Tricked

By Pelaam

When Tane is asked to a Halloween party by one of the men from the logging firm he works in, he’s anxious as well as thrilled. The man looks like the one of his dreams but, when the night comes around, he discovers he’s been cruelly tricked and ends up running for his life.

He finds refuge in a house at the edge of the forest and is strangely drawn to the beast of a man who lives there with his elderly brother. But appearances are deceiving, as Tane’s already found out. Can he live long enough to have a fairy-tale ending?

• Language: English
• Publisher: JMS Books LLC
• Release date: Oct 27, 2021
• ISBN: 9781646569687

Pelaam

Living in clean, green New Zealand, Pelaam is a multi-published author of gay romance and erotic books. When not busy writing, she can be found indulging in her other passions of cookery and wine appreciation. Pelaam's books: Smoking Mirror, 2017 finalist in 2017 Rainbow Awards in Gay Futuristic/Sci-Fi; Stranded, Evernight Publishing Readers’ Choice winner 2016 for Sci-Fi; The Avian Emperor, runner up and Honourable Mention in 2016 Rainbow Awards Gay Futuristic/Sci-Fi.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Spotting a table at the far side of the coffee shop, Tane settled himself down to wait for his coffee date. After a few minutes, he glanced up from his phone and waved. Tane swiped out of Facebook and greeted Nick with a grin as his long-time friend approached, his own coffee in hand.

Glad you could make it. Tane stood as Nick set down his drink.

I haven’t had a chance to see you since you returned. Nick hugged Tane, slapping his back before they both sat. How’re things going?

Good in some respects, but not that great in others. Tane pursed his lips. There’s a bit of a clique in work. First off, it was ‘we don’t like the outsider.’ Especially one with a degree. Or Maori heritage.

Jeez. You’re kidding. It goes back to your grandfather, doesn’t it? Nick asked, taking a sip of his latte.

Tane nodded. Yep. You can barely tell from my skin colour. Tane held out his arm, turning it back and forth. Most people assume it’s a tan. But Ma insisted on naming me after Tane. Even though I used my middle name, someone found out. Then there’s a group who seem to think they’re a cut above everyone else and because they stay close-knit, they’re quite powerful.

I never thought you’d be working in logging. Nick shook his head. "Hardly the job you envisioned either. But then your extended overseas trip was unexpected, too. You’d talked about your boyfriend. One you were really serious about, then bang— Nick snapped his fingers —you were going overseas."

Yeah, nah. Tane sighed. He just…vanished. No explanation, no forwarding address. You know, it’s odd. But I can’t even picture him in my mind. I could have sworn I’d taken photos, but I checked my phone and nothing. And you’re right about the job.

This isn’t a long-term choice, is it? Nick’s face wrinkled in the puppy-dog way that always made Tane smile.

He shook his head. Not at all. But currently there are no vacancies for forest rangers, but some are due to come up in the next six months or so. It’s going to feel like an eternity.

What’s your role in the logging camp? Not cutting them down, are you?

I have done, but I always say a quick prayer to the Hākuturi forest spirits each time. Tane smiled and shrugged. Pops is very keen on the old traditions. Anyway, I haven’t had an accident so far, and for now I’m off the cutting and identifying the different kinds of wood instead.

"Shame you don’t get