Tag Archives: Werewolf Romance

The next Ashton Grove Werewolves book is here!

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Book 6 in the Ashton Grove Werewolves series releases this month! I know it’s been a long time coming, and hopefully you won’t be disappointed. I struggled with this one, deleting it and starting over several times. I know some people are going to be angry with me by the end of the book, but just remember that everything happens for a reason.

Moonlight Warrior AGW6 cover small

The Ashton Grove pack has been on the verge of war for months, and now the time has arrived. The Skulls of Hell are on their way to the small sleepy Georgia town with destruction on their minds. But a new voice in the pack wants to know why.

Kendall Wright has lost one battle with the Skulls already and she isn’t anxious to face them again, but as Colin’s mate she knows it’s her place to fight by his side. But if she’s going to forfeit her life for the good of the pack, she wants to know why.

Colin has to admit his mate brings up a good point. Why travel such a great distance to wipe out a small pack of werewolves? There’s nothing special about the Ashton Grove pack, or is there? Can the mystery be solved before the war begins?

EXCERPT

Kendall leaned against her car and tried to get a signal on her phone. She was stranded in the middle of nowhere with no way to contact anyone. Her car had died and refused to start again. She fought the urge to smack her phone against the car. Not only did she not have any reception, her 4G was out as well. Not that the internet did her much good, but at least she could’ve emailed her friend and hoped he got the message. If it hadn’t been daylight, she would’ve just shifted and found the nearest town. Then again, she’d be naked when she shifted back so maybe that wasn’t such a great idea.

Just when she was giving up hope, she heard a loud engine. Shading her eyes from the sun, she smiled when she saw a large truck rumbling her way. With any luck, the owner would be a guy. A guy knowledgeable about cars, she amended. Maybe she’d be on her way in no time!

The truck pulled over to the side of the road just behind her car. But as the doors opened, she realized her mistake. She should’ve waited for them inside her car. Now she was in the open and exposed. She watched as five of the hardest looking men she’d ever seen got out of the vehicle. Despite the hot June weather, three of them wore black leather jackets. She had a really horrible feeling about this.

The way they moved told her they were something other than human, but she wasn’t sure exactly what they could be. They didn’t smell like shifters. There was a foul, almost rancid, smell coming from them and it made her want to gag. She edged closer to the driver side door of her car, wondering if she could make it in time, but one look at the approaching men put a nix on that idea. They were too close and she had a feeling they were faster than they looked.

They circled her, penning her in, making her feel like a trapped animal. Her other half, her animal half, yowled in protest. She could shift, but that would only make her more vulnerable. Sure, she’d get in a few good licks, but her cat was small and they would overtake her quickly. There was little doubt in her mind that the more she fought them, the more pain they would inflict. Now that they were closer, she could see the evil lurking in their coal black eyes. There was only one type of being with eyes like that – a demon. The skull and crossbones on the front of the leather jackets gave her a clue as to who she was dealing with.

Fear snaked through her, seizing her. They tightened their circle, closing in until they were near enough to touch her. Her brain was telling her to flee, but her body was locked in place. A tremor ran down her spine, shaking her from head to toe as the leader reached out to touch her, running his fingers through her spiky red hair. Another ground against her from behind and she nearly wet herself. What were they going to do to her? Would she survive?

“Tie her up,” the leader commanded.

The demon behind her grabbed her hands, jerking them behind her back. Another produced a length of rope and tied them together, nearly cutting off her circulation. Next, they tied her feet and she was slung over someone’s shoulder and carried to the truck. Dumped in the bed of the truck, one of the demons launched himself into the back, presumably to keep an eye on her. As if she could escape like this! Bound as she was, it would be impossible for her to shift. Had they tied her on purpose, perhaps knowing she was a shapeshifter?

She stayed silent, not voicing the multitude of questions she had, doubting that she would receive any answers and would most likely be punished for daring to speak. Her heart raced as the worst possible scenarios tumbled through her mind, one following the other in rapid succession. They hadn’t gagged her, which meant they didn’t care if she screamed, perhaps even wanted her to. She didn’t know a lot about demons, but what little knowledge she did have told her she didn’t have a prayer of escaping. They would torture her, and possibly kill her, but one thing was certain, she would not give up her soul. With there being five of them, chances were, they didn’t even want it. Which meant they’d captured her strictly for torture.

Bile rose in the back of her throat and she forced it down. She didn’t want to show any signs of weakness, no more than she already had. They would try to break her, and if she gave in too soon, if they thought for one moment they’d already accomplished their task, her life would be forfeit. And she wanted to live! Oh how she wanted to live. There was so much she hadn’t done yet, so many places to see, people to meet. There weren’t many who would miss her if she were to disappear. She had one close friend at home, a guy that really fell into the “friends with benefits” category, but there was no love between them. She’d never been in love and the thought saddened her.

She felt the truck bump along and looked up. The sky gave nothing away, but the position of the sun seemed off. Had they gone off-road? She broke out in a sweat at the thought of being taken further into the desert, where no one would hear her, no one would find her. They would be completely isolated, left to do to her whatever they pleased without interference. Not that a mere human could stop them even if they tried. No, maybe it was better this way. At least she would be the only one at their mercy.

After what seemed like hours, but was surely only twenty minutes or so, the truck came to a stop. The demon beside her rose and hefted her over his shoulder. Once more, she was looking at the world upside down, mostly seeing his denim-clad rear. A sight that made her ill. After stepping around a cactus and a small rock formation, she was dropped, her bones rattling as she landed on the hard ground.

Looking around, she resigned herself to her fate. They’d bolted manacles in the rocks, the perfect way to detain their prey, and an assortment of tools lay nearby. The sight of a branding iron made her flinch and she hoped and prayed that she either passed out before they used it, or that her life would cease before then. She didn’t think she could handle the pain of such torture. The other items didn’t look pleasant either, but they didn’t terrify her as much as the thought of her flesh burning, of being marked for all eternity as their plaything.

One of the demons, whom she’d come to call demon 3 in her mind, cut the ropes binding her and dragged her over to the rock. Snapping the manacles in place, he ripped her shirt, dropping the shredded garment to the ground. Cutting her jeans from her body, he gave her a salacious look that made her skin crawl. Left bare except for her skimpy bra and panties, she shivered in anticipation of the atrocities yet to come.

Demon 2 picked up a long whip, the kind she’d always associated with cattle drives and cowboys, and flicked it, making it snap. She flinched, unable to stop the involuntary motion. Demon 4 picked up a large knife that looked like it had been sharpened to within an inch of its life. The others settled in, obviously wanting to observe, and more than likely wait their turn. She didn’t doubt for one minute that this was only the beginning.

The whip sang through the air, the crack making her tense, waiting for the pain to begin. The next flick sent it across her tender stomach, leaving a long red welt in its wake. Kendall clenched her teeth, determined not to utter a single whimper or cry of pain. The whip whistled through the air again, landing across her right breast. She ground her teeth and bit her tongue, each lashing making it harder and harder to keep quiet.

The whip kissed her flesh again and again, harder each time until it drew blood. Demon 4 licked his lips and moved in closer. She knew the real pain was about to begin. The closest she’d ever come to pain was a broken ankle when she was a kid, courtesy of a trip off a trampoline, and a bad cut to her palm when she tried to stop her forward momentum by slamming her hand into a window pane. None of that compared to now. She wasn’t sure anything could have prepared her for this.

The first cut was small, down the inside of her right arm, and made her hiss, despite her intent to remain silent. The demon grinned even bigger, his eyes growing even darker, if such a thing was possible. The blade of the knife caressed her breasts, but didn’t break the skin. He moved down her abdomen and made a vertical cut that stopped just shy of her navel.

Silent screams echoed in her head, making her ears ring. The taste of blood filled her mouth from biting her tongue so hard. The knife moved down her body, sliding over her panties. She broke out in chills just thinking of the damage he could do to her there, but he moved on. Digging the tip of the knife into her upper thigh, he broke the skin and sliced downward, leaving a four-inch gash in her leg.

Unable to stop herself, she whimpered and jerked at the manacles. The demon threw back his head and laughed before tossing the knife aside. She watched as he sat and another rose in his place. The leader brought her worst fears to life. Picking up the branding iron, he plunged the hard metal into an open flame nearby. She watched in absolute terror as the metal turned orange. When the demon was satisfied it was hot enough, he removed it from the fire and approached her, an unholy light in his eyes, his lips twisted in a sneer.

“Not going to make any noise, are you?” he taunted. “We’ll just see about that.”

Placing his meaty hand on her ribs, he held her still as he placed the red-hot iron against the skin of her hip. Kendall did the only thing she could. She screamed long and loud until the pain overtook her and she blacked out.

Fire Within – Romance in Moonspell #2

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I have a cover reveal and an excerpt for you today!

Reika Woods is everything a fairy should be — on the outside. But when it comes to magick, things tend to go a little bit wrong. Okay, more than a little. That doesn’t stop her from wishing the man of her dreams would take notice of her, without running in the other direction. After a bit of friendly mischief calls the fire department to her home, she has her wish. Her very hunky fireman is at her beck and call. But Jax Donohue is more than just a fireman, he’s a werewolf, and what Reika doesn’t realize is that she’s his mate — and he will do anything to protect her.

Available September 19th!

 

“Truth or dare?” Maya said.

Reika narrowed her eyes and bit her lip. “Dare, I think.”

She took a sip of her margarita. “Yes, definitely a dare.”

Maya gave her a Cheshire grin, her eyes glinting in a mischievous manner. “I dare you to set off the fire alarm.”

Reika nearly choked on her drink. She knew exactly what her friend was up to. Why had she confided in Maya about the super hot fireman? Reika had seen him outside of the fire station just last week and had all but wrecked her car as her head had swiveled in a near 180-degree turn to get a better look. With his navy blue M.F.D. tee fit so snug, every muscle in his arms and chest had been clearly outlined. She’d wanted to reach out and touch him to see if he was as strong as he looked. It had taken everything in her to keep driving and not turn around and go introduce herself.

She’d driven past the fire station more than once since then, in hopes of seeing him again. She’d only seen him one time, and only at a distance. Since then, he’d been scarce, or maybe he just hadn’t been at work. Whatever the case, she hadn’t seen him, and oh how she’d wanted to!

“All right, but it has to look like an accident.”

Maya gave her a gleeful look. “What do you suggest?”

“Well, you know how horrible I am with potions. Who’s to say I don’t accidentally mix the wrong things and KABLOOM! Instant fire starter. Or maybe just something to create a lot of smoke. I don’t care to actually set fire to my home.”

“I should make you set if off without props,” Maya said. “It’s kind of like cheating, doing it your way.”

Reika wrinkled her nose. “I want the guy to actually speak to me. If he finds out I set off the alarm on a dare, he’ll never talk to me. I’ll just be another flighty fairy to him.”

“All right, fair enough. We do it your way.” Maya rubbed her hands together. “So, what are we going to mix?”

Reika tucked her wings away, the green and violet shimmering appendages folding away neatly, and stared at the different vials out on the counter. Some were blue, some green, a few were purple or pink. Only one was yellow and she had yet to figure out what it did. She’d mixed it quite by mistake the other day. No time like the present, she supposed.

Grabbing the yellow vial, she paused. She could barely remember the ingredients in the tube. How was she going to pick something that would react with it? Preferably without blowing her up. With a hesitant hand, she selected a blue vial and a green one. Mixing the three together in an empty test tube, she watched the mixture roiling, with bubbles foaming up the sides of the glass. The liquid turned colors, from yellow, to green, to pink, to orange. Smoke started pouring from the tube and billowing up toward the ceiling. An acrid stench filled the room, causing Reika to cover her nose and bat at the air.

A loud beeping began as her fire alarm sounded, one she knew had a direct link to the fire department, courtesy of a local security company. She knew it could take the Moonspell Fire Department anywhere from three minutes to thirteen minutes to respond. It just depended on how busy they were, or how prepared. She imagined they spent a great deal of time sitting around playing cards while they waited on the alarms to go off around town. With Moonspell being so small, they probably responded to more calls about cats in trees than actual fires.

Maya tugged her out of the kitchen and out the back door. They stepped through the gate and walked around to the front yard to await Reika’s hunky fireman. Oh God! She hadn’t even thought about it, but what if he wasn’t working tonight? She would be so embarrassed if all of this was for naught.

A minute or two later, she heard the sirens coming, and soon the street was bathed in the red glow of the flashing lights of the fire truck. The first man to jump off the truck and head their way was tall with a lean build. The greenish tinge to his skin told of his elven heritage. His dark hair spiked about his head and he wore a concerned expression on his rather handsome face. If she hadn’t already set her sights on the other fireman, she might’ve been tempted.

“Are you both okay?” he asked.

“We’re fine,” Reika said. “It’s just a lot of smoke, no fire.”

“My name’s Elm. Bevin Elm. Me and the guys are going to just take a sweep through the house and make sure everything’s okay before we let you go back in, okay?”

She nodded and watched as he and the others went through the front door. It seemed like they were gone forever, but several minutes later, they returned, smoke drifting out through the front door on their heels. A certain set of broad shoulders in the group caught her eye and her breath caught in her throat as she realized he was here. The man in question turned her way, his gaze capturing hers. From a distance, she could tell his eyes were light, but not the color. He lingered a moment, as if he wanted to come to her side, she willed him to move toward her. Her blood sizzled in her veins under that intense stare, she even took a step forward, more than happy to make the first move. But one of the men slapped him on the back and broke the spell. With a shake of his head, he followed his men to the truck, but not before glancing over his shoulder one last time.

The elf returned to her side.

“Miss?”

“Woods. Reika Woods.”

He smiled. “Miss Woods, everything looks safe now. Might I suggest in future turning on the vent over the stove before working with potions? Or better yet, bringing them outside?”

“Yes, of course, Mr. Elm.”

The elf tipped his head to them and walked off. Maya, still at her side, snickered.

“What’s so funny?” Reika demanded. “I still don’t know who that scrumptious fireman is. Or what he is.”

“Elm and Wood.” She snorted.

Shifter Paradise

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Not My Shifter and Sinfully Cursed are the first two books in a brand new shifter series written by Jessica Coulter-Smith and Kate Allenton.

Paradise Falls is a town where misfits and shifters collide and these are their stories.

Not my Shifter

Devlin St.Claire is a whole lot of trouble, with a badge. Kicking ass and arresting unruly paranormals is all in a day’s work for Devlin. Her hatred for the shifter population has gotten her into more trouble than not, especially with her boss. She’s a little spitfire just waiting to explode on the first shifter who crosses her path. Imagine her surprise when that shifter turns out to be her mate. So what happens when her new mate is accused of not one murder but two?

She has no choice but to fight back the only way she knows how – a bit of detective work and a little brute force. One way or another, she’s going to prove that Jameson Starke is innocent.

As the sexual tension becomes damn near unbearable, only one question remains. Will she be able to walk away from one night of passion, even if his life depends on her staying?

Sinfully Cursed

A wingless fairy, a demon, and a crystal sound like the making of a bad joke. When hardnosed cop, Quinn Montgomery, unknowingly walks right into the middle of a P.I.T.S. investigation where he discovers all three in an abandoned alley, there was no way to prepare himself for how his life was about to change. When a newfound destiny is thrust upon him, he falls into a chaotic world filled with unfamiliar rules and a bossy fairy he’d like to seduce.

Fairy, Parker McKenna, has worked hard her whole life to overcompensate for her short comings. Proving herself everyday by catching the bad guys has become second nature to the P.I.T.S. Detective. When one bad bust goes wrong and a human almost dies on her sting, she deserves whatever punishment she has coming. Nothing could have prepared her for the curve ball thrown her way. With off the charts sexual tension, and a witch’s warning to keep her hands to herself, what’s a fairy to do?

A curse. A family secret. A hidden agenda. Against all odds, Parker will do anything to save Quinn, even if it means saving him from himself.

 

EXCERPT

Devlin narrowed her eyes at the large shifter, his meaty arm pressed to her throat, his bulk blocking out the other bar patrons. The sounds of the raucous crowd hadn’t dimmed since their altercation began, so she doubted anyone was paying them any attention. She knew she shouldn’t have let him goad her into a fight, but she hated shifters, especially werewolves, and hadn’t been able to pass up the opportunity to put big and smelly in his place. He’d gotten in one or two licks but hadn’t done any permanent damage. She’d have a bruise or two by morning, but that’s all.

Shifting her hips, she angled her leg between his, hooking her foot behind his knee. Devlin gripped his arm and twisted her torso, throwing her shoulder into him. She knocked him off balance and took him to the ground. It was a textbook maneuver and would’ve gone down smoothly if the fucker hadn’t hung onto her like he was Velcroed to her ass. A quick elbow to his gut released his hold on her, and she rolled to her feet.

He grabbed her leg with his ham-like hand, his fingers sliding up toward her thigh, and she saw red. Baring her teeth, she drew back her foot and nailed him right between the legs, feeling more than a little satisfied when he dropped his hand to grab his crotch, howling long and loud in agony.

“The next time you grab a lady on the ass, make sure she wants your attention, asshole,” she spat at him. “The amount of alcohol I’d need to consume in order to sleep with you would probably kill me.”

She stepped over his body, now curled in a fetal position, and strolled up to the bar. Signaling the bartender, she ordered a shot of whiskey. Her body was still thrumming with excitement, every nerve alive and screaming for more action. She needed something to calm her down. About the only way she was going to burn off this energy would be a hard night at the gym, or a long night of lovemaking. Seeing as how she was between boyfriends, she didn’t see that as an option. Not that she’d ever truly had a boyfriend. Fuck buddies were more her style. Unfortunately, her last one had decided he’d had enough of playing the field and had gotten married two days ago.

Slamming her shot glass down on the bar, she turned and surveyed the room. The werewolf was still down, but he’d drawn a crowd of sympathizers. More shifters.  Just what she needed. The place was crawling with them. Hell, there was even a vampire at the end of the bar. But she wasn’t here to bust anyone tonight. She’d come to O’Leary’s to kick back and relax, blow off steam. A smile spread across her full lips. She’d blown off steam all right.

Her eyes cut to the werewolf again. Hmm. Trouble seemed to be brewing. Two shifters separated from the group and were ambling toward the bar with her in their sights. One was short and wiry, probably a cat shifter. His spiky hair was gelled to perfection, and his skin held the honeyed glow of a warm tan. The other was taller, with lean muscles and a hard edge to him. His eyes were shifty, his nose blade thin. Werewolf? No, that wasn’t right. He seemed cagey, as if he wasn’t used to being in civilized company. Coyote.

They stopped in front of her, hatred burning in their eyes. The smaller one looked her up and down, his look both lascivious and insolent. It was clear that he wanted her yet didn’t want to want her. Not that she gave a rat’s ass what he wanted. If he laid one finger on her, she’d feed him his teeth.

“Can I help you boys with something?” she asked.

“That was a cheap shot,” the bigger one said. “In a fair fight, you’d have never taken down Big Mike.”

Big Mike? Seriously? She snorted. “Yeah, well, Big Mike cries like a little baby.”

The smaller one gave her a chilly smile. “If you’re so sure of yourself, maybe you’d like to go up against a real fighter.”

“Sure. When one gets here, you let me know.” With a smirk, she turned around, dismissing them. She wasn’t completely stupid though. She could see them in the mirror over the bar and watched as they made a move on her. Spinning around, she kicked out at the bigger one, sending him staggering back several paces. Hmm. Not the result she was going for. He should’ve been knocked on his ass, possibly even been thrown across the room. Her kicks had been known to do some serious damage.

The smaller one attacked, coming at her with a right hook. She brought up her arm, blocking him effectively, and slammed the heel of her hand up into his nose, breaking it. She watched as his eyes teared and he grabbed his broken snout. But she didn’t have time to do anything more because the coyote was on her again.

Everyone had cleared a path for them, giving them more than enough room. A few cheered them on, some yelling for the men to put the bitch in her place. If they weren’t careful, they’d be on her list next. She could do this all night long and never get winded.

The coyote howled and rushed her, his hands out, fingers curved like claws. She braced her feet, bent her knees, and waited. When he was close enough, she dropped her hip and launched a punch to his solar plexus. It didn’t stop him, but it stunned him momentarily. While he was confused, she snapped a sidekick into his stomach, sending him backward several feet.

Devlin advanced on him. He came at her with a swinging punch, but she blocked it and nailed him with one of her own, right across his left cheek. She felt the bone give under her knuckles and smiled at his roar of pain and fury. He launched himself at her, shoving his shoulder into her stomach and knocking her back a few paces, but she didn’t falter. She brought her elbow down hard where his neck met his shoulder. When he released her, she brought her knee up into his face, clipping his chin before he had a chance to raise his head.

The coyote rose to his full height, towering over her five-foot-three-inch frame. Before he could come at her again, Devlin spun, her leg arcing. A moment later her heel connected with his temple, knocking him out cold. The shifter fell to the floor in a boneless heap.

The shouts and cheering stopped as everyone stared in both horror and fascination. One pint-sized woman had just taken out three men – shifters – who were much larger than her. She could tell by their faces that they weren’t sure if they should be in awe or be afraid. Fear worked for her.

“Anyone else?” she taunted. “Is there anyone else who wants to get their ass kicked tonight?”

The crowd moved back, giving her space. They parted like the Red Sea as she made her way back to the bar. Devlin smacked the wood bar top twice, and the bartender slid another whiskey down to her. She caught it easily and threw it back in one gulp. It burned going down, the fire licking its way down her throat and into her chest. Throwing some cash down, she stepped away from the bar and sauntered to the exit, feeling every eye in the place on her.

She slammed her hands against the door, shoving it open and stepped out into the brisk night air. The black stiletto boots encasing her tiny feet clicked on the concrete as she made her way to her pride and joy. As she slid into the candy apple red Mustang, her black leather pants squeaked against the leather seats. Closing the door, she engaged the locks and started the engine, smiling as her baby purred to life.

Tilting the mirror down, she fluffed her long red hair, wiped away a smudge of lipstick, and winked at her reflection, her green eyes sparkling with mischief and mayhem. Her blood was still pumping from the fight, and she wasn’t ready to go home.

A commotion across the lot caught her attention. Two men were arguing, the smaller one gesturing wildly. But it was the larger one who held her attention. He was tall, which was enough to draw her eye, but she found she liked the overall package. Longish brown hair, a tattoo covering one arm, and a glint of something at his ear. An earring perhaps? He had bad boy written all over him.

Devlin licked her lips. If he weren’t in such a heated discussion, she’d get out and go introduce herself. She needed a diversion tonight, and she had a feeling he’d be more than adequate in the sack. Just looking at him set her on fire.

Mr. Lickable hefted the smaller guy by his neck, and she wondered if she should step in. She reached for her door handle, but her phone went off, the ringtone indicating it was the chief. Tearing her eyes away from the scene before her, she answered the call.

“St. Claire,” she said, holding the phone to her ear.

“Do you want to explain to me why I just received a call from O’Leary’s that you’ve been in a bar brawl with not one but three shifters?” the chief yelled into the phone.

An all new series begins…

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In Tales of Moonspell, we visited Moonspell, Alabama – a small town filled with shapeshifters, werewolves, vampires, fairies and other paranormal beings. Now it’s time to return to Moonspell in the spin-off series Romance in Moonspell.  The first book, A Familiar Sin comes out August 22nd 2013 with Changeling Press!

WANTED: One super hot, yummy werewolf to worship at her feet.

Bellamy Crawford might be confined to a wheelchair, but that doesn’t mean she’s a pushover. Yes, her father may run her life a bit. Okay, a lot, but she’s still a strong woman. All she needs is someone to accept her, and her animal, for who she is. And then she meets him — Seaton McCullough — the man destined to be her mate! There’s just one small problem: Seaton hates cats. As if that isn’t enough, someone intends harm to Bellamy.

 

EXCERPT

Seaton smoothed a hand through his hair and picked up the bouquet of flowers from the passenger’s seat of his truck. He climbed out and closed the door. Facing the large two-story home, he felt his nape prickle. Something told him that this was the start of a new chapter in his life. Meeting Bellamy had been fate’s way of telling him it was time to settle down, to quit fucking around with anything in a skirt. He’d turned down more dates in three days than he had in his entire adult life. But he wasn’t sorry. Well, perhaps a little sorry for the way he’d lived his life up to this point, but he wasn’t sorry for turning all of those women away.

He’d only been in Bellamy’s presence a matter of minutes, but it had been enough to leave a lasting impression on him. He didn’t believe in ridiculous things like love at first sight, but he knew he wanted to get to know her. Could she be his destined mate? There was something about her that called to him. Was it possible she was meant to be his? He’d found her scent both pleasing and intriguing, she didn’t smell like any raven shifter he’d ever smelled before, and she was beyond beautiful. All right, so she was in a wheelchair. Who cared? That was such a small thing in the scheme of things.

Jogging up the porch steps, he knocked on the door, and waited. With his wolf senses, he could hear people moving around inside, and a moment later, the door was opened. Elaine Crawford looked up at him, her brow furrowed in confusion.

“May I help you?” she asked.

“Mrs. Crawford, my name’s Seaton McCullough. I’m one of the trackers who found your daughter the other day. I came by to see her, if she’s available.”

She smiled. “Yes, of course. She’s out by the pool.”

Seaton followed her through the house and out into the backyard. What he saw didn’t please him at all. Bellamy was sitting up on a lounge chair, with a young man right behind her. His beautiful damsel in distress was breathtaking in a bathing suit. He suddenly felt overdressed in jeans and his green Lucky Brand T-shirt.

Bringing Bellamy flowers was a little awkward with such a large audience. All of her sisters were present, along with a handful of other raven shifters. If this didn’t go well, he’d be the laughingstock of the community for weeks to come. He only had to hope that she’d felt something the other day, too. He thought he’d caught a flash of something in her eyes as she’d looked at him, but he might’ve been wrong. There was only one way to find out. Man up and approach her.

As he neared the small group huddled around his target, the talking died down to a minimum. The young shifter behind Bellamy narrowed his eyes and set his jaw, clearly wanting to stake his claim. Seaton wondered just how close the two were. Did he have real competition there? Or was the young man just fantasizing? Getting a good look at him, he realized it was Rio, a raven known for his penchant of getting into trouble. He had to be a few years younger than Bellamy, didn’t he? She seemed older, anyway. Not that her age mattered one whit to Seaton.

He paused beside her chair and waited until he had her attention. When she looked up at him, he presented her with the bouquet he’d picked up on his way over. Her smile lit up her face as she accepted the blossoms, inhaling their scent.

“Thank you, Seaton. They’re lovely.”

“You’re welcome. I thought I’d come by and see how you were doing.”

One of the girls pulled away from the group and dragged a chair over for him. He settled himself and placed his elbows on his knees, studying Bellamy. With the sun kissing her tanned skin, she looked like a goddess. The scent of suntan lotion drifted to him on a breeze, mingled with what he knew was Bellamy’s own unique scent. It was an intriguing mixture.

“I’m doing well, thank you.” She smiled. “I never got a chance to properly thank you and the other trackers.”

“No thanks were needed. We were tasked with a job and we did it. I’m just glad we found you before something bad happened to you.” He paused. “We did find you before then, right?”

“Yes. He merely yelled and threatened before you showed up. I have no doubt he would’ve harmed me if you hadn’t arrived when you did, though. I really do owe you and your friends my life. Is there anything I can do to repay you?”

This wasn’t exactly how he’d planned to ask, but he’d take what he could get.

“There is one thing.”

“Name it.”

“Go to dinner with me, tomorrow night.”

Their Sinful Seduction, an excerpt

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Their Sinful Seduction

by Jessica Coulter Smith

AVAILABLE NOW!

Night picked her up and carried her to the couch. She was awed by the fact that he could still lift her and didn’t fight him. When he sat and settled her in his lap, she sat stiff and unyielding.

Oran sat beside him and caressed her knee. “Baby, we want what’s best for you, and right now that’s letting us take care of you. And whether you want to believe it or not, you are our mate.”

“I’m not giving up my independence just because you’ve decided you need to ‘take care’ of me. I’m quite capable of taking care of myself. And what I haven’t been able to do alone, Griff has handled for me.”

Night growled. “He won’t be helping you anymore.”

“You can’t dictate who will and won’t help me. It isn’t up to you who I’m friends with. Griff has been there for me far longer than I’ve known either of you, and he’ll still be there for me after the two of you are gone. I’m not going to push him aside just because you’re territorial. If you don’t like my friends, get the hell out of my life and go harass someone else.”

“Baby, he didn’t mean it like that,” Oran said, trying to placate her. “It’s just, we want to be the ones to help you. You shouldn’t have to rely on someone else when you have us.”

She digested that for a moment. The baby was theirs so she supposed she could understand their feelings on the subject, but it didn’t mean she had to like it. She’d fought hard for the life she had, and wasn’t about to relinquish her independence now. Regardless of what they had to say, she was keeping her apartment. Despite their marks and their assurances, she wasn’t convinced she was their mate and she wasn’t going to throw away what she’d achieved in the past few years just because they’d decided to dictate her life.

“How about we compromise?” she offered. “I’ll let you help me some of the time, go to the doctor appointments with me if you’d like, but you won’t pressure me into leaving my apartment or shoving Griff out of my life.”

Night and Oran looked at one another before turning their gazes on her. After a minute or two, she had to fight the urge to squirm. Night’s gray eyes seemed to look right through her and Oran’s green gaze made her want things she couldn’t have. If she thought for a moment they loved her, she’d throw herself into their arms and gladly go with them. She knew it was ridiculous to think they’d love her after just one night. Even she wasn’t in love. Definitely in lust though. But that wasn’t enough reason to throw her life away and jump in with both feet into the unknown with two guys who were known for going through women. If the rumors were true, at least what she’d been able to pry out of her fellow waitresses at The Laughing Pig, neither had ever had a serious relationship and she wasn’t sure they were capable of it. And she hadn’t lied to them. Not knowing if she was their mate, she wasn’t ready to risk her heart. Just because they said it was so didn’t mean anything. They could be wrong, couldn’t they?

“Only if you agree that we have the right to change your mind,” Night said.

“Change my mind?” she asked weakly, having an idea what he meant.

He smiled. “Yeah. Change your mind.”

Before she could process what was happening, he leaned down and kissed her, his lips warm and firm against hers. Her heart fluttered in her chest as she sank her fingers into his hair. The voice of reason told her to push him away, but the little devil on her shoulder said it felt too good to deny herself the pleasure of his lips on hers. When his tongue invaded her mouth, she moaned and pulled him closer. The taste of him drove her crazy, made her want to do something rash, like take off all his clothes and lick him from head to toe, beg him to fuck her until she couldn’t stand.

She hadn’t been with anyone since her night with the two wolves, hadn’t wanted anyone else. They’d ruined her for other men with their intensity and passion. Sin couldn’t imagine being with another man. But some day, she’d have to get over that. Just not today.

As Night let her come up for air, she realized she was clinging to him like a vine and eased her grip. The look in his eyes was both hungry and tender as he smiled down at her. It was enough to make her want to burrow into him and never leave his embrace, but she had to be strong and stand her ground. She couldn’t be weak now of all times, couldn’t be swayed by kisses, even if they did make her melt.

“No way do you get to have all the fun,” Oran said, pulling her into his arms.

His lips claimed hers, bending her to his will. Where Night’s kiss had been tender and loving, Oran’s was full of fire. He drank from her lips as if he couldn’t get enough of her. His tongue thrust into her mouth, stroking hers before retreating only to plunge back in again. She wrapped her arms around him and held on tight, not wanting him to ever let go. She was surprised to see this dominant side of him, and liked it.

He pulled back, but didn’t release her. If they kept kissing her like this, she had a feeling she’d give in to them before too long. They were just too irresistible.

 

 

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— From Between Two Wolves —

Brandt and his meeting were completely forgotten as Nolen strode toward her. He leaned over her and she placed her hands on his bare chest. She felt the thud of his heart against her palms, but more than that, she felt his strength. She needed that strength right now. She needed him.

Nolen cupped her cheek and lowered his mouth to hers. He kissed her slowly, tenderly. Falan felt herself warming from the inside out. Nolen’s kisses made her melt.

from Between Two Wolves

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— A discussion between Brandt and Falan (Between Two Wolves) —

“The moment I saw you across the club last night I knew I wanted to dance with you. There was something about you that called to me; I just didn’t know what it was. And once I found out you were my mate, you owned me completely. There will never be a woman out there who could ever compare to you.”

He saw the sheen of tears in her eyes as he caressed her cheek with the back of his fingers. “Do you not realize how precious you are to us?” He lowered his head and kissed her gently. “You mean everything to us, baby.”

“Make love to me. Both of you. I want you to show me what I’ve been missing.”

 

Available at Changeling Press and Amazon

Between Two Wolves, Tales of Moonspell 2

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Welcome back to Moonspell, a tiny southern town where paranormal is normal.

Brandt Fitzgerald has wondered from time to time when he would find his mate. Imagine his surprise when he finds her — and has to share her with his brother! The boys have been known to share before, but can something on a permanent basis really work?

Falan Wright has lots of curves and a little extra. She’s never been anyone’s ideal before and now she’s suddenly faced with not one but two hot men ready to be at her beck and call. What’s a woman to do? The concept of mates isn’t unknown to Falan, but is she ready to tie herself to both Fitzgerald men? Can she be woman enough for both of them?

Available now from Changeling Press!

EXCERPT

Falan curled up in her living room chair and touched her fingers to her lips. She’d read countless romance novels, but none of them had prepared her for Brandt’s kiss. He’d taken her by surprise. The moment his lips had touched hers time stood still. They’d felt soft yet firm as they’d moved against hers. A shiver raked her body as she remembered his tongue slowly sliding into her mouth, then retreating only to return again. He’d tasted of beer, which she usually hated, but on Brandt it had been divine. She couldn’t have asked for a better first kiss.

But why hadn’t Nolen kissed her? He claimed she was his mate, too. Did he not want her as much as Brandt did? Or had he worried about overwhelming her? If only she’d had the courage to kiss him on his way out the door. Would his kiss affect her as strongly as Brandt’s had?

She remembered how angry Brandt had seemed when she’d commented on her weight. She’d be the first to admit she had issues with her body. She’d been teased mercilessly most of her life, and had watched as all of the guys she’d liked ignored her and went out with skinny girls. What message was she supposed to derive from that except that she was fat? Her dating experience certainly hadn’t changed once she’d reached adulthood. Brandt was the first man — no, make that the first person — who’d ever called her sexy. It had made her feel all warm inside.

She understood what it meant to be their mate. And if she was honest with herself, she’d admit that she was thrilled. The thought of belonging, of being part of something special… it was all she’d ever wanted. She’d wished on countless stars to be sent a man to love who would love her in return, and now she’d been sent not one but two. She wasn’t entirely certain she could satisfy one man, much less two. But the brothers didn’t seem worried about it.

The thought of being intimate with Brandt and Nolen was both exciting and a little bit scary. She knew she couldn’t expect real life to be anything like a romance novel, but she had to wonder if they would be slow and tender, like the hero in the book she’d been reading last night. Or would it be fast and hard and leave her breathless? No matter how they made love to her, she knew she had to be honest with them and tell them she was a virgin. It was the right thing to do.

She had no doubt that they’d each been with their fair share of women, but she wondered if they’d ever shared one before. Being their mate made her special, but she wanted to be special in other ways, too. It didn’t seem fair that they got to be her first kiss, first intimate caress, first and only in her bed, if she didn’t get to be a first anything for them.

Falan had no doubt they’d be honest with her if she asked them about their sex lives; she just wasn’t one hundred percent sure she wanted to hear their answers. Men who looked like Brandt and Nolen were far from celibate. She knew they were experienced; she just had to decide whether or not she wanted to know how experienced they were. Did she really want to hear about the other women in their lives?

She picked up the card on the table and looked at it. Fitzgerald Renovations. It seemed her two hunky guys were good with their hands. She blushed at the thought of what else those hands might be good at and put the card back on the table. Looking across the room at the phone, she wondered if she should call them. They’d said she could have a few days to think things over, but what was there to contemplate? She was destined to be with them, right? From what little she knew about werewolves, she knew she’d never have to worry about infidelity, or at least she thought she didn’t. When a werewolf mated, it was for life, or so she’d been told. The moment they realized she was their mate, they wouldn’t see anyone but her. At least, that’s how she understood it. She’d only known one werewolf before and the woman didn’t live in Moonspell any longer. She’d found her mate in another pack two towns over. She and Stella hadn’t discussed the pack much, but they’d talked about guys more than once.

Maybe it would be a good idea to give Stella a call. They didn’t talk often anymore, but the werewolf had made sure to leave her new number with Falan when she’d moved.

She walked across the room and picked up the cordless phone. Dialing the number, she put the phone to her ear and went back to her chair. She curled up and waited, hoping her friend would answer. Finally, on the sixth ring, Stella picked up.

“Falan?”

“Hi, Stella. I hope I’m not calling too late.”

“No, not at all. Everything okay?”

“Sort of. I had some questions for you.”

“What kind of questions?” Stella asked.

“Werewolf questions.”

There was a pause, then, “Why do you need to know about werewolves?”

“Because Brandt and Nolen Fitzgerald informed me I’m their mate.”

Stella squealed. “That’s wonderful!”

“Is it?”

“Do you know how many women have wanted to tame those two? It’s past time for them to settle down.”

“But, why me? Wouldn’t they be better suited to another werewolf?”

“Honey, we don’t pick our mates. They’re chosen for us. If you were selected as their mate, then the three of you were destined to be together.”

“You aren’t shocked that they have to share me?”

Stella laughed. “I doubt yours will be the first ménage relationship the pack has had.”

“What about…”

“What’s really bothering you?”

“They’re so much more experienced than I am. What if they’re disappointed? I know you told me that werewolves mate for life, but what if I can’t satisfy them? It would kill me if they went to another woman.”

“Oh, honey, you won’t have to worry about that, not with those two. There’s no one more loyal than Brandt and Nolen. If you open yourself up to them and jump in with both feet, you won’t regret it.”

“You really think so?”

“I know so. Now, why don’t you give them a call and tell them you’re ready to discuss your relationship?”

“I don’t know, Stella. Maybe I should take things slowly. You know, go on a few dates and get to know them.”

Stella sighed. “It sounds like you’ve already made up your mind. Just remember that they’ll be willing to do anything for you. As of today, you’re their world.”

“No pressure or anything.”

They made their goodbyes and Falan hung up the phone. She set it down on the table and stood. Not remembering whether or not she’d locked her car, she grabbed her keys and stepped outside. Her foot landed in something warm and wet and down she went. When she saw the substance was blood, she screamed and scrambled to her feet. She turned to go back in the house and froze. He’s mine was written in blood on the front of her house, next to the door.

Heart pounding, she dashed inside, slammed the door shut and locked it. Since she’d never really dated, “he” could only be Brandt or Nolen. With shaky hands, she picked up the phone and dialed Nolen.