1001 Dark Nights Short Story Anthology 2020

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1001 Dark Nights Short Story Anthology 2020 Page 4

by Fiona Archer


  If the shifter used some kind of paralyzing agent, Magnus couldn’t risk Mina’s safety by going after him alone. Backup was needed. Grabbing his phone, he dialed the number that was listed several times in his recent calls log.

  Arek answered on the third ring. “A little early for breakfast. I haven’t even gone to bed yet.” Loud music played in the background.

  “I need your help,” Magnus bit out. “I’m outside the Museum of Art.” He hung up before Arek wasted time by asking questions.

  Pacing the alley, he again counted seconds. His wolf wanted them to shift so they could go hunting, but without a trail, there was no use. Why had the Russian wolf targeted Mina? She knew something about the shifter world, but he doubted a regular human would be involved in pack politics.

  After five hundred and ninety-two seconds, Arek finally arrived. “I was at a bar on the other side of downtown. They had a really good band—”

  “No time for chit chat,” Magnus growled.

  Arek’s eyes lightened, but he asked in a calm voice, “What happened?”

  Magnus described Mina’s abduction.

  “Russian accent,” Arek said. “That could be one of Novikov’s wolfs.”

  “The second of the New York pack?” Magnus shook his head. “Why would he kidnap Mina?”

  The other shifter sighed. “This is why I am here. Novikov challenged his alpha last year and won. He’s now the commanding alpha of the Eastern Packs, and he has ambitions to expand into the Midwest.”

  “The alpha in charge of the central regions is one of the strongest wolves alive. Novikov can’t defeat him.”

  “With the help of his new wife he can,” Arek answered. “He’s married a dark witch.”

  “Fuck.” Magic fueled by blood sacrifices had rendered him immobile. His former alpha had dabbled in that shit. “Why would he take Mina?” He paced again.

  “Because you were with her.” Arek sat down on one of the couches. “This is what I’ve been trying to talk to you about. Novikov is about to start, if not a war, a major conflict. He’s going to use your woman to pressure you into joining his pack.”

  “And thereby force me to pay him tithing.” Each pack member paid a percentage of their income to the pack. The money was supposedly for expenses like those of the full moon hunt, but some packs purchased weapons and fortifications.

  “Exactly,” Arek answered. “With your wealth and his wife’s skills, he’ll be able to take over a good chunk of the US, if not all of it.”

  Magnus would pay anything to get Mina back, but handing over money to someone that resorted to kidnapping did not give him confidence that they would return her unhurt, or at all. “We have to find them before they leave Denver.” He looked at Arek’s medallion. “Can you use your magic jewelry?”

  The other shifter’s lips stretched into a wry smile. “Don’t tell me you believe those stupid rumors.” He grasped the medallion. “This was my grandfather’s. It works as a focus to tap into the mental connections I have with my pack, but only because it has value to me. It is worth nothing in monetary terms.” He put his hand on Magnus’s arm. “I doubt Novikov’s wolf will drive all the way back to New York. He probably has a private plane waiting somewhere.”

  Magnus walked toward the museum parking lot. “The metropolitan area of Denver has four municipal airports. Five if we count Boulder.” He patted his pockets for the keys to his Tesla Model S. “Centennial is south of here, but all the others are north, so let’s head that way.”

  Suddenly, his wolf gave alert for—not danger exactly—but it insisted on taking over his senses the way it did when they were hunting. Magnus had learned the hard way to pay attention to his wolf, and this was something new. He stopped.

  Arek, who’d been following closely, almost smacked in to him. “What’s going on?”

  “I don’t know. The wolf is trying to tell me something.” He closed his eyes. “It’s like when it has picked up a scent trail, but it is not quite that.”

  “Are you bonded to your woman?” the older wolf asked.

  “She’s not exactly my woman,” Magnus said. “The wolf has decided he wants her, that’s all.” Although he had kissed her. Touched her.

  “Maybe he can find her.”

  Magnus tossed him the key fob. “You drive, and I’ll concentrate on whatever the wolf is trying to tell me.”

  Arek grinned when he saw what car unlocked when he pressed the button. “I’ve always wanted to drive one of these.”

  Magnus’ beast sent images and impressions so quickly he couldn’t keep up. He slid into the passenger seat. The double vision of the road that the Tesla traveled on, and the journey the wolf seemed to be on, made him close his eyes. The beast became more agitated.

  “I’m just heading north on I-25 and hope you’ll tell me if, or when, I have to exit,” Arek said.

  Magnus’ wolf provided scents, sounds, and images through their connection. But it wasn’t anything Magnus could translate into driving directions.

  The wolf told him they’d once chased a bunny across soft grass nearby Mina’s current location, but Magnus had run in wolf form in most of Denver’s urban green areas and the surrounding beautiful wilderness.

  Finally, the beast sent something that made sense. A store that made wooden furniture that smelled like actual trees.

  “They’re heading for Erie Airport.” Magnus gave Arek directions. Thank goodness he’d shopped for a custom-made barn door a few weeks ago.

  The alpha pressed down on the gas pedal, and twenty minutes later, they reached the small municipal airport north of Denver. Dawn lightened the sky in the west as they parked half a mile from the official lot.

  Both of them shifted to wolf. Being fully one with his animal freed something inside Magnus. Feelings not his own flooded his senses.

  Mina’s feelings.

  She was angry—no, furious.

  He took lead as they ran toward a small jet on the runway that looked ready to take off. Sounds of struggle came from inside the plane.

  They were still fifty yards away from the aircraft when a muffled banging erupted, and the door flew open, revealing Mina tumbling to the ground and landing in a controlled tuck-and-roll. She immediately slid into the shadows under the body of the plane.

  The Russian jumped down after her. His feet had barely touched the ground before Magnus tackled him and sank his teeth into the man’s throat.

  Blood splattered the side of the plane as he tore open a carotid artery, but he didn’t care. It was a just killing.

  The man had taken his Mina. He struggled to not completely lose himself to the wolf’s blood lust. During the full moon hunt, he let the wolf celebrate the takedown of prey by feasting on the meat. But this was not venison.

  He struggled to control the beast. It protested, so Magnus sent it an image of Mina.

  Protect your mate.

  The wolf immediately stood down and looked for her.

  Mina appeared from underneath the plane and crouched on the ground, one hand stretched out toward them.

  “It’s okay,” she said. “I’m fine. You can shift back now.” She looked cautiously toward Arek, who stood to the side, intently focused on Mina. “I’m just going to trust that this is a buddy of yours.” She slid closer to Magnus. In his wolf form, he was the size of a small pony. “You’re beautiful.” She touched the fur on his neck. “You saved me.”

  A feeling of peace flooded his senses as her fingers brushed his pelt and he changed back to his human form. He buried his nose in her hair. Her scent calmed him further. “Trust me. Just a little.”

  She sighed. “How can I not?”

  Mine, his wolf growled.

  Ours, Magnus corrected, and the beast reluctantly agreed.

  Epilogue

  Six months later.

  Mina closed her laptop and stretched to work out the kinks in her neck. She’d just emailed her report to another satisfied client. Setting out on her own had been hard at first,
but Arek had been an enormous help. He ran a physical security firm—as opposed to Magnus’ software security—and Mina’s investigative skills had proven themselves a great asset to his business. She helped vet clients and also to track down adversaries that could be the threat that caused some of them to hire Arek in the first place.

  She walked out of the spare bedroom that served as her office. The floor-to-ceiling windows facing west showed brilliant blue sky over the snowcapped Rocky Mountains. She’d feel bad about living in this luxurious abode on the top floor of the Four Seasons Private Residences, but her new business earned well, and she liked the secure location. It would be hard for stray wolves, even with the help of dark magic, to reach them here.

  Her working with Arek had given Magnus a “consultant to the Pacific Packs” status. He was not a full member, but the ties were close enough to where other alphas had stopped pursuing him.

  And she’d come to terms with dating a wolf and working with wolves. Her ex hadn’t been a jealous possessive jerk because he was a shifter. He’d been a regular controlling asshole who happened to hide a wolf inside.

  “There you are,” Magnus said when she reached the living room. He rose from one of the cream-colored couches. His hair stood up on end as if he’d run his fingers through it.

  “Is something wrong?”

  He took a step toward her but then stopped. Retrieving a small box from his pocket, he kneeled down on one knee. “Mina, marry me.” As usual, he made a demand out of what should be a question.

  She stared down into the opened box. A big Asscher cut canary diamond surrounded by smaller round-cut white diamonds sparkled in the sunlight. “It’s the color of your wolf’s eyes.”

  “That’s not an answer.”

  “There was a question?” She placed the exquisite ring on her finger and stretched her arm out. “It reminds me of a daisy.”

  “Mina,” her fiancé growled.

  “Yes,” she said and leaned down to kiss her wolf.

  Copyright 2020 Asa Maria Bradley

  About Asa Maria Bradley

  Thank you for reading! I hope you enjoyed Magnus and Mina’s story, the kick-off to my new Norse Billionaire Shifters series.

  Arek’s story, A WOLF’S HUNGER, is the first full-length novel of the series and it releases January 2021. Preorder/Order here: https://www.asamariabradley.com/a-wolfs-hunger/.

  While you wait for that, perhaps I can tempt you with some paranormal romance about sexy modern-day immortal Vikings and Valkyries? Or maybe you’re in the mood for action-filled urban fantasy about a forensic artist who was hit by lightning and gained some unusual powers?

  You’ll find the books in my Viking Warriors and Power of Lightning series here: https://www.asamariabradley.com/books/.

  Join my mailing list for release news, exclusive content, giveaways, and other extras: https://www.asamariabradley.com/newsletter/.

  -Asa

  * * * *

  Amazon Bestselling Author Asa Maria Bradley grew up in Sweden surrounded by archaeology and history steeped in Norse mythology, which inspired her sexy Viking Warriors and Norse Billionaire Shifters paranormal romance series. She also writes urban fantasy about empowered heroines who kick ass while saving the world.

  Booklist attributes her writing with “nonstop action, satisfying romantic encounters, and intriguing world building” and Entertainment Weekly says “when it comes to paranormal romance with explosive action scenes, Bradley has that nailed.” Her work has received the honors of a double nomination for the Romance Writers of America’s RITA contest, a Reviewers’ Choice Award nomination, a Holt Medallion win, and a Booksellers’ Best Award win.

  Asa came to the United States as a high school exchange student and quickly fell in love with ranch dressing and crime TV dramas of all flavors, two addictions she unfortunately still struggles with. Currently, she lives on a lake deep in the forest of the Pacific Northwest with a British husband and a rescue dog of indeterminate breed. Sadly, neither of them obeys any of her commands.

  Connect with Asa at https://www.asamariabradley.com/, which is also where you can find her various social media links.

  Our Love

  by

  Blue Saffire

  Chapter One

  Hudson

  I can’t breathe. I’m standing at the alter and my chest is so tight I question if I’m having a heart attack. What if our love isn’t strong enough to bring her down that aisle to me? I’ll be devastated, to say the least.

  “Relax, bro, she’s coming,” my cousin Eric says at my side.

  “I’m not so sure about that. Last night was brutal.”

  “You two have been through worse. She loves you. She’ll be here.”

  I nod at his reassurance. I’m glad he’s convinced. Cierra was so pissed off last night I don’t know if I can be my usual confident self.

  “Hey,” my brother says. “Eric is right. Forget about last night. You stood up for your woman like you should. That alone is going to bring her down that aisle.”

  “Things went too far,” I say tightly.

  “And like Mark said, you handled your business like a man. She’ll be here,” Eric reaffirms.

  I nod, still wishing I had half of their confidence in me. Although I know I’m not to blame for what happened, marrying me means it could happen again. That’s what has me on edge and questioning whether my future is slipping through my fingers.

  “Oh no,” Mark groans.

  I look up and a face so similar to the one I love comes into view. Ivory, Cierra’s sister, is headed our way. Her brown eyes are filled with worry. Her pretty brown face covered in determination.

  My stomach sinks. I can’t lose Cierra. Our differences have never mattered to me. From the first day we met, I knew she was the one.

  “Hudson, I need you to come with me,” Ivory says, almost out of breath.

  “What is it?”

  “She’s having a panic attack, and you’re the only one who can get her to calm down. Hurry,” she replies before turning to head back the way she came.

  I suck in a breath but follow her as my heart pounds. I glare at the two parties responsible for all of this, daring them to show their behinds at my wedding. With the shake of my head, I hurry forward to my fiancée, ignoring everyone else for now.

  “I’m going to get her to the door. You stay out here,” Ivory says.

  “Wait, I need—”

  “You can’t come in here, it’s bad luck. We only need you to calm her down. That’s all.”

  I tighten my jaw but nod. Opening the door just enough to slip inside, Ivory rushes into the room. I can hear Cierra hyperventilating through the door.

  “Baby,” I call out. “Listen to me, baby. I need you to breathe for me, sweetheart.”

  “Hudson… I… can’t do this,” she pants.

  “Baby, don’t kill me like this. Remember why we’re here. Why me and you are here.”

  “I’m trying… I… I am, but after all—”

  “Forget all of that.” I unbutton my tux jacket and turn my back to the door, sliding to the floor. “Every moment that has shaped me as a man has been spent with you. I’ve been playing each of them through my mind this week. Remembering how lucky I am.”

  From the rustling on the other side of the door, I get the feeling she has taken a seat as well. When she speaks again, I know she has. “Tell me about them, show me us through your eyes,” she murmurs.

  “If that’s what you need, baby. Here we go.”

  Chapter Two

  Four years ago…

  “Thanks,” I say as I pay for the paper I have no intentions of reading.

  One more reason to delay my arrival at the office. I have every intention of being late for this meeting. Not that I want to be there at all. I’ve never wanted to work for the family business in the first place.

  My family reeks of old money, and they don’t make any qualms about it. I, on the other hand, have always wanted to make m
y own way in the world, which is why I could care less about getting to the office on time. In fact, I think I’ll have some ice cream.

  With a smile on my lips, I turn into the fancy-looking ice cream parlor at the corner of the block. There isn’t as much of a crowd as I would like, but it will still slow me down from getting to my destination on time. That’s when I hear it.

  The most beautiful laugh I’ve ever heard. I turn to find a gorgeous woman is the owner. Her head is tilted to the side as she reveals a brilliant white smile. Her brown skin glows as her eyes sparkle. She has her hair in tiny little braids that are piled onto the top of her head in a bun.

  The blue sheath dress she has on speaks to the curves the fabric so lovingly hugs. Goddess comes to mind. My cheeks warm when her brown eyes lock with my gray ones.

  Not able to resist, I smile at her and saunter over to where she and another woman stand. From the way she allows her gaze to travel over me, I know I have this one in the bag. Tailored suits are good for something.

  “You have a stunning laugh,” I say, stopping before her.

  She lifts a brow, turning that gorgeous smile on me. “Thank you.”

  “And who might you be?” Her friend says.

  “Ivory,” the woman I can’t take my eyes off of hisses.

  “I’m her future, but you can call me Hudson,” I reply.

  “Well, damn, Cierra. I think you’ve just been corrected. There may actually be a man who can handle you in this lifetime,” Ivory says with a cheeky grin.

  “Cierra.” I test the name on my lips. “Handle…with care. Cherish and devour as well. So tell me, Cierra. When shall we have our first date?”

 

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