Novel 6

Prince Duncan and the Playboy

Michael Brozen has led the life of a playboy for far too long. His endless succession of hook-ups with twinks has resulted in an attack that sends him to the hospital. His life is empty and meaningless. He aches for someone to care about him and not throw him away like his parents did. Meeting Duncan, Michael finds himself wanting to belong to the gentle, sweet man permanently.

Prince Duncan Sorenson is an innocent who does not know how to love a man. He has struggled with controlling his magic, always fearing he would hurt someone because of it.  His magic is pulled from him whenever it is needed, helping others despite his lack of control. Though he longs for his aheri, he worries he will frighten his mate because of his size and be ridiculed because of his inexperience.

Duncan’s visions of Michael and the love and the children that they would have together give the shy prince hope.

Prince Duncan and the Playboy

is not available at this time.

It is currently being revised and re-edited for future publication.

Excerpt

Michael laughed softly, enjoying the confusion on Duncan’s face. Leaning forward, he rested his chin on Duncan’s hand. He heard the soft sigh that left the man and smiled. Easing back, he noticed that the veil that contained shards of white that had been sparking around Duncan had lessened. It was barely a blink now.

“You’re calmer,” Michael said softly.

“You help me,” Duncan admitted, thankful as well as surprised that his head did not hurt as it usually did whenever he used his magic.

“Do I?”

“Yes. I thank you. I often have trouble controlling my magic. It bursts from me when I am emotional. It also comes forward when it is needed. I do not need to call upon it.”

“You didn’t seem to have any problems with your magic when you healed my hand,” Michael pointed out.

“I believe that is due to your touch,” Duncan said softly. “I often have pain in my head when my magic is pulled from me.”

Michael reached up and slid his fingers through Duncan’s curly hair, smiling when the man leaned into his touch, closed his eyes, and sighed softly. When he opened them again, the amber was swirling within them, but they looked so much calmer. There was a quiet gentleness to him that drew Michael.

“Do you have pain now?”

“No. I thank you for helping me, Michael,” Duncan said gently, rubbing his cheek against Michael’s palm, loving his gentle touch. To be so touched was something Duncan had never experienced or wanted before meeting Michael.

“I have to go,” Michael said softly, panic suddenly filling him. He couldn’t allow this man to get close to him. It would hurt too much when he left—they always left.

Duncan nodded and stood slowly, stepping back from Michael’s transportation vehicle. “I wish you a happy life, Michael,” he said quietly, bowing formally. “I am thankful that I have been able to help you—even if it was only for a little while.”

He turned and began walking away from his destined mate, his heart heavy. Hearing the door of Michael’s car opening, he turned back to face his mate and was surprised to see his man stepping out of his vehicle.

“Duncan,” Michael called out softly.

“I do not know what you want, Michael,” Duncan said honestly, looking at his aheri and feeling the pain of longing deep within his chest. “I am aware and have accepted that I am not what you desire.”

Michael flushed with embarrassment. He had said those words himself just moments before. Hearing Duncan repeat them made him realize how cold and mean they were.

“I’m sorry, Duncan,” he apologized sincerely. Duncan held up his hands to stop him from continuing. “I am not what you want. I am too big. I have no control over my magic. I am lacking in so many ways. I do not place blame at your feet. You cannot help how you feel.”

“I honestly don’t know what I feel anymore,” Michael said quietly.

“I will tell you what I feel, aheri,” Duncan said softly. “I ache to be with you. I want us to have a life together. I believe in the higher powers who have destined our bonding. And I believe that we may have a chance of creating something magical by being together.”

“I don’t know about that,” Michael said, sighing softly. “But I do know that I like it when you touch me. I feel calm. I haven’t felt calm in a really long time, Duncan.” Duncan stepped toward Michael and reached out to touch his cheek gently. “I am pleased that I can help you,” he whispered.

“And I’m grateful for your help.”

Michael hesitated. He looked at Duncan and couldn’t help but feel sadness as he looked at the incredibly handsome man.

“I understand,” Duncan said quietly.

“What do you understand, Duncan?” Michael asked, guilt filling him.

“I understand that I must go. I must leave you to your life.”

“Well, I just wanted to thank you again,” Michael said softly.

“You are most welcome. I would do all that I could to help you.”

“I haven’t ever had anyone give me something without expecting something in return.”

“I do not believe that is true, Michael,” Duncan said gently, his heart hurting because of the obvious sadness in his mate’s voice. “Your childhood friends care about you greatly. They do not expect anything in return.”

“That’s true,” Michael agreed. “They’re great guys.”

“I do not understand why you believe that no one cares about you.”

Duncan ’s voice was gentle as he spoke. He took a step toward Michael and reached out to take his left hand in his. He drew it toward his mouth and kissed Michael’s inner wrist lightly. He did not know if he would ever have the privilege of touching his man again. He wanted to kiss the mark that proved that Michael was his.

“Duncan,” Michael whispered.

“You must listen to me, aheri. You are a worthy man—a kind man. You deserve to be treated well and with respect. You deserve to be protected and loved. You must not settle for anything less. You deserve happiness and love.” Duncan took a calming breath, concentrating on controlling the magic that he could feel building within him.

Michael leaned forward and hugged Duncan quickly, ignoring the comfortable way that he fit within the bear’s arms. Duncan was so tall, Michael’s head tucked perfectly beneath his chin. He felt warm within Duncan’s embrace. He felt cared for and cherished. The way Duncan held him made him know that this man would be tender.

It broke his heart to have to step out of those strong arms, but he did what he had to do. He kissed the underside of Duncan’s chin before he could talk himself out of the bold move with the shy man then stepped out of his arms and turned to walk back to his car. Pulling open the driver side door, he quickly got behind the wheel and pulled the door closed. He buckled his seat belt, started the engine, and drove away without a backward glance.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

An Interview With

Michael Brozen and Prince Duncan Sorenson

by

Lyssa Samuels

     I have been lucky enough to travel to the world of Sanzel with the beautiful light purple sky and warm breezes, to speak with Michael Brozen and Prince Duncan Sorenson. They have been together for a few years now, and have created a beautiful life together. They have three children so far, Emeka, Zarid, and Nia, and Duncan is currently pregnant with their fourth child.

     As I sit inside their quaint cottage and watch the men interact with their children and each other, I am struck by the deep love and respect that they have for each other. I can see and feel the happiness within this home. It is something that is palpable. It is also wonderful.

     Michael is sitting next to Duncan on the large couch in their living room. Their daughter Nia is nestled within his arms as he holds her on his lap. It is adorable to see how she pats at her daddy's face and reaches up to pull on his hair. It is also touching to see how enthralled Michael is with their children. I can't help but feel a bit of longing as I watch this couple and experience the kindness and the love of their little family.

Lyssa: Has it been a difficult transition for you, Michael? Has living on Sanzel been a culture shock, of sorts?

Michael: It's certainly different. The world of Sanzel is a beautiful place. The weather is the perfect balance of warmth and coolness. The land is lush with life. I had never in my wildest imagination could have believed that such a world existed. The major difference that I had to adjust to was that the men of this world can become pregnant.

Lyssa: I'll bet.

     Michael smiled tenderly, reaching out to touch Duncan's hand as it rested upon his thigh. The shared look of happiness and love that they gave each other made my heart beat just a little bit faster. These men were truly in love.

Michael: Once I accepted that I was now capable of creating children with Duncan, our life together really began. I was very stubborn and could not accept that such a miracle existed for me.

Duncan: Michael, please do not bring back old hurts, aheri. You are exactly what I want. You are exactly what I need. I do not know what I would do without you. You are my heart.

Emeka: Daddy, are you going somewhere?

Michael: No, sweetheart. I will always be with you children and baba.

Zarid: Good.

Nia: Good.

     Michael laughed softly. He accepted the hugs and kisses that their children gave him as they climbed up beside them on the couch. To watch such an innocent display of love was absolutely beautiful.

Lyssa: Prince Duncan, what can you tell me what it was about about Michael that hs brought about the biggest change in your life?

Duncan: I did not know how to love or be loved until I met Michael. He has shown me the true power of love. Because of him, my day is worthwhile. It is Michael that brings joy into our family. He is the one who has shown me that the man that I am is a worthy one. Through Michael, I have learned to value myself. I have also learned to value the gifts I have been blessed with.

Lyssa: What gifts, Your Highness?

Duncan: The gift of my destined mate. The gift of my children. And the gift of the magic that Michael has helped me to cultivate to help our world and our people.

Michael: Duncan, you're the one who has given me so much. Look at our babies. Look at our life. How can I ever explain how much I value you and am thankful for what you have given me?

     Duncan leaned down and kissed Michael then, laughing softly as they were suddenly surrounded in a massive family hug as their children got in on the joy and love of their fathers.

Lyssa: Is there anything that you would change in your lives?

Michael: Not one thing.

Duncan: I would change one thing.

Michael: You would, baby? What would you change?

Duncan: I would want to grant this happiness to everyone on both our worlds. Everyone should have the kind of love and acceptance of that love that we have.

Michael: Someday, baby. Someday.

     I wipe the tears that fall from the corners of my eyes as I watched this beautiful family. I dare to have the same hope that Michael and Duncan share. Maybe, someday, the same gift of love and acceptance of everyone would be the way in both of our worlds.

Lyssa