Wicked Magic

by Cheyenne McCray

  He caught her hand in his and lowered his mouth. His lips hovered just above hers. “You are the most precious gift a man could have.”

  His kiss was so tender, so sweet. His tongue gently danced with hers and she again tasted his flavor that she loved so much. Incredibly masculine and uniquely Keir.

  He pushed her raised shoulder down to the mattress, then knelt between her thighs. Butterflies darted in her belly as he lowered his head and licked and sucked each of her nipples. She slipped her fingers into his long, black hair as it tickled her skin.

  The way he suckled her nipples caused her to grow wetter between her thighs and the ache inside her to spiral tighter and tighter. He said nothing, only looked at her with eyes that spoke volumes. His love for her, and so much more, shone in their depths.

  She was going to cry from the power of the emotions building within her. He braced his forearms on the bed as he lowered his head and brushed his mouth along the length of her scars. He kissed one at a time and the burning somehow lessened with every tender touch of his lips.

  “Please be inside me now.” She shivered as his lips trailed the last scar. “I need to feel us become one.”

  Keir rose and braced his palms on the bed. He took his cock in one hand and moved it into the opening of her channel before returning his palm to the bed.

  Ever so slowly, he slid inside her. Rhiannon sighed from the deep connection that made her feel a part of him again. His strokes weren’t hurried or rushed, but long and deliberate.

  Their soul-bonding gripped her and the sparkles grew between and around them. The intensity of everything she felt did cause tears to trickle down her cheeks. A tear rolled from each eye down her face.

  “Why do you cry, love?” He bent and licked away one of the tears down the path it had taken.

  “Because this is so beautiful.” She linked her hands behind his neck. “Everything is so beautiful.”

  “That it is, a stór,” he murmured as he kissed the trail of the other tear.

  His thrusts continued at a deep, even pace, and she felt that swirling feeling again. That he was part of her and she was part of him. She felt what he did at the same time her own climax spiraled in her belly. Together they were rising, rising, rising. His jaw tensed as he neared the peak with her and his eyes seemed impossibly darker.

  So close, so close … she felt both their climaxes build and build until neither of them could hold back any longer. Their cries mingled as sensation burst from where they were joined. She felt his heat as it exploded from him and rushed to every part of his body. Her own fire rushed like flames licking her from head to toe.

  When they were both sated and exhausted from their mating, Keir rolled over with her in his arms and held her tight.

  She snuggled closer to him and he murmured in his sexy Irish accent, “My treasure. All mine.”

  St. Martin’s Paperbacks Titles by

  CHEYENNE McCRAY

  Forbidden Magic

  Seduced by Magic

  Chosen Prey

  Praise for bestselling author

  CHEYENNE McCRAY

  and

  Seduced by Magic

  “Blistering passion and erotic sensuality are major McCray hallmarks, in addition to a deft and exciting storyline. This magical series continues to develop its increasing cast of characters and complex plotline; the result is erotic paranormal romance liberally laced with adventure and thrills.”

  —Romantic Times BOOKreviews (4½ stars Top Pick)

  “The slices of humor, the glimpses of the characters’ world through fantastic descriptions, not to mention fascinating characters landed this book on … [the] keeper shelf.”

  —Romance Divas

  Forbidden Magic

  “Wildly erotic and dangerously sensual, this explosive paranormal thriller sizzles. McCray erupts on the scene with one of the sexiest stories of the year. Her darkly dramatic world is one readers won’t mind visiting again … McCray knows how to make a reader sweat—either from spine-tingling suspense or soul-singeing sex … McCray cleverly combines present-day reality with mythological fantasy to create a world where beings of lore exist—and visit the earthly realm.”

  —Romantic Times BOOKreviews (4½ stars Top Pick)

  “McCray’s paranormal masterpiece is not for the fainthearted. The battle between good and evil is brought to the reader in vivid and riveting detail to the point where the reader is drawn into the pages of this bewitching and seductive fantasy that delivers plenty of action-packed sequences and arousing love scenes.”

  —Rendezvous

  “Forbidden Magic is a spellbinding, sexy, superbly written, dark fantasy. I couldn’t put it down, and you won’t want to either … [a] fabulous plot … [Cheyenne McCray has an] incredible skill at keeping readers engaged in every moment of the action. Longtime fans and newbies alike will be enchanted and swept away by this enduring tale of courage, love, passion, and magic.”

  —A Romance Review

  “If one were going to make a comparison to Cheyenne McCray with another writer of the supernatural/sensuality genre, it would have to be Laurell K. Hamilton … Forbidden Magic definitely puts McCray in the same league as Hamilton. The book is a very sexy work … Forbidden Magic is dark and filled with danger at almost every turn. Magic and mystery abound in San Francisco, with a major battle between the forces of good and evil, and the outcome is always in doubt when it comes to demons.”

  —Shelf Life

  “This terrific romantic fantasy with police procedural elements grasps the audience from the moment that Silver meets Tuatha and Darkwolf and never slows down until the final twist of their triangle … fans will take great and immense pleasure with this strong thriller that both genres will treasure.”

  —Harriet’s Book Reviews

  “Cheyenne McCray’s Forbidden Magic is an intoxicating blend of luscious eroticism and spine-tingling action that will have you squirming on the edge of your seat.”

  —Angela Knight, USA Today bestselling author

  “Cheyenne McCray has written a sexy adventure spiced with adventurous sex.”

  —Charlaine Harris, New York Times bestselling author

  “McCray does a remarkable job of blending the familiar and the fantastical, creating a rich paranormal world with sexy and engaging characters.”

  —Kelley Armstrong, New York Times bestselling author

  “Erotic with a great big capital E. Cheyenne McCray is my new favorite author!”

  —Bertrice Small, New York Times bestselling author

  “Forbidden Magic is a fabulous faery tale. The writing is sharp; the story hot!”

  —Virginia Henley, New York Times bestselling author

  “Cheyenne McCray has crafted a novel that takes the imagination on an exciting flight. Full of fantasy, with a touch of darkness, a great read for anyone who loves to get lost in a book that stretches the boundaries!”

  —Heather Graham, New York Times bestselling author

  “Not for the faint of heart! Forbidden Magic is Charmed meets Kim Harrison’s witch series but with a heavy dose of erotica on top!”

  —Lyndsay Sands, New York Times bestselling author

  “McCray’s magical tale will thrill and entrance you!”

  —Sabrina Jeffries, New York Times bestselling author

  “Explosive, erotic, and un-put-downable. Cheyenne McCray more than delivers!”

  —L.A. Banks, bestselling author of The Vampire Huntress Legends series

  “Magical mayhem, sexy shapeshifters, wondrous witches and warlocks … in Forbidden Magic, Cheyenne McCray has created a fabulous new world. You won’t be able to get enough!”

  —Lori Handeland, USA Today bestselling author

  “Fans of dark paranormal fantasy will enjoy the fast-paced, spine-tingling twists and turns of Cheyenne McCray’s Forbidden Magic.”

  —Toni Blake, author of In Your Wildest Dreams

  “Cheyenne McCray’s Forbidden Magic is a ri
ch mix of witches, demons, and fae in an epic tapestry full of conflict and desire.”

  —Robin Owens, author of Heart Choice

  “Chock-full of emotion and action, Cheyenne McCray’s Forbidden Magic will find a spot on the keeper shelf of every reader who enjoys a touch of the paranormal along with her erotic romance. I highly recommend it!”

  —Ann Jacobs, author of A Mutual Favor

  “Cheyenne McCray has written a tempting, exciting novel rich in magic and pleasure.”

  —Lora Leigh, author of The Breed Next Door

  “McCray’s knowledge of Fae, Fomorii, elves and ancient Irish magics shines in this book of witches, warriors and dangerous desires.”

  —Linnea Sinclair, author of Gabriel’s Ghost

  “McCray delivers a scorching tale of modern witches and ancient Fae, a winner rich with lore, fantasy, gritty action, and heartgripping romance.”

  —Annie Windsor, award-winning author of Sailmaster’s Woman

  “This modern day tale meets ancient world paranormal isn’t just a book, it’s an event. The elements all come together in this paranormal romance. You start reading for the story and end up reading for the characters. You’re left at the edge of your seat needing more until the very last satisfying word. You won’t be able to put it down once you start reading!”

  —Sheila English, CEO of Circle of Seven Productions

  FOR CHEYENNE’S READERS

  Be sure to go to http://cheyennemccray.com to sign up for her PRIVATE book announcement list and get FREE EXCLUSIVE Cheyenne McCray goodies. Please feel free to e-mail her at chey@cheyennemccray.com. She would love to hear from you.

  Keep reading for an excerpt from Cheyenne McCray’s next novel

  MOVING TARGET

  Coming soon from St. Martin’s Paperbacks

  Without glancing down, Daniel slid his cell phone out of its holster on his belt. As he drove, he flipped the phone open and punched the speed-dial number for Ani without taking his eyes off the road. He’d pushed that button so many times he didn’t have to look at his phone to call her.

  He brought the phone to his ear as he caught up to a pair of red taillights and switched lanes to pass the vehicle, then moved back into the right lane. In moments he came up on the exit to Benson. If he was going to do any kind of fast driving through the small towns from here to Bisbee, he’d have to use his lights.

  A ringing tone started on the other end of the line, but immediately the generic recording came on telling him to leave a message. Looked like she was listening to him in one regard—he’d told her not to talk with anyone.

  When he took the exit, he slowed down but switched on his flashing red, blue, and white strobes. He went a bit faster than he should have through the forty-five, thirty-five, then twenty-five mile-an-hour zones. All of the small towns on this stretch of highway were speed traps, and he couldn’t waste time being pulled over.

  From the three small towns was a long stretch of highway and a good thirty-minute drive to Bisbee. It felt as if he was steering a boat against a current.

  When he finally reached the Mule Pass Tunnel, he should have felt some relief, but he remained as tense as a coiled spring.

  Ten more minutes and he’d be there.

  Agonizing minutes.

  Daniel finally reached the police department. He pulled out his credentials, shut off his flashing lights, then stepped from his SUV and strode into the department building.

  “U.S. Deputy Marshal,” Daniel said to the officer manning the front desk and showed the cop his creds.

  After checking them out, the cop motioned him on.

  Daniel strode to the back of the building where he’d been directed. In one glance, he saw Ani wasn’t in the room. Only one woman was there, other than a female police officer. The civilian woman was talking with a paramedic.

  What the hell were paramedics doing here?

  And where the hell was Ani?

  His voice came out in a growl, carrying over the discussions in the room. “Where’s Ani Carter?”

  “I’m right here, Daniel.” The familiar feminine voice came from the left of him—from the woman sitting next to a paramedic.

  “Ani?” He narrowed his eyes, taking in the slender woman who looked so unlike the Ani he knew that he hadn’t recognized her. But her crystalline blue gaze, her dark brown hair, small nose and fair complexion were familiar, even though her face was much thinner. What clinched it for him were her full lips. Lips he’d wanted to kiss way too many times.

  Goddammit. He had to get those thoughts out of his head and now.

  She offered him a nervous-looking smile, and he pushed his way past the officers in the room and past the paramedic. He crouched in front of her, wanting to take her in his arms, but he couldn’t. “Are you all right?”

  “I’m fine.” She looked down at her hands in her lap. “I’m so sorry.”

  He hooked his finger under her chin and forced her to look at him. “Everyone makes mistakes, honey,” he said in a low voice that likely couldn’t be heard by anyone but her. “But yours could get you killed. You can’t take chances with your life.”

  A tear trickled down her cheek. “I just had to help that boy.”

  The desire to take her into his arms and hold her was so strong he found it difficult to restrain himself. He dropped his hand away from her face. “We’ve got to get you out of here.”

  “All right,” she said quietly. “What do I need to do?”

  “Wait here for a few moments.” He couldn’t be mad at her, no matter what had happened. “I’ll be right back.”

  Daniel rose from his crouched position and turned away from her. He talked with a couple of officers before heading out to his SUV, then drove up so that the passenger-side door was next to the rear door of the police department. He brought in an extra set of body armor for her to wear for protection. If he could, he’d make her wear a helmet—anything to protect every inch of her.

  After she had the Kevlar vest on, over her blouse, he took her by the arm and, with the cover of several police officers, hustled her into the passenger seat of the SUV and slammed the door behind her.

  He sucked in a deep breath of relief as he went to the driver’s side. They’d gotten her this far. He’d never let anything happen to her.

  When he climbed in and shut the door, he paused to look at her. “It’s good to see you again, Ani.”

  She’d been staring at her lap, but her head jerked up when he spoke. “You’re not mad?”

  “Hell, yes, I’m mad.” He reached over and gripped her forearm. “Because I was worried about you.”

  He shouldn’t have touched her. A jolt traveled through him and he removed his hand. Her eyes widened, as if she felt the same electrical feeling he had.

  Daniel forced himself to look away from her and turned his keys in the ignition. “Let’s get out of here.”

  The drive back through the small towns and on to Tucson was less hurried, but the tenseness in his muscles wouldn’t let go.

  They were both quiet for a while before Daniel said, “I’ve been looking forward to seeing you for a long time.”

  “You have?” She sounded so shocked that it surprised him.

  “Ani, we’ve been talking to each other nearly every week for a year now.” He glanced at her. “Don’t you think I’d like to see you?” Daniel clenched the wheel tighter. What the hell was he saying?

  “I guess,” she said as he focused his gaze on the road, and he frowned. “I mean, I feel the same way,” she continued, “it’s just the circumstances—”

  “Are behind us now.” He shifted his hold on the steering wheel.

  This time when he glanced from the road to look at her, she was smiling. She was so beautiful. He’d always thought she was, no matter what she looked like. It might take him some time to get used to this toothpick version of the woman he’d—

  Daniel clenched his teeth.

  Don’t even go there.

  After
a moment’s silence, she asked, “Where are we headed?”

  “After we stay the night in Tucson, we’ll take a puddlejumper to the Phoenix airport in the morning.” Daniel guided the SUV into the passing lane. “We’ve booked a direct flight out of Sky Harbor to New York. Our plane leaves at noon.”

  She shuddered. “The trial. It’s time.”

  Daniel gave a slow nod. She stared at his profile that was illuminated by the red dashboard lights. She’d memorized his features down to the shadow of a beard on his jaw. But now her heart was pounding like mad.