Crimson Kisses: A Zodiac Shifters Paranormal Romance Anthology

Crimson Kisses: Valentine’s Day Edition

A Zodiac Shifters Paranormal Romance Anthology

Crystal Dawn Dominique Eastwick C. D. Gorri Laura Greenwood P. T. Macias McKayla Schutt Melissa Thomas Zodiac Shifters

Copyright © 2019 The Bonded by Melissa Thomas

Copyright © 2019 A Dragon’s Heart by Dominique Eastwick

Copyright © 2019 Love’s Magic by Crystal Dawn

Copyright © 2019 My Dragon’s Love by P.T. Macias

Copyright © 2019 Tara’s Unexpected Mates by McKayla Schutt

Copyright © 2019 Priestess of Truth by Laura Greenwood

Copyright © 2019 Star Kissed by C.D. Gorri

Cover design by Ravenborn Covers

Nordic Lights Press

P.O. Box 1347

Pleasanton, CA 94566

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.

The author respects trademarks and copyrighted material mentioned in this book by introducing such registered items in italics or with proper capitalization.

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.

Contents

Ace of Quills

Book Description

Crystal Dawn

Love’s Magic

The Tarot Reading

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

About Crystal Dawn

Melissa Thomas

The Bonded

Acknowledgments

Book Description

The Carnival

Strength & Justice

Eight of Swords & The Devil

Temperance

The Moon & Knight of Swords

The Lovers

Bonus Chapter ~ Ram Rugged

About Melissa Thomas

Also by Melissa

Dominique Eastwick

A Dragon’s Heart

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

About Dominique Eastwick

Also By Dominique Eastwick

Laura Greenwood

Priestess of Truth

Book Description

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Epilogue

McKayla Schutt

Tara’s Unexpected Mates

Book Description

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

About the Author

C.D. Gorri

Star Kissed

Acknowledgments

Introduction

Book Description

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Epilogue

About the Author

Also by C.D. Gorri

P.T. Macias

My Dragon’s Love

Acknowledgments

Book Description

The Tarot Reading

My Dragon’s Love

About P.T. Macias

Also by P.T. Macias

Acknowledgments

Afterword

For our readers

Ace of Quills

The tarot readings for these stories were provided by Cara Wylde, paranormal romance author and tarot reader on the side. You can check out her books on the official author website: https://carawylde.com/. If you want to learn more about tarot, then check out Ace of Quills (https://aceofquills.com/), where she writes about witchy things and reads the cards.

Book Description

A shifter’s mate is in the stars… but sometimes that rugged alpha hero or sassy heroine is destined to discover that true love is in the cards.

Crimson 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: Crimson Kisses is all about the sexy Zodiac Shifters who rendezvous for a sexy Valentine’s Day tryst. And it's our gift to you...

Love’s Magic

A Zodiac Shifters Short Story: Aries

Crystal Dawn

Love’s Magic

A Zodiac Shifter Short Story

By Crystal Dawn

@ Copyright 2019 Crystal Dawn

Editor Eagle Editing

This book is a work of fiction. All contents, including names, places, and events are the product of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to persons, living or deceased, or to businesses, locations or events are completely coincidental.

None of this work may be used, reproduced, exchanged or transmitted by anyone, except the person the book was purchased for. Any reproductions of this book in any part or any form must be done with the express written permission of the author or not at all.

Special thanks to Cara Wylde for helping with the Tarot Reading.

Created with Vellum Created with Vellum

The Tarot Reading

If you were born between March 21 st- April 19 th you would be an Aries.

This is a fire sign. Their color is red. Ruled by Mars, Aries are fiercely independent. Most are ambitious, but extremely impatient.

They are known to be aloof and uncompromising. Also they can be temperamental and avoid expressing emotions. Sometimes they can be energetic and even eccentric while at others they can be quiet and even shy. Regardless of how they behave, they are deeply intellectual and incredible problem solvers.

Diamond is their lucky gem. Could this have had something to do with naming sweet Diamond, Cam’s fated mate? Generally their best match is Sagittarius so what was fate thinking when it matched two Aries?

The motto for this sign is: When you know yourself, you're empowered. When you accept yourself, you're invincible. Will this prove true for Cam and Diamond?

Join the journey as two stubborn phoenix begin to find their way to the rest of their lives.

Prologue

They’d known each other since they were young and he’d thought they were friends before they matured and got interested in the opposite sex. Diamond was beautiful and he’d developed an interest in her as soon as she came of age. Did she resent the females he’d been with when she’d been too young to approach? He just didn’t know.

Cam had always wondered if Diamond was his fated mate. She’d discouraged this belief and at one time, he thought fated mates were too drawn to each other to stay away. Recently, he’s seen some fated mates that managed to do just that and he suspected Diamond had done just that. He can’t help but wonder why she would deny him.

He’d tried everything to get his fated mate to show an interest in him. Well, almost everything, he corrected. The word was a carnival was coming to town and there would be a fortune teller among other things that might make for a good first date. Once it was in town, he would go alone first to check things out. If it looked good, he would take Diamond there. He wouldn’t take no for an answer.

His plan was made and he would pursue it. But what would he do if she still rejected him? At that point he might throw her over his shoulder and disappear with her until she accepted him. He was certain no one would blame him after all she’d put him through. Even the females sent him pitying glances.

Diamond was just too independent for her own good. She liked the life of a high powered executive and she realized early on that mating would interfere with her professional life. Cam had always said he wanted a mate who would stay home with the young. That just wasn’t her. He could find another female if that’s what he was looking for. It was hard and it hurt, but she refused to acknowledge the bond that could grow between them.

But didn’t she realize everyone needed someone? He could help her through the rough patches life sometimes dealt and give her anything she needed to make her happy. That’s what mates did for each other.

Chapter 1

The Carnival

He wasn’t sure why he felt so excited. It was just a carnival and he’d been to hundreds in his long life. Maybe it was the chance to get his fortune read and see where his relationship with Diamond was going? This could give him the advantage where before it had always been with her. Now he took a shower, put on his favorite dressy jeans and a nice button up shirt. His black ankle boots went well with them and he was ready to go.

It was almost like going on a date. Why he couldn’t say, but he actually whistled as he walked out the door. There was Diamond heading out of her room too. "Going on a date?’ She asked.

Dare he hope he heard a bit of jealousy? A male could have wishes, couldn’t he? No, just out on the town.

She snorted like she didn’t believe him. He could see how it might be hard to believe especially since he was going alone. If it looks safe, you can come with me tomorrow night. He offered.

I might take you up on that. He knew all the females were bored out of their minds since they were practically under house arrest. Even with their artifacts which Diamond also had, the males refused to let them go out except on missions with a group.

Was it unfair? Yes, but necessary. Females had been singled out and successfully taken. Those had been gotten back, but only because luck had been with them. They didn’t even seem to want to try to get males. Children were also a target. That was why parents were being replaced and sent back home. Not only in the leadership, but among those others wishing to leave if they had children. The cowardly enemy only preyed on those they decided were weaker than they were.

There were no elderly or ill among their group except for locals. Those had also been offered a chance to leave but most refused. Some would not live long and wanted to be among their families with the little time they had left. Yes, most of those were humans. Some lived among their group and knew of other kinds. A few were even helpful having information or insight that helped them with the fight.

As he flashed as near as possible without risking being seen, he noticed it was a cool evening. The lights of the carnival were easily seen from where he stood. He could make out the rides with many colored lights on them. Animals were penned nearby, possibly a petting zoo or pony rides. How could they possibly make money in such a poor area?

That wasn’t his concern he was just curious. He could hear those at booths yelling at those who walked by. Win your lady a prize! One male yelled. Depending on how his reading went, he might give that a try. There was a fun house but he would save that for tomorrow night. He saw the fortune teller’s tent. Yes, this was exactly what he had come here for. A shiver ran up his spine.

A blast of wind hit him as he entered the tent and saw her sitting there as if she was waiting for him. The female was beautiful, but held no appeal for him. Her hair was red as fire, her eyes green as emeralds and she smiled at him with teeth white as snow.

So you’ve come to me to find your future, have you? She asked her voice heavy with an accent he couldn’t place. The female motioned to a seat across from her as she laid down the cards that would help him get his mate or possibly convince him the chase was useless.

You have female troubles? What a shame for such an attractive and strong male. She said her voice a purr. We’ll get you on the right track in no time.

She looked at the cards as she turned them over. This is interesting. I feel like you already know who this woman is, and all you need is the confirmation that she knows that you are meant to be together, too. Well, here is your answer.

The tarot reader points at the Six of Cups and the Lovers. The Six of Cups tells me you've known each other for a long time, and the Lovers speaks of your karmic, soul mate connection. She is fighting it, though.

Another card gets turned over. "The Emperor shows me that her sign might be Aries. Just like yours. This woman is strong, independent, and confident in her leadership skills. She likes to be in control, likes to have things done her way, and she wants to be recognized and appreciated for her work and dedication. The Emperor is a powerful, stubborn card. Seeing how this card can also describe you, you can already see why she's hesitating when it comes to pursuing a relationship with you. The Queen of Swords reversed represents her current energy. Even though she is this amazing woman who can move mountains, when it comes to love, she tends to get confused by her own feelings and by what her attraction and lust for you might mean to her career.

The tarot reader points at the Eight of Pentacles and the Two of Pentacles. "Because, you see, she's been working hard to build something, and she's afraid that if she allows herself to give in to what she feels for you, she won't have enough energy left for her dreams and goals. For so long, she has preferred to ignore the deep connection she shares with you because she was afraid that she would lose control over her emotions, her choices, and over everything she's worked so hard to create.

In its reversed position, the Queen of Swords indicates that she's going through a period when she isn't clear about what she needs anymore. She wants to have her career, but she also wants a partner in her life, and the problem is that she believes these two desires are not compatible. That they are opposed, and she can't have both because she won't be able to juggle them. In this situation, what you can do is to step into your own Emperor power, act like the Aries that you are, and support her. Reassure her that she's not losing anything, that she's not giving up control, and that she can relax and let things flow. Because she's a strong character and she knows that you're just like her, she's afraid that once she allows you into her life, you might stop her from making her own decisions. She's worked hard for what she has now, and the depth of her own feelings for you seem like a threat to her.

The Lovers also shows that all this soul mate connection needs is a choice, and this choice needs to be made in alignment with what you both desire most. Choose to support her and reassure her every step of the way, and she will choose you once she sees that you're not a threat to her career. Does this answer your question?"

It does, I thank you. What do I owe you?

The mysterious female laughed. This one is free. It was a delight to do. I wish you luck and remember, Fate is on your side. There was a puff of smoke and a flash of light and she was gone.

Impressive. He muttered as he turned and left.

Now he had a lot to think about. She had known all along they should be together. Was he angry? No, but he was a little hurt. Maybe the time apart had given him experience he might not have otherwise. Not so much his love life, although he did hope that might help him understand how to handle his mate. No, he meant the travels and the work he’d done in his career. Maybe what he had learned was things he might not otherwise have gotten to do or see.

He wanted to feel that way otherwise all those years they’d been apart would just hurt. Some good must have come from them. That’s the way he wanted to believe and he would. Now he needed to decide how to deal with his errant mate. Once he was back at HQ, he went to the dining room. It was still early and supper was being served.

It was odd that the females all seemed to glare at him except for Diamond who grinned. That answered his question. She’d told the others he’d gone to the carnival. Naturally they resented that they couldn’t go. His mate was so not being nice.

Maybe I shouldn’t go tomorrow as intended. He whispered.

Too late, you already offered. She returned.

I don’t remember it being a sure thing.

Males never remember anything that isn’t convenient.

Not true. I find females or at least a certain one I know can be that way too. You know we are fated mates, yet you ignore it to your convenience. He said. Her face turned pink and she looked lovely.

I know no such thing. She argued. He snorted and all eyes turned to him and the room got quiet.

He went back to eating until everyone else finally did the same. Diamond shot him looks from time to time. Right now he was ignoring her because he didn’t want this discussion to be public. Maybe she realized it and she kept quiet as well.

Once supper was over, he waited until they’d both dumped their trays. Come with me. We’ll discuss tomorrow night. He was sure she’d agree. They’d only been here a few days but she was ready to get out of here and reclaim a sense of freedom.

It wasn’t that he didn’t understand. He hated to be locked away also. But he was smart enough to understand when a target was on your back, you had to exercise caution. Those who didn’t in time of war, died. Now they were in his room. Diamond looked around nervously.

Why did we come here? There are other places that are private where we could talk. She observed.

This was closer and more convenient. Why argue now that you’re here? He asked smirking.

Fine. What did you want to discuss?

I’m still trying to decide if I should take you to the carnival or not. You’ve not been very nice to me.

Don’t take me then. See if I care.

I went to a tarot card reader. She told me you’ve always known we were fated mates.

You believe the cards now? She asked.

Diamond was a big believer in cards getting regular readings on matters of business. It had worked for her both in her job and her personal investments. He believed she had more money than anyone he knew. He’d done well in his personal choices where money was concerned, but she’d done better.

Why do you believe I would stop you from working? He asked.

Your beliefs about females have always been well known. She admitted.

My beliefs have changed as I matured. This happens to everyone with time. You should have asked me, I am willing to compromise. We can wait to have children or get a nanny and a housekeeper. You can still have your career. Our family would help us.

Both of us are top leaders. They don’t need both of us at the same location. She pointed out.

"I’m still running the US office. I have a good