Crimson Kisses: Valentine’s Day Edition: A Zodiac Shifters Paranormal Romance Anthology

by Shifters, Zodiac

  Thanks for reading!

  Del mare alla stella,

  C.D. Gorri

  P.S. Please sign up for my newsletter here for updates about my works: https://www.subscribepage.com/cdgorri

  Also by C.D. Gorri

  Young Adult Books:

  Wolf Moon: A Grazi Kelly Novel Book 1

  Hunter Moon: A Grazi Kelly Novel Book 2

  Rebel Moon: A Grazi Kelly Novel Book 3

  Winter Moon: A Grazi Kelly Novel Book 4

  Chasing The Moon: A Grazi Kelly Short 4.5

  Blood Moon: A Grazi Kelly Novel #5

  Casting Magic: The Angela Tanner Files #1

  Keeping Magic: The Angela Tanner Files #2

  Paranormal Romance Books:

  Charley’s Christmas Wolf: A Macconwood Pack Novel #1

  Cat’s Howl: A Macconwood Pack Novel #2

  Code Wolf: A Macconwood Pack Novel #3

  Wolf Bride: The Story of Ailis and Eoghan (A Macconwood Pack Prequel)

  Summer Bite: A Macconwood Pack Novella

  His Winter Mate: A Macconwood Pack Novella

  Snow Angel: A Macconwood Pack Novella

  Charley’s Baby Surprise: A Macconwood Pack Novella

  The Witch and The Werewolf: A Macconwood Pack Novel #4

  The Dragon’s Valentine: A Falk Clan Novel #1

  The Dragon’s Christmas Gift: A Falk Clan Novel #2

  The Dragon’s Heart: A Falk Clan Novel #3

  The Dragon’s Secret: A Falk Clan Novel #4

  Bearly Breathing: A Bear Claw Tale #1

  Shifters Furever: A Paranormal Romance That Rocks Series Anthology (3 stories in 1 book!)

  Bound By Air: The Wardens of Terra Book 1: A Zodiac Shifters Book

  Coming Soon:

  Bearly There: A Bear Claw Tale #2

  Taming Magic: The Angela Tanner Files #3

  Crimson Kisses: A Zodiac Shifters Anthology

  To Catch a Wolf: A Macconwood Pack Novel #5

  Waterlocked: The Wardens of Terra Book 2: A Zodiac Shifters Book

  Marked by the Devil: Paranormal Romance That Rocks

  Claimed by the Demon: Paranormal Romance That Rocks

  Mated to the Dragon King: Paranormal Romance That Rocks

  My Dragon’s Love

  A Zodiac Shifters Short Story

  P.T. Macias

  Eternal Love Bite’s

  Dragon Blood Legacy

  I’m dedicating this book with all my love for my husband, children, grandchildren, and family. Thank you for your patience, love, and support.

  Acknowledgments

  I want to give special thanks to Heather Kirchhoff my editor. Her dedication is amazing and immensely appreciated.

  Book Description

  The Dragon’s Cold Heart Is Speared By Cupid’s Bow!

  Will His Soul Be Seized By His Mate? Can love melt his heart?

  The Earl Dragoon, Asher is dedicated on creating the wealth on the Earth realm. His recently inherited estate is in a dire state after the reckless mismanagement of the late Earl Dragoon, his uncle. His strong altruism nature for his family drives him to work long and hard to provide for their needs on Dracostar and on the Earth realms. He doesn’t have time for love!

  Ariel Fuentes is thrilled on her new position as a journalist at the major news station in California. The assignment to interview the mysterious millionaire Dragoon is the opportunity to shine as a serious professional journalist.

  Will Cupid’s bow infused with the legendary love potion be potent to melt the Earl’s dragon heart?

  The Tarot Reading

  “I’m so happy that you did come with me to see this amazing Tarot reader! Carol highly recommends her! Rose, I can’t wait! Hurry up because it’s almost time for the shop to close.”

  Ariel smiles to look over her shoulder at her best friend. She winks, laughing. She raises her hand to flip her long dark hair over her shoulder. She takes long strides across the parking lot.

  “Hold up, Ariel! I can’t believe that you really want to have this reading! I don’t really believe that it is real! You’re wasting your time!”

  “Huh! I’m not! I think it’s going to be lots of fun! Who knows what she’s going to say. I might write an article on her! It simply fascinates me and the number of people that are into these readings.”

  Ariel nods, sighing. She stops at the door, closing her eyes.

  I hope that she tells me something amazing! This is such fun! I can’t wait to hear what she has to say.

  She pushes the door open and walks into the scented shop. She looks around the shop, wide-eyed, with a soft red flush on her cheeks.

  She turns her head to the right to look over her shoulder at Rose. She grins; her face is glowing. Her huge brown eyes are shinning. Her long lashes curl up to her eyebrows. She inhales deeply, nodding.

  “Yes, it smells like I imagined it would smell. The candle's scent is pungent. I think everything looks mysterious, like great secrets are hiding here. Don’t you think so, Rose?”

  Rose shakes her head. She turns around slowly, taking in every detail inside the cluttered store. She shrugs, peering at the shelf above. She places her hands on her waist.

  “Ariel, your imagination is wild. I only see candles, books, boxes, stones, and other unknown stuff! Geeze!”

  “Oh my, you’re so boring! Let’s look around until someone shows up.”

  Ariel walks over to look at the books on the wooden shelf. She runs her fingers over every book, reading the titles. She nods, turning around to look at the different size candles. She wrinkles up her nose.

  “These are powerful scents. I just felt a shooting pain in my head.”

  Rose walks over to where Ariel is standing and stops next to her, crossing her arms on her stomach.

  “Yeah, these scents are overpowering for me!”

  The back door in the store opens up, and a tall, thin lady walks out. She pulls her hair up in a bun and turns to look at Ariel, squinting her eyes.

  “Hello, can I help you?” says the lady.

  She walks slowly to the counter and picks up black round eyeglasses. She slides them on, but the eyeglasses slip down her nose. She frowns, looking at Ariel and Rose on the other side of the room.

  “I’m Doreen, and this is my shop,” she says, waving her hand in a circle. Doreen then places both hands on top of the glass countertop of the display case.

  “The Black Raven has been in my family for years,” says Doreen, clucking her tongue. She looks at the girls.

  “Tsk, tsk, . . . tsk, tsk, tsk.”

  Her thin shoulders hunch forward and the eyeglasses slide down her nose.

  “Oh yes, I have an appointment for a reading,” says Ariel, smiling. She takes a step towards Doreen.

  “I’m glad that you made it because I was going to close the doors. The appointment was at four. You’re late.”

  Ariel bites her lower lip. She looks down at her cell phone, only to look up, wide-eyed with embarrassed.

  “I’m so sorry. I thought that our appointment was at five. I’m so sorry. Would you still be able to do my reading?” asks Ariel.

  Rose raises her right eyebrow, narrowing her eyes.

  “I hope you can because we will not be able to return,” says Rose, shrugging.

  Doreen looks at the girls over the rim of her eyeglass, pursing her lips. Her black eyes glow as she takes in every detail.

  “Tsk, tsk, . . . tsk, tsk, tsk.”

  She clucks her tongue. Doreen nods her head as she made her decision.

  “I will be able to do the reading this time, but I needed to point out your tardiness. I’m aware of your bad habits, young lady,” utters Doreen in a low, gravelly voice, tapping her fingers on the glass countertop. She then moves her right hand to push up her eyeglasses.

  “Oh my, thank you for your understanding,” says Ariel, nodding. She raises her hands to tuck a long strand behind her ears.

  Rose tilts her head to the left. She twists her lips to
the side, raising both eyebrows.

  “That’s fine. Let’s get started. It’s been a long day. I’m tired and need to rest,” utters Doreen quietly, squinting her black eyes.

  “Wonderful,” says Ariel, taking a step closer.

  “Follow me to my reading room,” says Doreen, clucking her tongue as she walks down the hall.

  “Tsk, tsk, . . . tsk, tsk, tsk.”

  Ariel nods, turning to look at Rose. She raises her eyebrows.

  Rose nods, and shrugs her shoulders. Her lips move, forming the words, but not using her vocal cords.

  “Okay,” says Rose.

  Ariel grimaces then turns to follow Doreen to the back room, taking in every detail in the hallway.

  Rose follows closely behind her.

  “Come on, it’s okay. Nothing to fear,” says Doreen, standing at the open door. She waves her thin hand. She smiles a small crooked smile, peering deeply into Ariel’s huge brown eyes.

  Doreen waves her hand again, hurrying them into the room. The lights are off, and a few candles are light around the wall and on the table.

  Ariel and Rose walk into the room, looking at the pictures on the wall.

  “Have a seat; the sooner, the better. Let’s get this reading started,” says Doreen, pulling out her wood chair.

  “Right,” says Ariel, pulling out a chair. She slides onto the chair, crossing her hands on the table. She looks at Rose as slides onto the chair.

  “Tsk, tsk,” clucks Doreen. She closes her eyes and inhales then exhales.

  “I call on thee, my spirit guides, source, and angels,” utters Doreen, rocking side to side.

  “Tsk, tsk, . . . tsk, tsk, tsk.”

  Her thin hands move rapidly as she shuffles the tarot cards.

  Doreen opens her dark black eyes and looks over her eyeglass at Ariel and Rose.

  Doreen draws all the cards at once and sets them face up on the table. She studies the cards, nodding her head.

  She looks up to look at Ariel, pursing her lips.

  “It appears that you will meet your soul mate, soon. Very soon. Tsk, tsk, . . . tsk, tsk, tsk, . . . . . That is, of course, if you haven’t met him already! Once you do, your life will never be the same!”

  “What do you mean?” asks Ariel, frowning.

  Doreen looks down at the card.

  “Yes, yes…your life will change, and it will be drastic changes. Changes that you never imagined could be possible! Once you do meet your soul mate, you will know deep in your soul that it’s him! This is a great match. Truly, your destiny!

  “Oh my,” whispers Ariel, clenching her hands tight on her lap.

  “Don’t be afraid. You’re like the Queen Of Wands. You’re fiery, enthusiastic, and spontaneous. You love a good party. Crowds don’t intimidate you at all. You love meeting new people, it’s what you live for. Your inquisitive and fun nature is perfect. Since you’re a journalist, I can see why! Your career is perfect for you!

  As for him. . . tsk, tsk, . . . tsk, tsk, tsk,…..he’s like the Emperor! He could be a businessman; he is extremely wealthy and affluent! He has an air of authority that will captivate you from day one!

  He could be a Taurus, but because you love your independence, there could be a moment of conflict here, tsk, tsk, . . . tsk, tsk, tsk, . . . . . . He's possessive and likes to know that no one else can ever touch what's his.

  However, if you show him that he can trust you, then he will give you your freedom and allow you to be who you are.

  He’s stubborn, used to always getting what he wants. He needs someone like you in his life. Someone to remind him that life is also about having fun, and not just working and accumulating wealth.

  The Tower and the Five of Wands indicates to me that you'll meet in... difficult circumstances tsk, tsk, . . . tsk, tsk, tsk, . . . . . .I can't say whether you'll be directly involved in this or not, but I see chaos, maybe some sort of accident.

  The Tower speaks of something breaking, crumbling to the ground, and the Five of Wands speaks of conflict, arguments, and of a lot of people gathered around the source of the chaos and trying to figure out what to do.

  So, in the near future, tsk, tsk, . . . tsk, tsk, tsk, . . . . . . . pay attention to situations that sound like this, because that's where you'll meet your soul mate.

  Meeting in such chaotic circumstances will only bring you together and help you connect on a soul level that only true soul mates can, tsk, tsk, . . . tsk, tsk, tsk. . . tsk, . . . .You'll discover you have a lot in common, and I feel like your first date will have something to do with giving.

  Yes, giving to others. Giving to people in need.

  The Six of Pentacles and the Six of Wands make me think of a beautiful event. An event organized by rich, affluent people to serve the community. It could be a fundraiser. If an event like this pops up on your schedule, keep in mind that for you, it could turn into something bigger. Maybe even a first date.”

  Doreen looks at Ariel over the rim of her eyeglasses, squinting her eyes. She nods and purses her lips.

  “I believe this relationship will challenge you both, but your personalities complement each other. To make it work, remember that you were meant to be together. It’s destiny! So, listen to each other carefully, and love those tiny things that make you different.”

  “Oh my,” sighs Ariel, closing her eyes. Her lips slowly turn up, flashing her dimples.

  * * *

  “Yes, Ms. Fuentes I have you down for one PM at the office. Mr. Dragoon only has this opening, so please be on time,” says Ms. Stone.

  Ariel bites her lower lip, closing her eyes. She nods, smiling, flashing her cute dimples.

  “No worries, Ms. Stone. I’ll be on time! Thank you!”

  Ariel ends the call, turning to look at Rose as she places her cell on her desk.

  “I’m so excited! Oh my God! Really, Rose, I can’t wait to interview Asher Dragoon because nobody has been able to get an appointment! Oh my God! I did!”

  Ariel turns around in the middle of her office with arms spread wide and a huge smile. A soft rose flush spreads over her face and her huge brown eyes sparkle. Her long black hair swings around her as she turns and turns in a circle.

  The cute slim fitting black skirt and five-inch black shoes restrict her animated movements, propelling her onto the floor.

  “Ugh!”

  Rose laughs, throwing back her head. She shakes it from side to side, crossing her arms around her stomach. Her soft wavy shoulder-length brown hair sway across her shoulders.

  “That’s what you get for being silly and juvenile at work!”

  Ariel glares up at her friend. She stretches out her hand for help.

  “Help me get up! I don’t want Marybeth to see me on the floor! You know that she’s always ready to tell Jerry. Geeze.”

  Rose grins. She takes a couple steps forward and leans down to take Ariel’s hand.

  “Fuck, Ariel! What if he’s the one that is supposed to sweep you off your feet? Remember your tarot reading said that romance, hmmm. . . . that means love is part of this week! Remember that Valentine’s Day is on Saturday!”

  Ariel moves her legs to the side. She reaches for Rose’s hand, and places her other hand on the chair next to her. She moves onto her knees and then pushes up from the floor and onto her feet, wobbling.

  “Really, Rose! Sometimes those oracle cards are too much! You know that being a Gemini I believe the cards and then at times, I don’t! Today I doubt it! I’m not dating anyone. Mr. Dragoon is not in the cards!”

  Rose shrugs and turns to slide onto the chair in front of the desk. She moves her hand up and looks at her nails.

  “Well, I don’t believe in the oracle readings, but you never know. This week has possibilities in the air! Besides, love can hit you at any time! I know that Gemini’s are wishy-washy!”

  “I’m not wishy-washy!”

  “Yeah, you are! Sometimes I don’t know how you’re going to react!”

  “You’re exaggerati
ng! I only have a different point of view depending on how I feel!”

  “Yes, you see!”

  “Well, I don’t think it will be Mr. Dragoon! He’s an old man!”

  Rose laughs. She shakes her head, and looks at Ariel.

  “Huh, you’re wrong. Mr. Dragoon, well, the one that passed away was old. This one is his nephew, and I saw a picture in one of those sleazy magazines. He’s gorgeous!”

  Ariel raises her eyebrow as she slides onto her office chair. She types his name to search for him on the net. She looks at the screen to see if there is any info on Mr. Dragoon.

  “Really? I can’t see any info about that!”

  “Well, he is hot and a player! So, watch out!”

  Ariel looks at Rose, frowning.

  “No worries. I only want a decent interview so I can shine!”

  * * *

  The Dracostar realm is in the Draco constellation in the northern sky. The huge double silver moons glimmer in the dark blue-violet sky saturated with glowing silver stars.

  The palace is a beautiful white stone with silver trimmings. The silver shimmers in the moonlight.

  The Earl Dragoon, Asher walks out of his room and into the balcony in the royal palace. He moves his hand to rub his neck, closing his glowing dark blue eyes.

  I wonder what Emperor Constantine needs from me? He’s aware that I’m on the Earth realm building up my family’s fortune! I’m extremely busy, and I don’t have time to coddle him!

  “It’s time for our conference and I pray it’s over quickly.”

  Earl Asher takes a step back, turning and walks across the room towards the huge wooden doors. He pulls the door open and walks out into the hallway. He looks right then left and walks down the right.

  He takes long confident strides, pushing his black leather heels into the shiny black granite floor. He extends his long legs in a synchronize rhythm, pushing off with the ball of his foot. He makes a right turn at the corner and down the hall.