Night of the Tiger (Hades' Carnival)

by N. J. Walters

  Roric settled her on the top of the vanity before leaning over the tub. The white tiger tattoo that covered his back stared up at her. She could sense the beast within Roric, felt its commitment to her. She knew the tiger was as committed to her as the man was, that the beast would protect her with its life. A sense of rightness, of peace, settled over her.

  A second later, it was shattered as Roric gave a roar and jerked back from the water that shot straight down on his head. He looked so disgruntled and put out that Aimee couldn’t help herself. She started to laugh.

  He shot her a glare, which only made her laugh harder. She slapped a hand over her mouth, but it didn’t help much. After a moment, one corner of Roric’s mouth kicked up. “Think that’s funny, do you?”

  Aimee jumped off the counter and gave him a quick lesson in how the center tap regulated the flow from the showerhead. “If I wanted a bath, I’d just turn off the center tap, put in the plug and let it fill.”

  They were both soaking wet by the time she finished her explanation, standing beneath the steady spray. Roric grabbed a bar of soap and began to lather it between his large hands. Her body began to pulse, and she began to rethink the aches in her body. Maybe she wasn’t too sore after all.

  Roric caught the gleam in her eye and shook his head. “I will not let you distract me this time, woman. I will take care of you.”

  “You certainly will,” she agreed.

  He shot her a distrustful look, but she just gave him an innocent smile. Then she frowned. “What did you mean when you said I didn’t need to worry about money?”

  Roric shrugged, totally unconcerned. “Now that my full powers are restored, I’ll find some way to get whatever money we need.”

  That wasn’t exactly reassuring. “As long as it’s not anything illegal.”

  He chuckled. “Have faith in me, Aimee. I have a strong back and sword arm.”

  She had all the faith in the world in him, but the world had changed quite a lot since he’d been here last. There was nowhere for him to wield his sword as a mercenary. He’d need to learn a lot to fit into the modern world, and she was just the woman to help him.

  He chose that moment to place his hands on her shoulders. The lather bubbled up as he rubbed down her arms. Her nipples puckered. She’d worry about everything else later. Now she wanted to shower with her man. Reaching for the soap, she rubbed it between her hands before dumping it back onto the ledge. Then she reached for him.

  Epilogue

  “Why is she running upstairs? That is not a good defensive position.” Roric reached into the large bowl of popcorn that was resting in Aimee’s lap and popped two fluffy white kernels into his mouth. It melted in his mouth. Over the past two weeks, he had discovered a passion for buttered popcorn and the horror movies Aimee seemed to enjoy so much.

  He was surprised she could even watch them after everything she’d been through. When he suggested as much, she’d pointed out that she knew the difference between fact and fiction, and the movies weren’t nearly as bad as her nightmares.

  Thankfully, the nightmares seem to have abated, at least for the time being. Neither of them was hopeful they were gone for good. Aimee even wanted one, hoping it might give them some clues to aid their search.

  “That’s the whole point.” Aimee snagged a couple of pieces of popcorn and started to munch. “Most of the characters are throwaways, fodder for the serial killer or monster. Otherwise it wouldn’t build suspense when the heroine is under attack.”

  It still didn’t make sense to him. “Why would they allow that? Why don’t they fight harder?”

  “Because it’s a movie. They’re not really dead, just actors who get paid to act like they’re getting killed.” She pointed to the woman on the screen. “That’s Kellsie Morris. She’s a favorite of mine. She’s in a ton of horror movies. Sometimes she’s the heroine, other times she’s one of the victims.”

  He shrugged. He couldn’t imagine not giving everything he had in order to win, but then again, these people were not immortal warriors. They were people doing what they had to in order to earn a living. Which was much harder to do in this modern world than he’d imagined it would be.

  It was a point of contention with him that Aimee was paying for everything. It didn’t bother her in the least, but it bothered him. That had to change. He’d figure something out.

  He settled back against her new sofa in the freshly painted living room. It had taken them several days of cleaning to get rid of the damage the demons had wrought. Roric had enjoyed working side by side with Aimee, helping with the repairs.

  He’d even helped her shop for new furniture. The sofa they were sitting on was large enough for him to lounge on comfortably. It had become their habit to sit there at the end of each day and watch a movie. A date, Aimee had called it the first time. Whatever it was, Roric enjoyed having her snuggled up close to him.

  Each day they searched on the computer for information about the carousel. So far, they’d come up empty handed. It was as though the carnival had disappeared into thin air. Roric knew they were lying low, waiting for the magnetic pull to the right town where a woman lived who was capable of freeing the next warrior. Who she was or where she lived was a mystery.

  Aimee had tried to talk about Mordecai and the other missing warriors several times, but he always put her off. He wasn’t ready to deal with that yet. His friend’s defection to Hades’ side had shaken him to his very core. He’d always believed that their honor and commitment to one another and the goddess was unshakable. It brought all his other beliefs under question, and that was difficult.

  He knew he’d have to talk about it to Aimee and soon. She kept pressing. She’d even managed to slip in that she thought Mordecai had actually let her go at one point instead of killing her. Roric didn’t want to tell her that the warrior had only been toying with her. There was no honor, no kindness left in him now that he was in league with Hades.

  “Look.” Aimee brought his attention back to the present as she pointed at the screen. The scene had changed and there was now a different woman, one with dark hair and very large breasts, taking a shower.

  “Wait for it.” Aimee grinned and stuffed several more pieces of popcorn into her mouth and munched as they watched the latest victim, a screaming woman, get caught naked in the shower as the villain stabbed her repeatedly. Aimee turned to him and poked him in the chest with her finger.

  “See, I told you the woman who stays home alone always gets it.”

  He caught her finger, brought it to his mouth and nibbled on it. Much tastier than popcorn. “So you did.”

  Aimee was much smarter than the women in these movies. Stronger too. She wouldn’t give in. She’d take on the devil himself. Not only that, she’d win. He thanked the goddess every day that it was Aimee who’d freed him from his prison. She’d even insisted he give her lessons in sword fighting. Just in case, she said. He knew she expected to meet Hades and his demons again someday, and she wanted to be ready.

  The search for the carnival and his fellow warriors would continue for however long it took. Neither of them would give up.

  But that time was not now. And he had more pressing things to deal with. He shifted, but it did nothing to alleviate the pain in his balls. His swollen cock pressed against the zipper of the new jeans Aimee had purchased for him. He did like his new clothing. They were very comfortable, and better yet, easy to remove.

  He drew her finger farther into his mouth, licking his way down to the sensitive skin at the base. Her breathing hitched and became faster. The screams from the movie disappeared into the background as he slowly released her finger, dragging his teeth over it as he did so.

  She licked her lips, letting her tongue trace the plump lower one. Roric growled and yanked her to him. The bowl of popcorn went flying to the floor, forgotten, as he rolled Aimee beneath him and began to make love to her. She had claimed both him and his tiger, and Roric knew he would never get enough of his la
dy of the beast.

  About the Author

  N.J. Walters has always been a voracious reader of romance novels and decided one day that she could write one as well. The contemporary story, Discovering Dani, was the very first novel she wrote while living in a little town much like the one Dani O’Rourke lives in, though all other similarities to Dani’s life pretty much end there. Then she wrote another one that followed up on Dani’s friends and neighbors. But she didn’t consider herself a “real” writer yet.

  Just a few years later N. J. had a mid-life crisis at a fairly young age, gave notice after ten years at her job on a Friday and received a tentative acceptance for her first published novel (an erotic romance) from a publisher on the following Sunday.

  Happily married to the love of her life, with his encouragement and support she gave up the job of selling books for the more pleasurable job of writing them. She now spends her days writing novels of her own. Werewolves, vampires, time-travelers, seductive handymen and next-door neighbors with smoldering good looks—all vie for her attention. It’s a tough life, but someone’s got to do it. And some days she actually feels like a “real” writer.

  N.J. enjoys hearing from readers, and she can be reached at njwalters22@yahoo.ca. You can check out her web site at www.njwalters.com.

  Look for these titles by N.J. Walters

  Now Available:

  Jamesville

  Discovering Dani

  The Way Home

  The Return of Patrick O’Rourke

  The Seduction of Shamus O’Rourke

  A Legal Affair

  By the Book

  Past Promises

  Legacy

  Alexandra’s Legacy

  Isaiah’s Haven

  Legacy Found

  Quinn’s Quest

  Finding Chrissten

  Damek’s Redemption

  Spells, Secrets and Seduction

  A Touch of Magic

  Dreams of Seduction

  Love in Flames

  Coming Soon:

  Hades’ Carnival

  Mark of the Bear

  Pride of the Lion

  Howl of the Wolf

  When the devil wants a deal, there’s no bowing out gracefully.

  Mark of the Bear

  © 2013 N.J. Walters

  Hades’ Carnival, Book 2

  At twenty-nine, Hollywood scream queen Kellsie Morris is acutely aware the clock is ticking on her career. Luckily, the one big role she needs to pad her retirement fund has just come through—the story of an immortal, shape-shifting warrior trapped in a carnival run by the Devil’s minions.

  When Kellsie arrives on set, she can’t resist climbing aboard an amazingly realistic carousel bear—and finds herself flung into a world where the horror is real. As real as the heat radiating off the half-naked hunk in her arms.

  Marko has waited an eternity for the chance to free his goddess, the Lady of the Beasts, and his fellow warriors from an ancient curse. But once he lays eyes on Kellsie, he knows to the bottom of his soul that his purpose is to protect her life.

  But in this hellish game, it’s the Devil’s move. And there’s no predicting when and where the final, brutal stroke will fall—and which lover will pay the ultimate price.

  Warning: This book contains a heroine who’s a screamer—in and out of bed—and a warrior who gives a whole new meaning to method. After reading, please use caution when standing up. Your knees may be weak.

  She doesn’t believe in magic—or love. Until a spirit goes walking on the wild side…

  Dreams of Seduction

  © 2011 N.J. Walters

  Spells, Secrets and Seductions, Book 2

  Maggie O’Neill goes along with her two best friends’ candle-magick spell to summon a lover only because, well, they are her BFFs. She doesn’t really believe in this stuff. Yet the aftermath of the spell leaves her strangely hot and bothered, and then the dreams of a man start—and not just any man. Jed Bearson. Pity, since she’s sworn off men for the foreseeable future.

  Jed, part-time deputy and painter, doesn’t tell many people that he has the ability to let his spirit travel outside his body. One night, despite his self-imposed rule to never invade anyone’s privacy, he follows an irresistible pull to Maggie’s bedside. He’s astounded to find her crying out his name in private pleasure. After months of giving her space, maybe it’s time to approach her.

  Maggie and Jed’s first touch is lightning hot—and their passion is a thunderclap of erotic pleasure. But when Jed reveals he’s a spiritwalker, Maggie’s reaction is like a curtain of cold rain descending between them. Leaving him wondering what she’s afraid of. Magic? Him? Or of following her heart?

  Warning: This book contains erotic dreams and fantasies, a candle magick spell, spiritwalking, lots of hot, sweaty sex, and a happily ever after that will make you sigh.

  Enjoy the following excerpt for Dreams of Seduction:

  Jed’s body heated as he drew closer. His balls ached and his cock throbbed. Beautiful, elusive Maggie O’Neill had attracted him from the first time he’d set eyes on her. Her waist-length hair was thick, its red color a beacon, drawing him. Jed wanted to wrap his fist around that hair, anchoring her to him as he pounded into her sweet, soft body.

  Maggie had the kind of curves that made men sweat. Lush and lovely, he wanted to trace every arch, every hollow of her body, mapping each one until he knew it by heart. He wanted to run his tongue over her smooth skin. It looked like fresh cream, but would taste sweet and salty. Her breasts were large and Jed had the deepest desire to know what color her nipples would be.

  But Maggie was a wounded soul. He’d sensed it the moment they’d met. This was a woman who’d been hurt and needed time to recover. As much as his instincts urged him to get closer to her, to make her see him as a man, he’d refrained. He was patient and knew his time would come.

  He’d thought of her, night after night in his empty bed. Imagined having her naked, sprawled across his midnight blue sheets with nothing to cover her but his body. His cock jerked, a bead of pearly white liquid seeping from the tip.

  For whatever reason, he was being drawn to Maggie. Now that he knew where he was going, Jed surged forward, eager to be with her, even if it was only in spirit. He slipped through her closed window and stood in the shadows.

  Maggie was as he’d pictured her so many times. Naked. Well, almost naked. Her nightgown was pushed over her breasts, leaving her naked from the chest down. Her skin gleamed like a pearl in the light of the moon that seeped through her window.

  Her legs were sprawled wide and her mouth was open on a low moan of pleasure. Like a man in a daze, Jed stumbled forward until he was standing beside the bed. He swallowed hard, entranced by the sheer eroticism of the moment. It was an invasion of privacy, but he couldn’t make himself leave. She’d called him here, somehow reaching beyond the physical world. Her soul had called to his and he’d come. There was no way he was going anywhere. Not yet.

  Her hands covered her breasts, large pink nipples peeking out from between her fingers. He’d fantasized about her breasts, but the reality was much more than anything he’d imagined. Plump and full, they drew him. Lowering himself to the mattress beside her, he placed his hands over hers.

  Her fingers jerked, almost as if she felt his touch, but she sighed and circled her palms over her breasts. The slide of silky skin beneath his palms almost made him come right then and there. Her hands drifted away and he took the opportunity to circle her nipples with his thumbs. The nubs puckered even tighter and Maggie arched her hips upward.

  A flash of an image popped in his head and he knew it had come from Maggie. At first he was stunned. Then satisfaction filled him, deep and abiding. She was thinking of him as she pleasured himself.

  Jed wanted to tip back his head and howl. He wanted to lower himself onto her body and slip his cock into her heated warmth. Then he wanted to fuck her until she screamed her release.

  He did none of those thi
ngs. Instead, he watched as she let her fingers trail over the curved mound of her stomach and lower still. The reddish curls at the notch of her thighs were damp with cream. Jed let his hands follow Maggie’s, trailing them over her warm, willing flesh. He traced the delicate line of her ribcage and cupped her ample hips. His fingers skated inward until they hovered just above her mound.

  She thought she had a life—until being hunted shows her she’s never really lived.

  Savage Transformation

  © 2010 Lexxie Couper

  Savage Australia, Book 2

  Jacqueline Huddart has spent her entire adult life on the run. Not from the law, or even a jealous lover. From herself—and what she is. That strategy works for her until a funeral demands she return to home ground, and her best friend disappears. Finding Delainie means Jackie must confront the truth…and accept the help of a mysterious, sexy-as-sin Texan.

  Marshall Rourke isn’t the only one flying under the radar. He’s on an off-the-grid quest to track down a rogue ex-partner who hunts paranormal beings for the joy of the kill. Convincing the unexpectedly feisty Jackie to trust him isn’t easy, but there’s no better way to lure the hunter into the open than to dangle as unique a target as Jackie—the last Tasmanian Tiger shifter in existence.

  Trouble is, Marshall hadn’t counted on Jackie’s brutal right cross. Or the fact that her simmering sexuality calls to his inner wolf on every imaginable level. And that the killer is about to use their desire to add them both to his trophy case…