Hearts Unleashed: A Limited Edition Paranormal Romance and Urban Fantasy Collection

by C. D. Gorri

  As the two pulled him on his back, he saw Lenox enter his bedroom. Lenox, now in human form, wrapped his palms around Treasure’s throat.

  “If you won’t be mine, then I’m going to make damned sure that he can’t have you either!” Lenox spat. “Say goodbye to your Treasure, Takoda!”

  “Treasure! No!” Takoda squirmed to get away from both werewolves, but they held on tighter and forced him to watch Lenox as he was slowly squeezing the life from the love of his life.

  Suddenly, Nayati’s large cougar leaped over the fence and into Takoda’s backyard. He knocked both dogs off of Takoda. Lenox’s eyes widened at the blitz attack and released his grip slightly around Treasure’s neck. She, still in human form, kicked Lenox in the groin. Lenox stumbled backward and cupped his family jewels, freeing Treasure completely from the chokehold he had on her.

  Treasure shifted into her cougar and joined Takoda and Nayati. All barring their teeth in the intruders’ direction. Behind them was a growing number of both Nayati and Takoda’s prides climbing and jumping the fence leading to Takoda’s backyard. Now knowing they outnumbered him, Lenox took to his shifter form, jumped over the fence, and ran off with his tail between his legs.

  Cheers roared through the crowd as each tribal pride member shifted back into human form.

  Takoda ignored the cheers and rushed to Treasure’s side.

  “Are you hurt? I should hunt him down and kill him for touching you!”

  “Takoda, I am fine.” She said as she cupped his cheek. “There’s no need to chase after him. Let him go. He knows he’s defeated.”

  Takoda pulled her into his arms and held her tight.

  “Let’s head back into the house so I can tend to your wounds.” Treasure said to Takoda.

  “Considering what happened tonight, perhaps we should hold off tonight’s ceremonies and have the handfasting in a couple of day’s time.” Said Viho to Takoda.

  “That might be best.” Said Takoda as he guided Treasure back towards the house.

  Viho opened the gate to the fence leading out of Takoda’s backyard so the others could disperse throughout the compound to prepare for the handfasting.

  Chapter Ten

  She glanced at the mirror again to make sure everything was real. It had felt that sometimes this day would never come, but here she was in the bathroom getting ready to marry Takoda in front of the entire pride. She took a deep breath to try to squelch the tears of joy welling in the corner of her eyes before she opened up the door to head out to the front courtyard of the compound.

  Gardenias and fairy lights lined a makeshift metal arbor that Takoda was standing under with Zhang, a sorcerer from the northeast that they called over to perform the handfasting.

  She walked, as they had practiced, slowly towards the arbor. Treasure was never great with heels and since her bump was getting bigger by the minute; she felt even more awkward in them. She couldn’t wait to fling them off the first chance she got after the ceremony.

  She finally reached a smiling Takoda.

  “You look beautiful.” He mouthed to her while moving closer to her and taking her hands in his.

  Zang smiled before starting.

  “Dearest friends and family, both Takoda and Treasure have brought us together on a joyous day. We’ve come here to show these two beautiful people our love and support today! To celebrate them as they join their lives together in marriage and mating.

  Marriage and the mate bond aren’t something to be entered into lightly. The uniting of two paths into a single journey asks us to be thoughtful, intentional, and honest. Marriage brings with it a deep realization of our responsibility and commitment to our partner, and the understanding that love, loyalty, compassion, and compromise are the foundations of a happy and enduring home.” Zhang looks towards Takoda before continuing. “Takoda, do you come here today to marry Treasure, and to join your path with hers?

  “I do.”

  “Treasure, do you come here today to marry Takoda, and to join your path with his?”

  “I do.”

  “Takoda and Treasure will now exchange rings, and the words they’ve written for each other. These words are promises they make to each other, to keep each day of their lives together.”

  “Treasure, the first day that I met you I knew you were special. You were someone that I wanted to protect and teach the ways of the pride. At first glance, I knew then that I needed you in my life and in any form that you’d have me. And now, now that we have grown in love together, I can’t think of being without you for any longer than taking a breath. You have made me the happiest man in the world today by becoming my mate, my Luna. I promise to cherish and respect you, always. I promise to care for you and protect you. I promise to comfort you and encourage you. I promise to be with you for all of eternity.” Takoda said as he placed the platinum band on Treasure’s ring finger.

  “Takoda, I too knew right from the start that I needed you in my life. I am so lucky to declare that you are mine in front of our pride family. Ever since the first day you came across me in that cave, your love and trust have made me a stronger and better person. And that love and trust grows and deepens each and every day I get to spend with you. You were there for my greatest challenges and all of my greatest achievements. You encouraged me to grow as not only a person but also as your Luna of this pride. You helped me believe in myself and become the person I am today. In your arms and by your side, I know I can do anything. I’m proud to call you my husband and my Alpha.” Treasure said as she placed the platinum textured band around Takoda’s ring finger.

  “And now, both Takoda and Treasure have asked us to join them in a handfasting to symbolize that their union takes place on a spiritual as well physical level.”

  Zhang takes the ribbon from the gold plate next to him and wraps the cord around their clasped hands.

  “Handfasting is an old tradition. With each wrap of the cord, you deepen your commitment to each other, vowing to respect and support one another, to grow with each other, to offer each other compassion and understanding, and to take each new challenge and adventure as it comes, together. Let this bond be strong and loving! By the authority vested in me by the Shifters Council, and the State of Wyoming, I now pronounce you the Alpha and Luna of your pride! Takoda, you may kiss your bride.”

  Takoda claims her lips. Cheers and hollers can be heard from all around them. They break from the kiss and walk down the make-shift aisle, hands still held together with the rope. Once they make it to the end of the aisle, Takoda turns to the pack.

  “What are we waiting for? Let’s get this party started, shall we?”

  Takoda picks up a glass from a table set up with wine flutes on it and raises it to the crowd as the pack is handed glasses of their own.

  “To a new beginning!” Takoda said.

  As the glass touched his lips, an all too familiar wolf leaps in front of Takoda and strikes him down.

  Since she is now married to you, I guess she will die by your side. I don’t take leftovers.

  Treasure dropped her glass of cider in shock that she can still hear Lenox. Lenox shot her a look.

  What’s the matter? You thought the telepathic bond between us would be broken the minute you decided to leave? I’m afraid it doesn’t work like that with a practicing werewitch! Now fight me Takoda!

  Takoda remained in his human form.

  “Bite me.”

  That can be arranged.

  “You can’t be serious, Lenox. You are completely outnumbered and not even the council will back you up. You’ve lost, rogue. Face the facts that Wyoming is not your home.”

  Lenox leaped into the air and outstretched his paw to take a swipe at Takoda. Takoda stepped to his left and Lenox’s body hit a nearby tree.

  “I don’t wish to kill you, Lenox. Go back to Connecticut and leave our pride alone.”

  Lenox got up from the ground, shaking his head, and turned back into human form.

  “You will r
egret not fighting me now, Takoda.”

  “Is that a threat?” Takoda said with a chuckle.

  “It’s a challenge! Killing you later will bring me great joy.”

  “You know better than to cause trouble, Lenox!” Said Zhang as he finally reached the group.

  “Zhang, I should have known that you’d put in your two cents. I don’t have to answer to you—none of you!”

  “You have no power here, lone. Leave Wyoming or we will force you out!” Said Donovan.

  “You will all regret this day. Mark my words.” Lenox reached into his robe and pulled out a vial before continuing, “Even my son will fear my wrath!” He said as he smashed the vial at his feet. Smoked billowed from the vial and consumed Lenox. Once the smoke cleared, Lenox was gone.

  Takoda faced Zhang and Donovan.

  “Is this something we should take up with the council?”

  Zhang patted Takoda on the shoulder.

  “Not today. He isn’t strong enough to be a threat. His pack is far too small to take us all on. Besides, we have a union to celebrate!”

  Takoda smiled and pulled Treasure into his arms.

  “You are right, my friend. You are right.”

  Music began to play and Takoda and Treasure found themselves surrounded by the pride. Takoda took Treasure in his arms and started to sway his hips to the music that was playing.

  “I love you.” Treasure said as she placed her head on Takoda’s shoulder.

  “And I love you. You will be my Treasure always and forever.”

  Thank you for reading!

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  Follow this Pride and Pack Series in book two, His Koko (Coming Soon).

  Authoramandakimberley.com

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  About Amanda Kimberly

  Amanda Kimberley is a Connecticut native that now lives in the warmth of Northern Texas with her zoo consisting of her husky dog, her tuxedo cat, mice, rabbits, a tank of fish, two daughters, and a husband. Her nonfiction blog, which focuses on the chronic disease fibromyalgia, has garnered recognition from various organizations, including Health Magazine. Naming her blog, Fibro and Fabulous, as a top blog for fibro sufferers.

  When Kimberley is not writing nonfiction, she enjoys penning romance. Her first Furry United Coalition story, The Turtle and the Hare garnered her the 2020 Summer Splash Book Awards of Ink and Scratches for Best Romance. When she is not writing you can find her cooking whole foods for her pack. She also enjoys reading, hiking, and gaming.

  Bite Me Antother Day By Zoe Forward

  Copyright © 2021 Zoe Forward

  Edited by Tera Cuskaden and Marci Mathers

  Cover © 2021 Quincy Marin, photo © rdgraphe

  Bite Me Another Day

  There’s a reason vampires don’t do friends with bite benefits.

  One kiss and a bite between friends... now there’s all kinds of awkward, which is a big problem for Ivy Martens. Sure, she and Ty Ferro broke a handful of antiquated vampire society rules when he had his teeth in her neck. Bigger issue is her parents affianced her against her will to someone not Ty. Now there’s a bounty hunter paid to bring her to the unwanted fiancé. The best person to help her out of this mess is Ty.

  Ty wants no one like he wants Ivy, but he slammed on the brakes. He needs her as the friend that helps him handle the darkness his life as a vampire fixer entails. That means not rocking the boat by reenacting the hottest moment of his life, which happened before her parents arranged her to mate someone not him. He must remain cool-headed and detached to keep her alive. But nothing shakes him to his core like her.

  Chapter One

  Ty Ferro’s finger hovered above the green “answer” button on his cell phone. He slowed from a run to a walk and wiped sweat off his forehead. As a vampire fixer, he specialized in resolving other vampires’ interpersonal disasters, like finding lost family members. This call would be about the one mess he hadn’t resolved.

  His own.

  “Hello?” The unleashed German shepherd at Ty’s side slowed as well and glanced up as if sensing his stress. He rubbed Alfie’s head, although the reassurance was more for himself.

  “This is Marcel.”

  “I know.” Your sister is the reason I’m out here running in twenty-four degree weather. What did he learn? That he couldn’t outrun his problems. He’d crossed a line with Ivy. Their friendship had imploded. And now they weren’t speaking. Six weeks…the longest time without speaking in two decades.

  “Did you find Ivy?” Marcel asked.

  Annnd…kaboom!

  He knew where Ivy Martens was. He’d known her location twelve hours after she’d gone “missing” five weeks ago. Had he spoken to her in that time? No. He’d left her three phone messages the day after their interpersonal disaster, which was a week before she’d disappeared. She’d never called back. Not even a text. Pretty clear it’s over message.

  He sure as hell hoped Marcel didn’t know he and Ivy had broken all kinds of vampire rules, that they’d kissed and almost torn each other’s clothes off. Although one of the hottest moments of his life was when his were teeth deep in her neck while she came against his fingers. It’d shattered both of them. And, apparently, it had also obliterated the friendship he’d relied on for more than a quarter century.

  Ty managed to ask in a cool tone, “Am I supposed to be looking for her?”

  “Don’t know if you’re in town, but I’m at Aunt Nana’s across the road from your place in Germany.” It came out Nuh-Nuh since the old German preferred the address.

  Marcel was here in Brandenburg province, an hour from Berlin? Ivy was in town. So was Ty. If Marcel was in the neighborhood then where had Ivy gone? Damn it, now he’d need to track her down again.

  “Ivy’s not here now,” Marcel announced. “She was at some point. I found a half-finished painting she’d been working on, but the paint is dry. We both know she’d never give up her art. Nana’s not here. She’s gone south for the winter, but when I phoned her, she had no idea if Ivy’s been here recently. I can’t rely on her to tell me Ivy’s location since she’s into girl solidarity. I’ve looked everywhere. It’s like she fell off the planet. Why haven’t you located her?”

  “You haven’t hired me to find her,” Ty said. He’d refused many jobs in order to stay near her here in Germany. To protect her in case her arranged fiancé got frustrated and sent someone to retrieve her. His mind whirled through possibilities on where she could’ve gone tonight. He clicked through security images on his watch of Nana’s place in the past few hours. She’d left on foot thirty minutes ago. How could he have been so careless? He should’ve put a camera near her car, which she kept parked about a mile away.

  Marcel said, “I find it hard to believe you don’t know where she is. You and she have been inseparable for years. Hell, you’ve been going on those insane trips several times a year f
or a long time. I can’t believe you went heli-skiing in France last year. And that great white shark dive last summer? Insane. I don’t get why you two would suddenly stop speaking. Why would you stop caring about each other?”

  Ty grunted something incoherent in reply. He’d hated every moment of their radio silence. Too much had happened in the past few weeks—her parents had decided who she was going to marry, and she’d gone on the run to avoid the pronouncement ceremony where she’d be pledged to spend the rest of her life with someone who wasn’t him.

  He’d put his name forward for her and offered her parents well above the standard monetary “donation” for such a pledge. Hugo was Ivy’s choice, her mother had said. Inconceivable. But Ivy hadn’t called to dispel his disbelief and betrayal. Furious, he’d stayed away from her. Sure, it was juvenile to be passive aggressive and not confront her. But he felt he’d tried, and it was her move at this point. He recognized if she’d been so gung-ho about Hugo, she wouldn’t have run.

  Marcel said, “I guess we all grow up eventually, and she’s about to be pronounced… Whatever.”

  Their friendship breaking up and her choosing someone other than him were the most painful and crushing incidents of Ty’s life—more than his parents dying and more than failure on the job—and Marcel blew their relationship off with a whatever? Ty ground his molars.

  “You in town?” Marcel asked. “I’ll stop by, grab a beer or something, if so.”

  “No.” Last thing Ty wanted was a beer with Ivy’s perceptive brother when his mind wasn’t tight on how he felt about her.

  “Her future fiancé went a little nuts. No one knows if she was kidnapped—although there’s been no ransom note—or if she’s just being crazy Ivy and this is her way of her rejecting our parents’ decision. I love her, don’t get me wrong, but she’s always done things to extremes. We’ve held off Hugo as long as possible, but he hired Garian Rigo a week ago bring her home.”