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

by Kiki Howell

  Using the stone, she drew a symbol of the Fallen on the floor that served as a gateway and had Tristan gently lay her in the center.

  He didn’t know what to say, but he knew that silence was still the wrong answer. A kiss would be foolish, but felt necessary. But this was not meant to be. He continued to think about that as Remelia chanted, the portal opened and Zoë disappeared.

  Tristan stood there for a while quietly as Remelia closed her book. He turned and looked at her. “Thank you.”

  She smiled. “No, thank you.”

  His attention shifted as he saw Otto and his Were-shifters leaving. “Otto, what are you doing here?”

  Otto turned and nodded.“Ah, Tristan. I came to pay my respects to Ivana.” He took off his shades to reveal his amber eyes. “And grab a quick bite. I did not hear from you on the witches, however as providence would have it, Remelia is over there. I agree that it may be time to talk a bit more. Besides, it doesn’t look like the vampires are quite ready.”

  Tristan looked into the old shifter’s eyes. “Not yet.”

  Otto smiled. “Well, whenever the vamps are ready to get their shit together, let me know.” He extended his hand and Tristan shook it.

  “Yeah.”

  Otto tried to leave when he felt the pull of Tristan’s hand.

  “Enjoy that quick bite, wolf?”

  With a devious smile, Otto shrugged. “A bit cold for my tastes, but you know what they say about revenge.”

  “Indeed I do, wolf.”

  Otto slipped on his shades and whistled for the rest of his men that followed behind him.

  Epilogue: One Month Later

  TRISTAN STOOD AT the top of the gothic cathedral and watched the night life below him. Saints and sinners going about their journeys in the night. It felt different now. It’s been about a month since The Three were removed from leadership, toppling a 500-year regime for the vampires. Since then, the vampires broke apart from one monarchy to several, resetting the leadership and fate of the vampires. He was asked to lead and declined promptly. Some hated him for it. Some loved him for it. Either way, it didn’t matter. It was his choice. Time will once again decide who’s at the top. Right now, everyone had to regroup and rebuild. No one was better than the other. Maybe this is as close to peace as they will get. Otto and Remelia toyed with the idea of a public treaty and of course when they left, he laughed. Most likely they will never get around to it. Politics.

  The recent events ruined him for meeting Mr. Darkness. He was quite the survivor and going to ground didn’t seem as tempting anymore now that change was on the horizon for the supernaturals. Ivana was right. There was hope in some of that change she wanted. He regretted not believing in it at first. But it took Zoë to drive it home. She believed in something better. In fighting for something, even when it didn’t benefit you directly.

  Zoë.

  He looked out with a sigh. Her name kept coming to visit his thoughts, just like her image visited his dreams.

  Perhaps he still wanted to tempt death. Why else would he grow feelings for a demon that killed his kind for work and play?

  Walking into his home, he locked the door and went into the kitchen. Reaching into the fridge, he pulled out a bag of type O blood and started to drink. Leaning against the stove, he paused as he heard a faint sound above his head. Looking up, he listened carefully for another minute. Then, he heard it again.

  Dammit. Just when you think you have some peace...

  Tristan pulled his gun and moved out the kitchen. Staring up the stairs, he quickly moved up the stairs and braced against the door. Taking a breath, he kicked the door open and went still as he found the source of the noise.

  “What are you doing here?” he asked the half-naked Zoë laying on his bed. She wore a pair of red panties and bra and barely covered her. Her other accessory was a devious smile as she watched him watching her.

  She savored the way his eyes lingered on her. It got her hot and their just was no denying it any longer. “Believe it or not, this is my punishment for all the shit I’ve done a month ago. I’ve been grounded indefinitely. My only consolation: I got to choose where I’d be dumped.”

  “And this was the first place you thought of?”

  She slowly nodded. “Nudity was optional, of course.”

  Tristan sighed and leaned against the wall, still not taking his eyes off her.

  “This will never work, Black Blood. Our very different species alone is the writing on the wall.” He pointed at her. “Predator.” Then, he pointed at himself, “Prey.”

  Zoë sat up. “I’m more than that, and I know so are you.” Because of him, she learned exactly why the Order existed. Everybody had a part to play and it was too easy to choose one paranormal to hate, or victimize, or fear. They were supposed to have killed each other, yet they didn’t. Call her a fool, but she took it as a good sign.

  Tristan walked over to her. “We’ll either try to kill each other or fuck each other’s brains out. That kinda polarization is dangerous.”

  She pulled against the chains and claimed his lips, letting him taste that fire she held for him. “There’s plenty of opportunity to meet somewhere in between.” She smiled as she kissed him, sighing at the feel of him hands rubbing and squeezing her flesh. She missed it. She missed the taste of him. And though they didn’t have all the answers and the fate of the supernaturals had yet to take shape, Tristan was thankful to have finally claimed some peace. Even if it’s for a short century.

  .

  About the Author

  A PARANORMAL ROMANCE and Urban Fantasy author, Kharma Kelley has been enamored with all things that go "bump in the night" for who knows how long. She truly believes that finding humanity and beauty in some of the most seemingly unconventional places is part of the romantic psyche to her. A big fan of the Big Easy, Kharma tends to weave her proud Cajun heritage and values into her books. She enjoys reading other urban fantasy and romance novels and playing Minecraft in her spare time.

  She believes there's something intriguing about strong women finding love in all the "wrong" places in the world of fantasy. Of angels, demons, ghosts, werewolves and the occasional blood sucker, all these paranormal metaphors are at the heart of what humans are and crave most...that we're all different, beautiful and a little bit weird—and just want someone to love us for who really we are."

  Where You Can Find More of Kharma Kelley

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  www.authorkharmakelley.com

  Visit me on Facebook

  Twitter: @kharmakelley

  Selene

  An Unconventional Love Story

  by Shelique Lize

  Copyright © 2017 by Shelique Lize.

  Cover design by Mayhem Cover Creations.

  Editing by Hastella.

  Selene

  An Unconventional Love Story

  by Shelique Lize

  (May be a trigger: A choke sex scene)

  My name is Selene and I am a moon goddess. Between my siblings and me, we control the balance of the universe. Without us, the mortal and immortal realms would be thrust into eternal chaos. Don’t ask me what that means. It’s what I’ve been told for as long I can remember. I have never questioned my existence because it was the only life I have ever known. Then one day, everything changed when I became enthralled with the earth.

  I couldn’t resist the alluring beauty that beckoned me almost every single night. My curiosity was so fierce and dominate, it was becoming impossible to ignore it and I gave in. I found the only god brave enough to take me to the mortal realm but he wanted something in return. He wanted my body, and I gave it to.

  I went to earth and experienced life like never before. It was like my eyes were opening and I started to question my entire existence. Feelings all of a sudden are very present and then everything changed again, when I fell in love with a human.

  Being a goddess has never been so complicated.

  .

  Chapter One


  ENDYMION

  It’s a bittersweet return home. I hear them chanting my name— over and over. It echoes in the distant as my horse rides further and further into the kingdom of Elis. Beside me rides Damon, my friend. The only man I would trust with my life.

  From the corner of my eye, I see that Damon looks on me with a bereaved expression but doesn’t say a thing. He worries about me and he has all the right.

  I knew one day that I would wear my father’s crown, but I hadn’t thought the day would be today. I thought I had more time. I thought my father, the king of Elis would have more time but I was mistaken. It wasn’t until I reached my kingdom, that the reality of the situation became a heavy burden. Doubts like never before came crashing down in the thousands.

  The people of Elis cheer on myself and men because they are happy that we won another fight. That is what I do— I conquer. I love being a general and fighting wars. I was a prince and I earned the respect of my men. From the moment I could hold a sword, I knew my calling. I wanted to fight and my father accepted that. My skills had not gone unnoticed and as time passed I felt more of a warrior than a prince of Elis.

  Taking a deep breath, I ignore the uneasiness and keep my head forward. Upfront the guards manage to clear a path for myself and soldiers. Whether I want the crown or not, my people need me and I can’t let them down. I was not the only one who lost someone. My entire kingdom has suffered a loss of a great king and I need to show Elis strength. They need to understand that despite this, we will rise and become even greater.

  I hear when Damon calls my name and stopping I climb off the horse. He says to me, “Endymion, allow me to speak to the people. You have enough to worry about,”

  Heeding his words, I know that he means well but I still shake my head. “Why should this time be any different?” I ask while passing Damon and stepping up the stone stairs. Since I’ve been general, for every triumphant win I have been the one who speaks to the people of Elis.

  Standing on the podium, my presence commands their attention. All their curious gazes are on me, wanting to hear the truth straight from my mouth. Elis would have heard from word of mouth weeks ago that we won, but that wasn’t the truth they wanted to confirm. That truth was evident as my men return home exhausted and worn, and despite their strife of over five years of war, they are smiling and embracing loved ones. The evident truth is also within the carriages of riches that we have taken from our enemies. No, my people do not want the easy truth.

  Elis heard rumors about their king and that is the hard truth they seek. The truth is simple, four words that clutch my tongue.

  On a deep inhale, I do not waste another moment to confirm the rumors.

  “Our King is dead!” I yell for the busy crowd to hear and everyone quiets. When I have their undivided attention, I continue on with my speech.

  Chapter Two

  THREE MONTHS LATER

  The woman’s blissful scream fills the room as I thrust my cock inside of her hot, throbbing pussy. I have a nice view of her back and ass, and I pull on her wild hair while penetrating deep and hard. She moans my name, whimpering and making incoherent sounds and fuck yes— I love it!

  “Say my name!” I demand on a rasping breath and she complies.

  Fucking yes!

  Releasing the servants’ hair, I slap her ass and grabbing onto her hips I thrust deep into her wet cunt. Picking up the pace, I glance down and admire the view of hardness gliding in and out of her heat. My balls slap against her sex as I thrust inside her, feeling her pussy clenching trying to push me out. The flush of her orgasm has the servant screaming for the entire castle to hear and I'm reveling in her juices. I ride out her orgasm and it’s not long before my own orgasm is on the pinnacle, and I don’t hold back.

  LYING ON MY BEDROOM floor, the servant and I have our limbs intertwined. We are both laying on our backs, too lazy and tired to get up and find our clothes. Too exhausted to walk across my chambers and lay on the bed. The thought alone seems complicated and I don’t want to partake in such an action.

  A knock on the door has my lackadaisical thoughts stirring, “Who is it?” I ask and without answering, I hear the door open and the servant makes no effort to cover herself. She has no need to hide because everyone within the castle knows that I like to sleep with the servants.

  Heavy footsteps walk toward our naked bodies and there is only one man brave enough to enter my chambers without permission.

  Damon kicks my barefoot, “I need to talk to you.”

  “Right now?” I ask mid-yawn and I don’t sit up with his urgent tone. I’m staring at the ceiling.

  I can hear the frustration on his tone, “Preferably.”

  “Then talk,” I reply.

  “Alone,” Damon snaps and I don’t have to look at my friend, to know that he is glaring at the young woman. She scurries from my side and I shift my gaze to catch a glimpse of her bare ass. The servant slips on her undergarment and leaves the room.

  When the room door shuts behind her, I sit up. “What is so important, that you could not have waited?”

  Damon shifts his attention down to me and quickly diverts his eyes. “I cannot have a conversation with you unclothed.”

  Perfect, now leave me alone. Should be my response because whatever he’s going to tell me, I don’t care to hear. I want more wine and pussy. “If I refuse will you leave?”

  He shakes his head, brown eyes narrowing. “I cannot leave. The situation needs your attention,”

  What doesn’t need my attention?

  Standing up naked, I murmur. “What is it?”

  Damon keeps his eyes distracted, “Endymion you cannot keep ignoring her.”

  “Who?” I ask knowing exactly who Damon is talking about but I had hoped I could put off Princess Arianna a while longer.

  Across the room, I see my himation. It’s a shawl that you drape over your shoulder. Designs vary from different colors, sizes, and textures. Walking across the room, I pick it up and wrap it around my waist.

  Damon accuses, “You know very well of who I’m speaking about.”

  “Unfortunately...” I sigh and passing Damon, I spot a bottle of wine near the decorative columns. Those pillars lead out to my private courtyard.

  Picking up the bottle from off the ground, I extend out an arm. “Want some?” I ask Damon and he drops his gaze down to my face. He’s reluctant to see my naked lower half and I don't blame him.

  “It’s safe,” I say.

  Damon asks, “Is this all you want to do now?”

  “Living in intoxication and indulging in sex, yes.” I pull out the cork and guzzle back the remaining alcohol.

  “Endymion you cannot continue to ignore your responsibilities,” Damon warns. Heeding his words, I finish the remaining wine and I toss the bottle at my friend with a grin. He catches it at the last moment and Damon frowns. “You’re playing a dangerous game,”

  Turning away from him, I look out on my private courtyard. I lean against one of the many columns and cross my arms across my chest. “I will make sure that I win.”

  “This is not a game in which you can manipulate the players. Arianna’s father allowed you to use their soldier’s, with the agreement of an engagement. The princess has been generous to give you more than enough time to deal with your father’s death. She did not make a fuss when you held a small coronation, but now...” From behind, something nudges me on the shoulder. I shift my eyes to see a letter and I take it from Damon.

  The letter states that the princess should be reaching Elis tomorrow. I breathe out a curse and I crumple the paper. She is coming down so we can proceed with the pre-wedding ceremony. I hadn’t sent for Arianna and nor do I want this union.

  The princess was making a bold move to travel here without an invitation. But a move that must be admired nonetheless. This shows that my bride to be isn’t a pushover, but still an unwanted presence.

  The arrangement that our father’s agreed upon happened th
ree years ago. It was during the warfare when my father decided to remove me from battle. I was taken to Arianna’s kingdom and he did not tell me what he was planning until everything was set in stone. If I had known, I wouldn’t have agreed and my father knew that, which is why he didn’t tell me until it was too late. A few days later, I was able to return to the battlefield and we won the war within two years.

  I had the confidence that my men and I could have defeated our enemies, without help. My father worried and doubted the size of our army. In the end, he doubted me.

  Clenching the crumpled letter in my fists, I turn back around to face Damon. “I suppose we should have the servants make this castle look presentable then?”

  Damon asks, “That’s all you are going to say?”

  I shrug my shoulders, “What more would you like me to say?”

  He narrows his eyes, studying me. “You want me to believe that you are now okay with this marriage?”

  “I am not okay with the union, but my father wanted it and my people deserve a queen. They deserve an heir. Elis needs confirmation that we will continue to be a great nation.”

  My friend continues to watch me. “What changed your mind?”

  “You ask me the question as if I ever had the option to change my mind. I was only avoiding the inevitable,”

  “The inevitable comes with perks,”

  “I can get sex from any other servant,”

  Damon shakes his head, “No other kingdom will dare strike against you. Not with Arianna’s father having your back,” With a scoff, I step back inside and begin looking for my chiton, feeling embittered.

  This whole situation annoys me because my father kept his sickness from me. I hadn’t known he was ill until it was too late and by that time he had already set his plans in motion. He knew he was sick and wanted to make sure that myself and Elis were secure. I’m upset but I don’t want to be because that was who my father was. He took care of everyone he cared about, whether it was with your consent or without.