Mystic Realms: A Limited Edition Collection

by Nicole Morgan

  “What would I do for work if I decided I wanted to stay here?”

  He knew that question was bound to come up because she was an independent woman.

  “Let me just put it out there that I would not and do not have any expectations about you working. As much as I would love you to just enjoy life staying at home, we aren’t too far from the little neighboring town that we go to often. It’s nowhere near the size of the city of course, but it has everything we need. You would be welcome to explore there for anything that interested you or you may even have opportunity to do something from home via the internet. Heck I don’t even care if you wanted to start baking for a living. The choice is yours.”

  “Does Porter have to approve what I do?”

  “No way, he would only wish to have that kind of power. He leads the pack, but does not make any decisions as far as our personal lives go. Unless of course we decided to join another pack. He wouldn’t be happy for sure but as a Beta myself, he also wouldn’t be able to control whether I chose to leave for another or start my own. I am his second, as a pack member and a brother but he ultimately doesn’t have the power to choose for me.”

  He was glad to see that she was exploring all the options, he just hoped he wasn’t discouraging the idea of her staying. He only wished he could hear what she was thinking. Unfortunately, she’d already mastered the skill of blocking him out.

  “Yes, I did block you out. If this is going to be my decision, I need to make it myself and make sure I know everything I need to know to make that choice.”

  “I respect that.”

  “What about my dad, could he come visit often?”

  “I’ve got one better. If you were to choose to live in my house with me, I would be okay with him moving in here if you wanted to have him closer. With you being part of the pack, he would be grandfathered in as part of the family, free to him of course for the remainder of his years.”

  “It would be great to see him whenever I wanted. With living in the city and working all those crazy hours, I don’t even get to talk to him that much, let alone see him. Next question, how do you feel about having kids around?”

  “You mean like starting a day care?”

  “That’s not a bad idea since you mentioned it but no, I meant babies, as in us having babies.”

  “Oh yes, definitely, I would love to have kids and having them with you is definitely a bonus. Could we start now?”

  Epilogue

  Piper had taken the remaining few days of her vacation in the little cabin alone to figure out the path for the rest of her life. She’d been so dedicated to a seventy hour a week job for so long it scared her a little to give that up. Would she even be any good at living with another person? Could she adjust to life as a wolf? Being brutally honest with herself was harder than she’d imagined.

  As she’d rocked on the front porch, the answer was staring back at her as it drove up the drive on that very last day. Paxson. He was her life and her future. She’d been trying to pinpoint it with no success, that is until she saw him again and remembered the way he looked at her and how it made her feel. The guys in her past had been just that, guys. Insensitive and unimportant on any level. The way she could feel Paxson’s heart speed up when he thought of the two of them together. He loved her and she knew it, had heard it more than once seeping into her mind when she was supposed to be blocking him out.

  She knew without a doubt she wouldn’t be leaving the Windsor Woods except to move her own things there. She wasn’t worried about what her dad would say. He’d always been supportive and accepting of the decisions she’d made in her life and this one would be no different. She didn’t want him to be alone so when she’d told him about the plans she and her mate had, he was thrilled. He’d accepted wholeheartedly the little cabin in the woods to be closer to his only daughter.

  Three months later they had all spent a whole weekend moving and sorting a cabin full of boxes from her dad’s house. There was nowhere for it all to go when his place had unexpectedly sold. The buyers wanted to move in immediately and paid extra for a quick closing. Since her dad had his own place already, they agreed. Paxson and his brothers had worked double duty to truck it all into the woods.

  “Hey, my love, how many more boxes do we have to move?”

  “Are you tired already? This from the wolf who can run for hours through the woods at night?”

  “I’m hungry damn it, but not for food, I want you. Alone.”

  “You poor wolfie, but you’ll have to wait just a little bit longer. I promised my dad I wouldn’t leave until he gets here. It’ll only be another hour or two. In the meantime, I’ve been trying to unpack as many boxes as I could so he didn’t have as much to do.”

  “Are any more going to our house?”

  “Yes, there are three large boxes sitting over there by the front door. I haven’t gone through those but dad told me he had and it was all for me.”

  “I’m going to have to add on more than just one room. We’ll need a whole west wing if you keep this up.”

  “Ha, ha, you’re so funny.”

  “I’m completely serious. You have me worried.”

  “Well since you’re planning then, might want to think about where to put a nursery.”

  “What?” Piper watched as Paxson’s face paled and he placed a hand on the door frame to steady himself. She was thrilled that she’d been able to keep the secret from him for so long. There were no signs that he would have noticed, she wasn’t sick and she kept him blocked as often as she could.

  “Are you messing with me right now honey?”

  “I wouldn’t do that to you. You’re going to be a daddy.”

  He looked like he might start hyperventilating. She left the floor and the box she was digging through and went to his side.

  “Paxson, take a breath. Everything is going to be okay, I promise. Can you trust me? I’ve got this.”

  She was positively confident and would make sure everything would be perfect for the three of them.

  “Are you okay?” He nodded and wrapped his arms around her.

  “I’m so happy. I love you Piper.”

  “I love you Paxson. And don’t worry, it’ll grow on you. You have a few months to get used to it.”

  She sent her mate to load up the last few boxes when she heard her dad’s truck pull up to the cabin.

  “Give me a few minutes to talk to my dad and I’ll meet you in the truck.”

  As her little family of three drove away from the rental one last time loaded with the remainder of Pipers things, she felt a freedom that she’d only ever known in her dreams. She could feel the tiny pitter patter of little wolf feet pushing softly on the inside of her belly. It took some getting used to, to be able to hear her own heart beat and that of her true love sitting next to her but when she listened closely, she could also hear that of the little one growing inside of her and there was no better experience.

  As she glanced toward the last set of bushes before the drive to the house they would spend the rest of their days raising a family, she saw two red eyes and felt a wicked burn in her heart, just before she heard an unknown growl and gasped.

  The End

  About the Author

  Krista Ames is an International #1 best-selling author of contemporary romance,

  including several sub genres. Western Romance is her failsafe and she loves a man in uniform.

  Born and raised in Indiana, she is now a Norther Lower Michigan transplant and married to the love of her life. They have 4 children and a few fur babies. She is a full time stay-at-home mom and pursues her writing career when she’s not chasing kids, cooking or doing laundry.

  She finds her inspiration in the love of her family and binge watches romantic and scary movies.

  She’s thrilled to hear from readers so please find her at any of the following locations:

  www.KristaAmes.com

  www.bookbub.com/authors/krista-ames

  www.a
passionforromance.blogspot.com

  www.twitter.com/kristaames

  www.facebook.com/kristaamsauthor

  www.pinterest.com/kristaames

  Other titles by Krista Ames

  Recon Strong (The Elite 1) (Kindle Worlds Novella)

  Neighborhood Watch (The Watchers 1) (Kindle Worlds Novella)

  Mine for the Taking (Lone Wolves 1) (Kindle Worlds Novella)

  Take Me Home, Cowboy (Home series 1)

  In A Cowboy’s Arms (Home series 2)

  Harper’s Wish (Montana Series 1)

  Sisters (Montana Series 2)

  Morgan’s Mountain (Montana Series 3)

  Whiskey’s Sweet Revenge (Horse Country 1)

  Love Takes the Cake (Cooking Up Love 1)

  Surf’s Up

  Their One Right Thing

  An Unexpected Twist

  More Than Friends

  Rescuing Alix

  Making Waves

  Out with the Old

  Coming Soon:

  Ranger in Danger (The Elite 2) (Kindle Worlds Novella)

  All Tied Up (Home series 3)

  Fall for Him (Seasons 1)

  Winter Without Him (Seasons 2)

  Spring Free (Seasons 3)

  Summer of Love (Seasons 4)

  When the Lights Go Down (Afterthought 1)

  Sleeping in the Dragon’s Den

  Lexi Thorne

  His Hungry Dragon My Curious Desire

  She woke up with that growled word still in her ear. Her body was sweaty, and she had thrown the covers off sometime during the night. But Lucy was alone in her bed. As alone as she had always been after these dreams. As alone as she had been ever since the dream started when she turned eighteen. She stroked her hand across the tattoo over her heart. The intricate tattoo on his back was branded into her mind. It was the only thing she knew about him. The sad part of it was, she had never screamed like that for anyone else. It had ever only been him, the phantom man of her dreams. She had never told anyone about it, though. Though, she thought Con might have his suspicions.

  His Tattoo Curse My Wet Dreams

  I dedicate this book to all of you looking for that special person that makes your heart skip a beat and drives you crazy all day long and keeps you awake at night wishing they were by your side.

  Lexi Thorne

  Prologue

  At 24, Lucy is a self-taught aspiring tattoo artist. When her design for a Tattoo Convention doesn't win her an award, she is frustrated. She meets Andrea at the Convention. Andrea happens to be the adopted sister to Ryan "Jazz" Milton; the one name in the tattoo industry that everyone whispers in awe. He founded "Inked Up!" the biggest Tattoo parlor in New York. He even started having franchises. Then one day, he just sells it to a big name design company and retired from the scene. He only came out of retirement once; to be a one-time guest Judge on Ink Master.

  Chapter One

  “I like your work!”

  Lucy Sanders gave a small grimace, as she glanced at her work, then at the perky, cheerful brunette smiling at her. This morning, when she had first set up her space for the Cyprus Tattoo Convention, she being fairly bubbling with excitement. Her twenty-four-year-old body had felt like it had been tossed into a 10-year-old’s on his birthday. Now, like a soda drink, most of the excitement has fizzled out. Most of the day, people had been coming to view her stands, but they had moved on to other stands as well, none of them staying for long.

  “Thanks, I think. I just wished the judges would feel the same.”

  The little brunette stared at her work for a moment, then said, "There's something raw about your work. It's a little rough around the edges though. That might be why you're not winning any awards yet."

  Lucy bristled at that comment, and nearly responded with a sarcastic comment, but Little Brunette, as Lucy had dubbed her in her mind, was not done.

  “Do you know who Ryan Milton is?” She asked.

  Lucy blinked. Who did not know Ryan Milton? Jazz, as he was called by his friends was one of the biggest names in the tattoo industry. He had started as a freelance artist and graphic designer. His work had been simply signed, "Jazz," hence, the nickname. Soon after, he had founded "Inked Up!" the biggest Tattoo parlor in New York. He even started having franchises. Then one day, he just sold it to a big name design company and retired from the scene. He only came out of retirement once; to be a one-time guest Judge on Ink Master.

  Lucy nodded, and immediately Little Brunette’s face brightened. Smiling, she extended her hand towards Lucy. “I’m Andrea, Ryan’s sister.”

  Lucy’s hands had automatically extended when Little Brunette-Andrea had offered hers. Now, her hand hung limply in the air as she stared at the smiling woman.

  “Andrea Smythe?”

  Andrea grimaced giving Lucy’s hand a gentle pomp before letting it go, “Yeah. I’m the adopted sister.” Then she blinked, “How did you know my surname?”

  Lucy felt the blush spread across her skin, and she cursed the fact that she had just dyed her hair red. She must look like a tomato. Her knowing Andrea’s surname was basically too much curiosity and a tiny bit of stalking. When she had first taken interest in tattoos, she had been 15. Her step-brother, Jake, though, not a tattoo artist, had been into tattoos and was a phenomenal artist. At a point, he had considered been a tattoo artist. It was during that time that he became a big fan of any “Jazz” work. By the time Jake’s interests moved to something else, Lucy had already been hooked on tattoos and all things Jazz. It was something she still looked back on with a little embarrassment. Her friends had been into boy bands while she’d been into Jazz Milton. Her step-mum never liked going into her room, because, according to her, it was only candles short of being a creepy shrine.

  Lucy sighed as all those memories flashed through her mind.

  “Let’s just say that there was a time that I was a big fan of your brother’s work.”

  Try, like, his biggest fan ever.

  “I followed his career quite closely at a particular point.”

  I mean, I stalked him on every social media platform and followed every information I could find online.

  “Awww, that’s actually sweet,” Andrea replied smiling. “Do you have any tattoos? I don’t see any on you.”

  Lucy blinked at the sudden change in conversation. “Uh…”

  Why on earth had she thought that dying her hair red had been a good idea? It had always been a bone of contention between her and her best friend, Con. He didn't think she would be considered a serious tattoo artist if she didn't have any on herself. Considering that he worked in a prominent tattoo parlor, and not a single one employed there was unmarked, he did know what he was talking about. But there was also this fact to consider; he had been pursuing her relentlessly to be the one to ‘break her virgin skin,' his words, not hers. For some reason, Lucy had been quite reluctant to get a tattoo. It had to mean something, and it had to be done by the very best. When she had said that, Con had snorted and said, "Unless you're hiring the Jazz himself, it doesn't get better than me." Lucy had laughed at that, for it was true. Con was a prodigy. He was so good that he could have started his own tattoo business and been better than even "the Jazz" as Con liked to call Ryan Milton, but he claimed to be too lazy to be bothered with the business side of things. "I just want to do my art."

  Finally, Lucy had given in. But she had designed the art herself. When Con saw it, he had gasped. You have to understand that Con was a 6 feet 4 inches teddy bear, even with shaggy brown hair to go with it. So, when a man like that gives a soft gasp, it should look ridiculous. Only, he hadn’t. He had looked at her with understanding eyes and solemnly promised to make it the best tattoo work he had ever done.

  Looking at Andrea now, she contemplated showing Andrea the tattoo right over her heart. There was something about the woman that drew her. She seemed such a happy person like nothing could get her down. Lucy wished she had that optimism.

  “I do have one,” Lucy f
inally said, making a decision. She slipped the shirt she had on off her left shoulder, then pulled down the neck of the tank top she had on underneath. She pulled it low enough for Andrea to see the heart shape drawn over her left breast. Entwined in it where a naked couple. The face was obviously hers, and she blushed at this. Her face was raised in ecstasy, while only the man’s back profile was all you could see, his face buried between her neck and breasts. Her legs were wrapped around him, just bordering the lower part of the heart shape. The one and only distinctive feature on the man was a dragon tattoo spanning across the length of his back.

  Andrea gasped, putting her hand to her mouth.

  “That is beautiful,” she whispered. Lucy had always been very sensitive about this tattoo, hence the reason she had always kept it hidden. When Con had asked her for the inspiration for the design, it had taken his pestering her for days, to finally confess that she had seen it in a dream though she never told him the details of the dream. She had not been able to see his face, but the tattoo had been branded into her mind. Watching Andrea’s face now, she began to get an inkling, perhaps for the first time, of what Con had been trying to tell her.