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Curse of a Dragon’s Claim by Ciara Lake

Book 2 of The Forsaken Series

 

 

The flame within a dragon warrior's heart awakens Arianna's passion as she begins a journey in which she will discover she's something more than she ever imagined possible.

The realm of the dragons is a world of magic, danger, and mystery. For centuries they've been at war with the vampires, but now the two enemies must work together to save all immortals, and the mortals they co-exist with, from an ancient evil. In order to do so, they need the help of the Forsaken, descendants of immortals who were cast out into the human realm, their memories wiped clean of their true heritage.

Clayne MacDagon is a powerful dragon warrior who is sent on a mission to find one of the Forsaken. Although he's told that this woman is his fated mate, he can't believe it could possibly be true. Arianna Mergliano possesses both dragon and vampire blood, and Clayne has an intense hatred for anything even remotely related to vampires, the evil beings who were responsible for his beloved twin's death.

When Arianna meets Clayne, she's convinced that the man is insane, or maybe he's a warlock or even the devil himself, but whichever it is, she wants nothing to do with him.

Clayne knows he can't fail at his mission. And once he meets Arianna he also knows that what he's been told is true—she is, ironically, his intended mate.

Convincing her to accept him is only the beginning. He has to protect her from those who might want her dead. Together, they must face the shadows and evil that have long plagued the immortal realms and find a way to survive the coming war.

Content Warning: graphic sex, some violence

 

 EXCERPT

Don't scream. I mean you no harm, Clayne said as he studied Arianna's reflection in the mirror. "Screaming will only cause an unnecessary disruption to their party. I'll have to disappear, only to come back later." Touching her cheek, he captured a tear with his finger. He placed the tear on his tongue, his eyes falling to half-mast for a moment. "Mmm, you taste sweet."

Stunned, Arianna gaped at him for a moment. "What are you doing here?" She ground out each word. "How long have you been here? I didn't hear my door open." Their stares locked in the mirror. She paled when she realized he had not entered through a door. "If I'm not a witch, you are."

I'm not a witch, those fickle creatures are governed by wealth rather than any true loyalty. He leaned down and boldly kissed the mark on her shoulder.

Arianna jerked in surprise. The feel of his lips made her pulse quicken. She shivered, helpless to her response.

You carry my mark, something I wasn't informed of. I find this all fascinating. His eyes bored into hers. Then he shook his head. "It seems even in my years, I can still be surprised." Placing his hands on her bare upper arms, he lightly squeezed. "I was determined not to like you, there's so little of your kind redeemable to my species."

Arianna, frozen, as if hypnotized by him, continued to stare at his reflection.

I'm fated to what I've despised for so very long. At least half of you is what I've despised. The fates can be so…unpredictable. They do like their games. He grinned. "The fates enjoy these circumstances." The blue flames in his eyes flared as he watched her. The implausible light show within his pupils woke her from her trance.

Your mark? She glared at him. "What you've learned to despise? The games of the fates?" Arianna spit each one of his phrases back at him. "You, Signor, are clearly insane. I don't understand a thing you're saying. Nor do I care to."

You may think I'm insane, but I'm not. Instead, it seems I'm cursed to be fated to a beautiful dracvipen. I've yet to decide what to do with this revelation. After all, curses aren't all bad. Especially when they aren't really curses. Boldly, he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her tight against him. "You do feel nice. You smell good too. I think it a fair exchange. One can ignore the mix as long as it comes in such a beautiful package."

She stood, struggling to get free of him. He held her firm, sniffing her neck. Unable to help it, she tilted her head, giving him better access for a brief moment before she returned to her senses. "Unhand me, you insane rogue."

As you wish, Arianna. Clayne withdrew his arms from around her. A chill passed through her heated body as he let go. "You'll miss our heat." He continued to stand behind her. His eyes flamed bright. "You're lovely. You have spirit, yet there's sweetness to you. A beautiful combination, you're absolutely fascinating." You’re most definitely a charming mix.

Get the hell out of my head. You…you…rogue. Arianna turned to face him. She tried to stomp on his foot. Deftly, he avoided her attack.

For a woman with such linguistic abilities you're truly lacking in vocabulary to describe me, he teased.

She wanted to slap his face, taking the grin right off.

And you'll have to learn to move much faster to keep up with me. I'm very swift. He reached around, swatting her on her behind.

How dare you!

 

Buy Links:   Beachwalk Press     Amazon      Barnes & Noble

 

Author Bio:

Reading and writing is a wonderful diversion from an often-difficult world. I love to create my own stories and have control over how things will end. It's exciting to create brand new worlds and characters. My imagination can come alive.

In sci-fi, fantasy, and paranormal stories, I can invent wonderful places and people. Anything is possible in these genres, it's limitless. I'm able to create an escape into a special world filled with unique and fantastic things and there is always a happy ending.

A high school teacher inspired me to write. However, instead of initially pursuing my writing career I became a lawyer. I work in divorce court, so erotic romance is a great escape. There can be true love and happy-endings, at least on my pages.

My two children and I have two good-humored dogs that share our home and ease our stress. I have traveled and lived all over the world, and these experiences have given me great creative ideas. I look forward to creating many more adventures in romance.

Author  Links:   Site    Facebook

 

 

Until next time, happy reading !

Krista

 

 

Author, author...

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Please welcome today's spotlight from Shades of Rose Marketing and the book tour for Tallusian Nights from Siren Publishing. 

Tallusian Nights by Ciara Lake

Xihirian Shifters 2

Val Braeden is a seasoned Xihirian soldier hardened by the Realmist wars.  He discovers his true mate while on his latest rescue mission. A lovely Tallusian woman’s touch awakens him as no other.  While escaping the war torn Tallusian capital the Realmist take down Val’s spacedisk.  He crashes into the Tallusian forest.  There Zalora and Val are determined to survive the wilds of Tallusia. Sparks fly, lighting a flame within them both.  Their passion heats the Tallusian nights binding them together forever.

Clitax Tomron is bent on revenge – he’s determined to avenge his father’s death.  Tomron strikes close to Val’s heart, taking his family hostage.  Only one thing stands in Tomron’s way, the power of a beautiful Tallusian princess.  Zalora wants peace and to put an end to these terrorist. She risks everything to save those she feels responsible for and the man of her dreams

Excerpt:

Running through the ruins of her beloved city was like living a nightmare. The moon’s illumination enabled her to see outlines of the fallen buildings. The scene was eerie and bleak. This wasn’t terrorism. This was out-and-out attempted annihilation. First, the planet Gerial and now her world were victims of utter devastation. These Realmist were seeking to rid the universe of all others who were not like them. It was a blessing they had not irradiated them or at least not yet. But radiation would make Tallusia useless to them. “There has to be a reason for this. Hatred or prejudice couldn’t have caused this.” She pressed herself closer to him as he took a leap over what looked to be a body. No building was untouched. Most were in ruins. Either by now survivors had been rescued or this rubble was their tomb. A stench rose, confirming the latter for a large number of victims. “My home’s gone.” She clung to his warm firm body.

This man was a true athlete, full of grace and unmistakable skill. He ran with ease. It amazed her. She realized he was her savior from an otherwise disastrous end. “Thank you.” She patted his chest where she clung to him. “Thank you.” Tears ran down her face. She wiped her face on his uniform. “Sorry I’m making your uniform wet.” He did not comment. She did not expect him to. His full concentration was on getting them to his ship, keeping a look out for dangers. He ran swiftly while he held his weapon. On a few occasions, he jumped over hurdles of debris, landing smoothly, not breaking his gait. Zalora realized he was not the kind of man she was accustomed to interacting with. He was much more. No wonder these Earthen humans feared Xihirians. For Realmist, their fear had turned to hatred. Val slowed. “Are you tired?”

“No, it’s too slick to run now. I’m afraid I may fall. I don’t want to fall with you on my back. So I’ll have to walk fast for now. I believe we’re almost there.”

“How did you remember the way?”

“I paid attention.”

“I’m glad you did.” She hugged him tighter. He continued to walk at a quick tempo. Zalora closed her eyes. It was just easier to block out everything. Her anxiety ate at her stomach.

“We’ve arrived. It looks like others have been here, too. But I can’t sense anyone now.” Zalora opened her eyes.

“Have they messed with your ship?”

“No or they would have been shocked, literally.” Val tapped his communicator button. A low electronic buzz hummed. “Now we can touch it. I want you to hang my rifle over your shoulder.” He handed it to her.

“You do?”

“Don’t be afraid. It’s on safety.” He waited for her to do as instructed. He walked around to the other side of his ship. He was all business in every stride. His ship was black, sleek, and about two stories high. An electronic ladder came down to greet them. Before she realized, they were almost to the top of his ship. Again, he moved with inhuman speed and skill. Out of fear for heights, she gripped him tighter, and her nails dug into him. The cockpit opened. He helped her off his back then took his weapon from her. “Get into your seat and buckle in.” His tone was brisk as he pointed to her passenger seat.

Carefully she stretched her leg out toward the cockpit to get into her area. He held her arm to help her. Overcome with emotions, she paused just before she climbed in. Impulsively, she leaned into him, kissing him. Amazingly, he tasted delicious, scrumptious, making her want more. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she pressed herself against him as if offering herself. All common sense fled her brain.

Val astonished her with his intense response. He growled in her mouth.  She felt dizzy.  She’d intended her kiss to be brief and sweet, a nice thank-you of sorts. It had not come off sweet. Val had not reacted to it as a sweet thank-you either. Instantly, his business like demeanor evaporated. It seemed to fall off him, kissing her harder, passionately. His large hands cupped her soft bottom, squeezing it. He pressed her into his hardness. She offered no resistance. Sharp teeth accidently nicked her bottom lip. He hesitated for a second. Until Zalora ran her hand through the back of his hair, feeling its silky texture.

Strangely, his nipping her thrilled her, encouraging her to want to bite him back. His tongue pushed into her mouth, inviting her into his mouth. The taste of him made her head feel like it was swirling with emotions. She sighed against him, and a different kind of shiver passed through her. She felt his reaction to her shivering. He gripped her closer. Again, she wondered at his alluring taste as she kissed him deeper. He pulled back to stare at her. His eyes were extremely bright, wild. His pupils were slits. He was stunning and feral-looking. Feeling wild, she pressed against him to initiate another kiss. This time her kiss was more subdued. It took all her effort to regain her composure. His mouth disconnected from hers.

“We have to go.” His voice was gravelly. It did not sound normal at all. Gently he touched her hair as if examining her curls. He brought a strand to his nose and rubbed it on his face. Then he inhaled deeply. The look he gave her made her core throb with need. Her panties felt damp between her legs. Truly, their kiss had been short-lived for the wake of emotions it left. Its pleasure had been immeasurable. Her head buzzed. She ached for more.

Buy Link:  Bookstrand

Author Bio:

Reading and writing is a wonderful diversion from an often-difficult world. I love to create my own stories and have control over how things will end. It's exciting to create brand new worlds and characters. My imagination can come alive.

In sci-fi, fantasy, and paranormal stories, I can invent wonderful places and people. Anything is possible in these genres, it's limitless. I'm able to create an escape into a special world filled with unique and fantastic things and there is always a happy ending.

A high school teacher inspired me to write. However, instead of initially pursuing my writing career I became a lawyer. I work in divorce court, so erotic romance is a great escape. There can be true love and happy-endings, at least on my pages.

My two children and I have two good-humored dogs that share our home and ease our stress. I have traveled and lived all over the world, and these experiences have given me great creative ideas. I look forward to creating many more adventures in romance.

Author  Links:   Site    Facebook