Wicked After Dark: 20 Steamy Paranormal Tales of Dragons, Vampires, Werewolves, Shifters, Witches, Angels, Demons, Fey, and More

by Mina Carter

Laila was so turned on she came again, her body trembling against his strong hands. "Oh, God yes!"

  Somnus didn't wait until she was ready. He plunged himself deep inside of her. "Yes, I am your God. And this God is going to make you come over and over until you beg me to stop. Then I'm going to fuck you even harder."

  She screamed in ecstasy. "Somnus, yes! Harder!"

  Reaching over her back he placed his hands on her shoulders giving him more leverage to push deeper and faster into her tight pussy. "Oh yeah baby, you're so wet for me."

  "Yes, Somnus!"

  Hearing her scream his name as she came sent him over the edge. "Fuck, you feel so good. I'm gonna come. Fuck!"

  They collapsed on the bed together with him still inside her. As he lay next to her he couldn't help but think this was the single most exhilarating experience he'd had in all his immortal life. He never wanted it to end. The only problem was, it just might. He never explained to her what being together would entail. What if she didn't want to mate with him? What if she didn't want to live forever with him by her side? Many Gods lost their loves because they were human. Their mates couldn't stand to think of seeing their loved ones die as they lived on.

  "Somnus?"

  Laila's soft voice brought him out of his thoughts. "Yeah?"

  "What happens between us now?"

  "What do you mean?"

  "I mean, what happens now. I know you won't get old, but I will. You will still be young and vigorous as I get older and older. I'll become an old woman and you wouldn't want me anymore." She began to sob quietly.

  Somnus rolled her over onto her back. He climbed on top of her placing his elbows on each side of her. He slid his arms underneath her and entangled his hands in her hair. "Look at me Laila. That would never happen. I will want you for as long as I live. There is no woman or Goddess that will ever take your place in my heart."

  Laila averted her eyes. "But, you replaced Victoria with me, didn't you?"

  How could she think she was a replacement for another woman? That's not how he felt at all. In fact, he felt so much more with her than he did with Victoria. "Laila, I did not replace Victoria with you. There is no comparison of what I felt with Victoria and what I feel for you."

  "But, you said Jupiter..."

  "Yes, I loved Victoria very much. But, now I know she wasn't meant for me. It would have been wrong to mate with her."

  "Why?"

  "Because you're my mate Laila. You are my soul mate. We are meant to be together for all eternity."

  Laila blinked and a single tear fell from her eye. "But, I will die."

  Somnus ran his thumb across her tear stricken cheek. "You don't have to."

  "I don't? What do you mean?"

  "I mean, if you choose to be my mate, its forever. Only there's no turning back. No changing your mind. It's not a decision to be taken lightly, or something that needs to be decided today."

  "You mean I can live forever with you?"

  He smiled softly. "If that's what you want."

  "Let's mate now. What do we have to do?"

  Somnus laughed out loud. "Laila we should really discuss this first, don't you think?"

  Her expression turned to one of disappointment. "You don't want to be with me forever? I understand."

  He took her face in his hands forcing her to look at him. "Didn't you hear what I just said to you? You're mine forever. If that means you choose to mate with me and live for eternity, or choose to live out your human life here, you will be mine no matter what. I just don't want you to make a hasty decision without thinking about it first."

  "Somnus, what is there to think about? I love you. I know what a gift that is. No one has ever looked at me the way you do. I promise to always make you happy because I know you'll do the same for me."

  "I will do whatever it takes to protect you and give you anything your heart desires."

  "Somnus, I only need you. But, what could I ever give you that you don't already have?"

  He smiled and placed a feather light kiss on her lips. "A son."

  Epilogue

  Hercules sat chained on the scolding floor of the Underworld. It was sweltering down there, even for a God. The dark caves enclosing him in darkness. Lost souls constantly floated around his head begging him to help them. A God could certainly go mad in a place like this. He knew he deserved being there. He broke too many rules and it had finally caught up to him. He only hoped that everyone would forgive him. He especially wanted Laila to know he was only trying to help her and Somnus. He hoped if he ever got out of there he would have the chance to be able to tell her that.

  A dark shadow exited a dimly lit cave and Hercules cringed at the sight. He knew what was coming. His daily whipping. Since he was from Olympus his powers were much weaker in the Underworld. He wasn't able to break out of his chains and he could feel pain. A sensation he still hadn't gotten used to.

  Pluto rounded the corner carrying a whip in his hand, his steel gray eyes boring into Hercules. "Well, Hercules. It doesn't look like anyone will be saving you today. My brother has asked me not to kill you and take your soul, but I might as well have a little fun while you're here right?" Pluto raised his arm high in the air bringing the whip down, snapping it against Hercules' already open wounds.

  Blood poured from every inch of his bare flesh, but he wasn't going to give in and show Pluto how much pain he was in. He stood and faced the wall clutching the thick chains in his hands. In the corner of his eye he saw Letum bringing another soul to the River Styx where it would be carried to the Pit of Death.

  Letum never said anything to anyone. Well, who was he going to talk to anyway? A bunch of dead souls? Pluto? Hercules tried to get him to talk to him numerous times, but he just walked by him. He didn't blame him though. The Underworld was not a fun social function where everyone was having a good time. It was a horrid place. It smelled of sweat and burnt flesh. A scent he would never get accustomed to.

  Pluto raised the whip again, bringing it down on Hercules' sensitive skin. "Had enough yet?"

  Hercules never cried out. He only moaned against the pain. "Fuck you Pluto!"

  "I see we haven't." He cracked the whip again.

  As Letum was walking past them he did something that surprised Hercules. He spoke. "Why don't you give him a break Pluto? He's had enough."

  Pluto glared at Letum. "Why don't you do your job and mind your fucking business!"

  Letum only shook his head and walked away. He looked as though his soul was just as dead as the souls he brought in here.

  "Maybe someone will come for you tomorrow. Maybe Daddy will change his mind and come get you. Doubt it though. It seems no one wanted you when you were born and no one wants you now."

  "Pluto, have you ever considered why Jupiter sent you here? Maybe you're a bit of a prick."

  Pluto advanced towards Hercules and whispered angrily in his ear. "Let's get something straight here. I'm here because I chose to be. My dear brother Jupiter randomly chose where we would all rule, but I refused to rule the oceans, and let our brother Poseidon have that job. I chose to be here. Just like your mother chose not to keep you."

  Hercules turned around to face Pluto. "What the fuck are you talking about?"

  "Don't tell me dear old Dad never told you about your mother?"

  "I know all about Juno."

  Pluto clicked his tongue. "Oh, my poor diluted boy. Juno was not your mother."

  Hercules' head began to spin. What was Pluto talking about? He was always told Juno couldn't take care of any more children and he was given to Mars. Soon after Jupiter caught her cheating and killed her on the spot. This was what he knew his life had been. Where he came from. Hercules glared at Pluto, demanding an answer. "What the fuck do you mean Juno wasn't my mother? Fucking talk!"

  "Well, it really isn't my place to say. But, what the Hell. A very long time ago Jupiter had set his sights on a human woman. It wasn't enough that he could have any Goddess on Olympus, no he had to have
something he wasn't allowed to have. It seems he didn't practice what he preached. He made advances towards this woman, but she was madly in love with her husband and turned Jupiter down. Well, that didn't sit well with him at all. He wanted her and he would have her."

  Hercules leaned against the ragged stone wall, blood still dripping from his wounds. He listened intently as Pluto continued the story.

  "When that woman's husband went off to fight a battle Jupiter disguised himself as her husband and spent the night with her. Well, several nights. You were conceived during that time. When Juno found out about your mother's pregnancy she tried her damnedest to prevent you from being born. But, alas, you were brought into this world and your mother didn't want you because you reminded her of Jupiter and how he had deceived her. She made Jupiter take you to Olympus, but Juno wouldn't have that. She tried to kill you, but was unsuccessful. When Jupiter found out what she had done, he disintegrated her. So, you see Juno didn't cheat on Jupiter. It was always he that betrayed her."

  Hercules fell to his knees. His energy now depleted. Is this what heartache felt like? "So, I'm a demi-god?"

  "Yeah, it would appear to be so."

  "But, I thought only Gods could live on Olympus?"

  "My brother can make or break any rules he wants. If he wanted his demi-god son to live on Olympus, so be it. Who was going to argue with him? Well, it seems I have had enough fun for today. See you tomorrow Hercules. Sleep tight."

  Hercules watched Pluto leave with a smug expression on his face. Why hadn't anyone told him who he really was? Surely, the other Gods on Olympus knew. Or did they? Jupiter probably hid the truth from them all, like he usually did.

  One thing Hercules knew for sure. If he ever got out of this place he was going to confront his father and beat the ever loving shit out of him. If he was sent back to live down here in the Underworld indefinitely, it would have been well worth it for all the pain and sorrow he had to endure in his immortal lifetime.

  The Haunting

  Prologue & Chapter One

  Prologue

  Ever wonder how much your life would change if you won a million dollars? Well, that fantasy is about to become a reality for one lucky winner of a new game show called The Haunting. Six people will enter the contest, but not everyone will win. In fact, there can only be one winner. Entrants include a drug dealer, an exotic dancer, a drug addict, an entrepreneur, a district attorney, and a rich kid, all desperate in some way. Whether they need the money, or are looking for something different and need a break from their boring everyday lives. It may seem that these contestants have nothing in common, but that's not the case. They have one very important thing in common, their desperation to win the prize.

  But, winning the money will be anything but easy. Not only will they have to spend a full twenty-four hours together in a haunted mansion, but each will have to overcome their own weaknesses and make alliances with their competitors if they want to survive.

  There are two rules of the game. Rule number one, you must stay inside the house for twenty-four hours. Rule number two, no one would be allowed to leave under any circumstance. If you leave you are disqualified.

  If more than one person is still standing after the twenty-fours has passed the contest will then be extended another twenty-four hours. This process will be repeated until there is only one contestant remaining. That one person will win one million tax free dollars and have their lives changed forever.

  All of the people who have visited Waverly Mansion have disappeared never to return home to their loved ones. Are these contestants so desperate that they would risk their lives just to win money?

  A million dollars can mean the difference between life and death to some people, but there are important questions you need to ask yourself. Is this money worth the torment and anguish you will have to endure in order to win? What about your life? Is dying the price you are willing to pay for a chance to win that amount of money?

  Chapter One

  The sound of the faucet dripping woke Kelly up a little too early for her liking. She couldn't lay there and listen to it any longer. If there was one thing she hated, it was the sound of dripping water. She threw a light gray fleece blanket over her head to quiet the sound hoping she could sleep for another hour. After hearing a few more drips fall into the empty stainless steel sink she'd had enough. She kicked the blanket off her body and stomped across the hardwood floors of her bedroom and into the living room. She made her way across the linoleum tiled kitchen floor and grabbed the needle nose pliers next to the sink. She squeezed and turned the loose screw tightening it as much as she could. Since there were no knobs to turn the faucet on and off this was her only option. The superintendent in the building was useless with maintenance and she wondered how he ever got the job in the first place.

  The water was still dripping after all her effort. Extremely upset she gathered her long black curly hair and wrapped it up in a messy bun. Kelly opened the cabinet underneath the sink and turned the cold water valve off so no water would come out of the faucet.

  "Fucking sink!" Kelly stood up and slammed the pliers on top of the kitchen counter. How could she go to sleep now that she was so aggravated?

  The thought of going to work annoyed her. While most people were going to sleep for the night, Kelly had to get ready for work. Her job was anything but enjoyable. In fact, it was outright terrible. Well, who the hell would think that working at the Hits N' Tits Sports Strip Club would be fun. It was the first and only club of its kind. What was the owner thinking when he came up with the idea of that place? What an idiot! And I'm an even bigger idiot for working there. Obviously, men didn't bother watching the games on the televisions in the lounge. Why would they when there were beautiful young women taking their clothes off on stage across from the bar?

  Just getting to work was a pain in the ass. She had to take two buses to get there, and the club was located in the worst neighborhood in town. Not that where she lived was the best, but it sure was better than where she worked. Today had its good points and its bad points. A good point was the fact that it was the last day she had to work before she could rest on the weekend. Bad point, it was Friday. Friday was the worse day of the week to have to work in the bar. Most men didn't have to work on the weekends so they spent most of the night at the bar getting drunk and becoming rowdy. Most of them had wives and children at home, but they didn't seem to care.

  Kelly squeezed her eyes shut and pinched the bridge of her nose. She was getting a headache and her night hadn't even started yet. She walked to her bedroom and grabbed a pair of sweatpants and a t-shirt. She took a quick shower and got dressed. Her costumes, or lack thereof, were at the club. She kept some make-up and all her costumes at work. After all, she would look pretty ridiculous sitting on a city bus in a bra and thong.

  She grabbed her sweater and purse off of the couch and walked out the door. It was a chilly October day, she wrapped her sweater tighter around her slender body. It had started to rain, luckily Kelly had a small umbrella in her bag for just such an occasion. It was a quiet night thus far. The only sound breaking the silence were the cars passing by on the wet street.

  The bus arrived at the stop fifteen minutes behind its scheduled time, but she was expecting that. The bus was never on time. The bus came to a stop and its doors opened. Kelly got in and shivered, it felt like she had walked into a walk in freezer.

  "Isn't there any heat on this bus?" She asked the driver through chattering teeth.

  "Nope, sorry. It went out a few hours ago. I'm scheduled to take it in for repairs after this run."

  "Fabulous." Kelly dumped her change in the fare box and got on the bus, she walked to the back where she could sit by herself.

  Kelly arrived at Hits N' Tits feeling like a frozen popsicle and a half hour earlier than she was expected to be there. When she walked in her boss Frank yelled at her from across the room. "I hope you don't think you're getting paid extra for being here early."


  "Of course not Frank. Why would I ever think you could be a nice and decent human being?" She rolled her eyes at him and continued to walk backstage. She couldn't stand the sight of him. He was a short stocky man who always had a cigar in his mouth. But, what irritated her the most was that he was practically bald and he was still trying to hold onto what hair he had left by combing it from one side of his head to the other. Many a time she really wanted to take a pair of scissors and cut it off. She would be doing him a favor- really.

  As she was about to turn the corner into the back hallway she heard Frank call out to her. "Don't you sass me young lady or you'll be looking for a new job by this time tomorrow."

  Kelly stopped and turned to face him. "Oooo, I'm shakin' in my boots." She knew he was only bluffing. She was the best dancer in the club and brought in the most money. A lot of men asked for her. Although they referred to her by her stage name, Kitty. She earned that name because of her slow cat-like moves strutting through the audience during her performances. Her trademark outfit was a leopard print bra and thong and a headband with ears. At the end of her show the headband would be the only piece of clothing she had left on.

  The door to the dressing room was slightly ajar, she peeked in to see if anyone was in there. It was kind of creepy in the club at night. Mostly because Frank was too damn cheap to put any lighting in the hallway. A quick glance into the room and she saw one of the other girls had already arrived. Tina Turner, who had become one of her best friends, was starting to get dressed into her costume. And yes that was actually her name. When they first met, Kelly didn't believe that was her real name. Tina had shown Kelly her driver's license but she still didn't believe her. Kelly demanded she see her birth certificate.

  Tina had come in the very next day with her birth certificate and proved to Kelly that was her name. Kelly laughed hysterically when she saw it. Tina had explained to Kelly that her mother had been a big fan of the singer and since their last name was Turner she thought it would be cute to name her daughter Tina.