Ceiba's Grace
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About this ebook
The fate of the world lies in her hands—but she might just throw it all away to know what real love feels like...
Ceiba may only be a young woman at 20 years old, but she is already a high priestess and the living vessel of the Mother Earth goddess, Pachamama. Betrothed to the living vessel of the God of the Dead, Ceiba must undertake a journey to his home to marry him in a ceremony that will hold the world in delicate balance. Ceiba feels no love for him, but is resigned to her traditional duty.
As she makes the long journey through ancient Incan territory, she feels an irresistible force—love. But her love isn’t for her betrothed: it’s for Amante, the man guarding her as she travels over the mountainous landscape. The closer she gets to her destiny, the more she has to fight an inner battle: to fulfil her destiny without love, or to risk endangering everything she knows for true love.
Ceiba’s Grace is Book 1 in the paranormal romance / magical realism series, Elemental Myths, introducing readers to a world where Incan mythology is brought to life—with potentially dire consequences for humanity. Weaving expert storytelling with highly-charged erotic scenes, author Nicole Pouchet has won a legion of fans, with many comparing the Elemental Myths series to Karen Marie Moning’s Fever series and Marjorie M. Liu’s Dirk and Steele series.
Order Ceiba’s Grace today and discover the ancient world where the journey of Elemental Myths begins!
**Warning: Sensually graphic M/F sex scenes included. Age 18+ only.**
**BONUS: Includes the first chapter of Book 2, Layla's Gale. Book 2 is set in modern day Washington, D.C. and continues the elementals' witchy, superhero powers in its tale of reincarnation and romance!**
Nicole Pouchet
A former Broadway assistant director, screenwriter Nicole Pouchet is returning to her roots in drama. Her sci-fi spec screenplays have earned the notice of industry titans with a Semi-finalist placement in Screencraft’s 2016 Cinematic Short Story Contest, and Quarterfinalist placement in Screencraft’s 2017 Screenwriting Fellowship Contest.Books from the novelist’s Elemental Myths paranormal romance series have ranked #1 on Amazon bestseller lists and won second prize in the 2013 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award contest. Her latest manuscript won first place in a 2017 Romance Writers of America contest.Nicole recently moved cross-country from the D.C. area to Seattle and found that she enjoys the rain. Now that she’s sold her marketing agency, Nicole spends her hours writing, raising two sons with her partner, watching Doctor Who, and staring at the ceiling.
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Ceiba's Grace - Nicole Pouchet
CEIBA’S GRACE, A Paranormal Romance Novella
(Book 1 of the Elemental Myths Series)
Nicole Pouchet
Copyright © Nicole Pouchet, 2013
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the author. Reviewers may quote brief passages in reviews.
ISBN 9781311519085
DISCLAIMER No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, mechanical or electronic, including photocopying or recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, or transmitted by email without permission in writing from the author.
Neither the author nor the publisher assumes any responsibility for errors, omissions, or contrary interpretations of the subject matter herein. Any perceived slight of any individual or organization is purely unintentional.
Brand and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
Art Direction and Cover Design: Ann Alger
Editing: The Editor Fairy
Ceiba’s Grace
In an ancient civilized society, Ceiba is the living vessel of the Mother Earth goddess. Duty dictates her coming marriage to god of the dead's living vessel. An irresistible love draws her to the guard sworn to protect her. Will she choose true love with her guard, or the destiny she was born to fulfill?
Chapter One
10,000 years ago in the lost, civilized city of Tiahuanaco (present-day Bolivia)
I was born to do this, Cocha. I'm honored to go.
Ceiba pulled stacks of the softest cloth from her shelves. Now help me get these into the big trunk.
No!
The six year old girl stomped her foot and ran out the door, long, black hair flowing behind her.
Ceiba sighed as she held the llama wool to her cheek. A part of her wished she could imitate the youngster. But at twenty, she was already far beyond those days. All of her younger sisters were married off. Only her status as a high priestess prevented her own pairing with a suitable farm boy. Instead, she spent her life inside the gates of the worship grounds, learning the blessed mother's calling.
Everything in her private bedchamber was a testament to the goddess, Pachamama. The cloth—dyed in brilliant reds and purples from the summer's berries—was made from the hair of the llamas, Pachamama's favorite beast.
Dozens of pots adorned shelves above the fabric. Each pot held an herb from the special garden of the goddess. Ceiba mastered how to turn each ordinary plant into a healing elixir at the age of twelve.
Even the polished stone ceilings of the bedchamber signified her high standing. Astronomers drew the sky's constellations above her head so that she could study the stars' paths. The elders quizzed her on the sun's past and projected eclipses often.
She dumped the cloth onto her bed and clapped her hands. All of the pots and potions would have to be packed for their journey. How would they ever finish in time? She flopped onto her bed.
Your grace.
Huayra appeared in the doorway, hauling a defiant Cocha behind her. My apologies for Cocha's behavior. She doesn't know her place yet.
The eighteen-year-old pushed her little sister into the room, and then bowed.
Yes, I do! I'm training to be a priestess just like you and Ceiba!
Cocha shook off her sister's hold and placed her hands on her hips.
Yes, we're all priestesses,
Huayra chided. But we each have a place here. Ceiba is the vessel of Pachamama. Our goddess has chosen Ceiba as her earthly home, and we serve the goddess by serving her vessel. Now, pack!
She's a smart girl. Who wants to pack all this? Can I run away with you, Cocha?
Ceiba opened her arms and laughed as the child bounded onto the bed with her. Let's sneak out of here!
Huayra joined in the laughter as she looked around the bedchamber. For once, Ceiba, I don't envy you. Cocha and I have been packed for days. Our things fit into one trunk. Your things—Pachamama's things—will require a dozen men to carry. Gods, we have to pack it all, don't we?
She sat on the bed and groaned.
Everything except the dresses. Like yours, my clothes will be replaced. We'll all wear and follow the customs of the Supay when we arrive in their city. But the rest must come with us.
Don't they have herbs and potions there?
Cocha poked out her bottom lip.
Yes, but these are the herbs of Pachamama. Look around you, child. Most of this belongs to the goddess. We have to protect Pachamama's treasures.
Exactly.
Huayra spoke up as she refolded the luxurious cloth. "We take special care of the llama wool because it pleases her. The specifics of the potions are knowledge only the priestesses of Pachamama understand. The Supay will