LEAVING DREAMLAND by Cheryl Dragon

LEAVING DREAMLAND by Cheryl Dragon

7th Kind Series, Book Five

In protective custody at Dreamland, Shannon Madison wants to learn about aliens and explore the secrets, including the four sexy men guarding her.

When the secrets start to unravel, they’re all about her! Amazing group sex is a good distraction but the aliens aren’t leaving them alone for long. The weapon is ready, the ships are outfitted, and it’s time for a showdown.

The only way Shannon can keep the men she loves is for Earth to win!

BUY THE eBOOK *** READ THE EXCERPT

Excerpt:

 

Curtis MacDonald watched the woman of his dreams. It was his job, after all. The world of stars opened up as Shannon Madison worked the controls in the observation room deep inside of Area 51. It was no shock that she’d turned out to be an astronomer since her mother had come from out there just as Curtis had. He didn’t get romantic often, but MacDonald and his small group of aliens, Milton, Ross and Gavin, had been protecting Shannon, the secret hybrid, for several months.

Milton Hexner guarded the main door and Gavin Parchner was stationed at the other exit on the opposite end of the room. Ross Gronbuck stood nearby checking his Smartphone for any alerts. They looked the same as all Keelon aliens did in the deserts of Nevada, brown haired, brown eyed, and Caucasian. Their strength was superior, but they blended in well. Being a Keelon alien was top secret so they worked for the government.

Area 51 was known as Dreamland, and for the four male lovers, who’d been bonded as a fighting team before they’d left their home planet, this was a dream. On earth, they’d found a planet with less war and more women. Specifically, they’d found their woman. However, claiming Shannon was dangerous. She was at Dreamland for her protection. Still, there was so much she didn’t know and the aliens did. Orders were orders, and telling her the complete truth was not allowed.

She studied the night sky through the ultra-powered telescope, and Curtis examined her. Long brown hair and dark brown eyes set off her lovely pale skin. She was tall and slim with subtle curves in the right places. Her temper was even and nearly docile in a way. While she complained about being kept here for observation, she hadn’t tried to escape.

No human woman Curtis had known in the twenty years he’d been on Earth would take that without demanding a phone call, a lawyer and throwing a serious fit. Shannon truly was a human/Keelon hybrid.

Shannon turned a few dials. “It’s such a clear night. I love it.”

“We really should close up stuff here and go to bed,” Curtis said.

Shannon loved to stay up all night and sleep all day. However, in the cover of darkness was when the Keelons from the home world seemed to make their visits. The last thing anyone needed was for Shannon to spot an alien vessel. She had no clue some aliens had found peace and safety on Earth while others wanted to use and abuse humans.

“Stop it. This isn’t hurting anyone.” She flipped a few switched. “Look at that. More test flights?”

“Probably.” Curtis nodded to Ross.

Ross shrugged.

Then Ross’ phone alarmed. “We need to get you back to your quarters and safety.”

“What? You said it’s our Air Force testing new things. It’s nothing really dangerous. I’m tired of hiding out in my quarters.” Obviously, she trusted them. She vented about the restrictions the powers at the top had put on her, but Shannon wasn’t a fool. She understood that the men were under orders of their own and might not be able to tell her the absolute truth even if they wanted to indulge her. Curtis loved her honesty and never took the woman’s frustrations personally.

Curtis hated lying to her but her safety mattered more.

“I’m sorry, but we really need to go!” Curtis shut down the observation room and grabbed her around the waist.

This time Shannon struggled and wrestled herself from his grip. “I’m sick of this. Tell me the truth!”

Gavin was the warrior of the group and picked her up so she couldn’t escape his grasp. “We will discuss things in your quarters where you are safe.”

His superior strength trumped any of Shannon’s efforts to get loose. Finally, she folded her arms and pouted as he carried her through the halls.

Curtis admired her stubborn streak and beauty. He couldn’t tell her the truth, but the alert notified the men of another Keelon vessel in Earth’s orbit. With the constant visits, the facts couldn’t be withheld from her much longer. For the first few months, she’d been contained in the lab with only a modular pod for privacy. Eventually, the doctors would run out of tests and excuses. Now that she had more freedom and had explored base within in her access level, the reality would reveal itself.

Once inside their room, Ross locked the door. Gavin gently set Shannon onto the couch in the common area. Shannon had a bedroom to herself, and the men shared another. They guarded her constantly. A bond and attraction had built between the five of them, but they had yet to cross the line. If she made the first move, it’d be fine, but Curtis wouldn’t break the rules on his own. He took his role as group leader and the safety of Shannon and all the people in Dreamland seriously.

Shannon’s silence made Curtis look over at her. While she wouldn’t try to escape, she had frequently vented her frustrations. Her arms were folded as she glared at them.

“What’s going on? I’ve been here for months and months. I’ve gone through all the tests and interviews. I have no memories of any close encounters. I believe aliens are out there, but I don’t believe I’ve been taken onto any ships or that I’m in any danger. No nightmares, night terrors, implants, missing time. Nothing.” Her tone was calm and firm.

“You’re not in danger here,” Ross replied.

Milton sat next to Shannon. “We don’t have all of the answers, but we won’t let anyone hurt you.”

Curtis watched their peacemaker try to soothe the woman they all loved. One woman for a group of men was the Keelon way because they were a warring world genetically modified to breed males over females. There were plenty of ménage relationships around Dreamland that involved groups of alien men, but Shannon just believed there were more men than women so necessity had been the mother of invention.

Ross walked up to Curtis and nodded. “There’s a ship in orbit,” he said quietly. “We need to stay here and distract her somehow.”

“We can’t do that,” Curtis said.

“You don’t think it’s time to prove ourselves and be honest? She’s smart, and now, she’s grown too suspicious. Her patience is worn thin, and she needs proof.” Ross was the most logical minded.

The group counted on Ross for intelligence and seeing the big picture, and Curtis trusted him. Clearly, it was time to make a change and hope for the best. There was no doubt that all of the men wanted to move the relationship forward, but there would be no way to go back if it didn’t work.

“Fine,” Curtis said.



“Fine what?” Shannon asked. “I thought I could trust you four, and now, I’m not even allowed to be in the observation room? I’m just being held for no reason?”

She’d always known there was more out there. ET had been her favorite movie growing up. When she looked up at night, she always wanted to see something. Not just discover a comet or see a shooting star, but truly to explore. She’d hoped she’d get the opportunity to use the amazing equipment here to get an even better look.

“There are reasons, but we can’t give you all of the details.” Curtis sat next to her.

The four men moved around her, and she felt safe and warm. All the masculine bodies softened her need to argue. Wanting for more than protection from them had helped keep her cooperative. The hope of finding out aliens were real and here on earth was the rest of her motivation not to be a nuisance. Being brought to Area 51 wasn’t something one could request, but she’d ended up here and she wanted to explore and make the most of it. No university or research group had technology like Dreamland.

“What is the government going to do to me?” she asked.

“Nothing. You’re safe here.” Gavin put his hand on her shoulder.

The strong touch made her relax yet sparked her need for affection. These men had too much self control. “Then why am I here? I never discovered anything in the stars worthy of sequestering me. Trust me, I’ve looked at every photo I’ve ever taken, and there were no UFO or top secret planes.”

“True but alien abductions are up. You are here for your protection,” Curtis said.

“Is it really that dangerous for me?” she asked.

“You want to be abducted?” Ross shook his head. “It’s not pleasant.”

“You don’t have every woman in America locked up here. Besides, all aliens can’t be mean and cruel.” She shrugged.

Milton knelt at her feet. “But groups of people with superior technology and power will take advantage of the weaker ones. Human history has taught us that much. Ask the Native Americans. There are some passive alien races out there, but the Keelons aren’t one of them.”

“Who are the Keelons?” she asked.

“The race of aliens that have visited Earth the most in the past fifty years. The abduction rate from them is highest. Some of their ships crashed here decades back,” Ross explained.

“There are specimens? They’ve been examined?” The idea of seeing a real alien excited her.

Gavin nodded. “Actually some are still alive. The humans didn’t kill everyone. We lived.”

“You?” She laughed and pinched his arm. “You feel pretty human to me.”

In a flash, Gavin’s skin went from human to snake like and then back.

She turned and remembered she was surrounded. Surprise and intrigue mixed inside of her. “All of you?”

“Don’t panic. We’re on Earth’s side.” Curtis smiled.

“Side? Wait. What do you really look like?” She’d grown attached to them looking the way they did. So strong and sexy. She rubbed a hand over the snakeskin. “Are you snake people?”

Milton shook his head. “No, not snakes. Our skin can modify itself based on the environmental needs. That’s all.”

“So you’re humanoid. Work for the government. Why are you guarding me?” she asked.

“We’re protecting you from the aliens. The Keelons are a warring people who take what they want,” Gavin said.

“What would they want with me? Obviously, they know the stars better than I do.” She watched Gavin and Milton share a look.

“We can’t give you all the details. We’ve got our orders,” Curtis said.

While she wanted to push, she’d seen the military’s discipline and access restrictions for herself. Few people talked to her casually. If she couldn’t talk to the men about that, she had to change the subject.

LIKED THE EXCERPT?? CLICK HERE TO BUY THE eBOOK

FOUR BIKERS & A WITCH by Cheryl Dragon

FOUR BIKERS & A WITCH by Cheryl Dragon

Warrior's Craft Book Three

Valerie grew up in the Vegas biker culture, seeing the tempting and dark side. Now a nurse, she can't escape her past. Axle and Rebel Herth were kicked out of the biker gang as teens and, along with their boyfriends, run a motorcycle shop. They've wanted Val for years, but she won't date anyone in the biker world.

They need her witch talents to help them fight the zombies that are plaguing Vegas. Val's best with potions but the sex spell intrigues her. She learns the ropes of fighting zombies, and rides motorcycles like a pro as her potion brews, but can she let her sexual guard down with the guys?
Rough sex and dirty talk with four men who can easily overpower her is a huge turn on! How far will she go now that she's hooked on these bikers fighting for good?

BUY THE eBOOK *** READ THE EXCERPT

Four Bikers & A Witch
Cheryl Dragon
All rights reserved.
Copyright ©2012 Cheryl Dragon

This e-book file contains sexually explicit scenes and adult language which some may find offensive and which is not appropriate for a young audience. Changeling Press E-Books are for sale to adults, only, as defined by the laws of the country in which you made your purchase. Please store your files wisely, where they cannot be accessed by under-aged readers.

Valerie Berman parked her scarlet red Harley Super Glide behind Herth's Repair Shop. Grabbing her bag from the bitch seat, she once again tried to change her automatic thinking. So much of the biker culture put women second or third after their bike... yet she couldn't escape it.  Going in the back door, she found her parents in the inventory area. As usual, Dad was bleeding. Looking at him with his long gray hair and tattoos, he was an old biker and Mom, with her ink and tight clothes, a biker's old lady. Valerie rolled her eyes. She should be rebelling. Of course, with her parents, having a job and being responsible was a rebellion.  "Seriously, you need to retire from this crap." Val opened her bag and cleaned the cut on his arm.  "Val, your father was defending me. Some drunken ass grabbed my boobs." Mom smiled.  Shaking her head, Val pressed gauze to the wound so it'd stop bleeding. Mom loved the attention and it invited danger. Some of the bikers shared women. Female groupies were one thing, but wives? Some men didn't care. The wrong signals could cause a major fight. At least Dad had protected her. A girl growing up in a biker gang was vulnerable, but she'd made it out safely.  "Is this the only injury?" Val asked.  Dad nodded. "A few bruises, but yeah. My bike is messed up but the boys will fix it."  Axle Herth walked up from the direction of the repair room. "Everything okay?"  Val ignored the shot of attraction she felt whenever one of the Herth brothers came around. They'd grown up in the same gang until they were kicked out as teens. They hadn't gone far.  She shook her head. "He should get stitches."  "You do it." Mom waved it off.  "I'm a nurse, not a doctor." Working in the ER gave Val a sense of satisfaction and adrenaline rushes. She might've gone on for more education, but she didn't want that much in student loans.  "Just patch me up." Dad never minded an ugly scar.  Val dug through her bag of medical necessities. The bikers who knew her never went to the doctor. They only landed in the ER if they were scooped up by an ambulance, or Val couldn't patch them up. This was her unofficial office.  You never really left the biker world. Val would rather have them owe her favors than the other way around.  "Mom, hold these. Axle, I need you to help." Val could've done it herself. Still, it'd be cleaner with more hands. Plus the smell of grease and a hot man made the trip worth it. Axle pinched the skin tight as Val guided his rough hands. She added as many sterile strips as she could to hold the skin together. Then she covered the whole thing with a bandage. "I'll come by next week and change the strips. Don't get it wet."  "He's got to shower." Mom scrunched her nose.  "Put plastic over it, like a new tattoo." Val shrugged and closed her bag. "Don't drink either. If you need something for pain, take a pill."  "Got it." Dad's response to anything, which meant he understood. That didn't mean he'd actually listen.  "I'm serious. Take it easy too. How did you get cut and crash your bike defending Mom? Sounds like a bar fight." Val wasn't sure she wanted to know.  "Jousting," Axle said.  "Motorcycle jousting? Men." She tried not to stare at Axle's big muscles, teasing her from under the Herth's Repair Shop t-shirt. His black hair was cropped short, but those brown eyes of his had depth she'd always wanted to unlock.  She'd love to explore both of the Herth brothers. Rebel was only a year younger and looked very similar to Axle. However, his eyes were an icy blue. Now both had boyfriends who worked at the shop with them. If they weren't bikers and gay, she'd make a move. They'd been her adolescent crush. Liking bad boys had to be in her DNA.  Mom fussed over Dad, pressing her curves, stuffed into a leather skirt and halter top, to his side. At twenty-six, Val could wear that and look good, if a bit slutty. Sighing, Val knew her mom looked good for nearly fifty, except for the sun damaged skin. Dad still thought she was the hottest piece of ass on the planet.  "Men." Mom hugged her man. "No reason you don't have one, Valerie Trixie Berman. You've got my gorgeous red hair and curves. A little sun and those green eyes would pop."  "I just burn and freckle. I got Grandma's skin." She avoided Axle's eyes.  "Four hot men right here. They're not in a gang but they fix bikes. It's something." Mom gestured to Axle.  "Let's go. We'll get a loaner bike from Rebel." Dad steered Mom to the front. He knew why Axle was kicked out of the gang. A lot of things were kept secret, men from women and so on. Val had found out from the gang leader's wife only because Axle and Rebel had been getting some lessons from her as well.  Mom frowned at Val. "You couldn't dress nice, at least? You look like you're an old lady in that potato sack."  "They're scrubs, Mom. I came from work." They'd had that conversation more times than Val could count. Mom thought Val could wear short shorts and tight tank tops to work.  Once her parents were gone, Val turned to Axle. "I'm so sorry about them. They're nuts."  "Don't apologize. We deal with serious bikers all the time." Axle put a hand on her back.  Val shivered. She tried not to think about Axle naked. "Thanks for keeping them out of trouble. I should go home. Let you guys get back to business."  "Actually, would you hang out a while? We need a favor. We'll buy you dinner. We're ordering Chinese." Axle smiled.  "Okay, sure." Val shrugged.  Smoothing her hair as she walked into the repair shop, she looked at all four very attractive guys. Val knew this wasn't about motorcycles. Axle and Rebel were clearly brothers and sexy as hell. Sebastian was Axle's guy, seriously into vintage bikes. His lean build and dirty blond hair made him stand out. The quietest of the group, he just nodded to her with a big smile.  Luke was the opposite of Sebastian. Brown hair and piercing green eyes, he'd grown up in another biker gang. The guy had a huge ego and no shame. His look slanted to a bit more brutish than handsome. His confidence enhanced it.  "What do you want?" Rebel waved the menu.  "Orange chicken." Val sat on a stool next to Sebastian around an empty repair table. Rebel sent the order on his phone and nodded. "It'll be here soon. Sorry about your dad."  Val shrugged. "Idiots jousting on motorcycles. He's not a kid anymore."  "Well, we've got experience fighting on bikes. Sometimes it's necessary." Luke tossed a shirt and shorts on the table.  "What's that?" she asked.  "Just in case you want to change into something less clinical. The meeting could take a little time." Rebel nudged the clothes closer to Val. "If you don't like those, grab anything off the racks you want. The scrubs look hot."  "Vegas is hot. The scrubs keep blood and other fluids off me. The fun of being an ER nurse." She grabbed the clothes and went to the ladies room. The shirt was the right size, even though she would have grabbed a size bigger to hide her cleavage. The shorts were denim and made her feel terribly on display. Her long legs were a feature other women envied. Scrubs hid everything well.  Pulling her hair out of the clip that was part of her work wardrobe, she combed her fingers through it to cool off. The curls looped down to her mid-back. Glancing in the mirror, it looked like she was primping to get their attention. Mom would absolutely approve. Tugging her hair into a ponytail, she managed to clip it that way. She looked less severe but not flirty. Her boring old clogs would kill any sexy ideas.  Going back to the guys, she felt something more in their glances. Even out of her heavier clothes, she felt flushed. The smell of food drew her near. "That was super fast."  "You service bikers, you get good service." Rebel smiled and handed her the orange chicken.  "Egg roll?" Axle offered.  "Thanks. So what is all this about? More vampire problems?" She opened her chopsticks. Luke set a diet soda in front of her and Val smiled. It'd been a while since Vegas had had a paranormal invasion.  "No. Something new. These things we can't really handle on our own," Sebastian said.  Val had trouble believing that. Sebastian was good at the pagan stuff. Val, Axle and Rebel had been intrigued by the private classes in Wiccan religion the biker leader's wife had taught them as kids. Back then, they'd had no idea why she'd chosen them. Val kept in touch with her, and now understood it was that woman's way of rebelling. She embraced her feminine powers, and Val tried to follow that path.  Mom and Dad didn't need to know their daughter was a respected witch in the local Wiccan coven. The guys couldn't be seen there and keep their clients. She knew they'd found some online coven. They rarely included her because what they did was dangerous. When the vamps had moved into Vegas, the guys had gone on the attack. They hadn't needed her then. Was this a set up?  "So what can't you guys handle?" she asked.

LIKED THE EXCERPT?? CLICK HERE TO BUY THE eBOOK

QUALITY ASSURANCE by Cheryl Dragon

QUALITY ASSURANCE by Cheryl Dragon

Lucky Springs Series, Book Five

The most popular girl in school, Ashley Tassin wanted a life in the big city but fate brought her back to Lucky Springs, where the factory’s expansion has created jobs and lured a lot of men to the town. Working with a foursome of hot guys who are in a relationship and want to add a woman is very tempting to Ash. However, two of the men went to high school with her and one holds a grudge.

Eli Hollier was a geek and now he’s a sexy genius. The four hatch a plot to teach the former head cheerleader a lesson for rejecting Eli long ago. But what starts as friends with benefits turns into something more. Falling for Ash is easy, but for it to end happily, they must bury the past and start fresh.

BUY THE eBOOK *** READ THE EXCERPT

Excerpt:

 

There were a lot of country songs about leaving home and returning home. When Ashley Tassin had left, she’d never expected to move back to Lucky Springs, Louisiana, but here she was. Bittersweet and anxiety inducing, both feelings fluttered inside of her as she sat in her grandmother’s kitchen after almost ten years away from home. She’d never intended to move back, but being an adult meant tough choices. Life hadn’t been as smooth as she’d hoped.

At the moment, she felt like the seven-year-old who’d sat in this very kitchen for Sunday dinners and dreamed of life in the city. Lucky Springs wasn’t New Orleans or even Shreveport, but she wasn’t alone, her three friends had gotten jobs in her hometown as well. Having support when facing the past made it a little easier.

They’d share the house for now. Lizzie was sweet and friendly from the deep south of Louisiana. Crystal was frank and very smart from the suburbs of Shreveport. Zoe was a couple years older and bold with no shame. She’d moved around all of her life so Zoe was rarely flustered by anything. They’d all bonded over wanting to make it on their own and not rush to the altar.

Good southern girls could now work, get married, have kids and be perfect homemakers. Ash could just hear her mother going on about women needing to raise their kids not stick them in daycare and other mantras that made Ash want to chew glass.

“I don’t know why you’re so down, Ash. It’s such a cute little town. Makes me feel like Anne of Green Gables. Everyone is so friendly and it’s surrounded by nothing for miles.” Lizzie’s Cajun drawl hadn’t diminished at all from college or work up in Shreveport.

“Do you want to go back to the bayou?” Ash asked.

Lizzie bit her lip and shook her head. “Going home is rough.”

Ash nodded. “Lucky Springs isn’t so little anymore. The factory retooling and expansion has doubled the population.”

“Mostly men—another point in our favor.” Zoe poured another cup of coffee. “Don’t get me wrong. I prefer the city too, but we need jobs. The market hasn’t bounced back yet. Once it does, I’ll be headed to New Orleans or Atlanta. But the men here will make it better.”

Smiling, Ash pulled up the website for their new employer, Lucky Springs Industrial, on her computer. Ash was more interested in her new work situation than men, but Zoe could juggle many interests without a bit of stress. It was Zoe who had fueled the Sex and the City fantasy of living in a big town and enjoying the single life with tons of hot men and no commitments.

Shreveport wasn’t New York, but they’d all gotten jobs there, at a same company, after college. Then they’d all been downsized. They’d stuck together. The arrangement suited her personality since Ash hated being alone but needed to get away from her family if she wanted to be happy. Her parents had created a pressure cooker for her throughout school. All parents wanted their kids to achieve, but her parents had demanded excellence. Now, she was back here and it scared her a little.

Crystal, the plus-sized beauty with a brain for numbers, set a mixed drink in front of Ash. “That’s enough pouting. I know your family bugs you, but we’re lucky to have a place to live. All the apartments and houses are full up. We’ll pay fair rent and what can your parents say then?”

“They don’t want money. Nana moved in with my parents because she falls. She’s thrilled to have me here and to have nice southern girls like you in her house instead of rowdy single men.” Ash loved her Nana. She was the one person Ash missed regularly.

Zoe rolled her eyes. “You’re an adult, Ash. They can’t put you in beauty contests or expect you to win prom queen anymore. That part of life is over. You’ve got a great job now and didn’t disgrace their small-town sensibilities by bringing home a baby fathered by some random guy. They should be thrilled.”

“Do you think Lucky Springs is Mayberry?” Ash laughed for the first time since she’d returned three days ago.

Lizzie blushed. “I heard people talking in the salon when we were there. Sounded wild to me.”

“What?” Crystal and Zoe asked in unison. Ash and Lizzie had gone to get their hair trimmed while Crystal and Zoe had their appointments on a different day.

“I was talking to some friends and the owner of the salon, Jessica. It seems like there’s an underground sex party thing going on in Lucky Springs.” Ash shook her head in disbelief. Sweet little Lucky Springs was a place to raise kids and let them roam the streets. No one locked their doors. In some ways, it was Mayberry, but they didn’t have strictly old-fashioned values.

“Parties? It’s all the men.” Zoe nodded dismissively.

“No, this was before the male infusion. I’m sure that doesn’t hurt since there’s a shortage of women now. Some of the factory jobs were taken by women, but let’s face it, most factory work attracts men. Who moves for a job? Single men without kids in school or wives with jobs. So I found out that some of these men are sort of pairing off or grouping up.”

“Like prison? They’re turning gay?” Crystal sighed. “I thought I had a shot with those odds.”

Zoe poked Crystal’s shoulder. “Don’t get down on yourself. We’re in a position to be picky and play the field.”

“Obviously, they’re living together for cost and space limitation, like us. But Jessica has four men to herself. They’re bisexual.” Ash’s mind whirled at the options there. “I guess that’s catching on with some of the men. I’m sure plenty just want one woman and wouldn’t touch another guy, but it’s not my Nana’s Lucky Springs.”

“Your nana’s a widow?” Zoe asked with an arched brow.

“Yes, why?” Ash braced for her friend’s filthy mind.

“She might get lucky. Some of these factory men are hot. One of them might want a MILF or have a granny complex.” Zoe winked.

“Yuck. I’m just warning you guys. If you get a weird sexual proposition, it might not be a joke or dare. So don’t tease the men.” Ash pointed at Zoe.

“And don’t let them take advantage.” Ash pointed at Lizzie.

“Like I’m just going to go home with five guys.” Lizzie rolled her eyes.

“Like I wouldn’t. I’m not a tease.” Zoe grinned.

“What about me?” Crystal asked.

Ash looked up from her computer. “You and I are too practical to fall for that crap, Crystal. I know you’ll do the smart and safe thing.”

Sitting down next to Ash, Crystal snagged the laptop. “Checking out the guys in Quality Control, are you? No pictures. That sucks. Will your daddy hate you working with all the men?”

Ash shook her head. She knew she’d touched a nerve by not warning Crystal about all the men. It wasn’t because her friend was big, but simply that she didn’t fall for stuff. She had her guard up. “I’m the liaison between the sales department and quality control. My job is to keep the customers happy. It’s not all men.”

“QC is. The company makes electric and battery powered carts and parts for cars. So the customers are mostly other companies or industrial places. Men,” Lizzie said. Her job was in customer service.

“And the salesmen are mostly men. Like ninety percent.” Zoe smiled. “They’re hiring new teams, and I get to train them in marketing our products to the customer. Hands on sales.”

“Right up your alley.” Crystal rolled her eyes. “You two are welcome to visit me in accounting or Lizzie in customer service. Plenty of girl talk there.”

“Darn right.” Lizzie nodded.

Ash shook her head at the computer. “I’ll be coming by. Eli Hollier…”

“Who’s he?” Zoe shrugged.

“Maybe he forgot all about it?” Ash hoped. “He had a crush on me in high school. Well, okay, junior high and even elementary school. I ignored it, but in high school, he got brave and it was awful.”

“Is he ugly? Gross?” Zoe scrunched her nose.

Ash shook her head. “He was a super brain with glasses who got straight As and didn’t play any sports. When we were little, it was cute. Then you grow up and he went to the geeky side of things and I was lucky. I was popular and kids are crazy. You even talk to the wrong person and you’re a loser. He had a crush, but he had to ask me out in high school. In front of people. I’m sorry but it was an impossible situation. I felt horrible.”

“You didn’t know he was there when you interviewed?” Crystal asked.

“No, my pay is through the sales division. They hired me to coordinate with QC to keep things moving and free up their sales force. I wish they’d needed someone in human resources, but it’s the same thing. Dealing with people. I just have to learn the product.” Ash ran her fingers through her hair. “Damn.”

“I’m sure he’s over it. Maybe he’s married? It’ll be a funny joke about high school stereotypes and clique crap.” Lizzie grabbed the computer and searched his name.

“That’s not the kind of thing people forget,” Crystal argued.

Zoe leaned over Lizzie’s shoulder. “No, they don’t forget. But this guy isn’t married, and he’s got a lot of degrees. Moved back to Lucky Springs from a job in Houston. God, I love Facebook!”

“No one stalks men like you, Zoe. Is there a picture?” Crystal asked.

“No, sorry. Just an avatar.” Lizzie closed the laptop. “He’s not the only guy in QC, Ash. Charm the others. You’re great with people.”

Ash took a deep breath and leaned back in the chair. “He’s not the only guy, but he’s the manager of QC. No way around him.”

“So charm him. Wait for the right moment, and tell him you’re sorry for being a bitchy beauty queen in high school. Family pressure, blah blah blah. Just because you were popular doesn’t mean you didn’t have lots of pressure and expectations from your family. It takes work to stay on top.”

“Except this isn’t high school anymore. Now, he might be the one on top. I’m moving home just lucky to have a job.” Ash hated feeling like a failure.

Zoe couldn’t be more right about Ash’s past, but in the light of maturity, Ash had no excuse. Crystal’s silence spoke tons about the scars and resentment high school could create, but until Ash met with Eli, there was no way to know how he’d react.

Lizzie turned on her ray of sunshine smile and glowed positivity. “Don’t underestimate the impact of a genuine apology. Then just be nice and do your job. HR could have an opening soon if the place keeps expanding.”

Ash tried to soak in the shiny happy attitude and hoped for the best. She had feelers out for jobs in big cities. Maybe, she’d get a ticket out of Lucky Springs soon. No one wanted to face their past, but people had good memories in her home town.

LIKED THE EXCERPT?? CLICK HERE TO BUY THE eBOOK

FOUR COWBOYS AND A WITCH by Cheryl Dragon

FOUR COWBOYS AND A WITCH by Cheryl Dragon

Warrior's Craft Book Two

Danielle left Texas for plenty of good reasons. The psychic had been called a witch and a lot worse. The only thing she missed was the four men who'd never let her down.

Back in Houston to settle her aunt's estate, Dani is drawn into their fight against a mysterious creature. A lot has changed, and they want her in their life and their one, very Texas-sized bed. A quiet ranch life with a paranormal mission and four hot cowboys eager to share her is more than she ever dreamed of having.

BUY THE eBOOK   ***   READ THE EXCERPT

Four Cowboys & A Witch
Cheryl Dragon
All rights reserved.
Copyright ©2012 Cheryl Dragon

This e-book file contains sexually explicit scenes and adult language which some may find offensive and which is not appropriate for a young audience. Changeling Press E-Books are for sale to adults, only, as defined by the laws of the country in which you made your purchase. Please store your files wisely, where they cannot be accessed by under-aged readers.

Ben Richner paced the family-room-turned-command-center of his Houston ranch. The proper living room was still decorated to the hilt, ready to receive and entertain guests in proper Texas fashion. The tucked away command center was stocked with laptops, maps, and reference books on the paranormal.

Being pagan in Texas felt like being a kitten surrounded by western diamondback rattlers -- you didn't stand a chance except to hold still and hope they didn't see you. Of course, Ben's crazy old aunts never cared. He'd learned it all young: Loving nature was okay here, but the good Christian ladies grew very uncomfortable with the pagan label.

As talented as this group of men was, only one had any spark of a magical gift, and it barely registered against the vampires they'd fought. A key piece of their group eluded them.

"Quit staring out the window. Trey and Rodney will get back when they're done." Sam Gradar stood and made his way to the kitchen with his coffee mug.

"I know," Ben said.

He had grown so used to Sam's limp he barely noticed anymore. Today, however, it grated on Ben: the pain in Sam's green eyes, and how that long sandy hair swung more when the limp hurt him.
Guilt never went away. They'd been warned and couldn't get to Sam in time. The rodeo accident in high school had been truly cruel harassment of a gay man. Seven years hadn't healed Sam's leg.
Nothing could. It was good to be rich and own land in Texas. Ben had flown in specialists but there were no fixes.

Pagan and gay, the group had some strikes against it, but technically they weren't gay. The missing piece was the right woman. The fact that the four of them had plenty of muscle from working a horse ranch meant others rarely harassed them.

Ben shook off the history running through his head. The case needed attention, yet his brain kept flashing back to high school when he'd fallen in love with Trey, and they'd both had a crush on that pesky Danielle girl.

Danielle Embers' name had come up when her father's aunt died last week. Since then, the group had kept their ears open for word that Dani'd returned to Houston. The very gifted woman had left for college and never returned. Her looks haunted him, long blonde hair and dark eyes that hinted of the power she tried to hide.

Finally Trey and Rodney pulled up in Trey's loaded silver pickup. The two climbed out. Ben met them at the door. The sight of Trey's handsome face, short brown hair and brown eyes comforted Ben.
"You're hyper today." Trey kissed Ben.

"It's Dani. She's in my head. Her aunt wanted no funeral and was cremated so maybe she won't come back. Someone has to claim the ashes and her possessions. What if Dani has them shipped?" Ben hooked his thumbs in the pockets of his worn out jeans.

"We've put feelers out all over town. If she shows at the retirement apartment complex, the funeral home, or any of our usual haunts, they'll call us." Rodney shrugged.

Ben smiled at the ever practical and overly smart man of the group. Black hair and dark eyes made him look like the magical practitioner he wanted to be. Finding that online coven for pagan men was Rodney's genius. He'd learned a lot, but they could really use Dani's gifts.

A hand slapped Ben on the back. He looked over.

"You okay?" Trey asked.

"Yeah, fine. What did you find at the attack site?" Ben rubbed his eyes.

Rodney turned on a laptop and hooked up his smartphone. "I got pictures. The property owner swears he didn't hear a thing all night. No howls or noises from the herd. There were no footprints or tire tracks."

"After that rain yesterday, the ground is still damp. There should've been some impressions." Trey moved over as Sam returned with his coffee.

"Another pricey cow killed?" Sam asked.

Trey nodded. "It was bloated from the sun this morning already, but the blood was gone. We cut the neck and the legs, barely any blood."

"Wolves? Coyotes?" Ben suggested.

Sam studied the pictures. "No, packs tear up the body. This one is pristine. I can't believe the coyotes didn't go after the meat."

"They didn't. You know animals. There must be a reason. Some scent they don't like. We took samples from the wounds, but the holes are so small it'd take forever to drain a heifer that way." Trey walked away with a shrug.

Ben loved the experience dynamic. Trey and Sam knew animals and ran a tight ranch. Rodney had the book smarts while Ben had the quirky ideas. "Did you put it to the online coven guys?"

Rodney shook his head. "I'll do it now that we've got evidence. The other two reports this week were shredded by predators by the time we got there. Vultures were circling when we arrived."

"See what they say online. Could be kids being dumb or something paranormal we don't know about." Ben nodded.

"Vampires haven't been a problem since we made them toe the line six months ago," Sam said.
"Who says it's vamps?" Trey asked.

"Who else wants blood?" Sam replied.

"There's too much blood in a huge cow. How'd they keep it fresh? Pump and store? Come on, they can raid the blood banks or hospitals instead of doing the work for cow blood. It's something else." Ben liked the surge of fighting the unknown and helping people.

"I'll put it online to the coven and start researching similar cases." Rodney settled in with the computer.

Ben's phone beeped and he looked at the text message. Dani Embers at retirement complex now.

"Put the cows on hold, guys. Dani's in town." Ben turned and headed for the door. The other three followed. He could feel the group lighten up. As good as they were together, Ben knew they'd never be civilized without the right woman. Pagan warriors for good needed a goddess to connect them to the feminine powers. In Texas terms, there was no home without a woman in it.

LIKED THE EXCERPT?? CLICK HERE TO BUY THE eBOOK