Leashed
(Shifter Sanctuary 1)
CLICK COVER TO PURCHASE
[Ménage Amour: Erotic Paranormal Consensual BDSM Ménage a Trois Romance, M/F/M, shape-shifters, flogging, sex toys, HEA]
Laci Dalton has never been tamed by man or beast and has no intention of rolling over any time soon. But her lioness is demanding a mate and creating havoc. When her brother tries to chain her to his second-in-command, Laci bolts for freedom.
Shifter Sanctuary is an exclusive retreat, but it’s also home to a BDSM club where shifters walk on the wild side. The resort’s lion-shifter owners, Tucker Steele and Colt Parker, don’t tolerate bad attitudes or trespassing hunters. If the furry and feathered want to play at Sanctuary, they play by the rules or don’t play at all. And for Tucker and Colt, their number one self-imposed rule is to never get involved with employees.
When Laci takes a job as a bartender at the resort, Tucker and Colt are tempted to break their own rules. If they can keep unattached males from stealing their newest employee, they might be the two shifters who can finally put a leash on this runaway she-cat.
PG-13 Excerpt
“Would you teach me?”
Reaper's Redemption
(Legends & Myths 2)
[Ménage Amour: Erotic Fantasy Ménage a Trois Romance, M/F/M, HEA]
Atticus is a fallen angel with many names, but the Grim Reaper is the one most feared. After failing his last mission, he’ll get as close to his new target as he must to ensure success. An unfallen angel and Atticus’s brother, Azrael longs to turn Atticus from darkness. His own mission comes first, though, and if he succeeds he’ll lose Atticus forever.
Danni Morgan had her life ahead of her until a devastating diagnosis changed everything. She’s determined to conquer her fear of death, but she has no idea her soul is being stalked.
As he interferes with Atticus’s mission, Azrael realizes their target may be the only one who can save his brother. But Azrael may have to sacrifice himself as the price for his brother’s salvation. Danni’s time grows short, sacred vows are broken, and angelic forces are unleashed. In the end, even the walls of Hell are no match for the power of love and redemption.
PG-13 Excerpt
“You need to eat.” Atticus placed a plate of sliced honeydew melon, pineapple, and mango on the small table next to Danni’s lounge chair.
Immortally Theirs
(Shifter Sanctuary 1)
CLICK COVER TO PURCHASE[Ménage Amour: Erotic Paranormal Consensual BDSM Ménage a Trois Romance, M/F/M, shape-shifters, flogging, sex toys, HEA]
Laci Dalton has never been tamed by man or beast and has no intention of rolling over any time soon. But her lioness is demanding a mate and creating havoc. When her brother tries to chain her to his second-in-command, Laci bolts for freedom.
Shifter Sanctuary is an exclusive retreat, but it’s also home to a BDSM club where shifters walk on the wild side. The resort’s lion-shifter owners, Tucker Steele and Colt Parker, don’t tolerate bad attitudes or trespassing hunters. If the furry and feathered want to play at Sanctuary, they play by the rules or don’t play at all. And for Tucker and Colt, their number one self-imposed rule is to never get involved with employees.
When Laci takes a job as a bartender at the resort, Tucker and Colt are tempted to break their own rules. If they can keep unattached males from stealing their newest employee, they might be the two shifters who can finally put a leash on this runaway she-cat.
PG-13 Excerpt
“Would you teach me?”
Tucker’s lips pressed together and his nostrils flared. A mixture of emotions played across his face. Worry coursed through Laci. Had she crossed a line she shouldn’t have crossed? She chided herself. Of course she had crossed a line. He was her employer!
Tucker paced away from her and raked his fingers through his hair. Then he turned back to face her. He closed the distance between them again, the struggle apparent on his face. She held her breath, bracing herself for his rejection, but then he reached up and cupped her face in his hand. “I shouldn’t. I’m your boss.” His words echoed Laci’s thoughts. He stroked his thumb across her face. “And Colt would kill me.”
Heat crept into Laci’s cheeks at the mention of Colt’s name. In spite of standing mere inches from Tucker, she couldn’t stop her body from responding to the thought of Colt. Tucker grinned. “You’re attracted to him, aren’t you?”
Laci’s cheeks got even hotter and she tore her gaze from Tucker’s in embarrassment. He put his finger under her chin and lifted her gaze back to his.
“Hey, don’t be ashamed of that. There’s nothing wrong with being attracted to both of us.”
Laci opened her mouth to protest. “But—”
Tucker put his finger over her lips. “Sh. We’ll talk about Colt later. Right now, you need to know what it means to be my submissive so you can decide if you really want to go through with it.”
He dropped his hand from her face and turned his back to her. Shock exploded through Laci, mixed with a sizable dose of fear. Was he really going to agree to this? Was she?
He walked over to the bed and then turned and leaned back against the bedpost, crossing his arms over his chest. “If I take you as my sub, you will do what I tell you to do, without argument.” His voice had taken a different tone. It had a hard edge to it. Laci wasn’t sure if she was afraid of it or turned on by it. Probably both.
“You will address me as Sir or Master. You will only speak when asked a question or are told to speak, but if you are unsure of my instructions, you may also ask for clarification. If you disobey me, there will be punishment.”
Laci let his words sink in. She could hardly believe she was on the verge of agreeing to this. She’d always been so adamant about refusing to relinquish control to anyone, but the way Tucker described submission was intoxicating.
With a jolt, she realized her cat was no longer pacing impatiently in her mind. Instead, it was sitting quietly, hanging on every word Tucker spoke, waiting for him to give an instruction. Laci was stunned. She could safely say her cat had never reacted that way toward any man. Ever.
She nodded slowly. Tucker pushed away from the bedpost and circled her. “I didn’t hear you. Was that a yes?”
Laci licked her lips, her whole body trembling. “Yes.”
Tucker stopped in front of her and raised one eyebrow. “Yes, what?”
Laci wanted to kick herself for the mistake. “Yes, Sir.”
Tucker’s lips turned up. “Good girl.” Both Laci and her cat felt like swaggering at his simple praise. “Is there anything you can think of that you would absolutely not do? Any sex acts or situations that might trigger an extreme emotional reaction?”
Laci shivered with a mixture of excitement and fear over what things Tucker might ask her to do. “Not that I know of. Sir.” Tucker’s lips twitched, and Laci knew he’d caught the fact that she almost forgot to address him properly. That was really going to take some getting used to.
Tucker nodded. “We’ll play it by ear, then.” He fell silent and circled her. “I’ll go easy on you this first time, but I’m going to push your limits farther, test your boundaries, each time we’re together. You’ll have a safe word. If you use it, I will stop whatever I’m doing immediately. Do you understand?”
“Yes, Sir.” Laci knew she didn’t really understand, even though she said she did. But she was going to take Tucker at his word that he would stop if she really wanted him to.
“Now think of a word, Laci. Something you wouldn’t normally say in the heat of the moment, but something you’ll easily remember.”
Her mind cast around for an appropriate word, something that would stand out in her mind, a word that held all her fears and doubts. Only one word surfaced in her thoughts.
“Mate. My safe word is mate.”
Tucker’s features hardened and she realized she’d forgotten to say Sir again, but then his expression softened. He raised his hand and stroked her cheek with the back of his fingers, his brow creasing as he studied her. “It scares you that much? The thought of mating?”
A shudder worked its way from the base of Laci’s spine up to the back of her neck. She wanted to deny that a single word held that much power over her, but she couldn’t. The words wouldn’t come.
Reaper's Redemption
(Legends & Myths 2)
[Ménage Amour: Erotic Fantasy Ménage a Trois Romance, M/F/M, HEA]
Atticus is a fallen angel with many names, but the Grim Reaper is the one most feared. After failing his last mission, he’ll get as close to his new target as he must to ensure success. An unfallen angel and Atticus’s brother, Azrael longs to turn Atticus from darkness. His own mission comes first, though, and if he succeeds he’ll lose Atticus forever.
Danni Morgan had her life ahead of her until a devastating diagnosis changed everything. She’s determined to conquer her fear of death, but she has no idea her soul is being stalked.
As he interferes with Atticus’s mission, Azrael realizes their target may be the only one who can save his brother. But Azrael may have to sacrifice himself as the price for his brother’s salvation. Danni’s time grows short, sacred vows are broken, and angelic forces are unleashed. In the end, even the walls of Hell are no match for the power of love and redemption.
PG-13 Excerpt
“You need to eat.” Atticus placed a plate of sliced honeydew melon, pineapple, and mango on the small table next to Danni’s lounge chair.
Danni sighed and looked up at him, lifting her hand over her eyes to shield them from the bright sunlight. “I know. I just haven’t been able to get much down.”
Atticus sat down on the chaise next to her and glanced across at Azrael, who occupied the chair of the other side of Danni. He wore a speculative expression as he studied her. Atticus could almost see the thoughts running through his brother’s mind. Was Danni’s illness progressing faster than they had detected?
She had spent the last couple of days barely able to do more than sit around the pool, occasionally taking a quick dip in the water to cool herself off. She napped often and ate little. Atticus had seen disease take its toll on countless humans. Her body’s responses were normal, under the circumstances. And if her illness was progressing faster than he’d anticipated, then his mission would be over all the more quickly. He narrowed his eyes and studied Danni, wondering why that thought bothered him so much?
Maybe he just dreaded the possibility of returning to Hell without her soul, should Azrael best him in their opposing missions. Or maybe, in spite of his insistence otherwise, he wasn’t really all that irritated by his brother’s presence. Truth be told, Atticus was enjoying his brother’s company, though he would never admit that to anyone, least of all Azrael.
Azrael had even relented and called Atticus by his preferred name in front of Danni, though he still called him by his given name when they were alone. It was a small concession, but one Atticus appreciated, all the same. His given name reminded him too much of times long past, when his purpose had been different.
Danni shifted in her chair, dragging Atticus’s thoughts back to her. He picked up the fork he’d brought and speared a piece of honeydew. “Just a bite, Danni. Please.”
Danni sighed heavily, but then she pushed herself higher up into the chair. “Okay, but only because you’re being so good to me.”
The words froze Atticus for a moment, before he extended his arm and placed the melon in her mouth. She tugged it off the fork and then licked her lips, catching the juice before it ran down her chin. Atticus’s field of vision seemed to shrink down so that the small, pink tip of her tongue was the only thing he could see. His chest seemed to constrict, as though a tight band encircled him and squeezed. She thought he was being good to her? His sole mission was to snatch her soul and ferry it to Hell, but she thought he was being good to her?
Danni leaned back against the lounge chair again and closed her eyes while she chewed the fruit. “Mmmm, this does taste good. If I promise to eat the rest, will you stop worrying so much?”
Atticus set the fork down on the plate. His hand shook and he stared at it, appalled. What the hell was wrong with him? He was the Grim Reaper, for fuck’s sake. He should be encouraging his victim to starve and speed up the dying process. But here he was, hand-feeding her and encouraging her to eat.
He shot a glance at his brother, who stared back at him with narrowed eyes and a furrowed brow. Panic bolted through Atticus. Did his brother suspect Atticus was losing his touch? Did he think Atticus was going soft? And would Azrael use that to his advantage?
He had to pull himself together. Atticus stood up and walked to the edge of the pool. Without looking back at Danni and Azrael, he dove into the deep end of the swimming pool. The cool water enveloped him. He swam close to the bottom, not emerging until he reached the far side of the pool. As his head popped up above the surface, he wiped the water from his eyes and glanced back to Danni and Azrael. Even from a distance, he could feel Azrael’s calculating stare.
Atticus pulled himself out of the pool and turned toward the beach. Maybe a long walk would help him clear his head. He’d never spent this much time in such close proximity to one of his targets. Not since…
The realization struck him as hard as a lightning bolt. There was only one other target he had gotten close to in all of his existence. And that hadn’t turned out well at all, for either of them. The memories flooded back into his mind. He broke into a run, churning up the sand under his feet as he ran. Faster and faster he sprinted down the beach, the memories and shadows chasing him with every step.
He kept running. With rage and remorse he yelled at the heavens. He would not—could not—repeat his past mistakes. There would be Hell to pay if he did.
Immortally Theirs
(Legends & Myths 1)
[Ménage Amour: Erotic Paranormal Ménage a Trois Romance, M/F/M, bondage, HEA]
Dismissed as myth, the Fountain of Youth intrigued countless explorers. They chased the dream across oceans and continents, never finding the life-giving waters. But even myths can be real.
Claire Morgan is on the run from an abusive husband. Her days of freedom are numbered, though, and her husband will stop at nothing to find her. When he does, she knows she’ll die at his hands.
Christian and Stefan de la Fuente are brothers who have led separate and lonely lives for almost three hundred years. It might take a miracle, or at least a dead grandmother and one not-so-helpless damsel, to bring them together. But to save Claire, they’ll have to share the source, and curse, of their eternal youth.
A ruthless husband isn’t the only thing stalking Claire, but she’s finished letting others determine her fate. When she takes control of her future, though, even the legendary Fountain of Youth may not be enough to save her.
PG-13 Excerpt
Claire stared down into the small cup in her hand, wishing it were really this easy. The dim light of the empty grotto surrounding the legendary Fountain of Youth pressed in on her, feeling as though it were a weight on her soul. They had gotten to the historic park early this morning, before most of the tourists showed up. She and Christian were alone in the place heralded to contain the life-giving water that Ponce de Leon had searched for so many centuries ago when he had sailed to Florida.
“You seem lost in thought.” Christian’s voice pulled her out of her silent musings.
She smiled despite her melancholy mood. “I just…” She shook her head, embarrassed by the ridiculous thought. She held the cup up in salute. “Bottoms up.” The cool water slid down her throat. She stared back down into the empty cup and sadness swept over her. Even as she fought the rising tide of emotion, tears filled her eyes and she choked out a sob.
“Claire?” Christian moved closer to her and his fingers brushed her cheek. “Are you okay?”
Claire felt a single tear breach her eyelid and slide down her face. “I just wish…I know it’s silly.” She glanced over at the fountain where the clear spring water emerged from the rock. She sighed and her shoulders slumped. Well, if she was going to cry in front of him, she might as well tell him why. “I just kind of wish the legend was true. I mean, could you imagine not having to worry about dying? To just be able to live without being afraid all the time?”
She looked up into Christian’s face and was surprised by what she saw. Deep sorrow marred his features. He gently wiped the tear from her face with his thumb, his fingers still splayed across her cheek.
“Are you afraid, Claire?” His gaze held her captive.
She knew she shouldn’t, but she wanted nothing more than to tell him about her fear. She had been afraid for so long with no one to talk to.
She nodded. “Yes. He’s going to come after me. Mark—my husband. I knew I wouldn’t be able to run from him for long. I just wanted to be able to live a little before he finds me.”
Claire watched as a struggle seemed to take place behind Christian’s eyes. “What if he doesn’t find you?”
Claire shook her head. “He will. Soon.” She debated about whether she should say the one thing she was sure would send Christian running as far away from her as he could possibly get. “Mark is a professional assassin. He can find anyone.”
Shock registered across Christian’s face, just as she knew it would. But then, instead of fear and the flight reaction she had expected, Claire saw something else pass across Christian’s features. Steely determination settled in his eyes as he stared down at her. Claire got lost in the strong protectiveness of his gaze. She almost wanted to wrap herself up in it and never leave.
“Claire…” Christian hesitated. Claire thought she saw a battle raging behind his eyes. “If it were real, the legend…” He took a deep breath before continuing. “If you could live forever, would you really want to?”
Even knowing it was an impossibility, Claire thought about her answer before she spoke. “If I had someone to share it with, someone who really loved me, I might. And if I didn’t have to be afraid anymore, then yes, I think I would.” She stared into Christian’s eyes and felt the barriers she had built around herself begin to drop. She started talking, unable to stop herself. “I lost my parents in an accident years ago. I didn’t have any brothers or sisters and Mom and Dad’s deaths hit me really hard for a long time. My grandparents raised me after that, but they’re gone now, too.” Another tear slid down her cheek. “I’m just so tired of being alone.” Barely realizing what she was doing, she leaned into Christian.
An epic struggle seemed to rage behind Christian’s eyes. “But, what about children, Claire? Would you want to watch them grow old?”
Claire shrugged, knowing this conversation was all hypothetical, but still wanting to answer honestly. “I can’t have kids. We found out after we got married. Mark liked to remind me that I was broken.”
The war in Christian’s eyes reached a tortured peak, but then it was replaced by a look of absolute and utter surrender. Christian pulled her into his arms, his hands sliding up her back. His lips descended on hers in a crushing kiss. Unlike the gentle, smoldering kiss she’d shared with Stefan, this kiss felt different. It was born out of desperation and yearning.
***************************************************************************
Black Tide
(Panther Key 3)
Long thought extinguished, the power of the black panther is rising again.
Forced on a trip to Florida, Emma Walker meets Diego Anton on the plane and sparks fly. The attraction is instant, but so is a mysterious link that binds the two of them together.
Diego is actually on a mission to kidnap Emma, but when he realizes his quarry is the one woman with the power to change the world—and his heart—he has a decision to make.
Playboy panther shifters Cash and Chase Dawson are reluctant to settle down, their carefree lifestyles hiding a pain they fear may never be healed. But when their mate arrives with a vampire in tow, their claws are ready to come out.
As family secrets are finally revealed, ancient enemies must work together to protect the woman they love. And when the legendary power is finally released, the panther clan and the vampire realm will be changed forever.
PG-13 EXCERPT
Emma’s nose tickled. She scratched it and snuggled back down into the blanket, but the irritating sensation didn’t stop. In fact, her feet itched, too. She rubbed them together, but it didn’t help. Then her legs started itching. And her arms. She threw the blanket off of her and let out a growl of frustration. Was she allergic to the fibers?
“Emma?” Diego’s voice sounded above her.
Emma opened her eyes. Diego was standing behind the couch looking over the back at Emma with a concerned expression.
“Are you okay?”
“No.” She sat up and realized she was naked. Oh well, it wasn’t like the guys hadn’t seen her already. “The blasted heat’s gone, but now I’m itching all over!”
Chase got up from his chair at the table and held his hand out to her. “Yeah, we’ve been waiting for this to start. We figured it would wake you up eventually.”
Emma took his hand and let him pull her to her feet. Moving around just made her itch even worse. “You knew this was coming and you didn’t tell me?”
Chase grinned down at her. “Would you really have wanted to know ahead of time?”
He had a point. No, she wouldn’t have wanted to know. She already had enough to worry about with everything else she had already been told. Chase picked up a folded fluffy, white robe from the end of the couch and helped Emma into it.
“So what does it mean?” She wrenched one arm behind her and tried to scratch an itch between her shoulder blades.
Cash descended the stairs from the deck. “It means it’s time to run.”
He shot her a wicked grin and raised his eyebrows. He was so startlingly handsome when he grinned that Emma forgot what they had been talking about. She focused on his lips, turned up at the corners in such an enticing way. She couldn’t take her eyes off of them. Would he taste as good as he looked?
Cash narrowed his eyes and then walked across the room and stopped in front of her. He lifted her chin with one finger, and his lips descended on hers. It was the first time any of the guys had kissed her, and she knew immediately she would never be able to get enough. Chase’s tongue roved over her lips, and she parted them, allowing him entrance. His tongue seared a path across her lips and into her mouth. She groaned as he probed deeper, reveling in the feel of the kiss.
But the damn itching would not stop! She reluctantly pulled away and scratched her arms. “Dammit! What the hell is wrong with me?”
Cash chuckled and wrapped his arms around her waist. “Kitty wants to come out to play.” He kissed her on the top of her head and then took her by the hand and pulled her toward the stairs.
“You mean—now?” Emma looked out the window. It was dark outside. She looked over at the clock on the microwave in the kitchen. It was 11:00 p.m.
“Shouldn’t we—I don’t know…wait till morning?” She knew that sounded ridiculous, but the thought of busting out in fur and fangs made her a little nervous. She wasn’t sure she was ready for this.
Chase chortled behind her. “Nervous much?”
She spun to look at him. “How did you—?”
“Know you were nervous?” Emma gaped at Chase as he finished her sentence. “We’re linked now, babe. We can feel your emotions.” He wagged his eyebrows at her.
Great, so there would be no hiding it if she was grumpy. Or anxious. Or horny. Not that she’d want to hide it from them when she was horny, though. Especially now that she knew what they were capable of when she was horny. The thought of what the four of them had done earlier sent all kinds of naughty thoughts running through her head. Without realizing what was happening, she ran right into the back of Cash, who had stopped midway up the stairs.
Cash slowly turned around and looked down at Emma, who was one step below him. His eyes were actually glowing, and rather than being startled by it, Emma was fascinated.
Leaning down over her, Cash came within inches of her face. “My beautiful little kitten, if you keep thinking like that we will never get off this boat.”
Emma tried to remember why that would be a bad thing. A maddening itch erupted across her abdomen.
Right. Dammit, dammit, dammit.
They made it into the dinghy without Emma distracting everyone again. The itching was getting worse by the second. It felt as though a billion ants had crawled under her skin and were desperately trying to crawl their way back out. Chase revved the engine as fast as it would go and had them skimming across the inky black water. By the time they made it to the beach, Emma was practically bouncing up and down in her seat, a strand of hair firmly clenched between her teeth.
**************************************************************
Black Fire
(Panther Key 2)
[Ménage Amour: Erotic Paranormal Ménage a Trois Romance, M/F/M, shape-shifters, HEA]
Abby Walker dreams of helping endangered animals in her new career in South Florida. But wandering around the sweltering Everglades with alligators and pythons isn’t exactly what she had in mind.
Brad and Bryce Dawson are happy for their cousins, who found their mate in the form of a legendary black panther shifter, but they aren’t anxious to join the ranks of the permanently mated. When they meet the one woman their own cats can’t resist, however, they know their days of bachelorhood are over.
Abby has no idea she’s the centerpiece of a plan that could change the shifter world forever. When an ancient being kidnaps her, Abby learns things about herself she never could have imagined.
Brad and Bryce race to rescue Abby. A black panther stalks Abby’s mind. Family secrets unravel. And when Abby is backed into a corner, everyone finds out just how hot it can get in South Florida.
Note: There is no sexual relationship or touching for titillation between or among siblings.
A Siren Erotic Romance
CLICK COVER TO PURCHASEAbby Walker dreams of helping endangered animals in her new career in South Florida. But wandering around the sweltering Everglades with alligators and pythons isn’t exactly what she had in mind.
Brad and Bryce Dawson are happy for their cousins, who found their mate in the form of a legendary black panther shifter, but they aren’t anxious to join the ranks of the permanently mated. When they meet the one woman their own cats can’t resist, however, they know their days of bachelorhood are over.
Abby has no idea she’s the centerpiece of a plan that could change the shifter world forever. When an ancient being kidnaps her, Abby learns things about herself she never could have imagined.
Brad and Bryce race to rescue Abby. A black panther stalks Abby’s mind. Family secrets unravel. And when Abby is backed into a corner, everyone finds out just how hot it can get in South Florida.
Note: There is no sexual relationship or touching for titillation between or among siblings.
A Siren Erotic Romance
PG-13 EXCERPT
After two hours of hiking, Abby was beginning to think they weren’t going to find the injured animal. Her heart ached to think about it out here alone and hurt, unable to take care of itself and suffering. Just as she was starting to give up hope, Brad came to a stop in front of her and knelt down, looking at the ground.
“She’s close.” He stood back up and moved more quickly toward the looming stand of trees before coming to a halt again.
Abby looked around him and gasped. About twenty feet ahead was a golden-furred panther. She was stretched out underneath a palmetto bush, and she was still alive. Her sides heaved as she struggled for breath. The cat lifted her head a couple of inches off the ground, and her ears twitched in their direction, but she made no other move. From the looks of her wounds, it was no wonder. Abby’s stomach rolled at the ugly gashes raking across the cat’s rear flank. The flesh had ripped open and hung in shreds. Dried blood caked her fur. Flies swarmed around the wounds.
Brad and Bryce knelt on the ground and worked to ready the tranquilizer, but Abby barely noticed. Tears leapt to her eyes as she watched the majestic creature suffer, feeling like it was her own pain. Without even realizing what she was doing, Abby darted around Brad and ran to the animal. By the time Brad and Bryce jumped up to stop her, she was already falling to her knees at the panther’s head.
“Poor baby.” Abby cooed to the creature and gently scooped the big cat’s head into her hands. “Good girl. Such a good girl.” She sat on the ground and laid the cat’s head in her lap then stroked the fur across the cat’s cheek and neck in long, soothing motions. “We’re not gonna hurt you, baby. We’re here to help.”
The cat turned its big brown eyes up to Abby then closed her eyes and settled her cheek against Abby’s leg, purring.
“What the…Abby, what the hell do you think you’re doing?”
Abby turned her face up to Brad, even though she could barely see him through the tears in her eyes. She heard the anger and alarm in his voice, but she knew his anger wouldn’t have changed what she’d done.
“She hurts so bad, Brad.” Abby’s voice hitched in her throat, and she felt the tears slide down her cheeks. She knew Brad would probably think she was crazy, but she had to say what flashed into her mind. “She has kittens…over there.” She motioned to the palmetto bushes a few hundred yards away.
Bryce went off in the direction Abby indicated, and Brad slowly knelt down in front of her. “Okay, Abby. We’ll talk about how you know all this later. What else can you tell me?”
Relief surged through Abby that Brad believed her. “It was an alligator. She was trying to catch a bird for her babies and got caught by the gator.”
Brad reached out and ran his fingers across Abby’s cheek, wiping the tears that continued to flow, then cupped her face in his hand. “We’ll take care of her, Abby. I promise.”
Abby nodded and looked down at the cat. “Did you hear that, girl? It’s gonna be okay.” The big cat purred as Abby continued to stroke her fur.
Bryce came back into view holding two small, brown bundles of fur. “You’re not gonna believe this.”
Brad looked over his shoulder at him. “Oh, I don’t know. I might believe a lot of things right now.”
Abby chuckled through new tears as the feeling of joy that the kittens had been found overwhelmed her. It wasn’t just her joy but the cat’s as well. Brad moved to the cat’s injured flank and slipped a hypodermic needle under the skin. The cat didn’t even flinch but continued to purr in Abby’s lap. Moments later, the cat’s body went limp as the tranquilizer took effect.
She wiped her eyes on her shirt and then looked up at Brad, able to see him clearly now. She expected to see anger in his eyes, but instead, a variety of emotions she couldn’t even name played across his face.
“You scared the hell out of me, Abby.”
She turned her eyes back down, and tears threatened to spill out of them again. “Sorry.”
“Hey.” Brad put one finger under her chin and tilted her face back up. “I’m not mad. I should be, but I’m not. That was incredible.” His mouth turned up in a lopsided grin, and Abby’s heart did a somersault.
Bryce knelt down next to them and put one hand on the wounded cat’s chest, while securing the kittens in the crook of his other arm. “Her heartbeat is weak, but it’s steady.” He glanced up at Brad and Abby saw a look pass between them, but she didn’t know what it meant.
“Let’s get this little lady and her kittens back to the boat.” Brad gently picked the big cat up and draped her across his broad shoulders then extended a hand and helped Abby to stand up.
Bryce had settled the kittens into an extra duffel bag, and they were poking their little heads out while he tickled their chins.
They retraced their steps back to the boat. Even though it was now the hottest part of the day, Abby felt somehow lighter. She was still trying to piece together what had happened back there and knew she was going to have to explain it to Brad. She just had to figure out how to explain it to herself first.
**********************************************
Black Storm
(Panther Key 1)
CLICK COVER TO PURCHASE
[Ménage Amour: Erotic Paranormal Ménage a Quatre Romance, M/F/M/M, shape-shifters, HEA]
Kate Darby just wants to get out of the path of a hurricane, but finds herself lost in a storm she never saw coming. Left with a frozen heart after her mother’s death, Kate never imagined it would take three hot men to thaw her out. And when they bust out with fur and fangs, things get really interesting.
Panther-shifter brothers Blake, Drake, and Jake Taylor are living in South Florida and aren’t looking for their mate. But when she’s blown into their path, they’re not about to fight fate.
Finding out she’s meant to be mated to three men is surprising enough, but then Kate learns she has a legendary cat stalking her brain. Unfortunately, now that Kate has something worth living for, someone wants her dead. Kate’s not just a cute little kitty, though, and when the fur flies, the claws come out.
PG-13 EXCERPT
Kate woke up slowly, not quite ready for it to be morning yet. She’d had the weirdest dream last night, but as the fog of sleep retreated, she couldn’t recall the details. Something about getting stuck in the rain and a bear chasing her and—what was that other thing? Something with golden fur, but she couldn’t remember what. And a naked man? No, that couldn’t be right. The dream was too fuzzy to remember. She snuggled deeper into the covers. She had always liked sleeping in nice hotel beds with the fluffy down pillows and big comforters. And was that coffee she smelled? It smelled good.
Kate stiffened. Why would she smell coffee in her hotel room? Come to think of it, she couldn’t actually remember getting to the hotel last night. She slowly opened her eyes and peeked out from under the covers but screamed and immediately ducked back under them. There was a man sitting on the edge of the bed.
Holy crap! Why was there a man sitting on her bed? Did she pick someone up in the hotel bar last night? She knew that was completely out of character for her, and besides, she didn’t even remember the hotel, much less the hotel bar.
She screwed up her courage and peeked out again. He was just sitting there watching her with his eyebrows raised as though he was waiting to see what she would do next. Well, at least he was dressed, unlike the man from her blurry dream, so hopefully that meant he wasn’t about to pounce on her. She realized he was holding two cups, with one extended out toward her. She sat up, being careful to keep the comforter around her, and tentatively reached out to take the cup from him. She brought it to her nose and sniffed. Yep, definitely coffee. She took a small sip and sighed as the warm liquid went down. Okay, it was very good coffee, not the cheap stuff sold in bulk at one of the warehouse stores.
The man was still looking at her. His sandy-blond hair was long enough to pull into a short ponytail, but right now, it hung loose around his shoulders. He had golden-brown eyes like molten milk chocolate with flecks of honey. And even though he was fully clothed, Kate could tell there were some mighty fine muscles under his shirt. The exposed part of his tanned arms gave testimony to how good the rest of him must look. Kate tore her eyes away from the ungodly gorgeous body and glanced around. Uh-oh. This was definitely not her hotel room. This looked way too much like someone’s house.
“Where am I?”
“Good morning to you, too.” He flashed a way-too-sexy grin at her. “I was beginning to worry that you’d lost your voice, what with all the screaming you did last night.”
Screaming? What screaming? He wasn’t implying that she and he had…had…and that she had been screaming while they…they…was he?
“When was I screaming?” She braced herself, not really knowing if she wanted an answer. She wasn’t exactly a virgin, but she hoped she would at least remember having sex with someone.
“Don’t you remember anything from last night?” He was still grinning.
“Um…look, I don’t want to hurt your feelings or anything. I mean…you know… I’m sure it was great and mind-blowing and all that, but maybe I just had too much to drink.” She didn’t remember having anything to drink, but how else could she explain having sex with this incredibly hot guy and not remember anything?
She looked at him with as much apology as she could put into her features, but he burst out laughing. She gaped at him. Here she was trying to apologize for not remembering having sex with him, and he was laughing at her!
“Sorry,” he gasped as he tried to stop laughing. “You think that we…you and I…” He was having a hard time getting the words out.
“So we didn’t?” Kate knew she should have been relieved when he shook his head in answer, but she was actually feeling a little pissed. “Well, excuse me! Didn’t you think I was good-looking enough?”
The laughter stopped abruptly, and he leaned over her with such an intense, smoldering look in his eyes that Kate was surprised she didn’t burst into flames.
“Oh, you looked very good, especially after I took your wet clothes off so you wouldn’t get sick.” Kate gulped, and her pulse quickened as he continued staring at her. “But I don’t take advantage of unconscious females, regardless of how beautiful they are.”
“You think I’m beautiful?” Kate knew she should be yelling at him for taking her clothes off while she was unconscious, but his heated stare was making her think something else entirely.
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Unchained Heart
(Dragon's Light 2)
CLICK COVER TO PURCHASEOrphaned as a child, Ava has spent the last ten years in slavery, risking her life daily to satisfy the demands of her masters. She possesses only a fleeting memory of her past and carries with her a paralyzing fear of a shadow that looms in her mind.
Jaxson, Prince of Aldryss, is on a mission to find information about the poison killing his father before it’s too late. When he rescues Ava from a gruesome death, he discovers not only the information he sought, but also the key to his own future.
Jaxson helps Ava escape slavery, but her past and her inner demons follow her. As the mysteries of Ava’s past unravel, the vision that has tormented her for years finally emerges from the shadows. Her love for Jaxson helps Ava break the chains that have bound her, changing not only Ava’s understanding of herself, but also uncovering a long-forgotten history of an entire planet.
PG-13 EXCERPT
“No one is going to hurt you, Ava. I swear it.”
She shook her head. “How can you make that promise? You don’t even know me. You don’t know anything about my life.” Even as she said it, she wished what he told her was true. She wished she could live even one day without fearing it would be her last.
Jaxson rubbed his thumb against her cheek. “I know. But if there is a way, I will find it.”
“Who are you really? Are you a spy?” The thought had just occurred to her. If she got caught with a spy…
“No, I’m not a spy. I’m not even from this world. I came here looking for information. My father is dying from a poison. I think it’s the same poison your keepers are manufacturing.”
Ava relaxed a little. Even though she didn’t know this man, some instinct told her he was speaking the truth. “I’m sorry. If he’s already been poisoned, there’s nothing you can do. My keepers haven’t been interested in developing an antidote.”
She felt Jaxson’s shoulder slump. “I know. I’m hoping our scientists can develop one if I get them a sample of the poison.”
“But…your father will be dead by then. It only takes a few days for the poison to kill someone.”
“We have a rather unique physiology. I believe it is what has slowed the progress. My father has been ill for a while. At his current rate of deterioration, we think he only has a couple of months left, though.”
They fell into silence for a while as Jaxson cradled her against him, sharing the heat from his body to keep her warm. Ava thought about what she would do and the lengths she would go through if someone she loved needed her help. She thought of the red-haired woman in her dreams. The feelings she had carried for that elusive and mysterious woman were the closest things to love she had ever known.
“Ava, if I could get you out of here, would you come with me?”
The question was so unexpected after the long silence that Ava was momentarily confused. “What do you mean?”
“I mean exactly what I said. If I could get you off this planet, would you go?”
Ava looked up into his eyes. She searched for some hint that he was teasing her, but she saw only sincerity there. The unanswered question repeated in her head, over and over again. Would she go?
“I think I would. But it’s not possible.”
“Why?” Concerned lines etched Jaxson’s handsome face.
She reached up and smoothed the lines away, not really sure why she felt so drawn to touch him. “I have a chip somewhere in my body. It’s a locator. If I run, they’ll find me.”
“Why? I’m not trying to be rude, but, if you are a slave, wouldn’t they just find another to do your job? Why would they go to the trouble to pursue you across space?”
She thought about that for a minute. “Maybe they wouldn’t. But I’m the best collector they’ve ever had. Better than the other top three combined. Besides, I’ve never seen a collector leave. Not alive, anyway.”
He looked at her for a long moment. “What if I could get rid of it? Would you come then?”
She looked into his eyes. She didn’t know this man, but something made her want to know him. Something deep inside of her wanted to trust him. Would she leave? This place wasn’t her home. Not really. She didn’t know where her real home was. She hated what she did here. Hated what the keepers made her do. Given the chance to leave, would she face the unknown and all the uncertainty that came with it? Would she put her faith in this man who seemed to be pulling at her soul and drawing her closer to him with each passing second?
“Yes. I would go with you.” She didn’t truly believe he could take her away from here, but the thought of it was enough to light a hope in her heart that had long ago burned out.
Jaxson closed his eyes and held her hand against his face. Then he turned his head and placed a kiss in the center of her palm. His lips felt hot against her skin and the contact sent shivers down her arm. Heat bloomed inside her and she felt a tingling sensation work its way down her body. Her pussy clenched with a need she had never experienced before and she felt moist heat pulse from her with each spasm.
Jaxson breathed deeply and his eyes shot open. He looked at Ava and his eyes glowed even brighter than before. She gasped at the beauty shining back at her from those eyes. They were mesmerizing. She felt as though she could lose herself in them.
“Ava, have you ever been with a man?” His voice was low and hoarse against her skin.
“No. Never.” She knew what he was asking. She understood what he wanted. She had seen enough collectors together in the common showers, but she had never been physical with anyone. Would she allow herself to do this with someone she didn’t even know?
“I know this is fast, Ava. I want you so badly, but I will respect your wishes.” He held her stare and waited for her answer.
So many thoughts raced through her mind, yet she could hardly grasp any of them. Part of her knew this was crazy and that she should be running back down the mountain to the relative safety of her room. But another part of her, the part that was winning at the moment, wanted this man. She wanted the freedom he offered, even if she couldn’t have it. He could at least give her something no man had ever given her before and likely would never give her again.
“Yes. Please, Jaxson. Yes.”
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Runaway Heart
(Dragon's Light 1)
CLICK COVER TO PURCHASECan a princess pledged to an evil wife-beater and a dragon prince who can’t transform into his dragon save each other from fates worse than death?
Being a princess has never been a picnic for Kari, and it gets worse when her father announces plans to marry her to a man whose many wives have a habit of winding up dead. Can she escape a miserable—and probably short—life and find her own destiny.
Jaren is a prince in danger of not only losing his throne, but his sanity as well. If he can’t find the one woman who can give him the power to unleash his dragon, he will lose everything.
Their love might save them both, but it could also start a war of galactic proportions. And even if war can be averted, will Jaren’s dragon send Kari running, taking Jaren’s heart with her?
PG-13 EXCERPT
“Tell me what happened.” Jaren did not reply, and she turned to look at him, noting the hesitancy in his eyes.
“Jaren?”
“There will be time to discuss this later. For now, I need to know how you feel.” Kari didn’t miss the evasiveness of his answer, but decided to let it go for now, so long as he would eventually fill her in later.
She took a few moments to test her arm, happy that it was only slightly sore. She touched her face and realized that there was no pain there at all. She had a slight soreness in the back of her head. Other than that, she felt pretty good.
“I’m okay. Much better than I thought I’d be.”
Without another word, Jaren picked her up off the med table and carried her from the medical room, keeping her cradled tightly to his chest as he made his way back to his quarters.
“I can walk, you know.” Jaren just smirked and continued walking.
Once in his quarters, he deposited her gently on the bed and went to the food dispenser. After pushing some buttons and collecting a bowl full of something steaming hot and a spoon, he returned to the bed and settled himself next to her. Much to Kari’s chagrin, he began spoon-feeding her the tasty stew.
“I can feed myself, you know.”
He smirked again as he lifted another spoonful to her lips. “No talking. Just eating.”
She really was hungry, and the stew really was good, so Kari let him have his way. For now. She wasn’t used to being pampered, even if she was a princess. A former princess, she amended. She was just an anonymous runaway now. She was going to have to do something about finding an alternate identity. She would also need to find some way to support herself, but she had no idea where to start.
Jaren had referred to himself as a warrior. That must mean that he was part of a military, right? And military needed people to cook and clean for them. She had spent plenty of time helping out in the palace kitchens. Maybe Jaren could help her get a job. She could settle in to a normal, low-profile life, and her father would never find her. She thought that sounded like a pretty good plan.
“So…” She looked at him expectantly. Jaren set the empty bowl on the floor and took her hands in his. He twined their fingers together, and he turned so that they faced each other.
“My sha-lia.” Jaren’s voice was soft and seemed tinged with something that made Kari’s stomach clench with dread. “You are Karinna, Princess of Montore, are you not?”
Kari felt like the bottom just dropped out of her world. Her mouth went dry, and she began to tremble, her entire body shaking. Jaren held her gaze, and his breath, while he waited for her answer.
“How did you know?” The words were barely a whisper.
Jaren closed his eyes and took a deep breath, then looked again into Kari’s eyes. “The man who attacked you—you were pledged to be his wife.” It wasn’t a question, but Kari nodded anyway. She searched for the accusatory glare from him that she expected, but all she saw was sorrow reflected back at her.
“I’m sorry I had to lie to you,” Kari rushed. “I don’t want you to get hurt for helping me. Just please don’t take me back. I’m begging you, if you will just–just—” Tears sprang to her eyes and she choked the words out. “Just drop me off somewhere. I’ll–I’ll be…” The words were coming in gasps, as the tears finally fell from her eyes and ran down her cheeks.
Jaren dragged her onto his lap and wrapped her in his strong arms while rocking her like a child. “Hush, silly little female. I am not taking you back to Montore, and I will certainly not drop you off anywhere. You are coming home with me.” He kissed her hair as he rocked her and waited for her sobs to subside.
It took a few moments for Jaren’s words to register.
“You’re–you’re—taking me—home with you?” Her words were halting as she hiccupped them out.
Jaren chuckled softly against her hair. “That is usually the customary course of action when a male takes a mate.”
“M–m–mate?” Kari’s voice came out as a squeak.
“Yes, Karinna.” Jaren kissed her forehead and sighed. “Mmmm, my Karinna. Your name is beautiful, you know.” He pulled back to look at her. “You are my sha-lia, Karinna. I knew the moment I first looked into your eyes. You are mine, and I will never let you go.”
“What does that mean? Sha-lia?”
Jaren cocked his head as he studied her. “It is an ancient word from my homeworld. It means light of my heart. You are my shining light now, Karinna.”
Kari’s heart swelled at his words. Never in her life had she felt so wanted. Whether she really could spend her life with this man was something she would have to figure out later, but for now she just wanted to forget about everything else.
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