Shadows and Sorcery: A Collection of Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance Novels

by Adkins, Heather Marie

  “I’m not asking you to stop.” Aria pressed closer to him, rubbing her body along his hard muscles.

  “You’re killing me. There could be danger out there, and if we don’t stop now, I’m not going to care what’s around us.” Damian pulled her bottom lip between his teeth.

  Aria brushed some hair off of his forehead. She loved the softness of the strands and couldn’t resist running her hands through it. “I think we’re relatively safe.” She ran her hand down his rippled stomach. She could feel the definition of each of the muscles in his six pack.

  Damian kissed her fast and hard. “Last warning.”

  Aria slid her hand down lower, and Damian growled his pleasure. Her fingers skimmed over the top of his jeans, moving to the button and sliding it free. She grasped the zipper when a crash from the outside made them both jump up, weapons in hand.

  Damian pulled her roughly against him for a quick peck. “When this is all over, you and I are spending some quality time together, and no one is going to interrupt.”

  “Where do you want to go?” Aria gripped her sword, ready to storm out of the hut.

  “How about we go back to Greece?” Damian glanced out of the window, but didn’t see anyone.

  “Yeah. I’d like that.” Aria crossed to the other side of the room and peered outside, but all she saw was darkness.

  Damian crouched by the door, opening it slightly. “It’s a plan. Now let’s find out who we have to kill for interrupting us.”

  “Deal. On three.” Aria shifted her stance, ready to take on any enemy out there.

  Damian kicked open the door and they rushed outside. The night was clear, and the two moons shone down brightly over the village. Moving back to back, they circled the clearing, scanning for the intruder.

  The village still seemed to be deserted. They circled around, moving slowly toward the next hut. “Over there,” Damian pointed to a hole in the top of a home three buildings away.

  Aria moved closer to inspect it. “What would have made some of that roof to collapse?”

  Damian pushed open the door and saw straw on the floor and a couple of the wood beams. “I’m not sure. Let’s sweep the village and make sure no one did that to get our attention.”

  Aria didn’t sheath her sword. She wasn’t ready to believe they were really alone. After rounding the village twice, they made their way back to their hut.

  Damian flopped down on the pile of silks. “Let’s get some sleep so we can start off fresh tomorrow.” He opened his arms to her.

  Aria fell into his embrace and snuggled closer. “I hope we can get out of here tomorrow.”

  Damian chuckled. “Ready to be rid of me so quickly?”

  She shook her head. “No. We need to get back and help them find the killer.”

  Damian settled onto his back and pulled her into his arms. He loved having her head resting on his shoulder and her arm over his chest. This was exactly where she belonged, and he was going to make sure she stayed there. “I don’t want anyone but you, Aria.” He kissed her forehead.

  “I only have feelings for you.” Aria leaned up and kissed his lips briefly.

  “Good. I’m all yours and only yours.” Damian squeezed her. “Good night, Ari.”

  “Good night. Sweet dreams.”

  * * *

  “What do you mean you got thrown off the mission? I’m paying you to keep an eye on her. You can’t do that if you’re not allowed to be anywhere near her.” He swung around and punched the tree next to him. He was furious that no one was keeping tabs on Aria.

  Quintus narrowed his gaze. “You aren’t paying me enough to stand here and listen to you bellow. I’ve kept you informed of all her moves. You know where she is and what she’s doing. That’s all you asked me to do, and I’ve done it. I want my money.”

  “This was an on-going partnership, and now you are no longer of use to me. I should just take your life force right now.”

  “Now wait a minute. You promised to show me how to gain magic and power, and now you’re threatening me?” Quintus stood there glaring.

  “You’re not in any position to question me. You’re lucky I’ve let you live this long.” The young looking man with light brown hair and grey eyes took a menacing step closer. He still needed Quintus, so he wouldn’t kill him yet. “Go back there and bring her to me. Make sure Damian follows. I have plans for them both.”

  “Fine, but you owe me.” Quintus swung around and stalked off into the city.

  “Oh, and Quintus, I need to you to find out where Pravus is.”

  * * *

  Aedan swiped his phone off and shoved it back into his pocket. “Markos said to call it a night. None of the teams have found anything, and there were no new reports of strong corrupt magic.

  He’d been trying to get a hold of Aria and Damian, but both of their phones were going straight to voicemail. Markos was about to call us to begin a search when he got word that they were being detained by the Fairy Queen. That had a potential for disaster.

  Aedan called over to Julie to get her attention. “The Fairy Queen has detained Aria and Damian.”

  Julie’s eyes shot up. “What? She’s notorious for having her own agenda and not caring what else is going on. If she sent them both on a small assignment, they might not be back tomorrow.”

  “I know, but her messenger assured Markos that they were fine,” Aedan told Julie.

  “I wonder what that’s all about.” Julie wasn’t sure if she should be concerned or not.

  “No idea, but you know Markos… if he thought Aria was in trouble, he would be searching for her everywhere.” Aedan smiled, thinking of their over protective friend.

  “Yes he would. So now what?” Julie asked. “I’m not tired, and I don’t really feel like going home yet.”

  “Good. I’m not either. What did you have in mind?” Aedan asked, hoping she wanted to spend some time alone with him. He was also hoping they would get something to eat. He was starving again.

  Julie grinned up at him. “Well, its daylight somewhere in the world now, right?”

  Aedan stopped and tipped her face up with his forefinger. “Of course. What do you have planned?” Breakfast food was his favorite.

  “I want you to take me surfing.” Julie had always wanted to try it. She was a strong swimmer, and she loved the water but never learned how to surf.

  Aedan’s eyes twinkled. He’d never met a girl who wanted him to teach her how to surf. A bunch had thought it was cool that he rode the waves, but that was it. None of them had shown any interest in doing something that was so much a part of him. “I would love to take you surfing, but we’ll need a little more time. We would also need to get you a wetsuit first.” He was getting into the idea. “I have two boards, so you could use one of mine. I promise when this is over, I’ll teach you. We can go anywhere in the world.

  Julie was a little disappointed, but she understood. It was a long shot anyway. “Okay. I know you’re right. I’m going to hold you to that promise.”

  “I want you to. Right now, how about I take you for some coffee and a cookie.” Aedan winked at her and then pulled out his portal blade to make a portal on the wall in the alleyway next to them. He could wait until morning for breakfast.

  She thought he would have taken her to Café Du Monde to get coffee and beignets, but that was only a few blocks away, not a portal trip. “Where are we going?”

  “You’ll see.” He grinned down at her and pulled on her hand to follow him.

  Julie’s smile was dazzling when they stepped through the portal to find they were next to a Wawa. That was her favorite place to get coffee and warm chocolate chip cookies at any time, even in the middle of the night. “You are awesome. I can’t believe you remembered this was my favorite place to get my caffeine fix.”

  Aedan tugged on her hand. “I remember everything about you. Come on, let’s get you some coffee and go back to my house to sleep.”

  She raised an eyebrow. “Your h
ouse, huh?”

  “I have a spare bedroom. Since there is some guy hunting powerful immortals and witches, we should probably stick together to be safe.” Aedan brushed hair away from her eyes.

  “Sounds like a plan.” She just wasn’t sure which bedroom she would be sleeping in.

  * * *

  Markos was sitting at a table in the hotel room he rented in New Orleans with his iPad open to a map of the city. He was plotting all of the possible sightings, areas of magical spikes, and the locations of the found victims. They had four people drained within twenty-four hours. Whoever was doing this was on a binge, and that was something the guy had not done before. What had changed, he wondered? Why now?

  All of the evidence they found pointed to a copycat and not Pravus, but somehow he felt like they were connected. Running his hands through his hair in frustration, he pushed away from the table and walked to the balcony. It was still warm and sticky in the city, but that didn’t bother him. Even though it was very late, the city was still busy. He liked to people watch so it was the perfect location to do that. Markos wished he was there for a different reason so he could enjoy the New Orleans atmosphere.

  A knock on his door made him pause to grab his dagger and a ball of magic. No one should be bothering him at this hour. He looked through the peephole, but whoever it was stood back out of its range. He unlocked the door and held his dagger ready to defend himself.

  Opening the door quickly, he saw no one was standing directly in front of him. Across the hallway, leaning against the wall was his visitor. He let his magic fizzle out.

  Markos sheathed his dagger and folded his arms across his chest. “What are you doing here Ember?”

  She flicked her long blond hair over her shoulder and gave him a mocking smile. “I can tell how thrilled you are to see me.”

  Markos leaned on his door frame, his eyes taking in her toned body that fit perfectly into her tight jeans and tank top. “As entertaining as you are, I don’t have time for this.”

  “You’re just going to have to make time.” Ember’s eyes traveled the length of him.

  “Not happening.” Markos turned to go back into his room, but she slipped by him in a blur of speed and was in front of him instantly.

  “Aren’t you going to ask me in?” She fluttered her eyelashes in an exaggerated way and placed her hand on his arm.

  That was a new trick. She must have been developing the mystic part of her abilities. The last he had seen her, she identified with her shapeshifter side more. “No.” He tried to shake off her grip, but she had a surprisingly strong hold. “Let go. I need to get some sleep.”

  “Is that an invitation?” She smiled sweetly.

  “No. If I recall, the last time I extended that invitation, you disappeared in the middle of the night, and I didn’t see you again for two years. Been there. Done that. Literally, and not interested in going there again.”

  “Aren’t you even the slightest bit curious as to why I’m here and how I found you?”

  Markos was curious as hell, but he would never let her know that. “Not really.” He managed to dislodge her hand and attempted to go back into his room alone, but she stopped him again.

  “I have some information that you might find interesting.”

  She flicked her hair again, and he tried not to notice how it glowed in the hallway light. He always loved how it fell in soft waves to her waist. Markos had run his hands through it more than a few times. “There isn’t anything you have to say that I would find interesting.” Liar.

  “Not even the name of the guy you’re looking for?”

  Markos knew he shouldn’t take the bait, but he couldn’t help himself. “Who is it?”

  “Oh, you have to let me in first.” She smiled at him again.

  “Nice try, but I’ll pass. I’m sure I’ll find that out on my own.” Markos had enough of her crap.

  “You’re going to need my help to capture him.”

  “I don’t need anything from you. Good bye, Ember.”

  “That’s fine.” She smiled sweetly again, showing her perfectly straight, white teeth. “I’ll just have to find Damian. I’m sure he’ll want to know his brother is still alive.”

  6

  Markos grabbed her shoulders, spun her around into his room, and slammed the door closed. As soon as they were inside, he pushed her up against the wall. He didn’t squeeze, but held her tightly, leaning into her.

  Ember laughed and licked her lips. “I knew you wanted me in your room.”

  “Damn it, Ember! Stop playing games with me!” Markos wanted to shake her, but he held himself back. This woman had a way of making him furious in seconds. He tightened just slightly to show her he was seriously losing his patience.

  She ran her tongue over her bottom lip again, slowly. “But we both love to play games. It’s what we do.” Ember enjoyed toying with him and experiencing his retaliation. She always looked forward to their next encounter.

  “It’s time for you to go now.” Markos moved his hand down to her upper arm and reached for the door handle with the other hand.

  “You’re making me leave just when things were getting fun.” She scanned his body up and down, focusing on one part a little longer. “You were always up for fun in the past.”

  “Not anymore.” Markos almost ripped the door off its hinges in his haste to open it and shove her out.

  She grabbed the door frame with both hands and looked him directly in the eyes with a sly glimmer in hers. “I have proof Kallias is still alive.”

  He paused but glared at her with distrust. “I don’t care what information you’re claiming to have.

  She ran her fingers up his chest. “Don’t you want to see the photo I have?”

  Markos pulled her off of him, holding her wrists away from his body. “That’s not going to work this time. Keep your hands to yourself.”

  She sulked prettily. “You started it when you grabbed me first.” She leaned into his grip, pressing his fists against her chest. “If you want to hold me again, I’ll let you pretend you don’t like it.”

  He pushed her out of his room and into the hallway. Her hurt frown was exaggerated as she stared at him. He rolled his eyes and closed the door on her.

  Markos wiped a hand down his face. What was Ember up to now? He hadn’t seen her for over a year, and now she showed up at his hotel room with a wild story that Damian’s brother, Kallias, was alive. How would she know that, and why would she want to tell him about it?

  The last time he saw Ember, she had stormed up to him and slapped his face while he was on a date. She had made a huge scene, yelling about him breaking her heart, and caused his date to flee in horror. Ember then had the nerve to tell him she did him a huge favor and he should thank her for saving him from Ms. Boring and Clingy. With a huge grin, she had left him standing on the street corner with people gawking.

  It seems that Hurricane Ember just stormed back into his life.

  * * *

  Ember leaned against the wall in the hallway across from Markos’s room, smiling from the encounter she had with him. She loved to get him all riled and was really good at it. He was forgetting that locked doors would not keep her out. Ember could open the door with a simple spell.

  Laughing to herself, she waited for several more minutes, long enough that he would hopefully think she had given up for the night. Moving toward his side of the hallway, she paused to listen to his movements in the room. Ember needed to wait until he was relaxed and going to bed to surprise him.

  The sounds in the hotel room stopped, and the light disappeared from under the door. It was time. Ember put her hand to the door, whispered “Recludo” and waited to hear a click to open the door. Pushing it open, she crept inside and was relieved to see that he was already in bed, facing the window. She tiptoed over and raised the covers, slipping inside to lie on her back. As soon as her head settled on the pillow, Markos jumped up and turned on the light. Ember didn’t like the wicked s
mirk that graced his face.

  Markos stood next to the bed fully dressed and watched for her to attempt to move. The wait was almost killing him. He continued to stare at her, daring her to do something.

  She finally got tired of the staring contest and attempted to sit up, but she was stuck to the bed. She couldn’t move off of the sheets. “What did you do?” she demanded.

  Laughing hard, he had trouble catching his breath. This might have made his entire night.

  She thrashed about but couldn’t move more than an inch or two. “What did you do?” she demanded again.

  “I would have thought you would have recognized a binding spell. You’ll just have to stay there until I release you.” Ethan had told Markos that this particular spell would work long term and not fade out. It was there until he stopped it. Markos had thought it was a cool trick but never anticipated that he would have use for it. It had worked better than he had planned. Now, Markos could find out what the lovely Ember was really up to.

  * * *

  Damian stared at the ceiling in the hut, not tired but not wanting to move a muscle and wake Aria. What information did they need to discover and what was the Fairy Queen up to? They needed to figure that out quickly so he could get Aria back to New Orleans. He wanted her some place safer than the unknown Fairy realm.

  He watched Aria sleep and couldn’t resist kissing her forehead. His mind was continuing to question everything but his love for the woman in his arms.

  Aria stirred in his arms and tightened her hold on him. He leaned down savoring the feel of her nestled against him.