Through the Veil & Morgan's Magick

Celtic Love Knots Volume 1 by Tina Bendoni, Michelle Hasker Whiskey Creek Press www.whiskeycreekpress.com Copyright ©...

Author: Bendoni Tina | Hasker Michelle

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Celtic Love Knots Volume 1 by Tina Bendoni, Michelle Hasker

Whiskey Creek Press www.whiskeycreekpress.com

Copyright ©2007 by WHISKEY CREEK PRESS

NOTICE: This eBook is licensed to the original purchaser only. Duplication or distribution to any person via email, floppy disk, network, print out, or any other means is a violation of International copyright law and subjects the violator to severe fines and/or imprisonment. This notice overrides the Adobe Reader permissions which are erroneous. This eBook cannot be legally lent or given to others. This eBook is displayed using 100% recycled electrons.

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CELTIC LOVE KNOTS VOLUME 1: MORGAN'S MAGICK & THROUGH THE VEIL by Michelle Hasker & Tina Bendoni WHISKEY CREEK PRESS www.whiskeycreekpress.com

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Published by WHISKEY CREEK PRESS Whiskey Creek Press PO Box 51052 Casper, WY 82605-1052 www.whiskeycreekpress.com Copyright © 2007 by Michelle Hasker & Tina Bendoni Names, characters and incidents depicted in this book are products of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental and beyond the intent of the author or the publisher. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. 4


ISBN 978-1-59374-853-1 Credits Cover Artist: Jinger Heaston Editor: Chere Gruver Printed in the United States of America

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Dedication From Author Michelle Hasker: To Tina Bendoni, my partner in crime and inspiration for the story. From Author Tina Bendoni: To Michelle Hasker: Partner in crime and the best CP around.

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MORGAN'S MAGICK by Michelle Hasker "This love potion must be given to your brother as soon as possible if you want it to be the most effective. And remember, this will only help him be receptive to true love; it won't make him fall in love with anyone." Morgan Engles capped the vial and handed it to her best customer. "Okay, great, Morgan. I really appreciate this." Sheila Thompson smiled and cradled the container in her palms. "Just remember, the next time you ask me for a favor, 'And it harm none.' Okay? Making your brother love someone specific would be very wrong." "Thanks again, Morgan. I wish you would reconsider training me in the ways of Wicca." "Sorry, Sheila. I just don't have time right now. Read those books you bought last month and then come back and talk to me after you've learned the Rede." "Thanks!" Sheila called out as she headed for the door. Morgan shook her head but smiled. Sheila might not be her favorite customer, and she always left Morgan sighing in relief, but she was probably her best advertisement. Sheila referred everyone to Morgan's Magickal Shoppe. She worried that one day Sheila would wear her down enough to actually give her lessons in magick. The door jingled and Morgan looked up with a wary smile. Was Sheila back already? Her eyes met six solid feet of muscle encased in black. A T-shirt and skintight jeans showed off his well-toned body. 7


Morgan felt the telltale fluttering in her stomach. Jack Quinn always managed to get under her skin, and she was still trying to find a way to get him out. Fighting her feelings didn't work. Perhaps giving in to them was the best solution. Besides, he acted as if he'd be more than willing to share his bed with her. "Oh, hello, Jack. What have you got for me today?" she asked, ignoring the breathless voice that must be hers as she met his gaze with hers. "Good evening, gorgeous. I've brought the usual, and a few new things I've made." "New?" Morgan cleared space on her counter so Jack could show her. She knew her excitement showed on her face, but he made specialty items they both earned a nice profit on. He wasn't too bad on the eyes either. Allowing Jack to sell his products in her store was one of the smartest things she'd done. As he spread several wands in front of her, Morgan wondered if today was the day she should act on the attraction she felt simmering between them. "I know how well my wands have been selling, so I crafted a few new ones. I also have some new paintings for you. With Samhain around the corner, I'm sure we'll sell a lot of wands and candles, and customers will be tempted to buy other items as well." "At this rate, I'll have to start thinking about asking you to come into the business as a partner."

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"And what kind of partner would I be? I'm sure the fringe benefits alone would be temptation enough," he said with a wink. Morgan reached for the nearest wand. His comment sent such naughty thoughts through her mind that she felt her panties grow damp. Her hand brushed against his and a tremor rushed through her body setting her nerve endings on edge. The intoxicating scent of warm male and sandalwood caused a sensation of butterflies flitting around in her stomach as she fought to hide her desire. Her hand shook as she lifted the wand and studied it. Jack wrapped his hands around hers and moved them in a circle, as if casting a spell. Jack leaned down. His lips brushed her ear as he whispered, "Bibbity bobbity boo." Morgan laughed and took a step back, trying to put some space between them in the hope she could get her lust under control. "So what do you think of my merchandise?" Morgan glanced at the bulge in his jeans and knew he would be plenty to handle. "Morgan?" "Hmm?" She glanced up at him and blushed when she realized he knew what she'd been looking at. "What do you think of my wand?" "Your ... ah ... wand..." she stuttered. "You're still holding it, so I guess you like it." She coughed and cleared her throat. "Ah, yes. Your wand. It's more than satisfactory. I'm sure they all will sell even 9


faster than the last ones. I do think you're getting better. If that's possible." "Oh yes, it's possible. Practice makes perfect, you know." Morgan flushed. Any more talk of this kind and she'd throw herself at him and probably scare him away permanently. "Would you like to have dinner tonight?" Jack asked as she gathered up his wands and put them in a display case he'd made for her. "Dinner?" Her head whipped around so fast, pain seared her neck. Morgan groaned and rubbed the sensitive area. She probably gave herself whiplash. Jack's warm hands caressed the back of her neck before she could protest, and once he put his hands on her she didn't want to. "Ohh, mmmm," she moaned her pleasure as he worked magic with those skillful fingers. "You like this?" His voice sounded huskier than usual. She sighed and leaned back into the massage. "Yes. You have some very talented hands." "So what about dinner?" he asked as his hands moved to the tops of her shoulders. "Dinner?" she echoed. Why was he asking her out to dinner? "Dinner and a discussion of this partnership." Morgan heard the desire in his deep voice. Now to test that she wasn't mistaken. She shifted her body so her backside brushed against him. As she rubbed against his hard shaft, Jack gasped. He pushed against her, then must have caught himself, because he released her so fast, she stumbled. 10


"Jack," Morgan said as she turned around to smile at him. "Yes?" he asked as he took a step back. Morgan let her gaze drift down his body and then focused on his obvious erection. "What kind of partnership did you have in mind?" "With you? Any." He groaned and slapped his forehead with his hand. "I mean, we can discuss that over dinner. I mean, unless you want strictly a working relationship—" "Jack?" she interrupted. "What?" "Shut up and kiss me," Morgan growled. She grabbed his shirt and tugged him closer as Jack leaned down. Their mouths met in a fierce and fiery kiss that left her panting when he finally pulled away and rested his forehead against hers. "I think we need to try that again," Jake said between panting breaths. "Okay." Morgan grinned and lifted her face to his. Jack nipped at her lips before sucking the lower one into his mouth. One hand reached around the back of her neck, cradling it while the other burned against her waist. He kissed her like a man long starved, but she sensed he was holding back. Morgan wondered what he would be like if she made him lose that control. Her hands slid around his broad shoulders and tugged him closer as she lifted her lower body up into his. Her already damp underwear became saturated as she ground her aching body against his. Morgan knew if he wanted to, he could slide his hand under her skirt and she wouldn't breathe a word of 11


complaint. Especially not if he fulfilled the fantasies she'd had of him lately. After a minute, Jack broke the kiss. "Damn, Morgan. You're even hotter than I imagined." "So are you," she purred, running her hands over his chest. She tugged at his T-shirt and lifted it so she could sneak her hands under the cotton and feel him without the thin barrier. His skin was hot and damp. She wondered if she was the cause of his condition, then grinned because she knew she was. He desired her as badly as she did him. Jack's hands settled on her waist. "Let me pleasure you?" "Only if you let me pleasure you too," she whispered as her fingers slid beneath his waistband. "You first." He grinned as he lifted her up and sat her on top of the counter. He slid the thin fabric of her skirt up and bunched it at her waist. Morgan gasped as he cupped her mound. "You smell so good, Morgan. And you're so hot and wet." When he held his hand there, she moaned and thrust against him, hoping he'd get the hint and give her some blessed relief. "Slow down, baby," he cooed the endearment back at her. "All good things come to those who wait." "Fuck waiting," she panted. "I want you buried balls deep inside me now." Morgan fumbled with the buckle of his belt until his hand pushed aside the thin damp barrier of her panties and slid one finger inside her. She cried out, forgetting about the belt, and arched her back, her hands grabbing onto the counter. 12


"Goddess, yes." She pushed her hips forward, sucking his finger in deeper. "So wet, baby. So wet for me." "Yes," she moaned as his thumb flicked against her clit. Jack reached down with his other hand and pulled her underwear further down, giving him better access. "Do you want more?" "Dear Goddess, please. More, anything, all." Morgan knew she was babbling incoherently, but she hoped he understood by her whimpers that she wanted him to ease the ache inside her. Jack added another finger to the first, and pumped them in and out, faster and faster as her moans grew louder. Morgan knew she was on the verge of coming and she wanted him deep inside her when it happened. "Come for me, baby," he whispered, leaning forward to capture her lips with his, swallowing her sounds of pleasure while his fingers worked magic inside her. His thumb pushed on her clit, then rubbed it. Morgan's hands dug into his shoulders as she rocked to meet his hand. "Jack. Jack. Mmm." She ended on a loud, long cry as her insides clenched tightly around his fingers, drenching him with her cream as he continued to work his thumb on her clit. "I need to taste you," he groaned and then ducked down and buried his head between her legs. He lapped at her essence, reigniting the flame of desire. His tongue swept over her swollen folds, then within them, tasting her. He nibbled on her clit before sucking it into his mouth. He slid his fingers inside her again, and worked them, 13


stretching her, hopefully preparing her to take his hard, thick length. He twisted his fingers, and pinched her clit lightly between his teeth, bringing her release swift and hard. Morgan threw back her head, eyes clenched tightly as stars exploded beneath her closed eyelids. Her body shook with after shocks as Jack withdrew his hand. Limp, Morgan half sat, half lay on the counter, trying to catch her breath so she could thank him, when she heard the sound of his zipper. She wanted to tell him it was about time, but she felt the tip of his cock against her damp, quivering flesh and forgot everything but to feel. His cock slid between her well-lubricated folds. Jack moaned, and she opened her eyes to watch him as pleasure darkened his gaze. Then he closed his eyes, his face a picture of pure ecstasy as he slid in until his balls pressed against her. His lips parted in a sigh as he pulled out slowly and then rammed back in, hard and fast. Small cries escaped her as he continued the thrusts, the sound of wet flesh striking wet flesh echoing in her ears. "So. Good. And. Tight. So. Damn. Tight." He punctuated each word with movement from his hips. Morgan wrapped her legs around his waist and held on as yet another orgasm built. Jack's shout, and the feel of his release within her sent her over the edge once again. **** "I still can't believe I lost control like that and let him make love to me right there in the middle of my store. Anyone could have walked in." 14


Morgan looked at Lily as if the cat could answer. Lily meowed and then went back to cleaning her paw while Morgan resumed her pacing. "He'll be here any minute expecting dinner and probably a repeat of Monday's performance. Well, and every day after that, too. Damn, he's hot. And incredible." Lily stretched and then walked over to her food dish and meowed. "Yes, I said dinner, didn't I?" Morgan sighed and reached into a cabinet for tuna. As she opened the can, Morgan tried to decide what to do. Should she enjoy the fabulous sex without asking for more of a commitment? Every day this week, Jack had surprised her with his inventiveness in bed, but she wanted tonight to be special. It was Samhain and she hoped tonight he'd realize he loved her. It marked the beginning of the new year for Wiccans and she wanted hers to start out special. She realized now she needed a commitment but he had only shown interest in sex. From the first moment she saw Jack, she'd wanted him. As the months passed, she learned more about him, and she'd grown to love him. Oh wasn't this a riot? She, who'd never been in love before had to go and fall in love with a man who acted as if he wasn't looking for anything permanent. Jack haunted her dreams at night and her daydreams, too. She thought with more sex, she would be able to get him out of her system. It hadn't worked. It was too late for that. She'd fallen in love with him. Geesh. What was she going to 15


do? He'd be here any minute and she was positive he was only coming because she'd promised him something special. Morgan spooned the tuna into a bowl and tried to calm her nerves. The doorbell rang, sending her heart racing, and ruining the attempt. Love or not, she planned on making the best of tonight, just in case it was her last chance. Morgan smoothed the red silk dress that clung to her curves. It looked more like a negligee than a dress and she hoped it didn't take Jack long to peel it off of her. Maybe he'd stay tonight. She drew in a deep breath and then opened the door. A bunch of orange flowers hit her in the face. Morgan jerked back, and smacked her head on the door. "Oh geeze, I'm so sorry, Morgan," Jack apologized, tossing the flowers to the side and pulling her up against his chest. One hand held her tight while the other caressed the back of her now throbbing skull. Morgan's mind swirled as his scent engulfed her, driving away all thought and pushing the pain back until it was just a nuisance. She breathed in his masculine scent as he pressed her face against his warm, solid chest. She wanted to feel him without the barrier of clothing. Morgan slid her hands under his shirt and tried to pull it off of him. Jack's laughter made her hesitate. "Can I come inside first? I know you have a thing for public places, but it won't be very comfortable up against the door like this."

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Morgan flushed a deep red and pulled away from him. He'd turned her into a wanton. How could she lose herself like this, repeatedly? "Aren't you going to invite me in?" His husky comment brushed against her cheek like a caress. "Oh, yes. Please, come in." Morgan stepped back to give him room to enter, but Jack scooped her off her feet and carried her toward her bedroom. "Jack!" She grew wet at his obvious eagerness. "Don't you think we should eat dinner first?" "Let's make love first," he whispered. He kissed her before she could respond, his tongue sliding inside her mouth and dueling with hers for supremacy. "I was hoping we could eat dinner before retreating to the bedroom," Morgan said after he released her. "I have something special planned for tonight. Remember?" Jack sighed. He was silent for a minute, then he kissed her forehead. "Okay, you can feed me first." He grinned. Morgan wasn't sure dinner was such a good idea after Jack fondled her under the table. When he slid off his shoe and ran his foot up her calf muscle, she knew it hopeless, and burst into laughter. "Okay, Jack. You win. Bed first, dinner later." "Good." He grinned wolfishly at her and stood up. Morgan stood up and faced him across the table. She wondered what he was up to because there was a gleam in his eye and she knew it couldn't possibly be good. "Race you there." 17


Morgan laughed and turned. She dashed down the hall, but didn't even make it halfway when Jack grabbed her from behind and picked her up. He ran the rest of the way and tossed her face down on the bed. She squealed as she bounced. Seconds later, Jack landed on top of her and nuzzled her neck. "Jack." She moaned and tried to roll over. "You want to pleasure me?" he asked, his tongue flicking at her earlobe before he sucked it between his lips. "Yes." He wrapped an arm around her waist and lifted her bottom in the air. "Then let me take you from behind." Morgan quivered as she tried to decipher his words. Did he mean in her ass? Or that he merely wanted to be behind her? His hands slid down over her thighs and gripped the silky material of the dress. He pulled it up until he exposed her backside to him. Judging by his triumphant growl, she knew he saw her sans underwear and liked it. He licked her naked flesh. The sensation of his tongue made her so wet, she could feel moisture drip between her thighs. "By the Goddess, what you do to me, baby," he growled as he inserted his finger between her slick folds. She moved back trying to take his digit in deeper. "No more than what you do to me." Morgan shrieked when he removed his finger and traced a line in between her ass cheeks. He played with the tiny opening there, rubbing his finger across it and then inserting just the tip. 18


"Jack!" she screamed in surprise as pleasure burned a path up her back, and more of her fluids dripped between her thighs. "Not tonight, baby. But soon." Morgan shivered. She didn't know if she wanted him there, but at this point, she just needed satisfaction, it didn't matter what he had to do to give it to her. When she felt the tip of his cock press against her, she pushed back until he slid between her swollen lips. Jack groaned, the sound thrilling her to her very core. Jack thrust into her while she pushed back against him. She found his rhythm and settled into it while his flesh slapped against her backside. Her nerve endings tingled. Morgan fisted her hands in the bed sheet as sensations raced across her body and she moved faster. "Harder, Jack. Harder, please, Jack." He rammed into her harder and harder until her vision blurred. Her orgasm shattered the remains of her control, and Morgan screamed his name as her inner muscles milked him. He gave a shout as he reached his release. "You are unbelievable," Jack said and then kissed her neck. He spooned her against him and wrapped his arms around her. "You're not so bad yourself." Morgan closed her eyes and felt herself drifting to sleep as Jack asked her if she'd ever been in love before. "Yes." She sighed and snuggled closer to him.

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"It's something I hadn't experienced before." Jack's warm breath brushed against her ear. "But there's this girl I've been in love with—" "What?" Morgan pulled away and turned to face him. "Morgan—" "You are in love with someone and you slept with me! Repeatedly! You louse!" Anger and betrayal filled her until a resounding slap echoed in the sudden silence. Jack stared at her unblinking. Morgan realized she'd just slapped him. Her stinging palm proved it. "Now will you let me finish?" "No!" she shouted. "Get out!" "Baby, just listen to me for one minute." "No!" Morgan jumped out of bed and grabbed her bathrobe off a hook on the back of her door. The more of her that was covered the better. The louse! How could he? She pulled it on and closed it tightly. "Having sex with me without love is one thing, but to betray the woman you do love is totally wrong." She turned her back, her heart breaking into a million pieces as she walked back to the dining room to clean up their dinner. Great way to bring in the new year. With a broken heart. As if on cue, her doorbell rang. Morgan growled and dropped the handful of dishes on the table. She pulled the belt tighter on her robe and marched over to the door. Who would dare disturb her this late? She rented the top floor of an old house on the outskirts of the city. No one ever asked her for candy, and at nine, it was too late at night for children to be out anyway. 20


Morgan walked over to the door and looked through the peephole. Sheila? Morgan sighed. Great. What did she want? Morgan unlocked the door and pulled it open. "Hi, Sheila, what brings you to my home this late at night?" "I really hate to bother you at home, Morgan, but it's about that love potion." Sheila's eyes moved past her and widened. Damn. Jack must be standing behind her. Oh well, it was over now anyway, so what did it matter if people found out? "Sheila?" "Jack?" "Great! You two know each other!" Morgan forced a bright smile. She turned to Jack and froze when she realized he'd pulled on his jeans, but hadn't bothered to close them, or put on a shirt. Jack's face flushed a dark red, and briefly Morgan wondered if this was his love. Well, he'd kissed her good bye if she was. Sheila didn't look happy to see him there. "What the hell is going on?" Sheila demanded. "Jack came over for dinner so we could discuss his wands. My cat spilled the soup and it got all over my clothes, and Jack's. I was just washing his—" "I'm not stupid, Morgan," Sheila interrupted. "You're fucking my brother?" "Your brother?" Morgan paled as she remembered the love potion she'd created for Sheila not long before Jack arrived at the store and took her on the counter, and then again in the back room. "Yeah, the one you made the love potion for." 21


"Love potion?" Jack joined them at the door. "What love potion? You used magick on me?" The hurt in his eyes was like a dagger in Morgan's heart. It twisted painfully as he stood there, hands fisted at his sides. Morgan didn't know what to say. She had made a potion, but he didn't sound as if he understood that she wouldn't force another person. It couldn't have worked all that well if he came here and made love to her while claiming to love another woman. "It isn't what you think. I don't do manipulative spells. I follow the Rede, I—" "I don't want to hear your excuses. You used a spell on me and took away my free will—" "No, I didn't. Will you just listen to me?" Morgan pleaded. "Like you listened to me in the bedroom when I tried to tell you I loved you? And then you slapped the shit out of me? No thank you." Jack turned and stomped back to her bedroom. "Oh my!" Sheila grabbed Morgan's arm. "Did he just say he loved you?" "Yes," Morgan hissed as she pulled her arm away. "But thanks to that stupid potion, he thinks it's not real." "But that's why I came here." Sheila reached into her small black purse and pulled out the vial. "I wasn't able to get it to him and wanted to know if you'd redo it for me. I guess I didn't need it after all." "You mean you didn't give him the potion?" Morgan reached for the vial and lifted it up. The contents swirled against the glass. "He really loves me?" 22


Jake snorted as he joined them at the door again. "Good bye, Morgan." "Good bye?" Morgan gasped and looked up as Jack wrapped his arm around his sister. "Let's go, Sheila. Obviously Morgan practices black magick and we shouldn't associate with her." "But she didn't give you the potion!" Morgan shouted, waving it in his face. Jack frowned and grabbed it. He stared at it for a long moment. "It's true, Jack. I didn't get a chance to give you the potion. Your feelings for Morgan are your own." Jack paused and looked at Morgan. "It doesn't matter. Your intent does. And you," he said as he turned to Sheila. "You should know better. Haven't I tried to teach you the Craft? Didn't I explain the differences between right and wrong?" Morgan's last hope died a bitter death with those words. After this week of loving and the past two years of friendship, he could think that little of her? "You should listen to Morgan. She refused to do the love potion like I asked. Instead, she did something to help you find your true love, and that was all. It was just to help make you look for her, not to make you love someone. She didn't even know it was you, so how could she make you fall for her?" "It's true, Jack. You didn't even take the potion. Besides, I would never force anyone to do anything, and I would never, ever make someone fall in love with another person. You 23


don't know me very well at all, Jack." Morgan looked at Sheila and saw only panic and guilt. "Go on, and take your brother with you. Please!" Without waiting for them to leave, Morgan ran back to her bedroom and slammed the door shut. Ohhh, the nerve of that man. To take what she offered and accuse her of deceit. He should know her well enough after all this time. That he didn't, told her more than anything else. She'd been a fool to listen to her heart and now she would pay the price. Morgan choked back a sob and walked into her bathroom. She would wash away his scent and then clean the apartment, getting rid of any evidence of this lapse in judgment. It was obvious he would no longer allow her to sell his magickal items, but it would be easier in the long run. She wouldn't have to face him and feel the pain of his lack of trust. She turned the water on full force and as hot as she could handle, and then climbed in with her apricot scrub. She used her favorite loofah and tried to wash away his scent. "Out damn spot, out," she cursed as tears filled her eyes. Damn him, and damn her traitorous heart that wished he'd come in here and take her in his arms and apologize. Why did she have to fall in love with a thickheaded idiot? When the water grew too cold, she climbed out and wrapped herself in a fluffy towel. She knew she should clean the dirty dishes, but she didn't really feel like it. That could wait for tomorrow. She didn't even feel like checking to see if they locked the door behind them, even though she knew she should. 24


Morgan crawled into bed and regretted it the instant Jack's scent reached her. With a sigh, she stripped the bed, then grabbed a sheet, threw it on the bed and crawled on top of it. She drifted off into a restless sleep where Jack pointed his finger at her in accusation while telling her how evil she was and what a mistake he had made. She woke slowly and noticed it was still dark. Morgan choked back a sob as her memory of the night came back in a rush. She buried her face in the sheet and allowed herself to cry. One last time and then she would shed no more tears for the jerk. "Morgan, baby, you're breaking my heart." She gasped at the sound of Jack's voice. What was he doing here? Her first thought was to hide, but then she realized he was already in the room and knew she was crying. "Have I hurt you that badly?" This time his voice was barely a whisper. She nodded, realized he'd know she still loved him and shook her head. When he didn't say anything, she opened her eyes again and checked to see if she had been imagining his voice. "I talked to Sheila after you left us in your foyer. She told me that you refused to make the potion she wanted and insisted you could only help me want to find my true love. I'm still not thrilled with it, but when she repeated the spell, I realized you weren't lying about not forcing me. "I've seen what magick in the wrong hands can do and it's not pretty. I vowed that I would never use my magick for 25


evil, and that I would stay away from those who did." Jack sat down on the bed and watched her. "What are you saying?" "I'm saying that I am sorry. I judged you unfairly and for that, I apologize. I've come to know you very well these past two years, and value your friendship. After this past week with you, I know how stupid it was of me to jump to conclusions, especially the wrong ones. I know you would never harm another person. I know you're a special, loving woman. Will you marry me, Morgan?" Her breath caught in her throat as she tried to understand what he'd just said. He apologized, and then asked for her hand in marriage without even waiting for her to accept his apology. While she studied him, he looked at her as if in pain. "Please, Morgan. Say you will be my wife. Let me love, honor and cherish you for the rest of our days. Unless you would prefer to handfast..." "Yes. I will marry you, handfast, or whatever you want." She laughed and threw her arms around his neck. "I also accept your apology." "I promise to listen to my heart, and never doubt you again," Jack swore. "Oh, I dunno, baby. I'm sure we'll have our problems. We'll just have to work through them instead of jumping to conclusions. We're both guilty of that after all." Morgan smiled and wondered if a November wedding would be too soon.

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THROUGH THE VEIL by Tina Bendoni Alyson looked up at the sound of footsteps approaching her. It was him. Lucas. Six foot six inches tall in his bare feet, and long brown hair that had the most gorgeous blond highlights. Every time she saw him, she wanted to run her fingers through it. It was soft as down and felt wonderful against her body. She knew she could never get enough of him. Tonight, he was wearing jeans that hugged his body like a second skin. They left nothing to her imagination, but she knew exactly what was under that denim, and the material barely did it justice. Her body tingled at the thought of stripping those jeans off him before the night was through. As always, he approached her with the sleekness and stealth of a jungle cat. As though she were a scared mouse that might run away. "Good evening, Alyson." That deep voice sent shivers running up and down her spine, centering on her suddenly wet pussy. "Hello, Lucas." Alyson heard her own voice, breathy and sultry, so unlike her normal tone. He did that to her every time. He reached for her, nesting his hand in her long red hair, running it through his fingers. "You look exquisite tonight." Alyson looked down at herself. She was wearing a low-cut v-neck shirt that clung to her chest, showing her hardened 27


nipples through the light material. A broomstick skirt swung nearly to her ankles, blowing in the light breeze. "Thank you." She felt herself blush. "Anywhere you would like to go? Or maybe just stay here?" His husky voice left Alyson no doubt as to what he wanted to do if they stayed in tonight. The sparks running down her body from where his hand held hers reminded her she was perfectly willing. "Staying in sounds like fun," she whispered with a smile. Locking his stare on her, Lucas drew her to him so his mouth could capture hers. Alyson knew a kiss was just a kiss, but Lucas took a simple meeting of lips and made it into a symphony of sensations intense enough to make her toes curl. His tongue entered her mouth, caressing hers, eliciting a moan as his hands wrapped around her waist pulling her closer yet to his hard body. Her hands wound around his neck, holding him tight against her as he continued to ravish her with only his tongue and lips. Her breathing sped up when her body responded, eager to get going, knowing what was to follow. Lucas pulled back and gazed into her eyes. "I have searched the world looking for a woman to make me feel like you do. If only we could be together forever." "I tell myself that every time we part, and then remind myself at least we have the nights." He growled in response as he buried his lips in her neck, nibbling at her throat with passion.

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Alyson felt herself go weak at the knees, but knew no fear of falling, as he captured her immediately and brought her to the four-poster bed awaiting them. Lucas stood her up beside the bed, and grasped the bottom of her shirt, pulling it up slowly. He urged her to lift her arms as he pulled it over her head. Tossing it aside, his hands immediately went to cup her bare breasts. He said he didn't like underthings; had told her they got in the way when they were together, so she always made sure she didn't wear any when meeting him. His thumbs flicked across her nipples, forcing a gasp from her lips as waves of pleasure shot through her body. He bent down to kiss each breast gently, paying homage to each as though they were worthy of worshipping for all eternity. His hair was as soft as she remembered. Her hands tunneled through it as it brushed her torso gently. Holding her tight, Lucas knelt down in front if her, kissing his way down her stomach to the waistband of her skirt. Slowly he tugged the skirt down, past her waist, over her hips, until it fell in a puddle at her feet. "You are beautiful," he said as he looked up at her after she was bared completely to him. "You have to say that," she said with a smile. "You're my dream man." "No, you truly are a wonder, my Alyson. One I am not sure I can live without." With that declaration, he buried his face between her legs, his tongue delving straight for her core. Alyson fisted her hands in his hair as he laved her pussy with attention. Flicking her clit with his tongue, his hands 29


massaged her thighs, one thumb moving inward. Reaching one hand around her, he grabbed her ass as his other reached the tangle of hair at the apex of her thighs. Lightly, his fingers separated her lips, and he inserted two into her vagina, his tongue never stopping its actions. Alyson gasped as he teased her, pumping her with his fingers, mouth nipping at her nub and his other hand massaging her ass, pulling her vagina tighter to him as he sucked and bit harder, sending electric currents running throughout her body. She quivered, knowing she was close to coming, that she couldn't handle any more of his teasing. "Come for me, baby. I want to taste you. I need to taste you." Alyson threw her head back while he continued his assault on her senses, her hands clenching tighter in his hair as he kneeled eating her. Tension built in her body, tightening her muscles as it prepared for its release. Close ... so close ... right there ... "Oh!" she moaned as all tension left her body in a rush, coming back in a wave that she rode again and again while he continued feasting at her core. Finally, he pulled his head back from her and looked up at her with a grin. "That's my girl, that's what I needed from you tonight." She laughed as she fell back onto the bed, her body weak from her response to him. "You are incredible." Lucas gave her a grin that had her heart tumbling and climbed onto the bed with her. "I love when you laugh," he said, reaching for her, pulling her close to him. 30


"It's easy with you. You make me feel so good." She looked at him through hooded eyes, and reached for him. "But now it's my turn to make you feel just as good." Surprisingly, he moved out of her reach. "No, tonight was about you." "But..." "Shhh." He put his finger on her lips. "I love pleasing you. Now tell me how your day went." Alyson was amazed by this incredible man. He was everything she had ever dreamed of. She giggled to herself at that thought. He should be everything she ever dreamed of, since it was only in her dreams that she had him. It was strange, and a bit crazy, but she had grown to love her fantasy man. She looked forward to going to bed every night, hoping she would meet him when she slept. She only wished he could be real. The one friend who knew about her fantasy lover worried about her relation to the real world. "Alyson, you need to find a real man," Bree had argued with her earlier that night. "I don't need a man, Bree." "You obviously need something, Al, if you're dreaming of the perfect man at night, and you're content with just that." Alyson had sighed. She knew Bree was right. Perhaps she did spend too much time thinking of her dream man, but no one in real life came close to him. She had tried dating, but they all fell short.

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"Bree, you of all people know a woman doesn't need a man to be complete. I love my job and I have great friends. What more do I need?" "A real man." Alyson shook her head, knowing there was nothing she could tell her friend that would change Bree's mind. And if she were honest with herself, she knew Bree was probably right. "And I have the perfect plan." "What?" Alyson had been friends with Brianna for over ten years, and she knew when Bree got that look in her eyes, trouble wasn't far away. "A spell." "A what?" "A spell to bring you your perfect man." "And you're accusing me of living in a dream world?" Bree ignored the sarcastic comment as she went about opening small packages and vials, which she proceeded to pour into the small cauldron in front of her. "It is Samhain, the time when the veil between the worlds is the thinnest. Now is the best night to do it." "Do what?" "Conjure you a real lover from another dimension." Alyson Foxxe looked at her best friend of the last ten years. Brianna had thought up some harebrained things in her life, but this topped them all. It wasn't that Brianna was pagan; it was her insistence on all these silly spells and potions that never did what they were supposed to do.

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"And what makes this man you want to conjure any better than the one in my dreams? At least I know what I'm getting into with him, and I only have to see him when I want to." "This will be a real man, Alyson. One of flesh and blood." Alyson snorted at her friend's comment. "Yeah, right, a real man. One from a different dimension. What happens if I don't like him? Or if he has a wart on his nose? Bree huffed at Alyson. "He'll be perfect for you. And anyway, he'll only be here while the veil is thinned. Twentyfour hours, max." "Oh, great, now not only do I have a fantasy lover, I'll have a real man who is perfect, and who will disappear in twenty-four hours. Oh, sure, that makes things a whole lot better." Alyson shook her head at Bree's logic. "Now, wait a minute, isn't it the veil between the living and the dead that's thin tonight?" "Well, yeah, that is one translation, but some of us think it means all worlds, and tonight, we're going to test that theory." "Who is some of us?" "A bunch of the women I work with." Deciding not to touch that comment specifically—having met some of those women—Alyson questioned her further, "Brianna, what makes you think this spell will work any better than all the others you've tried over the years?" "This is a new one. I just found this grimoire in a used bookshop." Alyson shook her head. "And you think something of real value would be in a used bookstore?" 33


"Hey, you never know, and it looks really old." Alyson sighed again and watched Brianna as she proceeded to mix ingredients. Finally, unable to control her curiosity any more, she peeked into the cauldron. "Are you sure you're doing it right? That you have all the right ingredients?" "More or less." "More or less?" "Well some of the ingredients you can't get at the local herb shop, you know. So I kind of well, um, substituted." "Substituted?" "Yeah, sure. We do it all the time. The spells were written when things were different. Lots of herb names have changed over the years, too. Don't worry. What's the worst that can happen? Now stand back a minute, I need space for this." Bree shooed her best friend back a step as she took a deep breath and began her incantation. As above, so below, Let my friend's spirit flow Bring to her a man of flesh, One with whom her soul can mesh Hours together, only twenty-four Yet, by her choice, let it be more Her dream lover, only she can see For this one night, let it be At that, Brianna threw the last of the ingredients in, and everything went up with a whoosh, forcing Alyson to quickly back up further, and then cough from the smoke. "Was that supposed to happen?" 34


Brianna laughed as she, too, coughed at the puff of smoke. "Who knows? Well, I guess that does it." "Does what? Do you see a sexy stud standing here waiting for me?" Alyson pointed out, tongue-in-cheek. "Well it isn't supposed to happen immediately; give it time." "You only gave me twenty-four hours with him, Bree, and Halloween is almost over." "Don't worry. It will work." Shaking her head, Alyson reached for her coat. "And you say I live in a dream world. Thanks for trying, sweetie. You know I love you." At the door, she stopped once more. "Don't worry, Bree, I know Lucas isn't real, that he's only my subconscious working overtime. Eventually, I won't need him anymore. When I'm ready, I will find someone new, but for the time being, I'm gonna enjoy it while I can." **** Alyson shook herself out of her reverie and returned her attention to her lover. She grew serious. "Bree said something to me that got me thinking, Lucas." "Uh oh." He smiled, having heard of Bree and her antics many times. "What did she do or say this time?" "I'm not sure I should meet you anymore." Lucas sat up quickly. "Why? What happened? Did you meet someone?" She reached out to touch her dream man. "No, and that's just it. I've been enjoying this time with you too much. I 35


haven't wanted to find anyone else. It's time I turn my attention back to the real world." "But this can be as real as you want to make it." "But it isn't actually real, Lucas. I need to move on." Alyson sat up and shook her head. "Hell, look at me. I'm arguing with the man my subconscious created so I wouldn't be lonely. That alone is enough for me to know I need to stop. I'm sorry, Lucas, but this has to end. I'll always remember you. Thank you." With that, Alyson wished her surroundings to change. Gradually, the scenery, the woods, all began to disappear. "But, Alyson, no. There is still so much I need to tell you. Things we haven't done." The bed faded into nothingness until they were standing side by side. "Lucas, there is no more. I truly am sorry, but I need to do this." And finally, with one last kiss, Lucas disappeared into nothingness. **** Alyson found herself in her bed, awake. She had done it. It was time to move on. Her dream lover was gone. Somehow, she knew he wasn't coming back. It was for the best, she told herself as she lay there, but the silent tears coursing down her face belied her thoughts when she drifted off to sleep. Alyson woke up to a sound. There was something in her room. Slowly, she opened her eyes to see what was there. "Holy shit!" Alyson couldn't believe her eyes. She knew she was awake. This wasn't possible. She closed her eyes and 36


concentrated. This couldn't be happening. She opened her eyes again. Nothing had changed. "How is this possible? This can't be real." "It is, my love. Very real." "No, you belong in my dreams. Not here, not in real life." "You called me to you." Lucas approached her, his smooth body flowing across the bedroom. He sat on the bed and reached for her hand before she even thought to react. "No, I wished you away." "But you also called me to you. Did you not do something this evening to make this possible?" "No. Nothing." Then it hit her. "Bree!" "Your friend? But what does she have to do with this?" "She cast a spell earlier tonight. Asking for a man for me." "Any man?" "Well, she asked for the perfect man, or the man of my dreams." Alyson shook her head. "Something. I don't remember." He smiled that smile that always sent butterflies fluttering in her stomach. "There you have it. She asked for your dream man, and here I am." "No, it's not possible." "I assure you, my dear, it is." "But you're a dream. I made you up." "Do you truly believe that?" Did she believe it? Could she have made him up? He really was perfect. He listened to her when she needed him to. They talked about their days. He helped her figure things out. Hell, he even argued with her when he thought she was wrong. 37


Would a dream lover do that? He had to be a fantasy. Of course he was. She'd just wished him away. But he was here, now. In flesh and blood. Alyson lived in a calm, rational world. There was no way this could possibly be real. "You're too perfect to be anything but my imagination." "No, I'm sorry, Alyson, but I am real, and I always have been." "What are you talking about?" Confusion vied with elation as her eyes searched his face for a sign of deception. Or insanity. "I come from another world, another dimension, if you will." "That's impossible." His deep laugh sent electricity through her body, a flush rushing to her skin. "You keep saying everything is impossible. If it wasn't possible, I wouldn't be here." "Give me a break, Lucas. My life is simple and by the book. I run an event planning company, not write science fiction." "Can't you just accept I am here?" He brought her hand up to his mouth. "Accept it, and enjoy it?" His hot smooth lips caressed her hands, enticing her to respond; promising her the pleasure she could find when lost in his body. "But..." He moved into her, pushing her back down on the bed. "No buts. Let's just enjoy the time we have." With that, he kissed her. Alyson had experienced his kisses in her dreams, but somehow, here in the real world, they were even more intense, sending her senses into overdrive as 38


she lost herself in the feel of him. From where their lips met, tingles began and spread throughout her entire body, intensifying all she felt. The cotton of her sheet rubbed against her legs, constricting her, forcing her to kick it off in response. Her shirt was too restrictive, and she wanted it off. Now. She needed nothing touching her but him. Pushing him away, she pulled her nightshirt off over her head, and reached for his. He beat her to it, removing it in one swift motion. It was quickly followed by his pants, baring his beautiful body to her gaze. She reached for him, pulling him down on top of her once again. She needed this, wanted this more than anything in her life. His lips met hers once again briefly and then started working down. They slid down her cheek to her chin, straight to her neck where he left little love bites, as she arched in response. His hands were never still as they cupped her breasts, caressing them firmly. Further his mouth roamed, down to her breast, to her tight, puckered nipples, then he took one in his mouth and sucked it. A sound escaped from deep in her throat as he attended to her other breast with his hand, massaging it, and flicking the nipple with his thumb. His other hand stroked down her sides, working its way to her hip and then across to the nest of hair at the juncture of her legs. 39


Without hesitation, he went straight to her pussy, separating her lips, then one finger went inside her, and another pressed against her clit. Alyson moaned at the familiar feel of him, her hands kneading his back, his shoulders. She exulted in the feel of him when he inserted another finger inside her. She grabbed onto his shoulders as he pumped her hard with his hand, playing with her, getting her wetter. Her nails created small crescent moons on his back as her body tightened in response to him. He pulled away from her breast and removed his hand from her just when she felt she was ready to come. "Wha—" she questioned. "Shhh." He smiled at her as he moved his body, positioning his mouth at her crotch, and his penis at her mouth. "Oooh, yeah." She watched his large cock in front of her eyes as it jumped in anticipation of her touch. Reaching out slowly, she started at the base and ran a nail up the tip of his shaft. His body shook in response. She took that to be a good sign, then reached her hand around him, squeezing gently as she bent her head to him. The groan that escaped his mouth as she took him into hers emboldened her further. Her hand moved slowly up and down his shaft, her mouth just barely over the tip, playing with her tongue as she sucked his length. Her gasp was muffled by the cock in her mouth when he brought his own mouth to her, licking and lapping her juices while he worked to bring her to orgasm. 40


She sucked harder and faster on him as his actions brought her closer and closer to her own orgasm. His fingers were back inside her, pumping in her while his tongue licked her, sucking hard at her clit, as though determined to make her come. She tried to concentrate on what she was doing, giving him pleasure, but she soon lost herself in his actions and her tension built. Suddenly, he pulled himself away from her and he bit one last time, followed by a hard suck, sending her over the edge with a scream. Quickly he moved, turning his body, inserting himself inside her before her first real orgasm of the night finished, sending her over the edge again with his thick cock when he rammed it into her. She met him thrust for thrust as he pushed himself in and out, sending her over the edge again and again while her body trembled around his in eternal need. One final push, and she felt his seed spill into her as he came with a loud groan, croaking out her name when he collapsed on top of her, his body slick with sweat. Alyson decided she didn't care right now why he was with her now, just that he was, was enough for her. **** "Okay, can you explain this all to me now, please?" Alyson looked at Lucas over breakfast the next morning. For the first time ever, she had experienced falling asleep in his arms, and waking up the same way. It had felt so good she hadn't been 41


up to questioning him more. Now she needed answers, though. "All right." Lucas put down his fork and reached for her hand. Last night, she had felt a spark at his touch. She thought it was her imagination, a carryover from her dreams. Apparently not. With his touch, she immediately felt a combination of lust and security run through her body. "Like I said last night, I come from a different dimension." "How do you know?" "What do you mean how do I know?" "What makes you say you aren't from a different part of this dimension?" "Let me just explain, okay? I come from a different world, in which magic not only works, but is accepted as commonly as electricity is here. "Relationships work differently, too. We all know who we are destined to love from the time we hit puberty. We may not always know their names, or even what they look like, but always, we find them, once we are ready. "For me, it was different. I knew my special someone was out there, but I couldn't find her. The connection was there, but too weak to follow in the normal way. I thought maybe she just wasn't ready for me yet, but that wasn't it. "Our shaman finally helped me figure out that I needed to start searching other worlds, other dimensions—realities if you will—to find my love. We knew once I did, all she needed to do was acknowledge that connection, and we could be together. "That woman, my one love—is you." 42


"That's impossible." Alyson shook her head, not wanting to believe such a fantastical story. Another dimension? Come on. "You keep saying that, but the facts prove you wrong." "According to you." She pulled her hand away from his and stood up to start pacing. "Okay, then, how did you get from my dreams to my reality?" "Your friend provided the needed link. She sent out a request for the perfect man for you. That was me." "A little full of yourself, aren't you?" "It has nothing to do with being full of myself. It is the way things in my world work. Our two souls belong together." "But she only asked for twenty-four hours." "I know, and so I will only stay that long." Lucas nodded his head, looking grim. "But why? If you are my true love, as you say, why would you leave after only twenty-four hours?" "Because I have no choice. Her spell was a miracle. I had no idea how to get to you otherwise. It has given me the chance to put my petition before you. The rest is up to you." "What do you mean?" "You need to decide if there is reason enough to come with me. If I can be everything you need." "I would have to leave here?" "Yes." "But my business, my friends and family are all here." "I know, and I'm sorry, but it is the only way we can be together." "What about the women of your world? Do they have to give up everything?" 43


"It is different for them. Once a couple meets, they take time to get to know each other and make decisions together, just as any couple should. Sometimes they are from the same area. Sometimes she moves, others, the male does. Hell, sometimes they find neutral ground. But the point is they have two things we lack. Time and flexibility." Alyson faced him from the opposite side of the room. She stood against the wall, her hand clenching the chair rail. "You mean to tell me I need to give up everything I have and know, while you get to keep the same life?" "No, not the same. Better. It will be so much fuller with you by my side." "But you will still be with everyone you know. We will be in your world, not mine. I will have given up everything, and you, nothing." "I am sorry, but I know of no other way." He shook his head. Alyson knew he truly was sorry, but that didn't change the fact that she was the only one making sacrifices here. She said nothing for a moment, thoughts racing through her head. She had no real family, her parents were dead and she was an only child. She had Bree and a couple of other friends, but she would make new ones, and Bree would be the first to understand. And her company. She had spent the last ten years making her event planning company the best in the city. Could she give all of that up on the word of a man? The word of an incredibly sexy and charismatic man, but still, just a man. "And what happens when you get tired of me?" 44


"What do you mean?" He was watching her with that intense gaze of his that made her legs go weak. "When the newness of this relationship wears off. When boredom sets in like it always does." "It won't. We mate for life. We truly are the other half of each other's souls." "How long do I have to make my decision?" "Until tonight, at the stroke of midnight. Exactly twentyfour hours after I got here." "Why can't you extend the deadline? If magic is so strong where you come from, why can't you change things?" "Because of the date. It is Samhain, the veil between our worlds is crossable this one night of the year." "Samhain started at sundown." "I don't make the rules, Alyson. I got here at midnight. That is when I will be forced to go back." "What if you decide not to go back?" "I can't. I have no choice. My true body is back there, and if I try and stay here, I will wither and die in both worlds." "And if I don't decide to go with you?" "We will live separate lives. We may each find someone to fill in some of the holes, but neither one of us will ever find true love again." "I'm not part of your world, how do I know the same rules apply to me?" "Search your heart. You know deep down we are two halves of the same whole. That we complete each other. Even now, you feel more complete, like something you have been missing your entire life has finally been found." He hadn't 45


moved from his seat at the table. He had presented his entire argument sitting down, not pressuring her. She hated to admit it, but he was right. She'd experienced the feeling in her dreams, and had tried to explain it to Bree, but had been unable to. She did feel more complete with him. Like she had been looking for him as long as she could remember. **** Alyson looked at the clock. Eleven forty-five p.m. Fifteen more minutes, and she still hadn't decided. What was a girl to do? They had spent the entire day talking and making love. She had the time of her life, but one day wasn't enough for her to give up everything she knew. Everything she held dear. She watched her lover as he sat on the other side of the room. Was this truly her destiny? Did she have no say in the matter of whom she would love? Would she choose anyone different, though? She had called him perfect in her dreams, and so far, he held up to that assessment. Even in just the short amount of time they had together, he had proven he was everything she needed. Not by any special effort on his part, but just by being himself. He knew what she needed, and if possible, he provided her with it. He had continued to not pressure her, to give her time. He answered all her questions, and held her when she needed it. Her heart, her soul recognized him for what he said he was. Her head, that rational part of her that had gotten her 46


through so much of her life, told her she was nuts to even be considering it. No matter what he told her, she still didn't know what her life would be like if she went with him. Hell, her brain pointed out, how do you even know what he's saying is real? There was no way to prove he didn't sneak into her apartment, that Bree didn't let him in herself while Alyson was sleeping. It was something Bree would do. She was being ridiculous, and she knew it. Even if she had told Bree absolutely everything, there was no way Lucas could be duplicated. She had spent the day with him, and she knew it was him. From his behavior, attitude and voice, to his looks, including the birthmark on his left hip. He was the man from her dreams. Even her rational side had to accept that. He was real. What he had told her was real. Was she ready to take that leap of faith? Was she ready to be happy? She looked at the clock again. Eleven fifty-eight. Lucas stood up and walked to her, taking her hands in his as he pulled her up toward him. He tilted her head up to look at him, holding her face gently. "Don't worry, I understand. If someone told me the same thing, I don't know if I would be able to accept it either." He caressed her cheek as he spoke. "Just remember me. My heart will always belong to you." His kiss was gentle, and it shook her to her core. Electricity shot out through her body, invigorating her, filling her with a happiness, a completeness she had never experienced before. At once, she realized what she had done. What she had turned her back on. Before she could say or do a thing, he released her and stepped back. Behind him was an opening, a rift in the air of 47


her living room. "I love you," he whispered one final time as he took another step away from her. "Wait!" she called. She knew she couldn't let him go. She needed to be with him, no matter where they ended up. Her life wouldn't be worth living without him by her side. She flung her hand out to him, to grab hold, to pull herself to him. Their hands connected as he smiled one last time. A spark shot through her body at their touch. Sharper, more painful than any she had experienced before. So strong, it sent her flying backwards, back onto her couch, away from Lucas and all he was. Her last sight of him was as he slowly drifted back while the portal closed. **** Alyson walked into Precious Memories Event Planners at exactly eight o'clock Monday morning, unaware of her surroundings. Ever since Saturday night, she had been living in a fog. Nothing seemed real, or seemed to matter. The only reason she came to work today was because it was part of her routine. She knew nothing else. Maybe routine would help things settle down. But she had to be honest with herself. It was the memory of Lucas. She had to get out of her house. Get somewhere that didn't remind her of him. Just twenty-four hours and he had infused her entire apartment with his presence. She absently waved to her assistant on the way to her office. It was only from force of habit that she remembered to hang up her coat and put her purse away. 48


Sitting down at her desk, she took stock. It's over. He's gone. She had tried to find him in her dreams Saturday and last night, and hadn't been able to. She had looked all night, and nothing. It was time to face reality. She would never see Lucas again. Alyson laughed at herself. Face reality. Yeah, right. Like any of this followed the rules of normalcy and reality. Shaking herself, she started to go through her work for the day. She had stupidly let this keep her from the man she loved so she might as well get back to it. Shuffling papers forcefully, she knocked some on the floor. She looked around and realized what she had done. Nothing if not obsessively neat about her workspace, Alyson leaned over to straighten them and pick them up. "Hello, Alyson." Alyson popped up at the sound of his voice. It took a moment for her to find her voice. "Is it really you?" "Yes." His smile alone brought sunshine back into her life. "But ... how?" "You did it." "What do you mean?" Alyson was out of her chair, moving slowly toward him, as though she couldn't believe her eyes. Lucas swiftly scooped her into his arms, smiling. "The magic demanded a sacrifice from you. You had to be willing to give up everything you knew to be with me." "But I didn't." "You did. At the very end, when faced with losing me, you chose me." "But it didn't work. You still disappeared." 49


"That was the price the magic demanded of me." "What do you mean?" "When I got home, I was given a choice, too. Either to come back to you, give up everything I knew, or to be at home, alone." Alyson stepped back when she realized he had been away from her for over thirty-six hours. He couldn't have chosen right away. Had, in fact, taken more time than he had given her. "What took you so long?" "The magic wouldn't let me choose for twenty-four hours." "But then why..." "After I made the choice, there were things I had to learn. Things I was shown, and will need to teach you." "Like what?" "Let's just say magic is a tricky bitch. I am now Lucas Sparrow, born and raised here, and independently wealthy." "I don't understand." "Once we made our choices, the magic was satisfied." "But you're sacrificing everything. I'm still here, and I have you." He smiled. "Not exactly." With a wave of his hand, a rift opened up in her office. Suddenly she was looking out at a world of beauty and nature. A meadow backed by mountains awaited them in just a few short steps. "I can still go home. You can come with me." She shook her head in confusion. "You said you could only cross over during Samhain. When the veil was thin." "I was wrong." "What do you mean, you were wrong?" 50


"One of the side effects of when we find our true loves, our mates, is that our magic becomes stronger." "And you didn't think to tell me this beforehand?" "I didn't know." He reached for her again, pulling her closer this time. "It was one of the things I was told after my decision was made. Something about not making choices for the wrong reasons." "So you really are here to stay?" Her voice had grown soft and husky again, and she could feel tears of joy forming in her throat. He nodded slowly. "Forever." He bent down to kiss her oh so gently before pulling back slightly. "I promised my family we would visit them for Yule, if that is okay with you." "Yule with your family sounds wonderful." She rested her forehead on his chin as she sighed contentedly. "I get it all, don't I?" "We both do, sweetheart. We both do."

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ABOUT THE AUTHORS Michelle Hasker has been writing for two years. She is a member of Romance Writers of America and the Fantasy, Futuristic and Paranormal chapter of RWA. She loves vampires and things that go bump in the night, so it's no wonder her creations are truly paranormal. While most people only dream of finding love, Michelle's characters find it, but in the most unexpected places. Michelle lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, four children, black lab mix, bunny, and overactive imagination. As far back as she can remember, Tina has been writing stories for the entertainment of her friends and family. Knowing deep down someday she would be a published author, she never stopped. Born and raised in the Boston area, Tina finds herself most at home on the East Coast, but she has also lived in Chicago and Wisconsin, and presently lives in rural Missouri with her husband and demanding cat, although two of the three of them dream of moving to the Northwest. She has been writing seriously for two years, and finds it extremely enjoyable and fulfilling. At present she is a substitute teacher, but was a mental health worker for nearly a dozen years in addition to stints as a photographer, retail clerk, and fast food server. You can visit her at her website www.tinabendoni.com.

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