Cimmerian Shade: A Limited Edition Paranormal Romance & Urban Fantasy Collection

by Kiki Howell

  “You disappoint me, daughter.” Jonathan said, his words dripping with sadness.

  “My mother should have left you there to rot.” Joanna spat, turning toward the door. “Now out. You I’ll deal with later. Or maybe I’ll just let the wolves tear your precious cat to ribbons.”

  “I’d like to see you try, girl.” Evangeline narrowed her eyes.

  One day she would have to ask this different Evangeline about that. And how she came to be stuck in an urn in her shop.

  “The amulet. It’s the only one?” Diana asked, trying not the think of the image the bitch had left her with of her parents burning to death because she had the temerity to think they were screwing up her plans.

  Joanna’s mouth took on an unpleasant twist. “No.”

  This had to stop. Now.

  “Foolish girl. Do you think a war between them is all this is good for?” Joanna dropped the amulet into Rand’s hand and opened the door, a knowing smirk on her lips. “See what happens when a vampire longs to share his deepest desire. I hope you have enough iron in your blood.” A dark chuckle left her lips as she shut the door and locked it, sealing the three of them inside.

  Chapter Eleven

  RAND HELD THE amulet and it burned. Gazing into the blue light he saw his greatest longings unfold if only he had the courage to take what he wanted. To bury his cock inside of her at the same time he sunk his fangs inside her veins.

  “Rand, please give me the amulet.”

  God, but she was lovely. And the way her pulse jumped in her neck when she was frightened made his fangs drop and his already hard cock feel like it was ready to burst.

  “No...” His voice held a distant quality but he recognized that his body was indeed moving forward of its own volition. Centuries below ground had infused him with a hunger for the witch in front of him and he would not be denied. The glowing green ember in his palm assured him of it.

  The niggling sense of something not being right pushed at him, but he just as quickly thrust it from him.

  She was his and the wolf had best not be in his path.

  “Fuck. We have to get it away from him. Quick. Do you have any idea what he wants?” Aristide’s eyes narrowed.

  “Sex.” Diana swallowed as he pushed her down on the bed. He tore at her clothes, her bare flesh revealed, to his hungry gaze. But he had one difficulty. He couldn’t hold the amulet and take her at the same time. Putting it down, he roared as the wolf swooped down and seized it from him.

  “No. Throw it down, Aristide. Don’t touch it.” Diana cried out even as Rand sprang toward the wolf to claim what was his.

  ARISTIDE DROPPED THE amulet onto the bed as he and Rand tumbled to the ground, locked in battle. Diana snatched it quickly, whispering every counter curse she’d ever known into the very marrow of the thing’s magical bones. Where she touched the amulet, her skin licked with fire. The thing whispered to her very soul and she cried out for the want coursing through her blood.

  Her body burned for them both and the need that poured from her flowered like the flower she thought she never could be. The dark bloom burst open as demon magic and sex magick collided with the green fire. Diana collapsed on her knees with a cry holding her hands out to the two men in front of her, hoping to the Goddess they would hear her amidst the bloodlust.

  This. This was what she had always needed to find what she’d desired. Their flesh, rippling with strain as they collided, fist and fang. Rival to rival.

  Only they weren’t. She just had to get them to see.

  She stood, removing her tattered clothing and walked toward them, laying a hand on their backs, even as they fought one another. At her touch, they stilled, eyes turning to her in reaction to the power thrumming beneath her skin.

  Rand was on her in seconds, his fangs distended, inches from her neck.

  “Stop.” She hissed, her hand gripping the length of his erection through his pants. The warrior pressed against her now knew no boundaries. In moments he’d divested himself of his clothing, his eyes never leaving hers. His witch beckoned and he had to taste her.

  She eased him back to the bed and sank against the mattress, Rand’s weight pressing her down. His fangs scratched her and he sunk deep, drawing blood and stroking himself.

  “Aristide,” she called out, her voice ragged. The wolf was there, his bare flesh pressed against her. Fangs at her neck, Rand loved her with his mouth even as Aristide parted her thighs.

  “My mate,” he growled, his eyes glowing with the same fire that possessed them all.

  Somehow he knew what she wanted, his cock pressed against her opening, he slid inside of her, his tremendous width and girth stretching and widening her to the point where she thought she would burst.

  Rand withdrew his fangs, his hand stroking his length, their eyes meeting even as Aristide’s thrusts uncoiled a part of her that burst through the magic holding them captive.

  “Mine,” she threw back her head with a savage cry as Rand’s lips sealed over hers. Passion rocked her, and she brought them with her, hurtling over the edge to completion, power skittering over her skin. Aristide groaned, his hips jerking as he bathed her womb with his seed. Rand at her side, he rubbed his swollen cock along her body, finally giving way to his own desires.

  Diana cried out as the energy of the amulet surged and both men withdrew, visibly stunned by the taste of intimacy they’d shared.

  “Don’t leave.”

  She called them by name, her body shivering in the chill of the room. Battered and bloody they came and she could feel their energy as both of them knelt in front of her.

  She touched the amulet, fingering the lifeless stone and waited for them to meet her eyes. Reaching up, Aristide grunted as her lips met his in a fiery kiss. Rand met her eyes with a troubled expression and she knelt in front of him, and tugged him forward, pressing her lips to his.

  Already his wounds had begun to heal and his arousal at her nudity was very plain, his length hardening once more even as she watched.

  She knelt in front of him and placed a kiss on the end of his cock, completely taking the vampire’s breath away.

  Aristide growled and moved to get to his feet but she stopped him with a touch. Her hand shot out and she caught him before he could leave knowing full well he was probably feeling.

  “Please. I need...” There were no words as she pressed her breasts against his chest and her nipples hardened in response.

  Her eyes moved from one man to the other and she finally understood. “She thought she could destroy us. But instead, she’s only made us stronger.”

  “I don't understand.” Aristide whispered, the confusion in his eyes plain.

  “She thought you would fight over me to the death. But what if what I want is to fight for you for our very lives?”

  Rand moved behind her and she tugged Aristide toward her, his cock bobbing in front of her face. “I want you both. I have since I met you. Aristide, you in the present. Rand, you in my dreams. We don’t have much time. She can’t fight us if we’re connected with a mating bond.”

  “So my mark took after all, did it?”

  “Arrogant wolf,” she chided. But damned if he wasn’t right. Understanding slid through her wolf’s eyes and she wanted to reach up and kiss him.

  “We’ll figure the rest out later. Right now, for the love of the Goddess, fuck my mouth.”

  “Such a dirty talking witch.”

  “Well, then you’d better put my mouth to work.”

  Fangs scraped the smooth skin of her back and Rand eased the blunt tip of his length against her slippery opening. Still throbbing from Aristide, her body hummed when Rand touched her.

  “Now.”

  Rand surged forward, filling her recesses with his girth, making her gasp. He began to fuck her, her body jerking with each violent movement.

  It should have been painful, but the energy racing through her veins urged her on.

  “Aristide. Please.”

  He le
aned forward and eased the tip of his cock between her lips, and she took him in, the soft head of him bumping against the back of her throat as he made love to her mouth.

  Caution flew from them as the magic inside her burst forth. Rand sank his fangs deep into her shoulder blades, his hips jerking as he sought his release. He reached beneath Diana, teasing her clit. She cried out beneath him her body shuddering at the wave of liquid heat deluging his cock.

  Her wolf thrust against her mouth, his own release a bitter rush as he pumped his hips, flooding her with the fruit of his hunger, their shared energies filling her as her body erupted for the second time in a matter of minutes.

  “The witch is coming.” Rand withdrew and with his movement, so did Aristide, both of the men shielding her behind their bodies. Her mates. Both of them. And she was theirs. Hurriedly they donned their clothes ready to face whatever new threat was coming.

  The door opened and Joanna stormed inside.

  “What have you done?” Joanna shrieked. “No! You have to follow the plan.”

  “What you were too scared to do.” Diana replied as curious and aware faces pressed into the room. She pulled the sheet from the bed and wrapped herself in it, ready to face the woman who had unknowingly been both friend and enemy.

  Where was Virgil?

  The amulet lay dead and still on the bed, its green fire no more. She had used the magic within to heal more than just herself. She had stopped the demon magic in its tracks.

  But was it the only one?

  Diana decided that didn’t matter. Her shop was there for a reason. And if it was cursed, more than likely it would find its way across her doorstep. And there were plenty of those, as she’d discovered already.

  The sleepers had awakened, the amulet’s curse broken by a single act of love. Or a three way act of love.

  The rest they would have to figure out later. Right now, she just wanted a pair of pants.

  “It’s worthless now.” Diana picked up the trinket and watched it fall, the last vestiges of power drifting away in the evening breeze.

  Morning was coming and with it the dawning of a new day.

  But that also meant Rand and the rest of the vampires needed to get indoors and quick.

  “I’ll see you tonight.” He pressed a quick kiss against her cheek and was off, his people taking custody of a murderous Joanna.

  “Where will you go?”

  “To the coven house. They are making repairs to the structure but there is much work to be done.”

  “I don’t see Virgil.”

  Rand glanced around him, a grimace sliding over his features. “He won’t escape me for long. No doubt he felt the amulet lose its power and ran like the coward he is. Night falls fast when you have something to look forward to.”

  A flush of heat slid up her neck and she was even more conscious of the sheet wrapped around her body.

  “Aristide.”

  The wolf stopped, his gaze snapping fire between her and Rand. Understanding dawned and she gestured him forward. “Let me help you find Gabby.”

  His eyes softened, but hardened again as Rand stepped toward the bed with a pile of her discarded clothes. “Thanks.”

  “I don’t understand what this is for.” The vampire held up her bra and Diana smiled. “Modern underwear. I’ll give you a class tonight. You too Aristide. If you ...um. Wanted to come over.” The three of them had a lot of talking to do. And she hoped, a little bit more time to explore their new reality. Two mates really could be better than one.

  Aristide, already dressed and on the phone to his people, nodded, his gaze pensive.

  Rand brushed a kiss across her forehead and stepped out into the early morning air and Diana released the breath she hadn’t realized she was holding. He was here. And safe. And maybe...just maybe they had a shot at their own kind of happily ever after.

  The din of the crowd was getting louder, the disoriented vamps and shifters being wrangled into packs and groups.

  “Dad!” A screech rang out from the chaos in the yard outside. “I know you’re in there.”

  “Look who I just found wandering in the yard?” One of Aristide’s wolves popped back into the room, a disoriented Gabby in hand.

  “Dad!” Gabby burst in, hurling herself into her father’s arms so fast he barely had time to shut it down and shove it into his case. Hanging from him, the girl’s gaze snapped to Diana.

  “What are you doing in a sheet?”

  Gabby hugged her and shrugged. “What time is it anyway? I was supposed to work at the shop tonight, wasn’t I?”

  Diana started to laugh and didn’t stop when tears of happiness began to stream down her face. “Oh honey. I’m so glad you’re okay.”

  “What’s going on? You guys are acting weird.” Gabby rolled her eyes. “God, Dad. Where did you put my phone?” She stalked back outside no doubt to search for the device. As she was gazing out the window, Diana saw a couple school busses pull up to the house, their bright yellow forms bouncing on the uneven terrain.

  “Buses?”

  “How else do you expect us to get this many wolves and vamps back to town?” Aristide’s quiet strength was a balm to her soul.

  “That’s a good question.” Diana stood, the sheet cascading down her back as she waddled over to press a kiss on his cheek.

  “But?” His eyes burned across her exposed flesh. Diana reached up and pressed her lips to his, the wild magic in her blood singing. It was going to be different, this new reality, but she couldn’t wait to see what would happen when the midnight hours began to burn.

  The End

  STAY TUNED FOR MORE tales coming soon in the Witching Hour Series.

  About the author:

  ERZABET BISHOP IS a USA Today bestselling author who loves to write naughty stories. She is the author of Lipstick, Crave, Snow (Three Times More Lucky Box Set), Malediction, Map of Bones, Sanguine Shadows, Arcane (Prowlers and Growlers set),The Science of Lust, Wicked for You, Heart’s Protector, Burning for You, Taming the Beast, Mistletoe Kisses, Surrender, Torment (upcoming), Hedging Her Bets, Cat’s Got Her Tongue (upcoming), Arcane Imaginarium: Spirit Board, Holidays in Hell, Mallory’s Mark,The Devil’s Due (upcoming), Charity Benshaw’s Enchanted Paddle Emporium (upcoming), Club Beam, Pomegranate, A Red Dress for Christmas, The Black Magic Café, Sweet Seductions, The Erotic Pagans Series: Beltane Fires, Samhain Shadows and Yuletide Temptation along with being a contributor to many anthologies. She lives in Texas with her husband, furry children and can often be found lurking in local bookstores. She loves to bake, make naughty crochet projects and watch monster movies.

  Follow her on Twitter @erzabetbishop.

  Links:

  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erzabetbishop/

  Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/erzabet-bishop

  Google +: https://goo.gl/YJnNmd

  Website: http://erzabetwrites.wix.com/erzabetbishop

  Facebook “like” page: https://www.facebook.com/erzabetbishopauthor

  Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6590718.Erzabet_Bishop

  Street team: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1018269998190112/

  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/erzabet.bishop

  Also By This Author:

  Naughty Nights Press

  Burning for You

  Mistletoe Kisses

  Crave

  Surrender

  Heart’s Protector

  Wicked for You

  Hedging Her Bets

  Sanguine Shadows

  Malediction

  Arcane

  Waking Up Wolf

  Etopia Press

  Holidays in Hell

  Spirit Board

  Mallory’s Mark

  Evernight Publishing

  Black Magic Cafe

  Lipstick

  A Red Dress for Christmas

  The Science of Lust

  Decadent Publishing Company

  Club Beam

  Pomegranate


  Audio: Club Beam

  Audio: Pomegranate

  World Weaver Press

  Demons Imps and Incubi

  Coming Together

  Coming Together: For the Holidays

  Coming Together: Girl on Girl

  Coming Together: Hungry for Love

  Ladylit

  Anything She Wants

  Christmas Kisses

  A Christmas to Remember

  Cougars: Five Mature Tales of Lesbian Lust

  Sweat: Five Sporty Tales of Lesbian Lust

  Sweet Seductions

  WriteHit.com

  Gratis: New Beginnings

  Gratis: Transformation

  Andrews UK Ltd.

  Smut by the Sea, Volume 2

  Angels of Anarchy

  Club Rook

  With This Heart

  (Book 2 of the With These Wings Series)

  by Red L. Jameson

  Copyright ©Lanita Beth Joramo 2017

  Edited by DeAndra Lupu

  Cover by The Rowdy Girls

  Dedication...

  For Lana—a wonderful CP, friend, and the best cheerleader ever.

  Acknowledgements

  There are so many who helped make this book a reality because of their continued support: Lana, Jamie, Gale, and I have an amazing editor who keeps me in line, De. I’m so grateful for such amazing friends who encourage me. And I’m so thankful for my family, always so kind and generous. Lastly, I adore my readers. This is for you! Hugs!

  With This Heart

  (Book 2 of the With These Wings Series)

  Talk about a killer kiss...

  Being a former soldier with PTSD takes its toll on Aaron and has wiped him clean of optimism along with having dreams. But he’s no longer sure if he’s living in reality or fantasy after he tries to save a friend and finds his world filled with women who have wings and...Valkyries.

  Adala kills. Not on purpose. She’s a Valkyrie—from just one touch, she takes warriors to the afterlife. Oh, but she’d give anything for a break, for normalcy, to have one day of not wearing her legionnaire uniform. When she’s asked to talk to the human Aaron to help him understand just what he’s in for when he tripped into her world, she jumps at the chance, even though she knows Aaron more than she cares to admit, even though she has an insane crush on him, even though she can’t touch him at all. But she gets to wear jeans and talk to a man—a real-life, hero of a man.