The Shadow, Inc. Series (Books 1-4)

By Cass Alexander

The Goddess of Love's work is never done. Tired of seeing her nephews lead shallow and unfulfilling lives, going through sex partners faster than she can count, Aphrodite secretly steps in to help them find love. Reluctant at first, these super hot and relationship-challenged males soon discover how incredible life can be when it's with the right person, especially in the bedroom.

This book is 65k words long, comprised of four novellas, complete with lots of steam, MFF/FMM/MM erotica, a pinch of BDSM, and four HEAs. Each is the story of one of the Marcellus brothers.
Book 1: Tarq
Book 2: Quin
Book 3: Eriq
Book 4: Luqa

• Language: English
• Publisher: Cass Alexander
• Release date: Jul 15, 2018
• ISBN: 9780463958407

Cass Alexander

Cass Alexander is the pen name of a Southern born and bred public school teacher. Her brother, who insists she address him as, The Prince of Darkness, gave her the nom de plume after warning her that her book’s content may scar her sons for life. She’s a connoisseur of fine humor, hilarious insults, and all things chocolate, preferably dark (like her humor). Oh, and wine. Let’s not forget the wine. Cass also enjoys running. It’s become crucial to her survival, due to her consumption of wine and chocolate. Cass’s mission in life is to spread the love and the laughter, goodness knows it’s needed. It’s why she wrote The Persimmon Series. She and her family now reside in the Midwest, where hardly anyone other than Cass says the words, y’all and holler. That is all. For now.

Book preview

A Shadow, Inc. Novella

Book 1

By Cass Alexander

1

If you keep on with your incessant chatter, I’ll stop.

"Oh! No, please don’t stop. Please."

Tarq rolled his eyes at Daisy’s irritatingly high-pitched voice. It grated on his nerves. When he hired her, he’d only been thinking with his dick, and how hard and far he was going to shove it up inside her.

Like he was now.

Six months ago, she’d shown up for an interview wearing a tiny top and even tinier skirt. She was as unprofessional as unprofessional could get.

She was also dressed in a way that let him know she was willing to be more than just his secretary.

She’d giggled and flirted and chomped on her gum the entire time. Who chewed gum when interviewing for the job of a lifetime? Okay, maybe it wasn’t the world’s best job, but it was the best one Daisy was ever going to get.

She was paid well, had a full benefit package, and she received a handful of orgasms from Tarq from time to time. Not that she remembered them.

He was careful to erase their sessions and he never, ever, initiated. Not with her. She worked for him, after all. Plus, his sister, Angelique, was head of HR. He knew better than to piss her off.

Tarq didn’t like feeling guilty about wiping Daisy’s memory. He never altered it before or during their hook-ups, but the more he pondered the whole situation, the worse he felt.

He had rationalized, the first time she grabbed his crotch, he’d let her get off, then let her get him off, and, since it was all consensual, pressing the brain’s metaphoric Delete key was no big deal.

Admittedly, she was also a damned good employee. It was the only reason he hadn’t fired her yet. He’d put up with some annoyance to have someone as efficient as she was. She was also a good lay, so there was that.

Knock-knock.

Daisy gasped and Tarq froze, giving his brother, Quin, the evil eye. The door had been locked. It should have clued the fucker in that Tarq was busy. Q’s extra power of telekinesis was inconvenient at times.

I’m fucking busy, Q.

More like you’re busy fucking, Quin frowned from the doorway. Why his brother continued to bang his assistant was beyond him. Daisy was annoying as shit—and what the hell kind of name was Daisy, anyway?

Tarq? Should we … Daisy left it hanging out there, unsure the protocol for getting caught being bent over her boss’s desk.

Shit. Hey, look at me, Tarq commanded, the magic in his voice forcing her to turn clumsily to meet his eyes.

Tarq held her stare, telepathically convincing her they were still alone. Once her brain accepted his will, she writhed against him.

"Please!" she whined again.

Shush.

He looked at Quin and quirked an eyebrow. Q took the hint and exited. Thank gods for small miracles.

Tarq started fucking her again, this time with less vigor. She whimpered and moaned, her body begging for release. Even though he wasn’t feeling it anymore, he ordered her to come. And she did.

His power of persuasion was awesome. It was handy. It was also getting old.

He waited until she finished, until he could smell all the wonderful endorphins flooding her system. If he was going to steal the memory away, she should at least get something out of her efforts to seduce him.

Once she came down from her high, he pulled out and walked into the bathroom to remove the condom he hadn’t filled. He cleaned up, washed his hands, and returned to his desk, the one Daisy was currently sitting on.

He looked her over to make sure she’d put her clothing back in order. Satisfied she was presentable to return to work, he cupped her face.

Her breath hitched. The poor girl thought he was going to kiss her, which was sad, really.

She had no memory of his kiss, not because he’d erased it, but because he hadn’t kissed her. Tarq rarely kissed on the mouth. It was too intimate. Sure, accidental grazes and touches happened at the height of passion, but he staunchly refused to do it to Daisy.

Even though he knew he’d swipe what she remembered, he’d never wanted it to seem more than it was, that it would lead anywhere. Guilt was a bitch.

So were the Fates.

The sisters loved messing with immortals. He needed to do a better job of staying off their radar.

Daisy, his deep voice caught her in its spell. Stand up.

She stood.

You brought me a cup of coffee and reminded me of my meeting with Quin.

He watched her glazed eyes, waiting for the magic to work. It was slower now with her because he’d done it too many times. He needed to stop. Hell, none of it should have happened in the first place.

You have never made a sexual advance towards me. You’ve never wanted to because you know it would be unprofessional. Your position now has a clothing allowance. You’re going to take your corporate card and purchase an entirely new wardrobe, one my personal shopper picks out for you. You’re an amazing executive assistant. It’s time your dress reflects your actual abilities and self-worth.

Okay, she sighed, still under his influence.

He released her and sat in his chair.

Thank you, Daisy. That will be all.

Daisy blinked several times, looking a little lost. Yes, this would be the last time. She might start growing suspicious something was wrong if it continued. It had nothing to do with his guilt. Absolutely nothing.

He held up the mug on his desk and took a sip. It was now cold, but she was none the wiser.

You’re welcome, Mr. Marcellus. Anything else I can do?

No, Daisy. Why don’t you go ahead and make the appointment with Julie at Saks, like you’ve been meaning to all week?

Her face lit up and Tarq was glad he’d suggested it.

Yes, of course. Thank you, she smiled and exited his office, gently closing the door behind her.

Tarq placed his elbows on his desk and rubbed his face, disturbed at the pleasant feeling he’d gotten from doing something nice for Daisy. His siblings would have a field day with this, which is why he’d never tell them.

Speaking of siblings, he needed to deal with Quin.

2

Tarq exited his office and headed towards Quin’s, which was on a different floor. Originally, all the executive offices had been close together. After a few short months, Tarq vacated his original office and took a large space on the top floor.

His brother Marques had joked Tarq just wanted to look down upon everyone. Tarq didn’t think it was funny.

He loved his siblings, who were all executives here at Shadow, Inc., but he didn’t like them being in his business constantly. Or knowing what he was doing to his secretary.

Not that Daisy was the only one he’d been bending over his desk. Far from it. She was just the most convenient.

He required variety and he got it. Often. Tarq never resorted to using his power over females to get them into bed. He didn’t need to.

His genetics had blessed him. His domineering behavior helped seal the deal. Women were suckers for being bossed around. Which was good, because he was bossy, powers or no powers.

The Marcellus family were direct descendants of Peitho, the Goddess of Persuasion. Humans had no idea offspring of the original gods walked the Earth, of course.

In modern times, it was getting more and more difficult to hide. At least, with the Marcellus’ family’s type of magic, they could head off some of the problems that go with immortality, such as someone noticing the lack of grey hair when you should be in your mid-fifties but look like you’re thirty.

It was a headache to disappear and reappear in different cities. This lifetime, they were in Charleston, SC. It had grown to be one of his favorite small metropolises, with its mixture of cultures and Southern hospitality.

Everyone was polite here—extremely polite. He thought he’d hate it, but it made life run a little smoother when you didn’t have to tell anyone to piss off.

Unfortunately, The Holy City, as they called it, had strict rules about how high buildings could be. There were no skyscrapers available from which they could rent big enough office space. Their corporation had outgrown its building and was considering breaking ground on another site or renovating the property next door.

Shadow, Inc. owned and operated a variety of businesses, some less reputable than others. First and foremost, it was a consulting firm for corporations and government entities. Beings with the ability to influence others could be quite successful, as well as dangerous.

This was why there were rules to being allowed to live on Earth.

Tarq and his brethren adhered to the rules. They had no intention of being extracted by the Originals and sent to some labor camp or, worse, moved to a realm that had yet to produce intelligent beings.

There weren’t many divine offspring left on Earth, thanks to the enforcement of rule numero uno: don’t fuck with free will. It was a tough rule for his family because their power totally fucked with free will.

However, there was one little caveat to this decree. Humans sometimes needed guidance, were too foolish to see the consequences of their actions before they acted. As long as they were guided into choices that were for their benefit, then no rules were broken.

Convincing Daisy he hadn’t taken her doggy-style over his desk was, technically, in her own best interest because sexual intercourse with co-workers was against company policy.

Luckily for Tarq, the Originals didn’t give two shits who he shagged. If they had, he’d been first in line for a one-way ticket out of paradise, which was what he thought of the Earth realm, especially now.

Human women were much freer with their bodies this century. Every immortal he’d attempted had wanted too much from him. Jewelry, pretty words, marriage. He was a no-strings kind of god. And Earth had an endless supply of no-strings kind of women.

He still had a semi from earlier. Hell, he was almost always half stiff, needing release constantly. Most immortals were sexual creatures, feeding off the positive energies created during coupling. Lately, his cravings had gotten more demanding. Hence the round with Daisy a few minutes ago.

As he approached Quin’s door, he heard a feminine laugh and his cock turned to granite. What. The. Fuck.

Go right in, Mr. Marcellus. He’s expecting you.

Tarq glanced at Q’s secretary, then at the door. He debated taking a short detour to the men’s room. He shouldn’t have denied himself earlier. Yes, that must be the problem—pent-up frustration in need of an outlet.

Ah, Lilith, he heard his brother say in his smooth, cultured accent. The one Tarq had worked so hard to get rid of. You’ve brightened my day.

Please, call my Lily.

Lily, then.

Tarq scowled. Lily. Of course, the floozy’s name was a flower. He couldn’t escape them.

His teeth clenched. He did not like how Q and Lily were interacting. It was supposed to be time for a business meeting with the architect firm, L.T. Designs. Not date night. Were the architects late?

The tinkling laugh slid against his ears again and he shivered. No way was Q getting more of that.

Without knocking, Tarq entered the office.

3

Quin and Lily jerked their heads towards the sound of the door hitting the wall. It wasn’t slammed, but the person who opened it had been forceful and uncareful.

Lily’s lungs forgot how to function, her mind too fixated on the sight of the Adonis striding towards her. Quin was extremely attractive, with sharp lines edging his beautiful face. Almost like a work of art.

The other man was sex on legs. Like Quin, he was tall and broad-shouldered. But where Quin was all smooth and refined, this man was rugged. Stubble covered his face. His dark hair was that perfect mix of messy and styled, just long enough to hold onto while he pounded into her.

She had no idea where the thought came from. Lily did not think or act like this. Not that she didn’t fantasize, but she certainly did not imagine having sex with total strangers during business meetings, no matter how hot they were.

His heated gaze met hers and she pressed her legs together. Her panties were getting wet. His baby blue eyes were so intense she started to lean towards him.

Lily quickly regained her composure, sitting up in her seat and clasping her hands on the small table. She looked at Quin who was observing the newcomer keenly.

I thought the meeting was at 3:30? the other asked, his voice a deep timber, fit for a man of his size.

Quin angled his head. It is. This is— he started, gesturing towards Lily.

I could give a shit. Ditch the tart so we can talk before they get here.

Wow. Nothing kills a lady boner like a man with no manners. She squinted at Quin, thinking he would say something, but his mouth was opening and closing like a fish.

Excuse me? she said in her most professional schoolmarm voice.

No offense, babe, he sneered. We’re on a time crunch. You can fuck around with my brother later.

Brother? This asshole was Tarquin Marcellus? The ultimate lady’s man? She’d heard stories.

Admittedly, his looks did live up to the tales, but his personality did not. Did females like being spoken down to like this?

Uh, Tarq? Quin tried to get his brother’s attention. He was staring so intently at Lily, Quin was afraid Tarq would do something stupid. Well, more stupid than he already had. Tarq was looking at Lily like he wanted to eat her alive.

No, Quin, she said, holding up her hand. Let him finish.

Tarq laughed. This time when he spoke, he let his power come out.

Finish? Doll face, I haven’t even started with you. Now get your fine ass out of here so I can concentrate on my 3:30 appointment.

I am your 3:30. Asshole.

Tarq jerked his head, clearly taken aback.

While she glared at him, he took her in. Thick, long, dark brunette hair, the kind a man wants to run his hands through—then pull. Bright green eyes. Pouty pink lips just made to wrap around a cock.

This hot-as-sin female was an architect? There was no fucking way. She couldn’t have been a day over twenty-one.

Sure, her suit was expensive, and the hemline of her pencil skirt was to her knees. Her heels were sensible, not sexy. And now that he was really looking at her, he wasn’t sure if she even had on an ounce of make-up. She was gorgeous. And his damned cock took notice—had hardened at the sound of her voice alone.

Well, well, well. It seemed as though he was going to get his rocks off today, after all. She was so naturally stunning, he might fuck her twice. But being the consummate professional, he would finish the meeting before dragging her to his office. He couldn’t wait.

Tarq, Quin cut in, hoping he could salvage the situation, this is Lilith. Of L.T. Designs.

Tarq held out his hand. Lily, it is a pleasure.

Lily hesitated before reaching for him. You may call me Lilith. Or Miss Travelle.

He smirked at her cheekiness.

When their hands met, a tingle shot up her arm, like he’d zapped her with static electricity. If he’d felt it, he gave no indication.

Tarq barked out a laugh. Oh, Q. She’s precious. Can I keep her?

That was it. Lily started packing up her things, closed her laptop way to hard, and wrinkled papers as she stuffed them into her tote. She wanted them to know she was good and pissed.

Thank you for your time. Quin, if you’d like to reschedule, call my assistant.

She lifted her bag and started towards the door.

Do not leave.

Tarq’s voice, velvety smooth, caressed her skin like a lover. She’d never felt a physical reaction to a voice before. It was as if it was trying to burrow inside her, slowly, sensually. It was … not normal.

Lily was losing her goddamned mind. She needed to get away from him. Her pride, however, wouldn’t let Tarq have the last word. She rounded on him and put her finger in his face.

I prefer to work with grown-ups. Like Quin. When your gonads drop, give me a call.

Stupid, stupid broken filter. Lily could not believe she was stooping to name-calling. In under thirty seconds he’d made her a total nut job.

Tarq laughed again and it did things to her insides. Dirty, naughty things. Damn him and the sexy horse he rode in on. She should not be turned on by a douchebag.

Lily, listen to me, he told her in a voice an adult would use with a child. It was how he usually got hysterical humans to calm down. He let his power out again, this time he used an extra dose because she’d easily snapped out of his last thrall.

You will return to the table and forget what I said to upset you. I entered the room shortly after you and we shook hands. It was all very cordial. You’ll retrieve your materials and present as planned. Understood?

Lily’s eyes bugged.

Yes, see? It’s all okay now. Here, I’ll even escort you to your seat for being such a good girl.

Tarq reached for her elbow. His focus was on her left arm, which is why he didn’t see her right arm as it flew towards his face. He did, however, feel the impact once her palm came in contact with his cheek and smacked the ever-loving-shit out of him.

Ohmygod-ohmygod-ohmygod. She’d struck him. Lily had never hit anyone in her entire life. But something about his patronizing tone and the imaginary stroking she felt on her skin when he spoke, well, it broke something inside her.

She wanted to scratch and bite, to hurt him. Then she wanted to rip off his clothes and take him on the floor. It was official. She’d lost it.

She stood there, shaking, not knowing if she should run away or apologize profusely. He was well within his right to call the cops. Though, Lily couldn’t imagine this was the first time he’d been hit if this was how he treated women.

Tarq raised his hand to rub the sting on the side of his face, in total shock. He’d never been slapped before.

Brawls with his own gender had occurred in his past, but never had he tussled with a woman in anger.

He wanted to throw her across his knee and spank her voluptuous ass. It was no less than she deserved. She’d probably like it, angry little kitten that she was. But he had a much bigger problem on his hands. His persuasion didn’t work on her.

It wasn’t possible. No human in the history of humankind had resisted any of Peitho’s progenies. He swiveled his head towards Quin, hoping he had some explanation.

Oh, shit, was Q’s response.

Mother. Fucker. This was bad.