PG Excerpt: Christmas Magic by Anne Kane

 

 

Series: Sugarplums

Title: Christmas Magic

ISBN : 8-1-60521-516-7

 Genres: Paranormal, Hot Flashes

Themes: Christmas, Seasonal Themes, Elves, Dragons and Magical Creatures

Release Date:  December 3, 2010

Author: Anne Kane

http://www.annekane.com

Publisher URL  Changeling Press - Erotic Fiction

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Tali hopes the Christmas Magic of the Sugarplum Ball is strong enough to get Jax into her bed.

BLURB:

Tali's been secretly lusting after Jax since the spring breakup, but he insists on treating her like a sister. Tonight, all of the adult elves at the North Pole will be at the Sugarplum Ball. It's a night of Christmas Magic and dreams come true, and if Tali doesn't wake up in the morning with a naked hunk of an elf in the bed beside her, it won't be for lack of trying.

EXCERPT:

Tali nodded, trying to gather her scattered wits. If Jax thought he could give her one dance and then get away after a kiss like that, he was sadly mistaken. She melted into his arms; surely he couldn't miss the way they fit together. Perfectly. As if they'd been made for each other. The feel of his hand resting lightly on her waist sent a delicious tingle through her. He swept her out onto the dance floor, and unlike Davy, he was definitely the one doing the leading.

It may have been the music of the tango or the influence of the Christmas Magic that always managed to make the Sugarplum Ball a spectacular success. They moved flawlessly through the intricate moves, their gazes locked on each other while they dipped and swayed, taunted and retreated.

Tali licked her lips, tilting her chin up in a silent dare, and he responded instantly, pulling her in close and bending her back over his arm. His eyes twinkled with something dark, and he let her rest there, suspended horizontally by his strong arms. Heat roiled in her depths and she let a slow, sexy smile cover her lips.

The music quickened, the Latin beat sensual and insistent. Jax pulled her upright, twirling her away in a graceful arc. As she spun, she realized the crowd had withdrawn to the edge of the dance floor, letting her and Jax have center stage. Santa himself stood at the edge of the crowd, a tolerant smile on his face as Mrs. Claus beamed at her. Davy gave her a discreet thumbs-up from his position on the far side of the buffet table. She caught a brief glimpse of the chubby little elf from the mailroom hanging possessively onto Davy's arm.

Jax pulled her in hard against him, and his breath feathered warmly across her ear. "You are a tempting little minx. You should be careful or you might get more than you can handle."

"I'm tired of being careful. I intend to get what I want this night."

His dark brows arched. "And what would that be?"

She locked her gaze on his. "You."

He didn't answer. His feet flashed across the dance floor in time to the music and he swung her away from him, but she could see the thick bulge in his pants, evidence of his arousal. They followed the sensuous beat of the dance in silence, Tali very much aware of the eyes of the crowd on them.

Jax held her at arm's length, executing a quick turn, and an imp of mischief prompted her to fold herself in under his shoulder, her full breasts pressing against his hard chest. His swift intake of breath let her know he wasn't nearly as indifferent to her as he pretended. "What do you think you're doing?"

Tali smiled sweetly. "The tango. I believe humans use it as a form of foreplay."

Jax's eye narrowed. "We're not lovers."

Yet. Tali left the word unspoken and kicked her leg high to perform one of the many intricate turns and twirls of the dance. Elation swept through her as Jax moved opposite her in perfect harmony. They were made for each other. The music built to a crescendo, the beat accelerating. Tali could feel the tension between them soaring as they danced. His dark eyes flashed with a repressed sensuality that sent flickers of heat racing through her.

 She used all of her wiles to tease him, rubbing her leg along his, moving her hips in a sensuous rhythm, touching him and then backing out of reach. His dark eyes smoldering with lust, he pulled her in close just as the music rose to its final note, and the crowd broke into a thunderous wave of applause.

Dipping his head, Jax seared a kiss across her lips before loosening his grip and turning to acknowledge their audience. They held hands and swept a low bow.

"Quite the performance!" Mrs. Claus bustled out onto the dance floor, clapping enthusiastically. She caught Tali's hands in hers, surprising her with a motherly peck on the cheek. "I just had to congratulate you on bringing the whole party to a halt while we watched our most eligible bachelor try to seduce you in plain sight!" She turned her head to wink at Jax. "I've been waiting for some cute little elf to capture his interest for almost two hundred years now. Don't make it too easy for him."

"I won't." Tali could feel the heat creeping up her neck as the crowd looked on with interest. "Although, I might just give him a chance to impress me tonight. Maybe the magic of the Sugarplum Ball will give him some inspiration."

Mrs. Claus laughed and patted her arm. "Enjoy your night. I have a little romancing of my own to do." She beamed a smile in the direction of Santa Claus.

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Sugarplums: Bitsy's Christmas Demon by Cynthia Sax

Sugarplum: Bitsy's Christmas Demon


by Cynthia Sax

Cover art: Reneé George

ISBN: 978-1-60521-478-8

Genre(s): Paranormal, Urban Fantasy, Hot Flashes

Theme(s): Magic and Mayhem, Christmas, Seasonal Themes, Elves, Dragons & Magical Creatures

Series: Sugarplums

Length: Hot Flash

http://www.changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=1501

Blurb:
Every Christmas, an ancient demon stalks and murders fairies. Until this killer is apprehended, each fairy is assigned a demon protector. Decimus volunteers to be Bitsy's protector. He's lusted after the Christmas fairy for years. Three days and three nights with Bitsy allows him to satisfy that lust.

Except that three days is not enough, and Bitsy won't grant him more, not unless he says, "I love you." That's a big problem. Demons don't love. Christmas fairies won't accept less. And evil never takes a holiday.

Excerpt:
Sugarplum: Bitsy's Christmas Demon


Cynthia Sax

All rights reserved.

Copyright ©2010 Cynthia Sax



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.



Christmas Fairies were supposed to be nice. They preached endlessly about goodwill on earth and other feel-good shit. Decimus glared at the green-skinned beauty buzzing around the diner, food-laden platters in her small hands. That goodwill clearly didn't extend to demons. If it did, Bitsy wouldn't now be torturing the hell out of him.

She brushed against his arm as she passed by. The casual contact made his cock twitch. His cock was already hard. It had been hard for her since he woke up this morning. On any other day of the year, Decimus would have taken care of that problem in the shower, but today was Christmas Eve. Today, his problem belonged to Bitsy.



Not that she cared. She bent over to refill a cup of coffee. Her skirt pulled up, exposing smooth green thigh. Decimus bared his teeth. He wished to bite that soft skin, marking her, declaring to the world that she was his. It didn't matter that he saw her for only three days out of every year. She belonged to him.



A blond-haired, pink-cheeked elf sitting in a nearby booth stared too intently at Bitsy's ass. Decimus growled. The elf met his gaze. Decimus allowed his eyes to glow red. The elf stuffed a pancake in his mouth, threw a wad of bills on the table, and ran out the diner door.



Bitsy tossed a frown over her shoulder. Decimus smiled serenely back, giving his best portrayal of innocence. He tapped his watch, and she rolled her emerald eyes. He sniffed the air, and his smile stretched into a demonic grin. She wasn't as unaffected by his presence as she feigned. He could smell her moist pussy.



She retraced her steps. This time when she brushed against him, he was prepared. He caught her arm. "If I don't get my order filled soon, Bits, I'll be taking it to go," he murmured into that curly green hair. She smelled like mint and Bitsy. Her nostrils flared. Her cheeks flushed a forest green. He was serious about taking action, and Decimus read that realization in her beautiful face.



"Your order is next, sir." She played waitress with him, her voice high and squeaky. He ran his palm down her arm before reluctantly letting her go.



She hurried to the counter, her hips swinging. "We're out of cream. I'm going to the storage room to get more," she informed her employees. She disappeared through a door.



Decimus stood, his body tense with anticipation. The storage room was a favorite rendezvous spot. He let a couple of minutes elapse before following. The employees watched, grins on their faces, but they didn't stop him. They couldn't stop him even if they wanted to. He was an ancient and powerful demon. He stomped down the stairs, following his Christmas Fairy's fresh scent. What he wanted, he got, and he wanted Bitsy, badly.



The door to the storage room was partially closed. He pushed it open. Bitsy's head was bowed as she unbuttoned her 50's style carhop waitress dress. Her apron was folded neatly on the shelf. "You're not wearing a bra," he observed. Her small breasts were bare, tipped with forest green nipples.



"I'm not wearing panties either." She shimmied out of the dress, catching the fabric before it fell to the dusty floor. "I figured there was no point. You'd bring me a pair to wear anyway."



She was right. The three pairs of enchanted panties, custom made for her, were tucked in his inside pocket. He shrugged out of his suit jacket, tossing it carelessly on top of a storage rack.



"The door," she reminded him, one hand placed over her breasts, the other over her green private hair. Her skin sparkled. She took his breath away.



"Right." He turned then slid the deadbolt across, locking the door. "This is new." Not many storage rooms had locks on the inside.



"I figured after last year..." She blushed a deep green. Last year, a new employee had caught them in a delicate position. She had been on her knees, giving him the blowjob of all blowjobs, her sweet mouth full of his hard cock. Getting caught had bothered Bitsy. Decimus, being a demon, wouldn't have cared if the entire planet had watched. She was that gifted.

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Sugarplums: Canine Christmas by BJ McCall

Sugarplum: Canine Christmas


by B.J. McCall

Cover art: Reneé George

ISBN: 978-1-60521-515-0

Genre(s): Paranormal, Hot Flashes

Theme(s): Werewolves, Christmas, Seasonal Themes

Series: Sugarplums

Length: Hot Flash

http://www.changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=1500

Blurb:
Born just after the stroke of midnight, Joy Kingston is a Christmas baby. Just dumped by her boyfriend, Joy is suddenly alone for the holiday. Deciding to shake things up for her thirtieth birthday, Joy turns to her two best friends, Karin and Michelle, for help. She wants a man for her birthday, a sexy hunk wearing only a purple bow around his neck.




Police officer Jake McCabe is Karin's step-brother and he's had a thing for Joy for years. When Karin and Michelle tell Jake about Joy's unusual birthday request, he volunteers for the job. Jake knows what he wants and he's willing to wear a purple bow to get it.



But is Joy prepared for a werewolf who packs heat and wants her for his mate?

Excerpt:
Sugarplum: Canine Christmas


B. J. McCall

All rights reserved.

Copyright ©2010 B. J. McCall



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.



"How's Phil?"

Joy Kingston took a sip of her latte. Joy and her best friends, Karin Taylor and Michelle Ames, were taking a break from Christmas shopping at the mall coffee house. "He dumped me."



Karin's blue eyes widened. "He what?"



Michelle gasped. "He didn't?"



"He did. He called last night. It's over."



"A week before Christmas!" Karin shook her head. "That's cruel."



"Bastard!" Michelle hadn't cared much for Phil.



Joy wasn't sure which was more upsetting, admitting another relationship had failed or Phil's parting words. Joy decided it was the latter. "He said now that he's decided to take a permanent position in Boston, a long distance relationship is impractical."



"Impractical?" Karin's eyes narrowed. "That's what he said?"



"Ever the accountant," Michelle chimed in, shoving a lock of honey-blonde hair out of her eyes.



Karin reached out and placed her hand over Joy's. "I'm so sorry. Are you okay?"



"I'm okay." Joy knew Phil wasn't the one and breaking up was for the best. "I cared for Phil, but I wasn't crazy-in-love with him."



"The new year is right around the corner. You'll find a new man to be crazy-in-love with," Michelle said.



Heartbroken she wasn't, but the big three-O birthday was Christmas day and she was still single. Michelle was married to a wonderful man and Karin was engaged, wedding in June.



Joy was letting a number get to her. So what if she was thirty and single? She'd live, but she didn't want to be alone, not for her thirtieth birthday.



Karin leaned forward and whispered, "Now that you and Phil are split, tell me how was he in bed?"



"Exactly like you'd expect an accountant to be, predictable, repetitive and methodical. His underwear has numbers on them."



Karin snorted, almost blowing the latte cream out her nose. "Maybe losing him wasn't such a bad thing?"



"You think?" Michelle said.



"Okay, Phil wasn't Mr. Forever, but my birthday celebration in Boston isn't going to happen and I'm stuck with a non-refundable plane ticket."



"Oh nooo! The big one," Karin said.



"Yeah. I'm going to be thirty in six days." Joy saw the panic in her friends' faces. They were both going away for Christmas, Michelle to her in-laws in Texas and Karin to her future in-laws in Florida. Joy's parents were on a cruise. Her older twin brothers were in the military and stationed overseas. Since she had no sisters, Joy had bonded with Michelle and Karin at the age of twelve. They'd been her best friends ever since. "Don't worry. I'll survive."



"We can't leave you alone," Michelle said. "Not on your big birthday."



Karin shook her head. "We've always been together for the holiday. It's not right."



Joy's mother and friends had always wrapped her birthday presents in flowery paper with bright purple ribbons and her Christmas presents in paper with snowmen and reindeers. Her habit was to unwrap her Christmas presents in the morning and her birthday presents later in the day. Over the years their efforts had made her birthday special while most of her relatives, including her father and her brothers, chose to lump her presents together.



"Don't even think about changing your plans." Joy knew she'd reached a moment in her life that demanded action. "Maybe it's time I did something outrageous for my birthday. Something wild."



"Wild?" Michelle looked at Karin. "Did she say wild?" Michelle shook her head. "Joy, you're not the wild type."



Now Joy was more determined to do something outrageous. "Whatever you've purchased for my birthday, take it back. I want something that will destroy the memory of Phil forever."



"I don't like where this is going," Karin said.



"I want a man for my birthday. I want sex. Not ordinary Phil sex, but passionate, curling-my-toes sex."



Michelle choked on her chai tea. "You want us to hire a male hooker? You're a legal assistant, isn't hiring sexual services against the law?"



"Not a hooker, a volunteer. Finding a man who likes sex shouldn't be that difficult. You don't want me to spend my big birthday alone, right?"



Her friends nodded.



"So find me a man." Excitement shot through Joy. Her blood was singing. Phil was history and the one guy she wanted... That wasn't ever going to happen. Thinking about Jake McCabe just made her heart hurt. It was time to take a walk on the wild side. "I want a guy wearing a big purple Happy Birthday bow around his neck at exactly midnight. I want him for twenty-four hours, and get me someone imaginative and untamed."


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A Changeling for All Seasons

A Changeling for All Seasons


by Kate Douglas and Kate Hill and Sahara Kelly and Judy Mays and Shelby Morgen and Angela Knight and Willa Okati and Marteeka Karland and Lacey Savage

Cover art: Bryan Keller

ISBN: 987-1-60521-009-4

Genre(s): Paranormal, Collections

Theme(s): Seasonal Themes

Length: Collection

http://www.changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=1497

Blurb:
Ten unforgettable erotic tales to warm your nights and keep you in holiday spirits all year long!




Angela Knight - A Vampire Christmas

Sahara Kelly - A Christmas Pageant

Judy Mays - Jingle Balls

Marteeka Karland - Sealed With A Kiss

Kate Douglas - My Valentine

Shelby Morgen - Changeling

Willa Okati - Elven Enchantment

Kate Hill - Jolene's Pooka

Lacey Savage - Chemistry to Burn

Shelby Morgen - Troll Under The Bridge



Filled with the unexpected, A Changeling For All Seasons offers something to savor for every palate. From humorous to magical, from Christmas to St. Patrick's Day to the 4th of July, these stories are alight with unbridled lust, sensuous passion, and hot, hot sex, guaranteed to entangle your senses and leave you breathless.



This collection is also available in print.

Excerpt
A Changeling for All Seasons


Excerpt from A Vampire Christmas

Angela Knight

All rights reserved.

Copyright ©2010 by Angela Knight

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.



Amelia Patton clattered up the beige stairs of the apartment complex, the plastic dress bag hooked over one shoulder. It had been a long shift at the hospital, but the prospect of showing David her purchase had put a bounce back in her step. The gown was every little girl's fairytale dream -- seed pearls, white lace, and yards and yards of satin skirt, with a train that would reach halfway down the church aisle. The lace veil alone had her inner eight-year-old sighing in bliss.



Clutching her precious dress with one hand, she juggled the keys until she found the right one and inserted it into the lock. The door swung open, revealing the living room that had made real strides in livability over the past two months. When she'd first moved in, David's furniture had consisted of a couch he'd bought at Goodwill and a really tacky table made from a cable spool. The big screen television and entertainment center were worth more than all the rest of the furniture in the apartment. God love the man, he was too butch for taste.



Amelia had coaxed him into replacing the castoffs with a lovely cream living room set, colorful pastel sketches, and a pretty floor lamp with a stained glass shade. She made good money as a nurse, she argued. They could afford it.



"Honey, I'm home!" God, she loved saying that.



No answer. She frowned. It was well after midnight; David would be home from his shift with the Atlanta Police. Unless something had happened... A frisson of fear slid up her spine, but she forced it away. "Hey, Dave! I went by the mall on my dinner break and picked up that gown I told you about. Wait 'til you see it..."



The bedsprings creaked from the next room. "Amelia." His voice sounded hoarse.



"Hey, babe, you okay? Did you get into another fight?" That was how they'd met. David had come by the ER after a drug dealer resisted arrest with a little too much enthusiasm. She'd been smearing antibiotic cream across those sculpted ribs when he'd asked her to dinner. Amelia had looked into those crystalline blue eyes, and fallen helplessly in lust. She hadn't been able to say no to him since.



A year later, she still lusted for him -- but she'd also come to know and love his wicked sense of humor, strong character, and clever mind.



"Come here." David normally reserved that cold, demanding tone for the prisoners he brought to the hospital after they'd tried to bust his head. He'd never before used it with her.



"David, what's wrong?" Worried, Amelia hurried into the bedroom, the dress slung over her shoulder.



They'd bought the massive iron bedstead in an antique store when she'd moved in with him. David had teased her that its tall, ornate posts were perfect for bondage.



She'd still never expected to find him naked and shackled spread-eagle to it like a beefcake buffet.



David was a big man, as dark as she was blonde, broad shouldered and narrow hipped. He spent a couple of hours in the department gym four days a week, building the layers of rippling muscle he considered an occupational necessity for a beat cop. Adding to the impression of overwhelming masculinity, a dark ruff of hair spread across his chest and arrowed down his cobblestone belly toward his thick cock.



His face was just as broad and angular as his tough body, with prominent cheekbones and a regal nose, straight and narrow. His mouth added the only note of sensual vulnerability about him with its full lower lip and lush upper curve. A hint of a dimple graced one corner, giving his smile a boyish charm.



"Yum," Amelia purred, grinning at the sight of him spread out in chains. "For me?"



"What do you think?" His cock stirred hungrily, and he stared at her like a cat watching a caged canary.



She rocked back on the rubber heels of her shoes and grinned. "This is an interesting switch. Usually I'm the one tied to that bed."



"Come here," he said again. His blue eyes blazed with lust.



Smiling wickedly, Amelia paused just long enough to hang the dress in the closet. Then, reaching for the hem of her scrubs, she started toward him. But before she could reach his side, she realized something was wrong. He was far too pale, in the way she'd come to associate with massive blood loss, and his face was drawn. She let the hem drop. "David, are you okay?"



"I said come here!" he roared, peeling his lips back from his teeth in a savage snarl.



He had fangs.



Sharp, white, damn near two inches long, they made his handsome, sensual mouth look alien and threatening.



They couldn't possibly be real.



She gave him an uncertain smile. This must be some kind of new sex game, and yet... "What's with the Count Dracula dental work? Halloween isn't for three months."



"Get over here!" He lunged at her so hard the bed danced on the floor, but he couldn't break the chains. The iron posts began to bend.



Amelia jumped back, sick horror creeping over her with the knowledge this was no joke. Strong as he was, there was no way he should be able to bend the solid iron headboard. "Jesus, David! What the hell is going on?"



"What are you doing here?" a female voice demanded. Amelia whirled as a woman she'd never seen before stepped into the room. The stranger barely came up to her shoulder, a petite brunette with a wealth of sable hair and a small, heart-shaped face. She wore jeans and a black knit top that made the most of impressive breasts. Her frown was ferocious as she glared up at Amelia. "You don't belong here, it's too dangerous. You must leave until this is finished." She stalked past on booted feet, pulling a familiar plastic bag out of her purse. Before Amelia could ask where the hell she'd gotten a unit of whole blood, she snatched a pair of scissors off the table, clipped the top off the bag, and thrust it into David's mouth. He began to drink thirstily.



Blood. He was drinking blood.



Like some kind of vampire.



A sense of unreality crashed in. Amelia took a step back. David. Naked. With a strange woman. Chained to a bed. Drinking blood. "Who the hell are you? Will somebody please tell me what's going on?"



"Get out!" the brunette snapped. She had an exotic accent, clipped and Slavic. "If he breaks loose from these chains, he'll kill you. Go! When he is sane again, I will tell you." She had fangs too.



Amelia's jaw dropped. "You're a vampire!"



The brunette shot her a glare. "Congratulations. Your grasp of the obvious is stunning. Now use those dubious wits and get out while you still can."



Still drinking, David rolled his blue eyes in her direction. The depths of his eyes glinted red. There was nothing at all sane in his gaze.



Amelia whirled and ran.


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The Queens of Merab: Nuriel's Wolf by Violet Summers

The Queens of Merab: Nuriel's Wolf


by Violet Summers

Cover art: Bryan Keller

ISBN: 978-1-60521-565-5

Genre(s): Paranormal

Theme(s): Werewolves

Series: The Queens of Merab

Length: Novella

http://www.changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=1516

Blurb:
On the world of Merab, women rule, while men wield the magic. It's been an equitable system, until now. Nuriel had been so excited to join her foster sister, Temair, on her Tour of Emetra, the Elemental Continent. She never expected to get caught up in a violent rebellion as the men of Merab strike back against the women who have oppressed them. Captured and terrorized by one of the rebels, Nuriel retreated into herself, terrified of further abuse.


Now that Temair has found her four Consorts and ascended to the throne, Nuriel must begin her own journey, a journey that terrifies her. Ze'ev is just as wounded as Nuriel. Scarred by the loss of his sister and a year in chains, Ze'ev knows the Gladiator's Arena is the only route to freedom left for him. Victory means his life, but it also means marriage to the fragile Princess of Zirah.

Excerpt:
Queens of Merab 2: Nuriel's Wolf


Violet Summers

All rights reserved.

Copyright ©2010 Violet Summers



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.



The fat fool with the greasy hair and foul breath was in his face again. Luthar, the manager of the Coliseum, had approached Ze'ev more than once, but until now Ze'ev had sent him unceremoniously on his way. He'd like to do so again, but resistance was no longer an option. Ze'ev had been sentenced, and his execution was scheduled for dawn. The only way out was to fight, so fight he would.

Never mind that the idea of the arena was repugnant to him. Never mind that he felt nothing but pity for his proposed opponent, a feral wolf so abused it was beyond his ability to communicate with it on any level. Never mind that his honor as one of the Canin, the Wolf Clan, and his pride in himself as a man was at stake. Ze'ev was determined to live, and the only way to do so was to suck it up and take his place in the arena this afternoon.



"You are one of the lucky ones," Luthar was preening, as if Ze'ev's so-called good fortune had something to do with him. "The Crown Princess will be in the stands today. She's seeking her First Consort, and today's champion, should she find him acceptable, will fill that role."



Oh Sacred Mother. Even if he won, Ze'ev wouldn't be free. He'd have a wife to contend with.



A low growl and flick of his hand sent Luthar scuttling out of his way, and Ze'ev moved to peer through the window of the anteroom and into the Coliseum. The battle space, a gentle oval, was fifty feet wide by seventy feet long; more than cozy enough for him to get a good look at the bride in question.



His first reaction to the sight was surprise. He'd seen the Princess Nuriel once, eight years ago as the fifteen-year-old beauty was paraded out of the capital on her way to foster with the Emetran Royal Family. Her expression had been vivacious, her hair a tumble of golden curls and her gown cut to best display her nubile young body. At almost twenty, Ze'ev had been utterly enchanted, and somewhat disgusted with himself. He'd have gutted any man who looked at his twelve-year-old sister the way he was looking at the Princess.



He'd proved it, too.



Ze'ev shook off the reminder of his crime and focused again on the Princess. Gone were the rosy cheeks and voluptuous curves. Instead a pale, thin shadow of a woman sat silently in the stands. Her hair, still a buttery gold in color, was pulled into a tight bun at the nape of her neck. The few tendrils that escaped the severe knot looked dull and lifeless.

Ze'ev felt a satisfied smile curl his lips. This woman wasn't looking for a mate, particularly a mate like himself. It would be easy to scare her off, and if she proved problematic, he had no doubt she'd be easily escaped.

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Bear With Me by Jade Buchanan

Bear With Me


by Jade Buchanan

Cover art: Bryan Keller

ISBN: 987-1-60521-572-3

Genre(s): Paranormal

Theme(s): Ménage, Shapeshifters, Christmas, Seasonal Themes, Gay and Lesbian

Length: Novella

http://www.changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=1499

Blurb:
When pizzly bears Christopher and Robin travel to the Northwest Territories for work, the last thing they expected was to fall for the same man. Luckily, polar bear Theo -- Teddy to his friends -- has plans in mind for both.
Excerpt:
Bear With Me


Jade Buchanan

All rights reserved.

Copyright ©2010 Jade Buchanan

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.



"13C is right up here, sir. Enjoy the flight."

Theo frowned, glancing to the left and the seats facing each other. What the... He'd never been on a plane like this before. It looked like the first twelve rows faced front like normal, but seats 13 A and C were arranged at the front of the plane, facing backward. It reminded him of the setup on a city train.



"Where's the rest of row 13?" he asked.



"At the back, sir. They had to reconfigure the plane because of the washrooms. Half the planes have the washroom at the front and normal seating, but the rest have the washroom at the back which means you get to sit up here instead."



Hmm. Well, could be worse. At least it looked like he'd have more leg room this way. He just hoped whoever was in 1F didn't have long legs.



Slumping into his seat, Theo closed his eyes.



"Shit, don't push!"



"Sorry, it's cold out."



"I know it's cold out. I was just out there with you."



"Okay, seriously. Attitude."



"Oh, here we are. Row one."



Theo cracked open his lids and ended up staring right at the most delectable ass he'd ever seen. A growl slipped out of his throat before he could stop it.



"Oh, hello there." Mr. Nice Ass turned around and presented Theo with an even better view.



Theo grunted. He barely stopped himself from licking his lips, but his mother had tried to instill civilized behavior into him. Some of it must have stuck. He finally dragged his gaze away from the denim package he was eyeing to glance up at the face that went with it.



Huh, that was just as nice.



Mr. Nice Ass was short and compact. His skin was pale, and a shock of curly brown hair capped his head. Hazel eyes gazed down at him from an Elfin face. Thin green metal frames completed the scruffy, innocent intellectual look and nearly made Theo growl again. Besides the jeans, he was kitted out in a thick brown and white sweater. That was definitely a Cowichan design, if he wasn't mistaken. A real one, not the knockoffs he saw everywhere. His aunt had started to make them for his family when she married in, so he recognized the Salish style.



"Looks like we're going to be travel partners today. I'm Chris, Christopher Walls. And you?"



"Are the most handsome thing I've seen in a while. Hi, I'm Rob, Robin McKenzie, at your service."



Glancing over at Robin, Theo had to prevent himself from licking his lips again. Damn. Robin was nice to look at. He appeared a few years older than Christopher, but the extra years had turned what was probably cute when he was younger into just fucking hot now. Theo most definitely liked.



Robin's hair was cropped closer to his head and lacked the corkscrews that Christopher had. Nutty brown eyes stared at him with more than enough heat to de-ice the plane alone. He was dressed in a pair of jeans and a creamy grey sweater. As Theo watched, Robin unwound a rainbow striped scarf from around his neck and stuck it into the small bag at his feet before glancing back up with a naughty grin.



"Theodore Kisoun," Theo replied.



"Ohh! Theodore. I like. Can I call you Teddy?" Robin practically bounced in place.



"Theo."



Full lips turned down into a pout. Theo had to firm his own lips to stop himself from smiling.



Christopher finally got himself settled into the seat across from Theo. Their feet brushed against each other, and Theo refused to move them. He wanted to see how the little man would react. If he wasn't mistaken, that was a definite blush covering the pale cheeks. Interesting.



"Where are you headed?" Robin asked, as he took his own seat beside Christopher.



"Inuvik."



"Really? Us too!" Both boys perked up at that. Theo had a quick thought that he shouldn't call them boys, even inside his head. They weren't young, looking closer to his own thirty-plus years, but there was something about their demeanor that reminded him of young cubs.



"I'm sorry if this is rude, but are you from Inuvik?" Christopher asked in a quiet voice.



"Not rude. I was born there. I'm Inuvialuit, in case you were wondering." They'd have to be stupid not to notice he was Native. It was also pretty natural to wonder if he was originally from the north since he was headed up there now.



"Are you going to visit your family, then? Or do you live there?" Christopher asked.



"No, I live in Calgary, just visiting my mom for her birthday. The entire family is going up so I'll be staying at the MacKenzie Delta to get away from all the noise." What was wrong with him? Why was he being so chatty? This wasn't normal for him, but he couldn't deny there was something about these two that made him want to blurt out his life story. There was something he wasn't quite catching. Maybe once the flight attendant closed the door he'd be able to get a better idea of what was staring him in the face.



"We're at the MacKenzie too. Fancy that." Robin grinned.



"Have you ever been up there?"



"Nope, it's our first time. We're both geologists, and we're going up to meet with our boss who's got us doing a job up there. Then we're coming back in a few days."



"Prepare to be cold."



"Ah, the cold weather doesn't bother us. It's in our blood. Besides, if I get chilly, I'll just crawl into bed with Chris."



Theo glanced over at Christopher in time to see the intriguing blush bloom across his face again. Hmm. He liked that. He also liked the thought of these two in bed together.



Theo pushed up the sleeves of his long tee and crossed his arms over his chest. Both Christopher and Robin instantly stared, mouths agape.



Even better.



Oh, yes. He was going to have fun with these two.

http://www.changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=1499

Spotlight: Christmas Cookie: Frost Bite by Tuesday Morrigan

SPOTLIGHT: Christmas Cookies: Frost Bite


by Tuesday Morrigan

Cover art: Reneé George

ISBN: 978-1-59596-781-7

Genre(s): Paranormal, Hot Flashes

Theme(s): Interracial, Vampires, Christmas, Seasonal Themes

Series: Christmas Cookies Multi-Author

Length: Hot Flash

http://www.changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=754

Blurb:
When Julian wakes to find three beautiful women on his bed his thoughts are predictably X-rated. When he discovers that the three women are the Fates, the gods responsible for the death of his beloved, he is livid... until he hears their proposal. They will give Julian three days with Jacklyn. Three days to love her, touch her, kiss her, and change the course of history. Three days to tell her his secret.

Three days to prevent the death that never should have happened.

Excerpt:
Christmas Cookies: Frost Bite


Tuesday Morrigan

All rights reserved.

Copyright ©2007 Tuesday Morrigan

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.

The raven-haired beauty turned to Julian and gave him a smile that brought to mind images of intimate nights. He tried to think of when and where he had met her. And what had they done to garner that slick smile. Nothing surfaced through the thick, milky haze of his intoxication.



He shrugged and reached for her. He would remember soon enough. Even three sheets to the wind he was capable of performing his duties. And since he couldn't recall a single thing about the girl, he didn't remember making her come.



Yet.



As Julian's fingers reached for her, he noticed that she was not alone. A blonde and a redhead sat on either side of her. Two eyebrows lifted at that. He would have had to drink the blood of a million intoxicated humans to forget coming home with three different beauties.



Maybe it was time to lay off the drinking.



"Yes, Julian, it is time. Time to clean up your life," said the darkest woman.



He peered at her curiously. She'd read his mind. But she wasn't a vampire. Interesting. "And why would I want to do that?" Julian had gone to great pains to live his life exactly the way he wanted to.



"You drink from the scum of the earth and waste the gifts Fate gave. You don't get close to anyone. Not anymore."



He turned to catch the frigid gaze of the blonde. His smile widened at her obvious displeasure. Julian was used to people being disgusted by him. He was, after all, a vampire. "You can leave anytime you want to."



His softly murmured words seemed to grate down the spines of all three women for they stiffened in surprise and irritation. After a moment the redhead spoke. "Julian, you do not want us to leave before we have told you why we came."



"We are the Fates," the trio said in unison. "And we have come to correct a grave wrong."



Julian was too shocked to respond for a moment. "What the hell is this wrong?" he growled between clenched teeth.



The redhead looked at him with sober eyes. "We cut a life short more than fifty years before its end."



Julian knew what the redhead was going to say next before her full, pouty lips had even opened.



"Jacklyn's death was a mistake. It never should have happened."



His roar of pain ripped through the air as he charged the woman in the middle of the trio, the woman who had admitted to killing the love of his life. He came to a halt several feet from them. An invisible wall prevented him from moving any farther.



The redhead lifted one eyebrow at him. Wiped from her face were all traces of understanding. She slowly lifted her right palm revealing a burned image of a loom. Her eyes darkened becoming an indigo color. Julian felt his feet leave the ground. He attempted to struggle against the invisible hold the Fate had over him but it was no use.



He glared down at them in mutinous rage.



"We are not alone in our fault for her death."



"What the hell is that supposed to mean?"



"You know as well as we do, Julian, that Jacklyn's death was a result of your lies. We have pulled many strings to give you this gift. Do not let it go to waste by making the same mistake. You have three days, Julian. Make them count. Do what you never had the strength to do before."



Bloody cryptic Fates, Julian thought as his eyes closed. He was suddenly too exhausted to keep them open.

http://www.changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=754

Fw: Xtra Promo/Adult excerpt: Christmas Magic by Anne Kane

Series: Sugarplums

Title: Christmas Magic

ISBN : 8-1-60521-516-7

 Genres: Paranormal, Hot Flashes

Themes: Christmas, Seasonal Themes, Elves, Dragons and Magical Creatures

Release Date:  December 3, 2010

Author: Anne Kane

http://www.annekane.com

Publisher URL  Changeling Press - Erotic Fiction

BUY NOW!

Tali hopes the Christmas Magic of the Sugarplum Ball is strong enough to get Jax into her bed.

BLURB:

Tali's been secretly lusting after Jax since the spring breakup, but he insists on treating her like a sister. Tonight, all of the adult elves at the North Pole will be at the Sugarplum Ball. It's a night of Christmas Magic and dreams come true, and if Tali doesn't wake up in the morning with a naked hunk of an elf in the bed beside her, it won't be for lack of trying.

EXCERPT:

She could tell the exact moment he decided to stop fighting their attraction. His eyes darkened to a stormy indigo and his hands slid down to her ass, caressing her super-sensitive flesh through the dubious barrier of her dress.

"You can't say I didn't warn you. I still think you'd be better with one of the younger elves, but it's too late now. You've tempted me just a little too far, so it's going to be me caressing your naked flesh this evening. When you feel the orgasm washing over you, it's my face that will be looking down at you." He ghosted a soft kiss over her lips. "My lips that will cover your mouth when you scream in ecstasy." He nibbled his way across her cheek and his breath feathered warmly across her ear, teasing the pointed tip. "And my cock that is going to stretch your pussy again and again until you beg for mercy." He nipped the lobe of her ear, kissing away the tiny pain almost before she felt it. Dipping his head, he nibbled his way down to the hollow of her throat, and lower.

She realized he intended to claim the tiny lump of Sugarplum candy nestled between the mounds of her breasts, and tilted her head back in triumph. Yes!

His tongue trailed across her delicate skin, leaving a path of liquid heat burning in its wake. Her pussy throbbed in eagerness, cream gathering in anticipation of his cock. She closed her eyes, drowning in the delicious sensations washing through her body. His warm breath teased as his mouth moved lower, dipping into the exposed cleavage, and his tongue swept in to claim the tiny piece of candy.

"I'm supposed to give it to you." She felt she should make a token protest.

"And you did. Very yummy."

"No, you took it."

"You didn't stop me." He smiled then, a sensual flash of white teeth, and a thousand butterflies took flight in Tali's stomach. It was going to happen. It really was. Jax was going to make love to her. He swallowed audibly and licked his lips in a deliberately sensual gesture. "I think we'd better find a more private spot." The smile widened into a sexy grin. "Wouldn't want Santa putting us on the naughty list."

Tali giggled. "Not this close to Christmas."

Jax straightened up and draped an arm around her. The tips of his fingers brushed her cleavage, sending sparks of lust flitting through her. "I believe you mentioned something about the corner suite?"

She looked into his eyes, keenly aware of the crowd of butterflies in her stomach. "Yup. All prepped and ready to go. There's a bottle of champagne on ice and a bowl of imported strawberries to go with it."

"Really." He stroked his fingers across the swell of her breast. "Isn't Davy going to be disappointed? He did escort you to the ball, after all."

"I don't think that's going to be a problem." She looked across the floor to where the mailroom elf had plastered herself against Davy's chest. The silly grin on his face made it clear he was enjoying the attention.

Jax followed her gaze and laughed. "I think I hear that bottle of champagne calling my name."

* * *

Damn!" Tali fumbled with the key. Snowman shaped locks might be cute, but getting the key into the hole while your insides were burning with lust wasn't easy. A loud click sounded when the key finally matched up with the lock, and Jax reached past her to turn the knob.

Pushing the door open, he surprised her by scooping her up in his arms and stepping into the room. "Very nice." He strode over to the window without turning on the lights. "The view is spectacular. I think I'll make love to you right here, with the glow of Christmas Town behind you our only source of light."

"Christmas Magic." She stared into his eyes, and read the truth there. No matter what he said about their ages or their suitability for each other, he wanted her. Desire smoldered in those blue depths with an intensity that left her breathless. She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled his head down to place a big wet kiss on his warm mouth.

He sank to his knees without loosening his grip, his lips parting as the kiss deepened and their tongues met. Her skin tingled, acutely aware of the touch of his fingers as he laid her down on the thickly carpeted floor and slipped the spaghetti straps of her dress off her shoulders.

His fingers stroked the swell of her breasts, each movement sending waves of sensual heat flooding through her. "I've been watching you for months." He nipped the tender skin on her bottom lip, and she shuddered as a tremor of erotic heat raced down her spine. "I tried to be a gentleman, to leave you to find an elf closer to your own age." His tongue traced a path to the hollow of her throat. "But you didn't take the chance, and now it's too late. Once I make love to you, I don't think I'll be able to let you go."

BUY NOW!

New Reviews for Changeling Press 11/29/10

New Reviews for Changeling Press 11/29/10

Congratulations to Michelle Hasker, Marteeka Karland, Selena Blake, Violet
Summers and Leila Brown!


CUPCAKES by Michelle Hasker
Four Cherries from Whipped Cream Reviews

Sweet goodies, Incubi and a party throwing witch combine to give readers a wild
ride in this story.

http://whippedcream2.blogspot.com/2010/11/cupcakes-by-michelle-hasker.html

DARKLING LUST by Marteeka Karland
Four Nymphs from Literary Nymphs

.interesting, especially about reading a book to find your mate and the possible
scenarios that invokes. I am looking forward to future stories about the
Darklings.

http://literarynymphsreviewsonly.blogspot.com/2010/11/darkling-lust.html

RESCUING NATACHA by Selena Blake
Four & ½ Kisses from Two Lips Reviews

The scenes between Halyn and Natacha are very well done, the physical attraction
between them is smoking hot, and the dialogue is sharp and witty.very gratifying
for the reader.

http://www.twolipsreviews.com/content/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5638&Itemid=36


TEMAIR'S RAYNE by Violet Summers
Five Diamonds from Got Erotic Romance? Reviews

This series just gets better. The characters are wonderful, the mix of magic and
sensuality interesting, and the sexual tension hot, hot, hot.

http://goteroticromance.blogspot.com/2010/11/queens-of-mareb-2-tamairs-rayne-by.html


THE TAMING OF TAYLON by Leila Brown
Four Cherries from Whipped Cream Reviews

Looking for a smoking hot book with a feisty heroine willing to do anything it
takes to defend those weaker than she? Then The Taming of Taylon is the place
you should start.

http://whippedcream2.blogspot.com/2010/11/taming-of-taylon-by-leila-brown.html

Hot Flash! Demon's Layer by Carlanime Bligh

Demon's Layer


by Carlanime Bligh

Cover art: Bryan Keller

ISBN: 978-1-60521-550-1

Genre(s): Paranormal, Dark Fantasy

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

Series: Orisha's Gift

Length: Hot Flash

http://www.changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=1490

Blurb:
Nisha's spending the weekend with her boyfriend, her favorite werewolf... and a sex demon.




The Innferno is the perfect hotel for a weekend getaway, except for one minor problem -- the sex-crazed resident demon. It's possessing the guests and using them to slake its lust, and that's bad for business, which is why the manager needs help from Nisha Jenkins. Her assignment? Do whatever it takes to persuade the demon to move on.



Publisher's Note: Chronological order of the Layer stories: "Enter the Layer" in the Changeling Aftershock collection first introduces Nisha and Slade. Wolf's Layer follows from that, and Demon's Layer is the third story in the series. All can be read as stand alone stories.

Excerpt:
Demon's Layer


Carlanime Bligh

All rights reserved.

Copyright ©2010 Carlanime Bligh



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.

Hands on her hips, Nisha Jenkins glared up at the sign above her head. "Now that's just asking for trouble." The sign featured a pattern of flames and a single word: Innferno. It swung gently even though there was no wind.

Slade looked amused. Nisha had spent the better part of a week trying to explain her calling as a Layer, and that her current assignment involved a demon-haunted hotel, but she had the distinct impression he hadn't taken her seriously. His reply confirmed that. "There you go. Tell the owners to change the name and we're free to enjoy the weekend."

Nisha sighed. Slade had never been open to the idea of anything supernatural. This weekend was either going to change his mind, or possibly damage his sanity.

The blonde at the front desk had too much frosted blue eyeshadow and way too little clothing. Her assets threatened to spill out onto the guest register. She eyed Slade's muscled six-foot-four physique hungrily. "What can I do for you?" She utterly ignored Nisha, a pattern Nisha had noticed before. Certain white chicks had a way of acting as if she didn't exist when they wanted to pretend her boyfriend was fair game. Slade, bless him, was looking completely unimpressed.

Charitably resisting an urge to claw the wench's eyes out, Nisha cleared her throat loudly. "I'm Nisha Jenkins. Your husband sent for me -- we have a room booked."

The blonde gave her a sullen look, but handed over the key to room 113. "I hope you didn't get your hopes up about meeting my husband at a hotel." She snickered. "It's guaranteed to be less interesting than it sounds, unless you're addicted to lectures on small business management." Nisha decided she was happier not knowing what that was all about. Just because she was a Layer didn't mean she had to care about every stranger's crappy relationship, right?

In their room, it took Slade ten seconds to do his version of unpacking -- tossing a pack of condoms and some lube on the bed and giving her a look full of promise before heading into the shower. Nisha grinned to herself as she hung a few things up in the closet. Maybe she should join him. The steam creeping out under the bathroom door smelled delicious, sort of a sandalwood scent mixed with something smoky, like the after-scent of a lit match. It was oddly enticing. Before she could act on the sudden tingle of interest, there was a knock on the door.

"Nisha? You in there?" She froze. She'd know that voice anywhere -- hell, she heard it in her dreams. It was Alastar, the werewolf alpha she'd met on her last Layer assignment. Okay, more than met. A lot more.

She shivered, a wave of goosebumpy arousal sweeping her body at the memory.

This was not good. She'd fantasized about finding a way to bring both guys along for this weekend, sure, but the reality wasn't likely to be pretty. Fuck. She had to get Alastar away from here before Slade emerged from the shower.

At that exact moment the click of the bathroom door opening informed her she was too late to prevent disaster. She did what any intelligent, independent woman would do in this situation. She panicked and bolted into the closet, sliding the door almost shut behind her. Turning to peer through the crack, she saw with absolute horror that Slade, naked and stunningly erect, was striding out to answer the door.

She'd never expected to see the two men face to face. This was so not good. Some part of her mind couldn't help noticing that they looked great together, though. Slade's dark brown hair, touched with random hints of gold, and his tanned, muscular body; Alastar's pale skin, blue-black hair and eyes, and slightly more sleek physique. Two great flavors, unfortunately probably about to kick the shit out of each other. She winced and tried desperately to think of a way to disrupt this scene before it turned violent.

"Come in." Slade's voice was low, commanding. To her mingled horror and fascination, Alastar obeyed instantly, stepping calmly into the room. She'd never in a million years have guessed that the alpha wolf could be so, well, obedient. And what the hell was up with Slade? Sure, he had a sort of natural corporate-honed dominance, the confidence natural to very rich, very successful men, but now there was something new in his voice. A new note of... authority? No, that wasn't quite it. But he'd compelled Alastar, that was obvious, and now he was circling him slowly, an odd smile quirking the corners of his lips upward. He traced one finger across Alastar's chest, and Alastar just stood there, unmoving, his eyes slightly unfocused. Slade's cock was twitching with arousal now, and Nisha was beginning to squirm as well. This was all wrong, but damn, it was hot.

Then Slade paused, lifting his head to look directly at her as if he could see right through the closet door, and she gasped. His eyes, usually a smoky greenish-gray, were glowing. Glowing red.

Smirking slightly, he returned his attention to Alastar. "Drop your clothes." It came out in a whisper, a hiss that nevertheless carried easily to Nisha's ears. She suspected it had been intended to.

http://www.changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=1490

Vaaden Captives: Enid by Jessica Coulter Smith

Vaaden Captives: Enid


by Jessica Coulter Smith

Cover art: Bryan Keller

ISBN: 978-1-60521-531-0

Genre(s): Futuristic, Sci-Fi

Series: Vaaden Captives

Length: Novella

http://www.changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=1492

Blurb:
Having been abused by men, Enid doesn't trust easily and cannot stand to be touched. When she's claimed as a sex slave on another planet, she fears what will happen to her. Bastian is a pleasant surprise -- patient and caring, he's not what she expected in an owner. As she gets to know him, she finds herself doing the unthinkable -- falling in love.


Excerpt:
Vaaden Captives: Enid


Jessica Coulter Smith

All rights reserved.

Copyright ©2010 Jessica Coulter Smith


The large Vaaden warrior entered the cell and stopped in front of Sorcha. I could tell she was scared, but I was glad he hadn't noticed me. Then, he continued past her and stopped inches from me. My heart hammered in my chest and my eyes were wide in fear.

He reached out to touch my hair and I flinched. I hadn't meant to, but it wasn't something I could control. I wished I could show Sorcha's bravery.

He frowned at me and I knew I had displeased him.

"Why do you flinch when I try to touch you?"

I opened my mouth, but no sound would come out. It was as if my vocal cords had frozen in my throat. I felt paralyzed with fear.

"She doesn't like to be touched by anyone," Sorcha told him, and I silently thanked her.

The warrior stepped closer, and I forgot to breathe, dots danced in my vision and then blackness overtook me.

* * *

I awakened some time later in a lavish bedroom. Looking around at the foreign surroundings, I spotted the warrior in a nearby chair.

"You're awake." His voice was deep and dark, smoky like whiskey.

I trembled, knowing I should speak but I couldn't.

I watched, helpless, as he stood and came closer. He stopped at the edge of the bed and sat beside me. Slowly, he reached a hand toward me and gently stroked a lock of my hair. I felt proud of the fact that I was able to hold still, even though I was terrified and trembling.

"Easy," he murmured, and I realized I was hyperventilating. So much for my bravery. "What's your name?" he asked softly.

I swallowed hard, forcing down the knot in my throat. "Enid."

"I'm Bastian."

I stared at him, uncertain of what he wanted. I'd heard Susan tell Sorcha what to expect, but the idea of being intimate with a man petrified me. What would happen when he realized that I wouldn't be able to please him?

"Why are you afraid of me? The woman in the cell said you hate to be touched."

"It... it isn't that I hate being touched. It scares me."

"Why?" I looked away. When his fingers grasped my chin, I jumped and looked at him, wide-eyed and ready to run, not that I had anywhere to go. "Why does my touch scare you?" he persisted.

"Not yours, specifically. Anyone's."

He stared, waiting on my answer. My heart felt like it was going to pound right out of my chest and I wished he would move further away. I felt my palms grow moist and queasiness rolled through me. I only hoped I wouldn't get sick. Even though I'd been stuck in the cell for weeks, I suddenly wished I was back there.

"I... I... On my way home from work one night, a group of men dragged me into an alley... they..." I closed my eyes against the memories. "They held me down and..." I stopped, unable to complete the sentence. The horrors of that night still lived in my mind, but putting voice to the events made them even more real.

"They raped you."

My eyes flew open at the steely tone of his voice. Anger sparked in his violet eyes and a muscle twitched in his jaw. He really was a breathtaking man. Even as terrified as I was, I could appreciate his masculine beauty. Once upon a time, his attention would have flattered me, but not now. "Yes."

"Was that your first time?"

I blushed and nodded, my gaze remaining trained on his face.

Slowly, he reached for me and gently cupped my cheek, his thumb caressing me. Surprisingly, I didn't flinch or pass out. I didn't think he meant me any harm, and while I didn't know for sure, he had been gentle with me so far. At least for the moment.

"I'm sorry for your pain and what you had to endure. No woman should ever go through that."

I stared at him in surprise. "Isn't that what... what you're going to do to me?"

I cringed at the fury I saw in his face and waited for the blow I was sure would follow. When it didn't, I relaxed a little, watching him warily. He didn't seem to be as horrible as the man who had claimed Susan. If anything, he seemed gentle, even if he didn't look it. No, he looked like a god ready to do battle, a man who could command the thunder and lightning.

"I will take my pleasure in your body, but it will be nothing like your previous experience." He grinned. "You may even like it."

I doubted it, but I didn't voice my opinion. I had a feeling it would only anger him, and I knew I didn't want that anger to be directed my way. If anything, I'd prefer that he ignore me all together. It didn't seem that I would get my wish. When the time came, I only hoped I didn't throw up on him.

http://www.changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=1492

Dire Wolves: White Heat by Shelby Morgen

Dire Wolves: White Heat


by Shelby Morgen

Cover art: Bryan Keller

ISBN: 978-1-60521-479-5

Genre(s): Paranormal, Action/Adventure

Theme(s): Werewolves

Series: Dire Wolves (Multi-Author)

Length: Novella

http://www.changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=1474

Blurb:
Time to take down the fanatical Human Defense League. The Ulfhednar Council's got just the men for the job. But the last thing Jake Parker wants is a partner. Especially not another Alpha wolf -- and definitely not the man who stole his woman.


Heather Grant's got far too much experience working with stubborn males. She figures it would serve both Alphas right if their pride blows their cover. But someone's got to salvage the mission. What she doesn't count on is her instant reaction to Jake Parker's wolf. Just the scent of this particular Alpha's got her hormones racing.

How's a man supposed to concentrate with an utterly sexy Dire Wolf bitch flashing her tail at him? If he gets out of this mission alive, Jake swears he's going to kill the woman. Or claim her.

Excerpt:
Dire Wolves: White Heat


Shelby Morgen

All rights reserved.

Copyright ©2010 Shelby Morgen



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.



"Jackpot."

"No shit." At least two dozen more M16s, equipped with four rail hand guards, scopes, and collapsible stocks, as well as a couple M50 machine guns, and stack after stack of tactical readiness packs full of thirty round mags. Fuck. There was enough ammo in this room alone to take out Denver.



Not to mention the case cleaner, loading press, and crimper. The air reeked of silver. If he'd ever had any doubt --



"What the hell are you two doing?"



Jake resisted the urge to spin on his heel and land an elbow in the chest of the person who'd managed to sneak up behind him -- but only because the whispered voice belonged to a woman. No matter how deep undercover he was, he didn't hit women.



He might shoot her, but there was no way he was going to hit her.



A glance over his shoulder almost made him regret that decision. Heather Grant. Of all the gin joints... "What the hell are you doing here?"



"My job. Which is to get your sorry asses out of whatever cluster-fuck you two have gotten yourselves into."



John Wolfe treated Heather to a throaty growl of disapproval. "We're doing fine, thanks. Who's this?" He addressed the question to Jake, though he didn't take his attention off the woman.



Jake sighed. "My wife."



"Your what?"



Jake took a small bit of satisfaction in the bigger man's obvious surprise. "I told you I wasn't after Doc Grier." Which was the truth. Mostly.



The Council had decided Wolfe needed backup on this mission. They neglected to ask. Though that was nothing new. The Council never really asked anyone. They just issued orders. So here Jake was, trying to run an undercover op, sandwiched between the big, rangy wolf who thought Jake was after his woman, and Heather, the hard-headed handler who'd played the role of his wife for the last five years. Really. Could life get any better?



John frowned at them speculatively. "Zan said you were married, but..."



"Would you two shut the fuck up before you get us all killed? Between the two of you you're about as subtle as a herd of moose."



Red hair and a temper to match. Not to mention a killer bod that looked even better in tight fitting jeans and that scrap of camo. Jake grinned, enjoying her fit of pique. Maybe he'd tell Wolfe they weren't really married, and then again, maybe he wouldn't. This could be fun. Wolfe had it coming, too, after the way he'd been acting so proprietary around Doc Grier. Two Alpha wolves. One woman. A recipe for disaster.



The heavy tread of boots in the corridor brought an immediate halt to the get-to-know-you bullshit.



Before Jake had time to react, Heather dove at Jake, landing with her legs wrapped around his waist and her lips plastered over his in what had to be the least romantic kiss of his life. Though, perversely, his cock sprung to immediate attention. Had to be a proximity thing, because there was nothing even vaguely sexy about getting shot.



"Hey! You there! What the hell are you two doing in here?" Wolfe's voice sang out loud enough to wake the dead.



The sudden appearance of multiple M16s had an immediate calming effect on Jake's libido. He peeled Heather off his waist and set her on the floor, pushing her protectively behind him. "Dude, if you have to ask..."



"I can see what you're doing, idiot. Why are you doing it here? In this room? In this building? This area's supposed to be secure!"



Wolfe was way too into his role, Jake thought with a barely disguised grin. But it was working. The guards immediately moved to back up their new head of security.



There were three of them, all armed to the teeth. With a bit of a distraction, Jake might be able to take down two of them, but three? Not unless he went wolf...



"For fuck's sake, Val, it's a closet. Where the hell else are we supposed to make out?" Val. Trust Heather to get their cover names right. He'd find out what the hell hers was and what she was doing here later. Damn the Council and their interfering ways, anyway. Though right now, she was damn handy.



Wolfe wasn't the only one who could play his part. Jake turned on Heather, pouring his frustration into his act. "Look, woman, if you don't clean up that raunchy mouth of yours, we're not going to be making out anywhere. You got a mouth like a toilet on you, you know that?"



"You didn't say that when it was wrapped around that little prick of yours, did you?"



"You didn't say it was little then, either. More like Oh, Burt, you're so big... Oh, Burt, give it to me harder! I should have listened to my mother." (Who'd told him, Go to medical school. The pack needs more doctors.)



It wasn't easy to defy your mother, especially when she was a Dire Wolf. And a member of the Ulfhednar Ruling Council. If he got shot out here, she'd never forgive him.



"All right! All right! That's enough," Wolfe barked. "We got a mission to prepare for. You two deserve each other. Get the hell out of here."



Jake reached for Heather and she ducked away, sliding between the men and heading for the doorway. "Besides, you said you like it when I talk dirty."

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