My Sexy Saturday ~ Valentine's Day

Welcome to ShapeShifter Seductions  

 

~Turning into Your Wildest Desire~  

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 For more of the My Sexy Saturday blog hop ~mysexysaturday.blogspot.com~ 

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The Submission by Serena Shay

“What’s your name, beautiful?” Trent asked when he was finally able to move from his hands and knees to his ass.


She shook her head with the slightest of movements, facing him but keeping her back to the door.

“What shall I call you then … mate?”

“Not that! I have no intention of mating with anyone.”

“Funny how fate and Mother Nature take that choice away from us all…”

“Doesn’t matter…”

“Really?” Trent rubbed his thumb and forefinger around the pressure points between his eyes and above his nose. “Why are you still here, beautiful? Morbid curiosity? Want to see if you were strong enough to kill me?”

Liquid Silver Books  ~  Amazon  ~  ARE  ~  Goodreads
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My Sexy Saturday, Valentine's Day kisses, everyone!

Note: Dontoya is presenting a special ring to Sherilyn. 

~~~ 

HER MIDNIGHT STARDUST COWBOYS

A ShapeShifter Seductions Erotic Romance

Sherilyn lifted her left hand, and delicately placed her palm on top of Dontoya's hand. He gently enfolded her hand, bringing it beneath his lips.

"My mate." Dontoya pressed a kiss, and Zance witnessed both his pardner's adoration and reverence for Sherilyn.

"My heart is tripping the light fantastic," she softly sang.

Zance pleasurably listened to her excited heartbeat with his wolf ears. He watched as Sherilyn and Dontoya locked gazes for long moments, electrifying the air around them.

Dontoya loosened his hold on her hand, and brought the ring close to her delicate finger. Once again, the sparkle changed, each gemstone shimmering a fiery color.

"I present the Ring of Union to you, Sherilyn. To you, my mate."

Dontoya slipped the bonding ring onto her finger. Sherilyn beamed in that a way woman did when a man did something for her that arrowed straight inside her heart. 

~~~

EXCERPT-BUY LINK: ~savannakougar.blogspot.com/p/blog-page.html~

Available: SMASHWORDS PREMIUM CATALOGUE ~ KINDLE ~ AllRomanceEbooks
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Savanna

Savanna Kougar ~ Run on the Wild Side of Romance  

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Legacy by Pat Cunningham

Two pots, a knife, and a bag of carrots lay abandoned on the counter. Colleen’s imagination set the scene—Jeremy at the counter, his back to the doorway, Wallace stalking his unsuspecting prey with his uncanny silent tread. Perhaps Jeremy had a moment of warning before his capture—a hint of scent, a whisper of lips against his neck. Or perhaps he was as attuned to the vampire’s presence as she was and always knew when his lover was near.

They’d ended up beside the kitchen table. Wallace stood behind Jeremy with his arms clasped tight around the human’s waist. His lips nuzzled Jeremy’s neck. Jeremy leaned into the embrace, his eyes shut, humming that low, throaty purr of his that always turned her on. No doubt Jeremy had loosened his shirt collar himself. His enjoyment of the vampire’s attentions made itself boldly known against the fabric of his slacks. Colleen stared at that tantalizing bulge, right up until the moment Wallace bit into Jeremy’s neck.

It wasn’t anything like the violent, melodramatic attacks depicted in vampire movies. His fangs sank into Jeremy’s flesh right over the mark on his neck in a smooth, unhurried movement that was gentle as a kiss. Perhaps this was a kiss to Wallace. His throat rippled with a single swallow before he lifted his mouth. He laved his tongue across the bite, as tender as a mother cat with her kitten. Not so much as a drop of blood escaped it. Jeremy melted against him with a whimper of pure bliss.

Colleen’s gut dropped. This was so wrong in so many ways. Yet everything about Wallace’s actions, even the bite, said love.

Too late, she remembered Wallace could hear her heartbeat.

Her gaze flicked from Jeremy’s rapt expression right into Wallace’s smirk. He rested his chin on Jeremy’s shoulder and tightened his hold on his body. The glitter in his eyes announced mine. Then it relented. The smirk became a smile. Mine dissolved into ours. He whispered in Jeremy’s ear.

Jeremy’s eyes fluttered open. His glassy pupils were blown wide, like he’d just enjoyed the best fuck of his life. He swayed in Wallace’s arms. Finally, he focused and noticed her. With the sun now set, his smile became the most brilliant sight in the world. Her heart swelled at the undeniable love in it. He languidly held out his hand.

Available as an ebook from Siren/Bookstrand and in print and ebook from Amazon.

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TINA'S TREASURES by Solara Gordon

 

Jon moved in close to the faucet, testing the water as he did. “I like both. I’m fine with this temp.”

Drake slid the other door open and entered behind Tina. He reached around her, examining the water temperature as well. “I’m good.” He closed the door.

Drake closed the limited space between him and Tina. Pressed flesh to flesh, warmth increasing to heat wrapped the two of them together. Her neck lay bare before him. Easy access. Soon his lips and teeth followed their earlier path up and down her tempting neck. This close to her ass, one of his fave places on a woman, set his ego to pumping out hormones and messages to his cock. True, his fantasy the other night focused on a balls deep encounter with her anus. His pleasure mattered on hers. Mutual enjoyment plunged both into higher and hotter orgasmic bliss. Three together…Debbie limited her double penetration to her mouth and pussy. Would Tina do the same?

Jon’s hand met his as Drake moved his hands along Tina’s ribs. As Jon came into view, he held a bar of soap. Drake sniffed. His usual brand’s fragrance filled his nostrils. Nothing overly masculine, not flowers either. He nodded. 

“You okay with the soap?” he asked, nipping Tina’s earlobe.

He felt and heard her reply. She arched against him, shivered with small rapid shudders, moaned, and responded. “Yess–ss.”

“Good,” Jon added, wetting the bar and lathering his hands. As he rinsed them, he added. “I’ll wet down. Then Drake and I will do you.”

Available in e-book from Siren-Bookstrand and in print or e-book at Amazon.

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The Perfect Valentine...

Penelope was in a mood—and she knew it.  The only songs she wanted to listen too were ones with Blue in the title, not much of a strain to figure that one out.  Tomorrow was Valentine’s Day and she wanted her indigo penquino back. 

She wasn’t the only one suffering either.  Daniel had buried himself in the back corner of the closet in his mink form and sulked for the last few days.  She’d tried coaxing him out and back to human with the promise of food, drink and sex. Nothing worked.  She finally gave up and picked up some special blend ferret/mink food and a soft toy for him to cuddle.  Daniel would reemerge when he was ready…but would Burgess?

“Penny?”

“Taggert?”

“It’s Nick,” the alpha wolf holding the sweetest little duo growled.

“Yes, well it’s Penelope, but you never seem to get that right so turnabout and all that,” she snarked, rising from her seat.  “Now give me one of those baby’s and sit close with the other.  Auntie P has some snuggle time to make up for.”

Nick disengaged Cooper from the duel chest carrier the male had been wearing since the birth of his twins and handed him to Penelope.  She tuck the pup close and sniffed his sweet head.  Baby, wolf and love invaded her senses and squeezed her heart.  She wanted this, the tight fisted feel surrounding her uterus—supplemental proof, she wanted this.

“Penelope, don’t cry, please.  Talk to me.”  Nick touched her hand where she held his child.
She hadn’t even realized the tears had started again.  Bad enough she was leaking, now she was doing it in front of her boss.  “Sorry, ignore me.  I’m having a tough time this week.”

“Yeah, I’ve missed your blue-haired, better-half as well.  Dante keeps shrugging me off when I ask about him, but you know Dante.  That means he’s still safe.  If he wasn’t D would have pull us together to go in and save his ass.”

“I know,” she sighed, “but when will he be free to come home.  Gah, Nick, Burgess fell into my life so quickly and firmly, then was taken away just the same manner.  He’s mine though and I want him back.”

“It’ll happen.”  Nick reached into the diaper bag he’d set on the other end of the couch.  “Until then, maybe this will help.” 

They traded, baby for delicately wrapped box and she was overwhelmed by the smell of her penguin.

“Oh my. Where did you get this?” she asked, holding tight to her treasure.

“Reetha.  Please don’t ask, I don’t know how she fits into this, but she does.  Figuring it all out has moved to the top of my to-do list,” he growled.  “Open it up…unless you’d like us to leave first.”

“No, don’t leave, please.  I’m not done with your babies.”  Penelope tore off the wrapping paper and lifted the box’s lid.  Inside, nestled on a puff of cotton, rested a blue stone that matched her penguins hair to perfection.  “Oh…”

“Good oh, or bad?” Nick asked.

“Good.  Very, very good,” she sniffed, pulling the gem from the box and showing it to Nick.  She knew where this belonged, where Burgess would want it, without even reading the short note tucked into the top of the box.

“Nice.  Quite pretty and the perfect color for you.”

She smiled, slipping the stone back in the box and setting it on the table.  She reached for a baby and looked forward to reading the note.

##

After Nick and the babies left, Penelope took the note, the box and the second box Nick brought, into the bedroom.  She climbed into bed, opened the small slip of paper and read.
Mistress P -- Such a small piece of paper for the wealth of things I need to say to you. I’m safe, I’m close and I love you so.  I’m working my way back to you as fast as I can. Please keep the gem, and me close to your heart. -- All my love, B

Penelope smiled and cried, then smiled again. That note was indeed the best Valentine’s gift she’d ever received.  She’d cherish it forever. They may not be together, but still they loved.  She would pray to the great phoenix for his prompt return. 

She looked at the other gift on her dresser, the one to Daniel.  She’d give it to him tomorrow, on Valentine’s Day and hope, that along with her gift to him it was enough to bring the sweet mink back from his self-imposed prison. 

Sleep came easier as Burgess’ words cocooned her soul…I’m safe, I’m close and I love you so.
~~~

 Ah, Mistress P and her Burgess.  That lovely penguin needs to return home soon...  If only I had time to write their story.

Have a wonderful Valentine weekend everyone, and may you all receive a perfect love note of your own.

Serena

Head Over Heel

It was never spoken of or planned among the Ewing siblings, but simply understood: on days when they knew the Bighorn Diner would be busy, they’d stop by if they could and help out. Today Bo and Mary showed up after closing, to find Hannibal already clearing off tables. “So how did it go?” Bo asked.

Their mother, Elly McMahon, came out of the kitchen and flopped down into a booth, tired but smiling. “The Bighorn Valentine’s Day Breakfast Special was a huge success. I had more cooing couples and served up more plates of strawberry flapjacks than I normally do in a month. And more blueberry, sadly.”

Deaf-mute Mary signed, Blueberry?

“For the single folks,” Hannibal explained. “Not everybody’s like us. Some folks can’t get a date.”

Mary went to the register to close out. Bo started wiping down. “Yeah, it’s a tough day for some,” Bo said. “One of the bars out by the exit is having a contest. Tell a bad Valentine’s Day story and get a free sympathy beer.”

“You’re set, right?” Han asked his mother.

“Depends.” Elly wiped her forehead with a napkin. “Vern’s serving beef heart at the Grease ‘n’ Grill. No way I’m going near the place, and I told him not to come home until he’s had a shower. Ooof, what a morning. Maybe I should try out for that beer.”

Vernon’s not so bad, Mary signed. As long as he brushes his teeth.

“Not with that story. I had a sucky Valentine’s once. It involved your father.”

That got their attention. Hannibal set his dirty dishes aside, Bo dropped his cloth, and Mary came out from behind the counter. They crowded into the booth. Hannibal’s bulk successfully penned Elly in. “Spill,” Bo said. “What about Dad? I thought you two had a perfect marriage.”

“Marriage, yes. Dating, though … that got a little rocky.” Elly leaned her elbows on the tabletop and peered off into the past. “He was quite the ram back then. He came down from Canada to play American football. You’ve got his size,” she said to Han, “but he was built more like you,” she added to Bo. “With a quick temper and a hard head,” she finished wryly to Mary. “But then, we’ve all got that. Comes with the horns.

 “Anyway, Jacques and I hit it off from the get-go. For months we were inseparable. But he was handsome and knew it, and there were always plenty of girls around who were more than willing to fawn all over the football hero. I knew he was slipping off to graze in other pastures. I gritted my teeth and put up with it because I was in love.

“Then Valentine’s Day rolled around. We had a date. I expected a romantic dinner and maybe a commitment. What I got was a phone call telling me he had practice and he’d see me when he was done.”

“Football practice?” Hannibal frowned. “In Montana? In February?”

“Exactly.” Elly nodded. “To say I was pissed would be an understatement. I’d been looking forward to this. I’d bought a new dress and everything. Well, I had some hawk friends, and they did an aerial recon and helped me track him down. He was having my romantic Valentine’s dinner at my favorite restaurant with some other girl. An elk, of all things. One of those long-faced cows with the big, bony knees. Well, that did it. I shifted right there in the restaurant. Ripped my dress and everything. I slammed him right in the gut and knocked Mr. Hotshot Football Hero flat on his ass.”

Bo whistled. “Whoa,” said Han.

“Yeah. Whoa. While he was lying there with spinach alfredo all over his best shirt, I shifted back and told him what a piece of shit he was and how I never wanted to see him again. Then I marched out of there. To thunderous applause, I might add.”

Did you get the elk too? Mary signed.

“Didn’t have to. She hightailed it when the table fell over. That cow wasn’t as stupid as she looked.”

“I’m assuming you and Dad got past that,” Hannibal said.

“Yeah. Funny thing. Seems getting publically butted by a PO’d bighorn ewe cleared your daddy’s head. The next morning he showed up at my house and begged my forgiveness. He was still wearing the shirt. It still had spinach on it. I slammed the door in his face. I did a lot of door-slamming over the next three weeks, but your daddy wouldn’t give up. Hard-headed, you know. My hawk buddies told me he wasn’t chasing any other girls. In fact, he was turning them down. So I decided to give him another chance. Now there was a courtship for the ages. Your dad could be quite the charmer when he wanted to be.

“Needless to say, our second Valentine’s Day went a helluva lot better than the first. That was the day I married him.” She patted Hannibal’s arm. “We almost made it three in a row, but you popped out a week early.”

Hannibal shrugged. “Sorry.”

“Don’t be. I don’t regret a single second of the life I had with your father. Especially once I found out he loved cooking as much as I do. This diner was his dream just as much as mine. And every Valentine’s Day he woke me with breakfast in bed. Strawberry flapjacks. His specialty.” She dabbed a napkin at her eyes. “Damn dry air. Forget the beer. I could go for a cup of coffee.”

Instantly Mary scrabbled out of the booth and headed for the pot. Hannibal hugged his mother. “Sit back and relax. We’ve got this.”

“Are you sure? You haven’t seen the kitchen yet.”

“Mary’ll get that,” Bo said. Mary turned around just in time to catch the movement of his lips. She stuck her tongue out at him.

“Careful there, sonny,” Elly said. “That girl butts like her mom. Now, which one of you fine young men wants to load the dishwasher?”

SPECIAL VALENTINE’S WEEK DAILY GIVEAWAY

Got a favorite Valentine’s Day story? Good or bad, happy or sad. Tell us in the comments. Our favorite will win a free PDF copy of Coyote Moon. Stop back tomorrow for another Valentine tale of the Peak and another free giveaway!

Valentine's Week at SHAPESHIFTER SEDUCTIONS ~ Best or Worst Date

Guess what, shapeshifter lovers. Yes, we authors at SHAPESHIFTER SEDUCTIONS are pulling together a week long celebration of Valentine's Day, from Monday, the 10th, to Sunday, the16th... Because who can resist heartfelt romance? Come on by for 'flashing scene' fun and ebook prizes.

To win just confide your best or worst Valentine's Day date.

Hubba, Hubba...

So I borrowed the picture above from Rebecca's blog earlier in the week because of both Nick and Ziva's strong reaction to it, but if you want to see the fleshies Z's huffing and puffing over, check out Wednesday's flash.  :)

~~~

“Hubba…”  Ziva leaned over Nick’s shoulder and made a conscious effort to hold back the drool as he far too quickly scrolled through pictures of near naked hotties.

“Oh Lupa, I’m blind … shoot me, rip my eyeballs out!  Damn Mooney, why the hell would he even have these pictures on his computer?

“Hubba!”

“Really?  When did you turn into an old man?”

“What?!”  She feigned ignorance. “Keep going, would ya.”

“One day you’re puking your guts out and the next you’re ogling naked men.”

“So, your point is?”  Ziva nudged the touchscreen on Nick’s laptop with her finger to see the next eye-popping graphic.  “Yeah, that’s the stuff.” She grinned at the shot of Officer Tom’s delectably large weapon and Ewan modeling that lovely bit of material.

“Down girl.”  Nick’s pout nearly sent Ziva into a fit of giggles.  She finally felt good, like herself again, only a stronger, sexier and definitely hornier version of herself.

“Woof.”

“I don’t know if I should be bothered by your sudden interest in other males or taking advantage of my good fortune that you’re with me and obviously aroused.”

“Definitely the latter, big boy.”  Ziva slid on to Nick’s lap, licked his lips then ground her hips right over his.  “In fact, I think you need to take total advantage of me before whatever voodoo your step-momma laid on me wears off.”

Nick grabbed her hair and pulled.  He dragged her head back, sending tingles of aroused joy from the roots of her hair to her tightly furled nipples.  “Consider yourself debauched.”

##

Ziva sucked in breath after breath, unable to keep the smile from her face.  “I’m going to have to thank Mooney for those pictures.”

“I’ll thank him for you,” Nick heaved.

“No you won’t, you’ll bite him or chase him or somehow harm him.”

“I.Would.Never … to my sweet, baby brother?”

“Yes, you would,” she teased, reaching for the laptop now sitting on the floor next to the bed.  “Does
Mooney say where he got these picture to begin with?  I find it unlikely that he and Tom have that kind of relationship.”

“No.  Maybe they’re Marissa’s.”

“Maybe, but they’d have to be recent and both Tom and Ewen look younger in these shots.  Plus, I think Mooney would be scuffing and howling if Marissa had recent buff shots like this on her computer.”

“Dear Lupa, let’s hope that’s not the case … I really don’t want to have to talk that beta down right now.”  Nick’s hand coasted slowly up her leg, headed in definitely the right direction. “I’d rather talk you into going down…”

“Smooth, McMahon, smooth.  Oooh, check out the foodie pic … dayum that is a sweet ass, all taunt and supple, good for biting.”

Nick reached around and batted her hand away from the screen where she’d started fondling the digital ass in front of her.  Who knew pregnancy hormones could be so potent. 

“I didn’t want to have to do this, Z, but check out this stranger’s selfie Mooney included … what a dumb-ass.  At least your man’s not so dopey.”

Ziva checked out the selfie in question, prepared to tease Nick into a few selfies of his own, but she was struck silent by the picture in question.  No, her current lover wasn’t dopey enough to do this, but her first lover was indeed that dumb.  In fact, the picture staring back at her from Nick’s laptop was taken right after, Tark - what a stupid fake name, had relieved her of her virginity.  That was her lion poster in her bedroom.

And now she was back to puking.  “Move, gah, move.”   

“Fuck, Z, are you okay?  Was I too rough?”

“No…” Snot, tears and puke all erupted from her at the same time and there stood the love of her life, holding her hair back worrying he’d done something wrong. “No, Nick, you’re perfect.  Can I ask a favor – without getting the third degree?”

“Anything, Ziva, you can ask me for anything.”

She could, she knew that, but she owed him the truth about so many things.  Soon…

“Please find out where Moon, gah, Mooney got those pictures.”

“Done.”

~~~

Stop by next week for Valentine's in Talbot's Peak.  There will be flashes, fun and give-a-ways!  So be prepared to tell us about your best, or worst, surprise on V-day for a chance to win.

Have a great weekend!

Serena

Frieda's Fancy

Frieda lowered her forehead to the intricately carved door and pulled in a shuddering breath.  She’d finally gotten up the nerve to talk to Dante about her secret desire to tie another with the soft Shibari ropes she’d been collecting for what seemed like forever. 

He’d taken her seriously, even offered a calming smile at her halting request to find another who enjoyed the art.  It was really too bad that he was off the market, as the naturally hewn strength of his body would make a beautiful canvas for her ropes. 

He’d pledged to find her another with which to play.  On the other side of this door was the fulfillment of that promise and she was terrified to step through.

“No, you have to do this.  You are this close to realizing a dream…no stopping now,” Frieda mumbled into the wood.  How many pep talks had she given herself—hundreds?  Of those, what was the total sum she’d failed to follow through on—about the same number.  She couldn’t fall short this time.

With that thought held firmly in her heart she eased to door open and stepped inside.

##

Upon first glance the place was dark, almost foreboding, until she spied the blue-haired god perched upon a chair in the middle of the room.  Light shone down on his perfectly formed and tanned body, free from all fabrics and even body hair.  Her ropes would lie perfectly against his skin.

Frieda moved closer, setting her bag on the floor next to his chair.  She reached out to touch the bulging muscle of his chest, but stopped, determined to do this the right way.

“H-hello,” she squeaked, before clearing the frog from her throat and starting again.  “Hello, my name is
Frieda and you are?”

“At your disposal…”

Dear heavens he was gorgeous… she thought as he brought his gaze level with hers.  Dante had indeed provided her with the perfect partner, but she had to do this right. 

“That’s wonderful, but shouldn’t I have your name and safe word before we play…I-I mean, your name and safe word.  Now!  Please…”

“Relax, lovely lady, you are going to do fine,” he whispered, easing her hand between his.  “You can call me Burgess and my safe word is Blue.”

“Okay, thank you.”  She blew out a nervous breath and started again. “Please sit back and we’ll begin.”

##

Frieda worked for nearly an hour winding the soft, thin ropes around every part of the body before her.  He was perfect.  His arms were bound behind him stretching his chest tight and showing the rest of the ropes she’d wound, down and around, the rest of his body.

He was a beautiful picture, live art constrained for her desire.  Proof of that arousal grew between her legs.  She longed for release, but could not look away from her creation.

Long, soft arms came around her shoulders while a lush feminine body melded its front to her back.  “My Penguino is a delicious sight, fair Frieda.  And as you can see by the joyous look upon his face, you have pleased him well.  Please, allow my mink, Daniel and I to show our appreciation of your art.”

The softest fur she’d ever felt wrapped around her ankle, while the elusive Mistress Penelope slid her hand lower.  She stroked over Frieda’s stomach and headed further south. 

“Yes…” Frieda whispered, finally giving herself over to the pleasure she’d been seeking for oh so long.

~~~

May all of your Valentine gifts be wrapped as tightly and deliciously as Frieda's!


Serena

The Lonely Hearts Club and the She-Wolf

HAPPY SHAPESHIFTING VALENTINE'S DAY!

My Muse, the naughty unpredictable minx, nearly went on strike for today's flash scene. It was touch and go, with the first idea being one that couldn't be written as a post because the plot was way too complex, and it would have turned into, at least, a short story.

So, I hope you'll enjoy this flash scene that takes place at the Midnight Stardust Supperclub on Valentine's Day.
~~~~~~

The Lonely Hearts Club and the She-Wolf

"Lonely Hearts Club," Sarielle whispered once she mentally translated the words from her language to the planet's American English language. "That's me."

Ever since leaving on this intergalactic tour of other wolfen shapeshifter worlds, Sarielle had practiced speaking the various languages while studiously learning about the many different cultures. Now she glided along the fringes of the supperclub's dance floor.

Whirling embraced couples, all of them in what she identified as a deep romantic trance, danced to a type of music she found heart-stirring and pleasurable. The playful but elegant notes made her feel deliciously supple.

Sarielle also listened to the lovely silken swish of her long gown as she approached the special area where men, all in full humanoid form, and clothed in what were called tuxedos, took turns partnering the women who, like her, obviously had no man or mate in their life.

What she thought was called a midnight buffet had been placed in this Lonely Hearts Club area. As well, sparkling beverages of all kinds spilled into stemmed glassware. Her nose inhaled a feast of fragrances, especially the quite virile man who began striding toward her as if he'd caught her scent and now hunted her.

Maybe he did. He certainly had the handsome build and the powerful loins of a hunter. Although, Sarielle couldn't distinguish his wolf kind by his smell or his, to her eye, spectacular humanoid appearance.

Further, she wasn't entirely certain of all the dating and mating customs in this geological region on Earth. It had been a constant confusion she'd been unable to sort out during her culture-learning sessions.

****

Dante had carefully explained about the three extraterrestrial she-wolfs that would be joining the Valentine's Day extravaganza at the Midnight Stardust Supperclub. At first, Dh'liam had believed his cubhood pal was pulling his hind leg. It wouldn't be the first time. They'd pulled about every prank imaginable on each other, almost to the day Dante had roared out of Talbot's Peak on his Harley.

Several weeks later, Dh'liam had taken to the back roads on his Harley, determined to explore the vast areas of America that remained mostly uninhabited. What he'd discovered and experienced could easily fill a set of old-fashioned encyclopedias. Now for the sake of his pack, and for those who lived in Talbot's Peak, he'd returned to make certain they remained protected from the monstrous evil he'd encountered -- far beyond the tiger shapeshifter, Shere Khan, and his Yakuza ninjas.

However, at this moment in time, all he wanted to do was protect, and dance with the magnificent she-wolf beauty of extraterrestrial origin. The instant, he glimpsed her heart-shaped face he'd loosed an inner howl, while his cock straightened like it was cupid's drawn arrow.

The otherworldly woman-wolf possessed a petite and svelte figure beneath her fluid, backless peacock-blue gown. Yet more impressive to him, her lithe muscles were power-packed strength, and he knew she could run like the wind.

What captured his notice first was her tumbled wealth of hair, most of it piled artfully on top of her head. At the time, she'd had her back to him, and he'd stared at the cascading curls of rich dark russet, unable to move.

When she'd finally turned around, and lissomely moved in his direction, Dh'liam had forced himself to halt in his tracks. He'd had to fight the urge to stalk her, nip-kiss her neck, then sink his fingers into her tresses.

Determined she would not be leaving his hunter's sight this night, he'd strode toward her. Eyes that were a gorgeous burnished gold followed his progress, and they both halted within a few feet of each other, their gazes fastening on each other.

Without hesitation, he offered her a slight bow. Not one that would take his gaze off her, however. "I am Dh'liam. Welcome to Earth. Welcome to Talbot's Peak. Welcome to my arms. Or, perhaps, you would prefer something to drink and a bite to nibble on before we dance."

A smile teased the corner of her bow-shaped mouth, and he couldn't help but ravish her lips with his gaze. At the same time, she offered her hand to his, the one he'd extended without thinking about it. With a grace he'd rarely known, her hand alighted on his, and Dh'liam held on as if she were his next breath.

"Dancing in your arms is quite delightfully acceptable, Mr. Dh'liam. My feet are anxious to enjoy the dance floor. I am called Sarielle for short." She paused, her eyes pure sparkle. "Is that how you say it?"

"Sarielle," he savored like a meaty bone. "Would that be considered your first or familiar name, my beautiful she-wolf?"

Her puzzled frown halted every cell in his body. "I can't sniff you. You are a wolfen shapeshifter?"

"I am. But I have learned how to hide my scent. A long story," he added. Howls! the love trap had sprung, and he'd been caught. And Dh'liam wasn't about to chew a hunk out of his heart to escape. No way on the Mother's green earth.

"Ah, you hide your scent from enemies. I understand. Sarielle is my chosen name, a first name as you would call it in your culture, Mr. Dh'liam."

He drew her closer. He couldn't resist. "It's just Dh'liam, or Liam, as my friends often call me." When she cocked her head in apparent confusion, he continued. "It's a family name. No Sam, Dave or Harry in our pack."

"Your touch is pleasing, Dh'liam." Her tone was a soft sultry growl, and she moved closer so they were mere inches apart.

With her enchantingly exotic face nearly beneath his, Dh'liam realized she now stood on tiptoe. He felt the heat of her loins against his. Her mating fragrance seared his nostrils. And, as he swept his arm around her slender waist, he became aware the big band era music was transitioning into the romantic strains of a waltz.

"Do you waltz, Sarielle?" he thought to inquire like a gentleman.

"You lead, and I'll follow. We often dance on the galactic cruise ship."

With a low raw growl only for her ears, Dh'liam swung his she-wolf among the other dancers. True to her words, Sarielle matched him effortlessly, and he whirled them around the dance floor in time to the moonspun music.

Her strength flowed against him, a grace he'd hungered for, and never known it until now. Now, this very fierce moment of knowing what he'd needed, what he wanted.

So, Dante had been right in insisting he refresh his ballroom dancing skills. Dh'liam even mentally thanked his sire and dam for all the lessons they'd made him endure over the years, given his family believed in a formal presentation of themselves at times.

As the tempo of the music slowed, she allowed the tightening of his arm. And, when he wrapped both arms around her, she draped herself against him. Her small, long-fingered hands stroked the back of his neck before she laced her fingers, and held onto him tightly.

The thought of her pressed against some other man, regardless of species, boiled Dh'liam's blood. He leashed his stud-possessiveness, willing his focus on Sarielle instead.

He listened to the quickening of her breaths that were almost wolfen pants. He listened to the rapid passionate beat of her heart. He felt the way her loins cradled the large bone his cock had become, and wished it would last forever.

"I crave fresh air," she murmured toward his ear, once the music faded.

Immediately, Dh'liam eased her against his side, escorting her to one of the tunnel exits that led to a small clearing, one surrounded by a stand of majestic fir trees.

"Will the cold temperature bother you, my beautiful she-wolf?"

"I am from a colder region. It will feel refreshing, Dh'liam. Besides, I will depend upon your arms around me."

Once they stood outside in the crisp winter air, she snuggled against him, her cheek pressed against his love-struck, fast-pounding heart.

"Lonely Hearts Club?" he asked, hoping against hope.

Sarielle had been headed toward the area that Dante set up for the women who arrived alone and wanted dance partners. Even though, Dante had explained about their extraterrestrial visitors, he hadn't said if they were unattached, un-mated.

Now Dh'liam had to know.

"Yes, I am a lonely heart." She hesitated, and he felt her quiver in his embrace. "I had a husband..."

"Had a husband?" he roughly barked out as he instinctively clutched her closer against him.

"We were matched. We were to be mates." She shook now, and Dh'liam knew it wasn't because of the cold.

"What happened, Sarielle?" His hands roamed her back, reflecting the urgency he felt like sparks of fire throughout his entire body.

"I was not a good mate to him... I tried. But it was so... ho-hum, I believe you would say."

Dh'liam wanted to laugh, to bust a gut with his howls of laughter. Instead, he buried his nose, his lips in her hair, and wrapped himself around his she-wolf. Somehow, some way, he could convince her to stay with him on Earth. He would convince her to be his mate -- he would convince her that he would never be a ho-hum husband.
~~~~~~

~ Have a Magickal Valentine's Day ~

Savanna

Savanna Kougar ~ Run on the Wild Side of Romance ~
~~~

Say It With ...

“Now what’s he up to?” Merry wondered, eying the kitchen door. Dash was not a cook. Heck, all he ate were grains, fruits and vegetables, raw when he could get ‘em. A man who could switch to horse form and graze in a pasture didn’t need a kitchen. So why had he shoo’d out the staff and told the hands to keep Merry occupied for a couple of hours?

“You know why.” Lacy giggled and elbowed Merry in the ribs. Lacy’s dad was one of the wranglers here on Merry’s dude ranch. Lacy groomed the horses and made sure the tack was in fit shape for guests to use. “It’s Valentine’s Day. He’s cooking you breakfast.”

“Little late for that,” Merry said. Her breakfast had been several hours ago, before sunrise. “Man’s next to useless in a kitchen. What’s he think he can do in there?”

“Something that'll make you happy, I’m thinking. You know how men get when they’re in love.”

“Sure, I know. How do you? You’re fourteen years old.”

Lacy grinned up at her. “Three older sisters, one married. Look, whatever he’s making—”

“Smile, bat my lashes, and pretend I love it. I know how to handle a lovestruck man.” Or a stud horse, which had come in handy since she’d hooked up with Dash. She gave Lacy a gentle push toward the door. “You get your tail back to the barn and keep out of trouble. I’m going in before he burns the house down.”

“Don’t forget to—”

“Smile. Got it. Now git.” Giggling, Lacy danced out the door.

Dang little brat, Merry thought. Fourteen going on thirty-six. Though given the choice, Merry’d rather deal with her than with a man in a kitchen. Even worse, a boss stallion in a kitchen. He could boil water for oatmeal, she figured he had that much sense. Anything beyond that was asking for disaster.

Best to deal with it quick. Fixing the necessary smile to her face, Merry pushed into the kitchen.

The warm, welcomy smell of baking greeted her. She stopped and stared around, astonished. Nothing burning? No grease fires? No big mess on the table or in the sink? The man was all hoof when it came to something as simple as brewing coffee. And here he’d gone and made her—

A pie?

Dash stood by the oven and stared at her, maybe just a touch less startled than she. He had a cook’s apron protecting his brawny body from the perils of flour and butter. Apple cores littered the cutting board on the counter. He hadn’t bothered to throw them out. He’d been snacking on them while he worked.

“Merry,” he said, his voice several shades off his usual hearty neigh. “You’re supposed to be out riding fence.”

“Jerry took over for me. He said you were acting weird and you’d barricaded yourself in the kitchen.” She stared at the pie. “Well. I guess you’re not making bombs or setting fire to anything.”

“No.” Dash shook out his mane. Lord above, Merry realized, her big boss stud was embarrassed. He thrust the pie at her. “Happy Valentine’s Day.”

Merry picked up a washcloth and took the still-warm pie plate from his hands. She pulled in a long, hearty sniff. It smelled heavenly. The aroma called up distant memories of winter afternoons helping Mama peel apples to help make fritters for the hands. “Apple?”

“’Course it’s apple.” Dash tossed his hair again, like a nervous horse. “I know it’s different for you humans. Chocolate and flowers and that. With us, it’s apple pie. Sometimes a bouquet of alfalfa and timothy. I didn’t think you’d go for that, though.”

“No, the pie’s a good choice.” Her mouth watered like a dog’s at sight of a biscuit. Suddenly something occurred to her. She set the pie on the table. “When you first showed up at the ranch, I offered you lunch. I served you apple pie.”

Dash nodded, with a touch of a grin. “Uh-huh.”

“You must’ve thought I was a slut.”

“I thought you were just another stuck-up, bossy human filly, until you served me up that pie.” Dash’s grin widened. He ambled over to her to rub her cheek with a flour-dusted thumb. “It made me re-evaluate my attitude toward humans, and got me curious enough about you to want to stick around. I’m happy now I did. How ‘bout you?”

Merry nodded mutely. The world, and a woman’s happiness, turned on such tiny events. She’d come a slice-of-pie’s width away from missing out on the best thing to ever enter her life. She looked up into his eyes and could see he was saying the same thing to himself.

She threw her arms around his neck and kissed him hard as she could. Dash’s strong arms crushed her to him. You find a man this good, she thought, you hang on and don’t let go.

“So anyway,” Dash said when they finally broke free, “happy Valentine’s Day. We gonna eat that pie or what?”

“You bet.” Merry grinned. Who needed candy anyway, when she had the sweetest man-horse in the world right here in her kitchen? “I think there’s ice cream in the freezer.”