20 Shades of Shifters: A Paranormal Romance Collection

by Demelza Carlton

  “Shut up. I do not,” Elsie hissed under her breath.

  “You’ve been out of the game too long. He is absolutely checking you out.” Elsie gritted her teeth as she listened to Cailyn ramble.

  “He is so hot, El,” her sister whispered and Elsie snuck another peek at Mr. Stunning Blue Eyes, “and an opportunity waiting to happen,” Cailyn added.

  Elsie’s eyes widened when she noticed his leather pants left little to the imagination. One word ran through her mind…ouch. She felt that same strong desire and pull to him once again.

  “Not going to happen,” Elsie declared, a kernel of shame blossoming alongside her guilt. She wasn’t that person. Turning away, Elsie thought of her vows and love for her husband. The second her order was ready, she raced from the establishment without a backward glance.

  Zander watched the frail human hurry from the restaurant. Something about her was familiar but all he could focus on was how beautiful and intriguing she was. The cupid bow of her lips thinned as she fled the establishment. The image struck him as wrong. She should always smile, and her lips would look best wrapped around his cock.

  He berated himself for obsessing over the female. Yes, she was sexy and held his attraction in a way no female had before, but he’d never had sex with a human, and didn’t plan on starting now. Besides, he didn’t care for one-night stands and that was all he could ever have with any human.

  Humans were fragile beings, unaware that all legends of myth and fantasy were no myth at all. As the Vampire King of the Tehrex Realm, it was his duty to enforce the Goddess’ edict and protect humans from the demons and their skirm. That job didn’t leave room for much else.

  He shook his head at the fact that he was tempted by the female, and was surprised at how difficult it was to stop from following her tantalizing honeysuckle fragrance. Sure, he could have sex with her and erase himself from her memory, but he wanted more. He was tired of having empty dalliances. He was one of the few in the realm who still held high hopes of finding his Fated Mate. The fact that his thoughts lingered on the female belied those beliefs. She was a human and not the one for him.

  Put her oot of your mind, dumbarse! The order fell on deaf ears as desire consumed him.

  Like an addict, he replayed every moment from the second she entered the restaurant. The cold left her face flushed, and her nipples strained enticingly against her top. His keen hearing picked up the conversation between the two females and she wasn’t far off about the size of her breasts but he found them positively perfect.

  With one glance, his heart raced in his chest, sweat beaded his brow, and static electricity zipped under his skin. His fangs painfully shot into his mouth. For an instant when their gazes locked, his soul stirred. The enigmatic female briefly controlled his body, and Zander closed his eyes, hiding the glow that revealed his true nature.

  Her sweet, honeysuckle scent set an inferno ablaze in his veins. His shaft hardened the moment the tendrils reached his nostrils. The urge to get naked and sweaty with her was irresistible. So much so, that a groan slipped past his lips. A fucking groan, of all things.

  He’d never hear the end of it from Kyran, who was chuckling softly beside him. Not that his twisted brother had much room to talk, but Zander had never lost his focus. For the first time in his seven hundred sixty-five years, he was struggling to control his mind and body.

  Zander shook his head at his warriors. He came to Confetti after encountering the enchanting human, seeking release. The problem was, no one appealed to him. He wanted what his mamai and da had shared for so many years.

  Happiness. A true and lasting love. Completion.

  Zander wanted his Fated Mate.

  That wasn’t going to happen anytime soon, seeing as the Goddess hadn’t blessed anyone since he became Vampire King over seven centuries ago. He tried so hard to please the Goddess and had made great strides in the Tehrex Realm. He had initiated and formed the Dark Alliance and established the Dark Warriors, the realm’s first army, but still the curse continued.

  “I need a female so bad my balls ache. If it weren’t for their hair-scorching breath, I’d grab that sexy little fire demon,” Orlando said, grabbing Zander’s attention.

  Shoving aside thoughts about what he couldn’t change, Zander scanned the crowd. He searched for Lena, one of his few preferred partners. He heard she was there tonight and he needed to ease the ache.

  “You afraid of a little heat, O? Can’t handle the flames?” Rhys teased.

  Orlando threw a pretzel at Rhys, “Fuck off, dickhead.”

  A delectable, honeysuckle scent teased Zander’s senses, taking him to earlier that night. He had been obsessing over the human for the past several hours when it dawned on him that she was all over the news eighteen months earlier after her husband’s murder. Every reporter in the area showcased her misery.

  “Orlando, do you remember the case where a group home counselor was murdered aboot a year and a half ago?” Zander asked, redirecting the conversation.

  “Huh? Oh, uh, yeah. Why? What’s up?”

  “Just curious. Kyran and I ran across the widow tonight,” Zander replied.

  “She seems like a pleasant girl. Hasn’t given the department any problems. Did she say something?” Orlando asked.

  “Nay. We didna talk to her. Skirm were responsible, aye?” Zander wanted vengeance for the beautiful female.

  He may never have her, but he would do this for her. There was severe pain in her clear blue eyes that he hated to see.

  “Yeah, their magic was all over the body and scene. Why?” Orlando asked, his eyebrows scrunched and mouth twisted.

  Zander understood his warrior’s confusion. There was no reason for him to scrutinize the case.

  “Did you locate the ones responsible?” Zander sipped his scotch as he looked around for the provocative scent.

  “No. Santiago and I didn’t take the case. We didn’t see the need. You know how hard it is to locate one particular skirm,” Orlando said, a crease marring his forehead.

  “I want you two to take the case and uncover the one responsible. Reopen it if necessary,” Zander ordered. His warrior was smart enough not to question him and nodded his agreement. “Good. Now, has anyone seen Lena?”

  Orlando chuckled and slapped him on the shoulder. “No, Liege. I’ve been too busy talking shop with you.”

  Another wave of honeysuckle reached Zander and his body responded to the delectable fragrance. His cock hardened immediately, and damn if his fangs didn’t shoot out of his gums. He ran his tongue over the teeth that had become recalcitrant and was stunned at this reaction. It must be because he hadn’t had sex in months.

  He continued his search for Lena, scanning the large dance floor. Numerous colored lights and lasers bounced from the steel ceiling rafters onto the stained cement. He didn’t see the human’s heart-shaped face among the crowd of gyrating, sweaty bodies. He scanned both bars. She wasn’t there, either. He rested his arms on the back of the chairs next to him and looked toward the hall of private rooms. Nothing.

  He shook his head and reminded himself he needed to look for Lena, not the human. That didn’t stop him from opening his senses and telepathy. He picked up nothing of the human in the club. The scent hadn’t come from her. He felt a bone-deep disappointment at that. But why?

  New voices brought his attention back to the table. Orlando was off with a female, and his brothers, Kyran and Bhric, had joined them. He hadn’t realized how preoccupied he’d become. Normally, he was aware of everything going on around him. He couldn’t afford to be so distracted, not with his position. He straightened in his chair and berated himself for lack of vigilance.

  “No, you’re a douche-bag. An entire coven of witches wouldn’t be able to fix the mess your escapade with her would create. You would ruin the poor girl. Thank the Goddess for not gifting cambions with a vampire’s ability to erase human memories. You’d leave the entire female population of Seattle empty shells. Stay the hel
l away from the staff at my hospital,” Jace snapped at Rhys.

  Zander wondered what he missed. Rhys smiled and threw his arm over the back of the chair next to him. Trouble was brewing behind the cambion’s kaleidoscopic eyes.

  “Hmmm…vampire abilities. Hey, Bhric, I have an idea that I think you’ll like,” Rhys proposed as he sat up straighter, excitement in his every move.

  “Do share,” Bhric said and smiled broadly as he leaned forward, folding his thick arms on the paint-splattered table.

  Zander wanted to smack the back of his brother’s head for encouraging Rhys. They all knew better.

  “It’s hard to be with human females because they notice differences about me when I fuck. So I say, we double-team the humans and you erase—”

  Horror washed over Zander at what his warrior proposed. “Absolutely fucking no’! No vampire will use their power over the human mind so you can tup them. With how quickly you males go through females, we would be exposed by dawn. There are plenty of willing females in the realm,” Zander interrupted before this conversation escalated any further.

  The problem was, the idea was out there and he could tell both males were churning it. Zander growled his warning, “Doona even think it, arseholes. I mean it.”

  He pondered enacting a law prohibiting his subjects from using their mind control in such a manner on humans. Such abuse of power went against his beliefs. The realm and its supernaturals were better than that. They were protectors, not predators, of humans.

  The sound of glass breaking caught his attention. He noticed that each of his warriors had gone into battle-mode. Across the bar, an imp was arguing with a sea demon. The pesky little demon had grabbed the transformer talisman from the sea demon, and he was now a fish-out-of-water, gasping for air. Females began shrieking at the sight of the large fish. Zander shook his head. Imps were notoriously mischievous demons, but they meant no harm. Thankfully, sea demons were also mild-mannered.

  He turned away from the scene as Bhric began grumbling. “Stupid little fuckwad had to go and scare the females. Speaking of fuckwads, have we received confirmation of a new archdemon, brathair?” Bhric asked as he threw back another shot.

  Zander met his brother’s gaze. He had suspected for months there was a new archdemon in town. It was to be expected after they had killed the last one but he had a suspicion whoever Lucifer sent this time was more powerful. They had encountered skirm who were better trained in combat and on organized patrols. No doubt the patrols were designed to discover the location of their compound.

  “Nay, dammit. The Valkyrie and Harpies deny any knowledge. There is only rumor and conjecture,” Zander replied.

  “Och, it would be good to know what we are facing. Give Killian a chance to work his magic on the computer and gather some intel,” Bhric said.

  “That it would. But for tonight, put it oot of your head, brathair. Find a lass, or ten. The war will still be here in the morning,” Zander responded as he spotted Lena returning from the restroom. He had found his partner for the night. He crooked his finger at her. “Lena, join me. ‘Tis been too long since I’ve seen you.”

  “Of course, mon couer,” she purred as she sashayed to his side. He looked into her dark-brown eyes, grabbed her hand and sat her across his legs. His erection returned with force. He paused in his caress of Lena’s arm when he realized the honeysuckle scent was coming from her. He picked out slightly astringent notes that told him it was a bottled fragrance as opposed to the natural tones of the human’s.

  “You smell different tonight. Is that a new perfume?”

  “Oui. I thought of you when I bought it. I was hoping to find you here tonight. I have missed you, mon ami. I see you are eager for me,” she whispered in his ear and started caressing his inner thigh and erection.

  Inhaling deeply, he closed his eyes and enjoyed the feel of her soft hands caressing his body. It amazed him the incredible effect the perfume had on his libido.

  Lena tilted her head slightly, exposing her neck to him. The movement stirred her perfume. Mmmm, addictive. He ran his teeth over her throat, anticipating sinking his fangs into her neck as he sunk his cock into her heat.

  He downed the rest of his scotch, stood, and pulled Lena against his chest. Lowering his lips to hers, he relished the gentle slide of her soft lips against his.

  “Backroom, now,” he ordered.

  Authors’ Note

  With new digital download trends, authors rely on readers to spread the word more than ever. Here are some ways to help us! Leave a review! Every author asks their readers to take five minutes and let others know how much you enjoyed their work. Here’s the reason why. Reviews help your favorite authors to become visible. It’s simple and easy to do. If you are a Kindle user turn to the last page and leave a review before you close your book. For other retailers, just visit their online site and leave a brief review.

  Don’t forget to visit our website: www.trimandjulka.com and sign up for our newsletter, which is jam-packed with exciting news and monthly giveaways. Also, be sure to visit and like our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/TrimAndJulka to see our daily themes, including hot guys, drink recipes and book teasers.

  Trust your journey and remember that your future is filled with endless possibilities! DREAM BIG!

  Other Works By Trim And Julka

  The Dark Warrior Alliance

  The Dark Warrior Alliance

  Dark Warrior Alliance Boxset, Books 1-4

  Dream Warrior (Dark Warrior Alliance, Book One)

  Mystik Warrior (Dark Warrior Alliance, Book Two)

  Pema’s Storm (Dark Warrior Alliance, Book Three)

  Deviant Warrior (Dark Warrior Alliance, Book Four)

  Isis’ Betrayal (Dark Warrior Alliance, Book Five)

  Suvi’s Revenge (Dark Warrior Alliance, Book Six)

  Mistletoe & Mayhem (Dark Warrior Alliance, Book 6.5)

  Scarred Warrior (Dark Warrior Alliance, Book Seven)

  Heat in the Bayou (Dark Warrior Alliance, Novella, Book 7.5)

  Hellbound Warrior (Dark Warrior Alliance, Book Eight)

  Isobel (Dark Warrior Alliance, Book Nine)

  Tinsel & Temptation (Dark Warrior Alliance, Book 9.5)

  Rogue Warrior (Dark Warrior Alliance, Book Ten)

  Shattered Warrior (Dark Warrior Alliance, Book Eleven)

  King of Khoth (Dark Warrior Alliance, Book Twelve)

  Ice Warrior (Dark Warrior Alliance, Book Thirteen)

  Fire Warrior (Dark Warrior Alliance, Book Thirteen)

  The Rowan Sisters’ Trilogy

  The Rowan Sisters’ Trilogy Boxset (Books 1-3)

  Stand Alone Novels

  Ascension, The Complex Book 0

  Poseidon’s Addiction, The Gods of Olympus, Book 5

  Don’t miss out!

  Visit our website, https://www.trimandjulka.com/newsletter/ to sign up and receive emails from Trim and Julka about new releases, exclusive monthly giveaways, and their latest hand made jewelry. There’s no charge and no obligation.

  MADNESS UNHINGED

  by ML Guida

  About the Author

  Award Winning Author M.L. Guida loves the paranormal. Even when she was four years old, she would watch the soap opera, Dark Shadows, and fell in love with vampires! Who wouldn't want a bite on the neck? But she didn't stop there. Witches, dragons, angels, and demons are sprinkled throughout her books.

  website: www.mlguida.com

  Facebook private page: ML Guida’s Supernatural Lounge

  Author Facebook Page: ML Guida

  Twitter: @mlguida2

  Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/ckkHYD

  Touch of Madness

  Touch of Curiosity

  A Pirate’s Curse

  A Pirate’s Revenge

  A Pirate’s Agony

  A Pirate’s Obsession

  A Pirate’s Bane

  A Pirate’s Darkness

  Madness Unleashed http://a.co/gDFqp9l

  Copyr
ight © 2018 by ML Guida

  All rights reserved.

  No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or

  mechanical means,

  including information storage and retrieval systems,

  without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

  Created with Vellum

  Chapter 1

  Anonghos, wishing he were anywhere but here, gravely watched the three Fates sisters, rising from the Angarth Citadel’s bubbling baptismal pool. Their white robes illuminated the citadel, brighter than the Zalara’s two suns. They were spirits, but powerful enough to strike down the most powerful dragon. Besides Queen Cosima and his best friend’s new human mate, Hera, they were the last females on Zalara. Three months ago, the Kamtrinians had annihilated all their women, and to survive, they needed Earth women.

  But he refused to mate.

  King Greum and Queen Cosima bowed slightly to the Fates. The king and queen were complete opposites. The king had dark hair and dressed in black, while the queen was blonde, and dressed in white. The bond between them was strong–something that Anonghos knew would never be his.

  “Greetings,” Greum said.

  Rillo, the smallest but the strongest Fate, stepped in front of her two sisters. She stretched out her arms. “Another human mate has been chosen, giving us hope that our race will survive.”

  Anonghos winced at her loud voice that sent his nerves on edge. He hoped to hell they weren’t going to call his name. There were at least four hundred men crowded in the church–all eager to have their name read. They all believed the myth that mating was for eternity–an unbreakable bond.