Blessed (40 page)

“Don't forget romancing a few of those delicious Brazilian lasses.” He chuckled then made a harsh grunt. In the background, Sean could hear Mary, Kell's wife, giving him an earful of what would happen to him if he so much as bumped into one of those women.

“Tell Mary I'll keep you out of trouble.” Sean laughed. “So, in addition to all that, I also have to find a woman who is 'the first flower of spring' and save her from some Brazilian destruction god who likes to whip young men until the blood flows.”

“First flower of spring. Sounds like Maponus' usual vague description. Doesn't seem too bad, except for the demon with a whip part.” Kell sighed tiredly. “Well, my friend, I suggest you get some sleep. Regardless of what our god has in store for you, we still have a twelve-hour flight from Dublin to Rio this afternoon.”

“I know, I know. Thank you, Kell. Give Mary a kiss for me.”

Sean tossed the phone onto his computer chair then strode over to the floor-to-ceiling dark walnut shelves that dominated the north wall. It was filled with all kinds of books, from dog-eared paperbacks to enormous leather-bound volumes. Reaching up, he pulled down a four-foot black metal case from the top shelf with a soft grunt. After setting it down on a small table next to his reading chair, he briefly ran his fingertips over the scrollwork on the case, memories of wielding this sword countless times spilling through his head in a riot of blood and screams. Whistling a complicated tune, he removed the protection spell from around the case and flipped it open.

Inside, a long and beautifully crafted sword shone on its bed of dark green velvet. A simple silver ring pommel adorned the blade, and the guard was a sinuous curve of gleaming metal. The sword itself was long and razor-sharp, with runes and music notes etched into its length. It was a work of art by one of the greatest bladesmiths that Ireland had ever produced, handed down through six generations of Maponus’ Chosen and, by some twist of fate, ending up in his care.

Sean stood there for a long time, memories of haphazardly swinging this sword as a green youth playing out in his mind. How eager he had been when the Celtic god of Music had picked him as his Chosen Hand on Earth. Maponus had gifted Sean with the ability to enhance his music into magic. Sean could bring joy to any heart with a simple melody or heal a wounded body and spirit with a song. He could also break bones, rend flesh, and destroy souls with his music, but he preferred to use it for positive actions.

What he wasn't prepared for were the responsibilities that came with such power. At first, all he’d wanted to do was become a famous musician, have an endless supply of willing women, and travel the world using his god's gift. Instead, he’d found himself drawn into dangerous battles with the Forces of Destruction and protecting the innocent. Oh, the fame and women had come, and the world travel, but his greatest satisfaction came from his secret work as a chosen warrior of the gods of Creation.

Stripping off his shirt, he ran his hands over the large and intricate tattoo covering his muscled back, a series of Celtic knots that looked, at first, like a random design. Magic tingled against his palms as he rubbed a lump tightening up his left shoulder and the tense muscle slowly eased beneath his fingertips. Unlike regular tattoos, the intricate design on his back was slightly raised so it felt more like a carving etched into his skin than simply ink beneath the surface. At first the pattern appeared to be nothing more than a massive, intricate series of Celtic knots and magical symbols. It was only after following the path of the twisting lines, and looking at the bigger picture, that it became apparent the design was a series of music notes. The markings had appeared after he completed the full transition from mortal to Chosen, a warning to his enemies that he was under the protection of a powerful god.

Sean took the sword out of its bed of green velvet and held it before him, turning the blade in the dim morning light. Well cared for, the fine edge could cut through metal and bone like warm butter. Every time he put the sword back into its case and on the shelf, he hoped that maybe that would be the last time he would need to wield it, that just maybe he’d earned the right to a moment of peace in his life, a time when he wouldn’t be responsible for saving the world and could instead focus on finding a woman strong enough to survive being the beloved of a Chosen. He was so tired of being alone.

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From USA Today Bestselling Author, Carrie Ann Ryan’s Redwood Pack series

Hidden Destiny

North Jamenson has always held his wolf closer to the surface then others. He’s the quiet one, the one no one really knows about yet he holds the darkest secret. He’s watched his brothers find their mates and start families, and now it was his turn. He knows Lexi could be his and her son could be part of his family, but he doesn’t know if he’s ready to share the darkness that’s entwined with his soul.

Lexi Anderson is a mother, a sister, a latent wolf, and a new member of the Redwood Pack. She’s also holding secrets so close to her heart she’s not even sure she knows the truth anymore. When North takes another step closer to wanting to cement their bond, Lexi must come to grips with her past and what it means for her future. The Centrals’ war isn’t over yet and Lexi’s life is on the line as the paths they’ve chosen takes a drastic turn.

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From Rebecca Royce’s The Capes Series

Adrenaline Rush

Ace Hudson has worked for his brother, Draco, at Powers, Inc. since it opened. Spending his days trying to balance his job with taking care of his teenage brother, Lael, he uses his nights to overcome the overabundance of adrenaline in his body that makes him lose control. He also happens to have a secret crush on a celebrity chef who makes home-cooked meals look sexier than they have a right to be.

Alice Styles runs an empire based on her ability to make people want to eat what she cooks. When she’s nearly killed on live television in a situation straight out of one of her childhood nightmares, she reluctantly asks Ace Hudson to help keep her safe.

Starting out with instant dislike and finding their way to mutual pleasure, Ace and Alice do not have an easy path to love. But their egos and personal barriers are nothing compared to the looming threat just waiting for a moment to possess Alice.

This title has been previously published and has been re-edited for your enjoyment.