Final Cut, Miami-- Come, Go With Me by Belinda McBride

Final Cut Miami: Come, Go with Me

by Belinda McBride Cover art: Bryan Keller

ISBN: 978-1-60521-696-6

Genre(s): Paranormal, Urban Fantasy

Theme(s): Shapeshifters, Magic, Gay and Lesbian

Series: Final Cut Miami

Length: Novella

Page Count: 64

http://changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=1687

Blurb:
One impossible night, two young men made love in a magical Caribbean bay, only to be separated by a violent storm. Decades later Dave Riley still remembers and grieves for a love long lost. Forever drawn to the ocean, he never stops looking for the boy named Kai.
Kai is the descendant of a powerful Polynesian deity. His nomadic life was disrupted when he became infatuated by a young human... one who slipped through his fingers and into the darkness of a tropical storm. He should have been able to move on, but Kai's heart is no longer free.
A good deed and some well-intentioned magic reunite the couple. After so many years apart, can an aging surfer and an immortal demi-god find anything other than heartbreak? 

Excerpt:
Final Cut Miami: Come, Go with Me
Belinda McBride
All rights reserved.
Copyright ©2011 Belinda McBride

This e-book file contains sexually explicit scenes and adult language which some may find offensive and which is not appropriate for a young audience. Changeling Press E-Books are for sale to adults, only, as defined by the laws of the country in which you made your purchase. Please store your files wisely, where they cannot be accessed by under-aged readers.


Riley lay on the mesh sundeck that stretched between the pontoons, staring down into the water of Stardust Bay. His father had already retired for the night, heading off to bed with a can of beer and Hemingway in hand. It was off-season, summer, and the end of Riley's year of freedom before college. He'd spent a lifetime on the water with his dad, and true to form, the old man had saved this amazing trip for last.
The bay had been beautiful in the daylight, but as it grew dark, the water became alive around them. Billions of tiny, photoluminescent plankton lit the water with the slightest touch. Fish glided along in eerie schools and the edges of the Melody's pontoons glowed. Riley slipped his hand down into the gap between the deck and pontoon, grinning as his fingers made a bluish-green trail in the water.
Deep down, a shape began to form. It glowed, leaving a line that lit briefly, and then went dark. He swallowed. It had to be something big, a dolphin or a large fish of some sort. As the light approached, it went deep, vanishing under the boat. Riley scrambled to his feet, crossing to port, but the light didn't emerge from that side. He heard water slapping against the pontoons and slowly, reluctantly, turned back to the sundeck. Nothing was there, but still, his heart didn't slow. He stepped from the slick deck of the boat to the nylon netting and knelt, peering over the edge. At first, there was nothing. He pillowed his head on his arms and slowly relaxed. It had simply been a fish.
The lapping of the water against the pontoons began to carry him off, and deliberately, Riley thought of Sasha, the pretty blonde girl he'd met back on St. Thomas. She'd been on vacation with her family, and before they'd set off for Miami, he and the girl had snuck off to a sheltered beach, having sex under the full moon.
His cock grew hard with the memory, and Riley ground his hips into the flexible netting, enjoying the memory of that night. With his eyes closed, he replayed the evening: the taste of beer on her breath, the taste of her pussy against his mouth. They'd spent hours doing everything in their limited repertoire, and had ended up sweaty and sticky, swimming away the sand in the warm, gentle water.
He rolled onto his back and opened his board shorts, clasping himself, lazily stroking, fueling his arousal. There'd be girls like her in college, girls who were willing and as curious as he. He stared up at the stars in the sky and imagined her face, but he couldn't remember it that well. Instead, he saw sea green eyes and tumbling dark hair.
It was Kai, the young man he'd run into dozens of times over the past year. He was a bit older than Riley, handsome, and the best surfer he'd ever met. They'd talked for hours about the waves in Hawaii, California and Tahiti. He'd taught Riley to windsurf, and Riley'd taught him about classic surfer music. Riley had learned something else about himself. His cock didn't discriminate. It liked the idea of Kai just as much as Sasha. Maybe more. Oddly, it didn't freak him out. So his fantasy shifted from a blonde girl to a dark haired boy, and his dick didn't mind at all.
Beneath him there was a slight splash and Riley went still. He should be afraid, he knew that. Out here in the middle of nowhere, it could be a pirate. Even in this day and age, they were still about, stealing everything from cameras and jewelry to yachts. Or it could be... no. He should get off the mesh deck and up to safety, but maybe safe wasn't what he wanted. His throat went dry and oddly enough, his cock stayed hard.
"Riley." The voice was odd, accented. He'd met people from every corner of the world, but he still didn't recognize the accent.
"Riley."
His heart started pumping, and he didn't bother to fasten his shorts. The stars above grew blurry past the tears in his eyes. Kai had finally come to him. It was crazy as hell, but here he was. Riley had never wanted a guy before, and now... he was scared.
"Riley."
Third time was always the charm. He dragged a deep breath into his lungs and tucked his erection back into his pants, sealing the Velcro closure. Slowly, carefully, he rolled back to his belly, peering into the water.
The water glowed around the young manís form. The moon shone down on his face. There was just enough light to tell Riley that Kai was even more beautiful -- too oddly lovely to be human, yet he had a face, hair, and arms like anyone else. Granted, his eyes were large and languid, the face almost fey in its beauty. His wet hair waved into spirals down his neck and shoulders, drifting out to halo around his body. He'd never before noticed it was that long.
Kai was naked, and Riley continued to look, following the lithe, muscular torso to where his hips and legs faded into darkness. The young man smiled and hooked his fingers into the rope that lashed the net deck to the pontoons. He kicked and rose higher, lighting the water around his... tail. Riley pressed his eyes closed and opened them again. The boy was almost to the deck, and Riley drew back, torn between fear and fascination. When Kai smiled, he smiled back.
"Riley, come, go with me..."

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Final Cut Miami: Voodoo You Love? by Belinda McBride

Final Cut Miami: Voodoo You Love?

by Belinda McBride Cover art: Bryan Keller

ISBN: 978-1-60521-662-1

Genre(s): Paranormal, Action Adventure/ Suspense, Humor & Satire, Urban Fantasy, BDSM

Theme(s): Shapeshifters, Magic

Series: Final Cut Miami

Length: Novella

http://changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=1641

Blurb:
Hired by Jedidiah Wormwood Worth to locate a missing lawyer, former model Antonio Silva heads to Miami to begin his career as a PI. Instead of finding Chloe o' Shea, he stumbles upon a ditzy surfer named Coco in the local paranormal bar. To his dismay, this odd woman with dreadlocks proves to be everything he needs, but nothing he wants.
Coco is a Siberian shifter, but she's lost her inner animal. Heck, she just might have lost her mind as well, because one day she was living in a condo and driving a sports car, the next she's camping out in a boathouse, teaching tourists how to kite board. Now, a big, scary shifter in a designer suit is tailing her every move, claiming to be her mate. And every time she turns around, he's trying to paddle her ass!
Antonio would just like to finish his job and get out of town. Coco would like to get a comb through her hair. Unfortunately, true love is something you can't escape, even if it seems all wrong.
Excerpt:
Final Cut Miami: Voodoo You Love?
Belinda McBride
All rights reserved.
Copyright ©2011 Belinda McBride

This e-book file contains sexually explicit scenes and adult language which some may find offensive and which is not appropriate for a young audience. Changeling Press E-Books are for sale to adults, only, as defined by the laws of the country in which you made your purchase. Please store your files wisely, where they cannot be accessed by under-aged readers.


Round wooden tables dotted the room but the space was dominated by a spectacular bar. Shelf upon shelf of bottles rose in majesty behind the hustling bartender. The bar itself was made of gleaming wood and surrounded by tall stools with low backs. Off to the right, a despondent demon sat facing a beer; a giant shifter of some sort watched him suspiciously. No doubt the oversize chrome dome was the resident bouncer.
Various patrons scattered through the bar, some drinking in solitude, others clustered together in small, chatty groups. A woman caught his eye. She was dark skinned and mysterious, and gave off the vibe of a talented human rather than a paranormal. She had an array of cards before her, studying them carefully. She sat in profile to him, her head bowed. For a moment, he thought he knew her.
Laughter spread through the room, distracting him from the human. Off at the end of the bar, a dreadlocked beach bunny spun in circles on her stool, first one direction, and then the other. He narrowed his eyes. If he wasn't mistaken, she had no business being here at all. Her humanity radiated from her tanned skin. Not a whisper of talent shimmered in her aura. She whooped, losing her balance, and the stool teetered precariously.
"Coco, you're gonna fall!" The bartender looked more amused than annoyed. But then it was difficult to be annoyed when a tiny blonde bombshell was happily wasting her afternoon putting on a show for hungry -- and horny -- clientele. More than one avaricious gaze was locked on her curvy body.
She seemed pretty ordinary to Antonio, who regretfully ruled her out of his search. He chose a spot at the bar where he was unlikely to be overheard and dropped a bill on the gleaming wood.
"What'll it be?" The bartender was decent enough to look at: fit, handsome and clueless. Another human. Antonio bit back a smile. The economic crash had resulted in some unusual changes in Miami real estate.
"Rum and cola. And information." He pushed the photograph forward, his PI credentials on top of it. The guy seemed pretty straight up, like he was former law enforcement or something. He wiped his hands and peered at the photo, frowning. He picked up the ID and compared the photo to Antonio, then looked at the photo of the woman.
"She's familiar. What's this, a skip trace?"
"No, missing person. I'm doing the case as a favor to her brother. He lives overseas and hasn't heard from his little sister for a while." It didn't hurt to play the family card. If the guy knew anything, he might hold back if he thought someone meant her harm. Sure enough, the bartender gave Antonio the once over.
"South American?"
"Brazilian by birth, American by citizenship." Antonio smiled blandly. He nodded at the photo. "Look again. Maybe she's been in here?" He briefly wondered what would happen if he cued the bartender off to the fact that his bar was filled with characters from his nightmares. The chaos would be fun, but more in the style of Jedidiah, or even Jasper. Antonio had a bit more class.
"Wheeeee!"
The girl spun and Antonio gazed at her appreciatively. She was tanned and buff, wearing knee-length board shorts, a bikini top, and mismatched flip-flops. She'd probably dropped a little too much acid at some point. She giggled, grabbed her drink, knocking it back in one gulp, then slipped down onto the stool, lying back, her dreads nearly touching the floor.
"Sam! Refill!" She dug into a pocket and waved a crumpled bill in the air. Even from where he sat, Antonio caught the smell of fish and seawater on the filthy paper. It looked like she'd gotten lucky.
"Just a minute, darlin'!" He glanced up at Antonio and winked. "Coco's on soda and lime. I don't think she has a clue she's not wasted!" He pushed the photo back. "You know, she's got a look, but I can't place it. Any distinguishing marks? Tattoos, that sort of thing?"
Antonio opened the file and scanned Jasper's notes. Nothing, not even a scar or pierced ears. He frowned over the basic profile. Under eye color, Jasper had noted, Two. A joke? But then, Jasper himself had one eye that was a whirl of blue and amber. He pulled a pen from his pocket and made a question mark next to the description. They looked perfectly normal in the picture.
"What makes you think she might be around here?" Sam the bartender turned away, busying himself with wiping down the bar. "She's local?"
"Yeah, from Lauderdale, and this is the sort of place she might be drawn to if she's here in Miami."
"A sports bar?" Sam looked skeptical.
"Sports bar! Sports bar!" Sam hunched his shoulders at the loud squawking of a parrot a few feet away. "Shut up, Polly!"
The big bouncer growled.
The parrot began flapping its wings and howling like a dog. Antonio raised a single brow. Maybe the bird knew something.
"Hush!" Sam shouted.
The parrot squawked once again, and the girl slid off the stool, landing on the floor with a crash.
"I'm all right!" She rose to her knees, pushing away the helping hands of the enormous bouncer. "Floor came to meet me little too fast." She pushed back a matted clump of hair, giving the room a beaming smile.
Antonio shivered. She was gorgeous. Not the perfect, polished beauty of Miami and its hordes of models and trophy companions, but a gleaming, beaming ray of sun. Little glass beads studded strands of her hair. Her wide smile displayed straight, white teeth; there was a tiny gap right there in the middle. Her honey-colored skin was bare of make-up, her eyes -- the one he could see was as blue as the ocean. Before he could see the rest of her face, she untangled a crooked pair of sunglasses from her mop of hair and perched them on her straight little nose.
She stood unsteadily, bracing on the back of the stool for balance. Clearly, she was looped out of her brain and Antonio shot a look at Sam, who simply shrugged. She smelled only of sunshine, citrus and herself. There wasn't a tinge of alcohol on her.
Something else then.
"I'm outta here. Later, gaters!" She wiggled her fingers, tripped over her own flip-flop and caught herself on Antonio's arm. She squeezed it, fingers probing his bicep.
"Nice." She looked up at him. "Model?"
"Not anymore," he admitted. Not many people would get that much of an admission from him. Modeling hadn't been the most brilliant part of his history.
"Pretty man. Big. Fae or shifter?"
Oh. Shit. He looked at Sam, who'd returned to his sink and was rinsing glasses. He grinned at Antonio, shook his head and slowly circled a finger at his temple, indicating that little Coco wasn't quite right in the head. Antonio then caught the ominous gaze of the bouncer. He gave nothing away. Antonio swallowed. The big man was bruin -- a bear shifter. Poor Sam had no clue.
"I'm a Siberian," he whispered in her ear. She went perfectly still. Her glasses hid her eyes, so he couldn't see her expression.
"Really?"
He nodded. He stood perfectly still while she looked him over from head to toe.
"Liar." She grinned at him. Even though the smile was forced, the most kissable dimple flirted with him. To his surprise, his cock responded. He looked at those full, plush lips and had the most insane urge to kiss the little human. She was close enough he could feel the heat from her body, and again she swayed toward him, clearly off balance.
He caught her before she staggered, grinning as she looked down at where her belly pressed into his groin.
"Oh my!"
"Oh yes." He grinned. He wondered if the place had a store room, or even a private toilet stall. Normally a dreadlocked surfer chick was far from what attracted him, but right now, attraction was a mild description of what he was feeling. He grinned wickedly, reaching up to slide her glasses off. She took a step back, bumping into a stool. Antonio leaned forward, tilting his head slightly, just a breath away from a kiss.
Her pink tongue darted out, moistening her lips. "Water. Need water."
"Water?"
She nodded. Her hair tumbled over one side of her face and she giggled, a throaty, sexy sound.
"I can do that." He straightened and turned to the bar. "Water for the lady."
Sam leaned a bit to look around him, grinned and reached under the counter, bringing up an icy bottle. "On the house." His blue eyes twinkled and he returned to his chores, chuckling quietly. The file still lay on the bar, so Antonio tucked the photo back into his jacket and fished out a business card, leaving it for Sam. He grabbed the slim file. He'd pretty well memorized all it contained, but still, it wouldn't be a good idea to lose it. Jedidiah -- and the entire paranormal community -- would have his head.
He shrugged and turned, and then froze. She was gone. The front door hadn't been opened and there was no sign of her anywhere. He looked around and spotted a dark corridor. An exit sign glowed at the end of the hall and Antonio tossed the bottle up into the air, deftly catching it as he began his pursuit.
He had a bottle of water for the lady.
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Last Call Europe: Black Wolf by Belinda McBride

Last Call Europe: Black Wolf
by Belinda McBride
Cover art: Bryan Keller 
ISBN: 978-1-60521-526-6 
Genre(s): Paranormal, BDSM 
Theme(s): Werewolves, Magic and Mayhem, Gay and Lesbian 
Series: Last Call Europe 
Length: Novella
Buy Link: http://www.changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=1479

The chase is on, but who is the hunter, and who is the prey?

Book Summary
Siberians live for the thrill of the chase; wolves exist for the joy of the
capture. On a foolish dare, Jasper O'Shea takes a gamble at the Last Call,
letting fate chose his lover for the night.
Detective Brutus "Brutal" Ballantine came to the Last Call looking for something
far different than a sly, clever Siberian Husky. Yet when the call comes over
the sound system, he finds himself unable to resist the lure of laughing blue
eyes and a happy tail.
The chase is on, but who is the hunter, and who is the prey?
(Author's note: While this story stands alone, it features characters introduced
in Last Call Europe: Devil's Advocate.)
ADULT Excerpt:
Without warning, Brutal came down on top of him, pinning him to the floor with
his bulk, and as hard as he struggled, Jasper was unable to escape. They lay
like that for a moment, catching their breath and waiting for their hearts to
slow their pace. Wicked teeth dug into Jasper's nape, holding him in position.
Jasper groaned. Not in animal form! God only knew how it would feel if the wolf
knotted him! He relaxed and let himself shift back to human, feeling the soft
pile of the carpet under his belly. The wolf was pressed full length over his
body, holding him in place.
"Okay… I submit!"
Jasper felt a shimmer of power, and then a very large, very aroused man took the
place of the wolf. His body responded, his ass clenching even as his prick grew
painfully hard. The carpet suddenly didn't feel so good against his skin.
Brutal began to rock against him, pressing his erection into the hard muscle of
Jasper's thigh.
"You sure? I was just getting warmed up." His voice was a growling rumble in
Jasper's ear. He rose to his knees, jerking Jasper's ass into the air. "You want
it dark and dirty, and I'm more than happy to comply, Red."
"Jasper. The name's Jasper." He gasped. "And I'd appreciate lube if you're
planning on shoving that monster up me arse!"
Brutal began laughing, and let Jasper loose. He crawled away and turned,
plopping down on his bottom. He grinned at the big man. "Gave you a good run,
didn't I?" He scooted back as Brutal began moving in his direction, still on
hands and knees.
"Shut up."
Hard lips came down on his, a rough tongue forced its way into Jasper's mouth,
and he gasped, trapped and unable to retreat any further. He had the wall at his
back and a man the size of a wall to his front. He struggled briefly, and then
submitted to the rough embrace, letting the wolf take out all his sexual
frustration in the kiss.
Their teeth clicked, and Jasper ran his tongue over the wicked canines that
hadn't yet receded completely. When he tried to move, Ballantine's hand tangled
in his hair, holding his head in place.
Suddenly Ballantine had moved away. He was on his feet, reaching down to drag
Jasper upright, hauling him bodily toward the bare, simple bed. Jasper was
tossed through the air and landed on his back, his breath gusting out on impact.
The beast followed, crawling across the mattress until he covered Jasper,
pinning him in place.
"I win." He grinned at Jasper.
"This round, perhaps."
"It's the moment that counts." He continued up Jasper's body until that flushed,
rigid pole of his was hovering just over his lips. Jasper cocked a brow, looking
up at the man who had him pinned in place.
"Suck."
"Oh, such a romantic."
He saw Brutal's lips twitch in a smile. "You've been asking for it all night.
It's time to take what you asked for, Rover. Now suck."
The head bumped against his lips and Jasper tilted his jaw back until it was
sliding down under his chin. He turned his head, and it was wrenched back when a
big hand anchored itself in his hair.
"Oh, fine. Just fine…" He opened his mouth, letting the tip of his tongue drag
up the heavily veined underside of Brutal's shaft. He turned his head slightly.
"This would be a bit easier if you'd get your knees off my arms."
"Shut up."
Jasper rolled his eyes and opened his mouth, swallowing down the engorged flesh
as Brutal pushed in ruthlessly. He sucked hard enough to strip the chrome from a
trailer hitch, watching as Brutal's face went dark with shock and pleasure.
Bastard wanted to get sucked off? Well, Jasper knew a thing or two about blowing
a man.
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Imperative Collection by Belinda McBride

Imperative (Collection)


by Belinda McBride

Cover art: Reneé George

ISBN: 978-1-60521-441-2
Genre(s): Futuristic, Sci-Fi

Theme(s): Interracial, Ménage, Bisexual and More

Length: Collection



http://www.changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=1476

Blurb:
In the future, we don't choose our mates; Nature chooses for us. Nature doesn't make mistakes. And if you don't pay attention to Nature's Imperative, you suffer.

You wake up one morning, knowing that the world as you know it has changed. You glimpse into blue eyes and see forever. You look at the woman across the office, and dislike shifts to unfathomable need. A life that seemed unbearable suddenly holds infinite promise.

Come into the garden, the Imperative is calling for you.

This collection contains the previously released novellas Missing You, Always You, and Saving You.

Excerpt:
Imperative


Belinda McBride

All rights reserved.

Copyright ©2010 Belinda McBride

This e-book file contains sexually explicit scenes and adult language which some may find offensive and which is not appropriate for a young audience. Changeling Press E-Books are for sale to adults, only, as defined by the laws of the country in which you made your purchase. Please store your files wisely, where they cannot be accessed by under-aged readers.

When Duncan first saw the dark-haired man moving toward him, his heart lurched in devastation and joy, warring emotions tangling together. He would never lie beside the mother of his children, but he would have this man that Nature had designed just for him.

Duncan had never wanted a man before, but as soon as his sight settled on this one, he knew. The resonance screamed inside his head, and his cock tightened in response. He’d known this sometimes happened, but he assumed the individuals in same sex matings were already predisposed that way. This would take some adjustment.

The dark man moved with grace and strength, even though his head was down and his eyes were shut. Duncan knew exactly why he had resorted to such measures. The resonance had been confusing and difficult to follow. He'd finally halted in the middle of the lawn, hoping to hone in on the message. And then he had turned to see the dark-haired man make his way carefully up the walkway, almost falling over a stunning African woman who was busy with a comp pad. Duncan had been watching her in awe, wondering if the resonance was coming from her.

His breath froze. Even without the Imperative raging through his body, this man was striking. His skin was naturally dark, but tanned darker from the sun. His black hair was unfashionably long, caught back in a single braid. Latin? Native American? Duncan couldn't tell. When they finally touched, the man's hands were rough and hard, the hands of a workman.

His almond shaped eyes tilted up at the corners, slightly crinkled from the sun and a happy disposition. The color was odd, a dark gray that hinted at green. They were similar in height, but while Duncan's shoulders were wide, his stomach cut, his body muscular, this man's body was lithe and sinewy. He carried much less weight than Duncan. Judging by the corded muscles of his arms, his strength was probably comparable. Duncan knew that lithe body hadn't been developed in a gym, but by his lifestyle.

The men embraced, and Duncan could feel the other man's cock straining against his own. There they stood, forehead to forehead, chest to chest, and thigh to thigh. Duncan thrilled to the feel of a muscled arm holding him tight. Their lips came together in a tentative first kiss that jarred them both to the bone. Duncan closed his eyes and savored the experience. Not too different, except as they bumped noses, he realized they would have to work out some dominance issues. Nevertheless, it was good. It'd add spice to things.

"I'm Con. Conrad Montgomery."

"Duncan Sinclair." Feeling giddy, Duncan began to laugh. "Were you expecting this?"

Con stepped back, surveying Duncan from head to foot. "Anything but. I was expecting a blonde, actually. But a redhead will do."

"It's not red, it's auburn."

Con snorted in laughter. Duncan had probably learned to be tough, growing up with hair like that.

The two men began moving easily together down the shaded pathways, focusing more on one another than their destination. They both had goofy grins on their faces, and as they walked, their hands occasionally brushed, bringing jolts and thrills down their bodies. A new and completely unexpected world had just opened to them both.

"So, Con, what will your family think?"

Con's eyebrows flew up in surprise. "Wow, hadn't thought of that. Dad's gonna be okay, our culture is pretty open about same sex unions. Mom though... she's gonna want grandbabies. But my brother and sister have already done their duty that way." He shrugged. "She loves me. She'll love you too. How 'bout yours?"

Duncan's eyes creased in a smile. "Same thing. My father's gone, passed away a few years back. Pop might have been uncomfortable, but he mated through the Imperative as well, so he'd have come around. My three brothers have scattered seed far and wide. The family name is secure." His dimples were deep and charming. Joy fairly radiated from his face. Con felt like Duncan looked.

They walked a wide loop through the garden, eventually returning to the gate. As they left the park, Con paused, his brow wrinkling a bit. He scanned the grounds briefly and then turned back to Duncan.

"I'll miss having kids. But I guess we can work around that."

Duncan nodded in agreement. "Adoption is good. Or a surrogate. I can afford one."

He watched as Con turned back to the park briefly. "What is it?"

Con turned back to his new partner. "An echo maybe? I think we're still putting off the calling vibe. It's got me feeling a little off." Duncan waited while Con stood, listening, and then shaking his head clear. After a moment, they headed down the street to their new future.

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Black Planet 2: Little Foxes by Belinda McBride

Read an excerpt

Black Planet II: Little Foxes

by Belinda McBride cover art by Bryan Keller

ISBN: 978-1-60521-457-3

Genre(s): Futuristic, Sci-Fi, Cyber-Punk

Theme(s): Shunga

Series: Black Planet

Length: Novella

 

Black Planet II: Little Foxes

by Belinda McBride
http://www.changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=1419

Blurb:
There's no doubt in Kitsune Jung's mind that he deserves the hellish punishment he receives at the hands of the Nephris. After betraying Rose Lee, he expects no less. He planned his own capture in a daring mission that went sadly awry. Now all he has to look forward to are long days of hard labor and the occasional appearance of Jahn, the handsome young employee of a powerful Nephris general.
Hu Fei Lee has gone undercover to rescue Kit Jung from imprisonment on the Black Planet. She knows about his past with Rose, but somehow the quiet, courageous slave just doesn't seem to be the venal, cowardly man she expected. Succumbing to a powerful attraction, she seduces Kit, but keeps her true identity a secret.
When the truth comes out, will Kit Jung be able to forgive Hu Fei Lee? And will his own secrets destroy the fragile bond of their love?
Excerpt:
Black Planet II: Little Foxes
Belinda McBride
All rights reserved.
Copyright ©2010 Belinda McBride

This e-book file contains sexually explicit scenes and adult language which some may find offensive and which is not appropriate for a young audience. Changeling Press E-Books are for sale to adults, only, as defined by the laws of the country in which you made your purchase. Please store your files wisely, where they cannot be accessed by under-aged readers.

Hu Fei Lee never realized silence had a texture, especially silence as uneasy as this one. She stood in the center of the studio, still as a statue, with one arm extended before her, the other down by her belly in a block. One foot was out to the front, and most of her weight was on the rear foot. Sweat trickled down her forehead.
"Pull."
She moved, gliding through Pi Chuan, freezing as her weight shifted to the other foot.
"Uncle Milo, you can't possibly be serious!" Rose Lee's voice cut through the air like a whip.
"Pull. Chaun Sen."
She shifted into the water element, giving a graceful curve to the wrist; her weight more forward now. As before, she froze, focusing everything into perfecting that stance. Mentally, she reviewed her position, and then remembered to put the tip of her tongue to the roof of her mouth.
"I'm completely serious, Rose. Those are the orders from higher up."
"Kit Jung can just roast in whatever Nephris hellhole they've stuck him in."
Hu Fei glanced from the corner of her eye, watching the small cluster of her relatives argue in hushed voices.
"Pull."
She moved through, changing sides. Regardless of how distracting she found the conversation, her grandfather's focus never wavered. A gentle hand on the chin moved her attention forward.
"Kit was..."
"Under orders when he tried to seduce me in front of a camera? Or how 'bout when he pissed his pants on the bridge?"
"Rose, I think every person in this room has either wet their pants or lost their lunch when they've flown with you."
Hu Fei bit the inside of her cheek at her father's words. Rose's piloting skills were phenomenal indeed, but it took a certain fortitude to fly as her co-pilot.
"Thank you, Uncle Aiden. That completely absolves him." Rose's words dripped with sarcasm. "Now there's just that little matter of smuggling the crown jewels of Parsis and drugging me. Oh... and contacting the Nephris ship. No offence, baby, but he didn't know you weren't one of them."
Hu Fei heard Arad's gentle murmur of reassurance.
"Pull."
Absently, she stepped through to the other side.
"There are a few things we need to tell you about Kit Jung. You might not forgive him, but perhaps you'll at least consider helping us plan his extraction."
"Look, Uncle Milo, Uncle Darah, you guys handle the undercover part of this operation. Arad here teaches the recruits what they need to know about Nephris culture. I teach them to fight and take a punch. That's all."
"Pull."
She stepped through, made her turn, and faced the small group that was assembled at the front of the school. Hu Fei focused on her fingertips, but opened her vision so she could watch the action in front of her. Rose sat on the floor, her knees drawn up to her chest. Arad squatted on the floor next to her. His great black wings were extended protectively over her shoulders. Hu Fei's parents were also seated on the floor. Annie Tanaka sat cross-legged. Aiden Chen Lee was seated behind her, allowing her to lean against him. Milo Greene and Darah Lash leaned against the wall, facing the others.
"Kit is there undercover. We... they were hoping he'd eventually win the trust of those in power and move into their scientific community."
Once again, the room went silent. It was broken by Rose's laughter. "He's a scientist? Kit is motivated by two things in life: sex and money. He doesn't have any room in his head for anything more complex than how to put on a condom. You're telling me he's an undercover operative? That he planned his own capture?"
Arad Soheil cleared his throat. "I skin read him. He's... without conscience, without feelings."
"Sociopathic," Hu Fei's mother Annie supplied.
"Yes. It was very disturbing to find such callous disregard for others."
Arad tilted his head for a moment, clearly in communication with the other Thalian present. "Oh, that's what it is then."
Darah nodded his head.
"For those of us unable to read minds?" Rose crossed her arms defensively across her chest, propping them on her knees. Her short black hair was ruffled and messy, as though she'd been dragging her hand through it.
"Darah has informed me that Kit Jung worked extensively with Thalians to learn to block our scans. That would explain the disturbing read," Arad Soheil answered.
"Dr. Jung also agreed to take Thalian DNA material into his body to enable him to develop empathic skills. From the data I've seen, he's able to read nearly as accurately as a full Thalian." As always, her Uncle Milo's voice was smooth and dry like a good wine.
"No. Shit." Rose dropped forward, hiding her head on her knees. "Dr. Jung. He's a freakin' scientist."
"Pull."
Hu Fei nearly missed the cue as she watched the unfolding drama. Arad leaned forward, gently rubbing his wife's slender back. Rose relaxed into his touch. Hu's throat went a little tight as she watched the unspoken interaction between them. They were connected in a way Hu couldn't even imagine. Her eyes flicked to her parents. Like Rose and Arad, they were bound to one another by so much more than love. Though Milo and Darah stood apart, she couldn't miss the occasional brush of the hand that spoke of their need for one another. When Aunt Grace was with them, watching the three of them was like seeing a deftly choreographed dance they performed only for themselves.
"You guys must really be paying him a lot. I saw his fees for the courier job we took. I imagine the government sweetened the pot many times over. Little bastard never does anything that doesn't serve his purposes."
Milo Greene sighed, his form long and lean against the backdrop of sunlight. He'd forgone his normal black suit and was wearing loose cotton pants and a tee shirt as a concession to Hong Kong's sweltering heat. His hair was almost completely silver now, and she caught Darah watching him intently.
Did it hurt the big Thalian to know time was running out faster for his lover than for him? Like Hu Fei's mother Annie, their wife Grace had been treated by Thalian medicine. They'd flooded the women's bodies with transfusions from Thalian donors, and now both women had the longevity of the alien species. Their children had inherited that trait as well. Milo had resisted all suggestions that would have extended his life as well.
Gazing at Rose, she saw her cousin still favored her left arm. She'd been badly injured while on duty, and had also received Thalian medicine. She wondered if Rose realized she'd been altered on the molecular level.
"Pull." Hu's grandfather Guo Lee now stood next to her, moving through the slow, linear movement of the form with her. She felt power and energy radiate from his body. The scent of tobacco that always accompanied him tickled her nostrils. Immediately, a sense of peace settled over her, as it always did in his presence.
"This discussion is not to leave this room. Is that understood?" Milo's voice was stern.
"The only people I'd tell are right here, Uncle Milo."
Everyone else nodded. No one seemed to notice Hu Fei and Guo were just yards away.
"Obviously, Dr. Jung did this for the money."
"Surprise! Kit did something for money!" Rose's voice dripped with sarcasm.
Hu Fei's parents choked back their laughter. They'd had a great deal of the burden of raising the rather precocious Rose Lee, and had always enjoyed her borderline bitchy behavior.
Having been at the receiving end of it over the years, Hu Fei wasn't quite so amused.
Milo continued. "He has a twin sister. She's been fighting uterine cancer for many years now. His family has no means to pay for the treatments. In effect, Kit's life revolves around money because it's the only way he's been able to keep his sister alive."
Tears pricked at Hu Fei's eyes. The Thalians had found cures for so many illnesses, but they'd never gotten a handle on cancer. As soon as one type was conquered, it seemed another appeared.
"I didn't know." Rose sounded subdued.
"He didn't want anyone to know, you in particular. It would have jeopardized his entry into the Nephris culture." Darah's voice was gentle and understanding.
"He couldn't have known I would take him into custody. I could simply have had him killed!"
"Arad, he only knew what might happen. He knew the odds were excellent you would intercept Rose because of the data we received from your brother Nomi, and from Sala." Milo looked uncomfortable with that statement, as well he should. Arad would certainly be unhappy his twin had kept information from him.
"So now what?" Rose had clearly been won over and was ready to move ahead. Hu Fei had always liked that about her cousin. Rose had a mighty temper, but she knew when to put it away.
"Pull."
Hu Fei moved another step and froze, her attention never leaving the discussion.
"We need someone with skills similar to yours, Rose: piloting, fighting, the ability to go undercover, and to think and act on the fly," Milo said. "Knowledge of Nephris culture would be good. We were hoping one of your human recruits would be willing."
Rose gracefully rose to her feet, smiling as Arad gave her an arm up. The ink was still fresh on their wedding certificate.
Hu Fei wondered why they'd decided to take the plunge after being together over a year. Automatically, her gaze shifted to Rose's flat tummy. Humans and Thalians crossed easily, as Darah and Grace had demonstrated. It still surprised her that Rose had found a man from another world who was so perfect for her volatile personality.
"I don't really think any of the humans are appropriate. They're good. There's no doubt about that, but none are the whole package." She was still holding Arad's big hand.
A few names were tossed out, both male and female. They began considering some of the Thalian recruits. The dark Thalians were able to fold their wings nearly flat to their backs, an ability that had allowed Arad to pass among the Nephris for seven years undetected. The return of his breeding cycles had almost blown his cover. The risk of discovery was too great for undercover work. Most Thalian recruits were seeded into raids. Few had piloting skills.
"We need someone who can negotiate deep space, and then take a small craft down to the surface. From there, he'll need to pass for Nephris and move through their culture. The Thalians would be perfect with their ability to pick up thoughts."
Hu Fei's parents also rose from where they sat on the floor. In a moment, they were all on their feet, continuing their conversation.
"Pull. And relax."
Hu Fei sighed and shook out her arms. She stretched high to the ceiling, and then low to the floor. Guo Lee remained in the Pi stance, his eyes focused on nothing, though he saw everything.
"Hu Fei will do it." Her grandfather's voice cut through the buzz of conversation. Again, the room fell into thick, uncomfortable silence.
"No. Absolutely not." Annie's voice was quiet, but firm. Aiden looked from Guo Lee to Hu Fei, and then back to his wife.
"No, Grandpa. It's too soon." His voice was tight with tension. Fear?
"I'll do it." Hu Fei bent to tighten the laces of her shoes. She straightened and looked calmly at her parents.
"Hu Fei!" Annie's voice took on an edge of fear.
She sighed, knowing she needed to comfort them, but uncertain how to do so. The ability to interact with others had been just one of the skills she'd lost years ago. Now she remained around the family, but felt separate and isolated. After surviving the attack, depression had settled on Hu Fei's slender shoulders, and only Guo Lee's stubborn insistence on coaching her daily had kept her on her feet and alive. Now it was time to move from existing to living again.
"I'm well. I'm healthy as I've ever been. If you need someone as good as Rose, then you need me."
"Well, maybe you're nearly as good as me..."
She spared a smile for her cousin.
Guo Lee tapped her on the shoulder, and she turned away from her family, ready to resume practice with her Sifu.
There were no other arguments.
http://www.changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=1419

Black Planet: Little Dragon Collection by Belinda McBride

Read an excerpt

Black Planet: Little Dragon (Collection) by Belinda McBride cover art by Zuri ISBN: 978-1-60521-442-9 Genre(s): Futuristic, Sci-Fi, Collections Theme(s): Interracial, Shunga Series: Black Planet Length: Collection

http://www.changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=1409

Blurb:
Little Dragon: Following a devastating injury, Detective Rose "Little Dragon" Lee takes a courier job to make payments on her ship. The job is supposed to be easy... safe... until her ship is captured by Nephris Commander Arad Soheil. Rose means more to Arad than a warm body in his bed -- she holds the key to his freedom and his sanity, to his very life.
Dragon's Blood: San Francisco hasn't been the same since the Great Shake of '08. On the ruins of Fisherman's Wharf, a monster prowls the corridors and alleys, seeking the nanite-enhanced flesh and blood of underground cage fighters. Detective Annie Tanaka once survived an encounter with the monster. The attack left her clinging to life and riddled with fear. Now the monster has returned, and he's hunting in her territory.
Tiger Eyes: Sometimes, when you reach the end of the road, you find a twist you didn't expect. Lieutenant Milo Greene has lost everyone he ever loved, and now, only the job holds him together. Darah Lash is the most powerful Thalian present on Earth. Yet, to his people, he is a second-class citizen. He came to Earth with the desperate hope that he would find a mate. What he doesn't expect to find is love. Once admired and feared, Grace Chen is now on the brink of death, waiting for the miracle.
Three paths end, one road begins. Destination: Black Planet.
This collection contains the previously released novellas Little Dragon, Dragon's Blood, and Tiger Eyes. 
Excerpt:
Black Planet: Little Dragon
Belinda McBride
All rights reserved.
Copyright ©2010 Belinda McBride
This e-book file contains sexually explicit scenes and adult language which some may find offensive and which is not appropriate for a young audience. Changeling Press E-Books are for sale to adults, only, as defined by the laws of the country in which you made your purchase. Please store your files wisely, where they cannot be accessed by under-aged readers.
When her entire arm went dead, Rose Lee knew she was in trouble. Big trouble. The pain suddenly faded, leaving numbness and nausea in its wake, and she knew it was time to end this fight. She slid boneless to the floor, keeping a wary eye on Daryl Nutlisch as he guffawed, preparing to finish the tiny woman he'd just thrown into the steel wall. She caught herself going down, braced her knees, and called on some unknown reserve of strength.
The idiot was too confident, certain that Rose was down for the count. Blood streaked her face and her left arm hung uselessly at her side. Her pistol had skittered under a rusty Dumpster, and no way in hell did an unarmed woman have the strength to take down a man that was easily twice her size.
Overconfident, Daryl glanced away. He missed her crouch, her sleek launch from the wall, slamming a well-placed kick to his kidney.
As she rode the big man to the filthy floor, Rose's sharp teeth tore at the bracelet on her right wrist, exposing a tiny, wicked needle that fairly dripped with a double dose of Clonk. She called it 'Clonk' because of the sound the suspect made as he hit the floor. This needle was perfectly placed, right on that bare skin between neck and shoulder.
Her kick took him to the ground before the drug took effect, giving Rose the pleasure of hearing his meaty face hit the steel floor as two hundred and fifty pounds of pure mean male hit the ground. So she couldn't use weapons... she'd use what she could. After all, it was a matter of professional pride.
And her paycheck. This month's payment on the ship would go to the doctor, so she'd be damned if "Little Dragon" Lee was letting this big boy slip between her fingers! She'd need the hazard pay that came with taking down Daryl "the Nutcase" Nutlisch.
Gritting her teeth against the searing pain in her arm, Rose released the microfiber netting from her utility belt, draping it over his body. Grunting, she rolled him onto his back, fumbling to secure the flimsy fabric. She desperately needed to immobilize this man before the drug wore off.
She twisted the safety clips and activated the netting, and then slapped him with her tag, a subcutaneous marker with the official charges and her badge ID. She didn't need some asshole freelancer coming in to hijack her takedown.
Surveying the growing crowd with cynical displeasure, Rose propped herself against the bloody station wall, warily watching her captive. She frowned. The communicator on her left wrist hung uselessly on a dead arm. She braced against the wall and used her blood-slick right hand to work the tiny radio loose. "Station Dispatch, this is Detective Rose Lee, badge number 110249, calling in a request for transport."
She waited numbly for the call to route to the appropriate authority.
"Hey, Little Dragon, this is Police Dispatch Matthews. You have a prisoner for transport?"
"Bagged and tagged, Matthews. Warrant J-201, suspicion of...” she coughed and spit, uncomfortably aware of blood pooling in her mouth, "...suspicion of aggravated rape and sodomy, murder, and attempted murder... torture..."
"Damnation, Rose! You got the Nutcase there?"
She winced at his breach of protocol, glancing at the growing crowd. The press was undoubtedly monitoring her transmission. "Damn it, Matthews!"
"Sorry, Detective." He sounded embarrassed.
"I'd also like to request Medi-vac. I need help."
Silence greeted her request. She waited as the dispatcher relayed her message.
"Detective Lee? Lee?"
She blinked, slowly becoming aware that the dispatcher had been calling her name repeatedly. Shock. She watched in abstraction as Nutlisch began to struggle against the impregnable silk netting that held him nearly immobile. The crowd that had closed in on him reared back in an exaggerated wave. They'd scattered during the fight, but she had no doubt the battle had been recorded by some enterprising civilian.
It'd hit the news links within hours.
"Detective Lee?"
"Suspect has regained consciousness." Her voice sounded distant, and to her surprise, Rose had slid to her haunches on the hard floor. It reminded her of how her grandpa squatted when he smoked. Her numb hand brushed a rusty metal grating. Her khakis were torn, black military boots were bloody and scuffed. He'd torn the knit tank right off her body, baring her breasts. Her head rolled to the side, cheek resting on the cool metal plating of the wall. She smelled tobacco. Grandpa.
"Transport will arrive momentarily, Detective. You just keep talking to me... Medi-vac's on its way."
"Thanks..."
"Detective Lee... come on, Rose, keep talking to me, Rose? Come on, Rosie.... Rose?"
http://www.changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=1409

Congratulations! New Reviews for Changeling Press

 

New Reviews for Changeling Press 05/17/2010

 

Congratulations to Belinda McBride, Anne Kane, Cynthia Sax, Marie Treanor, Amanda Steiger, Emma Ray Garrett and Kate Hill!

BAD ANGELS: HEAVEN (Belinda McBride)

Four & ½ Cherries from Whipped Cream Reviews

The twists and turns in this one are absolutely marvelous.the sex is steamy and delightfully plentiful.

http://whippedcream 2.blogspot. com/2010/ 05/bad-angels- heaven-by- belinda-mcbride. html

DRAGON KIN: CAPTIVE HEART (Anne Kane)

Four Cherries from Whipped Cream Reviews

...steaming passion, heart-touching compassion and genuine friendship that is truly a delight to read.

http://whippedcream 2.blogspot. com/2010/ 05/dragon- kin-captive- heart-by- anne-kane. html

DRAGON LORD'S PRIZE (Cynthia Sax)

Four Cherries from Whipped Cream Reviews

This was an engaging story that held my attention from page one. I am definitely adding Cynthia Sax to my list of must read authors.

http://whippedcream 2.blogspot. com/2010/ 05/dragon- lords-prize- by-cynthia- sax.html

DRAGUL RISING (Marie Treanor)

Reviewed by Joyfully Reviewed

A passionate triad of stories bursting with sexual tension, political angst and intrigue, and engaging characters that will keep and ignite your interest.

http://www.joyfully reviewed. com/reviews/ May10/dragulrisi ng.mt.html

EYES OF THE WOLF (Amanda Steiger)

Four Roses from A Romance Review

[This] may be a short story, but it's not short on plot, character, and heat. This spicy read has the "ahhh..." factor readers want in their books.

http://www.aromance review.com/ reviews/index. php?app_state= show_event&bookid=19073

HEAVEN AND HELL (Emma Ray Garrett)

Five Cherries from Whipped Cream Reviews

...great sex scenes that left my mouth watering, as well as a great love story. The author's imagination really impressed me throughout this entire series.

http://whippedcream 2.blogspot. com/2010/ 05/heaven- and-hell- by-emma-ray- garrett.html

IMPASSIONED (Kate Hill)

Four & ½ Roses from A Romance Review

...some dazzlingly good erotica. Juan and Tonia are engaging characters with sizzling chemistry. Well worth a read.

http://www.aromance review.com/ reviews/index. php?app_state= show_event&bookid=19649

Bad Angels: Heaven by Belinda McBride

Bad Angels: Heaven

by Belinda McBride cover art by Bryan Keller

ISBN: 978-1-59596-919-4

Genre(s): Paranormal, Dark Fantasy

Theme(s): Interracial, Ménage, Bisexual and More, Elves, Dragons & Magical Creatures

Series: Bad Angels

Length: Novella

http://www.changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=1353

Blurb:

After being trapped out of space and time, Dr. Noemi Gastineau finally discovers her true nature and the amazing destiny that awaits her. However, danger surrounds her on every side. It seems that a rogue angel, an insane nymph, and a wily demon would be enough for a woman to deal with for one day. Unfortunately, Azrael, the Angel of Death is now on her tail, and he's one of the good guys!

How's a succubus supposed to get any quality time with her men when the whole universe seems to be out to get her?

Excerpt:
This e-book file contains sexually explicit scenes and adult language which some may find offensive and which is not appropriate for a young audience. Changeling Press E-Books are for sale to adults, only, as defined by the laws of the country in which you made your purchase. Please store your files wisely, where they cannot be accessed by under-aged readers.

In the darkness, the true measure of a man or woman can be weighed.

Noemi lay on her side, curled tightly into a fetal position, allowing the other presence in her mind to run rampant, to succumb to blind panic. She refused to give Anahita a voice though. The succubus could indulge in blind panic, but not a sound left her throat. After a seemingly endless time spent buried in the darkness of an unknown cave, Noemi calmly, assertively took over, forcing the other half of her psyche to submit to her control.

She took a deep breath, and then another.

"Okay. This isn't a new situation for us. For me." She slowly relaxed her muscles, stretching out and sitting up. "In fact, compared to waking up in a glacier, this is a picnic." She opened her eyes wide, hoping to catch some vestige of light; something that would reassure her that she really, truly wasn't buried alive. The stygian blackness of the cave was unrelieved and Noemi shivered, wrapping her arms around her knees. "I guess all the years trapped in that glacier would explain why I hate getting cold."

Anahita didn't answer, and why should she? Noemi was Anahita.

That brought a slightly hysterical laugh to Noemi, and she fought the urge to curl up again like a baby in the womb. But Noemi was stronger than that. Noemi hunted and fought demons.

Noemi didn't know that I lived within her all this time!

"No, Anahita, you don't have a voice. We are the same person. I accept that, just as I accept your memories as my own."

With that admission, Noemi's mind skipped through the recent and distant past. She vividly recalled the many times she'd honed in on Rex's bright, vivid life-light, returning to feed from him again and again. She also recalled Rion's fearful reaction to her presence.

But he came back to me! Even though he doesn't remember, he knows!

"Yes, Anahita, he knows. I'm sure of it."

Satisfaction pulsed through the succubus. Her relief was nearly painful to experience. Anahita's love for the men carried the sharp edge of desperate fear. She had pursued them relentlessly, yet sacrificed all to their wellbeing. Her greatest fear was losing them, yet she set Orion free when his fear of the succubus grew overwhelming. When he'd taken Rex to China, Anahita had stayed behind, knowing that her kind was feared and loathed within that culture. As she evaluated the shadow existence that she'd lived in the hours that Anahita controlled her life, Noemi felt some degree of pride. The succubus was anything but evil. She had evolved into a strong, ethical person, even when split from Noemi's conscious control.

Deep in the grip of memory, Noemi barely noticed when gentle light began to soften the darkness around her. Golden light laced with red glowed within the chamber, allowing her to see her prison.

In confusion, she looked around for the source of the illumination, only to discover that it came from her body.

"Damnation!"

She deliberately relaxed, letting the light swell up. Her long, straight hair suddenly seemed heavier and more luxuriant. Her dark skin had a distinctly golden gleam.

A convulsive gasp pulled through her chest, and pain blossomed deep in her back.

Wings, she thought, and they came forth. Great, black-feathered wings, edged with golden light. Noemi slowly stood and flexed those great wings, a smile lighting on her face as power and strength radiated through her body. Anahita was triumphant.

It's been so very long since I was whole.

So very long indeed. She basked in the emerging power that had been dormant for so long. Yet Noemi was still in a dangerous, uncertain situation. She paced the cave, running the last encounters with Michael, Carly and the demons through her mind.

In spite of Noemi being caught at the center of this web, she suddenly realized that this whole drama was not about her or her men. She closed her eyes, patching together a memory that was incomplete.

Michael the High Angel. She carried the memory of his cruel, beautiful face in the darkest recesses of her memory. His ambition had twisted him, he'd Fallen and no one had been the wiser. No one but her husband. Even the fall from Heaven hadn't seared Michael's betrayal from her mind. He'd hated Kokabiel, God's Star. He'd envied him his voice, and the respect that he'd earned among their people. When Kokabiel had confronted Michael with his treachery, the High Angel had framed him, tried him, and had his voice burned away so that he couldn't speak in his own defense.

Yet this scenario was not about Kokabiel. She wondered if Michael was even aware that Kokabiel lived on in Orion Hunter.

She sat on a rock and massaged her temples, sorting through the tangled web of her memory.

Patrick. Azrael.

She could barely bring his image to mind. He was dark, but unlike her his skin was fair, his eyes the deepest blue. She'd encountered him when she had first escaped from the glacier. In later years she'd been his quarry, but had seen him only from a distance, and in his human disguise.

Unlike the other angels on Earth, he'd never Fallen. He'd been sent. Unlike her and Rion, he could go home. Which meant that he could tell the people at home of Michael's true nature, if he was even aware of it. If he cared.

She swallowed, a slow, sick feeling sliding through her belly. Carly had been protecting Patrick. Carly hadn't ruptured the membrane of Noemi's memory through jealousy and spite. She'd been blackmailed... forced.

"Patrick. Azrael." She stood and paced. "Carly loves Patrick. Michael needs to destroy him to protect himself. Azrael hasn't a clue of the danger that he's in!"

Sudden, urgent fear laced through Noemi, and panic began to tease at the edges of her consciousness.

When the pieces of the puzzle fell into place, Noemi staggered, one hand bracing her trembling body against the wall of the cave.

When a dark, burning light overtook and consumed her own golden glow, Noemi's heart froze in her chest.
http://www.changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=1353

Last Call Europe: Devil's Advocate by Belinda McBride

http://www.changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=1324

Blurb:
Tiger shifters Mya and David have a problem. Every time Mya gets aroused, it wakens a beast within her that threatens to overpower her tiger. Unable to consummate their marriage with a proper mating, they turn in desperation to the Last Call, looking for a demon to undo the curse that afflicts her.

Jedidiah Wormwood Worth is a powerful demon and at the top of his field. He's not only a devious trickster who will rob you of your soul, he's also a successful attorney for the underworld -- the real underworld. When he sees the straitlaced shifters at the Specialty Bar, he knows that they'll be his. What he doesn't realize is that by the time the night ends, his heart will belong to them.

Devil's Advocate: Sex for a service, damnation not included.
Excerpt:
This e-book file contains sexually explicit scenes and adult language which some may find offensive and which is not appropriate for a young audience. Changeling Press E-Books are for sale to adults, only, as defined by the laws of the country in which you made your purchase. Please store your files wisely, where they cannot be accessed by under-aged readers.

Mya sat breathing deeply, gathering her tattered control. The moment her body reacted to his, David could literally see the animal struggling behind her eyes. All her life she'd developed a finely controlled mastery over her birth animal, but this new creature simply wasn't hers. It was angry and vile. It wanted blood and pain. When David's hand brushed hers, she jerked away. He swallowed back the hurt and rejection.

"Baby, look at this..." He glanced down at the abandoned specialty menu, frowning at the fine print. "I never noticed this before."

The section on the menu read Demons and Angels. She read the entry that he'd pointed out.

"Devil's Advocate. Sex for a service, damnation not included."

Their gazes met.

"That wasn't there before. I'd have noticed it."

The feral gleam was fading from her eyes. That was good, but she needed to be distracted.

"This could be exactly what we need." She looked hopeful.

David's heart ached for his wife. Meeting and bonding the way they had was nothing less than a miracle. Their kind was slowly growing extinct. Tiger shifters rarely bonded, and almost never mated. They generally came together, bred and parted. David's parents had been an exception. When his father had returned to the UK, his mother had followed, unwilling to break up the family.

He'd been through his share of lovers, but when he'd spotted Mya in the dimly lit gallery of the museum, he'd known that she was his mate.

To sweeten the bond, they'd fallen head over heels for each other. They'd married quickly, before realizing that the family curse would kick in the first time they attempted to have sex.

"Are you ready?" He reached into his pocket, fingering the previously unused credit card. This night at Last Call would inevitably cost dearly, but David knew in his heart that it would take much more than a mere witch to unravel this convoluted curse. They needed someone who could cut through the red tape. If it saved their marriage, it would be worth every penny and every percentage point of interest that accrued.

She drew a deep breath and looked directly at him. Until this moment, David hadn't considered how it would feel, watching his wife with another man. They hadn't deluded themselves; the service they were offering was sex. The service they required was negotiation. They needed someone to speak on their behalf on the other side of the veil. As far as they knew, Mya's beast reacted only to David.

Even as possessive jealousy coursed through his system, his cock grew hard again. He was used to it by now. Even masturbation brought her beast to the fore, so David had learned to wrestle down his sexuality. For Mya, he'd do it forever, but at some point his beast would demand her submission. That would lead to disaster.

"What if..." She swallowed. He fixated on the slender column of her throat. The pulse beat there like a butterfly trapped under her translucent skin. "What if the demon wants you?"

He'd already considered that. Prior to meeting Mya, David had taken lovers of both sexes. "We are offering the service, Mya. You know my past. I'm willing to offer my body, if that's what it takes." Looking at her, he doubted that would be necessary. A demon would be delighted with Mya. Her fair appearance spoke of innocence and purity. Thankfully, David knew she had backbone, as well as a healthy sexual appetite. That was an integral part of their nature.

Still, you never knew what a demon might want.

Forcing a smile, David rose and took her slender hand in his, admiring her grace. Her blonde hair waved gently to her shoulders like a shimmering length of silk. The color was the palest gold that hair could be without becoming silver. Woven through the light blonde were streaks of soft copper. The effect was stunning.

Her feline eyes were light blue, edged by darker blue at the outside of the iris. With her long, elegant limbs and willowy body, she sometimes seemed more fae than the real thing. She squeezed his hand in hers, and this time David was the one to take a deep, calming breath.

They skirted the edge of the dance floor, finally reaching the specialty bar. The blonde cat shifter smiled, her eyes flicking from one to the other, lingering on David. He sensed, rather than heard, Mya's soft growl of jealousy.

"What can I get for you tonight?"

David set the menu on the bar and pointed to the title of the drink.

"A Devil's Advocate?" She looked them over but held the comment that he could see lingering on her tongue. "Two?"

"Yes. Please." Mya's voice was unsteady, but brooked no argument. The bartender shrugged her shoulders and turned away, assembling the drinks. When she set the glasses in front of them, David slid the credit card in her direction. She waited a moment, giving him time to change his mind.

He didn't.

Palming the card, she spoke into the headset she wore. "Last Call for the couple at the bar. They've ordered Devil's Advocates tonight."

The announcement came over the sound system, and for a second, the entire bar went still. His cheeks went warm with the knowledge that all eyes were on them.

"That's a pretty tall order. A Devil's Advocate isn't just for fun and games." The red-haired head of security slid onto a stool next to his. She glanced from David to Mya. His hackles rose slightly; he caught a slight damp earth scent on the woman.

"We aren't here for fun." He picked up the glass, which was almost painfully cold. Turning away from the vampire, he gave a slight smile to Mya.

"Cheers." She tipped her glass against his, and they drank.
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Phoenix Rising Anthology by The Changelings (Dark Fantasy, Paranormal, Action/Adventure)

Title: Phoenix Rising (Anthology)
Authors: Lena Austin, Belinda McBride, Anne Kane, Tuesday Richards
ISBN: 978-1-60521-372-9
Word Count: 25K
Page Count: 81
Price: $5.49
Release Date: 11/27/09
Editor: Margaret Riley
Cover Artist: Marteeka Karland
Genres and Themes: Dark Fantasy, Paranormal, Action Adventure

http://www.changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=1273

Blurb:

Like the legendary bird, the heroines of Phoenix Rising rise up from defeat, rebuilding their lives, and their loves, one night at a time.

Phoenix Rising: Fallen Angel -- Lena Austin
Angie’s an exotic dancer with a secret that could ruin her entire family. There’s a fanatic with a gun about to erase all her options but one -- the mysterious biker known as Tree…

Phoenix Rising: Draggin’ In Phoenix -- Belinda McBride
Alan’s no stranger to the cross-dressing scene, but when he spots the new face on the stage for the Coming Out pageant, it’s like a kick to his gut. Then again, Alan’s heard imitation is the most sincere form of flattery. Things really heat up when “Jesse” and “Lana” go Draggin’ in Phoenix!

Phoenix Rising: Fertility Rites -- Anne Kane
Beltane begins at sundown, and tradition dictates Rhys choose his life-mate from the single females who will dance for him. Tamara’s determined to win his heart -- but she’s not alone.

Phoenix Rising: What Doesn’t Kill -- Tuesday Richards
Rebecca’s determined to start a new life with Rick. But her past still haunts her -- despite the restraining orders. This time her ex may have pushed her just a little too far…

The Phoenix Rising anthology’s royalties go entirely to Save the Quiet Kitty, a fund organized to help our fellow writers with unexpected medical expenses and disaster relief.

Excerpt:

This e-book file contains sexually explicit scenes and adult language which some may find offensive and which is not appropriate for a young audience. Changeling Press E-Books are for sale to adults, only, as defined by the laws of the country in which you made your purchase. Please store your files wisely, where they cannot be accessed by under-aged readers.

Tree still waited for Angie by the bar, where she collected her tray and gave him a blown kiss before running around to her assigned tables.

The wait had never been so long until closing. Nancy's athletic pole dance and Bambi's inspired routine with giant rubber bands got the usual applause, but time crawled until all but Tree staggered out the door.

He'd been drinking virgin sodas for the past two hours, so Angie knew he was safe to drive his prized '72 Harley Sportster safely home. Tree crooked his finger at Angie when the closing bell sounded.

Curious, Angie picked up her leaden feet and acted like she could care less if she made the walk back to the bathroom to change into decent warm clothes for the long walk home. She cast one quick glance at the door with relief, knowing her ex-boyfriend would not be there to harass her if he hadn't arrived by now.

Tree spotted her nervous eyeing of the door and smiled. "Chill, Red. Your ex won't be there. Some of the guys -- and I won't name names -- found out what Bob had been doing to the most ladylike of the dancers in their cherished bar." He cleared his throat and winked. "They had a little chat with ol' Bobby Boy. He's a little occupied keeping breathing, I understand."

"Oh." Angie bit her lip to keep from grinning back at Tree. She felt a little sorry for Bob and hoped his bruises would ache as long as hers had until she'd left him. "Thank you."

Tree drank the remains of his cola in one gulp. "Enlightened self-interest, Angel Face. We don't want to lose our ladies to turds like him." He put his glass on the counter so Sue could wash up. "Need a ride home? I've seen you walking down San Juan."

Angie nodded slowly. Did she trust him so much? She surprised herself by answering with a yes. Would he expect a sexual favor in return? What if he did? Would she? Oh, hell yes, she would. She wasn't a virgin by a long shot. Decision made, then. "I'd love a ride home, especially on your Harley. Got a spare helmet?"

Tree swallowed, and he looked away for a moment. "Yeah. I came here for the express purpose of... seeing to your safety, Angel Face."

She licked her lips with the tip of her tongue. Maybe he did like her and sex wouldn't be a mercy fuck, after all. She was used to being the ugly stepsister and best pal to the more lovely of her friends. Maybe for once she'd found a man who could see beyond her curves. "I appreciate the ride. Did you like my dance, then?"

His jaw tightened and his hand clamped down on her wrist. He guided her hand until she caressed a thick hardness in his jeans. "Yeah."

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Toxic by Belinda McBride

Toxic
by Belinda McBride

cover art by Reneé George
ISBN: 978-1-60521-304-0
Genre(s): Paranormal
Theme(s): Interracial, Werewolves, BBW
Series: Sex and Chocolate
Length: Novella

http://www.changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=1244

Blurb:

There are three things that Dr. Briony Theale loves. Her job as a veterinarian, a good bar of rich, dark chocolate, and Rico, the new ranger in charge of the Wildlife Rescue center. When a casual dinner with the mysterious Rico turns surprisingly intimate, Briony realizes that she might just have a chance with him after all, if only she could lose a few pounds. It's the ultimate sacrifice, but Briony goes cold turkey, and swears off chocolate forever.

Rico Montgomery fell hard for Briony the first time he set eyes on the curvy little doctor. Her brown hair and cocoa skin trigger cravings that he can barely control, and her fragrance is like the sweetest, richest chocolate he's ever scented in his life. That's a bad thing for Rico, because to a werewolf like him, chocolate is literally a toxin.

Rico can't live with it, and Briony can't live without it. And when a certain wandering wolf finds a bag of chocolate in the Dumpster near Briony's clinic, these two will find just how toxic love can be.

Excerpt:
This e-book file contains sexually explicit scenes and adult language which some may find offensive and which is not appropriate for a young audience. Changeling Press E-Books are for sale to adults, only, as defined by the laws of the country in which you made your purchase. Please store your files wisely, where they cannot be accessed by under-aged readers.

"I really can't believe you want to muzzle Chaucer. He's such a sweet boy!"
Dr. Briony Theale deftly placed the makeshift muzzle over the little schnauzer's head. Sweet boy or not, he was showing teeth just a little too readily. "Oh, it's just a precaution, Miss Wilson. My tech had to go home early today, and this just makes it a little easier handling him by myself."
"Are you sure that other vet isn't available? That nice man?"
Briony barely kept from rolling her eyes at the question. Like she hadn't heard that a million times over the past two years? "Dr. Sewell retired a couple years back." She bent to the dog, giving it a brief physical examination. "Now, what brings Chaucer in today?"
"He's sick."
Okay, the day was getting better and better.
"Can you tell me his symptoms? Or maybe what caused him to be sick?" She palpated the dog's belly and he grunted. Quickly, she turned to the thermometer. While holding the instrument in place, she hummed slightly.
"Chocolate?"
"What?" Briony blinked, wondering if her chocolate-heavy lunch was still on her breath. Not that she indulged herself that way every day, but still, she had to stifle the urge to check her breath against a cupped hand.
Considering where her gloved hand had just been... Her face grew warm with embarrassment.
"Well, he was acting hungry, so I shared some of my chocolate with him. There was plenty left over from Easter, and you know, chocolate is so fattening..." She broke off, eyeing Briony's abundant figure critically.
"That could be it. Chocolate is very toxic to dogs."
"I didn't know! Oh my precious..." She nuzzled the nose of the muzzled dog. Considering the muffled growls, the woman would have probably lost the tip of her nose if Briony hadn't taken precautions to muzzle the little beast.
"So is he vomiting? Acting particularly agitated or nervous?"
Miss Wilson bobbed her graying head.
"How much did you give him?"
"Well, not much..." She held out her wrinkled hand, which had a slight tremor. "Just a palm full."
"Dark or milk?"
"Why does that matter?" Miss Wilson was sounding decidedly irritated.
"Well, for a dog the size of Chaucer, eight ounces of milk chocolate could prove to be toxic, but only one ounce of dark chocolate would have the same effect."
Tears welled up in the elderly woman's eyes. "Oh no! I'm so sorry, Chaucer." She stroked the dog's grizzled head. "I gave him bittersweet. I don't care for that type so much."
The little dog was trembling, and Briony knew she needed to act fast. She left the woman comforting her pet and stepped away, stripping off her gloves.
"I'll need to keep him over the weekend. There's no remedy for this, but hopefully it'll work through his system without too much trauma. I'll give him some activated charcoal to help with the toxins, but mostly all I can do is support him until he recovers."
"Will he be all right?"
Briony looped a lead over his head and slipped the muzzle loose. "Well, that's difficult to tell. It'll take the toxin several hours to work through his system. If he's vomited, hopefully some of it is gone already. Unfortunately, it might take a day or two."
"If he stays here overnight, will you be with him? I don't see the point in leaving him here if he's alone all night."
"No, he won't be alone." She gave the woman a reassuring smile. "I have a tech that stays the night, and if there's an emergency she calls me at home. I live just minutes away."
She picked up the little dog, who struggled just a bit before settling. "We'll take very good care of him, Miss Wilson. I'll call first thing in the morning with an update."
She walked the woman to the door and nodded at Amy, the receptionist. Taking her cue, the younger woman came and guided Miss Wilson to the counter to begin the billing process. She sighed and returned to the back of the clinic to get the dog started on his treatment. She gently settled Chaucer into a roomy crate, checking his water bottle. No doubt the little dog was Miss Wilson's only family. She'd be shattered if Chaucer died because of her soft heart.
"So, you and me, Chaucer, we've got the very same vice."
The dog sat for a moment and then got up, circled, and sat back down. Within a few seconds he repeated the process. That was the hyperactivity kicking in. If he was at home, he'd pace and circle all night long until the effects of the chocolate toxicosis wore off. He was also in danger of having seizures that could kill him.
Slipping her hands into the pockets of her exam jacket, Briony found the half-eaten remains of a chocolate bar. She sighed and slipped a square into her mouth, letting it melt over her tongue.
Sex and chocolate were the two greatest indulgences in Briony's life. The sex might be lacking these days; luckily, the chocolate was abundant. That wasn't so bad. Maybe she was a little lonely, but how bad could it be when there was chocolate to soothe those other cravings?
She folded the wrapper around the bar and slipped it back into her pocket.


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