Garridan's Mate

Book 6: Etherya's Earth

by Rebecca Hefner

Genres: Romantic Fantasy; Paranormal Romance; Vampires; strong heroine; vampire romance; women warriors; steamy romance; strong female protaganist; Etheryas Earth; steamy novella

Synopsis

From USA Today bestselling author Rebecca Hefner

Book #6.5 in the Etherya’s Earth series

General Garridan thrived for centuries without a bonded mate. Born an aristocrat, he relinquished his family’s wealth and privilege to fight in the Vampyre immortal army. Although his father wants him to bond with an aristocrat, Garridan only has eyes for one woman.

Siora is a natural warrior. When the army finally allows women to join, she vows to become the first female battalion leader. Dreams of an amber-eyed Vampyre general have no place in her world, even if he is the only man who’s ever made her long for a bonded mate.

Consumed by her skill and effort, along with her inherent natural beauty, Garridan offers to help Siora secure a leadership position as they near the final battle with Bakari. Although she swears they have no future, he yearns to claim the stubborn woman as his mate. Can two warriors from different paths find love or will fear douse their spark before it’s barely begun to burn?

The Etherya's Earth fantasy romance series is best listened to in order although each book does have its own featured hero/heroine and HEA.

Release date: May 24, 2022

Sample

Garridan drove to town, where they purchased two portable containers of Slayer blood from the market before proceeding to the training center. They spoke rarely, about their fellow soldiers mostly, but the energy between them wasn’t uncomfortable. Instead, she found their moments of silence felt quite…natural, which she hadn’t expected.

“What’s that smirk for?” he asked, his deep baritone lined with amusement.

“I just…” Waving her hand, she searched for the words. “I thought being stuck in a four-wheeler with you would suck, but it’s not so bad.”

“Why, Siora,” he said, resting his hand over his heart, “you have such a way with words.”

She punched his arm, causing him to chuckle as he rubbed away the sting. “Ouch. Wait until we start sparring at least.”

She’d never seen him like this, more relaxed than when they were training, and it melted something inside she didn’t know was frozen. Deciding to roll with the sentiment, she softly uttered, “Thank you.”

He glanced over, thick hair ruffling in the wind of the open-topped vehicle, but remained silent.

“For training me,” she explained as if he were daft. “You didn’t have to. I know I’ve been a huge bitch to you, and I’m…well, I’m sorry.”

Full lips curved into a genuine smile, causing her heart to slam inside her chest. Keep it chill, Siora, she inwardly chided. Being friendly was one thing, but she could not let her arousal take over. He would smell it in an instant, and she would be mortified, especially since he was all but betrothed to Celine.

“I appreciate the apology, and I’ll reciprocate with one.” Amber eyes shone in the newly risen moonlight as they approached the training center. “I’ve fallen into bad habits and needed someone to break me of them. I’m very glad you came along, Siora. Maybe you can rid me of my caveman habits once and for all. Or is it caveperson?” Parking the vehicle, he rubbed his chin as he stared at the sky.

“Ha ha,” she chided, knowing he was making fun of her. “You haven’t called the troops ‘men’ in a while, so I’ll let that one go.” Jumping out, she slung her bag over her shoulder and fell into step beside him.

Once they were inside, he illuminated the training room, and they walked to the corner where the floor was lined with blue mats.

“I figured we can spar here,” he said, pointing to the mats. “They’re soft enough that if you throw me on my ass, I’ll survive.”

“Good, because I’m planning on kicking your ass.”

His resulting grin was so sexy she squeezed her thighs together, willing her arousal to stay at bay. “Can’t wait.”