Going somewhere? Dominic’s rumbling baritone flooded her mind.
Layla turned on her heels and found herself face to face with the mammoth tiger. Even on all fours, he was almost as tall as she was, and the muscles that rippled beneath that striped fur left little doubt to how much damage he could do in a short time.
“Hello, Dominic.” She scanned the area. “Where’s Daniella?”
Dominic growled, whispered the ancient language, and shifted into his human form. Like most Amoveo men, he towered over her at well over six feet tall, and was a solid wall of muscle. He had cropped black hair and was dressed in combat fatigues with a dagger tucked in his belt. The man looked like he’d stepped out of an ad for the army or special forces. Needless to say, he was a badass.
“My sister claimed the side of the Purists,” he said tightly. His yellow-gold eyes burned down at her brightly. “I am the only guardian now.”
“I’m here to see William.” She held her ground, ready to shift into her cheetah. “Is he here?”
“William is upstairs.” Salinda’s sweet voice floated down like a breath of fresh air. “Thank you, Dominic.”
“Your Highness,” he said with a bow.
Layla headed up the steps while Dominic erupted into his tiger form and stalked out to the fields. Shaking from a touch of adrenaline, Layla stepped into the front hall and breathed a sigh of relief.
“I had a feeling we might be seeing you sooner rather than later.” Salinda closed the door, smiled, and rested her hands on her pregnant belly. “William is staying on the third floor.” Her warm brown eyes glinted at Layla knowingly. “It’s private. Go right up. I know he’ll be very happy to see you, and I, for one, am thrilled that you’re here.” She scooped up her purse and shrugged on her coat. “Now you make yourself at home. I have an appointment at the healer, belly checkup, and so on. Richard is meeting me there, so you two will have the place to yourselves. As you saw, Dominic is guarding the property, so rest easy.”
Layla grinned. “Thank you, Salinda.” She bounded up the steps two at a time as Salinda vanished.
She gripped the mahogany banister, breathless by the time she reached the landing of the third floor. Trying to catch her breath, Layla ran her fingers through her unruly red curls in an effort to make herself presentable. She shucked her coat, draped it over the newel post at the top of the steps, and straightened out the V-neck sweater she’d thrown on that morning.
She moved slowly down the hallway and peered into the rooms on either side, but the office and what looked like the sitting room were empty. At the end of the hallway was one more door that was open just a crack. Layla entered and found William standing at a tall oval window with his hands clasped firmly behind his back in his signature stance.
“Why are you here?” he asked coldly without even turning around. “You made it perfectly clear this morning that you want to be left alone.”
“What are you talking about?” Layla asked with genuine confusion.
He glanced over his shoulder. “Your energy signature was completely cut off from me.” William turned to face her, and the look on his face broke her heart. “That was a clear enough signal for me.”
“Cut you off?” Layla hooked her thumbs into the back pocket of her jeans. “Are you referring to this morning? When I was out shooting pictures of the farm?”
“Yes.” William’s brow furrowed. “But I don’t see what that has to do with anything.”
“Well, counselor, you didn’t look at all the evidence.” Layla closed the distance between them in deliberate steps. “When I get focused on my work, I shut out everything else, and all my energy, thoughts, feelings—everything that I am—is pointed at whatever it is I’m shooting. So I wasn’t shutting you out intentionally, I was absorbed in my work, but now that I know it has the side effect of cutting you off, I’ll have to be more careful.”
Her body wavered inches from his, her gaze skimming that devastatingly handsome face.
“So you see, William.” Layla took a deep breath, and her breasts brushed against the hard planes of his chest. “I wasn’t blocking you or avoiding you. I couldn’t avoid you if I tried.”
She ran her hands up his muscular arms and linked them behind his neck. His body hardened beneath her touch, and she felt him struggle to keep control.
Layla pulled his hair free from the ponytail he wore and tangled her fingers in his silky hair. To her delight, his eyes shifted to their clan form and glowed down at her with the unmistakable glaze of desire.
“I can’t avoid you, William, and you sure as hell can’t avoid me. You can’t make me fall in love with you and expect to get away with it.” She nipped at his firm, warm lips and rasped her tongue along the tiny hurt. “You’re buried deep. Under my skin and in my heart,” she said seductively.
He murmured her name, captured her lips savagely with his, and dove deep. Passion raged as he explored the dark cavern of her mouth. Hands tore blindly, and their clothing fell away in a tangle of arms and legs. He picked her up easily and placed her on the bed. Breathless and panting, he covered her small body with the length of his, buried his face in the curve of her neck, and breathed her in. Layla shuddered beneath his ministrations and moaned as he kissed and nibbled his way back to her mouth.
William settled himself between her legs and drove into her hard and fast.
Layla gasped with pleasure as he plunged into her with strong strokes. He held her to him and took one rosy nipple into his mouth as he filled her time and again. Layla whispered his name as pleasure coiled deep inside. She wrapped her legs around his waist and held his head to her breast, urging him faster.
Knowing that they were approaching the peak, she reached out to him with her mind as he sank into her, and in that moment, openly gave William everything.
Nos es unus. Materia pro totus vicis. Ago intertwined. Forever.
As she touched her mind to his and uttered the ancient mating rite, the world exploded in a cavalcade of pleasure and blinding lights. They cried out in ecstasy and toppled over the edge of oblivion together.
Spent, sweaty, and exhausted, William rolled gently off Layla, but promptly pulled her naked body against his and nestled her into the crook of his arm. They lay in a tangle of limbs—hearts pounding, bodies shaking—and it was several minutes before either said anything. Layla chewed her lip nervously and ran her finger along the white scar on William’s chest.
“I guess you’re stuck with me now,” she said through heavy breaths.
William propped a pillow under his head and looked down at her, while he played with her red curls. “It would seem so.” He smiled, and his brow furrowed. “Where on earth did you learn the mating rite?”
“Kerry and Samantha told me what it was.” She turned on her belly and rested her chin on his chest as she looked at him coyly. “Is it okay that I said it and not you?”
“Is it okay?” He laughed loudly and took her head in both hands. William sat up, pulled her to him, and kissed her firmly. “It is more than okay, Firefly.” He brushed her cheek with his thumb.
“I love you, William.” She took his hand in hers and kissed his palm tenderly. Her heart swelled with love, and for the first time, she was exactly where she longed to be. Looking into his moon-glow eyes, she knew she was home. “I choose you,” she whispered. “I choose you and me. Forever.”
Acknowledgments
Thank you just never seems to be enough, and whenever I write the acknowledgments, I’m worried that I’ll leave someone out. The truth is that just about everyone I deal with on a daily basis should be thanked. They have to tolerate me and my annoying habit of stuffing a hundred things into one day. My husband and children, as always, are at the top of the list. They support me, love me, and inspire me to be better every day.
I’d like to extend my thanks to my agent, Jeanne Dube, for knowing just what to say and exactly when to say it. Thanks to Deb Werksman, Cat Clyne, and Susie Benton for their editorial brilli
ance, and for the much needed words of encouragement in my moments of self-doubt. The Sourcebooks art department continues to create spectacular covers that capture the heart of the story. Many thanks to Danielle Jackson for her super-fab publicity efforts and putting together a stellar blog tour for every book.
Many thanks to the Community Relations Managers at Barnes & Noble who have been consistently supportive with my book tours and work hard to make each a success. Especially to Kelly at my local CRM at B&N—you rock! Sheila—you’re still the best beta reader ever!
A big shout out to all of the angels on the street team… you gals are the best! Thank you for sharing your excitement about the series.
Thanks to the folks at the Rustic Inn down in Maryland for letting me take tons of photos of their place and for answering all my questions. Thanks to Tom Emory, my cousin and Woodbine resident, for sending pictures of different local joints, which helped me narrow it down and select the kind of spot I was looking for.
Last, but not least, thanks to the Fleury family for hosting the big reunion at Woodbine Farm every five years. At the 2010 reunion, inspiration struck, and the plot for Untamed was born. I hope you’ll feel that I did the old homestead justice.
Dream on…
About the Author
Sara Humphreys is a graduate of Marist College, with a BA degree in English literature and theater. Her initial career path after college was as a professional actress. Some of her television credits include A&E Biography, Guiding Light, Another World, As the World Turns, and Rescue Me.
She is the president of Taney Speaker Training, which specializes in public speaking, presentation development, and communication skills. She has trained executives at Verizon, Bristol-Meyer Squibb, Westchester County, and the United States Navy. Her speaking career began with Monster’s Making It Count programs, speaking in high schools and colleges around the United States to thousands of students.
Sara has been a lover of both the paranormal and romance novels for years. Her sci-fi/fantasy/romance obsession began years ago with the TV series Star Trek and an enormous crush on Captain Kirk. That sci-fi obsession soon evolved into the love of all types of fantasy/paranormal: vampires, ghosts, werewolves, and of course, shapeshifters. Sara is married to her college sweetheart, Will. They live in Bronxville, New York, with their four boys and two insanely loud dogs. Life is busy but never dull.
You can find information about upcoming books on her website www.sarahumphreys.com.
Untouched
by Sara Humphreys
She may appear to have it all, but inside she harbors a crippling secret…
Kerry Smithson’s modeling career ensures that she will be admired from afar—which is what she wants, for human touch sparks blinding pain and mind-numbing visions.
Dante is a dream-walking shapeshifter—an Amoveo, who must find his destined mate or lose his power forever. Now that he has found Kerry, nothing could have prepared him for the challenge of keeping her safe. And it may be altogether impossible for Dante to protect his own heart when Kerry touches his soul…
Praise for the Amoveo Legend series:
“Sizzling sexual chemistry that is sure to please.” —Yankee Romance Reviewers
“A moving tale that captures both the sweetness and passion of romance.” —Romance Junkies, 5 blue ribbons
“A well-written, action-packed love story featuring two very strong characters.” —Romance Book Scene, 5 hearts
For more of the Amoveo Legend series, visit:
www.sourcebooks.com
Unleashed
by Sara Humphreys
What if you suddenly discovered your own powers were beyond anything you’d ever imagined…
Samantha Logan’s childhood home had always been a haven, but everything changed while she was away. She has a gorgeous new neighbor, Malcolm, who introduces her to the amazing world of the dream-walking, shapeshifting Amoveo clans…but what leaves her reeling with disbelief is when he tells her she’s one of them…
And shock turns to terror as Samantha falls prey to the deadly enemy determined to destroy the Amoveo, and the only chance she has to come into her true powers is to trust in Malcolm to show her the way…
Get swept away into Sara Humphreys’s glorious world and breathtaking love story…
For more Sara Humphreys, visit:
www.sourcebooks.com
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Savage Hunger
by Terry Spear
He saved her once…
When Kathleen McKnight was caught in the crossfire during a mission deep in the Amazon rain forest, a mysterious man saved her life then disappeared. Kathleen returns a year later in hopes of finding her mysterious savior…
Now he wants to claim her…
Jaguar shape-shifter Connor Anderson is instantly intrigued by Kathleen’s beauty and courage and thinks about her constantly. When she comes back to the Amazon to seek him out, he knows he has to act fast if he’s to keep her for his own…
Praise for Terry Spear:
“Terry Spear knows exactly how to extract emotions from her readers… and keep them riveted.”—Love Romance Passion
“Time after time Spear delivers, giving paranormal fans plenty of action, plenty of mystery, and, of course, love and romance aplenty.” —The Good, the Bad and the Unread
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A SEAL in Wolf’s Clothing
by Terry Spear
Her instincts tell her he’s dangerous…
While her overprotective brother’s away, Meara Greymere’s planning to play—and it wouldn’t hurt to find herself a mate in the process. The last thing she needs is one of his SEAL buddies spoiling her fun, even if the guy is the hottest one she’s ever seen…
His powers of persuasion are impossible to resist…
Finn Emerson is a battle-hardened Navy SEAL and alpha wolf. He’s a little overqualified for baby-sitting, but feisty Meara is attracting trouble like a magnet…
As the only responsible alpha male in the vicinity, Finn is going to have to protect this intriguing woman from a horde of questionable men, and definitely from himself…
Praise for Terry Spear:
“High-powered romance that satisfies on every level.” —Long and Short Reviews
“Hot doesn’t even begin to describe it.” —Love Romance Passion
For more Terry Spear, visit:
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Kiss of the Goblin Prince
by Shona Husk
The Man of Her Dreams
He is like a prince in a fairy tale: tall, outrageously handsome, and way too dark for her own good. Amanda has been hurt before, though. And with her daughter’s illness, the last thing she needs right now is a man. But the power of Dai King is hard to resist. And when he threads his hands through her hair and pulls her in for a kiss, there is no denying it feels achingly right.
In a Land of Nightmare
After being trapped in the Shadowlands for centuries with the goblin horde a constant threat, Dai revels in his newfound freedom back in the human realm. But even with the centuries of magic he’s accumulated, he still doesn’t know how to heal Amanda’s daughter—and it breaks his heart. Yet for the woman he loves, he’d risk anything…including a return to the dreaded Shadowlands.
Praise for The Goblin King:
“A wonderfully dark and sensual fairy tale.” —Jessa Slade, author of Seduced by Shadows
For more of the Shadowland
s series, visit:
www.sourcebooks.com
Enslaved
by Elisabeth Naughton
GRYPHON—Honorable, loyal, dependable…tainted. He was the ultimate warrior before imprisonment in the Underworld changed him in ways he can’t ignore.
She calls to him. Come to me. You can’t resist. But Gryphon will not allow himself to be ruled by the insidious whispers in his head. And there’s only one way to stop them: kill Atalanta, the goddess who enslaved him. But with so much darkness inside, he can’t be sure what’s real anymore. Even the Eternal Guardians, those who protect the human realm and the gods, want to exile him.
Finding Malea is like a miracle. Somehow he doesn’t feel the pull of the dark when she’s near. And he’s determined to keep her as near as possible, whether she wants him close or not. But she’s a temptation that will test every bit of control he has left. One that may ultimately have the power to send him back to the Underworld…or free him from his chains for good.
Praise for Enraptured:
“A spellbinding and wickedly sexy thrill ride that turns the heat up. Ms. Naughton continues to rock the Greek Mythology world with another entry in her brilliant Eternal Guardian series.” —Bitten By Paranormal Romance
For more of the Eternal Guardians series, visit:
www.sourcebooks.com
Untamed (The Amoveo Legend 3) Page 26
