by Sandy James
The Impetuous Amazon
By Sandy James
Book two of Alliance of the Amazons
Megan Feurer is strong and impetuous, like the Fire element she represents. She is an Amazon, sworn to protect humanity from demons, demigods and all manner of supernatural beings who wish ill upon the world. But her fire burns hot and fast, and her unpredictable control of the element brings into question her fitness as an Amazon.
Johann Herrmann chose the life of a Sentinel—a trainer of the four Amazons—to save his sister’s life. Now bound to the patron goddess Rhiannon, he knows his duty demands a solitary existence. But when he’s assigned to evaluate the Fire Amazon, his sacrifice becomes much more difficult.
Megan’s passions ignite a flame that neither she nor Johann can control, and the goddess Freya has reason to fan those flames. A mysterious force is gaining power, and Megan and Johann must join together to fight. And once a passionate fire has started, it’s nearly impossible to stop…
Find out how it all began in The Reluctant Amazon.
91,000 words
Dear Reader,
In the world of publishing, January is an intimidating month. Mostly because we’re thinking about 2013 long before we want to be. In fact, conversations about 2014 have long since started. How’s that for intimidating? January is also intimidating because we’re expected to set goals and promise great things for the year ahead. That, Carina Press can handle.
This year, our goal is not only to continue to provide readers with excellent editorial, but also to add a new category of New Adult to our romance line, in order to increase the number of mystery, science-fiction and fantasy titles we publish; to publish returning authors with connected books; and to grow our romance subgenres such as historical romance, GLBT, romantic suspense and erotic romance. You can look forward to all of that happening in 2013!
In January, we start the year by finishing up Shannon Stacey’s second Kowalski family trilogy with the highly anticipated story of Josh and Katie’s romance, All He Ever Dreamed. If you haven’t read Shannon’s books, you can check out the original Kowalski trilogy for only $4.99 per novel. We also enter 2013 with the paperback release of Fiona Lowe’s 2012 RITA® award-winning contemporary romance, Boomerang Bride.
Other contemporary romance authors joining Shannon in January include Rachael Johns, kicking off a new contemporary series set in Hollywood with Stand-In Star, and Liz Flaherty with Jar of Dreams. Liz’s debut romance, One More Summer, was described by reviewers as “compelling and addictive” and “one incredible story.”
On the other end of the romance spectrum are several paranormal, urban fantasy and steampunk romance releases this month. Coleen Kwan returns with the sequel to her fun steampunk romance Asher’s Invention. Asher’s Dilemma brings you the continued romance of Asher and Minerva in a clockwork world.
Two other continuing series return with fantastic installments. Claws Bared by Sheryl Nantus is the next story in her Blood of the Pride series. And Sandy James offers up The Impetuous Amazon, the second book in the Alliance of the Amazons series. Meanwhile, a new paranormal trilogy begins with Stacy Gail’s Nobody’s Angel, which brings us a tale of Nephilim and sassy heroines. Look for the second book, Savage Angel, in February.
Cathy Pegau takes us into space with her newest science-fiction romance, Caught in Amber, while Eleri Stone takes us to a world steeped in fantasy and wrapped with pleasure in Threads of Desire, her erotic fantasy romance. Keeping us in the here and now, with more erotic sexy-times, is Callie Croix’s newest erotic contemporary romance, Covert Seduction.
We’re pleased to welcome mystery author Wendy Roberts to Carina Press with her newest mystery, Grounds to Kill. We’re also pleased that Julie Moffett has chosen to reissue her Scottish historical romance, The Thorn & the Thistle, with us in January.
Last, to start off 2013, I’m excited to introduce you to our two debut authors. JL Merrow offers up a compelling tale of love through the ages with the male/male historical time travel Trick of Time. Romantic suspense author Ana Barrons will blow away fans of suspense and romance with her debut novel, Wrongfully Accused. Please join me in giving these two authors a warm welcome to Carina Press (by buying their books, of course!).
I hope you’ll join me for another excellent year of books at Carina Press. Our 2013 schedule is shaping up to be full of books our team loves and can’t wait to get into readers’ hands, including a new trilogy from Fiona Lowe; a compulsively readable new adult romance, Rush Me, from debut author Alison Parr; the last two parts of Jax Garren’s dark Beauty and the Beast retelling; more contemporary romance novels from up-and-coming author Christi Barth; the kickoff of a thrilling urban fantasy series from debut author Steve Vera; more erotic romance compliments of Lynda Aicher; a series of erotic Love Letters from a collection of authors; noir historical mystery Die on Your Feet by debut author S.G. Wong; and another installment of Marie Force’s romantic suspense series.
This is only a small portion of the amazing books we have coming up in 2013, so please look for these and more from the awesomely talented Carina Press authors.
We love to hear from readers, and you can email us your thoughts, comments and questions to [email protected]. You can also interact with Carina Press staff and authors on our blog, Twitter stream and Facebook fan page.
Happy reading!
~Angela James
Executive Editor, Carina Press
www.carinapress.com
www.twitter.com/carinapress
www.facebook.com/carinapress
Dedication
I was truly blessed to have Mallory Braus as an editor for the Alliance of the Amazons series. Her hard work and enthusiasm shine through in each and every book.
So from the bottom of my heart—thanks, Mallory!
You’re one in a million.
Acknowledgements
My husband Jeff puts up with my constantly ignoring him to write. And for that, I will always be grateful. Damn, but I love you, Jeff.
As always, I owe my gratitude to my fantastic critique partners—Cheryl Brooks, Nan Reinhardt, Mellanie Szereto and Leanna Kay. You all make me a better writer.
I have to thank my son, Kevin, for being the muse for this series. Hey, KJ—remember starting this odyssey in the theater as we waited for a movie to start? Thanks for your input and the wealth of ideas you always offer.
I also have to thank my daughter, Laura, for hour after hour of proofreading yet another of her mother’s books.
Contents
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-One
Chapter Twenty-Two
Chapter Twenty-Three
Chapter Twenty-Four
Chapter Twenty-Five
Chapter Twenty-Six
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Chapter Twenty-Eight
About the Author
Copyright
Chapter One
Avalon
This was one meeting with goddesses Johann Herrmann would have been glad to skip.
Not that he wasn’t grateful for all the four patron goddesses had done for him. Quite the opposite. He lived in paradise—in Avalon, the protected home of the Amazons and Sentinels, where it was always spring and the warriors could rest without fear of attack. He loved his job. He could live a long, long life—perhaps centuries. No, he appreciated all his patronesses had given him. He simply didn’t want to be forced into a decision of this importance.
This problem had been building for quite some time—ever since the Amazons were allowed to leave their sanctuary and live in the “real” world. The women had presented a strong case to get the goddesses to agree. Because of modern technology, they no longer had to stay together. They could keep in touch in so many different ways, and by leaving, they could cover much more territory. More demons to destroy. More cults to squelch. More good they could do. The Sentinels would always be in contact with the Amazons and could send them anyplace that needed magical assistance.
“Her powers should be stripped,” Rhiannon demanded. Dressed in her typical medieval gown—one of pale pink—she brushed her long, blond hair over her shoulder. “Now. No more delays.”
“Nay!” Flames shot from Freya’s fingertips until she fisted her hands to snuff them. Her white-blond hair spilled down her back, the curls swaying as she emphatically shook her head. Her gown was the same style as Rhiannon’s, although the fabric was a dark blue. “She only made one small mistake.”
Ix Chel set her lips into a hard line and put her hands on her hips, drumming her slender fingers against her kaleidoscope skirt. Her long, straight, black hair was as dark as an eight ball. “It was not a small mistake.”
“She exposed the Amazons to the world,” Ganga added, smoothing her hands down her teal sari. “We must protect our warriors.”
“Take away her powers,” Rhiannon insisted. “We have tarried too long as it is.”
Freya pointed an accusing finger at her. “You want to do this not to punish her but to take away my influence with the Amazons. You have resented my role in creating them almost from the beginning because you fear I am just as powerful as you. Ever selfish, are you not?”
Rhiannon narrowed her blue eyes. “You are mistaken, Freya. I hold more power than you could even imagine. If your Amazons were not so rash and if you chose women of quality as I do, we would not have to make this decision.”
“You are simply jealous of me,” Freya said.
“Of you? Of you?” Rhiannon let out a rueful chuckle. “Nay, Freya. ’Tis not possible since I am the stronger Ancient. My Earths will always eclipse your Fires, no matter which generation. I have stood over far too many graves of dead Fires. I will not allow yet another to travel down the path of destruction because she cannot curb her impetuous nature.”
While Johann usually waited until the goddesses had let the argument die down before offering a compromise, he needed to keep them focused on the main issue.
Should Megan Feurer remain the Fire Amazon?
“M’ladies, we need to talk about Megan,” he said. “I think I can help her. Yes, she made a mistake, but I was able to cover that up, to minimize the impact. Let me give her some more training.”
Freya again nodded her head enthusiastically. “Her induction was not as it should have been.”
“I tire of your litany of excuses,” Rhiannon said.
“I tire of your interference,” Freya retorted. “Fire is my domain. Let me handle her. You have more than enough trouble on your hands with your rogue Earth.”
The tree branches whipped into a frenzy—a sign of Rhiannon’s anger. “We have seen nothing of her since her defeat. She is no longer a threat.”
“Helen will show herself,” Johann replied.
“Dare you contradict me, Sentinel?”
He pounded his chest in salute. “No, m’lady. All I’m saying is that when the time is right, we’ll most likely see her again. Which means the Amazons need to be strong. They need to stay together. Let me work with Megan. Her training was interrupted, and she had no true Guardian.”
“Because your Helen killed her,” Freya said. “Frida could have helped Megan.”
Johann nodded. “I agree. If Sparks…er…Frida hadn’t died, she would have been a strong influence on Megan.” He reached down for strength and a steady voice. This was too important an argument to lose. “Send me to Chicago. Give me a chance with her before you do something drastic—like tear this generation apart.”
Ix Chel and Ganga were already murmuring approval before he finished speaking, and he had to stifle a relieved sigh. The vote would be three to one, and he’d be able to save Megan’s place in the Amazons.
Because she’s damn well not doing much to help herself…
* * *
Being an Amazon had its perks.
Megan nudged the accelerator. Roaring down the interstate, she took advantage of the sparse traffic to see how well the fire-engine red Mercedes convertible handled. Long hair flying behind her, a smile curving her lips, she watched the speedometer hit ninety-five.
Her goddess gave her the nicest toys.
Such a rush. Almost like beheading a revenant—one of those mindless zombies who were often sent to attack Amazons. The adrenaline, the anticipation. Damn, she missed it. At least the fast car kept her from pursuing more reckless hobbies.
Fire would always be Fire.
Perhaps if she’d been Earth. Or Air. Or Water. But there were only four Amazons to each generation—one to each designation. Megan was Fire—had been Fire since she was born, before she knew her destiny.
Fire would consume if not properly channeled. That’s what her Sentinel—her first Sentinel Artair MacKay—taught her.
For now, she would channel her energy into driving.
Flying down a long stretch of road, Megan fiddled with the MP3 until Pat Benatar’s “Fire and Ice” blared through the speakers. The wind whistled in her ears, forcing her to punch the volume higher. She sang along, uncaring that people stared. But, then again, how many women with shock-red hair and driving an ultraexpensive car belted a tune so off-key?
A laugh escaped—she loved giving people a good show.
The ring of her phone was almost lost in the din. She dropped back to a speed closer to the posted limit. She hit the button on her steering wheel to open the connection over the car’s speakers. “You’ve got Megan. Go.”
“Megan, It’s Johann. I—”
“Joeman! Long time, no hear. What’s up?”
Johann Herrmann heaved a sigh. “I have a job for you.”
“About time.” The extra skip of her heartbeat felt delicious. “I’m getting bored as hell.”
Chicago was nice when she’d first landed there. Plenty to do. Places to go. People to see. Yet the fun had quickly worn off. Now, she craved something new, and her talents were being wasted on the mundane. Hunting necromancers. Stopping some demigod from starting yet another cult. Slaying an occasional demon.
Boring.
“Was there a revenant attack?” she asked. Perhaps she would get to take sword in hand and release the tension that was becoming too regular a part of her life.
“Sorry. No revenants this time.”
“Damn. Can’t you find me something interesting, Joeman?”
“It’s pronounced Yo-haan and you damn well know it.” He sounded as though he was speaking with a clenched jaw.
“Whatever. So who’s the scary monster I need to kill?”
“Don’t know yet, but evil’s on the radar.”
The enigma in those words piqued her curiosity to a fever pitch for the first time in far too long. “Cool. I love a good puzzle. Point me in the right direct
ion.”
“I’m working this one with you. I’m on my way now. I’ve got about another hour of flight time, then I’ll hit DuPage Airport. You need to swing by and pick me up.”
He didn’t sound like he was counting on her cooperation. No wonder. Megan had established the parameters of their relationship from the moment they saw each other for the first time on a computer screen. Johann had introduced himself as her new Sentinel—the man meant to train and guide her through her Amazon duties. Megan had let Johann know in no uncertain terms she already had a Sentinel and it sure as hell wasn’t him.
Then the circumstances changed. Artair MacKay, her first Sentinel, had decided to remain in the Amazon fold rather than retire. When the patron goddesses decided to keep Johann on as well, Megan found herself with two Sentinels. She’d warmed to the game of “How Many Times Can I Piss Off Johann?” At least the guy was a good sport, but it was no wonder he doubted she’d fetch him at the airport.
“I’ll be there.” Megan chuckled. “This time. It was just a mistake last time. Bad directions.”
“Bad directions my ass.”
“That was months ago. Get over it. Are you flying the copter or the Piper?”
“The Piper. You’re sure you can get here?” His skeptical tone wasn’t a surprise.
“You’re still mad about me leaving you in Bed-Sty? Seriously?”
She could almost see Johann’s irritated scowl. “You left me at three in the morning in the middle of one of the worst neighborhoods in New York City.”
“Yeah, I did, didn’t I? That’s what you get for playing with Fire.”
He actually laughed, something she didn’t hear him do often—not nearly often enough for her to enjoy his rumbling baritone. Picturing Johann’s tan face, she could see the exasperated yet amused expression he was surely wearing, imagine his sun-bleached hair looking as stylishly messy as it usually did. She was disturbed she hadn’t shaken her odd fascination with the man. She’d never had a problem with dismissing an attraction before.
Those surfer-boy looks were her weakness. Blonds had always appealed to her. Put that together with the sun-kissed skin, eyes the color of a twilight sky and a body that was clearly no stranger to a gym, and Johann was exactly who she would have been looking for. Had she been looking.