A STRANGER IN PARADISE by Tianna Xander

A STRANGER IN PARADISE by Tianna Xander

Paradise Series Book One

As Alpha of the Paradise clan, it's Adam Greer's duty to save his people from extinction. With Nick Hill, his beta's help, he tracks down a descendant of one of the families that broke away from the pride many years ago. They can only hope that TJ Woodward agrees to come back to Paradise as the first newcomer in generations, to infuse the clan with new DNA.

Nina Bidel, a close friend of bestselling suspense author, TJ Woodward, finds dozens of half-written manuscripts when she packs away his estate after his death. With his will naming her his sole beneficiary, she sees no harm in completing the books TJ started. But someone out there is determined that the novels never see the light of day. When they think they have finally caught up to TJ, intent on bringing him to their home, Adam and Nick realize the last several books released weren’t written by TJ Woodward, but by spunky Nina Bidel. Nina jumps at the chance to escape the men determined to kill both her and TJ’s remaining novels. None of them expect the chain of events her deception is about to unleash.

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~Excerpt~

Damn! If he wasn’t so pressed for precious time, he’d pursue her. A little recreational sex was just what the doctor ordered. He’d loved watching her. Then she’d gone and disappointed him by eating too quickly and leaving barely ten minutes after they arrived. Still, by the way she carried herself, he’d bet she was beat. Even the dark circles under her eyes couldn’t detract from her loveliness. It merely brought out his protective instincts. His cock grew hard at the mere thought of sinking into her moist heat.

Nick leaned toward him, his telepathic link clear, Will you stop it already?

Adam’s eyes widened. I’m sorry. I didn’t realize I’d connected with you.

Well, you did. Don’t you usually connect with me when you see a prime specimen like her? Nick gave a snort of derision. Now mycock is near to bursting with no relief in sight. It’s been years since I’ve felt such an intense craving for a woman. I want nothing more than to seek her out, bury my head between her legs and lap up her woman’s thick cream like a cub.

Adam could only agree with that idea. It wasn’t until they both saw the woman slinking through the darkness on their way to their room that their suspicions were aroused. He held up his hand, silently stopping Nick in his tracks.

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DESERT OF THE DAMNED by Kathy Kulig

DESERT OF THE DAMNED by Kathy Kulig 

Demons in Exile Book One

A #1 AMAZON BESTSELLER Erotic free list!

One woman caught in a war between worlds and torn between the love of two men-immortal demon and mortal shapeshifter.

Dante Akanto lures research scientist Amy Weston into the desert to explore the dark side of her passions, pleasuring her in erotic ways she never thought possible with his bizarre sex games. And park ranger Jake Montag has a compelling mysticism and powerful sensuality that's HOT and impossible to resist. But the two men, demon and shapeshifter, are engaged in a supernatural fight between worlds. Amy and her high level of life force energy is the key. Dante's world and his immortality depend on claiming her as his own. The choice Amy makes between the two men will affect both her world and her future.

Demons in Exile Series:
Desert of the Damned, Book 1
Damned and Desired, Book 2
Damned and Defiant, Book 3
All for only 99 cents each!

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Excerpt:

By reading any further, you are stating that you are at least 18 years of age. If you are under the age of 18, it is necessary to exit this site.

An Excerpt From: DESERT OF THE DAMNED

Copyright © KATHY KULIG, 2008

All Rights Reserved, Ellora's Cave Publishing, Inc.

The smell of smoke drew Amy Weston out of a deep sleep. As her mind fought through her grogginess, she stared at the orange shadows flickering across her stucco walls. The waving colors nearly hypnotized her back to sleep then logic shook her fully awake.

Fire.

She bolted upright in bed.

From the window on the opposite wall she could see that the fire was outside. A chorus of toads and crickets sang their night song as the desert breeze stirred her sheer curtains. She rubbed sleep from her eyes and inhaled deeply.

Not dreaming.

Hopping out of bed, she rushed to the window and peered out. The glow of a campfire shone behind the saguaro cactus and the mesquite bushes about fifty yards from her house.

The silhouette of a man stood beside the fire. Dante Akando was summoning her.

The digital clock read twelve a.m. The hour. She groaned as if complaining but between her legs the throb of her pussy gave away her desire. Thanks to all the subtle teasing at work and impromptu meetings in Dante´s office, where he´d described raw details of his sex games, her body hummed in anticipation.

He was good-very good-impossible to resist. And he was just what she needed right now-a man who had a taste for adventurous sex and was eager to explore the dark side of her passions. Like her, Dante didn´t want any emotional ties. She had been intrigued by his looks the day she was forced to transfer to the new division of Drake Diagnostic Labs and, since she didn´t plan to stay long, having a brief affair with her boss didn´t seem like a problem. The sexual chemistry had been immediate and bone deep. How could she say no? Someday she would find someone special and consider a more permanent arrangement but for the moment, she didn´t need the hassles.

As much as her body ached for Dante, she should resist him. She had to get up for work early and she was exhausted. Did she dare ignore his campfire call and curl back in her comfortable bed? Her hand reached beneath her silk chemise and slid over her breasts. Her nipples were raw and erect, sensitive to the touch. She squeezed them and imagined Dante´s hands on her then glided her hand down her flat belly, over the curly hair and patted her bud. In moments it was swollen and throbbing, aching for more. Oh, she wanted him all right. Damn him. I´ll never get back to sleep now.

What was the use? The dancing lights on her bedroom walls grew brighter, signaling his impatience.

Tugging the thin chemise over her head, she tossed it on the floor, then yanked the Indian blanket from her bed. Why did he affect her this way? She walked back to the window but there was no sign of him-only the silhouettes of the saguaro cactus with its outstretched arms. Stepping into moccasins, she grabbed a flashlight, then strode out of her house.

The night air was cool and she pulled the red, black and orange blanket tightly around her. Dante had bought it for her at the flea market, not the trading post, so it probably was a Mexican blanket and not Indian but it was beautiful just the same and a thoughtful gift. Still, it was a puzzling gift considering Dante Akando said he was part Navajo. She would´ve thought he would only buy native crafts. As she followed the path off her property onto open land, the light of her flashlight and the campfire lit her way. The sky was dark, millions of brilliant stars glittered like shards of crystal. Stepping around scrub pines and clumps of prickly pear cactus, she approached a large mesquite bush. On the other side of the spiny tree the campfire blazed.

Another Indian blanket lay beside the fire. Dante was nowhere around. But she knew he had to be close, watching her.

"Dante? I´m here." She pulled her blanket up to her chin. A breeze swirled around her and under, teasing her moist pussy. She felt a growing heat and moisture between her legs. Where was he? Every nerve simmered with anticipation. "Dante, come on. I´m here. We have to work tomorrow. I can´t stay long."

She wasn´t afraid of the desert night. He said the fire would keep her safe from the night creatures. Recalling his game of seduction, she dropped her covering and stretched out naked on the blanket, her body raw, exposed, vulnerable.

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TAKING IT BACK by Zenobia Renquist

TAKING IT BACK by Zenobia Renquist

Sometimes you have to get grabby to get what you want.

Nami is in Vegas for a business seminar. Kosuke is a tentacle monster in search of a cure for the affliction keeping him from eating. While she may not make him better, Kosuke is more than willing to put that aside to enjoy the other things Nami can do for him.

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Taking It Back
Zenobia Renquist
All rights reserved.
Copyright ©2012 Zenobia Renquist

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.


Trust. Nami worshipped the word. She went out of her way to make herself worthy of its use when people referred to her. Too often trust went hand in hand with being gullible. Yet again, she had proven herself the latter. Look up gullible in the dictionary and her name would be listed next to her contact information, social security number, and bank account numbers complete with pass codes because she would have been stupid enough to give it to whoever asked.

She elbowed her way to the bar counter, ignoring the annoyed expressions of those around her. "Give me a tall glass of whatever will fuck me up the fastest and make sure it's sweet."

The bartender gave her a knowing look before turning away to fix her drink.

"That order could also describe a man," the man standing next to her said in an Asian-accented voice.

Nami glanced at him. She didn't rally see him, though. All she saw was man. One of the annoying, self-appointed rulers of the world in which she lived. He and the rest of his gender were the enemy. "So very not interested." She turned to face the bartender to watch him mix her drink, but he'd disappeared into the back of the bar, so she settled on staring at the liquor bottles.

The bartender returned with an hourglass shaped plastic cup the length of her forearm that glowed under the bar's black lights. He placed it before her. "Fifteen."

The man who had spoken earlier reached for his pocket. "I would like --"

Nami slapped a twenty on the counter. "Keep the change." She snatched up the drink and walked away.

The bar sported small booths in the darkest recesses of the establishment, probably meant for intimate interludes. Nami wanted to enjoy her pity party alone. She would drink the dayglow orange cocktail, of which she'd forgotten to ask the name, and hope it drowned out her stupidity.

Only morons fell for the line Nami had swallowed. Being in Vegas -- the city of "what happens here stays here" -- made it worse. Except she'd been too stupid to realize the guy she wanted to do it with didn't want to do it with her.

No, what really made the situation worse was she and the guy who had snubbed her were attending a company seminar together. She wouldn't be able to avoid him. She also wouldn't be able to avoid the lectures her friend Geena, also at the seminar, would surely have for her. Geena had warned Nami not to be fooled, but Nami had plowed forward, heedless of the danger signs. She sighed into her drink. "Idiot," she snapped.

"I do not think you know me well enough to call me that."

Nami looked up at the man who had been trying to talk to her before. "Why are you bothering me? I said I'm not interested."

"Once you finish that drink --" he gestured at the tall plastic cup -- "I'm sure you will be."

"You actually admit that you're waiting until I'm drunk so you can take advantage?"

"Yes."

She cocked her head to the side as she regarded him.

"Points for honesty?"

"Sit." She gestured across from her but he slid into the booth beside her. Inching away only made him move closer. "What's your story?"

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VISIONQUEST by Laura Tolomei

VISIONQUEST - A GLBT dark shapeshifter erotic by Laura Tolomei

It wasn't till he took me to his bed and made love to me, for the first time - no competition between us, no unspoken challenge, no master-slave, no blood, no death, nothing but intense emotions overwhelming me with the sheer power of his feelings, a sea so deep, a tide so strong I thought I'd drown as he took me face up, raising my legs above his shoulders and plunging deep before preying on my mouth, too, in a never-ending kiss that took my breath, not to mention my resolve, away - that in spite of everything, I gave him what he wanted most, my soul in its entirety, for I knew right there and then I was sealing my destiny forever.

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Excerpt:

But what really blew my mind away were his incredible transformation and the connection he was strengthening every day more. The first time I saw him slowly turn into a majestic black eagle-like bird—his face elongating in a beak, his body sprouting giant claws, then long elegant wings, covered with thick luscious black feathers—it took my breath away, though not as much as when I understood that I, and I alone, had the power to control him. And it thrilled me beyond words, like an excitingly heated wave coursing my entire fiber, to think he had chosen me, out of all the people he could’ve beckoned for this special service, to share his most intimate sphere.

So he soared high above the sky while I tried to follow him on ground, soon losing sight of him until the low, deep and distinctive pitch I was learning to recognize as his essence reverberated in my head like the sound of distant thunder to steer me in the right direction without using any words or forms of verbal communication. Apparently, his beast state didn’t consent any human weakness, least of all the spoken kind, and he had to submit to the same limitations animals did except for what came from the intense sharing I was growing to depend on, both in and out of bed. And while I could simply think my questions or comments in order to receive an answer from him, he relied heavily on imagery, audible signs and sensations to make sure we never lost track of each other, flashing map-like pictures of a place, if not the actual view of it, or clogging my ears with the noise associated to it.

In any case, I didn’t need his words—enough to sense him as a presence in my head regardless of the distance between us or of his appearance, bird or human making no difference in my strong perception of him—for I knew he was trying to teach me more than a silent exchange of information. What he aimed at was for our link to move beyond the physical realm to reach the indefinable sensual one that for the time being was ours only during sex. “Because, little one, our senses won’t betray us…” To prove his point, he had grabbed it and squeezed it. “Like fragile emotions or false words.”

I had no trouble believing him, not after his many lessons were plunging me into a frenzied heat that swept away my doubts, my awareness, my breath, my very life, everything and anything that wasn’t him fading in a hazy background until nothing existed besides him. And it intoxicated my soul and altered my perceptions like living constantly on the edge of a precipice, hovering between a vertical fall without safety nets and a sense of security he was instilling slowly but surely.

That’s how it all came together—the training, the connection, the hunt, the chase, the killings, the incredible transformation and the hottest sex—coalescing into the most unusual relationship I had ever experienced. It wasn’t love, of course, though I felt closer to him than to any loved one. It wasn’t work either, although we had a definite purpose and his determination drove me beyond any feasible boundary. But whatever it was, nothing expressed it better than our bodies’ fatal attraction to one another.

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INHABITING THE NIGHT by Carolina Valdez

INHABITING THE NIGHT by Carolina Valdez

LAPD Detective Trent Edwards rents a house in a mountain community near the only reported sighting of his brother, who's disappeared without a trace. Martin Longhouse, who owns the local fitness center, takes Trent under his wing and introduces him to townspeople who might have seen his missing sibling. Soon, the lust that flares between the two men settles into something deeper.

But Trent doesn't know Martin has a secret, nor does he know exactly who lives in Little Grizzly Lake. Or who, and what, inhabits the woods at night.

When the secrets unravel, Trent discovers his rational cop's mind has a choice - let go of his love for Martin, or open himself up to other realities, other possibilities for his life...

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Excerpt:

...When Martin finally hit the End Workout button on the digital board and the belt slowly died, Trent was more than ready to stop. As he stepped down, his breathing shallow and too fast, he said, “Man, I’m really out of shape.”

Martin’s eyes flicked over him quickly. “You’re in pretty good shape as far as I can see.”

Trent paused, wondering if he’d heard the soft words right and if the intention of the words was what he thought it was. “I’m weak as a kitten.”

“You’ll regain your strength. It just needs a little more time.”

Martin had set up a program for him along the lines of what his physical therapist advised. He also provided small squishy balls to squeeze to strengthen his hands. He demonstrated some easy stretches for his back and legs, and when a spasm tightened Trent’s scarred leg, Martin called a halt. “Enough for today. Come into the spa area and I’ll smooth out that muscle.”

A couple of men were sitting nude in the spa, and anxiety jolted through Trent. Oh, boy, being in that Jacuzzi naked with Martin would create an embarrassing situation.

Martin must’ve noticed because he chuckled and shook his head. “We’re going in here,” he said and motioned to a massage room off to the side. After they entered, he added, “You can strip or leave your jock strap in place. I’m going to massage your leg. I’ll be back in a minute.”

Trent admitted he stripped because he wanted to be naked under that clean white sheet for Martin as he lay on his back on the table.

Martin returned with a bottle of oil. He left the door ajar so they’d have privacy without being totally alone. The table couldn’t be seen through the doorway.

Trent worried about making his dick behave, but he’d hurt so long and so much in his ribs, shoulder and leg that he closed his eyes and let Martin work his magic, forgetting about his desire. Martin put a CD in a player and smooth jazz sounded in the background. He tucked the sheet in so as to expose the injured leg, but not Trent’s sac and dick. Still, the fact of whose hands were tucking made Trent nervous again. The room filled with the faint scent of almond oil, and at last, Trent relaxed and enjoyed the pure pleasure of deft hands massaging his feet and gliding their way up his lower legs and then to his thighs.

“You have good hands,” he murmured.

A silent Martin paused, as if taken aback by the comment, then he continued to work out the kinks in Trent’s leg. When his hands reached under the tucked sheet and followed Trent’s quad muscles right up to his hipbones, Trent’s unruly dick threatened to seriously tent the sheet as it rose under it. He reached to push it down, but Martin stopped him.

“That’s not a problem. Happens all the time. Shows you’re still all man, despite the abuse your body has experienced.”

Trent concentrated on relaxing again as the warm hands slid over his muscles to knead and stroke.

“You had a lot of knots in this leg. The oil will also help soften the scar and make it more flexible.”

The husky voice triggered visions of Martin reclining on a bed naked, a long, hard cock riding up against his belly, his sac straining to keep up, all waiting for the touch of Trent’s hand. He could imagine the feel of the erection in his palms as he tugged up and down, faster and faster, until Martin convulsed and came.

Damn it, he could feel his cock drooling and knew he was about to come. He pushed up on his elbows and raised one knee. “I think that’s enough. This is feeling a little too good right now.”

Martin stopped, but one corner of his mouth seemed to fight lifting in a smile. “As I said, it shows you’re all man. However, I don’t want to lose my certification as a fitness trainer, so we’ll stop.”

Trent sat up, bunching the sheet around his subsiding hard-on to cover his chagrin that his body had betrayed him...

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SECRETS OF NIGHT by Virginia Cavanaugh

SECRETS OF NIGHT - Book One in Virginia Cavanaugh's Order of Night Series

When the tenuous peace between the Shape-Shifters, Vampires, and Sorceresses is shattered, Kierra, Sorceress Senator for The Order of Night, takes it into her own hands to discover the reasons why.

As the Vampire member of the Triad for The Order of Night, Kale is no stranger to war, yet isn't eager to battle anew without cause. His investigation into the allegations that the Shape-Shifters are the breakers of the peace treaty is thrown askew when the woman who's haunted his lusty dreams is found doing recon of her own.

As the body count rises and more women disappear, Kierra and Kale race against the clock to uncover the secret the Shape-Shifters are keeping. Imminent war and forbidden attraction threaten to implode their progress, while Kierra's secrets may very well tip the scales of power.

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Excerpt:

Kierra stood in the thick woods, surveying the three floors of the brick mansion that housed the Shape-Shifting Senators of the Order of Night for Area Four. She crept silently through the woods and slid behind the massive trunk of an old maple tree, concealing herself in its shadow. She peered around it, careful not to expose her form to their enhanced vision.

A strong masculine hand clamped around her mouth, and she drew in a shocked breath through her nose. A warm summer breeze glided past, rustling the leaves above her head and carrying the scents of pine, earth, and something else extremely tempting and forbidden. The muscles in her body—tense with need to react and defend herself—relaxed as she realized she had nothing to fear from the newcomer. His hand slid from her mouth and down her neck, causing her to shiver. Soundless movement brought the Vampire Kale around to stand in front of her. The moonlight filtered by the dense canopy of trees partially illuminated the area.

Even though it was forbidden for her to mix with other races, she could not stop her body and mind’s reaction to him. Her gaze roamed over his body as her heart increased its tempo. He easily stood at six and a half feet tall, with long black hair, and pale blue eyes. The rippling muscles of his body were large and well defined. Full lips were turned up in a playful smile, revealing a small dimple above a strong jaw. He wore the usual black tank top and black leather pants, which hung perfectly on his lean hips.

“Witch,” he stated in greeting.

“Anemic brat.” She cast him a contemptuous smile. She hated it when he called her Witch. Her race took it as an insult. “And once again I shall remind you that the politically correct term is Sorceress. I don’t chant, draw pentagrams, or brew potions. Now get back before they see you.”

“Which brings me to my first question.” He walked around the tree, coming to a stop behind her. “What are you doing here?”

His whisper sent heated breath across her neck and cheek. A mild shiver of delight traveled down her spine. She wondered if he had any idea of the effect his presence had on her. Part of her wished he would go crawl back under whatever rock he had crawled out from under, while the other side wanted to know why he was here in the first place. She had taken a great risk in coming herself. So what motivated him? She looked at him over her shoulder. “I should ask you the same thing.”

“I was just out for a stroll. How about you?”

She rolled her eyes, refusing to rise to the bait. Could he ever be serious? She focused her attention back to the front of the house. Three black SUVs were parked in the circle drive with their motors left running. Two men, dressed in solid black, stood off to the side smoking. Their faces were illuminated faintly by the red glow of their cigarettes as they inhaled, but she did not recognize them. The bay window of the dining room revealed the five Shape-Shifting Senators seated at a long table, along with ten other people that Kierra assumed were also Shifters. “There’s a lot of activity going on in there.”

She felt the slight pressure of his body behind her as he peered over her shoulder at the house. A wave of heat washed over her as his chest came into contact with her back, and she found it increasingly harder to think clearly.

“I agree, but that still doesn’t tell me why you’re here.”

She drew in a tight breath as she refocused on the problem at hand. “Earlier today, a group of five young Sorceresses were attacked,” she whispered. “They all ranged between twenty and twenty-five years of age. Their powers were just starting to surface and were still very unstable. Three of the women were taken and the two that returned were scratched up and bitten. They said they were attacked by a group of Shifters they had not seen in this area before.”

“Are the two that got away certain that the other three were taken and not killed?”

“They said they were being shoved into the back of a van. They only escaped because Emmaline shocked her captor then reached out and shocked Catheria’s. They both ran for it as Emmaline placed a shield around them. They’re very lucky Emmaline was able to control her magic.”

“You know, even if the Senators had something to do with this, they wouldn’t have been stupid enough to bring them here.”

“I know. But you have to admit that their absence during the Order’s biannual meeting last night, coupled with this abduction is more than a little odd. No new Shifters would’ve been able to settle in this area without the consent of their Monarch and the Area Four Senators. I want answers, and I figure this is as good a place as any to start getting them.” They were either here illegally with the blessing of the Senators, or their Monarch was involved with whatever they were up to. Without knowing, she couldn’t very well turn it over to the Shifter Triad member. She had to know if they were all corrupt or just the ones who were in front of her.

Kale stepped back. “And now you plan to just waltz in there with guns blazing per se? Without consulting the Order first?”

She turned to face him. “I’ve been a Senator of the Order for ten years now and you’re also a Senator as well as Triad, so now that we’ve talked, I’ve consulted. And I don’t plan on going in there guns blazing. From the looks of it, they’re getting ready to leave so I am going to sneak in.” Her stare became fixed on the strong line of his jaw as he crossed his arms and cast his best that isn’t going to fly look.

“Do you really expect me to stand here and do nothing?” she asked, directing her gaze back to his face.

“Such youthful impulses can get you into trouble.”

“I’m not a youth. I’m a hundred years old. Just because I wasn’t alive when the dinosaurs roamed the earth, doesn’t make me a youth.” Twenty years ago, she had moved out of the convocation dorms younger Sorceresses lived in until they grew into their magic. As any other Sorceress would have done, she declared her independence with the blessing of the convocation’s elders. It really irked her when he made references to her age, and she was beginning to think he did it on purpose. She silently cursed herself for rising to the bait this time and giving him the retort he had no doubt sought.

He rolled his eyes. “No, I don’t expect you to stand here and do nothing, but I am going in with you.”

She placed her hands on her hips, her gaze meeting his. “You can’t do that. You’re part of the Triad, and they would have your butt in a sling for something like this.” She couldn’t believe he would be willing to give up his position as one of the ruling members of the Order of Night to help her.

“Being part of the Triad is how we’re going to keep our butts out of the sling.”

She threw her hands up in defeat, knowing there was no point in arguing with him. He could be impossibly stubborn when he wanted to be, and it seemed like any time he was around her, he chose to be.

She turned from him and peered around the tree again as the sound of multiple voices reached her ears. Senators Eric and Bree led the group out of the house, the dim yellow parking lights bathing their faces in a soft glow. The lights in the house had all been extinguished, casting the rest of the group in shadow. She could not make out what they were saying, but from the tone, it appeared they were arguing. At times like these, she wished she had the super hearing the Vampires and Shifters had inherited. Kierra whispered over her shoulder, “Are you catching any of this?”

“Pieces. Eric’s pissed off that one of the others challenged his authority. Now Bree just told them all to shut their pie holes, in a not so nice manner.”

Kierra watched as Bree yanked open the lead SUV’s passenger door and climbed inside. For a person who shifted into a rabbit, Bree could be pretty fierce. The others followed suit. Kierra and Kale both lay flat on the ground as the SUVs passed by. The sound of dirt and rock crunching under the tires faded, signaling the coast was clear.

“So how do you want to do this?” Kale asked as he got to his feet and extended his hand to her.

“When I arrived I made my way around the perimeter and noticed a back door.” She jumped up and released his hand. “I believe it would be best to enter through it.”

“Lead the way, Witch.”

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MY DARK LORD AND MASTER by Charisma Knight

XOXO Publishing Presents HALLOWEEN ANTHOLOGY Volume 1

Charisma Knight's MY DARK LORD AND MASTER

Ever wonder what dreams and fantasies are made of? Some believe one mirrors the other. Perhaps a fantasy is based upon a dream you had one restless night. Maybe a dream, once a fantasy has presented itself to you in the form of a half man, half beast, conjured by the darkest depths of your imagination.

Once manifestation has occurred, how will you react when your dark Lord and Master projects you into his domain, placing his mark upon you for all eternity? When it is all said and done, would you regret the strong power of imagination?

Stories in this compilation of XoXo Publishing authors include: Sandy Sullivan - Cat On The Prowl, William Edmund III - Dare I Speculate, Layla Hunter - Dark Desire, Saydi Raen - Kalib's Guardian, Brianna Martini - Halloween Hell, Timothy Spearman - Mark of the Beast, Charisma Knight - My Dark Lord and Master, Sherri Good - The Power Of Magic, Raven Lynx - Poems of Halloween, and Marianne Stephens - Halloween Wish.

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Excerpt:

I imagine your voice as a sexy whisper, with heated breath against my neck as you ask, “Will you be my submissive?”

“Oh, fuck yeah!” I scream in my aroused state.

Now I have totally relinquished any self-control I thought I possessed, early on before I came to know you in this way. Is it so easy to believe how this fierce imagination of mine has me panting with desire for you? My desire for you has entombed my mortal soul.

“Yes, I will be your submissive, Master,” I say, my voicing quivering in need. “Take these cuffs and these chains, and bind me. Spread me wide on your bed, and take it all—take everything I offer so freely to you, for in these brief moments during the day, I belong to you, temporarily."

“Are you sure?” You ask, lust filling your eyes. “For once we travel down this path, there is no return. Do you understand love?”

“Yes, my deliciously sweet, dark, handsome master from across the sea. Take me, I beg of thee, take me and do what you will."

I close my eyes and wish—wish, pray, and plead until my dark master appears to me, not just as a spirit but as a flesh and blood man. The power of my darkest desires is enough to summon him.

Now, you are here and you tower above me. Without a word you take me in your strong embrace, carrying me a thousand miles from my homeland. Over the shores made of gold and sea of turquoise blue, we fly over the Serbian mountains. My life flashes before my eyes, and for now, we are the only beings existing in this world.

My eyes close for long enough to be surprised when I open them again in time to see a huge four- post bed. Gently, you lay me onto the soft fur pelts.

I want to escape, but I don’t ever want be free and I know I have given my consent to anything my master wishes to do to me. You give me a smile, exciting me while turning my blood ice cold. I shudder as your large hands pull at the sheer silk fabric of my dress and in within seconds you have stripped me naked before you.

I quiver with desire as you run your fingers over my stiff nipples and twist each one. God, you know I want you to suck on them and you don’t disappoint, you never do.

Moans escape my lips as your mouth and teeth explore my diamond hard nubs. You run a finger across my labia and your dark smile deepens at the wetness you have provoked.

With an urgent move, you push me back onto the bed. My breathing is shallow and erratic. From nowhere you produce a length of thick black rope and I struggle in vain, even though I know you are too strong and my resistance would be for naught.

Laughing, a deep, dark laugh, you spread me wide on the bed so I’m helpless and vulnerable to you.

“Master, please.” The words are mangled, and anticipation possesses me like a dark veil. I grit my teeth and my breathing is labored as I feel the heat of your hands.

“There will be no begging tonight. You are mine, at last.” A maniacal laugh fills me with dread, and a strong desire I cannot comprehend. My eyes are glued to you as you begin to undress.

“Master.” I murmur once more.

You place a lone finger against sensuous lips and say; “Shhh. Say no more woman." A shiver runs down my spine, because I could have sworn I saw flames dancing in your dark eyes.

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LIVING ON THE EDGE by LaVerne Thompson

LIVING ON THE EDGE by LaVerne Thompson

As one of the few female bounty hunters in the country and with a nickname like Edge, she enjoyed living on the edge and always got her man....one way or another. As an executioner for her shifter clan she was relentless, but finding a mate was not something on her radar, having to hunt him down and execute him even less so.

But could she trust her instincts?

Ethan Graves was a hunted man, not quite a man but a Leo of his kind. When he found out he was hunted by a sexy bounty hunter, he let himself be caught. He just had to convince her of his innocence before she killed him, then confess to wanting her as his mate.

But could he trust his instincts?

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Excerpt:

The place was dark but he didn’t need to turn on any lights, he saw quite well in the dark. He found the fake flooring in the bedroom, pried it up and unlocked the safe. It was her birth date, she used that for everything. A sound, too low for normal senses to hear but not for his, and not part of the night had him jerking his head in the direction of the front door. He couldn’t see the door from the bedroom, but he had to hurry someone was walking around the pool area. Sticking his hand into the chamber he felt the outline of a slender book. He grabbed it and shut the safe, replacing the flooring. A different sound, closer this time, like someone was trying to get into the pool house through the front door. He stood up and made his way back to the front room, glad now he’d had the forethought to change the door code so no one else could come in behind him. Staying in the shadows of the room, he moved over to the blinds and peered around the edge to look outside. It was none other than Richard. The light beside him perfectly illuminated the pissed expression on his face because he couldn’t open the door.

It took all the self-control Ethan could call upon not to open the door and beat the shit out of Richard. Get him to confess that he was the one who had been having an affair with Sharon and killed her. As satisfying as that seemed, Ethan knew it wouldn’t work. Without proof a confession from Richard to him would be meaningless. Even if they had been having an affair that still wasn’t quite enough to shine the light on Richard. Unless Richard was there for the same reason he was. Ethan glanced down at the red velvet journal he held in his hand. This was what Richard came here for. Richard knew just as well as he did Sharon kept a journal, and since the police didn’t have it, it was still somewhere on the grounds. Now if Ethan were lucky it would contain the proof he’d been seeking.

Richard kicked the door and headed back toward the house. Ethan heard him open the patio doors closing them behind him, but Ethan stayed where he was. Richard was still in the house and might be able to see the pool area. But he couldn’t stay in the pool house long, it was too dangerous. He moved into the sitting area toward the back of the house where there was a large window facing away from the main house. The curtains in there were pulled back, but he could see nothing but trees beyond the dark expanse of lawn. He’d be in an open area a little but the land slanted downhill and if he kept low and in the shadows he should be able to make it back into the woods. He’d hidden his motorcycle there so it wouldn’t be spotted from the road.

In order to get out he’d have to turn off the alarm, so he went back to the front room and did that. Time was getting away from him, the longer he stayed the greater the risk Richard would return and decide to just break in. He could be right now calling the security company. Since Ethan’s arrest, Richard now had access to lots of information. Ethan opened the window and climbed out into the bushes flanking the area. Keeping his body hunched over, he stayed in the shadows and between the trees until he made his way back to his bike. As soon as he reached it he stored the journal in his saddlebag hanging off the back, but survival instincts had him whipping his head around. He wasn’t alone.

A woman stepped from behind a large tree. He didn’t recognize her scent, and even with his night vision, he couldn’t see her features clearly but her silhouette showed her to be tall and willowy. It took him a moment more to realize she also held a dark shiny object in her hand and it was pointed in his direction. Even though it was in shadow he recognized the shape. A gun. She had a gun.

He held his hands palms up and at his sides. “Ah, sorry if I’m trespassing,” he said thinking she might have been a neighbor. “I just had to take a quick bathroom run into the woods I’m leaving.”

“Oh, I don’t think so.”

Her voice was soft, sexy. Not the kind of voice you’d expect to find coming from a woman holding a gun, but then again he’d never expected a lot of the things that had been happening to him lately.

“Look, I don’t want any trouble.” He moved to climb onto the bike. She moved closer to him planting herself directly in the only clear path for the bike to get out onto the road.

“Sorry, Ethan Graves, but you’re a wanted man, and I’m here to take you back into custody.”

“What the hell?” he said, not understanding entirely what she was saying. The clouds parted just as she stepped out of the shadows and he could see her features clearer now. A sliver of moonlight bathed her body. She had brown skin, like chocolate melted in warm milk, a heart shaped face, and high cheekbones accenting a plump bow of a cherry mouth, and a feminine body built like a dancer. Broad shoulders, tiny waist, and long legs. Her hair was pulled back into a ponytail the end rested across one shoulder ending just above her breast. In another life he would have wanted her name and number, but that was a long time ago.

BLOODY RIGHT by Georgia Evans

Excerpt From Georgia Evans' BLOODY RIGHT
BLOODY RIGHT by Georgia Evans
Brytewood, England November 1940
Publication date: August 2009
ISBN: 0-7582-3483-X

It will take all of Brytewood's Others to save their village from destruction in the climax of a Georgia Evans' supernatural trilogy.

Gryffyth Pendragon has done his bit for the war effort when he comes back to sleepy Brytewood from the battlefront at Trondheim. It cost him a leg, and his chance to use his dragon's strength against the Nazis - or so he thinks. Until he finds out that his little village is facing a plague of vampire spies set on delivering it to the Third Reich. They've come up with a plan that, if they can pull it off, might break all of Britain's will to fight...

But there are more allies for Gryffyth in Brytewood than he'd ever imagined, and while a doctor, a nurse, a schoolteacher, and a couple of sexagenarians doesn't sound like much of a battle force to him, there's more to his cohorts than meets the eye. Against ancient and impossibly powerful agents of evil, they will need every man, woman, and dragon-shifter they can get...

EXCERPT


Mary let out a gasp. She must have stumbled, tripped or missed her footing. Her partner caught her and a moment later he had her right hand and she was back in the rhythm of the dance. Or at least her feet were keeping time with the music as she and whatever his name was made their way down the dance to the end. Now she had her back to the dark-eyed man. She wanted so much to turn and look at him again. But she wasn't that rude, was she? Her partner was a nice lad, pleasant polite and about as exciting as peeling a sack of potatoes.

While behind her was... God! She felt his gaze like a fire up and down her spine as she moved up the dance as another couple took of down the line. Utter nonsense. Was it? She swallowed hard. She wanted so much to turn her head. To prove to herself she was imagining things. That Gryffyth Pendragon (she knew it was him form the triumphal entrance engineered by the village worthies) was not watching her every step and breath and the heat in his glance as she met his eyes was figment of her imagination. But without turning her back on her partner and the dance, there was no way she could be sure. Besides that would be rude. She caught the hand of the next man coming down the dance. She had to concentrate, pay attention, smile at her partner.

While behind her, his eyes boring a hole between her shoulder blades, was the guest of honor who had umpteen old friends here and knew everyone and... .

Mary stepped up as another couple reached the bottom.

Two more couples and the dance would be over. She must be out of condition. That was it. She needed to get herself up to the hammer pond and immerse herself in the water to restore her equilibrium. Why else was her heart racing like this?

The last couple reached the end. The music stopped with a flourish. She honored her partner with a bob of a curtsey, thanked him and avoided Tom Longhurst's glance, as he came towards her.

She didn't remember crossing the length of the village hall, no doubt she'd walked on toes, tripped up children and pushed aside old ladies. She just made a beeline to where Gryffyth Pendragon sat, watching her approach.

He smiled as she reached him.

Her mouth went dry.

What the hell was she doing? Approaching a virtual stranger, and the guest of honor into the bargain, when she'd promised to go back and help with the tea urn.

"Hello," she said, holding out her hand. "I'm Mary LaPrioux."

"I know," he replied, moving a coat off the chair next to him. "Have a seat. Want a beer?"

She loathed beer. "Thank you." He filled a glass from the almost empty jug in front of him. She took a sip. Yes. She loathed beer but it wouldn't kill her. "How did you know my name?"

Easy enough, really. Most of the village knew who she was by now.

"I asked Tom Longhurst."

Spluttering beer down her nose would have ruined the moment. It was a near thing. "Tom?"

"Yes." She noticed his eyes weren't dark. His long lashes were but his eyes were the blue of a Guernsey sea in June and crinkled at the corners as he gave a slow, almost twisted, smile. "He told me you were taken."

"What?" Yes, she had no trouble believing it. "Not by him, I'm not!" That was it. He wasn't even getting the promised dance now.

"Good." Gryffyth replied, taking a deep drink of his beer.

They sat in silence. Not an awkward one but it did go on too long. "I know your father's glad you're back safely."

He nodded. "He keeps saying that."

"You doubt him?"

He drained his glass. "No." The empty glass made a soft dull thud as he put it down on the table.

Odd wasn't the word. He was abrupt, almost off-putting, but she didn't want to leave him. Something about him kept her here sitting so close their knees almost touched while she sipped on the beer that tasted worse with each mouthful.

"You don't think much of the beer, do you?"

Why lie. "I don't usually drink it. But I've never tasted Surrey beer and thought it was time I did."

"Or," he said with an edge in his voice, "you didn't want to ask a cripple to hobble across the room for a glass of orange squash."

"Of course not." That earned her a scowl. "I loathe orange squash."

His laugh was gloriously deep and earthy and sent warm shivers down her back. It took all she had not to rest her hands on his chest and feel the ripples coursing in his muscles.

She meshed her fingers together and clasped her hands tight.

"What do you like, Mary LaPrioux?"

"Moonlit nights, warm breezes, running across the countryside." And bathing naked in the hammerpond but the latter she'd best keep to herself.

"Bit late in the year for all that, isn't it?"

And no doubt tactless of her to mention running.

"It'll be spring before you know it." Unless they had a winter like last year's to get through.

"Are you always this cheerful?"

"Not really. It's a front I put on. I get pretty dismal when I let myself go."

He chuckled. Not quite are sexy as his laugh but very nice all the same. "That makes two of us. Maybe we should get dismal together."

Not quite knowing why, she reached over and took his hand. "Best not," she said.

He closed his fingers over hers. "What do you want, Mary LaPrioux?"

She had absolutely no idea. Other than to sit beside him and try to make him laugh again. "I wouldn't mind a cigarette." He reached into his jacket pocket, flipped the pack open and offered her one. Then produced a silver lighter. "Thank you."

"I'll swap you for the beer."

"Go ahead, but I drank out of it."

"Not got anything contagious have you?"

"We've had problems with headlice in the school."

Dear God! He was wonderful when he laughed. Wonderful but so melancholy. "Nothing worse than that?"

"Terminal homesickness." Now why had she said that? She was saying nutty things. Stupid things.

He nodded. "I know what that's like."

Another odd, but not uncomfortable silence. Then he squeezed her hand, his fingers strong and warm around hers. She met his eyes and his odd twisted smile. Very sexy, odd twisted smile.

"Looks like Tom Longhurst is heading this way. I bet he wants to ask you to dance."

She bet he was too, dammit. "You'd better ask me first."

His smile faded as if snapped out. "Take your jokes somewhere else."

Hurt wasn't the word, but darn it, he'd walked into the hall and... "I'm not joking, funning or teasing. It's a waltz, nice and slow." She stood, only half aware what she was saying and doing. But she kept hold of his hand. "Come on."

The woman was loony. Expecting him to dance when he could barely walk.

"It's a really slow one," she repeated.

Gryffyth glanced up. Longhurst was definitely heading his way. Damn. "If I fall and measure my length, you're going to swing for it."

"You won't."

He stood. Had to be as insane as she was. Except she walked slowly, keeping pace with his hobble, and the look on Longhurst's face was almost worth the risk of humiliating himself in public. Side by side they walked to the middle of the dance floor. He couldn't help notice everyone stepped back, scared he'd land on them when he toppled, no doubt. It was on the tip of his tongue to tell this woman she was mad as a hatter and go back to his beer. But she rested her hand on his shoulder, his arm curled around her waist and she smiled up at him. "Want me to lead?"

Hell, no! He took a firmer hold of her waist, clasped her right hand in his left one and on the beat, stepped forward.

With his tin leg.

He didn't fall, didn't topple in a heap but it wasn't exactly graceful as they bobbed and stepped. She was surprising strong for her slender build. When he wobbled, she steadied him. When he lurched, she added balance and held him strong. Forget fancy twirls and reverse turns. This was simple, straightforward tread on your partner's toes waltzing. He managed to miss her shins most of the time but her toes had to be black and blue.

Not that her toes were really foremost in his mind.





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