for you to remain in my daughter’s life with no one finding out.

Of course, I wish to remain in my mate’s life; she is having my baby, after all. What are you suggesting, Queen Alexia?

Lucas, you are going to be learning how to enter my castle undetected and meet in secret with my daughter.

With a shake of my head, I reply, No offence, but are you crazy? I need to keep my distance from my soul mate. It is for her own safety.

The beautiful queen nods and continues to pace before she pauses, turns, and says, Lucas, one day, you will become King of your own Dark One kingdom. With a shake of her head and a stern eye, she says, No, not my kingdom. This is mine. I am speaking of your rightful kingdom in a different realm. Your birthright — your birth father’s royal kingdom of Dark Ones.

My focus is so caught up with Queen Alexia I forget about the doctor at my arm until a sharp sting penetrates it, causing me to flinch. My back teeth grind in annoyance at the antiseptic odour. I focus on moving my arm, to no avail. It refuses to move as I watch my blood fill a long, thin clear hose.

With consternation, I tilt my head and glance back toward Queen Alexia. This woman is confusing me with someone else. I am no Prince of Dark Ones. I am the King and Alpha of my wolf pack.

CHAPTER THREE

ALLEY

Seven Years Earlier

I have heard on the odd occasion at these events — some competitors might be lucky enough to find their soul mate — ha, if only I’m that lucky!

The dining room stone wall digs into parts of my back as I lean against it. The pain brings my focus back, reminding me that I’m surrounded by hundreds of fellow Dark Ones, Vampires, and Shifters — in fact, many forms of Entities from hundreds of different kingdoms and realms.

We are all here to compete in the ten-day event, a mixture of martial arts techniques, shooting, and fighting. Our mini Olympics for the paranormal entity community!

I can feel it again. The hairs at the back of my neck tingle and stand on end. My heartbeat pulses through my body as a strange sensation flows over me, turning my nipples hard and a heated tingling causing uncomfortable friction between my legs.

Moist heat increases as I carefully rub and squeeze my thighs together to alleviate the built-up pressure.

Uh-oh. Someone is watching me right this very second. All at once, the intensity of their stare penetrates me. Their emotions and lust hit me straight to my soul.

My first thought was — what should I do?

The second — is the need for sex.

The strange new feeling hums and vibrates throughout my lower body, causing my soul to sing.

Oh, and the third thought — I can just about taste this person on the tip of my tongue.

My mouth waters to the unique flavour of a strong muscled male with a hint of something else… Hmmm, maybe two somethings… The first flavour I distinguished is definitely Dark One, but the second — hmmm, now this has me stumped. Can he be a shifter, perhaps?

I discreetly rub my thighs together again as moisture pools in my underwear. I must control these feelings before anyone else notices.

Whomever the person is, the word mate whispers through my mind. Can that be possible? Is my mate attending these games, or is it only wishful thinking? I shake off those thoughts and press my legs together again.

I feel embarrassed by my body’s strange behaviour and wonder if the person watching me can feel the same sensations and the mating pull.

Surrounded by a variety of Entities, chances are someone close to my standing position will be able to notice my arousal. Just fantastic. With my luck, I will attract someone I cannot stand.

I had convinced my parents I wanted to attend this sporting event as a single female entity, not my actual status — Princess Alley of Darshia. It is time I grew up away from my family and learned to stand on my own two feet.

After the first day here, I noticed the competitors used this event more like a singles bar to pick up and have sex — lots of sex, every day and night.

I have encountered a few different couples in various positions between events, an eye-opener I did not need.

I bet my parents were not aware of that little fact when they allowed me to compete here. Especially when my father still sees me as his little girl — he would have a heart attack if he knew what was going on.

As a newly turned Dark One, at nineteen, it is my choice to pick a sexual partner or stay celibate. I only have to choose a willing male and maybe lose my V-card in the process.

Why am I thinking of losing my V-card? You see. Eight days ago, I discovered I am caught up in the old barbaric custom of being betrothed to a Dark One from another kingdom. Even in our modern times, I have no say in the matter.

The bad part of all of this, I overheard my parents discuss this scam of a betrothal — causing my heart to thud painfully. If I refuse this union, it will create a war between our two Dark One kingdoms, and I will not be responsible for my people’s deaths. I have never met my so-called contracted fiancé, and the only thing I know about him is his name — Philip Silverman.

With my mother being the Queen of Darshia, she had hoped to eliminate the barbaric custom from our traditional Dark One way — my worst nightmare has started. Talk about becoming a scapegoat in a paranormal world. This nightmare has now been placed on my shoulders. If I don’t go through with it, war will erupt, and the people I love in Darshia will be at risk of losing their lives and my home destroyed.

My six-year countdown to a marriage I do not want. An engagement will take place on my twenty-fifth birthday, and the wedding date will be set shortly after unless this guy — Philip or I- finds our soul mates before then.

What is a Dark One, you ask? In plain terms, a Dark One is something similar to a vampire. Whatever you do, never call a Dark One a vampire; you might not live to regret it. Both Entities consume blood, though my heart still beats, and I am very much alive and born from my Dark One parents.

Well, my twin — Damien and I decided we would wait and go through the turning ceremony with our younger sister Alex when she turned eighteen. The three of us transitioning into fully turned Dark Ones together. Once the turning process is over, we will look young for the rest of our long Dark One life, have extraordinary powers and strength, and the main fact is that you include drinking blood along with your solid food and continue enjoying the sunlight.

Instead of turning into a full Dark One with us, Alex had decided to wait as she recently discovered her soul mate in the human realm of all places. As he is not a Dark One, he will continue to age, and Alex will remain looking as if she is eighteen for the rest of her life. Not a good look to have when your husband looks forty, and you still resemble a teenager.

I casually glance around the vast dining room, searching for the mystery person who caused my soul to awaken and desire to burn through my veins.

I keep my eyes moving over the mass of hundreds of heads, never stopping on just one face. Entities are either eating a variety of foods or drinking a mixture of beverages, happily speaking with one another and discussing how they went today or organising to meet up after dinner. I have never seen this many paranormals in one place.

Something deep inside me causes me to pause and turn my head to my right. I first notice two tall, handsome men advance to one of the single exit doors.

My brain scrambles with the vision in front of me.

Oh, my… The second gorgeous man catches my eye… I immediately notice his sexy dark looks and how he fills out his clothes, especially his denim-clad arse I want to squeeze and bite. It is shaped exquisitely and toned just right for my touch!Don’t even get me started on his gorgeous body.

My heart gallops, and my breath freezes when he stops and glances over his shoulder. His potent gaze penetrates my own and straight through to my soul, making it feel light as my heart gallops against my chest. I manage to suck in a lung full of air. The urge to go to him, touch and hold him, and never let go increases with each breath I manage to pull into my lungs.

Before I can say ‘Who are you,’ he is yanked out through the open door and into the night.

Who was that guy?

Without realising it, I find myself rubbing my chest.

The feelings I had only moments ago are easing off, leaving an empty ache. It is as if the mystery person I sensed had left the room and…me.

Please don’t leave me. Come back. It keeps racing through my mind; whoever the person is, they are now gone.

My eyes start to mist up at a loss, and the ache in my chest increases. With staggered breaths, I begin to suck in another slow breath and will the tears filling my eyes to stop before they overflow and run down my face.

Was the gorgeous guy who just walked out of the building my mystery person? Could he have been my mate?

After several deep breaths, I gain control over my eyes and breathing and continue to glance over the hundreds of heads in the large dining hall — sadness fills me — my mystery person is definitely gone, and so is the gorgeous guy.

Minutes pass when a niggling itch begins on my lower back. My body begins to shudder as I detect several pairs of lust-filled eyes aiming right at me. Ewww, I hope I do not run into whomever they are in a hurry. I can feel my skin wanting to peel off my body in disgust.

The niggling continues for several minutes, the feeling of being watched by different people remains, and my agitation grows.

I think it might be time I went back to my room or go and train. I need to do anything to get away from the creepy skin-crawling sensations.

A familiar presence presses against my mind shields as I step away from the wall. I shake my head internally as I sense my undercover bodyguard — oh great, what does he want this time?

With a jolt, Wayland interrupts my thoughts. Hmm. Now that was interesting. I wonder what he is doing here. And where is he going?

I turn towards the sexy-looking palace guard and paste a fake smile on my face to benefit anyone watching.

CHAPTER FOUR

ALLEY

I glance at where Wayland is looking at that side door where the gorgeous guy had just been standing, then back to my guard, and wonder what he is speaking about. I wonder if the annoying man might know the two men who caught my eye.

My guard notices me looking at him and says, I thought I saw someone I met last month. Exit the door. He gives his head a shake and then focuses on me and smiles.

Prinny, are you okay? You seem… distracted?

It aggravates me when Wayland calls me that name just because I am the first-born princess. Thus, the horrible nickname — Prinny — short for Princess. Grrrr. Not if I can help it.

His features remind me of a muscled-built young version of George Clooney. He has a sparkle in his eye. A look would generally cause a warm fuzzy feeling low in my belly, but for some unknown reason, at this very minute, it is not happening.

Hmm. Now that is interesting. Maybe all of Wayland’s annoying habits are finally sinking into my brain, warning me to stay clear of his muscled body.

I catch him surveying my body repeatedly; an involuntary shudder moves through me.

I hate it when he does that. It did not take long to work out that he only wanted to bed me, knowing I was still a virgin. I’m well aware that if he successfully bedded one of the princesses, he would achieve the godlike banner amongst the palace guards back home.

Since my mother had taken over the role of the queen, the castle staff are relieved to find themselves no longer required to grace the queen’s bed, and with that in mind — Wayland might require a reminder his extra services are not needed.

I take a step closer to him and then another until I am only an inch away from his hard muscular physique. The heat from his body flares against mine, just about scorching me. I continue my stance, and from the corner of my eye, I can see his smile becoming radiant — to me, sleazier.

My nose twitches as I detect his arousal, causing bile to rise along my throat. I swallow and force it back down again, trying not to shudder against the acid.

I lean in closer. My lips brush Wayland’s ear as I whisper, If you call me that name once more, I will remove your balls in your sleep. Do we have an understanding?

It does not take him long to work out — I am deadly serious. But then, it might have something to do with the steel tone in my voice.

His sleazy smile did not last long; with a gulp, he straightens, takes a step back and replies, Yes. Loud and clear, Theá. It will not happen again.

I hear a different version of my real name, reminding me of the undercover name I am using while attending the paranormal games. Glad to see he can remember something when he is not trying to gain access to my pants.

No one can know I am a Dark One and the daughter of the Queen of Darshia. I had pushed the issue with my parents to allow me to attend and compete under a pseudonym name. For my safety, I do not want anyone to know my true identity. Plus, I wanted to compete as me, not some highborn princess.

So far, in the competition, I have won five out of five heats in my age division. Tomorrow’s tournaments will be more complex and more challenging. I will be up against women who have been full Dark Ones from a

Reviews for It's You

[kayla.krantz · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Alley’s life hasn’t been an easy one. In order to end a war and bring peace between two kingdoms, she must live a life that’s based on lies. That is, until a love from her past returns and hope for a better life looms on the future.

The story is loaded with action, suspense, and plenty of moments of tenderness. I loved the character Alley. She was strong and independent. While there was a lot going on in her life and in the wonderfully-built world around her, she held strong, doing what she needed to make it through to another day. I love to see that in a female protagonist. I also liked the way that the idea of mates works in this book too. It’s certainly unique.

Engaging paranormal romance at its finest.