Shifters, Beasts, and Monsters by J.E. Francis Ashe Audrey Grace Natalie Deschain Jessi Bond Giselle Renarde Skye Eagleday Savannah Reardon Virginia Wade Elixa Everett Linda Barlow Aya Fukunishi, Christie Sims M. Keep, Alara Branwen Page A

alight with a
multitude of colors—many shades of blue, green, red, yellow and purple.
There were huge chunks of crystal everywhere. The crystal light was magnified
by small oil lamps hanging at frequent intervals. The light from these
shimmered and shivered as it was reflected from one bright crystal surface to
the next.
    “Oh, my goodness, it’s beautiful! Where are we?”
    Under Mallochbirn Castle. He
lifted and deposited her into shallow, warm water. She found her footing and
walked out of the water to a beach of fine white sand. She started to squeeze
out her hair, which was loose and heavy with seawater.
    The sea dragon swam around in the pool, watching her.
She felt the heat of his gaze and sensed that he was holding himself back with
remarkable restraint. He wanted to do the things he had shown her. He could
barely stop himself from moving ahead with the entire program. You’re sexy
with your hair down.
    “Wouldn’t you find me more attractive with big teeth,
a tail, and tentacles?”
    No. Feel me. Down the
golden tunnel rolled an onslaught of his emotions—sweeping through her
like the wind. Most of all, the Hunger. It was more than a man’s lust—it
was a primal storm of need and desire. Like the light, it seemed to radiate
around the cavern, from crystal to crystal, infinitely magnified. You are
mine, Catriona Beaton. I want you, and I will have you. You are in my world
now, and you cannot escape your fate.
    Kate gasped, more shocked by this than by anything
that had happened on this strange, wondrous night. “How do you know my name? He
told you, didn’t he? Ross Malloch. Or am I dreaming this whole crazy thing? I
must be dreaming, but what a dream. I don’t think I want to wake up.
    Yes, it is a dream. For now, that’s all it is.
You will not remember this until I give you permission.
    Also, you will remain at Mallochbirn. You are mine.
You cannot leave. Now lie down in the sand. Lie down and go to sleep.
    His voice echoing through the crystal cavern made her
feel lightheaded, as if she had consumed too many glasses of champagne. The
sand felt warm and soft against her skin. The crystals danced with color. Her
eyelids grew heavy, and she knew no more.
     

 
    Chapter Six
     
    Kate dreamed she was lying naked on a sandy beach. The
sun sparkled on the waves. Palm fronds and other lush vegetation gave her
shelter from the tropical heat. A soft breeze scented with the aromas of bright
colored flowers, fruits and spices drifted over her skin. This, surely, was
Paradise.
    The noise from the sea did not startle or scare her.
Even as it grew, she remained calm and content. Lifting her head, she shaded
her eyes with her hand. Yes. He was coming. Her lover. A thrill ran through her
body and the tropical heat settled in between her thighs. She could feel the
petals of her sex swelling and moistening. He was coming for her at last.
    The sea was encroaching on her, too. Where before she
had been lying beyond the water line, now the waves tickled her toes as they
broke. They rose and broke higher, quickly reaching her knees and her thighs.
The water was cool but not too cold. It felt refreshing.
    Soon the waves were lapping at her between her thighs,
cresting on the mound of her sex in a way that made her breathe more quickly
and churn her hips to meet the teasing lash of the salty water. Beneath her butt,
the wet sand collapsed a little, sucking at her as the waves slid back out. It
was as if the sea itself were caressing her.
    She lay quite still as she heard him splashing in the
shallows toward her. Huge and magnificent, he shouldered up from the clear
green sea. Water sluiced down over his tough, gnarly hide, making him shine in
the sun. She wanted to run her hands over that rough hide, pressing firmly so
he could feel her caresses.
    The water heaved as he stepped toward her on his giant
haunches. He was graceful, even when partially out of his element. He glided
forward smoothly. The closer he came, the more