{"id":912,"date":"2016-01-09T01:05:12","date_gmt":"2016-01-09T06:05:12","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/kate-hill.com\/compellingbeastsblog\/?p=912"},"modified":"2016-01-01T17:57:31","modified_gmt":"2016-01-01T22:57:31","slug":"character-interview-with-ram-from-untouchable-lover","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kate-hill.com\/compellingbeastsblog\/2016\/01\/09\/character-interview-with-ram-from-untouchable-lover\/","title":{"rendered":"Character Interview with Ram from Untouchable Lover"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"UntouchableLover\"Where are you from?<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cCincinatti.\u201d Ram quirks an eyebrow. \u201cHow about Portland, Oregon? What difference does it make?\u201d<\/p>\n

What is your main purpose in life?<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cMind if I sit?\u201d Ram grips his fingers over the back of the chair. As the feet scrape across the wooden floor, the screech is enough to send a tingle over my shoulder. A smile pulls at Ram\u2019s lips, as if he could sense my discomfort.<\/p>\n

The chair squeaks as he sits. \u201cMy purpose\u2026hmmm. To rid the Earth of the Lemurians, enslave the humans, and start transporting water back to Lemuria.\u201d<\/p>\n

He glances at me, and his black eyes penetrate into my soul. Why did I ever agree to interview him? I don\u2019t know.<\/p>\n

He places his hand on his knee and leans forward. The bitter tang of rubbing alcohol, the telltale sign of Gossum, scorches the fine hair in my nose.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen I accomplish my goal, my god Zedron will be pleased. I will rule the humans…\u201d He blinks and leans back in his chair. With a quickness born from his preternatural speed, he whips his baseball cap around on his baldhead, the brim now partially covering his eyes. I can\u2019t help but notice the scales that run down the back of his neck. \u201c\u2026all humans, except one. Sheri, my love, will rule by my side.\u201d<\/p>\n

I raise my eyebrows.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t believe me, but you will.\u201d He smirks and a soft, eerie chuckle escapes his lips.<\/p>\n

Next topic, please, I think to myself.<\/p>\n

Who is your greatest enemy and why?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ram abruptly stands, knocking the chair over with a loud bang. His hands clench at his sides. \u201cNoeh, that stupid Stiyaha king. That damn male just won\u2019t die.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy is he your enemy?\u201d My words come out a whisper.<\/p>\n

He unfurls his fingers, his body relaxing before me, but somehow, I think he\u2019s anything but relaxed. \u201cIt\u2019s part of the game. The ones the gods on Lemuria play\u2014for the water.\u201d He exhales and his breath reeks of alcohol. \u201cI fight for Zedron who believes we should enslave the humans and take the water by force. Noeh fights for Alora who wants to barter knowledge and technology for the water.\u201d<\/p>\n

Do you think you can ever reconcile with this enemy?<\/strong><\/p>\n

He raises a hairless eyebrow, but doesn\u2019t respond. Ok, then\u2026let\u2019s keep going.<\/p>\n

Do you have a love interest?<\/strong><\/p>\n

The briefest flinch crosses his face, and his gaze bores into me once again. \u201cDidn\u2019t you hear me earlier? Sheri, her name is Sheri. Sound it out with me now, Sh-er-i.\u201d<\/p>\n

He raises a bony finger, the nail extending from the tip like a ragged knife, and points toward my left ear. \u201cWould you like me to clean out your ears? They must be full of wax.\u201d<\/p>\n

My breathing increases as my heart beats double time. \u201cTh\u2026that won\u2019t be necessary.\u201d I rise from my chair and step back, knowing him well enough to not<\/em> give him the benefit of the doubt.<\/p>\n

What is your weapon of choice?<\/strong><\/p>\n

He glances as his knife-like fingernail, but then he smiles, revealing his serrated teeth. \u201cYou tell me. Which is the better weapon?\u201d<\/p>\n

Did a cold draft enter the room, or was that my imagination?<\/p>\n

Do you have a code of honor?<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cNot that I\u2019m aware of.\u201d He taps his finger against the side of his face. \u201cHmmm\u2026let me check my back pocket. Nope, nothing there.\u201d He crosses his arms. \u201cAnything else?\u201d<\/p>\n

I swallow. \u201cJust one more question.\u201d<\/p>\n

Name one person you trust.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ram\u2019s lip curls at the corner. \u201cMyself.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"RosalieBio<\/strong><\/p>\n

After finishing a rewarding career in finance and accounting, it was time for Rosalie Redd to put away the spreadsheets and take out the word processor. She writes Fantasy\/Science Fiction Romance inspired by classics from the science fiction, fantasy, and horror genres layered with a good, hot dose of romance.<\/p>\n

Her debut novel, Untouchable Lover, won or was a finalist in several contests sponsored by local chapters of Romance Writers of America.<\/p>\n

She lives in Oregon, where rain is just another excuse to keep writing. When not at her computer, you can find her at Jazzercise, waterfall collecting in the Pacific Northwest, or relaxing with her husband and their pesky cat, Snookums.<\/p>\n

Social media links:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Website:\u00a0 http:\/\/www.rosalieredd.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Facebook author: https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/rosaliereddauthor<\/a><\/p>\n

Twitter:\u00a0 https:\/\/twitter.com\/RosalieRedd<\/a><\/p>\n

Goodreads:\u00a0\u00a0 https:\/\/www.goodreads.com\/user\/show\/34148783-rosalie-redd<\/a><\/p>\n

Pinterest: https:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/rosalieredd\/<\/a><\/p>\n

Purchase links:<\/p>\n

http:\/\/www.amazon.com\/gp\/product\/B019ZVIC8G?*Version*=1&*entries*=0<\/a><\/p>\n

http:\/\/www.barnesandnoble.com\/w\/books\/1123057770?ean=2940152720044<\/a><\/u><\/p>\n

https:\/\/store.kobobooks.com\/en-us\/ebook\/untouchable-lover<\/a><\/p>\n

https:\/\/itunes.apple.com\/us\/book\/id1064134542<\/a><\/p>\n

Book blurb:<\/strong><\/p>\n

A devastating war\u2026<\/strong><\/p>\n

Across the globe, shape-shifting Lemurian warriors battle against a deadly enemy in the dark of night. The prize\u2014Earth\u2019s most precious resource\u2014water, and the fate of humankind. To unite the soldiers, Lemurian gods send the diverse species to the underground Keep to join forces with their brethren and contend against their adversary.<\/p>\n

An illicit allure\u2026<\/strong><\/p>\n

While searching for his missing healer, King Noeh didn\u2019t expect to find an unusual, green-eyed female chained to the wall in an abandoned asylum deep in the woods, evidence of her torment in the branding iron at her feet. Captivated, he rescues the petite female and brings her to his underground home. Despite the requirement to select a queen of his species by the next new moon or lose his crown, a forbidden attraction blooms.<\/p>\n

A tormented soul\u2026<\/strong><\/p>\n

Haunted by the memory of her dead mate and child, Melissa can\u2019t escape her past or her future. On the run from her controlling master, she didn\u2019t intend to get captured by the enemy, or be rescued by a brooding, handsome king. When she succumbs to her need for a male\u2019s blood and drinks from the honorable king, she can\u2019t ignore the compelling desire he ignites in her soul.<\/p>\n

Excerpt:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Chapter 3<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ram grabbed the tongs and pulled the beaker filled with the female\u2019s blood off the burner. He swirled the contents and brought the vial to his nose. Steam rose from the mixture. A rich copper-like aroma filled his senses, and the smell left a pungent tang in his mouth. If the mixture were correct, he\u2019d possess the shield, gaining an advantage against his enemy.<\/p>\n

His God, Zedron, would be pleased. They\u2019d be well on their way to defeating the Lemurians and winning the war. He delighted in the opportunity that would allow him to subjugate the humans and bring Earth\u2019s precious water home to Lemuria. He\u2019d enslave and torture them like his brother had tortured him. A smile pulled at the corner of his mouth.<\/p>\n

He riffled through the rusty scalpels and yellowed plastic tubes until he found a syringe. The barrel had a slight crack, but wouldn\u2019t leak. As he gripped the beaker with his bare hand, pain registered in the back of his mind, but he didn\u2019t care.<\/p>\n

The smell of scorched flesh mixed with the copper coming from the solution as the contents filled the syringe. He ran his fingers over the needle\u2019s tip like a lover, and his pulse quickened. A low groan escaped his lips.<\/p>\n

He adjusted the cap that covered his head. Leaning against the worn, wooden table, he rolled up the sleeve of his torn and grimy sweatshirt. A bit of rope he\u2019d found was a perfect way to stop the flow of blood in his arm.<\/p>\n

\u201cCuriosity killed the cat.\u201d The anticipation for the power made him giddy.<\/p>\n

He brought the syringe to his lips, giving the vial a gentle kiss. The liquid\u2019s warmth penetrated through the plastic. He shivered. With the skill of an ex-heroin addict, he drove the needle into his engorged vein and depressed the plunger. When he released the rope, the fluid surged through his system. Seized by ecstasy, his heart raced. He closed his eyes, and his head fell back.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut satisfaction brought the cat back.\u201d<\/p>\n

Like a jolt of electricity, power filled his body. His skin warmed. A flush raced up his neck, flaring the scales at the base of his scalp. He hadn\u2019t felt this good in months, not since the last hit of heroin, his once favorite choice of human drugs.<\/p>\n

He raised his hands into the air. \u201cShield!\u201d<\/p>\n

Nothing happened.<\/p>\n

He looked at his hands. How did she use her power?<\/p>\n

He tried again, applying more force. \u201cShield!\u201d<\/p>\n

A glow emitted from his fingertips, and a spark popped in the air. His chest tightened. He wanted to lash out, force the power to bend to his will. Sweat beaded on his forehead. He wiped the perspiration away with the back of his hand.<\/p>\n

Brow furrowed, he focused the current into a pinpoint. This time, a shimmery energy engulfed him. He managed to maintain the shield for several seconds before the force blinked out. His lip curved at the corner into a satisfied grin.<\/p>\n

He would master this. When I do, Noeh, I\u2019m coming for you.<\/em><\/p>\n

A loud crash rattled overhead, as if something heavy fell to the floor. Pounding feet shook the wooden slats in the dilapidated ceiling. Muffled grunts and groans filtered through the holes. Dust wafted into the air. He sneezed.<\/p>\n

\u201cDamn it.\u201d<\/p>\n

He ran out of the room and headed straight for the prisoners. A young Gossum stood guard in the hallway outside the captives\u2019 cell.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s happening?\u201d The young sentry\u2019s voice cracked. \u201cShould I\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cStay here and protect the prisoners. Make sure nothing happens to them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. I\u2014I will.\u201d The guard\u2019s fingers trembled, and he placed them behind his back.<\/p>\n

Ram\u2019s sensitive nose picked up the distinct smell of fear emanating from his soldier. \u201cI\u2019ll return when I can.\u201d The lie rolled off his tongue. He didn\u2019t give a rat\u2019s ass about the guard. Weakness in his males was not something he tolerated.<\/p>\n

He continued down the corridor and climbed the stairs with careful, measured steps, listening as the battle raged. His muscles shook, fueled by his excitement.<\/p>\n

He peered around the corner. His heart pounded with anticipation when he saw who was there. Six large Stiyaha, including his nemesis, Noeh, were in the ancient dining hall. Long abandoned chairs flew through the air, and tables smashed as Stiyaha and Gossum fought in the enclosed space. A broken knob off the bottom of a chair skittered across the wooden floor like a child\u2019s toy.<\/p>\n

He smiled. They didn\u2019t know he hid in the hallway.<\/p>\n

A Stiyaha warrior battled one of Ram\u2019s soldiers nearby. Engrossed in their own world, they were oblivious to him and the new power he possessed.<\/p>\n

Perfect. <\/em><\/p>\n

He leapt into the air and landed on a nearby table. The wood creaked and wobbled under his weight. He lashed out with his tongue. The jagged tip extended to its full length of six feet, ripping into the skin of his enemy. The warrior dropped his sword and cried out, his hand numbing from the poison. Ram bared his serrated teeth and launched himself.<\/p>\n

Noeh pushed his injured comrade out of harm\u2019s way. Ram tried to adjust his jump to avoid his enemy\u2019s sword.<\/p>\n

Screeeeeee.<\/em> The weapon cried out as the sword slashed through the air.<\/p>\n

The blade ripped through Ram\u2019s jeans and connected with his thigh. Intense pain flooded his mind. Heat radiated in his leg. The smell of his own blood filled his nose. He didn\u2019t have time to worry about the wound as he hit the ground and rolled to his feet.<\/p>\n

Noeh stood battle-ready. He raised his sword for the next blow, tracking Ram\u2019s every move. \u201cWhere\u2019s Gaetan?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou should be worried about your own demise.\u201d<\/p>\n

Now was Ram\u2019s opportunity to test his new power. His pulse hammered. He smiled, unable to contain his elation, and raised his arms over his head. \u201cShield!\u201d<\/p>\n

A small current of energy engulfed him.<\/p>\n

Noeh\u2019s sword crashed down and ricocheted off the force-field. The Stiyaha king\u2019s eyes widened as he stumbled against the wall.<\/p>\n

A jolt of elation raced across Ram\u2019s skin. He didn\u2019t get time to relish it, though. The shield blinked out, the energy dissipating into the air. He looked around the room. His soldiers were losing ground. Stiyaha used their swords and preternatural strength against his brood.<\/p>\n

Outnumbered, his stomach hardened at the realization. Time to go.<\/p>\n

He caught the stare from his first lieutenant, Jakar, and the same understanding crossed his face. He took one last glance at Noeh, who pushed himself away from the wall, his eyes filled with killing intent.<\/p>\n

Ram dashed down the hall, leg pounding with pain. He pushed open the old steel door and ran into the night. The forest shadows swallowed him. Any Gossum that survived the attack would meet up with him at the cabin, their safe house.<\/p>\n

He had proof the shield worked, and this gave him confidence in his ability to defeat Noeh. Now, he just needed more practice and another opportunity.<\/p>\n

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