Shadow Kisses: A Zodiac Shifters Paranormal Romance Anthology

By Dominique Eastwick, Crystal Dawn, C.D. Gorri and 4 more

Thrills and chills are in store for our alpha heroes and daring heroines this spooky October at the enchanted shop All Hallow's Needs. Whether tricked or treated, our couples will discover that a shifter's mate is in the stars… 

Shadow Kisses is a boxed set of ALL NEW short stories set in Zodiac Shifters, a collection of books with an astrological spin on love. From Aries to Virgo… discover all-new tales of paranormal romance and urban fantasy. Our world features New York Times, USA Today, and other bestselling authors.

Warning: Shadow Kisses is all about the sexy Zodiac Shifters who rendezvous for a sexy Halloween tryst. And it's our gift to you...

Includes:

A Witch's Haunting by Crystal Dawn

Moon Kissed by C.D. Gorri

Expect Me to Serve by McKayla Schutt

Reconciled by Beth Caudill

Tricked or Treated Dragon Mates by Dominque Eastwick and Melissa Thomas

• Language: English
• Publisher: Nordic Lights Press
• Release date: Oct 7, 2019
• ISBN: 9781393055143

Book preview

Shadow Kisses: Halloween Edition

Shadow Kisses: Halloween Edition

A Zodiac Shifters Paranormal Romance Anthology

Zodiac Shifters Crystal Dawn C.D. Gorri McKayla Schutt Beth Caudill Melissa Thomas Dominique Eastwick

Nordic Lights Press

Contents

Book Description

Crystal Dawn

A Witch’s Haunting

Prologue

100 Spell Lane

Recovering Life

Family and Friends

A Just Dessert

Epilogue

About the Author

C.D. Gorri

Moon Kissed

Introduction

Book Description

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Epilogue

About the Author

Other Titles by C.D. Gorri

McKayla Schutt

Expect Me to Serve

Rebecca

Austin

Rebecca

Austin

Rebecca

Rebecca

Rebecca

Rebecca

Austin

Austin

Rebecca

Rebecca

Austin

Rebecca

Epilogue

About the Author

Beth Caudill

Reconciled

Book Description

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

When the Tree Falls

About the Author

Discover the Worlds of Beth Caudill

Dominque Eastwick and Melissa Thomas

Tricked or Treated Dragon Mates

The Witches

The Witches

The Dragons

The Witches

The Witches

Tam and Rebecca

Spike and Allora

Spike and Allora

Spike and Allora

Tam and Rebecca

Tam and Rebecca

Epilogue

About the Author

Also by Dominique Eastwick

About the Author

Acknowledgments

Afterword

Copyright © 2019 Reconciled by Beth Caudill

Copyright © 2019 A Witch’s Haunting by Crystal Dawn

Copyright © 2019 Trick or Treat Dragon Mates by Dominique Eastwick and Melissa Snark

Copyright © 2019 Moon Kissed by C.D. Gorri

Copyright © 2019 Expect Me to Serve by McKayla Schutt

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Cover design by Ravenborn Covers

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Nordic Lights Press

P.O. Box 1347

Pleasanton, CA 94566

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All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

Published in the United States of America

This book is a work of fiction. Names, persons, places and incidents are all used fictitiously and are the imagination of the author. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, events or locales is coincidental and non-intentional, unless otherwise specifically noted.

Thank you for respecting the work of these authors.

For our readers

Book Description

Thrills and chills are in store for our alpha heroes and daring heroines this spooky October at the enchanted shop All Hallow’s Needs. Whether tricked or treated, our couples will discover that a shifter’s mate is in the stars… 

Shadow Kisses is a boxed set of ALL NEW short stories set in Zodiac Shifters, a collection of books with an astrological spin on love. From Aries to Virgo… discover all-new tales of paranormal romance and urban fantasy. Our world features New York Times, USA Today, and other bestselling authors.

---

Warning: Shadow Kisses is all about the sexy Zodiac Shifters who rendezvous for a sexy Halloween tryst. And it's our gift to you...

---

Includes:

A Witch’s Haunting by Crystal Dawn

Moon Kissed by C.D. Gorri

Expect Me to Serve by McKayla Schutt

Reconciled by Beth Caudill

Tricked or Treated Dragon Mates by Dominque Eastwick and Melissa Thomas

A Witch’s Haunting

A Zodiac Shifters Short Story: Aries

Crystal Dawn

Prologue

Ram and Annie are finally getting settled and they even have a little one on the way due anytime. Their world is divided between Wicked Witch where Annie works, and the world of the phoenix they are both a part of, and the place in Florida the Phoenix have a base in that they are currently living at. They are tired of living in the Phoenix‘s base and now it’s October and they are house hunting in Florida.

Halloween is nearly upon them and they’ve narrowed their list to five houses, but one seems to have a personality all its own. Are they imagining it, or might it be haunted? As a witch, Annie is determined to discover the root of the problem before they rule this house out.

For some reason it calls to her. She can’t help but answer.

100 Spell Lane

Did you say Spell Lane? Ram asked. Annie nodded. So, it’s a witches’ area?

It was just that originally but other supernaturals have overrun the area. Unfortunately, they are in the minority here now. Annie explained.

I wonder why since it looks like such a lovely neighborhood?

Some of the witches don’t have the financial clout the other kinds do. It was easier to sell and find a place less expensive to live.

That’s sad. I hope your father is working on making things better for them.

My mother has been trying to improve their lives.

This is a nice house, but why is it on the top of our list?

I’m not sure if we’ll end up with it or not, but it’s caught my attention. There’s a mystery to be solved.

Ram rubbed her belly. The baby was due anytime. Are you sure you should get involved right now?

I’m fine. There’s nothing maleficent here. Whatever is here is kind, but it feels trapped.

How can you help?

I’m going to do spell to uncover what’s here. There’s a pop-up store Wicked Witch has around All Hallows Eve. All Hallows Needs will have everything I need to get this done. You’ll help me too, won’t you?

You know I will. When are you going to do this?

I’ll start just before midnight tomorrow. Any ghost that might be present will be at its strongest then what with it being All Hallows Eve. Annie explained.

I don’t know how you talk me into these things. Ram said.

I’m not sure what you’re talking about.

Of course, you’re not. You don’t remember the mermaid we went hunting for? Instead it ended up being a horrible sea serpent pretending to be a mermaid to lure people in.

Yes, and I spelled the evil thing so it could never do that again. Think of all the people we saved.

Ram sighed heavily. Maybe I’m more concerned about you and the baby?

She leaned in and kissed him. It was only intended to be a sweet thank you kiss because he looked out for her so well. Ram took the kiss over and it was hot as hell. Her breath sped up and her heart beat faster. They were in their apartment at the Phoenix’s base, so a little afternoon loving wasn’t out of the question. Not that it was easy with her swollen belly, but Ram was so careful.

He picked her up and carried her to their bed. Since the moment they had met, they had been perfectly in tune. Their relationship was a dream and the baby had been made right away. In these times went paranormal births were down, it was a sign that they were completely matched. Both of them were willing to compromise to make things work. Luckily, they had so much in common as far as outlook went, compromise was rarely needed.

Perhaps the biggest point of contention was caused by her condition. Ram was terrified she and the baby would be harmed. He had absolute faith in her strong magic and tough physical condition when she wasn’t pregnant. The term delicate condition had been fully taken in by him. Regardless of her assurances that the pregnancy didn’t cause her to be completely helpless, he thought she was unable to fully protect herself and the baby.

It was okay because she would allow him to cater to her and protect her if that made him feel better. Right now, she was losing her ability to think as he scattered kisses all over her face and bare chest. When had he undressed her and himself? Goddess, the male was incredible, and she thanked the powers that be daily that he was hers. Her legs spread to allow him to move between them then he began to work his way down. In a hundred years, being with him wouldn’t get old.

He face was between her thighs and his hot breath blowing on her center. She made mewling noises as she anticipated what he would do next. Annie just about jumped out of her skin as his hot tongue slid over the crease between her legs. Goddess! Sliding over again he forced his way down deeper and into her channel spearing her. Her moan was long and deep.

Now his adept fingers took the place of his tongue as it moved to her clit. It circled lazily as his fingers began to move faster. Her breath sped up as her heartbeat did too. He was driving her crazy. Her orgasm hit so quick and so hard, it robbed her of her breath. His long thick cock filled her before the waves of pleasure stopped. Ram picked up a rhythm that was fast but not too fast.

His need was evident, and her need built back speedily. The male never failed to fill her with wanting. This time, they exploded together. They both breathed hard and their hearts beat out of control. It took several minutes before they could move or talk.

You okay? He asked. He always did when they had sex or at least once she’d gotten big with child.

I’m fine, but after we take a nap, I want to research the house to find out about past owners.

They woke up feeling rested. She needed sleep more now that the baby was near being born. Why are we here? Ram asked.

Since this started as a witches’ community, all the records are kept in the local library.

This is a library?

It is. Witches don’t want outsiders to know.

It was hidden as a bookstore, a very old fashioned expensive looking one. As they entered, the librarian looked up then went back to reading. The way things were laid out, it would be hard for anyone nonmagical to find a thing here. She led him to the back of the store where there were rows and rows of cases holding library style cards.

Annie looked the house up by location. Wow.

What?

The house has only been owned by one witch. Myrtle Meyer who is a distant relative of mine. She disappeared seven years ago without a trace. It seems she’d just been dumped by her boyfriend. Her family, a distant cousin, suspected suicide.

Is that common among witches? Ram asked.

No, it’s extremely rare. Almost unheard of. The boyfriend was suspected of draining her resources then leaving once her money was gone. Since he left, they had no reason to suspect him.

But you do?

Yes. Who says she gave him everything willingly? Because she had no one that cared, the police didn’t investigate as thoroughly as they should have. Annie explained.

You believe Myrtle is the spirit?

Yes. Don’t you believe that makes sense?

It does, but if she was unhappy here, why is she lingering?

That’s what we’re going to find out. That poor witch had no one to stand up for her. It makes her the perfect victim. I’d like to look up some information on him while we’re here.

Now she moved them to the newspaper section. Files were kept here as far back as the newspapers existed. This time she just cast a spell and it was surprising how many articles he was in. Constantine Threeos was the ex-boyfriend of numerous females that had disappeared over the years. He was even being investigated in a current case. It wasn’t being pursued rigorously either.

The male hadn’t even bothered to change his name. Annie stared at a picture of the guy. To her, he looked evil and uncaring. His look was even menacing. If he was involved, she would get to the bottom of things. She looked at her mate, maybe he was right about her pulling him not dangerous things. It was a good thing Ram was powerful and caring. Annie couldn’t help but smile.

Did you find something good? Ram asked.

No, I just thought about you and that always makes me smile.

Ram pulled her into his arms and gave her a sweet kiss. Get a room. A witch walking by said.

Don’t get embarrassed. She’s just jealous. Ram observed.

Annie knew it was true. What they had was so pure and perfect, why wouldn’t they be jealous? Let’s go. I’ve found enough to help me do what is needed.

Ram led her out of the library and to a small café just off the sidewalk. Vampire’s Blood had all the usual things and a few specials that appealed to witches, vampires, and other supernaturals. They sat and had coffee, it didn’t bother witch or Phoenix babies, and cake. It was so sweet that Ram had thought to stop so she could rest her legs and replenish her energy. Her mate was the most thoughtful male around.

She’d never regretted, not for one moment since they’d met, spelling for her mate. Annie would like to think he’d never regretted it either even though he’d woke with sand up the crack of his ass on a beach in Florida. He’d gone to bed in his home in the islands the Phoenix claimed.

Now that they had finished their repast, they continued to their car. Ram helped her in and closed her door. He was a perfect gentleman. Once he got in, they headed back to the Phoenix main offices in the US. They had offices such as these all around the world. Currently Rm was in charge and keeping everything running. Honestly, his people were so well trained little needed done unless an emergency popped up.

The baby was moving around like crazy which she had heard might be a sign of impending delivery. Impending could mean anything from in an hour to a week. No point in worrying her mate. She smiled. That news would drive him crazy. For now, she would just worry about that on her own.

Once in the main offices, he went to the director’s office and she followed. With her stomach so large, he refused to leave her along anywhere. She sat in the easy chair that sat off to the side as he answered his emails and fielded an occasional call. At some point, she nodded off to sleep. There was a sensation of being picked up and carried away, but she felt too tired to wake completely.

Those strong arms laid her down in a soft nest where she snuggled in and the deep sleep returned. When she woke the next day, she was cuddled in a pair of loving arms. This was her story every morning and she loved it. Maybe that was why she felt the need to help others. A ghost trapped in a former home was a sad thing. She would do all she could to set her free. Tonight, was the night!

Tonight, magic and the spiritual world was at its strongest. It would make it easier to find out more about the spirit before letting it loose. She’d never been cautious, but Ram’s personality had tempered hers. Once she knew what the spirit was and how it had become trapped, she would decide if it should be let loose.

I can tell you’re awake. Sweetheart. Ram observed.

Not completely. She whispered.

You need to eat well. The buffet downstairs will be wiped out if you wait too long. Today they usually have cinnamon rolls.

Cinnamon rolls! She sat up and got out of bed so fast she almost fell. Cinnamon rolls were her favorite. Today was the day and she’d completely forgotten because her mind was on ghosts.

Be careful. Ram said as he came around to her side to make sure she was steady.

They were dressed in a hurry and downstairs in no time. She could smell the cinnamon rolls and her mouth watered. These were almost as good as the ones she’d eaten at home as she grew up. Once they both finished their meal, it was time to take on the day.

Her workload had been cut to just a portion of the usual, but as management in Wicked Witch, she still had responsibilities. They headed to Ram’s office where he checked his emails and she did the same. Hurrying through them, she was done before he was, and she picked up the newspaper which was brought to his office daily and began to look through it.

What are you looking at? Ram asked.

I always check out the word of the day. Today it’s perspicacious.

I’ve not heard that word in many years. Ram admitted.

Me either. It was so long I couldn’t remember what it meant.

What does it mean?

This says it means extremely perceptive. Annie informed.

I can see why it’s not used much anymore.

So how is your day looking?

I don’t see much I need to do personally. How about you?

I’m already done. I will need to get the items I need for tonight. First I’ll need to research just to be sure about what I need.

That’s fine. Why don’t you research while I finish up? Ram asked.

Since Wicked Witch has a research site now, I can do that.

Didn’t you suggest that?

I did. We needed to bring the company into the current age. Mom supported me and that was all it took. The sales we’ve made off the site have been staggering.

See, you’re earning your keep just in that.

It makes me feel better for doing so much less than usual. Especially with the battle going on against that evil creature trying to get out of that other dimension. Annie explained.

It’s getting better slowly. His defeat is coming, he’s just putting everything he has into winning. Now we’re putting everything into defeating him and we will.

I feel guilty that we aren’t more involved in the battles.

We were active when it all started. Now it’s someone else’s turn. You’re doing your part here by investigating supernatural mysteries. Think about all the people you saved from the sea serpent. Some of them may be warriors in this battle. Tonight, you may set free a spirit that has been trapped for who knows how long. Ram advised.

You’re right. Of course, you are, and I need to let it go. There are other things someone should be doing, and we are doing some of them, right?

We are, Sweetheart and you need to relax and think of the baby.

I think of the baby all the time. More than Ram knew. This little one was coming soon.

They spent a few hours in his office, and she discovered all the things she needed to free a trapped spirit. Now she needed to summon All Hallows Needs and buy her supplies.

I’m done. Ram said.

I’m ready to summon the store and stock up on the needed supplies.

Can you do that here?

I can because there will only be an entry here. The store itself is in a warehouse in Wicked Witch. Not that most people know that. You can come with me so don’t look so alarmed.

Alright, I’m ready.

Annie imagined the entry to the store, and it appeared right in front of them. A magical image of