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

by Kiki Howell

  Vivian reached out for her granddaughters, giving them each a kiss on their foreheads, “Now, I must fly my lovelies. Do try to stay out of trouble. Grandma can’t always save you. Remember, put on your big witch panties.” Mystic and Samantha finished the last part of her sentence with her.

  The old witch gave the girls a wink as she headed out of the office and presumably out of the club. Mystic clung to Samantha as if she were afraid she’d disappear again.

  Mystic pulled away to glance into Samantha’s eyes, “What did Lucifer want with you, Samantha? What other rules have you broken that you haven’t told me about?”

  Samantha sighed as she leaned against the desk, “I already told you everything. I wouldn’t have broken anymore rules, not after that last fiasco.”

  Samantha continued, “She wants you Mystic. Or rather a spellunking spell from you. For whatever reason, she says you are too powerful to approach. She kidnapped me in the hopes I could get you to agree to doing the spell for her. When I told her that I wouldn’t, for any reason, try to talk you into doing it, she threatened to hold me in the Underhell for eternity until I changed my mind. How did you get me back?”

  Onyx pulled her close and held her. “Your grandmother is a very interesting and persuasive woman.”

  She laughed a little. “Hades owed her a favor, didn’t he? And she cashed it in?”

  The vampire nodded while grinning. “That he did.”

  “I don’t know what Hades said to Lucifer because I was watching the baby demons. But when she came to release me into his custody she was spitting mad. Literally there were sparks flying from her high heels. I swear I saw a flame shoot out her nose, too.”

  Mystic’s eyes were wide as she listened, “Lucifer wants a spellunking spell from me? I wonder what she needs done. That can’t be good. I need to get some air. I’ll talk to you later cousin.” The troubled look was still on Mystic’s face as she walked out of the office muttering to herself under her breath.

  Onyx pulled Samantha into a warm hug. “I know that it’s been a really long day but I would love to take you out on a real date. Somewhere quiet. If you aren’t too tired, that is.”

  Samantha reached up and pulled his head close to hers, resting her forehead against his, “I would love to have a date. Something normal to end this day would be fantastic.”

  Chapter Eleven

  SAMANTHA TOOK ANOTHER look at herself in the mirror, touching up her make-up for the hundredth time. She couldn’t believe how nervous she was about going on a date with a guy she had already had sex with. This would be her first date in six months.

  Getting to dress up and put makeup on for something besides work made her happy. She had swept her brown hair up into a loose ponytail. With the cooler weather, she had chosen a pair of black leggings, a cream-colored chic sweater that fell right above her knees. A long gold chain with a green jewel rested between her breasts. Cute brown suede boots that climbed her calves completed her ensemble.

  She glanced out her window for what seemed like the millionth time and cool grey eyes met hers. She jumped and gave a small shriek before realizing it was her date. Laughing at herself she walked to the door and swung it open.

  Onyx looked dressed up himself and she eyed him from top to bottom. His ash-blonde hair was spiky again and it made her smile remembering that first night. A pair of snug black jeans hugged him in all the right places. A flicker in the direction of his crotch and she could see he was happy to see her. A white long sleeved shirt hugged his chest and arms and he held a black leather jacket, draped over one shoulder. Black cowboy boots of all things completed his outfit.

  He looked like sex on a stick and she resisted the urge to drag him into the bedroom. Yum. She needed a normal night though. Going out on a date with this sexy vampire, while it might not be the most normal thing for humans was just what this witch needed to rejuvenate and forget the past few days.

  “What do you know? You’re right on time,” Samantha said.

  Onyx smiled at her, showing the tips of his fangs. “What can I say? I’m eager to cater to your every need and desire tonight.”

  “Be careful what you wish for,” she teased him with a smile.

  Onyx jumped as if he had been shocked. “Ouch! What the hell was that?” He leaned down and rubbed the top of his right foot.

  Samantha laughed as she watched a tiny fairy flutter up between them, “That’s Tom. I’m sorry he stabbed you. He’s been a part of my life as long as I can remember and as you can see he’s quite protective.” She held out her hand and three inches of fury landed on her palm. He looked like a little crazed robin hood. Green outfit, a belt, little boots, and instead of a cross bow he held a fairy-sized sword. He looked up at Onyx and scowled.

  “I hope that’s not a deal breaker since I’m pretty attached to the little guy.” She gave a little laugh and at her words, Tom fluttered up and nestled on one side of her shoulder, all while he kept a wary eye on the vampire.

  Onyx laughed with her. “After dropping almost one point three million dollars, owing your grandmother a favor, fighting not just a Hellhound but a Trapper, I figure I can handle a small fairy with delusions of grandeur.”

  At his words Tom flew off, chittering a few choice words in Onyx’s direction.

  Samantha stared in the direction Tom had just flown off. He turned around and took a finger across his throat as if he was slicing it, then pointed to the vampire. “Hmm, I think he likes you.” Onyx gave her a look full of doubt.

  She turned to look at him then with a small gasp, “How did you spend over a million? I thought my fine was two-hundred and fifty thousand? Where did the other million go?”

  He offered Samantha his arm, pulling the sleeve of his shirt up to show her the new magical tattoo. She traced it gently before reaching back inside to grab her purse to usher them out of the apartment. Together they walked down the hallway and she traced her fingers over the infinity symbol.

  “I contacted your grandmother for a spell or something to help me keep most of my strength while I was out in the daylight so that I could protect you from Rune since I knew he was hunting you. She charged me a million dollars and a favor in return for the tattoo.”

  She paused and then started laughing uncontrollably, bending over in her mirth. She couldn’t stop the giggles from coming out. Just when she thought she had them under control, she’d start to laugh again.

  Onyx bent down in front of her and lifted her chin to look at him. “What’s so damn funny? Care to share with the class, doll?”

  She answered him between random bursts of laughter, “My grandmother gives free magical tattoos twice a month, you know, to give back to the magical community. Paying it forward. You were hosed, Onyx. Today was one of her free days.” His grey eyes sparked with indignation as she continued, “I can’t believe she got you for a million dollars and a favor.”

  He winced then joined her in her laughter, “Crazy old bat. There’s always one in a family, though yours might be an exception. Let’s get down to the car and start this date of ours.”

  Onyx led Samantha over to his car and opened the door for her. Before he could close the door and walk away she spoke, “I can’t wait for dessert.” The door shut with lightning speed and within a couple of seconds he had gotten into the driver’s side and started the car.

  Samantha laughed, “I guess all males, no matter the species are fairly predictable.”

  “I HAD A REALLY GOOD time, Onyx, thank you so much for taking me out,” Samantha told him as Onyx opened her door and pulled her out of his car. He was old fashioned, opening car doors, pulling out chairs etc. She liked it. She hadn’t had a guy treat her like a Queen on a date before. She was going to have to keep this one.

  Onyx smiled at her as they walked to the door of her apartment, “I’m glad you enjoyed yourself. I was hoping it would take your mind off the last few days. Did it?”

  Samantha stopped in front of her apartment door, “Yes, it did the
trick. I’m glad you asked me out.”

  She stood up on her tiptoes to grab his head and bring it down to hers. She pressed her lips against his. He groaned and pulled her body closer to his to deepen the kiss. The passion they shared, from something as simple as a kiss took her breath away. She could be content just making out with him all night long. Way to make her feel like a dreamy teen witch again, though her first love didn’t have the finesse of her vampire lover.

  “Would you like to come inside?” Samantha asked him when they finally came up for air. She was breathless and she could feel her cheeks warming at her invitation. She had nothing to feel embarrassed about but she felt nervous about asking him in.

  Onyx gave her a knowing smile, white teeth and fangs flashing in the light. “Why, Samantha, are you trying to take advantage of me? Inviting me in after the first date? I thought there was some cardinal rule about not inviting a man in until the third date?”

  She laughed, “I’ve never been one to follow the rules. Our first night should have clued you in on that fact. I think we’re mutually taking advantage of each other.” Samantha grabbed his hand and pulled him into her apartment.

  “Now, why don’t we have a repeat of that first night?” She stood on tip-toes to grab his head and smash her lips against his. Silky full lips pushed back against hers. She felt a fang graze her lip and just like the first night Onyx gave a husky groan as he tasted her blood.

  He leaned back to trace his tongue against her lips a few times and she found his stormy grey eyes locked on her own. The look was electric, charged, and erotic as fuck. She could feel her panties getting damp and she squirmed.

  He used a hand against her throat to push her against the wall and she let him. She tilted her head to the side in invitation and his head nuzzled between her neck, leaving a trail of scorching kisses and tongue in his wake.

  His sharp teeth glided teasingly down one side before he turned her head. This time she felt his teeth slide in as he drank of her magical essence. She felt her pussy tighten as a climax hit her full force in the same rhythm as his sucking.

  She cried out and blindly reached for his shaft. There. She could feel him rock hard against his jeans and when he felt her hand he pushed against her. She struggled to release him from the confines of his jeans. When she finally got him free she wrapped her fist around his soft, silky, hard heat and squeezed. A groan tore out of his throat and he released his fanged hold on her and quickly licked her punctures closed. As she continued to stroke him, he threw his head back with a gasp.

  As much as she enjoyed foreplay, she wanted him deep inside her. Connecting with him on a primal level. Besides, they had the rest of the night for the extended foreplay. She stepped back and started pulling off her clothes as she walked to the bedroom. His eyes lit up and he pulled off his boots and followed her lead as he trailed her into the room.

  She had cleaned it earlier in the day, not for him, but because it needed cleaning. Okay, she was totally lying to herself. It had been for him. She’d wanted to make a good impression. She’d changed out the sheets and comforter and thrown everything else in the closet. If he didn’t open that door they’d be fine and he’d never know what a slob she really was.

  She felt his hand on her naked back, trailing his fingers down to lightly caress her ass. Without turning she reached back, grabbed his hand and dragged him over to the bed. She pushed him onto it and he climbed up and laid back with his hands behind his head.

  “What did you have in mind, doll?” His curious eyes tracked her as she crawled towards him.

  She felt like a sexy lioness, ready to pounce on her unsuspecting prey. Too bad her prey looked more like a predator wanting to do his own pouncing. He could have his turn later.

  She climbed on top of him and straddled him. “I want to be on top this time.”

  “By all means, please continue,” he growled. He put his hands on her hips to steady her as she reached down to push him inside her.

  They both groaned as she sank down fully onto him. She sat up straight, head thrown back, her hands reaching back to rest on his thighs as she started to ride his cock. Her eyes were closed as she savored the feeling of being connected when she felt his callused hands reach up to palm her breasts. She pushed back against his hands and opened her eyes.

  His eyes were locked on her breasts as he gently teased her nipples into hard little peaks.

  Onyx reached up to grab her hips to lunge into her at the same time she thrust down on him. He picked up the tempo and she felt her lips slide up and down his shaft, tickling her clit each time. She could feel a climax building up and she wanted it right fucking now.

  “Faster,” she gasped out. “I’m so close.” He picked up the pace until she felt her walls clenching him tight as a climax roar through her. She threw her head back, hair tickling her ass as she screamed out, “Oh god, I’m coming. Fuck me.”

  Onyx gave a small snarl as he continued to thrust into her, even over her shrieks to stop. Her clit was sensitive and she felt like she was going to explode if he didn’t stop. After another twenty seconds, she heard him roar as he released his seed deep inside her.

  She opened her eyes to look down on him. He had been watching her the whole time. He looked crazy as he came. It didn’t scare her because she’d already seen that look the first night. It was the look of a man losing all control as he came and it was the sexiest fucking thing she’d ever seen.

  He gave one more halfhearted thrust and then pulled her down on top of him, their bodies still connected. She felt his lips kiss her forehead as his hand brushed against her back. She closed her eyes and gave a small moan. Rub her back and she was putty.

  “You know, I’ve never had anyone care about me the way you have the last few days. It’s been nice to have someone outside of my family try their damnedest to protect me.”

  Onyx took her hand and placed a gentle kiss to the center of her palm. “I’ll always protect you, Samantha. In these short few days I’ve known you, you’ve brought light into my world of darkness. It doesn’t seem possible but going back to that life without you in it, would feel hollow and incomplete. I hope you’ll consider letting me be a part of your life and seeing where this will take us.”

  Before she could respond he practically threw her off as he jumped to his feet, “What in the fuck is that?” His fangs were bared and he looked ready to fight. She looked over to see what he was looking at and finally saw it.

  Stoney eyes glared at Onyx from the Gargoyle perched at the end of her bed. His red eyes were reproachful when he looked at her.

  “Oh, that’s just my pet gargoyle Sebastian. I’ve had him since he was a baby. Isn’t he cute?” She puckered up her lips, “That’s not going to be a deal breaker, is it?”

  He grabbed the comforter off the bed and threw it over the stone. He climbed back into bed to give her a heated kiss. “I’ll reserve judgement on that. Never been much for voyeurism, especially not from a peeping Tom, much less a gargoyle.”

  She laughed as she watched a flying peeping Tom fly around the room, leaving trails of glittering fairy dust on the carpet below. He’d get used to them, eventually.

  One illegal spell had changed her life. If she’d known going in what was going to happen, she’d do it all again in a heartbeat to have this passionate vampire in her life and bed.

  She made a mental note to send Sassy, the human girl who had started it all, some flowers.

  Thank Sassy for small favors.

  About the Author:

  ISIS PIERCE IS possessed by the spirit of an ancient Egyptian fertility god. But that's beside the point...she'd cheerfully pen smutty tales even without his influence. A former Librarian, Isis has recently decided to change careers and put her vast experience of all things naughty into your hot little hands. Careful, she just might set your e-reader on fire.

  Where to Find More of Isis Pierce

  TWITTER: https://twitter.com/Isis_writes

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s://www.facebook.com/AuthorIsisPierce/

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  Frozen Soul

  Catherine Banks

  Copyright @ Catherine Banks, 2017, Edited by J.R. O’Bryant, Cover by Nowicki Productions

  FROZEN SOUL

  Catherine Banks

  A wolf's love is forever...and so is the bond of the pack.

  Even after she broke it off with their Alpha, Tysen, the pack still loved Jess. So when they discover her current boyfriend, Jon, is literally draining her soul, her wolf family is right there to come to her rescue. Back amongst their ranks, the bond she shares with them, and Tysen, grows stronger than ever, and she can't deny how desperately she's missed them all.

  But now the truth of Jess and Jon's relationship comes blasting through the door and brings everyone to their knees; she's sacrificed more for the pack than any of them realized.

  The question now remains: is there a way for Tysen to save her soul?

  Chapter One

  “WHO HIT YOU?” Tysen asked angrily as he entered the front office.

  I jerked, startled that he was so close to me and here, in the office. I hadn’t even heard the front door open, what a terrible receptionist I was. The number one rule was to be aware of your surroundings.

  “Um...” I replied smartly.

  Wasn’t he supposed to be out of the state? The last I had heard, he was in another state for the rest of the week.

  He tilted my face to look at him and gingerly touched the bruise on my cheek while I tried not to get lost in his eyes. “Tell me what happened,” he whispered. Even though it was an order, he said it more like a request.

  “He didn’t get the promotion he was certain he was a shoe in for and went out drinking. I would have left him alone, but there was lipstick on his mouth and...”