Espen Arcadia

Laid Bare Espen Arcadia

KILIK
I've spent my whole life guarding secrets...but now a warlock crime lord is blackmailing me to protect his own and, not to be cliché, only the truth can set me free.

Well, that or killing the guy, but a bear shifter like me against black magic? Not good odds.

Problem is, I'm not even sure I know what telling the truth looks like. You grow up living lies and wearing masks becomes second nature. As natural as breathing.

Next thing you know, you're partnered with Alex Miller, as sexy as he is courageous, as moral, honest, and downright good as he is bright, competent and with a smile that can turn your worst day into a vacation...and you can't seem to tell him you're hopelessly in love with him.

... I might have gotten off track.

Point is, now I'm keeping way more than a crush hidden from my partner, or even just my own shape shifting. Now I'm covering up murders for this scumbag. Losing evidence. Being an actual accessory to his crimes.

And lying to Alex, knowing he can tell.

He wants nothing more than to be my confidant. I just wish I know how to let him.

ALEX
I hate secrets. They never lead anywhere good. All they do is keep people ignorant and fumbling around in the dark.

That's why I became a detective, dedicated to finding the truth wherever it was hidden and dragging it into the light. No matter how unpleasant.

It's also why I'm so miserable now. Nothing worse than being a hypocrite. Nursing a secret of your own. Being in love with your aggressive, outspoken, fiercely protective - not to mention hot as hell - partner. And not saying a damn word.

Worse, I think Kilik can tell. Maybe not that I'm in love with him, but that I'm hiding things. Can't be trusted. Why else is he suddenly so evasive?

Keeping secrets of his own. Lying to me.

He should know I'd never do anything to hurt him. But how can I expect him to trust me with his life when I can't even trust him with my heart?

So I keep digging. It's all I know how to do.

Except as it turns out, maybe there are some secrets worth keeping. Truths that could get a lot of innocent people hurt. And it might be my fault...

Be ready to get swept off your feet in the whirlwind of this forbidden love. Laid Bare is a heart-stopping M/M shifter romance that will make you a believer in the power of the Alpha male.