The Thrill of the Hunt: An Mpreg Paranormal Romance (Valleywood Series Book 14) Read online

  THE THRILL OF THE HUNT

  A Valleywood Novel

  SEAN MICHAEL

  CONTENTS

  The Thrill of the Hunt

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

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  About Sean Michael

  Also by Sean Michael

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental and beyond the intent of either the author or the publisher.

  The Thrill of the Hunt

  Copyright 2022 by Sean Michael

  All rights reserved. No part of this eBook may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission except in case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews. For information address Sean Michael, 136-2446 Bank Street, Suite 658, Ottawa, Ontario, K1V 1A8

  Cover by Cate Ashwood

  Printed in Canada

  ISBN: 978-1-77423-197-5

  First electronic edition October 2022

  THE THRILL OF THE HUNT

  Ian Tumaros, the son of fairy Queen Mab, moves to Valleywood to pursue his dream of becoming an actor. He’s paid his dues on stage and taking classes, and now wants his shot on the big screen. His mother has given him exactly one year to make it, after which she expects him to come home and assume duties as her son.

  Hunter Cernunnos, god of the hunt and fertility, owns the Tirnanog Talent Agency in Valleywood, along with his sister Brigid. They share the CEO job, applying their talents to get the most for their clients. Hunter is used to being free to follow his desires, sowing his oats and plenty of lovely flowers and other greenery as he goes.

  When Ian walks into Hunter’s office, the pull is immediate, and Hunter can’t help but seduce Ian. When he realizes Ian is more than just another roll in the hay, he sets out to help Ian achieve his dream. But it’s tough to balance making Ian a star and their relationship, especially when they’re on a deadline.

  This is a standalone Valleywood story featuring gods, fairies, mates, and mpreg!

  CHAPTER ONE

  Hunter Cernunnos walked into Tirnanog Talent Agency and handed Crystal, their dragon lady of a receptionist, a handful of wild flowers, earning himself a warm smile. It didn’t take much to make her feel appreciated, and if he kept her sweet, she aimed her steely eyed glare at the other agents and the clients instead of him. Besides, he appreciated that she kept on top of his appointments; it meant he didn’t have to.

  “You’re late, brother.” Brigid handed him a tea in a take-out cup from Rocky Mountain Java and ushered him into her office.

  A glance at the clock on her wall confirmed that he was in fact exactly on time so he simply raised an eyebrow in her direction.

  She shrugged. “If you’re not early, you’re late.”

  Rolling his eyes, he settled on the chair across the desk from hers. “You should just be happy that I didn’t get distracted on my way here. Spring is definitely in the air—I can taste it with every breath.”

  “I know.” Her nose wrinkled. “I’m ready to move to my summer quarters.”

  His sister was not a fan of spring and even less of summer, choosing to live deep in the forest during the warmer months and hide from the world. Hunter did much the same during fall and winter, making them a perfect pair. They shared their clients, Brigid dealing with them during the colder months while he hibernated, and he did the same for her in the growing season.

  “Then I guess we should get this meeting started.”

  Brigid would update him on all their clients today, and she’d stick around for the rest of the week, but after that, he’d have to call her if he needed anything. And he knew better than to call unless it was an absolute emergency that he couldn’t figure out on his own. Luckily, they had a number of agents in their employ who were very good at their jobs because he was likely to get distracted by… everything, especially during the height of summer. It came with the territory.

  They spent the next three hours going over the particulars of every single client and Hunter was both tired and restless, eager to go out and feel the sun on his face or, at the very least, get to his office and throw open the doors to the balcony, which overlooked a huge garden.

  “If that’s it…”

  “You have an interview in—” Brigid checked her watch. “—five minutes with a potential new client.”

  “Seriously? Actual work on my first day? I could have Crystal reschedule him.”

  She clicked her tongue, her annoyance clear in the sound. “He’s fresh off the boat from the old country, brother. You’ll see him.” She leaned forward to pin him with her gaze. “And you’ll be nice to him.”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  “I mean it, Hunter. If I hear that he ran from your office crying, I’ll have your hide. So no growling.”

  “I’d like to see you try.” He raised his hands. “But I’ll be good. I promise.” They needed to continue to bring in new clientele if they wanted to remain relevant in Valleywood. And if this lad was from Gaul, then they wanted to be the ones to represent him.

  “I have a lunch meeting; then I’ll be back to start clearing the to-dos off my desk.” She paused and offered him an honest smile. “It is good to have you back, brother.”

  “You’re just eager to escape to the forest,” he teased.

  “Well, yes, but we’ve missed your face around here. And lord knows all these mortals love the greenery that appears when you do.”

  He got up and went to give her a kiss on the cheek before exiting her office and heading toward his own.

  “Your twelve o’clock is here, Mr. Cernunnos,” Crystal called out to him.

  “Send him along in a minute, Crystal. Thank you.”

  He went into his office, face screwing up as he took in the stuffiness. While it had clearly been cleaned recently, the place still smelled stale and unused. He threw open the french doors behind his desk, and stepped out onto the balcony, admiring the myriad of trees with their tiny buds full of promise. Soon it would be a riot of light green as the sun and the rain coaxed the leaves out of their buds. He whispered softly, smiling as his prompt encouraged the buds to grow a few millimeters larger. The garden below was still fairly barren, but the crocuses were brave and opening their flowers to the sun, little dots of white, yellow, and purple.

  There was a light breeze on the air, and the temptation to pull his hair from its tie was huge, but he resisted. It could wait until after his meeting; the fresh air coming into the room from the open doors would have to be enough for now.

  A tentative knock on his door brought him back to his desk and he called out, “Come in,” as he settled in his chair.

  The door opened, the scent heady and fresh, reminding him of fresh breezes and new prey, aching to be hunted. He inhaled, filling his lungs with the fresh scent, his cock hardening in his slacks.

  “Mr. Cernunnos? I’m Ian Tumaros. I’m pleased to meet you.” The voice was soft, lilting, the music com
pletely obvious.

  What a lovely young Fae lad with fine features, light blond locks, and the most beautiful violet eyes. Hunter would have stood to greet him properly, but he had a hunch Ian would take one look at his prodigious erection—prompted by the lad himself—and run in the other direction.

  “The pleasure is all mine, Ian. Have a seat.” He waved to the chairs facing his desk.

  Ian glided over, the sharp little chin matching his slender nose. Ian’s eyes were carefully painted with grays and purples, the long eyelashes coated with mascara. The makeup was like gilding a lily, honestly. Too overdone. That was an easy fix, though—they would coach the lad on how to present himself when meeting with studio execs.

  “First, as I understand that you’re new to town, let me welcome you to Valleywood, and of course to the Tirnanog Agency. How can we be of service?”

  “I forwarded my portfolio, a few songs, and a short play I acted in when I decided to come to town. A representative called and offered me an interview.” He smiled, the expression sweet and oddly innocent.

  “Ah, I’ll have to collect that—it’s my first day back after sabbatical. So you’re looking for representation. It sounds like maybe you’d prefer musicals or are you open to any jobs?” Ian would have much better luck if he’d take anything to start with. One had to get their name out there before the good jobs started rolling in. Although he was sure that Ian would be eaten for breakfast by some of the more predatory casting directors out there. He would have to make sure that didn’t happen to the lad. If anyone was going to make a meal of Ian, it was going to be him.

  “I’m open to anything. I want to work. I know I can’t be particular.” Ian nodded, offering over a surprisingly gentle smile.

  “Well, you’ve got a great look and you’re here at a good time. TV shows are casting for the fall season. I haven’t looked at the call sheets yet, but we’ll get you out there right away. And if we can’t find you TV or movie work, I bet we can start you off with an ad or two to make you some money, get you some exposure.”

  “Oh. Oh, that’s great. I appreciate it.” Ian stood and offered him a hand.

  So eager. Ian was lucky he’d come here. Tirnanog wouldn’t rip the boy off just because he didn’t know better. “Would you like to hear what’s going to be in the contract before you agree to it?”

  “Of course. Yes. Although my mother and sister asked around before I came out. They’re very… protective.”

  “And they recommended us, did they?” Which meant their reputation was excellent, worldwide.

  “Yes, sir.”

  “I’m glad we’ve got a good reputation back in the old country. And your ladies were right in putting their faith in us—we’ll take care of you. I’ll take care of you. We take ten percent of your earnings as our fee, the rest you get to keep. It’s a good deal for both of us.” And it made them honest—that ten percent wouldn’t likely be much to start with, but as their clients became bigger stars, their earning power increased, making that ten percent worth more.

  “That’s more than fair. I have a job working as a go-go dancer until I can support myself, and I have a bed with lots of roommates, so I’m going to work hard to make it, I swear.”

  A go-go dancer? Hunter felt his back go up. No, no, this boy was his, not to be ogled by all and sundry.

  “We’ll get you out of both circumstances as quickly as possible.”

  “Thank you. I’m willing to work hard. I want to make it.”

  “Well, you’ve got the looks for it, and being willing to work hard is half the battle. How are you at memorizing lines?” It was crazy how many kids came through the doors who looked the part but couldn’t remember their lines to save their lives.

  “Not bad at all. I study. I commit. I’m not… I mean, I can be a little flighty—that’s genetic—but I work hard.” That blush was perfect, and he wanted to eat Ian alive.

  “Good to hear. I’m going to have a contract drawn up—it’ll take a while. I suggest I take you to lunch, and by the time we get back, it should be ready for you to sign.”

  “I—Thank you, but… I’m on a very limited budget.” Now Ian wouldn’t hold his gaze.

  “Oh, Ian. I’m about to be your agent, of course it’s my treat.” He’d never made a client pay for a meal yet and he wasn’t about to start with this sweet Fae lad who could clearly use a sandwich or two.

  “Oh…” How had anyone let this sweet morsel loose into the world without a guard? Or a leash?

  Hunter licked his lips before pressing the intercom button on his phone. “Crystal, make sure my table is available at Antonio’s—I’m taking our new client for lunch. Oh, and have a contract drawn up for Ian.”

  “Yes, sir. I’ll take care of it.” She was a dream of an assistant.

  He got up and moved around the desk, his cock still hard, but he’d managed to shift it slightly to the side so hopefully it wasn’t too glaringly obvious. He held his arm out for Ian. “Shall we?”

  Those lavender eyes met his again, and his entire body demanded that this delicious boy was going to be his. He’d never had this happen before. Not like this. He’d bedded his fair share—no, far more than his fair share, he was sure—but this deep hunger and need to make the lad his, that was entirely new.

  When the slender-fingered hand slid around his arm, it took everything he had not to moan loudly, not to push Ian up against his office wall and take him wildly.

  Instead, he smiled at Ian and led him from the office.

  Time to eat.

  CHAPTER TWO

  Ian sat at the ritzy restaurant and tried to act casual. His family had given him permission to come out and try this… acting thing, but they had not been generous. He had a year and whatever money he made. If they were displeased in a turn about the sun, he would be called home.

  So he needed to make the best impression.

  Mr. Cernunnos was… frankly, a stud. He was tall and ripped—you could tell, even with an expensive suit on. His long dark hair was tied back in tail at the back of his head, and his beard was a little wild, but it worked, looking sexy rather than messy. And he had one brown eye, one green.

  Ian tried not to hold eye contact, because he wanted to rub against the big body and beg to be touched, opened, spread, plugged.

  This was not something that would make his mother pleased.

  “This is my favorite restaurant, and everything they serve is good, so you can safely choose anything that catches your fancy.”

  “Yes, sir.” He was a carb whore, and thank goodness his type were meant for sweet… “I’ll have the pasta and bread.” That should be affordable.

  “With lobster and alfredo sauce?” Those eyes stared at him. It kind of felt like a touch.

  “I—” How much was that? He wasn’t used to being careful, not having whatever he needed.

  One of Mr. Cernunnos’s eyebrows went up. “Remember, this is on the agency. And I’m going to share a secret with you—if you’re out with someone from the agency or a studio, it’s their treat.”

  “Yes, sir. My apologies. I’ll bow to your suggestion, absolutely.”

  Cernunnos shook his head. “You don’t have to apologize, lad. Be confident. When you’re being wined and dined by a studio—they want you, which means you have the upper hand.”

  He’d been born with that—the upper hand, the silver spoon, everything. Now he felt… scared but determined.

  “So order what you really want.”

  “I’d like the lobster mac and cheese, please, with the cheesy garlic toast.” Just saying it made his mouth water. He hadn’t had a decadent meal like this since he’d arrived.

  “Mmm. That sounds good. I’m having the crab alfredo. With the garlic knots.” Mr. Cernunnos raised his hand, getting their waiter’s attention.

  The man oozed charisma. Ian had to wonder if he did, too, if he was as talented as he thought he was.

  Mr. Cernunnos placed their order, then turned his attention back
to Ian. It was heady, being at the center of that focus, and he had to work not to wriggle in his chair and fidget.

  “So how long have you wanted to be an actor?”

  “I can’t remember not singing and dancing and pretending to be other people.” He’d been in all the plays and festivals at home, and then he’d run away from home and joined a traveling troupe for almost ten years.

  “So it comes naturally. That’s good—directors will recognize that and it will give you a leg up. What was life like before you came here?”

  Ian found himself blushing, because he didn’t want to lie, but if anyone discovered he was Queen Mab’s son… “I grew up spoiled, and I know it. I have many sisters, and I’m the baby.”

  Mr. Cernunnos leaned forward, hand resting on his cheek as he looked at Ian. “Spoiled and yet willing to do the work. That’s not a usual combination.”

  “It’s a passion of mine. I love to perform.” And he didn’t know what else he was going to do, honestly. As a male, he didn’t really have a place in the Queen’s court—other than to look pretty and be spoiled.

  “Mmm. Passionate.” Mr. Cernunnos’s voice pitched low. “I could tell that about you.”

  “Well, everyone has their passions, right? Here more than ever.”

  “Oh yes. It’s one of my favorite things about the place.” Mr. Cernunnos’s grin was wicked.

  And that naughtiness called to Ian like a song.

  No, no, no, he told himself. This was not a good plan.

  Neither was looking into Mr. Cernunnos’s mismatched eyes. They twinkled at him and seemed to invite him to all sorts of wickedness.