Running in Fear: New Beginnings Jubilee (17 page)

Lissa glanced at her best friends, then at her men. Tonight had been amazing, a night she would always remember, but it wasn’t over. One minute they were standing in the middle of their new play club, and the next they were all standing in front of a much decorated island. People ohhed and awed when they appeared, clapping and shouting.

Lights, tinsel, and ornaments covered the trees. People she never met stood all around and waited. The crowd separated and the Goddesses Empusa and Gaia, along with Queen Isabell stepped up onto the small platform in front of the trees.

Gaia stepped forward and a hush fell over the crowd. “Jaycee, Lissa and Suzanne, today is a special day for all. Today, your men have asked to make this your wedding night. Aurora and her mates have allowed all of us to come to perform this ceremony and we gracefully thank them, because all of you have become an important part of our lives.” She sighed and turned towards Jaycee.

“You are my daughter, first and foremost. Here you will be protected, cherished and loved. Remi, Dane and Mark, do you promise to love, cherish and protect Jaycee?”

Remi took Jaycee’s hand and slipped on a large Ruby and diamond ring. “We promise to love, cherish, and protect her even if it means an occasional spanking.” The crowd behind them laughed and Jaycee kicked Remi in the shin, her face turning red.

Gaia laughed as did the crowd. Four red shooting stars moved across the night air, every one pointed and watched as they disappeared from sight. “Aurora and her mates approve, you four are all now married. The first group married on this planet. You may kiss your men.”

Remi bent Jaycee backward and kissed her hard. When he was finished, he lifted her up and stepped aside for Dane, then Mark. They turned as Goddess Empusa replaced Gaia at the front of the stage.

Dominic pulled Suzanne up close to the stage. Blair, Archer and Granger surrounded her on bended knee. “Suzanne, my daughter, your courage amazes me, your heart is large and filled with love for everyone in your life, but only your men put that special smile on your face.” Goddess Empusa turned to Dominic.

“Dominic, you have served me well and I expect you to do the same to your love, my daughter Suzanne. You will give her the respect you give me, you and your mates will honor her, and love her even when she can make you furious. Do you take this woman as your wife, lover, and your queen?”

At the same time all of them said yes. Dominic stood, grabbing both of her hands. “I know this isn’t the wedding of your childhood dreams, but I promise now to pay attention and I will fulfill every dream of yours that I can.” He slipped on an Emerald and opal wedding ring.

Goddess Empusa smiled and nodded. “Suzanne, you are now married. Make sure you keep your mens’ lives filled with love and spark.” Goddess Empusa nodded to the sky. Five green comets shot across the sky, murmurs and shouts filled the air. Dominic grabbed Suzanne and kissed her, not waiting for permission from the Goddess Empusa.

She laughed. “You are blessed by Aurora. Suzanne, be happy my daughter.”

Lissa shook when Nikola pulled her forward and Queen Isabel stepped where Goddess Empusa had been. Adonis, Castor and Pierre surrounded her, their feet braced apart, all of them holding ancient swords in front of them.

Nikola now wore a warrior’s garb, and medals and ribbons decorated his chest. “Lissa you are a warrior’s heart. Not only are you their heart, you have captured them and hold the fiercest man’s life in your hands. They would crumble and disappear if anything happened to you. In the old days, a warrior claimed his women with his sword in one hand and her in the other, daring anyone to take what was his. Tonight your men honor you, they hold their swords close to them, ready to take on any man, or beast, who would threaten to take you away.” Isabel floated on air and came down to her, hugging her.

“Your bravery and honesty has given me the courage to step down. I know I’m leaving my people in good hands with you and your mates.” She turned and took Nikola’s hand and placed her hand in his.

“I, Queen Isabel, as the last act of my reign, join my best warrior to this woman.” She moved to Nikola’s other side and took Adonis’ hand, placing it on Nikola’s other hand which held the sword. Around the circle she went, placing Pierre’s hand on Adonis’, Castors’s on Pierre’s. Until she took Lissa’s other hand and placed it on Castor’s sword.

She moved to stand before Nikola and Lissa again, and placed her hand on each of their shoulders. “With the magic that I was born with, I now announce this family bonded for life. Only death will separate them and even then will they be joined.”

Lissa sucked in her breath, magic swirled around and through her. She glanced down as Nikola took a large teardrop-shaped Chocolate diamond ring from Isabel and slipped it on her finger. “This ring was my grandmother’s and now it is yours. I claim you Lissa as mine.” Nikola turned and took Adonis’s hand and placed a gold band on his ring finger. “I claim you Adonis as mine.” Nikola did the same to Pierre and Castor then lifted up his sword to the heavens.

“We promise you Lissa that no one will get past us to hurt you ever again. You are our wife, our queen and our lover.” Nikola smiled as he lowered his sword, 5 brown stars twinkled bright above them. “You’re also soon to be our love slave.” He yanked her into his arms dipping her down. “Wait, till tonight, my love.” He kissed the each side of her mouth, teasing her until she yanked on his long hair.

“Nikola, kiss me now!” she demanded and saw the heat twinkle in his eyes as his lips covered hers. His tongue dueled with hers, conquering it as he did her. Breaking the kiss, he lifted her up. “Ten lashes with the new flogger I got you, my love.”

The crowd roared with laughter, and shouted, as fireworks lit the sky celebrating their weddings and Christmas.

After each of her men promised to heat her backside and kiss her, Lissa was surrounded instantly by her new family. She glanced over at Jaycee and Suzanne as they too were getting hugs and kisses.

Slowly Lissa made her way towards the middle of the woods with Suzanne and Jaycee following. Aurora waited for all three of them. She now took human shape even though you could see right through her. Five males surrounded her as she moved forward, touching each of their faces. “We have never met or seen anyone as strong as the three of you. For our wedding gift to you, we are allowing one day a year, on your anniversary, you will be allowed to visit wherever you would like, Earth or any other planets. We have also granted your goddesses access to visit you. They will not have any powers here except to visit.” Aurora moved back to her men and glanced up at the sky.

“Rest well, because soon we all will be tested.” Aurora and her men disappeared, leaving her stunned.

“Why do I all of a sudden feel as if we are going to be in the middle of something big soon?” Lissa faced Jaycee and Suzanne watching as their men surrounded them.

“You know?” She held Nikola’s gaze and nodded.

“But tonight on January fifth, 2020 we forget and celebrate. Tomorrow we plan and prepare.” Nikola held out his hand. “Come, I want to dance with the bride.”

Placing her hand, and her heart, into his care, Lissa followed her men as did the other two women. Bound and determined to make this night a memory that would last a life time.

Enjoy the recipes of our cook Cecil. May you and your family have a bright new year from all of us.

Lissa, Jaycee, and Suzanne

Cecil’s Caramel Nut Sticky Rolls

6 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup sugar

2 teaspoons salt

2 packages dry yeast

1 cup water

1 cup milk

1/2 cup butter

1 egg

1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar

1/2 cup butter – softened

2 tablespoons light corn syrup

1/4 cup chopped nuts

2 tablespoons butter – softened

1/4 cup sugar

1 teaspoon cinnamon

Basic Sweet Dough

In a large bowl, combine 2 cups flour, sugar, salt, yeast; blend well. In small saucepan, heat water, milk and margarine until very warm (120 to 130 degrees Fahrenheit). Add warm liquid and egg to flour mixture. Blend at low speed until moistened; beat 3 minutes at medium speed. By hand, stir in an additional 3 cups flour until dough pulls cleanly away from sides of bowl.

On floured surface, knead in 1 to 2 cups flour until dough is smooth and elastic, about 8 to 10 minutes. Place dough in a greased bowl; cover loosely with plastic wrap and cloth towel. Let rise in warm place (80 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit) until light and doubled in size, about 46 to 60 minutes.

Punch down several times to remove all air bubbles.

To make dough a day ahead, after first rise time, punch down dough, cover and refrigerate dough overnight. Shape dough and let rise as directed below. Cut dough in half. Freeze or make something else with one half.

Caramel Nut Sticky Rolls

Generously grease 13x9-inch pan. In small bowl, combine, brown sugar, 1/2 cup margarine and corn syrup; blend well. Drop mixture by spoonfuls into greased pan, spread evenly. Sprinkle with nuts. On lightly floured surface, roll out dough into 18x12-inch rectangle. Spread with 2 tablespoons margarine. In another small bowl, combine sugar and cinnamon; blend well. Sprinkle over dough. Starting with 18-inch side, roll up tightly, pressing edges to seal. Cut into 18 slices; place cut side down in greased pan. Cover; let rise in warm place (80 to 85 degrees F.). Until light and doubled in size, about 35 to 45 minutes.

Heat oven to 375 degrees F. Uncover dough . Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until deep golden brown. Cool in pan 1 minute; invert onto wire rack. Serve warm.

Breakfast Casserole

Ingredients

1 pound sliced bacon, diced

1 medium sweet onion, chopped

6 eggs, lightly beaten

4 cups frozen shredded hash brown potatoes, thawed

2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese

1 1/2 cups small curd cottage cheese

1 1/4 cups shredded Swiss cheese

Directions

In a large skillet, cook bacon and onion until bacon is crisp; drain. In a bowl, combine the remaining ingredients; stir in bacon mixture. Transfer to a greased 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking dish.

Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees F for 35-40 minutes or until set and bubbly. Let stand for 10 minutes before cutting.

Peanut Butter Fudge (real easy)

Ingredients

1/2 cup butter

2 1/4 cups brown sugar

1/2 cup milk

3/4 cup peanut butter

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar

Directions

Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar and milk. Bring to a boil and boil for 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat. Stir in peanut butter and vanilla. Pour over confectioners’ sugar in a large mixing bowl. Beat until smooth; pour into an 8x8 inch dish. Chill until firm and cut into squares.

Cranberry Nut Bread

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup sugar

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 cup butter

1 egg

3/4 cup orange juice

1 tablespoon grated orange peel

1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Directions

In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and baking soda. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Beat egg, orange juice and peel; stir into dry ingredients just until blended. Add the cranberries and walnuts.

Spoon batter into a greased and floured 8-in. x 4-in. x 2-in. loaf pan. Bake at 350 degrees F for 65-70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool in pan 10 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.

Suzanne’s Hot Artichoke Dip

Ingredients

1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup mayonnaise

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup grated Romano cheese

1 clove garlic, peeled and minced

1/2 teaspoon dried basil

1/4 teaspoon garlic salt

salt and pepper to taste

1 (14 ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped

1/2 cup frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained

1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a small baking dish.

In a medium bowl, mix together cream cheese, mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, Romano cheese, garlic, basil, garlic salt, salt and pepper. Gently stir in artichoke hearts and spinach.

Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Top with mozzarella cheese. Bake in the preheated oven 25 minutes, until bubbly and lightly browned.

Marsha’s Pineapple Bread Pudding

Ingredients

10 slices white bread

3/4 cup butter or margarine, melted

5 eggs

1 (20 ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained

1/4 cup dried currants or raisins

1 cup sugar

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Whipped cream

Directions

Place bread on a baking sheet. Bake at 375 degrees F for 4 minutes; turn over and bake 4 minutes longer or until very light brown. Cut toasted bread into 1-in. cubes. Toss with melted butter; set aside. In a bowl, beat eggs until thick and lemon-colored. Add the pineapple, currants, sugar and vanilla; mix well. Fold in bread cubes.

Pour into a greased 2-1/2-qt. baking dish. Sprinkle with cinnamon. Cover and bake at 350 degrees F for 30-35 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown. Serve warm with whipped cream if desired.

Running in Fear: Escaped by Trinity Blacio

“Running in Fear: Escaped is a powerful and intense story that has thrills and some very hot, steamy scenes.”

--RomFan Reviews (4 stars)

Jaycee has been on the run since her sixteenth birthday. After growing up fast and depending on no one, how is she supposed to handle three male werewolves who claim to be her mates?

The men are all passionate, strong shifters, and they are determined to protect her, regardless of what she wants for herself. Together, all four try to find peace, as the most powerful alphas in the U.S., Remi, Dane and Mark, declare war on anyone who stands in their way of claiming their runaway mate.

In this sizzling werewolf menage story, love, lust and power take center stage in the struggle for ultimate survival.

Running in Fear: Ghost Warrior by Trinity Blacio

No matter what came her way, she’s always been a fighter. Yet, when Lissa learns she is mated to four men, she swears someone is out to get her!

Nikola, Castor, and brothers Adonis and Pierre all vowed to keep their mate safe, but Lissa has other ideas when their world is beset by dangerous magical enemies and violent zombies! As a vampire herself, she can hold her own- but with war coming ever closer, can Lissa and her mates build their relationship while they keep each other safe?

Fang Bangers edited by Lori Perkins

FANG BANGERS collects 14 hot stories of fanged and clawed love and lust - Vampires loving shape shifters, werewolves lusting for fairies and every creature imaginable with the girl next door!

It’s a collection of the ultimate taboos!

Erotic super star Cecilia Tan gives us some Vampire BDSM, New York Times best-selling author Lois Gresh gives us a clawed creature of unique proportions and propensities, and Gina McQueen (New York Times best-selling author John Skipp in drag) shows us some new werewolf tricks.

Night’s Fall by Angela Cameron

Cool breath caressed my skin. “I don’t want to do this without your permission, but I need your blood.” Stubble scratched across my jaw as his head moved down to my neck. “You smell delicious.”

In that moment, I would’ve given him anything if he would just ask again in that voice...

Gabrielle Pearce lost her husband. Her baby. And her life. Being abducted and thrown into a room in a dilapidated plantation home with a darkly seductive vampire could be the start of the life-and the storybook romance-she’s been missing.

What do you when you’ve lost it all and true love could cost you your life? A dark, seductive, and suspenseful Southern romance you can sink your teeth into!

Revenge and Redemption by Jennie Brumley

“The intensity of their passion is raw and beautiful with such an emotionally gripping story. YOU HAVE TO READ THIS BOOK!!!!!”

--Book Junkie (5 stars)

“Revenge and Redemption is an old premise with several interesting twists. Penny isn’t a stick model, but a real life woman with lots of curves.”

--Romance Book Scene (5 hearts)

How far will one man go to avenge his sister, his last remaining family?

Luke Hardcastle is a man on a mission. No one hurts his little sister and gets away with it. No matter how small the role she played might have been. Penny Royale helped her aunt destroy Luke’s sister, and now she will help him destroy her aunt...or he’ll destroy her instead.

How far will one woman go to protect her new found freedom, and her inexperienced heart?

Finally free of her domineering aunt, Penny Royale knows peace of mind for the first time. And she’ll do anything to protect that peace. Even submit to blackmail. But when being blackmailed means pretending to be the mistress of the tall, dark and wickedly handsome Luke Hardcastle, the man she’s loved from afar for so long, how will she ever survive when his thirst for vengeance is satisfied...and he no longer needs her?

Mercury Rising: The Gods at Sea by Daisy Harris

Take a sexy romp with the gods in this hilarious and hot ménage!

Over-extended - and closeted - charmer Mercury the Messenger struggles to accommodate all the factions of the Deities International Conference and Kibbitz. However, his skills at diplomacy stretch to the limit when the object of a chance tryst turns out to be his assistant, and his arranged fiancée arrives at the scene.

Dillon Rodriquez, Mercury’s executive aide and a soon-to-be MBA student, refuses to be the closeted god’s side-dish. But when an accident at the conference strands the god in the human world, Dillon agrees to act as his guide.

Traveling from San Diego down the Baha Coast to Cabo, Mercury experiences a side of life he never imagined, and he learns that if he wants to earn the love of the one man who matters, he has to stop trying to please everyone else.

Warning: contains male-male loving, male-female loving, male-male-female loving, male-male-male...well, you get the idea!