Romancing the Paranormal

by Stephanie Rowe

  “Come sit, my friend.” Anthony went to the chair across the room and Kade waved him over to the bed and patted the comforter. “Here.”

  Anthony shook his head and smiled, but acquiesced.

  “I, uh, just came to tell you that I’m gonna go by the hospital and see Mya.” He sat next to Sydney and put a palm on her covered thigh.

  “I have to tell ya, I’m not sure about her,” Sydney said. Seeking more of a connection, she placed her hand on top of his. She hadn’t seen Anthony since last night. She’d briefly fed from him, without much interaction. It was only later that Kade had told her what he’d done to save him.

  “From my perspective, she was in cahoots with Pat and Dominique,” Kade speculated. “Granted, I never once saw her downstairs. But I never saw Dominique either.”

  “Yeah, I dunno. She was loaded up with H,” Anthony added. Preliminary blood tests had shown she’d been injected with heroin. “But the docs say she’s not an addict. Whatever she had in her, she’d been given in the past forty-eight hours.”

  “When I met her, she seemed so…I don’t know…innocent. I guess my instincts were way off. She did hesitate when she shot me, and the way Pat talked about her, it was as if he knew her.”

  “Well, we got her covered down at the hospital. The docs called me and said she’s coming round. She’s starting to talk. I’ll go see what she has to say. Given the crime scene in her apartment and indications of possible sexual assault, the DA’s probably gonna let her go,” Anthony guessed.

  “But what if it was staged?” Kade protested.

  “What if it wasn’t?” he countered. “She was on drugs. With the amount she had in her, coupled with the apparent torture, I don’t know. I, of all people, would like to see her go down after what she did to Sydney, but I saw those burns on her neck. I can’t imagine her letting someone do that to her willingly. She was barely alive.”

  “I’ll give you all a call when I find out more. So, uh, I was thinking…” Anthony paused, his eyes locked on Sydney’s. “You gonna be okay? I mean, I can take some time off if you need me. I kind of wanted to stick around and wrap things up with this case anyway.”

  “Yeah, I’m fine…thanks to you. You saved me. Saved us.” Sydney sat up and kissed his cheek once, her lips inches from his. She turned and smiled at Kade who sensed her arousal. She knew she’d never make love to Anthony, nor would she love him, but if he was willing, she knew for certain, they’d feed with him again. “We’d love to have you stay with us. You’re always welcome in our home.”

  “Did he tell you what he did to me?” Anthony blushed and leaned back onto the heels of his hands.

  “He told me you saved him. And for that I’m very, very grateful.” She smiled.

  “So am I. There’s no way we can repay you for what you did,” Kade added.

  “You don’t have to. We’re friends. But I meant what I said last night. I’m not going with Luca again. He’s kind of a dick.”

  “Yeah, he can be.” Kade laughed.

  “He’s, um, difficult to get to know,” Sydney offered. “Especially when you’re a human. You have to give him time to warm up to you.”

  “Yeah, I can see him warmin’ up all right. And then bitin’ me like a police dog. No thanks.” Anthony stood and brushed his palms down his slacks. “Your girl there seems to have tamed him. You should have seen her barkin’ out orders before we went in. She told him right then she was going in alone.”

  “Yeah, about that,” Kade growled. A dangerous smile crossed his face.

  Sydney’s heart stopped, aware that he was about to do something she might not like.

  “Listen, sounds like you two have somethin’ to work out. I’ll see you guys later. Have fun, Syd.” Anthony winked and walked out the bedroom.

  “What?” Sydney laughed. “What did I do?”

  Kade stripped back the sheets. Gooseflesh rippled across Sydney’s exposed skin. The cool air was tempered by the heat that grew between her legs. Like wild prey, she froze. Unsure what he’d do, she tensed in anticipation. A gasp escaped her lips as he reached for her waist, dragging her torso across his legs. Her cheek brushed the soft cotton and she gave a nervous laugh.

  “What are you doing? Ahh…” She squirmed as the light touch of his fingers grazed over her hair, trailing between her shoulder blades and onto the small of her back.

  “You are a naughty vampire.” His hand continued further over her buttocks to the back of her thigh.

  “Maybe I like being wicked.” She kicked her feet, feigning escape.

  “Do you now?” His cock grew thick against the side of her belly.

  “Yes, I do. Are you planning on doing something about it?” she goaded. As she went to move, he pressed a firm hand to her shoulder, pinning her still.

  “I’ve been looking forward to this ever since you ran from me back to Philadelphia,” he said, a dark tone to his voice. “Then you ran a second time to Embo. And going into danger alone…without Luca? I’m afraid you need a lesson.”

  “Looking forward to what? Ow…ah,” she cried as a hard slap landed on her bottom. Holy hell. He’d teased her for months that he’d spank her. He’d even bound her to the bed on occasion, yet the sting of his palm came as an erotic surprise.

  “You see,” he said, smacking the other cheek. “I know you better than you know yourself. The rush you get from the danger. How do you like it now, my little vamp?”

  “I don’t know…I…” The wetness in her swollen folds dripped down her thigh and she attempted to conceal her arousal with words. “I don’t like…”

  He slapped her hard, caressing her reddened flesh. Sydney reached for his cock and swiped her finger across its wet slit. Her ass tingled in sweet pain, yet as she yearned for more, he stopped. She’d hoped that he’d continue, and was taken by surprise when his fingers glided down her crevice. A thick digit plunged deep inside her pussy and she moaned, pressing back into the erotic invasion. Retreating, he coated his fingers in her wetness and entered her again, this time circling her puckered flesh with his thumb.

  “Oh God, Kade…what are you…?” With the shock of the intrusion, her fingers loosened around his dick. Unable to move, she did nothing…only felt, immersing herself in the sensation her mate sought to give her.

  “You may be a novice, love, but I am a master,” he told her.

  “Ah…yes.” He continued to tease her bottom as his remaining fingers scissored around her swollen lips, pinching her clit, never actually touching her taut nub. Her clit ached in arousal. “I need more…I need…”

  “No more running.”

  “No, no, no,” she protested as he removed his fingers from inside her. She gave a muffled whine into the covers. Her hips pumped against his legs seeking relief, but none came. “Ahh…I’m so close.”

  “I love your body,” he said softly. “I love all of you.”

  “Don’t stop…” She grew dizzy with need, his fingers brushing over her clitoris.

  “You’re so fucking wet.” Entering her once again, he allowed the tip of his thumb to press gently into her anus.

  “Yes…that feels…it’s so wrong, but oh my God. Kade…easy…oh, yes...ah,” she cried.

  Quivering, her climax slammed into her. Tears brimmed from her lashes as she began to shake. Her fingers fisted his cock as she writhed against his hand. As the spasms subsided, she pushed onto her elbows and knees. Her tousled hair flew in all directions as she whirled between his legs.

  Never releasing his swollen flesh, she returned his devious smile as she dipped her head and brought her lips to his cock. Her tongue darted out and lapped at his salty essence. She licked underneath his hard length, and he groaned, hitting his head upon the headboard. Sydney laughed at his response, knowing that despite his declaration that he was the master, she’d mastered him as well. Taking him into her mouth, she sucked and laved at his soft skin. Clutching his hips, she swallowed him down to his root.

  His fingers raked into
her scalp, guiding her up and down. He lasted only minutes before stopping her, lifting her chin to meet his gaze.

  “Come to me,” he directed, wiping her lip with his thumb.

  She did as he said, climbing atop her mate. Grazing her hands down his ripped abs, she hovered above him, his tip prodding her entrance. He gave her a wicked smile and flipped her onto her back. She squealed in delight as he pinned her arms to the bed.

  “Make love to me,” she whispered. Her quickening breath struggled to keep up with her heartbeat. She knew what was coming but nothing ever prepared her for his possession.

  “For the rest of your life,” he promised.

  She gasped as he pushed deep inside her, his thick flesh stretching her. As he filled her, she clutched at his shoulders, her fangs dropping. She reveled in the sharp penetration, the walls of her core clamping down around his shaft. He rocked inside her, taking her pink nipple between his lips. Her hips met his, thrust for thrust, his pelvis stroking her clit in a tantalizing rhythm. His sharp teeth descended, piercing her full breast.

  An orgasm rolled through her as he sucked her gently. Never giving her quarter, he increased his pace. She rebounded from her climax only to be driven to the precipice of ecstasy once again.

  “Kade!” Her head thrashed on the pillow as she screamed.

  He bit at her lips, silencing her with his savage kiss. She gave back what she got, biting, their tongues probing each other’s. He pounded into her and she rose to meet his need. Moving to accept his cock, she lifted her hips. As he slammed into Sydney, her pussy pulsated around his length. Only the taste of her mate would suffice, and she sought to give him the pleasure he’d given her hundreds of times. He closed the distance, offering her his neck. Without hesitation, she bit down, her fangs slicing into his taut flesh. His powerful blood rushed down her throat, and she came hard, her body shuddering in release.

  Kade cried out loud, his explosive orgasm blasting through him. He ground his body against hers. Erupting inside her, he surged into climax. As she laved at the wounds on his skin, he rolled onto his back, never letting her go.

  For two hundred years, he’d been alone, and he’d almost lost the love of his life. Two hearts had once again been brought together. The death of her humanity brought to life again, reaffirming their commitment. As she fell asleep on his chest, the emotion he’d held at bay surfaced. He’d never been more grateful for what he’d been given: his soon-to-be wife, a future family. For eternity, they’d be lost in each other’s embrace.

  Epilogue

  Mya smiled as the elevator numbers ticked by above her. She’d easily bypassed the detective in the hospital, her appearance once again altered to suit her purpose. Her only regret was allowing Pat to suck her into his epic fail of a plan to kill Sydney Willows. Not only had she lived, they’d been forced to kidnap the redheaded vampire. Hostages were always a burden. With her still alive, she’d have to deal with her sometime.

  Mya reached underneath the floral silk scarf tied stylishly around her neck and fingered the newly healed scabs. She supposed that receiving pain could be a means to an end. A shame it hadn’t played out the way Pat had wanted. Mya never played the victim well, though. Pat had known it when he’d asked for her help. She laughed to herself, knowing full well that her sadistic nature would always take precedence over any man’s desire to bend her.

  As the doors slid open, she smiled. Her plane ride had been filled with delightful dreams of pain. Some would call them nightmares. She’d call them a wet dream laced in blood. She reveled in the fear, excited to share it with her victims.

  In truth, they got what they deserved. Nothing was ever as simple as it seemed. No one was one hundred percent innocent nor were they guilty. The spectrum of evil was as wide as the ocean, its waves readying to drown those who stood in its path.

  Katrina Livingston, sister of Tristan, Alpha of Lyceum Wolves, would suffer greatly for the sins of others and perhaps her own. Within minutes, Mya would have her to do with as she pleased. As she exited and rolled her red leather carry-on down the hallway, she considered the implements of pain she’d packed for her session.

  It only took her seconds to reach the young wolf’s apartment. It’s entertaining to play with wolves, she mused. Vampires were far too easy to kill, taking the thrill out of the hunt. She reached for the welcome heart that hung on the door, tracing her fingers over the last name: Livingston. All was well with her life.

  With the excitement of New Orleans, she’d almost forgotten her commitment to her new project. She would have loved to have stayed in the south a bit longer. A shame, really, that she’d been caught by the detective.

  Her phone buzzed, and she retrieved her purse to view the text message. Pleased, she glanced at the photo and smiled. His caretakers had seen that he stayed just how she’d left him, bound naked in the dark.

  She could have left him for weeks, she knew. Immortality was a delicious benefit when torturing supernaturals. Whether it be for revenge or pleasure, with nothing but time, she’d always met her goals, carrying out her devious plans at her leisure. She glanced at the image again, sliding her fingers across the glass to enlarge it. A tingle of delight shivered through her body as she studied his face. His blond hair had grown longer. Through the waterfall of strands covering his face, she could taste the anger emanating from his eyes. She smiled, delighted she’d elicited her intended response.

  Unfazed by the Alpha’s obvious discomfort, she tossed her cell in her purse. The big bad wolf, Jax Chandler, could wait a bit longer. She knocked on the door, adrenaline rushing through her veins. Let the fun begin.

  The Immortals of New Orleans

  Kade's Dark Embrace (Immortals of New Orleans, Book 1)

  Luca's Magic Embrace (Immortals of New Orleans, Book 2)

  Tristan's Lyceum Wolves (Immortals of New Orleans, Book 3)

  Logan’s Acadian Wolves (Immortals of New Orleans, Book 4)

  Léopold’s Wicked Embrace (Immortals of New Orleans, Book 5)

  Dimitri (Immortals of New Orleans, Book 6)

  Lost Embrace (Immortals of New Orleans, Book 6.5)

  Jax (Immortals of New Orleans, Book 7) Coming 2015

  About the Author

  Kym Grosso is the USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of the erotic paranormal romance series, The Immortals of New Orleans. In addition to romance, Kym has written and published several articles about autism, and is passionate about autism advocacy. She also is a contributing essay author in Chicken Soup for the Soul: Raising Kids on the Spectrum.

  Kym lives with her family in Pennsylvania, and her hobbies include reading, tennis, zumba, and spending time with her husband and children. She loves traveling just about anywhere that has a beach or snow-covered mountains. New Orleans, with its rich culture, history and unique cuisine, is one of her favorite places to visit.

  ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

  Social Media Links:

  Website: http://www.KymGrosso.com

  Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/KymGrossoBooks

  Twitter: https://twitter.com/KymGrosso

  Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/kymgrosso/

  Return to Synopses

  What Not To Were

  By

  Dakota Cassidy

  What Not To Were

  Copyright © 2015 Dakota Cassidy

  All rights reserved

  Editor Kelli Collins

  Cover Art Renee George

  Dear Readers,

  Please note, I’ve taken license with the lovely town of Paris, Texas, because it worked so perfectly for my werewolf Calla’s journey and was originally featured in Calla’s friend Winnie’s book, titled Witched At Birth (though, What Not To Were is totally a stand-alone read). First, I turned the town into a paranormal-palooza—dripping with witches, werewolves, and magic.

  Second, I’ve fictionalized it to a degree, creating street names to suit me and places I’m certain don’t exist, but I kept the amazing Eiffel Tower w
ith the red cowboy hat on top—because it’s just too awesome a structure to ignore.

  That said, to anyone who reads this and lives in Paris, no disrespect intended. I lived in Plano, Texas, for nine years and I love Texans. Y’all are some of the best folks on the planet!

  Dakota Cassidy xxoo

  Chapter One

  “So, I hear someone went to see Miss Dottie about a Brazilian wax. Could that someone be you, Calla Allen?” Winnie Yagamawitz asked, taking a big bite of her cupcake, her white teeth sinking deeply into the pink-and-purple swirled frosting.

  Calla batted her eyelashes at her friend and fanned herself flirtatiously with her free hand while she used the other to brush Flora Watkins’ hair. “Why, whatever are you implyin,’ Miss Winnifred?” she asked in her best southern accent, knowing full well to what her friend was insinuating.

  The intimate consummation of her relationship with Nash Ryder.

  The final frontier.

  Or as her Grandpa Ezra, all her favorite seniors at Hallow Moon Senior Center, and her iguana Twyla Faye called it, The Jamboree of Genitals.

  Flora swatted in the air, her weathered hand reaching for Calla’s fingers. “You know exactly what she means, young lady. She wants to know what every last one of us in this infernal babysitters’ club for Poise Pad wearers wants to know: Are you and that hot young bronco Nash Ryder gonna do it or ain’t ya?”

  Winnie chuckled, tucking her infant son, Ben Junior, in the crook of her arm before licking icing from her fingers. “Winner-winner-chicken-dinner! That’s exactly what I’m implyin’, Miss Watkins. No one gets a wax just because—especially if it’s from Miss Dottie, who can’t see two inches in front of her. It’s an ungodly pain we only suffer for men. Men we plan to do the do with.”