by Charlie Hart
“That was freaking intense,” I say, coming down from the exhilaration of putting out the fires. While I don’t want to begrudge my gift, I’m still, at times, overwhelmed by it. I hate knowing I can’t be at all places at once, that as a human I am limited in what I can do. If my father is a Greek god, why can’t I be everywhere at once?
Harlow doesn’t have the answer either. But since we have different fathers we think it must be linked to who our mother is.
“You were amazing out there,” East says, coming up behind me, and wrapping an arm around my waist. “It was hot.”
“Literally,” Cal says.
“Too soon,” River adds, frowning. “People died in that fire.”
I swallow, reaching for River’s hand. It’s true—people were lost. It’s impossible to save everyone, even with special abilities. Nothing is perfect in this world.
We check into a motel, having nothing but the clothes on our backs and the shoes on our feet and cellphones in our pockets. The downside and the upside of moving as a wolf pack is that we travel light. “Someone is going to need to find a Target and get me some clean clothes,” I say as Cal unlocks the motel door.
“I’ll go and find some food while I’m at it,” East offers.
“Thanks, babe,” I say, and then I kiss him softly. “I’ll be sure to thank you properly later.”
* * *
I’m just stepping out of the shower as East returns with pizza and clothes.
“It smells so good,” I groan, wrapping a towel around myself as I walk into the room with two queen-size beds. River has the TV remote in his hand but lets it drop, patting the bed beside him, asking me to join him.
“I got your favorite, cheese and black olives,” East says as he opens a beer.
“Anyone hear from the boat recently?” I ask, opening the box of pizza and taking a slice before getting in bed beside River. Our feet are outstretched, and he immediately runs a hand under my towel. I giggle as he moves his hand between my legs, ignoring my question entirely.
“I haven’t,” Cal says, reaching for the phone charger East bought for us and then plugging in his phone. “But last week, didn’t Harlow say they were headed toward the Gulf coast?” He pulls off his shirt and slips out of his jeans. I think he’s going to head toward the bathroom to shower, but instead, he comes on the other side of the bed, beside me. His mouth is on my neck in seconds and a smile on my lips.
“Yeah,” I say, setting down my pizza. There’s no way I can eat if the guys are ready to play. “I just wonder if they are any closer.”
The TV is on a news station and I can’t help but listen as a news anchor mentions a freak wildfire in Nevada.
“Let it be for just one night,” River says as he undoes the towel and then kneels in front of me, pushing apart my legs.
“A fire, though, and Nevada isn’t far.”
“And you, my love, need your rest,” Cal says.
“Rest?” I ask, with eyebrows raised. “I thought you might want something else.”
East joins us on the bed, interest piqued. “You mentioned something about a thank you.”
“I certainly did,” I say, eager to enjoy my mates.
AFTER
I feel my daughter run, wild and free.
Her heart light, her power harnessed.
Anger replaced with justice.
No longer fueled by fury—her veins course with peace.
She is not alone; her mates are by her side.
I feel it, the all-encompassing strength that comes from the pack.
And still, after all this time, the memory of being so loved, so cherished, forces me to pause.
To weep.
How, after so many years, can the loss of a life make me feel so raw?
Will I ever heal?
I doubt it.
But you, daughters, you have a chance.
You have two sisters waiting.
Find them.
Run Wolf, Swim Siren.
Listen to the sky and listen to what’s below.
You are enough, and you are not alone.
Find one another, Daughters of Olympus, and then… come find me.
Also by Charlie Hart
DAUGHTERS OF OLYMPUS:
Their Siren: Available Now
Their Mate: Available Now
Their Phoenix release date Feb. 23, 2018
Their Shade release date April 6, 2018
Their Goddess release date May 18, 2018
Our Virgin:
Protecting Our Virgin
Craving Our Virgin
Forever Our Virgin
Charlie also writes under the pen name Frankie Love.
The entire Frankie collection:
MOUNTAIN MAN CANDY
MOUNTAIN MAN CAKE
MOUNTAIN MAN BUN
Stand-Alone Romance:
BEAUTY AND THE MOUNTAIN MAN
HIS BILLION DOLLAR SECRET BABY
UNTAMED
RUGGED
HIS MAKE BELIVE BRIDE
HIS KINKY VIRGIN
WILD AND TRUE
BIG BAD WOLF
MISTLETOE MOUNTAIN: A MOUNTAIN MAN’S CHRISTMAS
F*ck Club:
A-List F*ck Club
Small Town F*ck Club
From the HIS Collection:
HIS Everything
The Mountain Man’s Babies:
TIMBER
BUCKED
WILDER
HONORED
CHERISHED
BUILT
The Modern-Mail Order Brides:
CLAIMED BY THE MOUNTAIN MAN
ORDERED BY THE MOUNTAIN MAN
WIFED BY THE MOUNTAIN MAN
EXPLORED BY THE MOUNTAIN MAN
CROWN ME:
COURTED BY THE MOUNTAIN PRINCE
CHARMED BY THE MOUNTAIN PRINCE
CROWNED BY THE MOUNTAIN PRINCE
CROWN ME, PRINCE: The Complete Collection
Las Vegas Bad Boys:
ACE
KING
MCQUEEN
JACK
Los Angeles Bad Boys:
COLD HARD CASH
HOLLYWOOD HOLDEN
SAINT JUDE
THE COMPLETE COLLECTION
❤️❤️❤️
Preview of Protecting
Did you fall in love with Harlow in Their Siren?
Want to know more about her best friend Chloe?!
Then you won’t want to miss the Our Virgin Three Book Series!
Harlow is featured in the third book of this series, all available exclusively on Amazon and in Kindle Unlimited!
Our Virgin:
Protecting Our Virgin
Craving Our Virgin
Forever Our Virgin
It was supposed to be a dream vacation … until I found myself stranded on the beach in a foreign country––helpless, broke and in tears.
When a group of ripped and rugged athletes find me and bring me to their waterfront mansion, I know I’ll be safe for at least one night.
It quickly turns into so much more.
Not only do these men get me hot and bothered … they know what they want.
Me.
I’ve already been through so much ... and I'm scared of getting hurt.
They promise to protect me ... but it's my heart I'm frightened for.
Dear Reader,
This story has a different sort of HEA … one lucky lady and the four men who adore her. Set in Jamaica, this is more than a beach read … this is a sex-on-the-beach read— just like you deserve!
Is it just me or is it gettin' hot in here?!
xo, charlie
CHAPTER 1
Jordan is a smooth talker.
He had to be, considering he convinced me to go with him, on his private jet, to Jamaica, as a graduation gift. I’ve only known him for four weeks, yet he talked me into putting all my worldly possessions in a storage locker, even though I have no plans for what would happen after our trip.
There
’s already a lot of pressure on tonight. I know what Jordan expects, but right now I just don’t feel ready.
And I know that isn’t going to make him happy.
But ever since we got on his jet today, he’s been predatory … no longer the romantic who gave me flowers before every date, the sweetheart who told me it was okay to take things slow. Suddenly he’s eyeing me like a piece of meat.
Before I give him my body, I need some reassurance.
As if he’s able to read my mind, he crosses the bedroom of the condo where we’re staying. “I just wanted to tell you something, Chloe. And I’ve been waiting for the right time to say it.”
I smile, wanting tonight to be perfect. I slip off my shoes, and walk toward him.
He takes my hands and says, “This last month has been incredible. And I want this trip to be a dream come true for both of us. The truth is, I love you, Chloe.”
My eyes widen. It’s not that I don’t believe that love can blossom in a month … but when he says the words, they sound hollow.
Stiff.
Memorized.
“Love?” My voice reveals my surprise. “You think you love me?”
Jordan’s eyes flash with anger. “That’s how you’re going to answer?”
“Well…” I falter, biting my bottom lip. “I mean, it’s a big deal. I’ve never said those words to someone before.”
“And you think I have?” Jordan shakes his head.
“I don’t know. I mean, you’re Jordan Connors, a billionaire CEO. You could have anyone.”
“But I want you.” He reaches for me, and I flinch, not even knowing why. He’s never hurt me, and maybe I’m acting crazy to doubt his love. Honestly, I have next to no experience with giving my heart to anyone.
Jordan is pissed. He raises his hands in anger. “Look, I need to cool down. I’m gonna go find some fucking ice. I got us champagne, you know, for our celebration?”
He leaves in a huff and I sit on the edge of the bed, hands clasped in my lap, wondering if I just ruined everything.
Then a phone starts buzzing. It isn’t mine, and I look around, seeing Jordan’s on the dresser. Twisting my lips, I consider looking at it.
There have been little red flags all month … but I keep squashing them because the idea of having someone looking out for me is so appealing.
I’ve been on my own forever.
His phone buzzes again.
I trust Jordan, don’t I?
I must not, because the next thing I know I’m looking at his lock screen, entering the four-digit password I’ve seen him use countless times. I press Messages, and see the newest one.
Hey baby. My pussy is so wet for you. Come home and lick it like you did last night.
Oh shit.
This was a bad idea. Those words were not mine.
I click off the text. Then see another woman’s name. I can’t resist.
It’s been three days since we made love … I miss you. I’ll show you mine if you show me yours….
After which is a series of close ups of her lady-parts.
I blink back tears.
I’m such a fool.
I hear the front door open and I drop the phone. I squeeze my eyes shut, trying to erase what I just saw.
I can’t believe I was about to give Jordan my virginity.
He comes in carrying a bucket of ice. “Hey love, no more fighting. You all ready to make this a night to remember?” he asks, leaning in for a kiss.
I pull back. “I can’t do this, Jordan.”
“What are you talking about, Chloe?” He pushes his lips forward, his slicked back hair suddenly repulsive. “Did my confession scare you?”
“It’s not that. It’s you.”
“Why do you think I brought you here, anyway?” His voice is cold and calculating.
I shake my head. “No, Jordan, I don’t want—”
He storms around the room, hands flying in the air, livid. His face is red, he’s lost his cool, but that’s not my problem. I don’t owe him anything. Just because he brought me on this lavish vacation doesn’t mean I’m required to pay him back with my virginity.
Especially not now.
Now that I know I am nothing to him but a present he wants to unwrap.
“It’s not going to happen, Jordan. I told you, I’ve waited my entire life, and I want the moment to feel right, and this feels...”
Forced.
Rushed.
Wrong.
Not the memory I want.
And I already have a lifetime of bad memories. I need this one to be good.
Perfect.
Am I putting a lot of expectation on one experience? Maybe.
But there has been so much in my life I haven’t had control over.
This one thing, I do.
“There’s no such thing as a perfect first time. You’re holding your virginity over me like it’s a goddamn prize.”
“I know you’ve been cheating on me, Jordan. I looked at your phone. I know I don’t mean anything to you. You tricked me.”
As I cross my arms, fuming at his complete disrespect, he grabs my passport from my purse and starts shredding it.
“You want to play games with me? Fine. Then I’ll play games with you.”
I try and pry it from him, but he shrugs me off. I don’t want to get hurt, so I stand there, watching in shock as he takes my wallet and pulls my ID from it.
Grabbing the pair of scissors from the desk he quickly cuts it, along with all my credit cards. They fall in pieces to the carpet.
With a flash, I know that this man is more than a cheater—he is crazy. And I need to get away from him. Now.
I reach for my cash, but he pulls it from my fingers and starts ripping it, flushing it down the toilet. That’s when I start to feel more than rejected.
I’m terrified.
“Jordan, stop,” I demand, reaching for his arm as he continues to rip the last of my cash.
“Don’t tell me what to do, Chloe.” He looks at me with disgust, his lip pulled back in a snarl and I can’t believe I ever kissed him. “I’m the only man who’s ever even wanted you. You thought I liked you because you read books and graduated with honors?” He snorts. “I’m a businessman, I don’t need a smart girl. I just wanted you because you’re a virgin. But now that I’ve gotten to know you, I bet your cunt is as dried up as your heart.”
“I’m not… dried up.”
Jordan laughs coldly. “Actually, you are. If you had any soul at all, Chloe, you wouldn’t have spent the last month being a dick tease. You keep promising me a fuck, yet give me nothing in return for my affection.”
I shake my head, blinking back tears, not wanting to cry in front of him.
“Get out of here, you little whore, and take your shriveled-up pussy with you.”
He holds open the door to the oceanfront condo that he rented for us.
“Are you seriously kicking me out? Without any money or my passport or a phone? Jordan, I know you’re—”
But he shoves me the rest of the way out the door before slamming it shut.
I hear the lock click
He kicked me out.
I stare at the closed door, incredulously.
Did Jordan seriously just leave me barefoot and stranded in Jamaica?
Also by Anastasia James
Their Vampire Princess Series
Chosen - www.amzn.com/B076JB8J3W
Crowned - www.amzn.com/B076HJN457
Turned - www.amzn.com/B076XWBWXX
Mated - www.amzn.com/B076XYJB7X
Their Vampire Princess Complete Series- www.amzn.com/B07896SX7L
The Dragons of Perrault Series
Dragon Fire – www.amzn.com/B01JVH1WP2
Dragon Heat- www.amzn.com/B01LL522YO
Dragon Blaze – www.amzn.com/B01MU04CX8
Preview of Chosen
CHOSEN:
Their Vampire Princess
Book 1
By Anastasia James and
Harlow Thomas
Chapter 1
I wake in the dark, the same as I have every night of my existence. But tonight is different. Tonight I’ve been alive for twenty-three years. The significance of this is not lost on me. As the vampire princess of the Night Court, this is the night I begin my ascension and take my place as heir to the throne. Nerves curl in my stomach as every word of my mother’s stories replay in my mind. Once upon a time, there was a beautiful princess. She grew from a lovely child to the most stunning woman in the court. She knew her destiny was to one day rule the Night Court and bring harmony between the humans and vampires, protecting the humans from the dangers of our world until the next generation rises. The night of her twenty-third birthday the princess was dressed in her finest gown, and her mother, the queen, gave her a special gift. It was a handmade box, which held the crown the princess would give to her chosen prince. One lord from each of the four villages who swear fealty to our kingdom were sent as an offering to the princess. She knew her choice would be difficult, but that she could not ascend until her mate had been crowned and the future of the Court sealed. The story had gone on, but much of the details varied as my mother had given me visions of the man I would choose. This fairy tale was my future, her past, the past of every generation before us. But now? Now it is real. I rise from my bed knowing this is the last time I’ll see these chambers. My place is no longer here. In a matter of hours, I’ll be shipped off, unable to return until I have my future husband by my side. Once we return, I’ll live in a different part of the manor, share a bed with the man I’ve taken, and leave my life as princess for one as queen. I am not ready for any of this, no matter how many times my mother has told me to expect it. I know she went through the same thing when she was my age, but she’s a formidable woman, a force to be reckoned with. A soft knock on my door has me whirling around, blond hair flying in my face. My mother’s disapproving gaze travels over my form. “Felicity! You’re not even dressed. We have to leave.” My heart leaps. I’m not ready. She shakes her head and pulls a gown from my wardrobe. Giving it a stern look, she frowns and tosses the gauzy fabric on my bed. “This won’t do. Where is the gown I had made for you?” “I’m sure it’s there somewhere. The maid might have laid it out somewhere special to keep it safe.” “You need to be in the royal blue silk. It’s the perfect color for your hair and skin tone.” I roll my eyes. “Why does it matter? These men have no choice in this. The one I choose will come with me to gain protection for his village for his lifetime. Isn’t that how the story goes?” The disdain in my voice is hard to disguise. I have no desire to marry a man who doesn’t want me. “And he’ll be lucky to be yours.” Will he? His sacrifice, his willingness to become my consort will only stem from the desire to save his home, not out of love or loyalty to me. “Here it is!” my mother exclaims from the depths of the ornate piece of furniture that houses my clothing. She produces the gorgeous silk gown and offers a brilliant smile. “Stunning. You’re going to be stunning. As it should be.” Crossing the room, I take the offered dress and let the soft, cool material brush along my skin. It matches my eyes. I’m sure she had the silk dyed this way on purpose. My mother doesn’t believe in coincidences. “Get dressed and be downstairs in ten minutes, Felicity. We have to leave within the hour. Your suitors will be delivered shortly.” There’s that familiar clenching in my gut again. “But…I need more time. Can’t we postpone?” “Child, what are you talking about? The ceremony starts at the hour of your birth. You have one hour until the rest of your life begins.” She runs a hand over my long hair and a wistful look crosses her face before she turns and practically glides out of the room, leaving me alone once more. In less than twenty minutes, I’m dressed and ready to go. I’ve had my bag packed for the last three days in anticipation of this trip. Two weeks away, maybe longer if need be, but I can’t help but harbor an ember of excitement at the change I’m about to experience. I’ve never been away from this estate, from my household filled with servants and advisors, and my mother the queen. Soon I will be on my own with only my potential consorts as company. My every move won’t be watched and judged, but more importantly, I won’t be treated like a child any longer. As I descend the wide staircase, I realize my mother was right. The rest of my life is about to begin. Their Vampire Princess Series