Title: A Wild Love: Escape
Author: Rose Paisley
Published in March 2008 by Romance At Heart Publications
Genre: Paranormal Fantasy
ISBN: N/A
Hajj’s attraction is most notable as he watches her over the course of many nights. He longs to approach the woman but fears frightening her; a female human screams with terror when a wildcat moves towards them. His species is almost extinct from the hunters’ persistent killing. His loneliness overshadows reasoning as he watches her descend into the garden, then hearing her cautious plea for him to appear. Overwhelmed with desire, Hajj yearns to do as she commands.
Sitting upon a bench, Neela senses his presence, feeling safe, so begins to tell of her sordid marriage. Sold as payment for her father’s debt, Harold’s cruelty knows no boundaries; wishing to use her for begetting heirs while displaying his prowess and power to anyone who will watch. Part of his malice is imprisoning her on an isolated island, having no contact with family and friends. She goes on to explain how upon Harold’s return he intends to humiliate her by bedding her publicly.
Neela’s account infuriates Hajj, going against all that his people practiced when mating, a glorious moment when faithful mates are honored and revered. Slinking closer as her words pierce his heart, Hajj is surprised when she pets him; sensing her fear that he will leave at her touch. Surrendering to tears, Neela embraces the wild cat’s neck burying her face into his silk fur. Hajj cannot help but feel disgusted by the horrible treatment such a delicate creature must endure.
Hearing footsteps and the call from a human, Hajj tenses defensively, also reacting to Neela’s fear. His innate awareness tells him to protect, to fight whatever foe comes forth – even her husband. However, she worries for his safety asking him to let her go to Harold. He steps away, not so far that Neela suffers the approaching threat alone. Hajj listens and watches Harold’s verbal and physical abuses, waiting for the right opportunity to intervene. Steadfast in remaining unseen and unheard, he watches her husband strip Neela of her nightgown, seeing the telling marks upon her back. Elated Hajj knows what he must do next…
Ms. Paisley’s short story, A Wild Love: Escape is an enchanting, stimulating read, with a provoking paranormal plot. Hajj and Neela are endearing, rich characters lonely for companionship, but more importantly love. Neela is sensitive but brave when tolerating her husband’s brutality born from his rise through poverty into wealth, though never winning respect. Hajj’s loneliness is real as hunters virtually annihilated his race and doubtful he will ever find a life mate. Published by Lavender Isis Press, this short story pulls the reader quickly from the first page, then leaving them with a warm feeling of satisfaction. Hope there is more of this kind of story on the way…
A dedicated reader,
Pamela Jenewein
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