Ruby Dixon has a penchant for bringing readers love stories that are out of this world.
Now Dixon is branching out further into the fantastic withBull Moon Rising, hitting shelves Oct. 15.
This is how she ends up married to minotaur Hawk, a guild member in need of a favor.
The cover of ‘Bull Moon Rising,’ by Ruby Dixon.Ace
Read on for more.
Ace
Excerpt fromBull Moon Rising, by Ruby Dixon
HAWK
Youmarriedher?
At the back of the main guild hall, Raptor looks at me as if Ive grown another head.
Its an absolutely insane move for me to make.
Im still not entirely sure why I did it.
Probably thinking with my little head.
I pretend to keep my focus on my fledglings, several rows ahead at the front of the hall.
Theyre sitting with nineteen other guild teams, waiting to be initiated.
We needed a full team.
And I need a partner for the Conquest Moon.
He stomps his hooves in agitation, idly watching the ceremony.
I thought you couldnt stand her.
She needs a chaperone.
Well go our separate ways after this if we need to, get the marriage annulled.
I dont know why its a big deal.
He looks over at me with that are you insane expression again.
Youre joking, right?
No ones going to grant you an annulment after its very clear that you rutted her.
And if you have to marry a human, whythatone?
No one takes her seriously.
No one takes us seriously, either.
Any reputation you had left is going to be shredded by that woman clinging to your arm.
Did Magpie talk you into this?
But its true that Magpie takes in all kinds that dont pass.
There have been women who showed up on recruitment day but didnt last a week.
The current Magpie wouldnt get ten steps underground without sucking on a bottle of liquor.
Bad, bad idea, my friend is all Raptor says, arms crossed.
I know its a bad idea.
I dont need him weighing in on it.
Its all very pompous and self-congratulatory, but that might be the Taurian side of me speaking.
Finch guides his students to the book of names and watches as they sign it.
It should be Magpie doing that, but she hasnt yet appeared.
I eye the doorway, but its empty.
I know what they see when they look at the bench for Magpies house.
Were a joke to them.
I cant even be mad at the snickers they make.
I look at them and I see another year that we wont have a passing class.
I see another chance for commissions going up in smoke.
A passing class must have five.
The fledgling class of Master Magpie, Rooster calls out.
Im starting to get it now.
I huff, torn between amusement and sheer annoyance at Aspeth again.
Shes wearing her guild uniform, but it doesnt fit her the way it fits the others.
Maybe it’s possible for you to gag her when she talks.
Thats my wife, you clod-brain.
Rut her good, my friend.
They chuckle as I move forward, crossing the long hall to stand at my students side.
Rooster calls again, searching the room as he stands behind the massive book.
Is Guild Master Magpie here?
I clear my throat, moving to stand in front of the podium.
Guild Master Magpie is sick.
Ill sign the book in her place.
Youre not a guild master.
Where is Guild Master Magpie?
Like I said, sick.
Ill present her class and shell be here for graduation.
Even if I have to haul her bodily in front of the guild itself, shell be here.
He takes a deep breath, as if considering, and then holds the feathered quill out to me.
I sign the book with Magpies name, the quill ridiculously small and fragile in my too-large Taurian hand.
Its Aspeth, of course.
I assume all these females have chaperones?
Rooster continues in that haughty voice of his.
you could provide proof of this?
They do and I can.
He eyes us and then gestures for Aspeth to sign.
Whats our last name?
Copyright 2024 by Ruby Dixon.
