Romancing the Paranormal

by Stephanie Rowe

  Melanie was so wet and ready, her excitement growing so quickly that her juices flowed freely from her pussy, puddling between them. When he was seated completely within her, he held completely still, reveling in the feel of his mate wrapped so tightly around his cock. He watched her face, eyes closed in passion, sweat dotting her upper lip, and lips parted while she panted. “Look at me, mo ghra’. Look at the man that will love with all that is in this life and the next.”

  Melanie’s eyes flew open. Jace felt the electricity only they could create sizzling stronger and brighter. She wrapped her legs around his waist and held tight as he began to casually slide in and out of her. She met him stroke for stroke. Their pace accelerated until he was pistoning in and out of her dripping channel, driving them both to the release they so desperately needed.

  She grabbed his shoulders, her manicured nails biting into his skin as she crushed her chest to his. The feel of her pebbled nipples rubbing against his chest created a friction he thought would set them ablaze. Shifting his hips, he caused his pelvis to bump her clit and his cock to rub the sensitive bundle of nerves atop her channel with every stroke. He could feel her orgasm building, bringing them both to the edge of something bigger and better than either had ever imagined.

  Buried deep inside his mate, Jace felt her muscles contract even more tightly around him until he was sure they had become one in body, just as they already were in spirit.

  “Trust me, mo chroi’, let go and trust me. You’ll never be alone again,” he groaned and thrust into her so hard and fast he bumped her cervix. The exquisite sensation undid them both.

  Melanie and Jace came with such force their bodies shook and it was hard to stay conscious. He had no clue if the shouting he heard was his or hers or both. He watched as his exquisite mate floated back to earth and could not resist placing butterfly kisses on her face and neck. He rolled to the side taking her with him, and lovingly placed her across his body, enjoying that she was boneless and spent, and he had made her that way. A peace he’d never known flowed between them. She opened her eyes and he was once again hopelessly lost to the one the Universe made for him. Jace knew there would never come a day when he would not need this woman with every fiber of his being.

  Hours later they lay completely exhausted, her head on his chest, their legs intertwined while their sweat soaked bodies cooled from their lovemaking. Her hand rubbed tiny circles on his chest, causing the bell on her ring to tinkle almost continually.

  Sitting up, he positioned Melanie on his lap, kissing her finger above and below her ring. “Emma made this ring especially for you, even before I’d worked up the nerve to speak to you for the first time.”

  “Really?”

  “Really. The bell is made out of one of my dragon’s scales.”

  “Oh, Jace, that’s amazing, but why a bell?”

  “Have you never heard the old saying?”

  “I don’t remember one about a bell.” She furrowed her brow and he could tell she was trying to recall one.

  Pulling her tight to his chest, he looked deep into her eyes as he lowered his lips to hers. As soon as they touched, he answered in the way of mates. “Every time a dragon kisses his mate, a bell rings. And I really hope you like the sound our little bell makes because I plan to kiss you every minute of every day.”

  Melanie’s chuckle sounded in his head, quickly followed by a sigh that said she was onboard with his plan for the future.

  “I love you more than the stars in the sky, Melanie Rose MacQuaid.”

  “Yesterday, today, and tomorrow. I’ll love you forever, Jace MacQuaid. Just keep this bell ringing.”

  EPILOGUE

  How could he not have seen that his one and only heir was fated to mate a dragon shifter? And not just any dragon shifter but one of the Dragon Guardsmen of legend. Had he known, he could have placed wards specific to the giant winged warriors. He could have taken her anywhere but to his beloved coven, to the home of his followers. Melanie was the one of legend and now she was ensconced in a dragon clan, mated to a shifter.

  It wasn’t that he cared so much about the people themselves, but the sheer numbers and generations of Dorcha he had lost was something he didn’t have the time to regain. The number of witches and wizards and lineage coupled with the influence of the homeland of their founders had been a huge source of power for the Grand Draoi and in one fell swoop he’d lost all of it.

  The saving grace had been his foresight to have Soren and Mara keep the Grand Priestess on the other side of the mountain. At least they were able to continue their pursuit to ‘persuade’ Calysta to give them the location of the Thanatos spell. Their ability to bring the Dark Lord back to Earth would secure Cleland’s place of power and give him the immortality he so desperately desired.

  Of course, he also a backup plan for his backup plan. Hidden inside the soul of one of his followers was a spell of his own design. An incantation that if worked by him and him alone would bring all the dark magic practitioners in the world together for the purpose of opening the Hell Mouth to the Demon ar ríchathaoir. Once the spell was activated and its courier sacrificed, the Draoi would be able to bring a piece of Hell to the Earth. Its inhabitants would be beholden to him, servants that would then help him find Thanatos.

  He wondered what his precious Meli Rose would do if she knew her oldest and closest friend carried the ritual that could destroy the world.

  *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

  The last week had been utter torture, every time he saw her it was as if he’d been punched in the gut. His heart raced, his blood felt as if it was boiling in his veins, and his dragon howled with the need to be near her. It wasn’t as if Liam hadn’t recognized her as his mate the moment he saw her standing in the shadows, trying to remain unseen when they’d rushed in to save Melanie. Of course he had. It had been just like all the stories he’d heard growing up.

  He’d seen the golden highlights of her strawberry-blonde hair glistening in the firelight and it was obvious. When the seductively soft scent of Angel’s trumpets with their light lemony overtones had invaded his senses, Liam Drennan just knew she was the one the Universe had made for him and him alone.

  The few times he’d decided to go to her something had pushed him away, made it impossible for him to get near her. He’d felt the mating call, even sensed the beginning of the mating bond, but something dark almost evil within her had shut it down and denied him access to his mate. There was something about Hannah McKennon that didn’t add up.

  Now, all Liam had to do was figure out how to tell his friend’s mate that her best friend had something evil living inside her, attempting to control her. Who was he kidding? There was no way this was going to end well for anyone involved.

  Oh great! Just another day in paradise.

  Also by Julia Mills

  *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

  Her Dragon to Slay, Dragon Guard Series #1

  Her Dragon’s Fire, Dragon Guard Series #2

  Haunted by Her Dragon, Dragon Guard Series #3

  For the Love of Her Dragon, Dragon Guard Series #4

  Saved by Her Dragon, Dragon Guard #5

  Only for Her Dragon, Dragon Guard #6

  Fighting for Her Dragon, Dragon Guard #7

  ***

  Her Love, Her Dragon: The Saga Begins, Dragon Guard Prequel

  Return to Synopses

  Seductive Solutions

  Others of Seattle Novelette

  Brandy L Rivers

  Seductive Solutions

  Copyright © 2015 Brandy L Rivers

  http://brandylrivers.com

  Cover Design by Brandy L Rivers

  Edited by Shaner Media Creations

  All rights reserved.

  Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written p
ermission of both the copyright owner and the above publisher of this book.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.

  Chapter 1

  The nightmare still gripped him as he jolted off the bed and started for the shower. Every damned night it was the same shit. Dreamed memories of his time with his twisted mate plagued him. He loved her, but hated her more.

  Scotty couldn’t get his breathing under control. His stupid cock wanted to find its way back into the conniving bitch who’d ruined his entire fucking life. He despised the incessant need, and fought himself with every ounce of his will.

  He slammed his palm against the wall and screamed.

  Over a century he’d lived on Earth and Saressa still held him prisoner in another plane.

  One answer broke their corrupted bond.

  Death.

  Either his or hers, it didn’t matter.

  Only it did. If he got anywhere near her, she could control him all over again. Forcing him to do her bidding—things she knew he loathed—was her favorite past time.

  He stepped into the shower, cranking it to cold as fuck, and prayed his dick would deflate. His mind’s eye tortured him with images of her scarlet hair, emerald eyes, and pale diamond-crushed skin as she rode him.

  “No. I won’t be your tool, I won’t be your fucking toy!” he cried, though the rant was as useful as the traitorous appendage between his legs. If she were before him, he would be in her in an instant, fucking her until she couldn’t take anymore, knowing she would torture him soon after.

  He slid to his knees, letting the cold water batter his will as frustrated tears ran down his face. His heart thumped in his chest. Getting this worked up made his weakness more obvious. His body now deteriorated exponentially faster than ever before.

  As a nymph, he needed intimacy to survive. His magic revolved around love, sex, and intimacy. Never had he gone this long without sex. True intimacy was impossible, and love wasn’t even on his radar with this fucked up bond holding him hostage. His artificial peace with the situation shattered when Toryn finally formed his mate bond. Watching the man who didn’t believe in love fall hard, and successfully claim Isadora against the will of her family’s powerful men, drove reality home.

  He’d certainly not wanted to mate Saressa. Being subject to her perversions was never his plan. She seduced him, and the next thing he knew, he was trapped in the fucking oxymoron of the millennia. He loved her with every fiber of his being. His hate festered a hundred times stronger.

  Depression didn’t begin to cover his downward spiral into despair.

  Finally numb from the cold, his body gave up on a sexual release. Taking a deep breath of momentary relief, he cranked the water to scalding. The ritual of temporarily scrubbing the memory of Saressa from his mind could begin.

  * * * *

  Toryn sat at his Ward Tower Security desk. Lonny, Scotty, and Toryn opened the firm to help protect Others, providing more safeguards than human security could manage.

  His office was modern and state-of-the-art. Lonny’s décor choices perfectly reflected the occupant’s tastes. His desk, big, black, and shiny, the computer high-end with dual monitors. Leather executive chair behind the desk, and two leather armchairs across. Against the wall, a matching couch for less formal discussions. Abstract paintings of Faerie hung throughout.

  Lost in thought, Toryn traced the picture of Isa and him dancing at her bar, Shenanigans.

  Lonny, Scotty, and Toryn started the company six years before, when Toryn first moved up to Seattle with Isa. Originally, he’d been sent to watch over and protect her. He wasn’t supposed to fall in love, but one look and he had. He’d spent ten years, and countless one-nighters, doing his damnedest to hide not only his growing feelings, but also who she was, from her.

  As a changeling, Isadora didn’t know her mother was queen of the Air Kingdom, or that her supposed father was king of the Earth Kingdom. Until the time was right, she couldn’t know who or what she was, according to the king.

  And then everything went sideways. The truth came out, he had to choose sides, not that he could have chosen otherwise, and ultimately he protected her from the king, and the queen’s brother.

  Six months have passed since she learned her true nature, five since Toryn rid the universe of her uncle, a sadistic monster. She’d even helped to mend his relationship with his mother. Isa was everything he needed and craved rolled into the perfect package.

  There was a knock at the door. “Come in,” Toryn invited, standing. He shoved one hand in his pocket to make sure the ring was indeed still there. Not that the small velvet pouch containing a gem-studded platinum circle had left his person since he picked it up from the jewelry smith that morning.

  Reance entered with a radiant smile on his face. “Good morning.”

  “Good morning, old friend.” He drew a slow breath. “We need to talk.” Toryn winced. The most gifted seer in all the realms, Reance had to know why he was there. Didn’t make Toryn any less nervous.

  “Relax. You’ve never had cause to be nervous around me.”

  “You’re right.” Still, he stalled. “Can I get you anything? Water, tea, maybe coffee?”

  Amusement danced across his regal face. “No, thank you. Though I’m curious why you brought me here.”

  Toryn closed his eyes, shoring up his courage. “I want to marry your daughter. I’d like your and Aeryana’s permission to marry Isadora.”

  Reance nodded, his eyes twinkling. “Of course. I wondered when you would finally ask. Aeryana also sends her blessing.”

  “Always thinking ahead.” Toryn chuckled, a rush of happy adrenaline surged through him. “How’s living in the palace?”

  “It’s been a long time since I had to deal with politics and I’ve not missed the frustration. However, it’s worth it to have Aeryana in my arms every night. Finally. No more lies, no more secrets. I’ve never been happier.”

  “And you? Are you going to marry her?”

  Reance nodded. “We’re planning the wedding already. Aeryana hopes her daughter will consider the benefits of a double wedding.”

  He couldn’t hold in a chuckle. “I need to ask Isadora to marry me first. Would you bless the ring?” He pulled out the green velvet pouch, handing it over with an uncharacteristic tremble in his hands.

  Reance removed the fold of silk cloth and unwrapped the band. He inspected the center stone. It was the most precious of fae jewels. Prismatic like a diamond, but the stone shone with the colors of the wearer’s aura.

  “She’s going to love it. Where did you find the rock?”

  “My mother found it while walking the day she learned she was pregnant. She gave the raw stone to me, and I had the ring crafted.”

  Setting the pouch and cloth aside, Reance cupped the ring in his hands. His eyes closed. Magic flowed from his soon-to-be father-in-law, swirling around the room in tiny golden embers. After what felt like an eternity, but probably less than a minute elapsed, Reance opened his eyes, and silver flames faded from his irises.

  Reance took Toryn’s hand and placed the ring in his palm. The metal was warm, the stone nearly too hot. Toryn grabbed the band, wrapped it in the silk, then placed it in the pouch before tucking the small velvet bag back in his pocket.

  “Thank you Reance. This means everything to me.”

  “No, that’s Isa’s role, as your mate should be. And eventually your children.”

  “Children?”

  Reance smiled. “I shouldn’t have said that.”

  “I’ve seen my son, no others,” Toryn admitted. “Though I don’t believe he’s coming anytime soon. F
or now we are content to enjoy each other.”

  “I cannot tell you what I’ve seen, other than to say you will always have Isadora, and she will always have you.”

  Toryn grinned. “That, my friend, is an amazing relief. I don’t believe I possess your strength.”

  To protect the secret of their relationship and Isa’s eventual conception, Reance had stayed away from Aeryana for most of the last hundred and fifty years, and then disappeared from her life completely for thirty years.

  “You’ll never have to find out,” Reance nodded to the door. “I’ll be in touch. I’m anxious to share the happy news with Aeryana.”

  “I’ll contact you when I have Isadora’s answer so that, hopefully, wedding plans can begin.”

  Reance dipped his head, and left the room.

  Scotty came in before the door shut. He slid into one of the leather guest chairs and tossed a couple folders onto the desk. His long time and trusted friend looked worse than he’d ever seen. There were dark circles beneath his eyes, and beard growth, not merely stubble.

  “What’s going on, Scotty?”

  He rubbed his hand over his face, mumbling, “Nothing.”

  Contradicting Scotty’s words, Toryn saw the evidence of his body’s decay. After knowing him for centuries, the decline would be hard to miss.

  Toryn stalked closer, moving to sit on the edge of the desk directly in front of him. “Bullshit. How long since you’ve been with a woman?”

  Scotty shook his head. “Doesn’t matter.”

  “Fuck that. Of course it does. How long?”

  “Don’t do this. You don’t know what I’m going through, Toryn.”

  “Shit.” Toryn walked toward the window to stare out. Last time he saw Scotty with a woman was… fuck… before everything went down with Isa. At least six months. Likely more.