Sage’s Peppermint Bark
8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate broken into pieces
8 ounces white chocolate broken into pieces
2 teaspoons canola oil, divided (1 tsp for each layer of chocolate)
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract, divided (1/4 tsp for each layer of chocolate)
25-30 peppermint candies, crushed (or use half if only placing on top layer)
Take a 9x9 baking pan and line with wax paper.
Over a double boiler, take semi-sweet chocolate and melt. Stir frequently and pull down chocolate from sides of pan. Add 1 tsp of canola oil and 1/4 tsp of peppermint extract. Stir until blended and pour into pan, smoothing the layer. If desired, take half the crushed candy and press into the bottom layer of semi-sweet chocolate. Place in fridge for one hour to harden.
Over a double boiler, melt white chocolate, pulling down chocolate from the sides. Add remaining 1 tsp of canola oil and 1/4 tsp of peppermint extract. Stir well and layer over the top of the semi-sweet chocolate. Add crunchy peppermint and refrigerate for one hour.
Break apart and enjoy!
***Milk chocolate, dark chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate can be used in this recipe.
Have you read all the books in the Westmore Wolves series?
Wicked for You #1
Heart’s Protector #2
Burning for You #3
Taming the Beast #4
Mistletoe Kisses: A Westmore Christmas #5
Read on for a taste from Craving Her Mates, My Wicked Mates series, Book One
A taste from Craving Her Mates
In the darkness of night, desire reigns supreme.
The sins of the past live on in the present...
Carefree submissive Natalia Adams lived the dream of a promising future. Her life at Inferno, the city’s most exclusive BDSM club, was everything to her until she was thrust into a living nightmare. Now a lynx shifter, and a detective trying to help victims like herself, she hides behind more than one mask to keep herself veiled from the world. When a murder case takes a dark turn, will she be able to rely on her animal instincts to keep her alive?
Seven years, seven murders...
Ryder, a male submissive at Inferno, is devoted to the lifestyle and one very hard to pin down Domme. An incubus that feeds on negative emotions, he is also a Doctor of Psychology specializing in BDSM related crimes. When yet another murder occurs, he is asked to assist Detective Natalia Adams. Sometimes the truth is hiding in plain sight, and all it can take is one kiss.
The whisper of the cane can bring them heaven or hell...
Cage still dreams about the sub who got away. Natalia was his fantasy girl and the woman he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. As the new owner of Inferno, he still can’t get her out of his mind. His wolf wants their mate back and they aren’t taking no for an answer. A discovery is about to rock his world and bring the past and future colliding together. If only he has the courage to embrace it.
“Find a place inside where there’s joy and the joy will burn out the pain.”
~~ Joseph Campbell
Dedication
For my husband.
You carried me out of the darkness and brought me furry babies to light up my world.
For Roseanne.
You always believed in me.
For Gina.
For cracking that whip and making me smile every step of the way. It only gets better from here.
Prologue
Seven years ago…
“I don’t care if he is the hottest thing in leather, it’s not gonna happen.” Natalia Adams wrinkled her nose in disgust and gazed out into the crowd. Inferno was packed tonight, and she itched to find her Dom and have some fun. All dark wood, black leather and silver, the club was a sophisticated venue, and she loved being there. It was the only place she could really be herself and now that she’d found Master Cage, her life was pretty much perfect.
The main floor of the Inferno club was comprised of the bar where she stood and branched out into small private seating areas perfect for an intimate drink and quiet conversation. The rest of the cavernous space was divided up into themes. A spanking bench rested in one corner with a wall laden with enough implements to keep a girl fantasizing for weeks. Currently Christine, one of the regulars, was stretched over the bench while her Domme, Rachel, administered a paddle.
In another part of the space was a wax play area. Candles flickered in the muted lighting, and a woman Natalia didn’t recognize was laid out across the table as a Dom poured hot wax over her naked flesh. She had never tried that one before, and the idea of it made her shiver. But still, the look of rapture on the woman’s face was something to consider.
Her gaze slipped toward the open St. Andrew’s cross and the public exhibition being performed, then down the hallway toward the themed suites. Those held a fascination for her. The club had just had them installed, and she was longing to try out each and every one of them. Medical play, Victorian, a playroom for age play, and a training area for pony play. The place was a submissive’s dream and, to top it off, she had Master Cage.
It had been a rough week, and her exams were finally done, freeing up more of her time to devote to Master Cage. Just the thought of her dark haired, muscular Dom sent shivers down her spine. The good kind.
“Master Cage said we had to keep everything low key until the semester was over. I just hope he’ll make it in tonight. He texted me he was going to be late and to help with the visitors.” Natalia grumped.
“Maybe he wants you to help the new guy feel at home.” Her best friend April grinned and spun from side to side on the bar stool, her feet dangling.
“He’s supposed to be Master Cage’s special guest.” Natalia polished off her cranberry juice and turned to slide the empty glass across the bar to Duncan. “Thanks.”
“No problem.” The large black man smiled, his eyes dancing merrily. Everyone understood Duncan was the biggest teddy bear in the place, but if anyone threatened one of the subs, he would rival even the toughest Dungeon Monitor. “You girls be careful tonight. The boys upstairs are on another membership drive, and I’m not so sure they checked out everyone like they normally do.”
“Hmmm.” Natalia eyed the charismatic blond man from across the room. He was surrounded by women, each one eager to get a taste. “God. It’s like a feeding frenzy.”
April laughed. “It is. I hope they leave more than the bones for whoever gets him tonight.” Her Domme, Evelyn, waved at her from the St. Andrew’s cross. “Look, I have to go. Mistress Evelyn is summoning me. You have a great time, honey, and give me a call tomorrow.”
“Will do.” Natalia picked up her ginger ale and took a small sip. She tugged down her frilly micro skirt and checked her corset to make sure everything was in place. It felt good to sit down. The new black heels she’d worn tonight were absolutely killing her, and it hadn’t even been two hours yet.
She watched as Duncan narrowed his eyes, his lips turning down in disapproval as he gazed at the blond. “You be careful around that one, Natalia. There’s been talk.”
Natalia cocked her head. “What kind of talk?”
“The kind that makes me want to throw his ass out the front door and not care where it lands. I can’t believe he wormed his way in here.”
“Really?”
“Just don’t let yourself be alone with him, okay?”
“Point taken.” She swallowed the last of her drink and heaved herself off the stool, heels hitting the floor. Her feet still hurt, but at least it was a little better after sitting. “I’d better make my way into the fray. If Master Cage comes in and sees me sitting, I’ll get my backside warmed but good.”
Duncan chuckled. “You know you like it when that man paddles you. Hell, he could paddle me anytime.”
“Naughty, Duncan.” Natalia giggled.
“Don’t you know it, babe. Now, you watch yourself, you hear?”
“I will. Don’t worry.”
She blew him a kiss in answer and made her way through the crowd. There were indeed a lot of unfamiliar faces in the main club floor, and she wondered what management was thinking not screening them. Maybe it was just a meet and greet situation. Then she looked around. Nope. When Inferno was open to the public for one of the educational or recruiting programs, the boys upstairs kept everything tightly controlled.
It was probably fine. Duncan was just overreacting.
Maybe.
Either way, she had to get with it and do some smiling and nodding or Master Cage would be displeased. She wanted to tell him her good news about school, not have him upset with her for shirking her duties as the proper submissive. They had a standard agreement that left her in the hands of the Dungeon Monitors when he wasn’t present, so she didn’t worry over much.
Time passed by quickly and before Natalia realized it, two hours had passed. Her throat was parched from talking and schmoozing. She sauntered up to the bar. Duncan was missing, in his place was Miranda wiping a cloth through a half dozen glasses.
“Hey, Miranda. Can I get a bottled water?”
“Sure.” The buxom brunette grinned and slid the beverage toward her. “Is Master Cage here yet?”
“Haven’t seen him come in, but he should be here soon.”
“Great.”
“Where’s Duncan?” Natalia uncapped the water and took a long sip. The refreshing water was a relief on her throat and lips after talking to so many new people.
The barmaid wiped down the counter and straightened some napkins. “He’s at lunch. Should be back soon, I think.”
“Good.”
“Hey there, beautiful.” A masculine voice curled around her, and Natalia jumped.
She turned to the speaker, surprised to find the blond man she'd been watching earlier standing behind her. Natalia met his gaze, but the direct perusal of her body made her squirm.
“Hi.”
“Are you playing tonight?” He reached out and touched her hair, and she stepped back, her ass hitting one of the bar stools in her startled movement to break contact.
“I’m waiting for my Dom, Sir. Master Cage is on his way.” Natalia gave him a small smile and lowered her gaze to the floor.
If she waited long enough, he’d go away. She hoped.
His fingers traced the side of her face, and he forced her chin up. Her eyes flew up in surprise. “Sir?”
“I require a sub for this evening, and as your Dom has not yet arrived, I’ll be happy to take his place for the evening.”
“I…”
“Is that how you do things at your club? Ask a sub to play knowing she’s taken?” Miranda interjected, her tone hostile.
Natalia swallowed, nervous. She was supposed to make the new people feel welcome, and she didn’t want to insult him. Normally she didn’t partake in any other sessions unless Master Cage was with her. They’d had such a nice morning. He’d coaxed her out of her mad with a wonderful kitchen interlude, and now she was here.
“It’s okay, Miranda.”
“No, it isn’t. There are rules if he bothered to read them.” Miranda pointed to a plaque on the wall stating the rules of consent and safety posted in each room for everyone’s well being. Inferno had a good reputation, and making sure the rules were spelled out and enforced was one of the only reasons Natalia was comfortable here without Master Cage. The staff was like family and looked out for her. But this guy… Maybe Duncan was right.
“This is a private conversation, barkeep. I suggest you mind your own affairs.” He glanced at Miranda then down at Natalia, meeting her gaze as she glanced up in surprise at his tone. “Well? I asked you a question, sub?”
“I’d rather not, Sir.” Natalia slid her gaze back to the floor but not without noticing the newcomer’s handsome, if not icy demeanor.
“Subs don’t get to say no, girl. I want you to give me a tour of the specialty suites. Can you do that? Is that so difficult?”
“No… No, Sir.”
“You don’t have to go, Natalia. You have a choice.”
She offered Miranda a small smile. “I don’t want to let Master Cage down if he’s depending on me. I won’t be long, okay?”
“I don’t like it.” Miranda narrowed her eyes, and her lips thinned.
“Lead on, and I shall follow.” He swept out his arm and indicated Natalia should precede him.
Nervous, Natalia glanced back at Miranda and placed her water bottle on the bar. “Please tell Master Cage where I am when he gets here.”
“I will,” came the clipped response.
Natalia garnered her strength and led the Dom down the long, dark hallway toward the specialty suites, hoping Master Cage would arrive soon.
***
Cage stepped inside the doors of Inferno and let his pent-up frustration melt away. He’d been longing to get to Natalia, but work had kept him much later than he would have liked. He moved into the locker room, removed his work clothes and donned his leathers. Cage slipped on his boots and made his way onto the floor. Most of the regulars were already out there talking it up with several unfamiliar faces.
His wolf shifted beneath his skin and he had to suppress a growl from sliding out from between his teeth. Natalia was human and he didn’t want outsiders anywhere near her.
He glanced around at the newcomers and remembered Julian had said something about that. He recognized a few of them in passing from munches around town but without vetting them, he hadn’t supported the decision to allow them entrance. In fact, he was going to make it a point to speak to the club’s owner tonight. The safety of every person in the club was their responsibility as Dominants, and he’d be damned if something were to happen to anyone in their care just to save a few bucks on the time it took to check every single one of them out.
God, he missed Natalia. The sweet smile and her big blue eyes captured his heart from the moment he first laid eyes on her. Teaching her to awaken to his touch had been a gift they’d barely begun to explore together.
A smile tugged at the corners of his mouth as he thought of his little sub. Natalia was a handful sometimes, but that was one of the things he loved about her. He could hardly wait to get her on the spanking bench and watch her heart-shaped ass turn pink with his ministrations.
Cage approached the bar and gave Miranda a smile. “Hey there. How’s my second favorite girl?”
A frown marred the brunette beauty’s lips. “Worried. Did you send some guy here to spend time with Natalia until you arrived?”
“What? No.”
Duncan stalked behind the bar and gave a nod in Cage’s direction. “She’s not in any of the side rooms or the main floor.”
“I haven’t seen her since I got here.” Cage replied.
Miranda and Duncan gave each other a weighted look.
Frustration and concern clawed his insides. “What am I missing here? Where’s Natalia?”
The muscular black man searched the room with his gaze once more and turned back to Miranda with a shake of his head.
Miranda frowned. “There was a blond guy and he came up to Natalia when she was taking a break at the bar. He inserted himself into our conversation and wheedled her into thinking you wanted her to sub for him until you made it in.”
“I told her to keep the guests happy but not to…” Horror dawned on him. What had Julian done?
“She’s with an asshole who never should have been let in here in the first place.” Duncan growled, his bear shining in his eyes.
“Fuck. We have to find her.”
Cage’s wolf paced under his skin, frustrated and angry that someone had dared to touch their mate.
“I have a pretty good idea where to start.” Miranda motioned her chin toward the dark hallway across the room, her eyes snapping fire.
The rockabilly bartender glared into the camera facing the bar and marched toward the phone on the wall. She picked up the receiver and punched a few numbers into the keypad. “It’s Miranda down at
the bar. We have a situation. One of your special guests has gone off with Natalia. I need you to check the cameras for the themed suites.” She didn’t even wait for a response, hanging up the phone with an audible clunk. “He’ll check.”
Just then a scream rippled over the noisy din of the room as the overhead music paused and everyone froze.
“Natalia!”
***
All Natalia could comprehend was pain. He’d tethered her to a St. Andrew’s cross, and begun methodically flogging and whipping her naked body until all the sensation began to seep out of her. The pleasure she experienced under Master Cage was nowhere to be found in this experience. It was a desecration of trust. Of her physical body and her spirit.
Broken and bleeding, she prayed for someone to find her and make it end. He hadn’t asked for a safe word and when she inquired about it, he slapped her so hard her teeth rattled.
“That’s for being a brat. You need to learn some manners, girl.”
“Marshmallow,” she instinctively tried to speak her usual safe word as loud as she was able, but her tongue swelled from where she’d bitten it. The blood she’d swallowed made her nauseous, and she struggled not to vomit.
“What are you mumbling, sub? I told you to be quiet.” The sting of the lash ripped through her flesh, and another shriek tore through her lips.
This room was one of the first down the winding extension the club had added on, and it was her hope that someone would hear her cries. Cameras monitored the rooms at a central hub, but she had no way of knowing if anyone would see her and understand she was in trouble. Did the cameras have sound? She had no idea. Surely, they would have seen her already when he’d violated her and she tried to fight him off. He’d bitten her and her skin felt hot and swollen at the site of his teeth imprint.
God. Just let it be over.
He cracked the single tail whip at the tender skin behind her knees, his rage at her exclamations a palpable thing.
Westmore Wolves Series: Shapesifter Collection Bks 1-5 Page 34
