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

by C. D. Gorri

  It was dark when Maverick carried his mate from the SUV to the house. The entire pride was there making a path for him as they were on their knees praying and crying for their alpha’s mate. She was sedated, but Cohen, their healer, assured him she would be waking soon. He held his tears back as he walked, turning for his quarters and taking the stairs as fast as he could without jarring her.

  He’d been nuzzling her face to stop the burning she was probably feeling from her cougar’s fight with the wolves. Just the thought of her being in the presence of those rogues sent fury through his veins. He wasn’t there to protect her, but from what his Guardians had reported, she didn’t need saving. They’d felt her powers and her push of magic when they were cornered. Vance said it’d felt like Maverick himself had been there to give the order to fight and kill the wolves.

  She took on an alpha…a rogue alpha!

  He put Sora in the bed and climbed in beside her after he’d removing their clothes. He covered her body with his own and prayed it took the pain away from touching those males. His animal was insistent that he rub his scent on her, marking her again. As he nuzzled her neck and the mating mark he’d put on her skin only days before, he felt her stir.

  “It’s okay, my love,” he cooed. “I’m here. I’ve got you, Sora. You’re home.”

  “Maverick?” She mumbled and fell back asleep. The sedative was finally wearing off, and he wanted to see her beautiful icy blue eyes on him again. He had to make sure she was healed from any damage the fight might’ve caused. Levi said she’d taken a hit to the ribs, and he hoped none of them had broken during the fight. Her shoulder had healed already from the bite the alpha got in on her, too.

  “I love you, Sora, and I need you to wake up…please,” he begged, rocking her body gently. Gods, he was in distress, and his pride felt it. He could feel their worry on top of his, and he was drowning in it. He couldn’t stop his feelings from projecting to them, but he could send out calm. He tried, but it didn’t do much good. Everyone was worried for their alpha’s mate.

  “Mav?” she mumbled again, but this time her voice was clearer. He leaned back slightly and watched as her eyelids fluttered. “Maverick?”

  “It’s me, love,” he promised, kissing her lips. “Wake up for me. I need to know where you have pain.”

  “My side,” she yawned. “Bruised.”

  “It should go away soon,” he advised. “You probably broke some ribs, and they are healed. You’re just feeling the last of the process.”

  “How long have I been home?” Her voice was clearer and her eyes were finally opening. She glanced up at him and he was lost in her gaze.

  “Not long,” he replied. “You scared a hundred years off my life, Sora.”

  “Something strange happened.” She shook her head and that little “v” formed between her eyes. “I felt power…magic.”

  “You’re an alpha like me,” he reminded her. The fear of the fight must’ve brought her suppressed powers from wherever they’d been hiding in her mind.

  “Gran!” she gasped, tightening her fingers on his forearm. “Where is she?”

  “She was downstairs when I brought you home,” he assured her. “Everything and everyone are fine, thanks to you.”

  “I couldn’t let those wolves take over my old home even as much as I hated being there,” she told him, finally shaking off the effects of the drugs in her system. “I need to see her.”

  “You need to gather yourself first,” he warned her. “You’ve had quite a trauma to your body, and your powers have surged. The pride can feel you now. We are connected and because of that, you are connected to them.”

  “They can feel me?” she asked, her eyes wide.

  “Can’t you feel them?” he asked, but continued when she frowned. “Relax, find your powers again, but slowly. Close your eyes, Sora. Do you feel their love for you?”

  She did as she was told and it wasn’t long before a soft smile tugged at the corner of her lips. “Wow.”

  “They love you,” he reminded her, cupping her face. “I love you, Sora.”

  “Oh, Maverick,” she sighed. “I love you, too. Leaving you hurt.”

  “Knowing you were gone made my days too long, and then Levi called out to me when he scented wolves on your land. I tried calling your cell, but you wouldn’t answer. I died a million deaths waiting for word that you were okay. Then, I get the call about the fight and what happened with your powers. I didn’t know if I should be angry as hell that you jumped into a fight with rogue wolves or fucking proud as hell that you found your calling in life.”

  “Don’t be mad,” she begged, pushing him over to his back. Her mating scent mingled with his own as she kissed him. “I’ve had training to fight. Well, it was behind my father’s back with other females from my pride, but I knew how to handle myself.”

  “From the news I heard, you’re a badass,” he teased and cupped her face again as she hovered over him. “Don’t ever do that to me again, Sora.”

  “I don’t ever plan on leaving you again,” she vowed. “I’m taking the insurance money and leaving the sale of what’s left of the property up to the realtor. We can do everything over the phone.”

  “I agree.” He nodded and kissed her again. “Do you want some food? I have meals ready.”

  “I am starving,” she admitted, covering her stomach. “After we eat, I guess I should see everyone.”

  “You can do that whenever you are ready,” he advised. “I’d prefer if you stay here with me, but I know this is important to everyone. Your pride needs to know that you are okay, and then we can spend some time alone.”

  Maverick waited for her to get comfortable in the bed, hurrying to his small kitchen to make her a meal. He watched her while she ate, and they talked more about her land. He was relieved to know she was finally accepting her new status. His mate had been through enough over her lifetime, but all of those events led her right to him.

  They lounged for a bit longer and finally showered and dressed to greet the pride. Sora’s grandmother was the first one to embrace her. They whispered to each other, and he didn’t want to eavesdrop, so he stepped aside while they talked. There were a few tears shed, but her grandmother was happy everything worked out for them both.

  The Guardians put their hands over their hearts and patted their chest as a sign of respect and the vow to follow her into any battle…just as they’d done with him when they were assigned to their places as protectors of the Quinn pride.

  The females doted over her, and she moved about the living room and kitchen, making sure she spoke with everyone in the pride. His house was full, but so was his heart. Sora was going to make an amazing alpha and mate. Together, they would rule their pride until the afterlife called for them.

  She returned to his side a little later and wrapped her arms around his waist. “Thank you for everything. If you hadn’t taken us in, I don’t want to think about what would’ve happened to my Gran and myself.”

  “We won’t think of that, because fate has put us together, Sora,” he reminded her. “Are you ready to learn about your new alpha powers?”

  “Yes,” she agreed, smiling up at him with all of the trust and love in the world. “I’m ready to learn.”

  Thank you for reading!

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  If you enjoyed this check out Talon, Rise of the Pride Book 1

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  About Theresa Hissong

  Theresa Hissong is the bestselling author of the Rise of the Pride series. She writes paranormal romance, rockstar romance, and romantic suspense.

  She enjoys spending her days and nights creating the perfect love affair, and she takes those ideas to paper. When she’s not writing, Theresa spends her free time traveling and attending concerts all over the United States.

  Look for other exciting reads…coming very soon!

  Garridan’s Mate by Rebecca Hefner

  (Etherya’s Earth #6.5)

  Copyright © 2021 by Rebecca Hefner.

  Cover Design: Anthony O'Brien, BookCoverDesign.store

  Editor/Proofreader: Bryony Leah, www.bryonyleah.com

  Dedication

  To Gina Kincade, C. D. Gorri, and the other amazing authors in this anthology. I’m honored and thrilled to be included in this journey with you!

  Acknowledgments

  Thanks to Bryony Leah for the amazing editing and proofreading as always. Thanks to Anthony O’Brien for continuing to produce fantastic covers for all my books.

  Garridan's Mate

  Book #6.5 in the Etherya’s Earth series

  General Garridan has lived for centuries without a bonded mate. Born an aristocrat, he chose to forgo his family’s wealth and privilege to fight in the Vampyre immortal army. After the centuries-long War of the Species ended, a new foe emerged, reaffirming his vow to protect his people. Although his father wants him to bond with an aristocrat and settle down, Garridan only has eyes for one woman.

  Siora is a natural warrior. When the immortal army finally allows women to join, she pledges to become the first battalion leader as conflict consumes the realm. Once they defeat Bakari, she can settle into a security role at Lynia and help her father at his farm. Dreams of the amber-eyed Vampyre who relentlessly pushes her during training have no place in her world, even if the general is the only man who’s ever made her long for a bonded mate.

  Consumed by her skill and effort, along with her inherent natural beauty, Garridan offers to help Siora secure a leadership position as they near the final battle. Although she swears they have no future, Garridan finds himself longing to claim the stubborn woman as his mate, no matter the cost. Can two warriors from different paths find love amid their blazing desire, or will fear douse their spark before it’s barely begun to burn?

  Chapter One

  Garridan, son of Astaroth, stood atop the grassy hill observing the field below. Thick arms crossed over his chest as his eyes narrowed. Several soldiers in the vast immortal army were competing to become squadron leaders in the final battle against Bakari. The long-lost Vampyre royal sibling had a massive army of his own and was intent on defeating them so he could rule in perpetuity. Garridan was determined to prevent that at all costs.

  “How’s the competition going?” a deep baritone asked.

  “Excellent, Commander,” Garridan said with a nod. “Radomir and Cian have won the majority of the physical contests as expected, with Siora close behind. The three of them excelled at the obstacle courses, the written leadership exam, and the hand-to-hand fights, although Cian did get a nasty black eye that took two hours to heal even with his self-healing abilities.”

  “You can call me Latimus, you know?” the commander said, arching a brow under his black hair, slicked back into a tiny tail secured by a leather strap. “We’ve fought together since the Awakening. Although we’re both technically aristocrats, you know I hate the formal shit.”

  Garridan smiled into his friend’s ice-blue eyes. “You’re the son of King Markdor and Queen Calla and second in line to the throne. I think you’re a tad more aristocratic than me, but I see your point.”

  “Tordor is second in line to the throne,” Latimus said with a firm nod. “Thank the goddess my brother did his kingly duty and sired an heir.”

  “Do you think they will have another? Tordor is no longer a child. Perhaps they both long for more children.”

  “Perhaps.” Latimus’s eyebrows drew together as he stared across the sparring field. “Miranda’s pregnancy was extremely difficult since Tordor was the first ever Vampyre-Slayer hybrid. She almost died in childbirth, and Sathan is hesitant to put her in danger. But”—he held up a finger—“Miranda wears the pants, so if she says she wants another child, Sathan will have her knocked up before the next sunrise.”

  “Said by a man desperately in love with his own bonded.”

  Latimus’s lips twitched. “Indeed. I don’t even try to deny it anymore. Lila has me in the palm of her hand. I just do what I’m told and try to be the best bonded mate and father so she’ll let me keep kissing her. So far, it’s working.”

  Chuckling, Garridan patted Latimus on the shoulder. “Our great and powerful commander, reduced to the whim of a pretty Vampyre aristocrat.”

  “One with a generous soul and selfless spirit,” he said wistfully. “I’ll never deserve her, but that’s never seemed to bother her. I’m one lucky bastard.” Facing Garridan, he asked, “And what of you? I heard rumors you were contemplating asking Celine to bond with you.”

  Garridan grimaced. “Did you happen to hear that from Father? He’s been hounding me to settle down for centuries. Aristocrats rarely become soldiers, but I always felt a calling to fight, even when I was young. Since I’m second-born and my brother performs our formal duties, Father let me train. I think your position as commander was helpful in that decision.”

  “I’m thankful he allowed you to join the army. You’re one of my most cunning and loyal soldiers.”

  “And I’m pretty good at combat, I think?” he joked, rubbing his chin.

  Latimus breathed a laugh. “You are. We’ve fought so many skirmishes side by side. Thank the goddess the War of the Species ended and we vanquished Crimeous. Once Bakari is defeated, we will hopefully secure peace for the immortal world. Do you wish to wait to settle down until our conflict with him is over?”

  Garridan kicked the ground with the toe of his black boot and shook his head. “I’m not in love with Celine,” he said softly. “She is a wonderful female and should bond with someone who can love her in all the ways she deserves.”

  Latimus’s brows lifted. “I see. Does this mean you’re in love with someone else?”

  Pursing his lips, Garridan gazed over the broad field, his eyes landing on the woman who consumed his every thought. She was sparring with Cian, expertly wielding her sword as the much larger male attempted to fight her off. White fangs glinted in the sun as she sliced and swung the weapon through the air, the metal clanking each time it connected with her opponent’s sword.

  Garridan had no rhyme or reason for his uncontrollable desire for her. By all accounts, they were opposites in every way. He, the second-born of wealthy Vampyre aristocrats from the sprawling compound of Valeria. She, a feisty lowborn female from a farming village on the outskirts of the laborer compound, Lynia. Her firm, curvy body and broad shoulders were perfect for carrying the bales of corn her father harvested from the fields that surrounded her small family home. She’d told him of it once, when they’d had a small moment of reprieve—and when she’d somehow forgotten, if only for a short time, that she detested him.

  “Ah,” Latimus said, slowly nodding. “I see.”

  “It is nothing,” Garridan said, straightening his spine. “Siora is just another soldier to me.”

  Silence stretched between them before Latimus cupped his shoulder. “My friend, you are a terrible liar.”

  He scoffed and elicited a sigh. “Siora seems to think I’m a misogynistic snob who doesn’t believe women deserve a place in our army.”

  “That’s not even close to true,” Latimus said, bristling. “You were one of the first to support allowing females to join the combat troops. Where did she obtain that notion?”

  “She is a talented soldier, and I push her. She finished a clear and resounding third pl
ace in all the physical trials we’ve held over the past week and finished first on the written exam. There is no doubt she will secure one of the squadron leader positions.”

  “Our first female squadron leader,” Latimus said, reverence in his tone. “My mother would be proud.”

  “Yes. Siora thinks I single her out because she is a woman, but that isn’t true. She has the potential to become a multi-squadron lieutenant one day, and I push her because I want her to excel. But she’s exceedingly stubborn and often antagonistic, which I see as her greatest drawback.”

  “Perhaps she is antagonistic because she desires you as well.”

  “I never said I desire her,” Garridan muttered.

  Latimus gave him a droll look. “You didn’t have to.”

  Sighing, Garridan rubbed his hand over his face. “Desire has no place in our army or the conflict with Bakari. I will train her and help her succeed, and then she will become squadron leader. That is my main focus. I’m tired of being consumed by war and wish for our people to live in peace.”

  “As do I, my friend. Hopefully, it will happen in the upcoming battle. I’m going to join the troops in their sparring session. Want to join me?”

  “I’ll stay here and continue observing. I’ll record my notes this evening before heading home. We should be able to announce the new battalion leaders next week.”

  “Fantastic,” Latimus said, fangs flashing as he gave a salute and began trudging down the hill.

  “Don’t let Cian kick your ass again!” Garridan teased, chuckling when Latimus lifted his fist and extended his middle finger as he trailed toward the troops.

  Glancing at Siora again, he noticed she had knocked the weapon from her sparring partner’s hand and now held the tip of her sword against his neck, waiting for him to call mercy. Damn, she was fierce. Tamping down his admiration, he reminded himself he needed to focus on observing all the soldiers, not just the one who always drew his gaze with her masterful skill, gorgeous body, and piercing ice-blue gaze.