Showing posts with label Shara Azod. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Shara Azod. Show all posts

Monday, April 29, 2013

DRB1stChp Changeling Spotlight 28 April

DRB1stChp Changeling Press Sundays (28 April):
(full first chapters online)

*** Space Marine by Marteeka Karland
(SciFi Erotica, MF)
http://drb1stchp.com/2013/04/space-marine-by-marteeka-karland/

*** Serenity's Wish by Jessica Coulter Smith
(Erotic Vampire BBW Romance, MF)
http://drb1stchp.com/2013/04/serenitys-wish-by-jessica-coulter-smith/

*** Gascon Victors and the Batty Beautician by Kate Hill
(Erotic Contemporary Romance, MF)
http://drb1stchp.com/2013/04/gascon-victors-and-the-batty-beautician-by-kate-hill/

*** The True One by Shara Azod
(Erotic Shifter Interracial Romance, MFMMM)
http://drb1stchp.com/2013/04/the-true-one-by-shara-azod/


Revisit the new releases of 23 Nov 2012:

** Wet 4: Overflow by Zenobia Renquist
(Erotic MFM Paranormal MC/IR Romance)
http://theloglineblog.blogspot.com/2013/04/overflow.html

** Warrior's Craft 4: Four GI's & a Witch by Cheryl Dragon
(Erotic MFMMM Paranormal Romance)
http://theloglineblog.blogspot.com/2013/04/four-gis-witch.html

** Tiger Fork by Saloni Quinby
(Erotic MM Shifter Romance)
http://theloglineblog.blogspot.com/2013/04/tiger-fork.html

** Full Moon Heat Collection by Lia Connor
(Erotic MMF Shifter Romance)
http://theloglineblog.blogspot.com/2013/04/full-moon-heat.html

--
Zenobia Renquist
Discover Different and Unique Romance
http://about.me/zenobiarenquist
Caveat Emptor Series :: Three couples caught in a war have only one solution -- peace. Si vis pacem, para bellum. :: http://zenobiarenquist.com/bookshelf/caveat-emptor-series

Monday, January 07, 2013

DRB1stChp Changeling Press Sundays (06 Jan)

DRB1stChp Changeling Press Sundays... stop by the first chapters blog every Sunday for Changeling Press full first chapter excerpts for new releases and old favorites. Here's what posted this Sunday:

Red Line Underground 2: Cyber Scars by Cheryl Dragon
(Erotic MM Cyberpunk Romance)
http://drb1stchp.com/2013/01/cyber-scars-by-cheryl-dragon/

Razor's Edge: Show Me by Megan Slayer
(Contemporary MF BDSM Erotica)
http://drb1stchp.com/2013/01/show-me-by-megan-slayer/

Wild Things 5: Stalked by Jocelyn Michel
(Erotic MF Vampire Romance)
http://drb1stchp.com/2013/01/stalked-by-jocelyn-michel/

Badland Savage 1: The Fin by Marteeka Karland & Shara Azod
(Erotic MFMM Shifter Romance)
http://drb1stchp.com/2013/01/the-fin-by-marteeka-karland-and-shara-azod/


--
Zenobia Renquist
Discover Different and Unique Romance
http://about.me/zenobiarenquist
Caveat Emptor Series :: Three couples caught in a war have only one solution -- peace. Si vis pacem, para bellum. :: http://zenobiarenquist.com/bookshelf/caveat-emptor-series


--
Zenobia Renquist
Discover Different and Unique Romance
http://about.me/zenobiarenquist
Caveat Emptor Series :: Three couples caught in a war have only one solution -- peace. Si vis pacem, para bellum. :: http://zenobiarenquist.com/bookshelf/caveat-emptor-series

Thursday, January 03, 2013

New Releases: 03 January

New Releases:
Badland Savage: The Fin by Marteeka Karland and Shara Azod $4.49
Learning to swim won't help you escape...
Wild Things: Stalked by Jocelyn Michel $3.49
Seeking the Yeti, Cassie finds danger of another kind. Can Andrei save her from malicious vampires?
Red Line Underground: Cyber Scars by Cheryl Dragon $3.99
After enduring extreme torture, implants, and reconditioning, can a man accept freedom and pleasure?
Razor’s Edge: Show Me by Megan Slayer $1.99
She's on display for all the world to see!
 
And be sure to check out our Changeling's gorgeous new look for 2013!
 
Congratulations to all our Free Books For A Year Winners!
One book a month:
Julie P -- Santa's Helpers: Epiphany
Dana T -- Santa's Helpers: Drink Me Sweetly
H.L. M -- Santa's Helpers: Zarakion's Tip
Gina G -- Santa's Helpers: Christmas Elves Are Ringing
Lori S -- Santa's Helpers: Snowflake
 
Two books a month:
Danae F -- Santa's Helpers: Decorating Spirit
Nancy A -- Santa's Helpers: Drink Me Sweetly
 
Two books a week:
Erika S -- Santa's Helpers: Christmas Elves Are Ringing
Lydia G -- Santa's Helpers: Decorating Spirit
 
Happy New Year!
 
 
Margaret Riley
AKA Shelby Morgen
Spaceport: Backup Plan
Now Available from Changeling Press
http://changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=1852

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Now Available at ARe, BN, and Amazon: Oct 17th

Now Available at AllRomanceEbooks.com, BN.com, and Amazon.com
Keeping Score 1: One Up by Julia Talbot $3.49
 
The Chosen 3: Release of Bres by Shara Azod $3.49
 
Caveat Emptor: Eternal Lovers by Zenobia Renquist $4.49
 
Love at First Bite by Jessica Coulter Smith $2.99
 
1¢ Sale at ChangelingPress.com
Slave to Lust by Mikala Ash
Katsumi Ryal has fled her arranged marriage. Adon promises her father he'll bring her back...
 
Two ways to get your books: From your account login, choose the "download this book" option to save to your computer. Or choose "email this book to myself" to send your books directly to your ebook reader. Or choose both!
 

Thursday, October 11, 2012

New Releases: Oct 11th

Badland Warriors: Marines by Marteeka Karland and Shara Azod $3.99
In the dangerous Badlands, there exist erotic beings as fascinating as they are deadly.
 
Forever Wicked: Savage Protector by Megan Slayer $3.99
Sometimes it takes a strong man to get the job done.
 
Which Witch? by Jocelyn Michel $3.49
Witches Lyra and Rowan both have their hearts set on the sexy new guy. Which witch will win him?
 
Razor's Edge: After Party by Zenobia Renquist $2.49
Tawnie's ready for a good night's sleep, but Hudson is ready for sex.
 
Now Available at www.ChangelingPress.com
1¢ Sale! Stranded on Earth by Anne KaneJake knows he should be a gentleman and keep his hands to himself, but spring is a long way off…
 
Octoberfest at Changeling -- Win free books for a month!Buy any new release at Changelingpress.com  and use the discount code Octoberfest2012 -- you're automatically entered to win. Winner will receive five free books -- one a week for the month of November.

We accept Credit Cards, Debit cards, Prepaid Cards, and Account Credits with PayPal and PayPal Buy It Now.
 
Got an e-reader? Two ways to get your books: From your account login, choose the "download this book" option to save to your computer and upload to your favorite device. Or choose "email this book to myself" to send your books directly to your ebook reader. Or choose both!
 

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Now Available at www.ChangelingPress.com!

New Releases
Wild Ones: Purr by Zoey Daniels $3.99
Only a cat -- or two -- could be man enough to handle Delia.
Dark Before Dawn by Saloni Quinby $3.99
In one night two strangers share a lifetime of passion while battling an ancient evil.
The Chosen: Netjer's Fall by Shara Azod $3.49
Tired of living in his brother's shadow, Netjer seeks the woman who can give him the power he needs.
Razor's Edge: Burn by Ashlynn Monroe $2.49
Two women from Earth must escape the Sloth-King before he makes them the "goddesses" of his tribe.
Now Available at www.ChangelingPress.com
1¢ Sale at ChangelingPress.com
Storm in the Desert by Sean Michael
Can a little magic and a lot of love bring an ex-lover back to the desert?
http://www.changelingpress.com/catalog.php?upt=book&ufilter=genre&uid=18
Free Stuff:
Flash Fiction 100 word Challenge!
Where? Changeling Bar And Grill!
(http://groups.yahoo.com/group/changelingpress/)
New theme announced every Friday.
Cheeky Changeling, our own free online EZine, for monthly articles, FREE stories, and a discount code good on any order.
Changeling Insider -- located conveniently in your Changeling Press account login page -- look your weekly discount code, good for 10% off the purchase of any new release.
Rebates when you use your credit or debit card or PayPal to pre-load your Changeling Press account -- just log in to your Changeling account and use the Buy Credit button on every www.ChangelingPress.com page header.

So why wait? Buy now at www.ChangelingPress.com and save!

Monday, January 30, 2012

The Chosen: Ukko's Discovery by Shara Azod



The Chosen: Ukko's Discovery
by Shara Azod

Cover art: Marteeka Karland
ISBN: 978-1-60521-768-0
Genre(s): Paranormal, Action Adventure/ Suspense, Dark Fantasy
Theme(s): Magic, Dark Desire
Series: The Chosen (#1)
Length: Novella
Page Count: 34

http://changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=1760

Blurb:
Ukko is a general of the Spentas. He fears nothing, backs down from nothing, questions nothing -- until he finds something he can't explain. Who is this mysterious female with powers equal to his? Who sent her? What is her purpose? And the most important question of all -- why doesn't he care about any of that?
Excerpt:
The Chosen: Ukko's Discovery
Shara Azod
All rights reserved.
Copyright ©2012 Shara Azod

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.



Nimah was in awe of the blond giant of a man she had gone to San Diego to find. A normal woman might have been freaked out to open her eyes and find herself deep in the heart of Finland. But when had her life ever been normal? She wished like hell she could answer his question, but the problem was she had no idea what she was. She just knew she was different. Always had been. A woman with no family, no history, no idea where she came from or why she could do the things she could. Her entire life she had known only one thing for sure -- one day she would meet this man, and she was meant to be here, in his arms.
Since puberty Nimah had dreamed of him. Ukko of Finland had been the number one constant in her life while all else had been transient. Abandoned at birth, she'd been raised in a series of foster and group homes until she'd turned eighteen. That was when she became aware of three very important things. The first was that she was very different from everyone around her. Her abilities were akin to something seen in a sci-fi movie. She'd had to hide all the things she could do from others all her life. Until now.
The second thing she'd been aware of since puberty was that one day she would meet this man, Ukko, and the gaping hole in the center of her soul would be filled. It made no sense in the conventional way of thinking, but Nimah had always known him. She had seen bits and pieces of his entire existence, an existence that spanned longer than recorded time.
The third thing that had been a constant in her life was the unseen threat always hovering in the shadows. Until tonight she'd never seen those who watched, constantly looking for her and others like her. She didn't know how she knew there were others, but she was as certain of it as she was that Ukko belonged to her, that she belonged to him.
If she wanted to she could will herself back to San Diego right this second. That was the last thing she wanted to do. Honestly, she hadn't wanted to run from him earlier, either. Even though Nimah had dreamed of Ukko, she'd never been able to find him. There was never enough detail in her dreams or visions to pinpoint his location until yesterday, when his location popped into her consciousness, followed by a burning need to go to him. It took nothing to be there; she'd simply closed her eyes and willed herself there. She'd left everything behind just for a chance to finally meet him.
But things went horribly wrong. The homeless man she'd helped seemed to call out to her. In some odd way he was important to her and her future. His mind had been so befuddled, a darkness clouding the thoughts trying to push through -- he wanted to tell her something. He was there for her, and Ukko. Generally she never took the chance to showcase any of her abilities. The unseen threat could find her like that. There was always a cold chill that warned her of their nearness -- a shadow that smelled of pure evil warned her to flee whenever she used any of her gifts.
Nimah had felt the moment Ukko spotted her. His disbelief at what he was seeing as she healed the homeless man, his confusion and suspicion, bombarded her like physical blows. As much as her body and soul cried out for him, her first impulse had been to run. It had been so hard to even think! Her pussy creamed, aching with every step. She wanted to stop and run into his arms, but she just couldn't.
So she'd run from him. Too intent on getting away from the man she wanted desperately but was suddenly unsure of, she'd missed the internal warning hardwired in her brain to disappear whenever an all-too-familiar chill raced down her spine. Their sudden appearance threw her. Expecting hideous, monstrous creatures, she was completely unprepared for the beautiful evil that tried to touch her.
Everything within her had rebelled at the wrongness of their touch. Repelling them had been remarkably easy, but Nimah knew without really knowing that it had been Ukko's presence that enabled her to create the energy that felled them. Then why was it that Ukko, who she knew instinctively was far more powerful than she, could not do as she had done?
"What are you, woman?" Ukko demanded yet again, crushing her body to him. He looked so deliciously furious. Confused and turned on at the same time. Even with his lips pressed into a tight line, they looked so amazingly kissable. Proof of his desire pressed insistently against her. She didn't mean to rub up against it, not really. The sharp tug on her hair in response made her moan, her nipples hardening against his chest.
"I'm yours." The words came out in a whisper of their own will. Nimah didn't expect for them to be received very well. What kind of a man wanted some random woman declaring herself to be his, despite the bizarre circumstances of this entire situation?
In response, his lips crushed hers this time. This kiss was as possessive as the first had been passionate. As if to confirm her statement, Ukko took everything, leaving her panting and breathless before abruptly stepping away. "You are no human woman." Nimah had no idea what he meant by that. As far as she knew she was human. Wasn't she? "You say you are mine, prove it."
"What -- what do you mean?" Her heart thundered in her chest. Had she been wearing underwear, they would have been sodden by now. Her jeans felt abrasive against the bare skin of her cunt. She had prepared for this.
With a wave of his hand, her clothing tore apart, falling at her feet. Though she knew he could have easily disrobed himself in a similar way, he stood fully clothed, his hands going to the fastening of his pants.
"Kneel, Nimah. Show me how much you are mine."

http://changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=1760

Saturday, October 22, 2011

Badland Warriors: Comanche by Marteeka Karland and Shara Azod



Badland Warriors: Comanche

by Marteeka Karland and Shara Azod
Cover art: Marteeka Karland
ISBN: 978-1-60521-703-1
Genre(s): Futuristic, Paranormal, Action Adventure/ Suspense
Theme(s): Interracial, Ménage, Bisexual and More
Series: Badland Warriors
Length: Novel
Page Count: 97
http://changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=1700

Blurb:
Aylen has devoted her life to educating children. Determined not to recycle the myths the government force-feeds the populace, she prides herself on teaching her students the truth about the government and the history of humanity.
But then a myth shows up at her door. Trapped in a horrible earthquake, Aylen is rescued by First Generation Warriors. They shouldn't exist! And they certainly shouldn't make her blood boil and her heart melt. One, touch and Aylen's life will never be the same.
In the Badlands you can scream all you want... with pleasure.
Excerpt:
Badland Warriors: Comanche
Marteeka Karland and Shara Azod
All rights reserved.
Copyright ©2011 Marteeka Karland and Shara Azod

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.



Beads of sweat dotted Baer's skin as he sat in the small adobe sweat lodge behind their quarters, surrounded by the others in his Triad. Something was wrong, seriously wrong, yet none of them could sense danger to the compound, the tiny patch of quasi-civilization the First Gen Warriors had worked so hard to create in the middle of natural chaos. The powers that had come to them, slowly at first, then with a vengeance once they'd been mated, let them see -- or more accurately feel -- into the future. It didn't always work that way for an individual's life or path. If it had, perhaps they wouldn't have lost their mate and their children almost a century ago.
At the thought of their lost wife and children, Baer's heart welled with sorrow. Things had been volatile then. Different. There had been no safe haven for Warriors. When the WCGA realized the offspring being produced by First Generation Warriors couldn't be controlled, the killings began, and very few survived unscathed. The children who were too old to be "re-educated" had been taken away, tossed into government-run orphanages with no knowledge of their own heritage. All special abilities had been forced down into the psyche so deep that they had been forgotten. The women -- mates to proud Warriors -- had been slaughtered. The massacre spared no one, and only a handful escaped to live in silent desperation, eventually dying without the other parts of their souls.
No. He would not relive it all again. Not now. There was potentially too much at stake for him to be distracted. There was someone... someone they needed to find. It was imperative they do so, and soon. That was all Baer knew for certain.
The others chanted softly, and Baer pulled his thoughts back to his Triad, shoving the past firmly in the back of his mind where it belonged. If they were to have a successful Spirit Walk, he had to empty his mind and open himself to the spirit world and to his Triad.
The three of them sat in a circle surrounding a large pot of burning incense. Fragrant smoke full of sage and lavender hovered above them like a blanket, allowing them to focus their spirits and see into the moving future. That was the folly of a future Spirit Walk. What they saw was only a small number of possibilities. The future was always in motion. Each thing they did to get there affected the outcome.
Naked, cross-legged, Baer looked to Tyger and Wulf in his mind. The three tuned themselves perfectly to each other during this time. They were one, pooling their strengths and power to tap into the spirit world. In this form, they could talk to the ancients who came before them, spy on their enemies, or find the source of the disturbance plaguing their dreams. It cost them, though. The merging of their minds demanded the merging of their bodies as well, though Baer didn't see it as much of a sacrifice. It was almost a compulsion. At times, even weeks after a Spirit Walk, Baer sought out one or both of his Triad for relief. This time, the need would be much worse -- he knew it in his very being.
Baer knew they looked for a person. Finding one person in the entire world would take intense, prolonged concentration. Sexual need was but a byproduct, one he thoroughly enjoyed.
In a dream-like haze, Baer let himself slip into the others. Their minds merged until they were not three but one. Images flew by with blinding speed, unfocused and impossible to distinguish or separate. Experience had taught Baer not to try. Images of importance would reveal themselves as they came along. Through the haze of color and lights in the vision, an image of the open sea appeared, clear and sharp. More so than if they'd actually been there. The intensity of it hurt his eyes. More than that, he could smell the salt in the air, hear gulls crying, waves crashing. Sea spray wet his body and clung to his hair. He could hear the creaking of wood as if he were on a boat before the image flickered and faded into a white, blinding light.
His first instinct was to fight the intensity of it, but he held himself strong in body and mind. He didn't flinch as one scene blended into another and he was looking at steel and concrete. Children laughed and called to one another before a deafening rumble drowned out all sound, shaking his insides until he thought his organs would liquefy.
Then there was silence.
What did it mean? Spirit walks could be incredibly helpful. More often than not they were infuriatingly vague. Just as he thought the images would stop, a pair of bright, deep blue-green eyes framed by long, dark lashes came into focus. They were delicately slanted, with the barest of dark liner around the lids. Flecks of copper and bronze sparkled in their depths, flickering as the light played across their surface. Deep in the pupils, he and his Triad were reflected.
Immediately, Baer was drawn to those eyes. They were obviously female, but it was more than that. He knew, deep in his soul, they must find this woman. She was in some way very important. Whether it was to the community or to them personally, Baer didn't know. But the pull he felt toward her, the pull they felt toward her, was a force they had no hope of resisting. Not unlike the first time they had seen their mate.
With a great whoosh the vision was sucked into the incense pot in the center of their circle. The air seemed to pull at them; their hair whipped around their faces as if in protest of the woman leaving. Whatever their future held, the one thing Baer was certain of was the woman. It was imperative they find her and bring her back to the compound. She was too important to send anyone but seasoned Warriors, ones who knew how to use their gifts. Besides that, it just felt wrong to even think about anyone else going to her...
http://changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=1700

Saturday, August 13, 2011

Death Bringer by Marteeka Karland and Shara Azod


Death Bringer

by Marteeka Karland and Shara Azod

Cover art: Marteeka Karland
ISBN: 978-1-60521-676-8
Genre(s): Futuristic, Action Adventure/ Suspense
Length: Novella
Page Count: 34


http://changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=1661

Blurb
All Tyr wants is a stiff drink and an easy woman. He isn't the hero type. The lost little socialite who wanders into the roughneck cantina is not his problem. Let someone else escort her back to the Sky City where the rich and powerful live.
Only when she starts to get the wrong kind of attention, Tyr can't turn away. Those luscious curves and flame-red hair are like a beacon, and he's not immune. When she tells him what she wants -- well, now, isn't she lucky he's in the mood for a little down and dirty?
How could he know the succulent little Arienne is his next contract, should he choose to take it? And who could guess she's just the woman to bring life to the Death Bringer?
Excerpt
Death Bringer
Marteeka Karland and Shara Azod
All rights reserved.
Copyright ©2011 Marteeka Karland and Shara Azod

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.



All Tyr wanted was to finish his ale and find a hot woman willing to spend the entire night fucking. For once, he was Tyr. Not a lethal assassin. Just Tyr. He'd stopped in a little town -- a tiny shit-hole of a place, really -- that was directly beneath the upscale Metro City. He'd hoped to rest before delving into his next job that would take him back into a world of death. He was tired. So very tired.
Even though he was minding his own business and not on the hunt, he'd placed himself in a corner where he could see everyone while he was still swathed in shadow. But even if he'd thrown his cloak over his head and ducked under the table, he would've had to be blind not to see the buxom redhead walking into the cantina. She looked like a woman who was not used to being in this part of the city. She looked more like she belonged in one of the sky cities, not one this close to the surface of the planet. However, those luscious curves made up for a heck of a lot. Whoever she was, he wasn't about to start asking questions.
The cities beneath the sky dwellings were dark, dangerous places, and this cantina was one of the worst. Deciding it would be better to let her find her own way and not invite trouble, he turned back to his drink.
He was a jaded man, but damn, she had his cock half hard just from looking at her. Despite his resolve, he kept casting glances out of the corner of his eyes, watching as she wandered into the place all adorably lost. She seemed not to notice every eye in the bar was riveted to her, and not just from the sensual way her hips swayed. He'd bet her short skirt and fuck-me boots cost more than most of the steely-eyed, questionable types here made in a full moon cycle. It was impossible not to notice several interested roughneck types mentally calculating all sorts of things, which also didn't sit well with him. Why he should care was anyone's guess.
"No way. Not getting involved. She came in here on her own -- she can damned well leave on her own. She should've had better sense." Great -- now he was talking to himself.
There were two bottle blondes with artificial enhancements giving him the serious eye. He could talk them both upstairs right now and forget all about Little Miss All Natural and... Shit, those stiff little nipples were just begging for his lips to cover them, greedily sucking to his heart's content. And those hips! Weren't they just begging to take a rough rider on a wild ride?
He really should concentrate on something else -- anything else. That girl was trouble. Big trouble. Hell, he was wanted almost everywhere on the Godforsaken planet! This woman not only didn't belong here, she was probably running. She screamed innocence. In this place, it was as good as a death sentence. After a very brutal rape, that is. So not the kind of trouble he needed. Chances were good somebody important was looking for her.
That was when he noticed the two Cardilian lizards heading toward her with lust in their eyes -- well, those black slits they called eyes. Those sadistic, slimy green bastards would take what they wanted, then tear her apart with those sharp, razor-like teeth. Tyr's jaw clenched. He was going to do it, go over and save her ass despite knowing it would only lead to more trouble. Maybe if he could get her outside, she'd realize the danger she was in and just go back home to whomever she was running from.
Standing, he pulled his cloak over his shaved head and stalked toward her. He didn't worry about anyone recognizing him -- his assassin role was hidden so deep, only one other person knew who he really was. His only concern was that someone would see him with her. Such sweet, succulent prey was easily noticed, and anyone leaving with her would most definitely be remembered.
That little fact alone would severely delay his next job. Nobody gave a shit while he was just another asshole drowning his issues in gut-rot ale. He glanced at the Cardilians, flashing the tattoo on his arm that indicated his cybernetic enhancements, and grabbed the little, fire-haired woman by the upper arm. Her eyes widened in alarm, and she tried to pull free, but he held on mercilessly.
"What are you doing? Let me go!" The panic in her voice was unmistakable. "I'm meeting someone --"
"Sure you are. It's a little late for fear now, little one," he hissed. "You have no business in a place like this." Deliberately, he swung her around in the direction of the two lizards. They looked as if they had every intention of fighting Tyr for her, even knowing he could break their scaly necks with little effort. Some things were worth fighting for, and this little redhead was definitely one of them. Oh, no, where the hell had that thought come from?
Nope, not gonna happen. He was going to get her out of here, and that would be that.
She trembled beneath his touch. Good. The wench wasn't a total dimwit. She looked up at him with a mixture of fear and excitement in her startlingly green eyes. She should really stop that. He was seconds away from pushing her up against the wall as it was. That body of hers was begging for it. Her breast brushed against his arm, her sweet smell enveloping his senses.
Tyr didn't stop once they were outside. He kept going, practically dragging her behind him. They needed to get to a place of relative safety, which wasn't saying much this close to the surface. Those Cardilians might feel lucky and think the two of them could take him with no one around to break up the fight. It was tricky avoiding the entrances to alleys, and it was imperative he remain aware of their surroundings as well as the woman at his side.
"Where are you taking me?" Her voice was going up in pitch and volume in her fright. Good. She needed to know what kind of danger she was in. She definitely didn't need to be in this part of the city, and she needed to know why.
"I'm going to put you on a train back to the upper levels." And away from him. "You have no business down here." Temptation like this was deadly to a man like him. First came the intense attraction, then BAM! he was lying in an unmarked grave somewhere because he'd been paying attention to her instead of everything around him. He was a man alone, an assassin. He was feared, damn it. Women like her were nothing but problems on top of complications.
"At least come with me."
He stopped then. Maybe she really was a dimwit? Did he look like a fucking escort? "Now, why the fuck would I do that?"
"If you send me back, I'm as good as dead."
Now, that got his attention. "That's a hell of a thing to say. Why would someone want to kill you?"
"It's my fiance. My father agreed to the match because he seemed so in love with me, but it was really all a ploy to get my father's money. If you help me, I'd be willing to pay anything you asked."
Immediately, his half-hard cock sprang to full attention. It happened so fast, he nearly fell to his knees as the blood made a beeline away from his brain.
Didn't that just open up all kinds of possibilities? It brought to mind all kinds of nasty little scenarios. Her on her knees, mouth open, full of his cock. Legs sticking up in the air, ankles resting on his shoulders. Or the best yet, her tied to his bed, wet and open and willing. Hell, at this point, he'd take her any way he could get her.
"I assume you had a plan when you came down here?" His voice had gone husky. He didn't want to scare her off, but it was next to impossible to remain calm when she smelled like she did. He wondered if her pussy would smell as sweet as the rest of her. Or taste as good. His mouth watered at the thought of burying his head between her thighs. She reminded him of the botanical gardens he'd visited topside after the simulated rain. Fresh. Feminine. Innocent. And so damn hot.
Christ! He couldn't think about that, or he really would rip her clothes off and take her where she stood. It would be easy enough to grip her hips and enter her standing up. He'd fuck her for all he was worth, then carry her home caveman style and do it all over again. Unbidden, the image of her sex, covered in a silky down of red curls, popped into his mind, and he actually groaned aloud.
"Well, I was hoping to find someone to escort me back and imply we'd had sex." She looked at him with innocent eyes, and Tyr knew he was looking at her as if she'd grown a second head.
Was she fucking kidding?
http://changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=1661

Friday, July 15, 2011

Claiming Lori by Marteeka Karland and Shara Azod

Claiming Lori

by Marteeka Karland and Shara Azod
Cover art: Marteeka Karland
ISBN: 978-1-60521-656-0
Genre(s): Guilty Pleasures (Contemporary)
Theme(s): Interracial, Ménage
Length: Novella
Page Count: 33


http://changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=1634

Blurb:

Lori is sick to death of the brothers McAlister ruining all her fun. They're always sticking their noses into her business when all she wants to do is let her hair down a little, and yeah, have a good time between the sheets. She can't get a date, let alone get laid, with the three brothers from next door chasing away all her potentials. Heck, she can't even go out on the town without them showing up!
How is she supposed to know they have a more than a little fun planned for her luscious curves? But when Michael, Alex and Jackson tell her exactly why they feel it's their right to keep other men at bay, will Lori be able to give them what they demand?

Excerpt:
Claiming Lori
Marteeka Karland and Shara Azod
All rights reserved.
Copyright ©2011 Marteeka Karland and Shara Azod

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.



Lori Saunders squealed when she turned on the light to her living room to find three incredibly huge, incredibly hunky men sitting on her sectional. They'd scared the hell out of her. Especially since she'd shut the door and had broken out into a chorus of "Baby Got Back," all while shaking her ass in a little shimmy.
On one level, though, she wasn't the least bit surprised to see all three of her usual tormentors waiting for her as she stumbled back into her house. They had keys, after all. It was just startling.
"Now, guys." It was really hard not to sway on her too-cute boots, especially when confronted by three very sexy, very pissed visions of male loveliness. They sat in her living room as if they had every right to be there, glowering something fierce. "I'm a big girl now. And legal, to boot. If I want to go have a little fun, damn it, I'm entitled."
She was an only child, but it had never stopped the three knuckleheads from next door from acting like she was their kid sister. Being the only child of a single father, it had been nice when she was a kid, but the three busybodies had taken it to a whole different level since she'd first sprouted breasts. When her dad had retired and moved to Florida, leaving her the house, she should've known these three would hinder her newfound independence.
It was Alex who came over to steady her. Good old Alex, with his gorgeous auburn hair and bright blue eyes. Damn, he was tall. When had he gotten all large like that? All three brothers had always been hunkalicious, but this was a bit beyond the regular old hot and made a beeline toward sublime. Why hadn't she noticed that before?
"You know, you are one hot firefighter." A bevy of giggles escaped before Lori could call them back. Shit, now they were going to know she was sloshed. Still, it was funny. Hot firefighter, what a cliche.
"And you are headed toward having one hot little ass, sneaking out like that." Alex's reply was delivered with one of those lopsided grins designed to get a girl all wet and wanting. Man, did it ever work.
At twenty-four, she hadn't had an actual boyfriend in like... well, never, really. Guys she called herself interested in never lasted for long with the three Neanderthal McAlister brothers nosing around.
Alex, who had just turned twenty-nine, was usually the first to ferret out any and all pertinent info on any prospective male friend. He would then turn over all he knew to Michael, who was now thirty-two. If the two of them couldn't find anything bad enough to warn her off, they would turn to thirty-five-year-old Jack to intimidate the crap out of the guy, making sure he'd never return.
She could see it when she was sixteen, but, damn it, she was legal! A girl deserved a little fun in her life. Which was why she'd snuck out tonight.
"Do you know how dangerous it is, going out and getting drunk?" That came from Jack. Black Jack, as she referred to him somewhat ironically, had jet-black hair with faint reddish highlights. He had the same sapphire eyes as his brothers, though, making him devilishly handsome. Unlike his two younger brothers, Jack wasn't a firefighter, but a cop. A detective now. "What if something had happened to you, Lori? What if someone attacked you or your friends? What would you have done then?"
Jack didn't come forward as Alex had. Instead he sat there taking up the corner of the sectional, where it turned into a big armchair, looking like he was the man of the house. Didn't that thought just give her the shivers? Black Jack, all big, strong and fierce, walking around shirtless, pulling her down in his lap, maybe coming home and taking her right there against the front door as she greeted him...
"Lori, are you listening to me?" The sound of Jack's voice snapped her back to the present.
Unfortunately, her wayward tongue forgot she was no longer daydreaming. "I would totally love to see you naked," she blurted out, almost falling forward in Jack's direction. Luckily, Alex caught her in time.
"Our baby girl is good and toasted." Michael, who was generally the quiet one, spoke up for the first time, looking like he was biting back a full belly laugh. "I think the lecture can wait until morning, Jackson."
"Yeah, what he said." Lori would agree to just about anything to get herself out of the current situation. Her brain wasn't communicating with her mouth too well. That could only get her into worse trouble. "And I am not your baby anything. I told you for the last time I am a full grown woman, damn it."
Lori decided the best thing she could do was emphasize the point, so she cupped her breasts, impressive D-cups that no "baby" would have, and shoved them up a notch or two for good measure. The sweater she was wearing hugged her curves, with a deep V in the middle for just the right amount of cleavage. No way they could miss those bad boys now.
"Holy crap, Michael, I think you should pour our little drunk into bed before I say or do something I'm gonna regret." Alex actually stepped away from Lori like she'd just shoved a snake in front of his face.
That was so not fair. Lori wasn't conceited or anything, but she worked hard to keep in shape. What the hell was his problem?
"Shut up, Lori." Alex fixed a hard stare right at her when she opened her mouth to give him a piece of her mind. "You're drunk, and I am not in the mood right now. I'm so damned pissed you went out like that --" he waved his hand all up and down her front, "-- knowing other guys were looking at what is ours, I could tan your hide right now. But you're too drunk to feel it."
Wait -- "ours"? What the hell did that mean?
"Huh? I am not yours or any-damn-body else's!" She was sick of this shit. "How can I be with the three of you hovering all the damn time?"
There, she'd said it. No going back now. At least they would know how she felt. It would be one thing if any one of them would step up to the plate, but they treated her as if she were their little sister. Well, she wasn't. She was a woman with needs, damn it, and it was high time they realized it.
"You're still ours," Jack said quietly, looking rather amused by the situation.
"You always have been. You're a little too drunk to prove it tonight, but tomorrow, baby girl..." Slowly rising to his feet, Jack came over and caressed the side of her face with a single finger. Lori felt her heart pounding against her breastbone, goose bumps breaking out all over. "Tomorrow we plan on showing you just how much you belong to us."
Lori was left dumbfounded, watching Jack and Alex walk to the front door. She was too scared to even breathe, terrified she might wake up at any given second. If Jack had meant what she thought he did, then one of her most torrid fantasies was about to come true.
"Come on, let's get you to bed." Michael came over and guided her to her bedroom with a firm but gentle hand. Lori went with him, not sure what else to do.
She stood there as he stripped off her sweater, boots and jeans, even the lacy underwear she'd worn just in case she got lucky. Truth be told, it wasn't that she hadn't gotten any offers. It was just that none of the guys who approached her seemed worth it. None of them could measure up to those damned McAlisters.
"You really are gorgeous, Lori." As if to put an exclamation point on his statement, Michael placed a soft kiss on her belly before ushering her over to her bed. "It's gonna be hell not touching you tonight."
She wanted to ask him what he meant by that, but the margaritas she'd had made it too hard to think, let alone ask life-altering questions. Her eyes were suddenly too heavy, and her tongue seemed glued to the roof of her mouth. It sounded like Michael was stripping off his own shirt and jeans. She only wished she could open her eyes a little wider to get a good look.
As he climbed into her bed and pulled her against him, she had her answer. There would be questions later. Right now she was just really tired, and Michael felt so nice and warm. She'd ask in the morning...
http://changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=1634

Saturday, January 08, 2011

Badland Warriors-- Vikings by Shara Azod

Badland Warriors: Vikings


by Shara Azod

Cover art: Marteeka Karland

ISBN: 978-1-60521-551-8

Genre(s): Futuristic, Sci-Fi

Theme(s): Ménage

Series: Badland Warriors

Length: Novella

http://www.changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=1515

Blurb:
Like the gates of Hell, the military base of Camerico marks the line between order and chaos, in this case civilization and the Badlands. Only Warriors -- genetically engineered elite forces -- keep the evil that occupies the Badlands at bay. But the Warriors have become almost as uncivilized as the lands they police. They make their own laws, and they take what they want -- and right now they want Amy.

Three Viking Warriors, armed to the teeth and promising Amy what no man ever has before -- their complete devotion -- sweep her off her feet and away from her government mandated job. What more could a woman ask for? Other than to survive the next attack of the mutants sure to come after they escape into the heart of the Badlands...

They say in space, no one can hear you scream. But in the Badlands, you can scream all you want. No one gives a damn.

Excerpt:
Badland Warriors: Vikings


Shara Azod

All rights reserved.

Copyright ©2011 Shara Azod



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.



Amy stretched as she got off the couch in the break room. She had only been working for three hours, yet she had successfully soothed no less than twenty uptight soldiers. The last two young men had been easy. Less than ten minutes on each of their laps and they had been fully and completely relieved.

"I have no idea how the hell she does it," she heard one of the other girls grumble as they elbowed past her to take their own break.



Like it was her fault she had a knack for what she did. To be perfectly honest she had no idea how she did it, either. She just seemed to sense what they needed, and she gave it to them. The quicker they were relieved, the quicker she was done. In her mind it worked out beautifully for everyone. Plus, she impressed her supervisors, which might get her off the main floor faster. That meant fewer customers and more time to herself. Something everyone in this place longed for.



"Valknut assholes headed in with lust in their eyes and credits in their pockets!"



The voice that chirped over the PA was entirely too cheerful to be announcing the imminent arrival of the biggest, baddest, roughest and toughest Marines along the jungle border of Camerico.



All movement inside the Soothing Bar came to an immediate and abrupt halt. They were called Valknuts not only for the Ancient Viking symbols tattooed on the sides of their necks, but also for the fact they hunted in packs of three. They hunted outlaws who were trying to sneak across the southernmost border into the Badlands, and those unspeakable creatures that the last of the world wars had left with hideous deformities. Or so it was rumored. Amy had never seen a mutant herself, nor did she know anyone who had. She just knew they were rumored to attempt to kidnap any and every fully human woman and child and drag them back to wherever the hell they lived. Caves, thatched huts, who the hell knew? They were said to be primitive in the extreme and deadlier than some of the mutant creatures who inhabited the surrounding jungle.



That was the reason the government had biologically engineered warriors from ancient times using DNA from bone fragments, seeing as how there was no such thing as a pure blood anything anywhere in the world anymore. The world's population had dropped so dramatically, people were encouraged to mate with any and everyone fully human, resulting in a world of people with a little bit of everything in every shade under the sun.



Except the Warrior Class. They didn't really work for the Camerico government. They reported exclusively to the WCGA -- the World Council of Governmental Affairs. They made sure no one country was stronger than another, that no one had exclusive rights to precious resources or anything else that had led to so many wars. Warriors were never born; they were created in labs, purest of the pure of the world's most notorious fighters that had ever lived. It was rumored warriors were merciless, ruthless, completely without conscience when it came to their primary objective -- protect the borders of habitable countries, as few and far between as they were. They were a law unto themselves, secretive and elusive. The last line of defense for a vulnerable human population.



Then there were women like her. Pleasure girls, or Soothers as the government liked to call them. They were specifically selected to work the exclusive clubs on the borders, though they rarely saw real-life warriors -- mostly just regular Camerico troops who worked on the border bases as support for the country's true defenders. Amy had been at the Soothing Bar for a full three months, and she'd never seen hide nor hair of the mythical men. Judging by the flurry of activity the announcement had caused, it must be a very big deal indeed. Half the women shook in their stilettos, while the other half rushed about, madly primping and puffing out their chests in the dangerously low-cut costumes they were given.



Amy looked down at the costume she wore, low-cut on the top, stopping just below her very ample breasts, and a tiny scrap of a skirt with nothing but a G-string underneath. Her riotous red curls fell freely down her back to her waist. The nails on her fingers and toes were carefully painted the exact shade of her hair. She figured she looked well enough. Her lightly tanned skin glowed with health and vitality, something not all the women here could claim. She'd never had a problem getting customers, though gyrating on their laps was still a little weird to her. She wasn't advanced enough to do more than give soldiers a glorified lap dance. True Soothers could use their entire bodies to massage the tension from their customers.



Amy had once thought this job was nothing less than stripping -- glorified strippers for the military -- until she was actually on the job. Was it stripping? Sort of, but she had seen the worry and tension radiating from her clients, and she personally had eased them, soothed them, helped them forget for just a little while they lived right on the edge of complete chaos.



"Amy! Quick, get your ass on the green line and smile!"



The Floor Matron's terse command took her by complete surprise. Amy stood dumbfounded, blinking at the woman built like one of those rusty old tanks she'd seen in a museum once as a child. It took someone pushing her from behind to get her feet moving. The green line? That was where the available women lined up for Warriors to choose from. She always lined up on yellow, symbolizing she was a novice to be used for junior enlisted.



She could literally feel the disbelief, disdain and downright hatred of many of the women on the main floor. She'd never really made friends since she'd been here, and this pretty much guaranteed she wouldn't. Still, she felt a little thrill of excitement. Here was her chance to do something that would change her life for the better. Funny, she'd had that same feeling when she first received notice she would be coming here. The feeling had never really disappeared, and now it was intensified a thousand times.



Keeping her head down, she scurried to the green line. It doesn't really matter anyway, she thought. I'll never be picked in a million years.


http://www.changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=1515

Friday, December 10, 2010

Mine! by Marteeka Karland and Shara Azod

http://www.changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=1522

MINE!


by Marteeka Karland and Shara Azod

Cover art: Marteeka Karland
ISBN: 978-1-60521-571-6

Genre(s): Paranormal

Theme(s): Vampires

Length: Novella
Blurb:

Larissa has dreamed of a mysterious man for many years. When she meets the man who will become her boss, she knows he's her dream man. Too bad he's always such a perfect gentleman.

Damien is simply biding his time. He needs Larissa with every fiber of his being, but he's willing to wait until he's certain the time is right.

Now, having stood all he wants to, Damien begins his unique brand of seduction to claim Larissa as his. That is, if you can call a vampire's idea of collecting what's his "seduction."

Excerpt:
MINE!


Marteeka Karland and Shara Azod

All rights reserved.

Copyright ©2010 Marteeka Karland and Shara Azod

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'm going to need you to work late tonight," Damien informed Larissa, his attorney. "I want to go over all the financial reports concerning this buy-out before the deal is finalized. Have my secretary order dinner in."

As soon as he made the statement, Damien turned away, watching in the mirror as she stared at his back and gritted her teeth, but nodded even though she had no idea he could see her.



She was irritated, yes, but she was excited too. The intoxicating scent of stirring arousal hit him hard, right in the groin. Her pink tongue darted out to take a swipe at her full bottom lip. Mmmm, he'd be tasting those lips tonight. Watching her hips sway as she moved from where she'd been sitting toward her office, his hands tingled. Tonight would be the night he'd grasp the full globes of her ass, spank them, slam against them. Oh, yes, tonight would be the first of many, many fun filled nights. And mornings. And afternoons.



With a wicked grin, he decided to follow his sexy little attorney. He wanted to make sure she cancelled her date tonight, rather than just pushing back the time. He entered her office moments after she had, not bothering to knock. She hadn't sat down yet, just leaned over her desk talking on the phone.



"I'm really sorry, but something came up so I don't think I will make it at all tonight."



She was damn right she wouldn't be making it tonight, or any other night. Vampires were supposedly a promiscuous bunch, never possessive. But Damien found the very idea of any other man touching Larissa made his fangs descend, ready to rip out a throat. Even now he hated the man on the other end of the line with a vengeance. He couldn't read the human's thoughts since the other man wasn't physically present, but he could hear the regret in the whiny voice on the other end.



Weak. The human didn't deserve to have his hands on those curves. Damien was tempted to reach out and ease that skirt up her thighs, running his nails lightly up the nylons she wore. Would she shiver from the light, teasing caress? Would goose bumps break out across her lusciously dark skin? Oh, he needed to taste that skin. Her neck was tilted just so, an invitation for his mouth to lightly suck the juncture between her head and shoulders. He would run his hands from the sides of her thighs to the front, then upward, so close to her wanting pussy but not touching it. Not yet.



Instead he would glide his hands upwards while tasting her skin, working beneath her shirt up her belly to cup those magnificent breasts. He would hold them over the lacy material of her bra, pressing his erection against her soft ass. He'd use his nails to tease her nipples, running over and over them until she was panting, whimpering for him.



As if she could read his thoughts, she thrust her hips backward, still talking to the whiny man. Damien was convinced he was going to have to hunt down Larissa's would-be date and have a little vamp-to-human talk. Her legs spread slightly, causing the material of her skirt to stretch enticingly across her ass. All he had to do was release his cock from his pants, yank up her clothes and plunge into her. The aroma of her sweet, wet cunt was driving him crazy. And she wasn't thinking about the man she was currently talking to, either. Damien felt no guilt in delving into her thoughts, gratified they centered on no one but him. And how carnal his normally buttoned-down attorney's thoughts were!



He thought he couldn't get any harder, but imagining the way her pussy would fit around his dick made him light-headed. Vampires had precious little blood as it was -- the last thing he needed was for it all to go south, making him a complete airhead. But damn, what heaven it would be to stroke inside her deep and long. He would pinch and pull on her nipples as he rode her, and force her head back so he could swallow her cries of joy.



Perhaps he would pull out just before allowing her to come. Then he could spin her around, forcing her onto his lap as he sank into a chair. That way he could watch his rigid length disappear inside her cunt. He would grasp her ass with both hands, setting a punishing rhythm. He'd rip her blouse open, suckling her breasts as they rocked hard against one another.



Fuck, he had to stop before he took her right here and now, not caring if the entire office heard them. Well, he really didn't care, but Larissa would. To save himself from having to grovel endlessly, he decided discretion was the better part of valor and simply cleared his throat to announce his presence.

http://www.changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=1522

Saturday, October 10, 2009

Highland Hijinks 1: Great Scots! by Shara Azod






Highland Hijinks 1: Great Scots!
by Shara Azod


Cover art by Marteeka Karland
ISBN: 978-1-60521-501-9
Genre(s): Urban Fantasy
Theme(s): Interracial, Ménage, Elves, Dragons & Magical Creatures
Series: Highland Hijinks
Length: Novella




Blurb:
Fearing for his sanity after being trapped on the Other Side for so many eons, all Conaire wanted was to get back to the human realm. So when the evil Fae Queen Elphame gave him the chance, he took it, completely unaware of the spell she cast as he stepped through the ancient circle.
His mother Scota, seeing the spell and knowing it would bind not only Conaire to the first female he slept with, but also his brother MacKay, found the perfect woman for her boys.
If only someone had told Tasha about all this before she slept with the arrogant Scottish god. Now she finds herself bonded to not one but two arrogant Scottish gods.

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.

Tasha brought her glass slowly to her lips, contemplating the dark liquid. How many did this make? Did it matter? Shrugging, she tilted her head back and let the rich brew slide down her throat. The first several glasses had been a tad bitter and a heck of a lot richer than any American beer. Sometime after the fourth or fifth glass, the bitterness had faded. Drinking wouldn't make her problem better, but she couldn't think of a damn thing to help her out of the mess she currently found herself.
At least the pub was warm and dry. Outside, flakes of snow fell silently to the ground, blanketing everything in a coat of pure white. She had enough money left for a hotel for maybe a week. More than that if she could find a decent smaller inn. One thing was for certain, she would have to check out of the four-star hotel she was supposed to have shared with Derrick.
"Let's go to Scotland for vacation, he says," she muttered under her breath, her head drooping because she just couldn't find the strength to sit upright anymore. "It'll be romantic. Yeah, for you and the whore you ran off with."
She could probably get over the fact her so-called boyfriend had run off with some woman he'd just met. It was the fact the asshole had taken her freaking passport, the return ticket to America, and most of her money with him that really hurt. God help him if she came across his lying, conniving ass again. She would personally castrate him. Especially after the local cops told her there was nothing they could do because she had given him her stuff. They were on vacation together. Getting dumped hadn't crossed her mind.
What the hell was she supposed to do now? She'd spent most of the day pleading with the jerkwads at the American embassy in London. The results were far from promising. They told her she had to make her way to London before anything could be done, and even then, the chances of her being home anytime soon were slim to none. Not only did she not have enough money to make it to London, she couldn't legally work anywhere without a visa.
What had really galled her to no end was the way the snooty clerk treated her. First the woman had acted all surprised that she was an American in Scotland. The woman even had to nerve to ask her why she had decided to vacation there. A black woman couldn't vacation in Scotland all of a sudden? Was there some kind of restriction against such a thing? She'd had to restrain herself from punching the bubbly bimbo in the face. She was well and truly stuck. Damn Derrick Fuck-face to hell!
"Such a bonnie lass all alone. Why the long face, hen?"
Tasha's head snapped up. The irritable words "Leave me the hell alone" died on her lips as her bleary eyes focused on what had to be the most beautiful woman she'd ever seen. The woman was at least six feet tall with generous curves and not an extra ounce of fat. Her dark red hair fell in waves to her waist; her emerald eyes seemed to sparkle. Maybe it was a trick of the dim pub lights, but those eyes almost glowed, and her skin appeared to be dark gold.
She was dressed unlike anyone else in the small bar. Either she didn't realize it was snowing outside, or she was oblivious to the cold weather. The embroidered blood-red silk dress with spaghetti straps didn't quite reach her knees. She looked far too elegant and sophisticated for the small, run-down pub Tasha had chosen to sit and mope in peace and quiet.
The mysterious woman slid smoothly onto the bar stool beside her. Tasha cast furtive glances around the room. No one seemed to notice the woman, which was odd. In fact, people seemed to be looking everywhere else, almost as if they were purposely avoiding looking in their direction.
"What could be so bad that it has you drowning your sorrows in such a place?"
There was something about the woman's voice, smooth and comforting, that caused a fleeting memory of Tasha's mother to float through her head. She found herself wanting to crawl into the woman's lap and cry her heart out. It was the weirdest thing. Tasha didn't talk to strangers easily. Life had taught her not to trust people. Yet, before she knew what was happening, she found herself pouring her heart out to this woman as if she was her best friend. Something about this woman inspired trust. And damn if it didn't feel good to just let it all out.
"Oh, you poor lass," the mysterious woman cooed, putting her arm around her. "You will need a place to stay until this can be all sorted out. You must come with me at once. All will be well."
Tasha found herself nodding at the soft, lilting voice. Maybe it was the accent, maybe it was living so long without letting anyone too close, but Tasha allowed the woman to lead her off the bar stool and out of the little pub.
Had she been sober, she might have stopped to wonder that despite the fact the snow fell in earnest, the chill of the night air that should have bit into her skin never came, or that the white flakes falling steadily from the sky never once landed on her or her companion. Maybe one fewer Alba Scots Pine Ale and she would have realized though they were walking, their feet weren't touching the ground, and they were moving far away from the lights of the Edinburgh night.