Guest Author Charlie Richards: Jared

I'd like to welcome eXtasy Books author Charlie Richards to the site. Her Wolves of Stone Ridge series is one of my auto-buy reads when I need my shifter fix.

To celebrate her new release in the Kontra's Menagerie series called Silver-Tipped Justice, she is offering up a free copy when it's published on January 1st. Please leave your name and email in the comments if you'd like to be entered into the contest.

As an added bonus, my favorite character from Goading the Enforcer (WSR #6) has graciously agreed to an interview. I'd like to welcome Jared to our site...but beware, you never know what's going to come out of this guy's mouth! Read at your own risk. *g*

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Charlie: I’ve had a number of readers ask me for more about the ex-assassin Jared Templeton. To give them what they want, I’ve convinced him to join me today for a short interview. Jared, thank you for coming.

Jared: Let’s make it quick. I told Carson I’d be home in time to help trim the tree.

Charlie: Of course. Speaking of Carson, in your opinion, what was the most important factor that led to you accepting him as your mate?

Jared: Raul’s jibe about me not having friends really made me think, not to mention watching my sister get married. Meeting Carson felt kinda like getting a second chance. Besides, he’s fucking hot and knows how to please. Moving my base of operations wasn’t that big a deal.

Charlie: Your base of operations? So does that mean you have or have not given up being an assassin?

Jared: If we run across people working with the scientists and they’re shooting at us, I kill them. Many would call that war. Semantics.

Charlie: Does taking human life ever bother you?

Jared: Not anymore.

Charlie: Does that fact ever bother you?

Jared: No. There are some humans out there that are imbalanced, sadistic, and dangerous and should not be allowed to breed. Just think, now that I’m mated to a shifter, I have several hundred years to remove them from society should I happen to run across them.

Charlie: Some people would consider that psychopathic behavior. Do you feel they could be right?

Jared: No. I don’t give a fuck what anyone thinks but a few choice friends and my mate. And by the very definition of the word, the fact that I can and do love, plus have meaningful relationships with friends, confirms that I am in no way psychopathic. I just happen to believe that culling dangerous stock from herds of humans is acceptable for the safety of our children, and I have the skill and tenacity to do something about it.

Charlie: Does that ever bother Carson?

Jared: I wouldn’t dare presume to know what my mate is feeling. If Carson wants me to know, and I haven’t asked about it, he’ll tell me. If I were to make assumptions, he’d try to kick my ass. Hmm, that could lead to quite a bit of fun…

Charlie: Switching gears, if you don’t mind…

Jared: Of course…

Charlie: Kontra is finally sharing his story with me. You’ve met him a couple times. Why do you think it took so long to find his mate?

Jared: Because Fate’s a bitch and so are a lot of other people, like Tim’s old flock-mates. Kontra is a good guy and I’m sure he and Tim will be very happy together. A bit too obsessed with taking care of his pack-members, since just about all his men are more than capable of taking care of themselves, but from what I understand, that’s part of being an alpha.

Charlie: Could you ever see yourself in the alpha position?

Jared: Hell, no. I don’t mind leading or aiding in certain situations, but the idea of being responsible for other people for any length of time gives me the willies. I’d much rather be the shadow in the background.

Charlie: And you do it very well.

Jared: Thank you.

Charlie: I have a question from a reader here… If you could become a shifter like Lyle did, what animal would you want to bond with?

Jared: My god, woman. Are you trying to get me into trouble? If I say anything other than a wolf, my mate won’t put out for a month.

Charlie: So, a wolf then?

Jared: That wouldn’t be my first choice, no. I’d probably have to go with a python. Kontra’s buddy Eli has some nice talents. Fast, can travel on the ground, through the trees, or in the water. It would make carrying a gun more difficult though, but crushing my enemies would be pretty affective and less messy than tearing out their throats. Less ammo, too.

Charlie: All valid points. Is there anything you’d like to say to the readers?

Jared: This… fan club I’ve heard about. I must say I’m rather amused yet flattered. Most probably wouldn’t consider me a role model, but at least I do have rules I live by. And it’s not shoot first, ask questions later.

Charlie: Will you share them with us?

Jared: Sure. First—Know your enemy. Second—Be sure you’re right, then go ahead. Third—Never do anything to jeopardize those closest to you.

Charlie: Those are important. Thank you for sharing. And thank you for joining us today. At this point, we’ll let you get back to Carson.

Jared: Thank you. If anyone wants to post a question for me, I’ll see what I can do to answer it. Merry Christmas.

Charlie: And Merry Christmas to you, too. I do have a little information about Kontra’s upcoming story, Silver-Tipped Justice. It’s coming out on January 1^st from eXtasy Books. I hope you enjoy the blurb and excerpt from the story below. Happy holidays. I hope you all enjoy them in whatever manner you celebrate. And best wishes for the upcoming New Year.