by D. L. Snow
“We don’t have to marry, not if you don’t want. But I do need you, Brea. I need you to stay with me.”
All Brea could do was shake her head. “No,” she said. “No, if I stay we do this right.”
“What are you saying, Princess?”
“I want to marry you, Cahill. I want to belong to you and I want you to belong to me.”
Cahill studied her for a moment, then he lifted her off her feet and twirled her in the air as he hooted with joy.
Grinning and giggling like she hadn’t done in years, Brea added, “I think you’d better call the clergyman immediately. There’s something I really want to try.”
The most glorious smile spread across Cahill’s face as he hugged her so hard she could barely breathe. He kissed her head, her nose, her cheek and finally her mouth. “I have a feeling that the two of us are going to live happily ever after.”
“Cahill,” Brea chided as her hands slipped down his back to his splendidly firm backside. “You know I don’t believe in fairytales.”
“No?” He planted a deliciously wet kiss on her lips. “That’s funny, because you’re living one.”
About the Author
DL spent her youth living by trial and error. From touring with an international performing group, backpacking through northern Africa to living bohemian style in Berlin, she pursued adventure and passion from one place to the next, never really knowing where she’d end up. It wasn’t until she met the love of her life, the son of a Nakoda chief, and started a family, that DL found her true calling—writing. Now, she writes about passion and adventure, and she is happy to say she still never knows where her characters are going to end up. To learn more about D.L. Snow, please visit www.dlsnow.ca.
One act of kindness cements a destiny she couldn’t fathom.
Wolf
© 2010 Cara Carnes
An Enchanted Story
As a child, the Lost Woods were Hannah’s passion. A place where she dreamed of mysterious creatures, including one she saved—a man who magically changed into a wolf. Now, twelve years later, the woods are her refuge from a horde of marauders who killed her mother.
This time, it is the wolf who saves her. And he is no dream.
Stephan can’t help but remember the time Hannah encouraged him to free his injured leg and continue the soul journey required of his kind. The child unwittingly bound herself to him, and now the woman tempts him like no other. Yet if she learns his secret, her fragile trust could be broken for all time.
Hannah doesn’t see how she can possibly fit into Stephan’s world—especially when their overwhelming passion reveals the one reason she should not trust him. Stephan has fought more than his share of battles, but the one for Hannah’s heart is the one that could break his own…
Warning: Kickass, shape-shifting alphas will leave you breathlessly begging for Lost Woods. Be careful…they may know what you think!
Enjoy the following excerpt for Wolf:
Stephan.
My pulse quickened and I fiddled with the hem of my borrowed dress. I gawked at his powerful body as he greeted Nalla. His eyes danced with adoration when around her, and I wished I could see the same glimmer in his eyes when he thought of me.
The same type of clinging leather pants molded against his powerful thighs. Muscle rippled across his stomach, partially visible through the open wood-colored vest. His chest was unmarred by hair. My fingers longed to trace the contours of his smooth skin.
Heat spread through me to center at my nether regions. I squeezed my thighs together and looked down because I was afraid my cheeks were stained with shame. My attraction to him had grown, and my body refused to behave.
His long legs brought him to me faster than I was prepared for. I stood, my legs wobbling as my breathing accelerated. His hands grasped my arms, steadying me with a strength that made me shiver. Not even the mightiest of my village’s fighters were so honed and muscular. I’d seen enough of his people to know none of the men in his pride were like the men I was accustomed to.
“Thanks.”
Thanks. Not only was it a naïve and foolish thing to say, but it came out with a meekness that made my mind scream at my blathering tongue. I’d thought of clever retorts and envisioned conversations with him about many things for the past few nights. I’d even fantasized about him.
And all I had to say when he stood before me was “thanks”. A flicker of darkness appeared and disappeared in his golden eyes.
Nalla shuffled a chair. The dragging sound across the bare floor of the eating area pulled me from my lustful thoughts. I focused my attention to where his fingers touched my skin. Tingles danced there and spread through me like molten fire. Heat rushed to my core. My pussy moistened. My nipples hardened.
I fought the urge to tug on my dress or look down to see if it was apparent. I refused to sever my contact with him.
“She’s been asking about you.” Nalla’s voice quashed the connection I’d felt. I stepped back enough to allow my heartbeat to slow, but his assessing gaze remained on me, and I was lost in the tumbling waves of desire his presence had incited.
“Really?” His voice, filled with curiosity, made me smile. “I’ve been catching up on pride issues. Some of it is quite tedious. I’m sure your company would have broken up the monotony.”
“She has a restless spirit, much like you.” Nalla chuckled. “Were she one of us, she’d be prowling in animal form.”
Stephan grinned. I couldn’t understand their amusement, but I knew she had no ill regard for me. She sat at the table and regarded us.
“Is her leg healing well?” he asked.
I hadn’t realized how injured my leg was until Nalla had begun treating it. “Those poultices of hers don’t burn anymore. Surely that’s a good sign.”
Nalla laughed. The rich tones of her wise voice soothed me. I hadn’t realized I missed my gran until that moment. They were too alike for me not to be drawn to her.
“She’s been asking about your talisman and wanted to walk the village. Perhaps you can appease her.”
“Sure.” His voice was low. “I’ll gladly tell her why she has our talisman and what it represents.”
“Your father wouldn’t approve.”
“Then it’s a good thing I stopped heeding his advice long ago. If anyone has need of me, send Fallon for me.”
Fallon. “He’s your brother, right?”
“I see you’ve been learning of my family. I trust Nalla’s delighted in telling you many stories of my foolish youth.”
I wished that was the case. The woman had offered nothing.
“I will, now that I see you approve.”
Stephan chuckled and touched my arm. The contact made my skin tingle. “Let us go before she starts now.”
His arm rested on my back just above my waist. Cool air whipped through my hair when we exited the home I’d been locked away in. Unable to contain my glee, I paused and took a deep breath.
“I should’ve come sooner, but Nalla kept telling me you needed to heal.”
“She’s very protective.”
“It’s in her blood. Women in my clan have been healers for many generations.” His hand fell away from me when we began to walk through his village.
Everyone halted their activities as we passed. I found their scrutiny disconcerting. The first few moved to their knees as if about to undertake a chore I didn’t understand. All the homes we passed resembled one another. Most displayed a talisman on the entry.
I tried to study them without being obvious, but decided it best not to when Stephan drew me closer to him.
“Your people don’t like me.”
“They’re unaccustomed to strangers. There’s a difference.” The sincerity calmed my nervousness even though I doubted it was the truth for everyone.
“I’ve heard some of them yelling at Nalla.” I winced when his jaw twitched. “She tries to hide it, but I hear them. They want me gone.”
“She should h
ave told me this. I would’ve dealt with their meddling myself.”
I shook my head. “They have a right to be upset. I’m doing nothing to earn my keep and am not of your pride.”
We continued our path toward the woods and my pulse quickened when I realized he didn’t intend to remain within the village. A few awkward smiles greeted me once we neared a group of homes with the same talisman that I wore around my neck.
“This is your family’s area?”
He nodded. “On my father’s side.”
“Why isn’t Nalla here? She displays this talisman, yet is on the other side of the village.”
“She’s on my mother’s side, but may display whichever talisman she feels within her soul since she’s a healer. She’s chosen this one since it’s stronger than her other option.”
“Do all your kind get that option?”
“Only the healers or those within the royal line.” His hand returned to my back and drew me toward him until my thigh brushed his as we walked. “You gather information well.” My mind swelled with his admiration.
He paused and turned me to face him. His attention moved to the village, now a good distance from our secluded cove. I was fascinated by the large tree misshapen by time. Its trunk was hollowed near the base. A small sitting stool rested within the area.
“This is my retreat.”
“It’s beautiful.”
His fingers grazed my cheek. My heart flailed in my chest. He’d brought me here—trusted me with his private spot. Could he be feeling the heat between us as I did? My breathing became ragged. My nipples ached with a hardness my naïve mind couldn’t deny. My entire body yearned for Stephan.
“You have no idea what hunger you incite in me, Hannah.” His breath fell against my forehead as he drew me forward until my hips collided with his groin. “Your thoughts drive me mad with the need to possess you.”
I stumbled on his statement, but any attempt to understand it vanished when his hand wrapped in my hair and he drew me to his lips. I closed my eyes. Unable to breathe, I prayed my pounding pulse wouldn’t explode with the turbulent flames of anticipation burning me.
His lips caressed mine and his tongue tasted my mouth, tracing the contours before foraying to my tongue. I swallowed his groan, thinking it more of a growl. My arms wrapped around him.
The kiss was unexpected and unlike any of the wayward advances village men had made—not that many had tried. I followed his lead and clung to him, my body burning with a need I didn’t understand or know how to sate. All I knew was Stephan would absolve me from my raging desires.
His kiss grew more demanding, more consuming. I relished his body crushed against mine. Heat spread through my legs as he lifted my dress. I moaned when he guided me toward the tree until my back was pressed against it. His hand ran up my thigh while his mouth claimed mine.
His other hand rubbed an aching nipple through my dress. I longed to strip and feel his fingers on me there. A growl echoed around us and mingled with my gasp as his fingers found my pussy.
Hot lips moved to my ear. The huskiness of his voice rumbled through me. “You’re so wet for me, Hannah.”
The darkness in his soul could claim her love…or her life…
Savage Kingdom
© 2010 Deanna Ashford
Freygard, a world where women rule and men are slaves, would seem to be a female Nirvana. Not for the warrior Nerya. So far her required visits to the coupling chambers have been awkward and embarrassing. Until Jaden. Despite his chains, the defiant slave’s expert pleasuring satisfies her body—and sparks a determination to defend him from her cruel queen.
Jaden couldn’t be in a worse position. Nerya has not only claimed his prized white stallion, she’s somehow managed to abscond with his ability to resist her sexual appeal. His escape attempt is disastrous, until Nerya intervenes with an unheard-of deal. In exchange for guiding her to an unmapped kingdom to find the sister she never knew she had, she will free both him and his men.
On the journey, Nerya’s determined to resist her powerful attraction to Jaden melts away in the heat of his desire. Leaving her wondering just who is in control—and what it is about him that bothers her. When they are forced to face a soul-stealing mage, his secret is revealed.
He is warrior of the feared Dai’Shi-en, legendary for the dark magic that fuels their violence…and their lust.
Warning: Contains hot, sweaty warrior sex, sex in chains and sex in a tent.
Enjoy the following excerpt for Savage Kingdom:
She’d made a mistake sitting so close to him because, moving more swiftly than she could ever have expected, Jaden grabbed her and pulled her toward him. Keeping her imprisoned in his strong arms, he took possession of her lips, kissing her with unrestrained passion, thrusting his tongue into her mouth. She should fight him, try to get away, yet she couldn’t find the strength. Her body responded to his sensual demands, and her tongue darted between his lips, eager to explore the hot, moist interior of his mouth. Raw unrestrained lust flooded through her as the kiss deepened and continued until she was boneless and trembling with desire.
As Jaden let go of her, Nerya shakily straightened. She rubbed a hand against her face, but that wouldn’t wipe away the blush that tainted her cheeks. How could she have allowed herself to get so carried away with lust for a mere man? She was a warrior. She must act like one. Yet still part of her longed for him to touch her again. “How dare you! I could have you whipped for such disrespectful behavior.”
“You stare at me with disdain and call me slave. Yet I have only to touch you and you melt in my arms.”
“You deceive yourself.”
“Your attraction for me terrifies you, doesn’t it?”
“The women of Freygard do not feel desire for slaves.”
“Don’t try to deny it. Your expression tells me all I want to know.” He continued to stare at her with eyes so black she could lose her soul in them. “Leave now, then. Find some other man to couple with, if all you want is fertile seed.”
What sort of warrior would she be if she fled from this challenge? Nerya couldn’t tear her gaze from the face of this demon who tempted her to deny all she’d been taught. She’d bedded a number of women, but she’d never experienced the pleasure she’d felt when she’d coupled with Jaden. Deep down she had to admit she was desperate to experience that exquisite pleasure again. Her entire body ached with desire for him.
“Men are put on this earth to serve women, and if I order it, you will serve me right now.”
“Yes. I’ll serve you.” He slid his long legs off the bed, and Nerya sprang to her feet, the stool clattering to the floor as she took a step back, out of his reach. “But not in the way your queen demands it. Unchain me and let me show you what true pleasure can be.” As she stepped back another pace, he added, “You’ve no need to fear me. I won’t harm you.”
“I don’t fear you. I’m a warrior. I fear nothing.”
“Except your own desire.” His voice was lower pitched now and caressingly smooth. “I’ll not harm you or even attempt to escape.”
“This is insane.”
“Sex wouldn’t be quite such a humiliating experience if I was unfettered,” he replied, his arm muscles flexing as he pulled against his chains. “Surely you don’t keep all the slaves who serve in these chambers chained?”
“Of course we don’t.”
“Perhaps I should feel honored, then, that you all fear me so much. You’re curious about me and my mission, are you not? If you release me, I’ll tell you all you wish to know.”
“All I wish to know?”
“Everything, Nerya. In fact, there are things you should know that may well eventually concern the fate of your land as well as mine.”
Was he telling the truth? Did he have such information? It might be wise to take advantage of this situation and learn all she could. Even if she released him from his chains, there was no way he could escape. He had no weapon, and she was perfect
ly capable of defending herself if the need arose.
“If you are lying to me…”
“I’m not lying.” He put his hand to his heart. “I swear on my honor as a nobleman that I’m not.”
Nerya walked to the table, flipped open the small wooden box and removed the key to his manacles. Not at all certain why she was acting so rashly, she returned to Jaden and slid the cylindrical iron key into the lock. With a quick twist, the locking pin released and the heavy manacle fell open. Jaden gave a sigh of relief, flexing his arm while she opened the other manacle.
Jaden sprang from the bed and grabbed her, reacting far too swiftly for her to even attempt to resist him as he pulled her back against his muscular chest. Yet she was certain he’d no intention of harming her as one of his hands reached for her breasts, while the other slid across her stomach. He eased her closer. Her bottom pressed against his groin, and the rigid line of his cock dug seductively into her buttocks.
“Relax,” he whispered in a low, hypnotic voice as his warm breath brushed her earlobe. “I’m not going to hurt you. I just want to give you pleasure.”
He kissed her neck, then tipped her forward a little so he could unfasten the back laces of her gown. Pulling them apart, he eased the neck open wider and slid the garment from her shoulders and down her arms. The silky fabric crumpled around her waist, and Nerya shivered as one of his large hands clasped her left breast. He kneaded the firm mound until she gave a soft, pleading moan. Then his fingers brushed against her nipples. Arching her back, she ground her buttocks against his cock as Jaden rolled the tiny teats between fingers and thumbs, pulling on them until they stiffened and elongated into hard cones.
“Jaden.” She gasped as he twisted her around and eased the white silk from her hips. The dress slithered downwards, landing in a crumpled pool at her feet.
He towered over her, and she was faced with a broad, muscular chest still hidden beneath the linen tunic. She lifted her hands, caressed his dusky skin and threaded her fingers through his black, silky locks. Jaden’s mouth covered hers, and he kissed her long and deeply, sensually exploring her mouth with his tongue. Her fingers reached for the ties that held his tunic together at the shoulders. She wanted him naked—she needed to feel his warm flesh pressed close to hers. Nerya’s fingers, normally so agile, fumbled with the knots. Her insides twisted with desire and her limbs felt weak, while his kiss made her breathless with lust.