The only person present who wasn’t nervous was Zylla. Ari glanced at her now, and the vampiress gave a sympathetic nod. “You can do this,” she said.
Andreas jerked his head up, clearly startled by Zylla’s voice.
The vampiress included both of them in a smile. “Do not dwell too much on the doing.” She swept her hands in a wide arc. “Proceed.”
Andreas and Ari shared a smile, then he drew the circle around the two of them. They knelt in the center, and Ari lit the four candles, calling on the elements and the Goddess to guide them. They joined hands, his left to her right. His firm clasp helped Ari to steady her nerves.
He held the virge in his right hand and extended it over the center of the lighted candles. After a moment, he shook his head and laid the virge down. He bowed his head, and his dark curls gleamed in the candlelight. Finally, he looked up and extended his open hand. The Valvano crest winked in the candlelight.
Ari glanced at him in surprise. He would be channeling the magic for both of them. Was he ready to do it with the ring alone? As she watched, the emerald took on an inner glow that grew until it surrounded them both. Awesome. Ari’s breath quickened in admiration. He was more than ready.
When he gestured for her to begin, Ari picked up the vial of demon blood obtained from Zylla’s supplies and sprinkled three drops in the center of the circle. Andreas began a slow chant of the Latin spell that he would repeat three times. The first two lines were quotes from the Maleficus, so dark that she dared not even think them outside the context of the ritual.
Ari knew the translation of the counterspell by heart.
What was taken, set it free; what was bound, no more will be.
Lift the chains, bindings break; restore to her, the whole to make.
Lovely Goddess, grant this boon, filled by magic from the moon.
Forever free; so mote it be.
Ari closed her eyes and concentrated on sending her magic to him. He started on the first repetition, and she felt something change around them, heard a soft sizzle. She opened her eyes. A dark haze spiraled up from the drops of demon blood and swirled around them. Her stomach fluttered; Andreas’s words faltered, then stopped.
As if from a great distance, she heard Zylla say, “You must continue. All is well.”
Ari gripped Andreas’s hand; his voice resumed, steadier now. The air around them began to pulse as he completed the second stanza. A sudden gust of black smoke burned her nostrils, then the air cleared. He began the third repetition with growing confidence in his voice.
Ari’s magic stirred, began to hum, and she smiled, flexing her free hand. Her fingertips tingled.
Andreas finished the last words and darted a glance at her. She showed him her sparking fingertips. The ritual was quickly concluded, and Andreas broke the circle.
Ari wound her arms around his neck and tried to say thank you, tell him how much this meant to her, but emotion choked her voice. She just clung to him.
He stood, dragging her up with him, and grinned over her head at Zylla. “I guess it worked.”
Zylla cackled. “So it would seem.”
* * *
Ari snuggled happily in Andreas’s arms later that night. An artificial fire crackled in the study fireplace. The heat it produced was real, and Ari was sleepily content. She was tempted to doze off, but she still needed to tell Andreas exactly what had happened in Italy.
She laid a hand on her stomach. He must have all kinds of questions. Why hadn’t he asked? Was he as comfortable with this situation as he seemed? Was he hiding his feelings, the trust between them damaged forever? Did he have doubts about her?
She sat up on the couch and touched his cheek. “About Italy…”
He opened his eyes and captured her hand in his. “There is no hurry. Eventually I want to hear everything, especially about Fredrico. I have forgotten much about him.”
“I liked him, and I want to tell you about all the other people I met and places I saw.” She searched his face, trying to read his thoughts. “But I have to explain about the baby.”
“Explain?” He sounded puzzled. “What is there to explain? I know where babies come from. Are you feeling guilty about something?”
She swallowed. “I don’t know. Should I?”
He chuckled then, pulling her head against his chest. “I admit I struggled a little with the concept while you were gone. Then I realized I was jealous of myself. Which was absurd. So I sat down and did my best to recall everything that happened back then, everything about Abigail.”
His breath was soft against her hair as he continued to talk. “I remember long walks in the garden, a drive through the countryside. Did we go on a picnic?”
She moved her chin up and down against his chest.
“I thought so.” He tightened his arms around her. “But mostly I remember getting caught in the rain.” His hand fell to caress her belly. “That is the moment our child was conceived, is it not?”
“Yes.” Ari caught her breath at the mixture of pleasure and hunger in his voice.
“I do not remember every touch, every caress of that afternoon, but fortunately we can make new memories. It must have gone something like this…” He tilted her head up and kissed her, exploring her lips, her mouth.
She arched her neck to nibble on his ear, and his hands continued to explore.
“Which side of me do you prefer?” he whispered, running his lips along her throat. “The man or the vampire?”
“I am so not going there.” She laughed and kissed the corner of his mouth. Her fingers tugged at his shirt. “There is no choice, no sides. Just one delectable package…and I’m keeping it all.”
~ About the Author ~
Ally Shields was born and raised in the Midwest, along the Mississippi River, and considers herself a “river rat.” The setting and folklore of that area are often incorporated into her urban fantasy series. After a career in law and juvenile justice, she turned to full-time writing in 2009.
Discover more about Ally Shields here
Website: http://allyshields.com
Blog: http://allyshields.com/blog.html
Twitter: http://twitter.com/ShieldsAlly
Facebook: http://facebook.com/AllyShieldsAuthor
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6527209.Ally_Shields
http://plus.google.com/u/0/100652807699295011703/posts
~ Also by Ally Shields ~
Cross Keys
An Elvenrude Novel
Ally Shields
Conspiracy, murder, and magic…and the death of all they hold dear.
When the first wanderer—a common elf who isn’t authorized to use the portal—is spotted on the streets of New Orleans, the king assigns Kameo Ryndel to assist in the elf’s capture. But before she can intervene, humans with guns shoot the wanderer and steal his body. When Seth Lormarc, an Elite elf from a rival guild, appears at the scene, Kam suspects he is involved.
Seth Lormarc is in New Orleans to find out who was behind the portal breach, and his best lead is the intriguing Kam Ryndel. When he stakes out her apartment and finds her sneaking out in the middle of the night, dressed in black and leaping to the top of the nearest building, he knows there’s something unique about the beautiful elf. That kind of feat requires magic. Ancient magic.
As their paths cross during their investigations, they develop an irresistible attraction, although there’s little time for romance. The portal breach is tied to an illegal smuggling operation that has come to the attention of the human CIA. But the stakes are raised when Kam and Seth discover a band of conspirators and a rebellion deep in Elvenrude that promises nothing except destruction of their world.
The Guardian Witch series
Awakening the Fire
Guardian Witch Book One
Ally Shields
Arianna Calin has sworn to keep the peace in Riverdale. Most of the Otherworlders prefer to haunt the Olde Town district--partying at vampire strip clubs, din
ing in elegant supper clubs, and inhabiting the cliffside caverns along the Mississippi. Being a cop is a tough job, but someone's gotta do it, and Ari's got her derringer, a sharp stiletto, and a few handy charms against things that hunt in the night. She's also a fire witch--a pedigree that comes in handy, since her partner's only human.
When a virtual reality drug hits the streets, people start to die, and an elusive pack of werewolves threatens the status quo. Ari and Ryan are drawn into a web of murder and evil that will lead sworn enemies to a confrontation. While the city simmers around them, Ari struggles to prevent an all-out supernatural war...
Fire Within
Guardian Witch Book Two
Ally Shields
A hidden evil stalks the city…
Ari Calin refuses to believe her human friend Eddie murdered a vampire—in spite of his confession. Her human partner Ryan thinks the case is a slam dunk, even though there’s no weapon and no witnesses, but Ari’s not about to let her friend take the rap without finding out more.
When Ari attends a charity event on the arm of a handsome werewolf, she finds someone she never expected to see again—Andreas De Luca, the charismatic vampire she used to date. When their eyes meet across the room, memories come rushing back. His kiss, his touch, a savage death…and a terrifying magical bond. A reconnection is the last thing she wants. Only by staying away and forgetting Andreas can she hope to avoid the Legend of Ramora.
But when vampires keep dying, one thing becomes clear: Riverdale has a serial killer on its hands, and Andreas could be next. Ari begins to fear there’s more to it, though. Something truly evil is stalking the city, waiting to take control…
Burning Both Ends
Guardian Witch Book Three
Ally Shields
Friend or lover. Life or death…
Supernatural cop Ari Calin arrives at the hostile Toronto vampire court with an ultimatum from the Riverdale vampires: Sebastian, Toronto’s vampire prince, must stop his unprovoked attacks—or else. Ari wasn’t expecting a fight—the “or else” was typical vampire grandstanding. But even with vampire Andreas De Luca by her side for a show of strength, things get ugly fast. Toronto’s vampire world is in crisis, and surrounded by enemies, Ari and Andreas find themselves under attack.
That’s when Ari gets the call from the Magic Council ordering her home. Steffan, a good friend and leader of Riverdale's werewolves, has gone missing during top secret negotiations with the US government, and is believed to have been kidnapped—or killed.
Andreas can't abandon the Toronto vampires, and Ari can’t leave him to face impossible odds alone. But neither can she disobey her orders from the Council, or leave her friend Steffan to be tortured and killed. Ari's loyalties pull her in two directions—the closest thing to love she’s ever known on one side, and friendship and duty on the other. If she can stay alive long enough for the choice to matter…
Blood and Fire
Guardian Witch Book Four
Ally Shields
A dead body, black magic, and a vampire enforcer...
Ari thought her biggest problem was deciding if she should move in with her vampire boyfriend, Andreas. That was before they found the dead body at the bottom of the Riverdale cliffs. And before she realized he'd been cursed by black magic.
Just as she begins the murder investigation, the vampire rulers in Europe send an enforcer to make inquiries into the recent defeat of the Toronto vampire prince. While Andreas has taken responsibility for the brutal dictator’s death, there is much about the incident that he and Ari must keep to themselves—secrets the vampire elders would stop at nothing to learn.
With threats of retaliation hanging over their heads, Ari moves into Andreas’s Victorian mansion—for safety’s sake—while the enforcer begins a campaign of terror. Ari is caught between competing dangers and challenges: black magic, a ghost, a missing Native American artifact…not to mention a new roommate…all while trying to stay alive…
Fire Storm
Guardian Witch Book Five
Ally Shields
Sometimes you just need to stay alive to fight another day.
Six months ago Ari moved in with the vampire prince Andreas. They defied the vampire elders in Europe, killed their enforcer, and have waited for retaliation that never came.
Until now.
On a trip to Italy, Andreas is captured by the vampire rulers, the notorious O-Seven, and taken in chains to their stronghold in Germany. Ari goes after him, even though it’s against the orders of her Magic Council. She is fired for her actions, losing her special Guardian powers at a time she needs them most.
But the vampire rulers are not through with her or with those who attempt to help her. They launch attacks in Europe and at home in Riverdale. Ari is forced to fight them on several fronts, and victory grows increasingly uncertain.
Her last chance to rescue Andreas is a daring plan that places her in the hands of the O-Seven and relies on untested witch magic, the final hope for their survival.
More Fantasy from Etopia Press
Black Widow Witch
A.J. Locke
A deadly curse, a dangerous assassin, and one shot to save everyone she loves…
Malachi Erami can’t fall in love. After she’s caught with Knave, the witch Queen’s favorite lover, she’s cursed to savagely butcher any man she falls for. Exiled to live among humans, Malachi runs a bar that serves magic-laced drinks, but since her curse labels her high risk, she’s also closely monitored. Julian Vira is her latest babysitter, but he’s also the first man since Knave that she’s been attracted to. Good-looking and nonjudgmental of her horrible curse? Yeah, he’s hard to resist.
But when Malachi finds a body behind her bar, she knows she’s in trouble. If the Witches Control Council gets wind of it, she’ll be accused of murder and sent to her death. And when her friends start getting framed for murder, she realizes she’s not the only target. Malachi and Julian dig into the evidence to clear her name, but the closer they get to answers, the closer the curse comes to taking over. So when Malachi uncovers a plot to kill the witch Queen, she finds herself suddenly recruited into service, with the promise of having her curse lifted and a reunion with Knave as well. But if she fails, Knave will die. And she and Julian might not live long enough to see that happen.
Living Dead Girl
Nessie Strange
Jen MacLellan has hit a dead end…
Jen knows tattooed, blue-haired Jack Norris is trouble the minute he opens his front door. And being a mortician in the avante garde East Side of Providence, Jen has seen a lot. Jack has recruited Jen’s teenage brother Drew to play drums for his less-than-respectable punk band, and Jen has no choice but to follow their gigs to keep her little brother out of trouble. But when Drew goes missing, she finds herself in the awkward position of asking for Jack’s help. Shocked that he agrees, Jen decides she may have misjudged him. Worse, she might even like him.
But when Jen is brutally attacked, she awakens in the hospital where a Sid Vicious look-alike greets her with the news: she’s dead, and he’s the reaper assigned to take her away. Yeah, not so much. Refusing to leave, Jen’s spirit watches helplessly as her loved ones suffer, powerless to ease her family’s grief or prevent the police from accusing Jack of her murder. Desperate to help them, Jen convinces the reaper to bring her back. But reanimating corpses isn’t as easy as it looks, and neither is finding a killer before it’s too late…
Dark Ride Dogs
Search and Destroy Book One
Keith Melton
Death prophecies, ghost clowns, homicidal redcaps…this town has really gone to the dogs.
Zero Dog mercenary Andrea Walker used to love fortune cookies—until the day she received a death prophecy inside one. Of course, believing a mass produced fortune from a baked good would be insane—until a berserker shows up on her doorstep claiming he’s been sent by an infamous oracle to save her life. She must hire him or die.
Hell
really breaks loose when the Zero Dogs are contracted to stop a ghost-summoning goblin’s plan to bring his Eternal Malevolence Carnival and Incredible Show of Evil to Portland, starring a company of ghost performers—clowns, acrobats, and nefarious balloon-twisting mimes. Meanwhile, Andrea’s normally shy succubus friend seems to be falling for the mysterious berserker. Too bad a malfunctioning charm spell has the redcap goblin yearning for her as well.
Now Andrea must elude a death prophecy, discover if her new-hire berserker can be trusted, and avert the looming ghost clown apocalypse. Just another mad mission for the Zero Dogs.
The Necro-Files
$7.50/Hr + Curses
C. L. Bledsoe
Ever wonder what happens after the hero kills the monster?
Daisy Janney just wanted to go to college next year like everybody else—get out of her mom’s house, go to some parties, maybe meet some cute guys. But when she finds out she has to pay for it herself, she has no choice but to get a job. Too bad no one wants her, not even the burger joint. Way to feel like a total loser.
Desperate, she takes the only job she can find—at Calvert Funeral Home. Putting makeup on dead people might not be glamorous, but at least dead people don’t complain. Too bad no one told her they wouldn’t always stay dead. Or that they weren’t always people.
One salt-covered, burnt witch later, Daisy finds herself the recipient of an evil curse. She’s got two weeks to figure out how to break it before she’s scheduled for dismemberment by an angry demon. And she hasn’t even gotten her first paycheck yet. She turns to an old boyfriend for help, but with finals coming up, and some weird guy stalking her who looks like Johnny Cash, she’s not sure there’s enough help on the planet for her kind of trouble…