Shadows and Sorcery: A Collection of Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance Novels

by Adkins, Heather Marie

  “Even though he fell with the other fallen angels he kept himself true to God. Prayed every day, battled evil through the centuries. But God has given our brother a gift.” Michael lowered his head to stare at Mom and me before moving onto Ben who was watching the proceedings happy unknowing what was happening munching on an apple he had been given.

  Michael nodded to an empty spot next to Mom where a shimmering figure of a man wavered into being. Squinting I tried to figure out who the form was as it slowly solidified into my Dad. My jaw dropped almost to the street floor as I stared at him. A quick glance at Mom showed she had the same feelings I had as she stared at him in shock as he gazed around him in confusion. Mom didn’t stay still for long as a huge grin split her face almost in two as she jumped at him his arms gathering her close as their lips met in a kiss that showed their love would last for another millennia.

  Not wanting to disturb their joy in each other I clasped my hands together in front of myself and glanced at Michael seeing the intense satisfaction on his face as he watched Mom and Dad greet each other. His gaze turned to me and Caine and a slow smile lifted his lips as he jerked his head toward Caine and lifting a hand, his black wings unfurled from his back and as they flapped heavy and mighty leaving little dust devils racing each other down the silent street to raise him slowly into the air toward the sky.

  Turning my head to give Caine a quick glance I watched as he stared at Michael, my head swiveling back and forth the unspoken exchange between the two men as Michael pointed a finger first at Caine and then at me. Caine’s eyes widened at the obvious meaning of the motion. Then Michael rose higher as he black wings flapped hard and forcefully higher and higher until he reached clouds that shone periwinkle blue and silver in the blinding yellow sunlight that suddenly shone through parted fluffy pillows of clouds that split in half to allow him entry and closed as he departed from our view. What an exit!

  Quickly running over to my parents, I hugged Dad for the first time. The sound of cracking ribs greeted my ears as my arms gripped him too tightly. Groaning he laughed and gently pushed me away as Ben took my place to greet our father. Mom standing next to him her hand lightly on his back as if she couldn’t stand not touching him, grinning ear to ear.

  I know Ben had no understanding of what had happened earlier only that everyone was hugging and happy and he wanted in on it. He hugged Dad, me, Mom, Caine and Amy. He’s such a loving boy.

  A grinning Amy released Ben to give me a wink and pushed me toward her father. Caine grimaced. Jerk. But reluctantly put his arm around my waist as if it was the last thing he wanted to do. Jerk.

  Pulling myself away from him with a sideways swish of my upper body I snaked myself away from his arm to stand before him my hands on my hips, glaring. “If you don’t want to touch me you don’t have to. Not going to force you.”

  Turning away from me a heavy frown darkening his face Caine stopped short as his friend Devlin stood before him. Dad put a heavy hand on Caine’s shoulder pulling the other man closer so that they were nose to nose, saying, “I don’t remember what has happened to me. I know I’ll be told but right now I need to know what’s going on between you and my daughter. Or are you being your usual asshole self.”

  Caine grunted, “usual asshole self.”

  He turned his head to glare at me as if I was the cause of this problem as he still faced my father. “You don’t want to be with me? No problem dude. Leave.” I fluttered my fingers at him to go away as I pivoted to leave my heart crushing down to my toes but not going to show it.

  Stalking away and absolutely no idea where I was going but there was no way, no how he was going to see me cry over him. Asshole! Jerk!

  A hand on my shoulder spun me around until I my face was plastered against Caine’s broad chest. A thick long finger touched my chin gently and with a little pressure raised my face until I was staring at Caine’s frowning face. But for the first time his face unfrowned and a slight smile touched his lips, his hazel gaze glowing, my brain stunned and unable to process how even more attractive he looked.

  “I never said I never wanted you little girl.” His baritone soft and deep and oh so sexy. But I had to protest this little girl he kept calling me. I opened my mouth but his finger moved to my lips effectively silencing me.

  “I know what you are going to protest. You are not a little girl.” He eyed me up and down with a bright dark gaze. “This I can see.”

  “Hey! Parents and little brother here. Keep it PG.” Dad’s voice exploded a few steps away. Turning my head, I saw his hands over Ben’s ears.

  Caine never even glanced in Dad’s direction. “So go away and let us talk.”

  “So now you want to talk to her? A few minutes ago, you wanted her to leave.” Dad prodded the beast. He was having way too much fun at Caine’s expense but it was fun.

  “Come on Honey.” Mom pulled at the back of Dad’s shirt. “Let’s leave them alone to talk. I want to be alone with you myself since you were dead oh…a few minutes ago.”

  “I’ll take Ben home with me for the night Sherry. You and Devlin need the time alone and so do Dad and Paige. Ben and I are going to have quite the night. Right boyfriend?” Amy ruffled the top of Ben’s curly black hair. He nodded back so vigorously he looked like a bobble head.

  “I’m not going anywhere with him.” I protested clenching my back teeth so hard I hoped I didn’t crack them. I wasn’t going to continue with this push pull he was doing to my emotions. Enough was enough.

  Being too close to Caine to effectively slug him with my closed fist my choices were stomping on his booted foot and hope I could use enough weight to make him release me or knee him in his jewels. Although that last had merit, I decided to go with choice number one after I asked nicely to release me.

  Pulling my arms which he now held I demanded, “let me go Caine. We have nothing to talk about. I’m tired of your shit.”

  “Language!” Three voices laughed in reply.

  “Not quite yet little girl. After our talk.” His grip on my biceps was light and he ran his hands up and down so light goosebumps raised on my arms. He was not going to do this to me. I had to remember somehow. I had no idea since he was such a grump but this was the Angel of Love although Amy must have taken over the role.

  My eyes cast downward as I studied the tops of my black steel toed boots and contemplated what I should do.

  Raising my foot with care I stomped down onto the top of his foot as hard as I could and I smirked, although with only a touch of guilt at his yell of pain. “talking is done!”

  Pivoting on my heel I attempted to leave but Caine held onto my arms even tighter not about to let me go now. Slow but gentle he drew me to him until my arms were pinned to his chest. My head swiveled back and forth looking for help but everyone was gone. I mean everyone. What revenge would he exact from me?

  His head lowered and lowered until his lips pressed to my forehead. Lightly they moved to my cheek to follow my jawline. Unconsciously I lifted my chin to give him access to my throat unable to remember what I had been mad about a few moments ago. A haze clouded my brain as his hands left my upper arms to slide sensuously around my back to grip my hips tight and pull me even closer.

  My arms snaked up his chest to wrap themselves around his neck to pull myself up for better access to his lips. Finally, a kiss. Not a simple touch of lips together. No, a hard melding of open mouths, my teeth pulling and nipping at his full bottom lip, tongues dueling in passion.

  Caine’s legs were wide spread as I stood between them, pressing myself closer still. I had no thoughts other than continuing with what I was doing as my hands decided to go wandering on their own. They travelled down from around to neck to press against his pecs lingering.

  Pushing against him hard he released me so fast I gasped for air and nearly stumbled. Resting a hand against my forehead I panted as I asked, “Caine what are we doing?”

  He laughed, his teeth white against his dark skin, “foreplay
? Paige, I don’t do relationships. Even the few times I married I wasn’t a good husband and now I think I would be even worse.” He stared into my face, his expression intense.

  Shaking my head, I rested my forehead against his chest as I considered what had just happened. Lifting my head again I peeked up at him. “Caine can you learn?”

  He cocked his head to the side, lifting a hand to scratch at his cheek with a finger. “Can I learn? What kind of question is that?”

  Poking at his chest I smiled. I liked teasing him like this. He was so confused, “I thought it was a perfectly good question. Can you learn Caine? Yes or no?”

  “Um. Yes?”

  “Good answer. If you’re willing to learn I’m willing to train you. Are you up to it?” My finger swirled patterns against his chest as I waited for his answer to this important question.

  A finger lifted my chin and a soft expression crossed his face.

  “Paige you are the first person I am willing to learn about a relationship with a woman for. I am still not sure what love is but I am willing to find out with you. I know I can’t stand the thought of ever being away from you. The time you were in Hell was hell for me and that was only after just meeting you. You are important enough to me for you to teach me.” He leaned his head down to lightly press him lips to mine and say, “Paige please teach me.”

  Reaching up I gripped each side of his head with his dreadlocks and whispered as I pulled his head down to mine, “Good answer. “

  THE END.

  16

  This simple sentence set Caine off, who shouted in disagreement, throwing himself at Lucifer and stumbled with no one being there. Lucifer had teleported to another space in the room. Caine glanced around until he saw where Lucifer had gone.

  Lucifer was now lying on the bed next to me, grabbing the back of my head in a firm grip and giving me a forceful kiss. His lips were soft against mine, but that was it. No spark like what I had with Caine.

  He sat back with a huff, glowering at me with his hand on my shoulder. “Do not think of another man when you’re with me.”

  “You don’t get to make any demands of me,” I retorted.

  Caine had a startled expression on his face just as he about to launch himself at Lucifer, but stopped while he was still on the ground. A grin took over his face.

  That idea made him throw his shoulders back with pride, but had me rolling my eyes about like a set of dice.

  Scowling I asked, “What am I thinking about

  Lucifer laughed harshly, “No, my dear. You don’t understand. This is how it’s going to be. You’re going to come with me or there will be war. It’s that simple.”

  He stood straight and tall, as if patiently waiting for my answer his arms hanging at his sides ready for anything.

  “She’s not going with you. I don’t care that you’re in charge of Hades and can make as many minions as you want at will. We​ ​ have the power of God’s Love and have always had that. God’s Love is infinite even with us following Lucifer in the beginning.” Caine was adamant about my not going with Lucifer.

  “You’re fallen, Caine. Don’t you realize after all this millennium, you’re on your own?” Lucifer huffed out another loud laugh with his head thrown back.

  “You’re not taking my daughter anywhere with you,” a soft voice stated, as Mom and Devlin stepped through the broken door.

  “She’s mine,” Lucifer said.

  “No, she’s not. She’s herself but she is filled with goodness. Nothing you’d be interested in,” Devlin said, as angels, both male and female filled the room. I couldn’t see how many were out in the hallway but the murmur of more and more voices was audible. I was feeling uncomfortable in my sleepwear with no underwear on underneath, hidden under my blankets.

  Lucifer had a startled expression on his face as if he hadn’t considered there would be a contingent of angels.

  I had no idea exactly how many were here on earth but it almost looked like they were filling this house, as the murmur of voices became like the roar of an earthquake.

  Caine went to the large picture window and threw open the drapes. “ Come see, Lucifer. See what you have wrought.”

  I could see he was becoming uneasy as no one appeared scared by his ultimatum. After walking over to the window, he bent down and looked outside. I craned my head but there was no way I could see anything from where I was.

  Something hit me in the face, covering my head. I lifted my hand to remove the cloth around in my hands until I could see it was a short zippered plush robe.

  Amy stood next to Devlin, a mischievous expression on her face. I nodded my thanks to my new friend as I slipped it on under the blankets.

  Tossing the blankets aside I made my way over to Caine who, in front of everyone, declared his intentions, silently, by laying his arm around my shoulders.

  Leaning forward, I looked outside as well and saw something that might never be seen again. Men and women covering every space available on the lawn, their faces raised to our window.

  Moonlight shone bright from a full moon, so bright it was almost as if the sun was shining. Maybe it was, maybe God was showing his approval for the fallen angels that arrived to prove to Lucifer he wasn’t the everything​​ he thought he was.

  Lucifer’s face was a well of different expressions as he considered the scene before him. He hadn't expected so many to arrive in support. I guess he thought the angel community was fractured.

  I had no idea how many had shown up, hundreds. A thousand maybe. And Lucifer was furious. He turned sharply away from the window, tugging down on a cuff as if that was the most important thing in his life right now.

  But his eyes flicked to me for a moment and I saw his mouth thin to a white line. He tried not to show it.

  Turning as one, Caine and I watched Lucifer’s every movement like a hawk.

  He tried to appear disinterested but we knew it was an act. His posture relaxed as he leaned a shoulder against a

  THE END

  About the Author

  D.A. Stein lives in Southern California and likes reading and writing, along with dogs and cats…Not necessarily in that order. You can find more information, and catch up with D.A. on Facebook.

  Tempted By The Vampire

  Khardine Gray

  Coven of Shadows

  Book 1

  Tempted by The Vampire: Coven of Shadows Book 1 © 2019 Khardine Gray

  Copyright notice: All rights reserved under the International and Pan-American Copyright Conventions. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, places, characters and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, organizations, events or locales is entirely coincidental.

  Warning: the unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a fine of $250,000.

  Created with Vellum

  Tempted by The Vampire

  I didn’t know my path until he showed me the way.

  Weeks ago I never knew this world existed.

  Then I was told I was a witch from the Coven of Shadows.

  A witch who no one knew about and suddenly feared.

  I just wanted to know where I came from, but found my answers in the most unlikeliest of ways.

  All through the vampire who tempted me and beckoned me to be his.

  It is forbidden to be with him, but I can’t seem to stop…

  1

  Gabrielle

  My dreams had become a drug to me, and like an addict I kept going back.

  They filled me with
everything.

  Literally everything.

  Every night for the last three months, I dreamed of him.

  I never had to wait too long before he came to me. I’d closed my eyes and then I’d be at the bar. I didn’t even know where the bar was. My mind conjured up this image of a bar I’d seen in one of the old westerns Mom liked. This bar was from those times but had a modern feel to it.

  Instead of bad ass cowboys, it attracted bad boy drifters. Bikers and other macho types. The kind that a mundane girl like me could get lost in. Me, the girl who was always working too hard.

  I sat on the stool by the bar watching the bartender serve up a mean looking cocktail. In this place they used the same style of beer glasses for every kind of drink. Not fancy at all. It was part of what made this place so cool.

  This place wherever it was.

  Warm hands slipped around my waist and he lowered to press his lips to my neck. His hot breath tickled my skin and I smiled. In the mirror behind the bar I could see him.

  Our reflection.

  We looked good together. We always did. Me with my handsome stranger. The man who’d driven me wild in so many ways.

  “Bad girl, it’s broad daylight. You couldn’t possibly want me again.” He whispered into my ear and smiled.

  “What if I do?” I challenged with a pout.

  “I’m not complaining.” He ran his finger along my jaw and turned me to him. “I never complain, do I?”