Virgin Mate: Cascade Cougars, #1

By Tia Didmon

A Rogue. A Betrayal. A Marked Mate.

 

Lucy Michaels is about to realize her dream of becoming an international photographer when an attack from a rogue cougar-shifter triggers her physical transformation to a species the world doesn't know exists. As voraciously unstable appetites emerge, Talen Cascade, the sexy shifter who rescued her, embarks on a mission to integrate her into the ways of his clan and satiate her rising hunger.

While the rogue shifter continues to pursue Lucy, Talen discovers an unseen foe is hunting and experimenting on his species. Although Talen is convinced that Lucy is his true mate, only she can decide whether she belongs to him or the man who claimed her.

Discover the truth behind the experiments by reading VIRGIN MATE, the new Paranormal Romance Series readers are comparing to Jessie Donovan and Lora Leigh.

One click to start this epic paranormal adventure today!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Bold Butterfly Publishing Inc.
• Release date: Oct 21, 2020
• ISBN: 9798215263549

Tia Didmon

Tia Didmon is a USA Today bestselling author of provocative paranormal romance and paranormal women’s fiction. When Tia isn't busy writing about sexy shifters and dreamy demons, she spends her time binge-watching The Order and reruns of The Vampire Diaries, cooking with her daughter, and serving her cat. Her love of writing stems from a self-diagnosed book addiction.  Subscribe to Tia's newsletter at tiadidmon.com for a free book and start your journey through Tia's supernatural world today! 

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

If Lucy hadn’t gotten something in her eye, she wouldn’t have seen him in the rear-view mirror. An athletic white-haired man was standing below the parking lot sign that read: Karmen’s – home of the best seafood in Oregon!

He was watching her, leaning against the post with his arms crossed. Though it was late afternoon, the sun reflecting off the worn metal sign, it was still chilly fall weather. Cold enough to warrant putting her jacket on to walk the short distance into the restaurant, yet he wore only a black T-shirt over his muscular body.

Lucy attributed her nervousness to her imminent interview with Elias Lopez, the internationally acclaimed photographer. It was the opportunity of a lifetime-one Lucy had given up everything for.

The man had given no cause for alarm, yet the hairs on the back of Lucy’s neck bristled and her stomach churned. Get yourself together Lucy it’s just nerves. This interview would change her life. Forever, if it went well. She looked back as she slammed the car door. The man was gone. She straightened her black pencil skirt, smoothed the lines from her white tailored shirt and was buttoning her jacket when a blow to the side of her head knocked her to the ground.

Pain sliced through her body as she hit the pavement. The gravel tore the palms of her hands. She heard cloth rip and felt hot breath, laced with the smell of fermenting meat at her throat. Her scream faltered as sharp teeth punctured her neck.

A second impact knocked her assailant’s grip from her. The removal of the painful vise, released a gush of blood that stopped abruptly. Gasping for air, she watched a dark-haired man attack her stalker.

He was tall with an athletic build, his clothing clung to his sculpted body as they wrestled loudly. Although the white-haired man stood at least two inches shorter than her champion, they appeared equal in strength. There was a momentary growl, before her attacker pushed the newcomer off and ran away. Focusing on the bare ankles and brown leather shoes that approached, Lucy held herself still, letting the familiar feeling of fear settle over her.

Strong hands gently pull her up into a sitting position. She immediately put her head between her knees, not making a sound.

How bad are you hurt? he asked.

She looked up at the dark-haired man. Glacier blue eyes studied her. His dark stubbled chin had two noticeable scars in the cleft. He was sexy. Gorgeous. And mad as hell.

He knelt down, Honey, you okay?

I th… think so, Lucy stuttered. Her outfit was ruined. Oh god the interview. Tears streaked down her face. A comforting hand rubbed her back.

It’s okay sweetheart. You’re in shock and the tears will help. His voice held a masculine timbre that made her body shiver. His hand continued to massage gently. My name is Talen, Talen Cascade.

I’m Lucy Michaels.

He extended his hand. Let’s get you up, Lucy, to make sure nothing’s broken.

Lucy allowed Talen to pull her to her feet. Having lost one of her heels, she swayed off balance. Talen immediately stepped closer and steadied her.

Thanks. His intoxicating, sandalwood scent caused her to take an extended breath.

His eyes narrowed. I need to take a look at your wounds, he commanded.

Lucy was familiar with that demanding tone. She stiffened her shoulders and let out a slow breath. I sincerely appreciate your help, Talen, I honestly don’t know what would have happened if you hadn’t come along, but I have a job interview.

You’re here for a job interview? his tone was skeptical.

Yes, I am, she snapped.

He held up his hands in surrender. Whoa girl, I mean no disrespect. It’s just that this restaurant is world renowned for its cuisine and it’s a mite expensive. Over three-hundred-dollars a plate.

She looked around the weed-infested parking lot. "This place?"

Talen smirked. No.

Her eyes narrowed. No?

Talen laughed and leaned into her. I was trying to distract you, did it work?

Lucy smiled. Maybe.

He winked. I can work with maybe.

Oh my god the sexiest man I’ve ever met is flirting with me! She ran her hand over her hair only to find it was down, the clip had broken when she fell. I must look like the hobo woman from hell. Is he trying to distract me again? As sweet as that thought was, she was determined to make herself presentable for Mr. Lopez.

She gestured toward the restaurant. Talen, I really need to get in there.

You should really see a doctor. I’m sure your future employer will understand.

No, he won’t. He is one of the leading wildlife photographers in the world. He could have any assistant he wants. I only have one chance… today. She didn’t care how needy she sounded.

Talen remained silent for a moment. How about a compromise?

Like what? she asked.

I will help you get ready for your interview as long as you let me take you to a clinic right after.

I don’t know whether to be mad at you or impressed by your audacity. You’re clearly used to getting your way. What if I say no? The sass in her voice surprised her.

Talen smiled as he stepped closer. "I was planning to have a bite anyway, I’m sure I won’t intrude on your interview... much."

She felt the heat from his body. A woman could drown in those predatory eyes. Her body matched his heat. Her gaze settled on his perfect lips. Talen. She hadn’t meant his name to sound like a whimper.

Take your shirt off, he said in a calm voice.

Her fantasy ended abruptly. What?

You have a suit jacket, take off your shirt and put the jacket on. Button it to the top. Do you have a scarf you can put around your neck?

Yeah, in the backseat. She’d unbuttoned her shirt before noticing he was watching. She stopped.

He sighed and turned to grab the scarf from the car. She quickly shrugged out of the shirt and into the jacket. She removed her ripped nylons and rubbed the small pieces of gravel from her knees. She had just straightened her skirt when Talen turned back. He draped the scarf around her neck. There was a change to his demeanor she couldn’t discern. Do I still look like the hobo queen?

Her concern must have showed. You look good… you smell good too, he said, with a strained smile.

Her eyebrows arched. That wasn’t very convincing.

He faked a smile. I still think you should be going to the clinic.

He’s lying. The lie felt like oil slithering over her skin. The unfamiliar sensation making her recoil.

Shit, he said.

What was going on? Am I in shock? She felt uncomfortably hot, but totally alert. She rolled her shoulders to dislodge a dull ache in her back. She shook off the strange feeling. Put the attack out of your head and focus on the interview.

I’m heading in, she said, grabbing two portfolios from the front seat of the car, and walking away. She sensed Talen following her even though she hadn’t looked back and he made no sound.

Lucy felt a jolt of pain as she walked. Perhaps she should have gone to the clinic as Talen suggested. She wanted to. She was on edge and her body ached, protesting even the smallest movement. If I don’t get this job, I won’t be able to afford food next month, let alone rent.

The waitress met her at the entrance. I’m here to meet Mr. Lopez.

Follow me. The red-haired girl said.

Lucy was led to a corner table at the back of the room. The lights were dim. It looked cozy and comfortable despite the worn décor. It smelled of ocean with a hint of garlic. While seafood was one of her favorites, her stomach recoiled from the aroma. Her thoughts drifted back to Talen’s musky scent. She approached the now standing Elias Lopez, and had to grip the back of the chair to steady herself.

Lucinda Michaels, I presume? Elias said, extending his manicured hand.

Please call me Lucy. It’s a pleasure to meet you Mr. Lopez. I didn’t use my full name on the resume, did I? She hadn’t made that mistake in years.

Mr. Lopez’s thumb swept over her wrist before he let go, causing her stomach to roll. A commotion behind her caught their attention. The waitress had spilled a glass of water on a customer. Talen. Her eyes went to his as he wiped the water from his shirt. The waitress fussed, but his eyes remained focused on Lucy.

Call me Elias, Mr. Lopez said, forcing her attention back to him. His Spanish accent was lighter than she expected, probably from his years of working in the U.S. "Now if the bobo can finish dousing her customers and get our drinks without a similar fiasco, we will conduct our meeting." He motioned Lucy towards