Welcome back for more Six Sentence Sunday. I'm sharing more from my WIP Taming the Wolf. In this scene Wolf has used an unfair advantage to "coerce" Redd into going with him.
“If you expect me to go with you I need to at least know your name.”
“Wolf,” he answered with a shrug.
“Of course,” she replied with a quiet chuckle. “What else would it be?”
“So you’re coming?”
“You’ve left me no choice.”
As always, I hope you enjoyed your visit. Don't forget to check back at Six Sentence Sunday for more great teasers.
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Six Sentence Sunday 9/23/12
Welcome back for more Six Sentence Sunday. Today I'll be sharing more from my current release, Curse of the Demon Queen. Aamon of course is trying to resist, and Lilith is enjoying the fact that he can't.
He tried not to revel in her touch. Resisting her never worked—his body betrayed him every time—and he loathed the instant reaction she drew from him. She’d stabbed him in the back and twisted the blade, yet he still wanted her. Obviously, he needed his head examined.
“Look at that,” she whispered as her gaze traveled down his naked form. “I don’t think you hate me as much as you let on.”
If you'd like the complete version, this story of yummy naughtiness can be purchased in it's entirety at Cobblestone Press, Amazon and B&N. As always, I hope you enjoyed your visit. Don't forget to check back at Six Sentence Sunday for more great teasers.
He tried not to revel in her touch. Resisting her never worked—his body betrayed him every time—and he loathed the instant reaction she drew from him. She’d stabbed him in the back and twisted the blade, yet he still wanted her. Obviously, he needed his head examined.
“Look at that,” she whispered as her gaze traveled down his naked form. “I don’t think you hate me as much as you let on.”
If you'd like the complete version, this story of yummy naughtiness can be purchased in it's entirety at Cobblestone Press, Amazon and B&N. As always, I hope you enjoyed your visit. Don't forget to check back at Six Sentence Sunday for more great teasers.
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Six Sentence Sunday 9/16/12
Time for more Six Sentence Sunday. Today I'm sharing more from my current WIP, Taming The Wolf. Redd fights against the desire surfacing for the one thing she shouldn't have. As always, thanks for stopping by.
She bit down on her tongue to suppress a moan, and to keep herself from begging for the requests of her body to be fulfilled. She wanted to cry at the insanity currently wracking her psyche. What the hell was wrong with her?
She heard an audible swallow followed by a tattered grown float from behind her. His free hand slid to her waist and pressed her closer still.
“You’re scent is driving me crazy.”
Don't forget to check back at Six Sentence Sunday for more great teasers.
She bit down on her tongue to suppress a moan, and to keep herself from begging for the requests of her body to be fulfilled. She wanted to cry at the insanity currently wracking her psyche. What the hell was wrong with her?
She heard an audible swallow followed by a tattered grown float from behind her. His free hand slid to her waist and pressed her closer still.
“You’re scent is driving me crazy.”
Don't forget to check back at Six Sentence Sunday for more great teasers.
Monday, September 3, 2012
Off My Rhythm
I've never thought of myself as a creature of habit, but I guess I am (Imagine that). I like for my days and weeks to flow to a specific rhythm and when it varies even slightly it takes me weeks to resume any sort of normalcy… well normalcy for me anyway.
About two weeks ago The Man and I took a short vacation (I mean really it was just for a weekend) and it seriously threw me out of whack. Getting ready for the vacation and then taking off seriously interrupted my usual flow and as a result I've barely blogged or written since the upheaval. *sigh* (Dramatic much? Why, of course not!)
So, now that I’ve had my few weeks to cope and somewhat get my life to resemble something along the lines of handleable (I made that up don’t be judging me), I am really feeling the urge to get back into it. Though I am glad to be back at it again, it’d be great if I could find a way to somehow keep on top of things a bit better when the flow of my rhythm changes. Surely there must be something.
About two weeks ago The Man and I took a short vacation (I mean really it was just for a weekend) and it seriously threw me out of whack. Getting ready for the vacation and then taking off seriously interrupted my usual flow and as a result I've barely blogged or written since the upheaval. *sigh* (Dramatic much? Why, of course not!)
So, now that I’ve had my few weeks to cope and somewhat get my life to resemble something along the lines of handleable (I made that up don’t be judging me), I am really feeling the urge to get back into it. Though I am glad to be back at it again, it’d be great if I could find a way to somehow keep on top of things a bit better when the flow of my rhythm changes. Surely there must be something.
Sunday, September 2, 2012
Six Sentence Sunday 9/2/12
Welcome back friends, I know I disappeared for a little while, but here I am again for more Six Sentence Sunday! Today my share is from my current WIP, Taming the Wolf. Enjoy and as always, thanks for stopping by.
Redd entered into an eerily silent house. No water running or clanking dishes, the TV hadn’t made a peep since she’d opened the door. The lights were out and a sliver of fear worked its way down her back. It’d been a week since the encounter with the shifter and her nerves had been on edge for days. Finally, this morning she’d awakened without the usual sense of dread looming over her. If he hadn’t shown up after a week, maybe he wasn’t coming.
Don't forget to check back at Six Sentence Sunday for more great teasers.
Redd entered into an eerily silent house. No water running or clanking dishes, the TV hadn’t made a peep since she’d opened the door. The lights were out and a sliver of fear worked its way down her back. It’d been a week since the encounter with the shifter and her nerves had been on edge for days. Finally, this morning she’d awakened without the usual sense of dread looming over her. If he hadn’t shown up after a week, maybe he wasn’t coming.
Don't forget to check back at Six Sentence Sunday for more great teasers.
Sunday, August 5, 2012
Six Sentence Sunday 8/05/12
Welcome back friends for more Six Sentence Sunday. Sharing a little bit more from my current release Curse of the Demon Queen, available at Cobblestone Press, Amazon and B&N.
In this scene Aamon is still filled with pure defiance, while trying to fight off pure desire.
“Now, don’t be cross with me,” she said, sliding a skinny fingernail across his naked chest. “You know what must be done to lift the curse. Just do it.”
“Forget it,” he hissed.
Her smile was full of wickedness as she circled and continued to graze her hands across his flesh. He sucked in a breath as luscious tingles cascaded over his skin.
I hope you enjoyed your visit. Don't forget to check back at Six Sentence Sunday for more great teasers.
In this scene Aamon is still filled with pure defiance, while trying to fight off pure desire.
“Now, don’t be cross with me,” she said, sliding a skinny fingernail across his naked chest. “You know what must be done to lift the curse. Just do it.”
“Forget it,” he hissed.
Her smile was full of wickedness as she circled and continued to graze her hands across his flesh. He sucked in a breath as luscious tingles cascaded over his skin.
I hope you enjoyed your visit. Don't forget to check back at Six Sentence Sunday for more great teasers.
Monday, July 30, 2012
Putting Myself Out There
…Writing wise, that is. :P
Since I began my writing journey (you know… seriously) I’ve always been a little nervous about putting myself, and what I do, “out there.” I mean, what if everything I said was stupid? What if no one ever gave a damn about my writing or even my journey? What if everyone hated what I wrote? What if no one paid attention to anything I said? What if none of my attempts were any good or gave me any exposure? What if it ALL TURNED OUT TO BE A BIG HUGE COLOSSALLY HORRIBLE WASTE OF TIME?!
… or what if I was just being a super duper drama queen? (Hey mom, you stay out of this!)
As it turns out, none of that really matters. Yes, I want to develop a relationship with potential and actual readers. Yes, I would like to feel as if what I say, write, experience matters. Yes, I want people to love and hang onto every, single word I utter like it’s the best thing their pretty little eardrums have ever experienced, alright maybe not every, SINGLE, word, but you know…
anyway…
What REALLY matters is that I love and enjoy this journey. For many, this writing thing may be about business, but for me it isn’t JUST business. Don’t get me wrong, I’d love to get contracts out the wazoo, and sign them in a professional writerly like manner, promo my heart out, and have book signings… but I really do this for the pure love and enjoyment of putting words together and then watching as the story unfolds. And sharing this experience with readers in as many ways as possible (WITHOUT SPAMMING, this is totally a no spam zone)is something I’ve come to enjoy. So if you see me out there on the cyber waves feel free to say hey. “Heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeey.”
Since I began my writing journey (you know… seriously) I’ve always been a little nervous about putting myself, and what I do, “out there.” I mean, what if everything I said was stupid? What if no one ever gave a damn about my writing or even my journey? What if everyone hated what I wrote? What if no one paid attention to anything I said? What if none of my attempts were any good or gave me any exposure? What if it ALL TURNED OUT TO BE A BIG HUGE COLOSSALLY HORRIBLE WASTE OF TIME?!
… or what if I was just being a super duper drama queen? (Hey mom, you stay out of this!)
As it turns out, none of that really matters. Yes, I want to develop a relationship with potential and actual readers. Yes, I would like to feel as if what I say, write, experience matters. Yes, I want people to love and hang onto every, single word I utter like it’s the best thing their pretty little eardrums have ever experienced, alright maybe not every, SINGLE, word, but you know…
anyway…
What REALLY matters is that I love and enjoy this journey. For many, this writing thing may be about business, but for me it isn’t JUST business. Don’t get me wrong, I’d love to get contracts out the wazoo, and sign them in a professional writerly like manner, promo my heart out, and have book signings… but I really do this for the pure love and enjoyment of putting words together and then watching as the story unfolds. And sharing this experience with readers in as many ways as possible (WITHOUT SPAMMING, this is totally a no spam zone)is something I’ve come to enjoy. So if you see me out there on the cyber waves feel free to say hey. “Heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeey.”
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Six Sentence Sunday 7/29/12
Hi I'm back for more (yep told you I'd be back). This week's share for Six Sentence Sunday is from my current release Curse of the Demon Queen, available at Cobblestone Press, Amazon and B&N.
In this scene, Aamon (our hero) has just returned from one of his time traveling ventures. Tired and and irritated, he has just run into the one who loves to antagonize him the most, Lilith (our heroine).
“Did she leave so soon?” Lilith cooed in a sensual voice, interrupting his thoughts. “The ladies don’t fawn over you if they can’t see your beautiful face, do they?”
As the cruel words left her lips, she cupped his head between her hands. His face transformed, making him appear completely human.
“That’s better, isn’t it?”
I hope you enjoyed your visit. Don't forget to check back at Six Sentence Sunday for more great teasers.
In this scene, Aamon (our hero) has just returned from one of his time traveling ventures. Tired and and irritated, he has just run into the one who loves to antagonize him the most, Lilith (our heroine).
“Did she leave so soon?” Lilith cooed in a sensual voice, interrupting his thoughts. “The ladies don’t fawn over you if they can’t see your beautiful face, do they?”
As the cruel words left her lips, she cupped his head between her hands. His face transformed, making him appear completely human.
“That’s better, isn’t it?”
I hope you enjoyed your visit. Don't forget to check back at Six Sentence Sunday for more great teasers.
Monday, July 23, 2012
On the Good Side of Time Mangement
I'm pretty sure I've posted multiple times regarding my issues with time management skills. Really I just don't have any... well I didn't. But since I've really gotten back into the swing of writing (or cruel and evil self-edits) I have really had to milk every second out of my time that I could. Surprise! It's actually working.
I started back slowly, trying to remember my blog posts once I week. I should really get back to scheduling those ahead of time... maybe... we'll see. Anywho, then I started squeezing in editing time whenever I could, mostly on Sundays since that's the day I'm not bombarded with some sort of plans. Plans are worse than plot bunnies. They pop up out of no where, often when I've specifically set out not to make plans lol. That's alright though, I usually enjoy whatever the plans turn out to be... otherwise I probably wouldn't keep saying yes to them.
At first things seemed slow going, but as I consistently worked at all the aspects of my writing I wanted to improve upon, things seemed to flow a bit easier. It no longer takes me hours to edit a single paragraph (hey don't be judging me). And "all of a sudden" time to edit during the week started to become prevalent. Or maybe I just stopped squandering the time I already had and put it to good use. Regardless, I haven't been this productive in...well... possibly ever and I'm loving every single moment.
I started back slowly, trying to remember my blog posts once I week. I should really get back to scheduling those ahead of time... maybe... we'll see. Anywho, then I started squeezing in editing time whenever I could, mostly on Sundays since that's the day I'm not bombarded with some sort of plans. Plans are worse than plot bunnies. They pop up out of no where, often when I've specifically set out not to make plans lol. That's alright though, I usually enjoy whatever the plans turn out to be... otherwise I probably wouldn't keep saying yes to them.
At first things seemed slow going, but as I consistently worked at all the aspects of my writing I wanted to improve upon, things seemed to flow a bit easier. It no longer takes me hours to edit a single paragraph (hey don't be judging me). And "all of a sudden" time to edit during the week started to become prevalent. Or maybe I just stopped squandering the time I already had and put it to good use. Regardless, I haven't been this productive in...well... possibly ever and I'm loving every single moment.
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Six Sentence Sunday 7/22/12
It's been a while since I've shared on Six Sentence Sunday, but I'd love to be more active. My six are from my current WIP, titled (for now anyway) Taming the Wolf. Wolf had just returned from his first "meeting" with his heroine, and the woman simply wore him out. ;)
Once the space filled with steam, he stepped under the hot spray, allowing his body to relax under the pounding jets of moisture. His muscles still ached from the chase. Surely, no one had ever worked so hard to escape him and his entire body throbbed in painful protest of his pursuits.
Still the memories from seeing her, sharing the same space, made everything well worth it. Visions of her lying beneath his naked body, under the shelter of the lush forest, caressed his tired mind. Just the thought of her, captured every bit of his attention.
Don't forget to check back at Six Sentence Sunday for more great teasers.
Once the space filled with steam, he stepped under the hot spray, allowing his body to relax under the pounding jets of moisture. His muscles still ached from the chase. Surely, no one had ever worked so hard to escape him and his entire body throbbed in painful protest of his pursuits.
Still the memories from seeing her, sharing the same space, made everything well worth it. Visions of her lying beneath his naked body, under the shelter of the lush forest, caressed his tired mind. Just the thought of her, captured every bit of his attention.
Don't forget to check back at Six Sentence Sunday for more great teasers.
Monday, July 9, 2012
Fabulous Progress
Yes, the progress on my WIP is going exceptionally well. In fact, at this rate my story will be ready to send to my CP sometime around... never. OK seriously, I am making good progress on my self edits/revisions, however the word count for this story is continuing to increase... like how is this happening? *blink* *blink* Anyway I will try not to complain about my growing word count and just focus on the fact that I am actively working on the story, which in my humble opinion, is turning out to be a fabulous story. In other news I decided to create an FB author page for my work. If you could find it in your lovely hearts to go "like" me I'd appreciate it so very much. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lauren-Murphy/462731293754175
Monday, July 2, 2012
Poetry Anyone?
Feels like a good time for a poem. Enjoy.
White Clouds
By. Lauren Murphy
Rolling swiftly along soft white puffs of sweet
Soothing moisture swirling strands of pearly
Cotton candy consume my form gracefully
Moving me along the everlasting majestic
Blue heavens quenching the thirst from
My parched dry soul filling my mind with
Dreamlike images as little nude archers and
Flying dragons slowly pass me by
I exhale on a sigh the wind flows through me
As I wonder aimlessly along the picturesque scenery
Through pure white cotton that lovingly comforts me.
© Lauren Murphy, All rights reserved
White Clouds
By. Lauren Murphy
Rolling swiftly along soft white puffs of sweet
Soothing moisture swirling strands of pearly
Cotton candy consume my form gracefully
Moving me along the everlasting majestic
Blue heavens quenching the thirst from
My parched dry soul filling my mind with
Dreamlike images as little nude archers and
Flying dragons slowly pass me by
I exhale on a sigh the wind flows through me
As I wonder aimlessly along the picturesque scenery
Through pure white cotton that lovingly comforts me.
© Lauren Murphy, All rights reserved
Monday, June 25, 2012
Busy, Busy, Busy...
...editing that is. I spent a lot of time yesterday getting some more self edits done and perhaps a lot a bit of goofing off. Overall I'm feeling much more productive than I have in a very long time. And my characters are feeling super frisky. The more edits I complete it seems the longer this story gets. The plot bunnies have attacked and are our of control. Quick where's the broom? :P
Monday, June 18, 2012
There Has Been Much Rejoicing In The Land of Lauren
A person with the initials CT, who is absolutely the best ever, fixed my poor broken laptop! I can now be ecstatic about life again, as things were beginning to look so dull. The world had lost it's color, food had no taste and... OK so maybe things weren't that bad, but it sure does feel good to have the ole' girl back. *pats laptop gently* Anywho, I am ever so grateful to have my dear friend back (yes my laptop is certainly my friend, hold your judgement please). I have completed some lovely edits and gotten some blogging done. Yay for progress.
Monday, June 4, 2012
Writing Update
Well no editing this weekend, but it's not because I'm a big slacker. My laptop went on the fritz. *sob* And all my updates are on there as I hadn't backed my stuff up yet. On the other hand I can work on finishing up another story while I wait for repairs. I've decided to see the positive in this. Have a happy week.
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Summer Reading Trail Excerpts, Teasers and Free Reads
It's been a long while since I've hit my own blog with a shameless plug of promo. However, since it's my blog I'm totally allowed the privilege. Here's an excerpt from my current release, Curse of the Demon Queen, published by Cobblestone Press. Please enjoy and also check out the other offerings from the Summer Reading Trail.
Curse of the Demon Queen by Lauren Murphy
Chapter One
Aamon’s head threatened to split open from the painful throb caused by hard, pounding techno emerging from the oversized speakers. The flickering darkness of the atmosphere seemed to only make things worse. Red lights, flashing in time to music—if you could call it that—immersed the room. Luminous beams went crazy as people jerked their bodies to the fast-paced song roaring over the crowd. The mist machines combined with the constant change in visual stimulation made his stomach roil. It took everything he had to keep from spewing his last meal all over the shiny black marble floor. Usually he didn’t allow the ambiance of Club Hell to bother him, but his concentration deserted him.
The club housed various demons, shifters, vampires and “gifted” individuals, but the humans who frequented the place had no idea. They all assumed things like the feather-covered raven head attached to his neck were fake. The humans’ ignorance allowed beings of The Order to walk about freely. To keep hostilities to a minimum, most patrons stuck to their own kind. Club Hell had one rule—no fighting. The owner enforced the rule personally and any fool stupid enough to break it, regretted it. Since the club was only governed by one law, everything else fell under the radar. As a result, interesting activities took place in the small, dark corners of the building.
For the past five minutes, a feminine voice had been floating around Aamon’s head. If ignoring her wouldn’t cause him pain in the long run, he’d disregard her. He didn’t know what she wanted, nor did he care, but she seemed determined to get it. She pushed the connection harder with every call, but he didn’t want to be bothered. Couldn’t she take the hint? Besides, whenever he responded to a summons from a woman, especially while at the club, Lilith made him pay. Just the thought of his tormentor made his teeth clench.
“What’s wrong with my little fortune teller?” Lilith’s cool voice purred into his ear out of nowhere.
Speak of the Devil.
Her lips grazed his skin as she spoke and his skin tingled with unwanted anticipation. The way she viewed him—like her rightful property—made his stomach twist.
“I’m not a fortune teller,” he bit out. “And I’m certainly not yours.”
“Now, now,” she said, sliding her smooth hands up and down his arms. “There’s no need to be testy.”
Sinful sensations raced through his body as she continued to haunt him with her touch. Her firm, supple figure pressed against him, creating a bulge in his undersized “uniform”. His clothing, or lack thereof, consisted of a simple loincloth. Since the workers were all demons under her command, they had no choice but to prance around practically naked. He preferred to walk around nude, so the apparel wasn’t an issue, but her attitude made him want to jam his fist through a wall.
Her charges worked as dancers. They danced with whomever, wherever, and however they wanted. Most of them found it exciting. Aamon found it revolting. He didn’t want to rub against strange women so Lilith could make a buck. Although demons didn’t need money, Lilith had a particular weakness for human baubles and clothing. To earn the cash to buy these things, Lilith opened the club in the human realm.
He disengaged from her touch and turned to look in her eyes. Her remarkable deep black orbs rimmed so thickly with kohl eyeliner enhanced the sensual pout of her blood red lips. An unwanted shiver slid through him as he observed her lithe body secured in a tight leather corset and mini-skirt. Her long, bronze legs seemed to go on forever, complemented by a pair of dangerously high-heeled, black leather boots. The things he could do with those silky smooth limbs if his mind could allow his body to have its way. Just the thought of her made his heart hiccup and his lungs stall, but it meant nothing. They’d had their chance, which she had crushed with one thoughtless act. He wouldn’t fall for her charms…again.
He shoved aside the fifty-year-old memories threatening to surface and took a step away from her. “I have to go.”
“Where?” she asked with a sway of her hips as she blocked his exit.
“Does it matter? My shift’s almost over.”
“You’re avoiding the question. It’s a woman, isn’t it?”
“Again, does it matter? I have to answer and you know it.”
“No, you don’t have to.”
The throbbing in his head grew worse the longer he continued to ignore the summons, and dealing with Lilith didn’t help. She ruffled the feathers on his face and he jerked his head away.
“Yes, I do. This isn’t about you.”
“I don’t believe you.”
“Fine, believe what you want,” he said before he blinked out of the club and away from Lilith.
Aamon’s head pulsed, screaming with pain by the time he made it to his domain. He changed to his full demon form with haste to help his mind cope, but it did little. The human woman calling to him had one of the strongest telekinetic minds he’d ever experienced, and she had no intentions of being ignored. She wanted information and obviously didn’t plan to let up until she got it.
Surrounded by an orange red blaze and legions of evil beings forced under his control, he was in a foul mood. The flames licked against towering, jagged, black walls, but never caused them harm. He sat on a rock by the leaping fire which always remained and pondered his surroundings. The heat made him feel sticky and impatient, but he spent a good deal of time there when he wasn’t required to work the club. The familiarity of his domain made it easier to handle the cursed summons. So what if they were his duty? He never asked for the so called ‘gift’. If he had is way, he’d toss it off a jagged cliff with razor sharp rocks and leaping flames waiting at the bottom. Oh wait, they were already there.
He worked to ignore the calls, but a few he couldn’t avoid. Stones from the hard, black floor dug into the bottoms of his paws. He ignored them. In the grand scheme of things, they were nothing but a tiny nuisance compared to the muddled mess of his life.
“Aamon,” the voice called again. His head throbbed every time she pushed another message through his brain. The demons in his domain roared at the pain. They were linked to him against his—and their—will. They suffered whatever physical hurt he experienced. Pain lanced through him, causing them anguish, which forced them to vocalize their agony. The cacophony roared in his head, increasing the throbbing. Such was the vicious cycle of anguish in hell.
The demons were yet another annoyance pushed upon him. Once his father had ceased to exist, he got stuck with all his shit. He didn’t want his “gift”, or the demons, but as a resident of hell, it didn’t matter what he wanted. Children always got stuck with their parent’s leftovers, whether they wanted them or not.
His charges could’ve been mistaken for large, black wolves if their glowing, red eyes and snake-like tongues could be ignored. The room shook with the force of their displeasure as the woman pushed another agonizing thought through his mind. His demons couldn’t leave their chains, and the noise of their snarling and barking damn near forced him to his knees. Why wouldn’t she just leave him be? Most people got the hint when he didn’t answer, but not her.
Finally, when the noise reached a fevered pitch and his head threatened to split open, he created a mind link and transported her to him. The stunned look on her face told him she hadn’t been expecting it, but so what? She’d annoyed the hell out of him, so he deserved a little payback.
“Speak,” he ordered.
Her mouth opened and closed, but no words came out as she studied the serpent tail swishing back and forth from his wolf form. Coarse black fur covered his body except for the sleek coal appendage. The woman chewed at her bottom lip and twisted her hands until they became raw. Like most humans, she probably couldn’t stand the sight of his full demon form.
If he were a normal man, he might find her attractive. A simple pink dress covered her lithe body, exposing the tops of supple breasts. The heat from his domain caused a sheen of sweat to appear on her exposed skin and the strained look of fear on her face almost made him want to comfort her. Almost. The woman shivered so hard, regardless of the heat, she’d probably die of fright if he did try. Not that she deserved to be comforted after giving him a damned splitting headache.
“Speak,” he ordered again. Patience wasn’t a virtue he possessed or wanted.
“P—please,” she said, half looking at him. “H—human form.”
The woman shook so hard with wide-eyed terror she couldn’t even make complete sentences. Regardless, he knew what she meant and once the request was made, he couldn’t resist. For some reason, whenever a human asked for his appearance to change, his body automatically obeyed.
Damn it.
He’d spent many years adjusting to the pain of transforming. At one time it caused him paralyzing agony, but now it only brought mild discomfort. His bones shifted and popped as the change took place. Once finished, he stood in the form of a nude man from his shoulders down. The cursed head of a raven once again formed upon on his neck, sporting shiny black feathers. The fires around them leapt at his discomfort. He hated this form most of all. It reminded him of his curse and the one who’d placed it upon him. Damn, even now he wanted the treacherous woman. After all she’d done to him, his dreams and thoughts were still filled with visions of her. But now wasn’t the time to ponder their disastrous relationship. He had to get the human out of his domain, and quick. She didn’t belong.
“Speak, or leave,” he ordered one last time.
“No,” she screamed, throwing her hands, palm up, in front of him. “I need to know my future. I need to know if I will bear a child.”
Great, now she wants to be bold.
He sighed and nodded at the request. “It will be done.”
He took her hands in his and noticed how tiny hers were in comparison. His eyes slid closed and they traveled with lightning speed through space and time. Cold wind whipped past his closely trimmed head which provided relief from the sweltering heat of his domain. The rate at which he traveled reached far beyond most humans’ comprehension. A good number of them struggled for consciousness during the journey. The sudden change in atmosphere alone made things difficult, but add in the startling speeds and they could barely cope. Traveling through an entirely different plane took some getting used to.
Humans never knew what to expect and none seemed to care. Only one thing seemed to be on their minds. “Show me this, show me that,” they would say…no—demand. Like their lives couldn’t continue without knowing some particular part of the future. The whole idea baffled Aamon. None of it could be changed, so he didn’t see the point.
He made an abrupt stop when he spotted where they needed to arrive and she landed with a thud. They stood in the middle of a lush field covered with purple and yellow flowers. In front of them sat a large wood cabin, surrounded by a fresh garden filled with bright red tomatoes. Perhaps he would have appreciated the picturesque scene more if he wouldn’t have been there against his will. As it stood, all he wanted was to send the woman packing and get back to where he belonged.
While they waited, an older image of the human padded barefoot from the house, swollen with the late stages of pregnancy. Next to him, she gasped and a small cry escaped her lips before she clamped a hand down over her mouth. Her body heaved with tearful spasms as she observed her future self tend to her garden before taking a walk.
“Oh, thank God,” the woman whispered as she sobbed into her open palms.
Hell, at this rate he’d be there all day. Females had children every day, in the demon realm and in the human realm.
Big deal.
It seemed like she went on forever, kneeling with her head in her hands as if bowing at the feet of some sacred deity. He gave his arm an absent scratch then proceeded to shift his weight from foot to foot.
The entire experience had been enough to make him want to swear off summoning for the rest of his eternal life. If only the pain from ignoring some of their summons wasn’t enough to force him to his knees. Yeah, life was a bitch. He cleared his throat and crossed his arms. She yanked her head in his direction and pinned him with a wide, unfocused stare. Obviously, she had gone into her own little world and forgotten she had someone waiting for her.
Typical.
Humans seemed to think all other beings were created to serve them. At the thought, he forced himself not to roll his eyes at her in disgust. He wanted the whole thing to be over with as little difficulty as possible. Finally, she got ahold of herself. She thanked him with a nod, and from there he sent her back to her own realm using the mind link he created earlier.
When he transported back to his domain, Lilith stood, proud and tall, waiting on him. His body betrayed him and hardened at the sight of her. To make matters worse, his head still hurt from the pressure of trying to ignore the woman he’d helped. The pain would probably plague him for the rest of the week and screw with his much needed focus.
He sucked in a breath as he got a full on view of her new attire. Heaven knew why she insisted on the leather getup. It didn’t suit her. A black, sheer gown blew around her lithe body and bronze skin tantalized him as she sauntered toward him. The scent of lavender and vanilla wafted in the air, forcing him to close his eyes and strengthen his stance. Lilith’s beauty had blinded him once before and he’d paid dearly for it. As far as looks went, no other woman had ever come close, but some things were more important than physical splendor. Like how he’d declared fifty years ago they were an ill match and decided she needed to be off limits. As if he could stop wanting her.
Pathetic.
“Did she leave so soon?” Lilith cooed in a sensual voice, interrupting his thoughts. “The ladies don’t fawn over you if they can’t see your beautiful face, do they?”
As the cruel words left her lips, she cupped his head between her hands. His face transformed, making him appear completely human.
“That’s better, isn’t it?”
A muscle ticked in his jaw and an angry growl leapt from his throat as he failed to hold back his temper. Usually, he had no trouble keeping his anger at bay, but not with her. He hated the way she taunted him with the power she held over his physical transformation. Only she seemed to be able to bring out his most primitive emotions, and he sensed she knew it—reveled in it. No other had the power to make him transform completely. He wished he could throw her and her stupid curse out of his life for good, but fantasies were for fools. She was the queen and he, just a duke. Oh, how he both hated and loved this woman. She who tormented him night and day, when he slept and awoke.
“Now, don’t be cross with me,” she said, sliding a skinny fingernail across his naked chest. “You know what must be done to lift the curse. Just do it.”
“Forget it,” he hissed.
Her smile was full of wickedness as she circled and continued to graze her hands across his flesh. He sucked in a breath as luscious tingles cascaded over his skin. He tried not to revel in her touch. Resisting her never worked—his body betrayed him every time—and he loathed the instant reaction she drew from him. She’d stabbed him in the back and twisted the blade, yet he still wanted her. Obviously, he needed his head examined.
“Look at that,” she whispered as her gaze traveled down his naked form. “I don’t think you hate me as much as you let on.”
“Oh,” he said, grabbing her hand, forcing her to stop touching him, “but I do.”
A dark sneer marred her feminine features. Her cat-like eyes narrowed, and her full lips disappeared into a thin line below her broad nose which turned up on one side. Damn, even in anger he wanted her. Would he ever be freed from her spell?
“Just wait, Aamon, I will bend you to my will eventually.”
“Never,” he retorted in a harsh whisper.
“I see how your body responds to me. You are only a man, after all.”
“I’m not just a man and you aren’t just a woman,” he said, letting go of her hand as if it were poison. “We are demons and I will not bow to you.”
“No one else has been able to resist. What makes you think you’re so different?”
“They were weak and I’m not.”
“We shall see,” she said, strolling off without bothering to look back.
* * * * *
Anger consumed Lilith as she stormed away from Aamon’s rooms. Her heart raced. Her head throbbed so hard she feared it would burst through her skull. She followed him from the club only to find him with some simpering slut. How dare he continue to challenge her?
When she made it around the corner, she stopped to rest. The great wall outside his domain provided support as she calmed her frayed nerves. In his presence, she forced herself to act like he didn’t matter, but she couldn’t lie to herself.
No other man stirred her mind or body the way he did. In his full human form, he looked deliciously edible. He stood tall enough to have to look down to see into her eyes, but he didn’t tower over her. Luscious lips ripe for kissing sat proudly on his face under a broad nose and smoldering, almond-shaped eyes. Rippling muscles covered his arms and legs, and clearly, the man had never been introduced to the word modest. He didn’t even keep clothing nearby for when he changed forms. The thought of his perfectly bare ass made shivers trickle down her spine. His smooth brown skin enticed and exhilarated her until she could think of nothing but her body surrounding his as he entered her, over and over again.
Her feelings for him were a double-edged sword. She loved the look of him, but hated other women to actively admire him. Years ago, her jealousy caused her to curse him, and once released, a curse couldn’t be taken back. If only she could shake her addiction, life would be easier. But she couldn’t, and no matter what, he fought her in a way no one else had. The thought made her teeth clench so hard she feared they’d break.
Frustration mounted and she suppressed a growl as she finally calmed down enough to blink to her rooms. Her powers were nothing if she wasn’t in full control of her mind and emotions. Demons had to be focused for their powers to work at full capacity. She never allowed herself to forget the small bit of potentially lifesaving knowledge. It had given her the advantage she needed to take the throne and keep it.
Heat enveloped her as she entered her rooms. She liked to have some added warmth in her dwelling, so she often kept a small fire burning near the doorway.
“How may I serve you, my lady?” Her one remaining servant, Neal, stood by the door waiting for her command.
The last of the fire demons had red, leathery skin and stood about three feet high. His size caused people to underestimate his power, which didn’t bode well for those who tried to overtake him. In the old days, fire demons had been used as bodyguards or servants because of their strength and loyalty. He’d been with her since before the war that enabled her to capture the throne. Lilith viewed him as more of a companion than a servant, but his proper training would never allow them to be friendly.
“I’m fine, Neal,” she replied with a wave of her hand. “Why don’t you take the rest of the night off?”
He quirked his mouth and frowned at her as he retreated to his spot on the other side of the large room. Lilith chuckled at his typical response. He never took time off and only left her side when she asked or went to the club. On the earth plane, her rooms would be considered a large loft, so he stayed in her rooms instead of going back to his. His were so ill-used they were probably covered in cob webs. She wished he could see her as a friend, but his training wouldn’t allow for it.
With a sigh, she sat in front of a vanity made of flame-shaped, red crystals. In her bedroom, she also kept a matching bed and chest. The light from the fire made the crimson jewels glitter against the hard black walls. It managed to give the room a somewhat homey aura. She picked up the brush and pulled it through the long, thick strands of her raven hair. The effortless movements calmed her as Aamon crept back into her thoughts.
He couldn’t continue to reject her this way…could he? She had many other subjects who were anxious to pleasure her, but not Aamon. He scorned her. Acted like the very air she breathed insulted his existence. She couldn’t understand it. Wasn’t she beautiful enough? Sexy enough? Alluring enough? What did those damn human women have that she didn’t? Why could he resist her, but not them? Whenever they called him to do their damn bidding, he obeyed without complaint. She could barely get an audience with him, and they were nothing compared to the queen of demons. He was only a duke, after all, but the man really knew how to make her blood boil.
A knock at her door drew her mind from the willful man.
“Who is it?”
“It is Bael, my queen.”
Oh, just great.
The guy acted more like a puppy than a demon. The way he followed her around whenever he sensed her made her stomach churn. Couldn’t he tell she just wanted to be left alone? She treated no one with favoritism, especially him, and there wasn’t a day he didn’t interrupt her private time in her chambers. Her sanctuary was all she really had, and she couldn’t even enjoy it. But then, no matter how much she wanted to, she never denied her subjects entry. She sighed before putting down her hairbrush. Instead of telling him to get lost like she wanted, she said, “You may enter.”
He bowed low and came to stand before her. His sneaky eyes glittered as he drank in her black attire. A saucy getup meant to entice Aamon, which he barely even glanced at. Bael, on the other hand, appreciated her physique much more than she cared for his. His nose hooked like a birds, his lips were too thin, and if he had muscles, they were invisible to the naked eye. Small men never attracted her, especially when their bones could be seen through their clothes, like Bael’s.
It took a few tries before she could push her displeasure away enough to keep it from showing on her face. “What can I do for you, Bael?”
“I’ve come to ask if you’ve given any thought to our last discussion.”
“No.” The word came out cold in comparison to the heat of the atmosphere. She felt no warmth for the smarmy, groveling demon before her.
“May I ask why, my queen?”
Because you’re a spineless wimp. Because you’re like a fish in bed. Because you’re not Aamon.
No matter how much she wanted to, she couldn’t allow herself to utter any of those responses, so she settled on, “Because there is nothing to think about. We’ve had this discussion before, and my mind will never change.”
He pulled a light brown hand through shoulder-length, oily, black hair and sighed. “I wish you would reconsider.”
“I won’t.” She turned back to her reflection in the vanity.
“Just listen to reason.” He took a presumptuous step closer.
“Watch yourself, Bael. Bad things happen to men who disrespect me.”
“I’m sorry, my queen. I just don’t understand.”
Pathetic, just pathetic.
How could she be expected to be with a man who whined more than a sniveling brat? Who couldn’t even muster the strength to stand up to her? Aamon would have stared her in the eyes and told her what to do with her commands. Like a man, even knowing she would punish him for it.
“There’s nothing else to be said.” She turned and grazed him with a quick glance then looked back at her reflection. She picked up her brush and went back to sliding it through her hair, all but forgetting his presence.
“But my que—”
She contained the growl hovering at the edge of her lips and took a few deep breaths. “If I were you, I’d leave now.”
A childish scowl drifted over his features before he could master his expression, but he said nothing in response. The door clicked closed behind him as he exited her room.
She breathed a heavy sigh of relief. In all her life, she’d never met such an insufferable man. He wanted more power than he knew what to do with, but couldn’t control his own damn minions. She’d made the mistake of sharing a bed with him when she’d hit a low point and regretted it still. Since then, he’d acted like he held favor with her, which he did not, and never would. It made her want to drop him off the side of a mountain or maybe down an active volcano. Her shoulders rose and fell as she blew out another sigh. If only she could go back—but only few could work with time. Even so, no one had the power to make any changes. Too bad.
She crossed over to her king-sized bed and plopped down on her red, silk sheets. The past no longer mattered. She had her sights on Aamon…still.
Thank you for stopping by.
The full version can be purchased directly from Cobblestone Press or Amazon.
Curse of the Demon Queen by Lauren Murphy
Chapter One
Aamon’s head threatened to split open from the painful throb caused by hard, pounding techno emerging from the oversized speakers. The flickering darkness of the atmosphere seemed to only make things worse. Red lights, flashing in time to music—if you could call it that—immersed the room. Luminous beams went crazy as people jerked their bodies to the fast-paced song roaring over the crowd. The mist machines combined with the constant change in visual stimulation made his stomach roil. It took everything he had to keep from spewing his last meal all over the shiny black marble floor. Usually he didn’t allow the ambiance of Club Hell to bother him, but his concentration deserted him.
The club housed various demons, shifters, vampires and “gifted” individuals, but the humans who frequented the place had no idea. They all assumed things like the feather-covered raven head attached to his neck were fake. The humans’ ignorance allowed beings of The Order to walk about freely. To keep hostilities to a minimum, most patrons stuck to their own kind. Club Hell had one rule—no fighting. The owner enforced the rule personally and any fool stupid enough to break it, regretted it. Since the club was only governed by one law, everything else fell under the radar. As a result, interesting activities took place in the small, dark corners of the building.
For the past five minutes, a feminine voice had been floating around Aamon’s head. If ignoring her wouldn’t cause him pain in the long run, he’d disregard her. He didn’t know what she wanted, nor did he care, but she seemed determined to get it. She pushed the connection harder with every call, but he didn’t want to be bothered. Couldn’t she take the hint? Besides, whenever he responded to a summons from a woman, especially while at the club, Lilith made him pay. Just the thought of his tormentor made his teeth clench.
“What’s wrong with my little fortune teller?” Lilith’s cool voice purred into his ear out of nowhere.
Speak of the Devil.
Her lips grazed his skin as she spoke and his skin tingled with unwanted anticipation. The way she viewed him—like her rightful property—made his stomach twist.
“I’m not a fortune teller,” he bit out. “And I’m certainly not yours.”
“Now, now,” she said, sliding her smooth hands up and down his arms. “There’s no need to be testy.”
Sinful sensations raced through his body as she continued to haunt him with her touch. Her firm, supple figure pressed against him, creating a bulge in his undersized “uniform”. His clothing, or lack thereof, consisted of a simple loincloth. Since the workers were all demons under her command, they had no choice but to prance around practically naked. He preferred to walk around nude, so the apparel wasn’t an issue, but her attitude made him want to jam his fist through a wall.
Her charges worked as dancers. They danced with whomever, wherever, and however they wanted. Most of them found it exciting. Aamon found it revolting. He didn’t want to rub against strange women so Lilith could make a buck. Although demons didn’t need money, Lilith had a particular weakness for human baubles and clothing. To earn the cash to buy these things, Lilith opened the club in the human realm.
He disengaged from her touch and turned to look in her eyes. Her remarkable deep black orbs rimmed so thickly with kohl eyeliner enhanced the sensual pout of her blood red lips. An unwanted shiver slid through him as he observed her lithe body secured in a tight leather corset and mini-skirt. Her long, bronze legs seemed to go on forever, complemented by a pair of dangerously high-heeled, black leather boots. The things he could do with those silky smooth limbs if his mind could allow his body to have its way. Just the thought of her made his heart hiccup and his lungs stall, but it meant nothing. They’d had their chance, which she had crushed with one thoughtless act. He wouldn’t fall for her charms…again.
He shoved aside the fifty-year-old memories threatening to surface and took a step away from her. “I have to go.”
“Where?” she asked with a sway of her hips as she blocked his exit.
“Does it matter? My shift’s almost over.”
“You’re avoiding the question. It’s a woman, isn’t it?”
“Again, does it matter? I have to answer and you know it.”
“No, you don’t have to.”
The throbbing in his head grew worse the longer he continued to ignore the summons, and dealing with Lilith didn’t help. She ruffled the feathers on his face and he jerked his head away.
“Yes, I do. This isn’t about you.”
“I don’t believe you.”
“Fine, believe what you want,” he said before he blinked out of the club and away from Lilith.
Aamon’s head pulsed, screaming with pain by the time he made it to his domain. He changed to his full demon form with haste to help his mind cope, but it did little. The human woman calling to him had one of the strongest telekinetic minds he’d ever experienced, and she had no intentions of being ignored. She wanted information and obviously didn’t plan to let up until she got it.
Surrounded by an orange red blaze and legions of evil beings forced under his control, he was in a foul mood. The flames licked against towering, jagged, black walls, but never caused them harm. He sat on a rock by the leaping fire which always remained and pondered his surroundings. The heat made him feel sticky and impatient, but he spent a good deal of time there when he wasn’t required to work the club. The familiarity of his domain made it easier to handle the cursed summons. So what if they were his duty? He never asked for the so called ‘gift’. If he had is way, he’d toss it off a jagged cliff with razor sharp rocks and leaping flames waiting at the bottom. Oh wait, they were already there.
He worked to ignore the calls, but a few he couldn’t avoid. Stones from the hard, black floor dug into the bottoms of his paws. He ignored them. In the grand scheme of things, they were nothing but a tiny nuisance compared to the muddled mess of his life.
“Aamon,” the voice called again. His head throbbed every time she pushed another message through his brain. The demons in his domain roared at the pain. They were linked to him against his—and their—will. They suffered whatever physical hurt he experienced. Pain lanced through him, causing them anguish, which forced them to vocalize their agony. The cacophony roared in his head, increasing the throbbing. Such was the vicious cycle of anguish in hell.
The demons were yet another annoyance pushed upon him. Once his father had ceased to exist, he got stuck with all his shit. He didn’t want his “gift”, or the demons, but as a resident of hell, it didn’t matter what he wanted. Children always got stuck with their parent’s leftovers, whether they wanted them or not.
His charges could’ve been mistaken for large, black wolves if their glowing, red eyes and snake-like tongues could be ignored. The room shook with the force of their displeasure as the woman pushed another agonizing thought through his mind. His demons couldn’t leave their chains, and the noise of their snarling and barking damn near forced him to his knees. Why wouldn’t she just leave him be? Most people got the hint when he didn’t answer, but not her.
Finally, when the noise reached a fevered pitch and his head threatened to split open, he created a mind link and transported her to him. The stunned look on her face told him she hadn’t been expecting it, but so what? She’d annoyed the hell out of him, so he deserved a little payback.
“Speak,” he ordered.
Her mouth opened and closed, but no words came out as she studied the serpent tail swishing back and forth from his wolf form. Coarse black fur covered his body except for the sleek coal appendage. The woman chewed at her bottom lip and twisted her hands until they became raw. Like most humans, she probably couldn’t stand the sight of his full demon form.
If he were a normal man, he might find her attractive. A simple pink dress covered her lithe body, exposing the tops of supple breasts. The heat from his domain caused a sheen of sweat to appear on her exposed skin and the strained look of fear on her face almost made him want to comfort her. Almost. The woman shivered so hard, regardless of the heat, she’d probably die of fright if he did try. Not that she deserved to be comforted after giving him a damned splitting headache.
“Speak,” he ordered again. Patience wasn’t a virtue he possessed or wanted.
“P—please,” she said, half looking at him. “H—human form.”
The woman shook so hard with wide-eyed terror she couldn’t even make complete sentences. Regardless, he knew what she meant and once the request was made, he couldn’t resist. For some reason, whenever a human asked for his appearance to change, his body automatically obeyed.
Damn it.
He’d spent many years adjusting to the pain of transforming. At one time it caused him paralyzing agony, but now it only brought mild discomfort. His bones shifted and popped as the change took place. Once finished, he stood in the form of a nude man from his shoulders down. The cursed head of a raven once again formed upon on his neck, sporting shiny black feathers. The fires around them leapt at his discomfort. He hated this form most of all. It reminded him of his curse and the one who’d placed it upon him. Damn, even now he wanted the treacherous woman. After all she’d done to him, his dreams and thoughts were still filled with visions of her. But now wasn’t the time to ponder their disastrous relationship. He had to get the human out of his domain, and quick. She didn’t belong.
“Speak, or leave,” he ordered one last time.
“No,” she screamed, throwing her hands, palm up, in front of him. “I need to know my future. I need to know if I will bear a child.”
Great, now she wants to be bold.
He sighed and nodded at the request. “It will be done.”
He took her hands in his and noticed how tiny hers were in comparison. His eyes slid closed and they traveled with lightning speed through space and time. Cold wind whipped past his closely trimmed head which provided relief from the sweltering heat of his domain. The rate at which he traveled reached far beyond most humans’ comprehension. A good number of them struggled for consciousness during the journey. The sudden change in atmosphere alone made things difficult, but add in the startling speeds and they could barely cope. Traveling through an entirely different plane took some getting used to.
Humans never knew what to expect and none seemed to care. Only one thing seemed to be on their minds. “Show me this, show me that,” they would say…no—demand. Like their lives couldn’t continue without knowing some particular part of the future. The whole idea baffled Aamon. None of it could be changed, so he didn’t see the point.
He made an abrupt stop when he spotted where they needed to arrive and she landed with a thud. They stood in the middle of a lush field covered with purple and yellow flowers. In front of them sat a large wood cabin, surrounded by a fresh garden filled with bright red tomatoes. Perhaps he would have appreciated the picturesque scene more if he wouldn’t have been there against his will. As it stood, all he wanted was to send the woman packing and get back to where he belonged.
While they waited, an older image of the human padded barefoot from the house, swollen with the late stages of pregnancy. Next to him, she gasped and a small cry escaped her lips before she clamped a hand down over her mouth. Her body heaved with tearful spasms as she observed her future self tend to her garden before taking a walk.
“Oh, thank God,” the woman whispered as she sobbed into her open palms.
Hell, at this rate he’d be there all day. Females had children every day, in the demon realm and in the human realm.
Big deal.
It seemed like she went on forever, kneeling with her head in her hands as if bowing at the feet of some sacred deity. He gave his arm an absent scratch then proceeded to shift his weight from foot to foot.
The entire experience had been enough to make him want to swear off summoning for the rest of his eternal life. If only the pain from ignoring some of their summons wasn’t enough to force him to his knees. Yeah, life was a bitch. He cleared his throat and crossed his arms. She yanked her head in his direction and pinned him with a wide, unfocused stare. Obviously, she had gone into her own little world and forgotten she had someone waiting for her.
Typical.
Humans seemed to think all other beings were created to serve them. At the thought, he forced himself not to roll his eyes at her in disgust. He wanted the whole thing to be over with as little difficulty as possible. Finally, she got ahold of herself. She thanked him with a nod, and from there he sent her back to her own realm using the mind link he created earlier.
When he transported back to his domain, Lilith stood, proud and tall, waiting on him. His body betrayed him and hardened at the sight of her. To make matters worse, his head still hurt from the pressure of trying to ignore the woman he’d helped. The pain would probably plague him for the rest of the week and screw with his much needed focus.
He sucked in a breath as he got a full on view of her new attire. Heaven knew why she insisted on the leather getup. It didn’t suit her. A black, sheer gown blew around her lithe body and bronze skin tantalized him as she sauntered toward him. The scent of lavender and vanilla wafted in the air, forcing him to close his eyes and strengthen his stance. Lilith’s beauty had blinded him once before and he’d paid dearly for it. As far as looks went, no other woman had ever come close, but some things were more important than physical splendor. Like how he’d declared fifty years ago they were an ill match and decided she needed to be off limits. As if he could stop wanting her.
Pathetic.
“Did she leave so soon?” Lilith cooed in a sensual voice, interrupting his thoughts. “The ladies don’t fawn over you if they can’t see your beautiful face, do they?”
As the cruel words left her lips, she cupped his head between her hands. His face transformed, making him appear completely human.
“That’s better, isn’t it?”
A muscle ticked in his jaw and an angry growl leapt from his throat as he failed to hold back his temper. Usually, he had no trouble keeping his anger at bay, but not with her. He hated the way she taunted him with the power she held over his physical transformation. Only she seemed to be able to bring out his most primitive emotions, and he sensed she knew it—reveled in it. No other had the power to make him transform completely. He wished he could throw her and her stupid curse out of his life for good, but fantasies were for fools. She was the queen and he, just a duke. Oh, how he both hated and loved this woman. She who tormented him night and day, when he slept and awoke.
“Now, don’t be cross with me,” she said, sliding a skinny fingernail across his naked chest. “You know what must be done to lift the curse. Just do it.”
“Forget it,” he hissed.
Her smile was full of wickedness as she circled and continued to graze her hands across his flesh. He sucked in a breath as luscious tingles cascaded over his skin. He tried not to revel in her touch. Resisting her never worked—his body betrayed him every time—and he loathed the instant reaction she drew from him. She’d stabbed him in the back and twisted the blade, yet he still wanted her. Obviously, he needed his head examined.
“Look at that,” she whispered as her gaze traveled down his naked form. “I don’t think you hate me as much as you let on.”
“Oh,” he said, grabbing her hand, forcing her to stop touching him, “but I do.”
A dark sneer marred her feminine features. Her cat-like eyes narrowed, and her full lips disappeared into a thin line below her broad nose which turned up on one side. Damn, even in anger he wanted her. Would he ever be freed from her spell?
“Just wait, Aamon, I will bend you to my will eventually.”
“Never,” he retorted in a harsh whisper.
“I see how your body responds to me. You are only a man, after all.”
“I’m not just a man and you aren’t just a woman,” he said, letting go of her hand as if it were poison. “We are demons and I will not bow to you.”
“No one else has been able to resist. What makes you think you’re so different?”
“They were weak and I’m not.”
“We shall see,” she said, strolling off without bothering to look back.
* * * * *
Anger consumed Lilith as she stormed away from Aamon’s rooms. Her heart raced. Her head throbbed so hard she feared it would burst through her skull. She followed him from the club only to find him with some simpering slut. How dare he continue to challenge her?
When she made it around the corner, she stopped to rest. The great wall outside his domain provided support as she calmed her frayed nerves. In his presence, she forced herself to act like he didn’t matter, but she couldn’t lie to herself.
No other man stirred her mind or body the way he did. In his full human form, he looked deliciously edible. He stood tall enough to have to look down to see into her eyes, but he didn’t tower over her. Luscious lips ripe for kissing sat proudly on his face under a broad nose and smoldering, almond-shaped eyes. Rippling muscles covered his arms and legs, and clearly, the man had never been introduced to the word modest. He didn’t even keep clothing nearby for when he changed forms. The thought of his perfectly bare ass made shivers trickle down her spine. His smooth brown skin enticed and exhilarated her until she could think of nothing but her body surrounding his as he entered her, over and over again.
Her feelings for him were a double-edged sword. She loved the look of him, but hated other women to actively admire him. Years ago, her jealousy caused her to curse him, and once released, a curse couldn’t be taken back. If only she could shake her addiction, life would be easier. But she couldn’t, and no matter what, he fought her in a way no one else had. The thought made her teeth clench so hard she feared they’d break.
Frustration mounted and she suppressed a growl as she finally calmed down enough to blink to her rooms. Her powers were nothing if she wasn’t in full control of her mind and emotions. Demons had to be focused for their powers to work at full capacity. She never allowed herself to forget the small bit of potentially lifesaving knowledge. It had given her the advantage she needed to take the throne and keep it.
Heat enveloped her as she entered her rooms. She liked to have some added warmth in her dwelling, so she often kept a small fire burning near the doorway.
“How may I serve you, my lady?” Her one remaining servant, Neal, stood by the door waiting for her command.
The last of the fire demons had red, leathery skin and stood about three feet high. His size caused people to underestimate his power, which didn’t bode well for those who tried to overtake him. In the old days, fire demons had been used as bodyguards or servants because of their strength and loyalty. He’d been with her since before the war that enabled her to capture the throne. Lilith viewed him as more of a companion than a servant, but his proper training would never allow them to be friendly.
“I’m fine, Neal,” she replied with a wave of her hand. “Why don’t you take the rest of the night off?”
He quirked his mouth and frowned at her as he retreated to his spot on the other side of the large room. Lilith chuckled at his typical response. He never took time off and only left her side when she asked or went to the club. On the earth plane, her rooms would be considered a large loft, so he stayed in her rooms instead of going back to his. His were so ill-used they were probably covered in cob webs. She wished he could see her as a friend, but his training wouldn’t allow for it.
With a sigh, she sat in front of a vanity made of flame-shaped, red crystals. In her bedroom, she also kept a matching bed and chest. The light from the fire made the crimson jewels glitter against the hard black walls. It managed to give the room a somewhat homey aura. She picked up the brush and pulled it through the long, thick strands of her raven hair. The effortless movements calmed her as Aamon crept back into her thoughts.
He couldn’t continue to reject her this way…could he? She had many other subjects who were anxious to pleasure her, but not Aamon. He scorned her. Acted like the very air she breathed insulted his existence. She couldn’t understand it. Wasn’t she beautiful enough? Sexy enough? Alluring enough? What did those damn human women have that she didn’t? Why could he resist her, but not them? Whenever they called him to do their damn bidding, he obeyed without complaint. She could barely get an audience with him, and they were nothing compared to the queen of demons. He was only a duke, after all, but the man really knew how to make her blood boil.
A knock at her door drew her mind from the willful man.
“Who is it?”
“It is Bael, my queen.”
Oh, just great.
The guy acted more like a puppy than a demon. The way he followed her around whenever he sensed her made her stomach churn. Couldn’t he tell she just wanted to be left alone? She treated no one with favoritism, especially him, and there wasn’t a day he didn’t interrupt her private time in her chambers. Her sanctuary was all she really had, and she couldn’t even enjoy it. But then, no matter how much she wanted to, she never denied her subjects entry. She sighed before putting down her hairbrush. Instead of telling him to get lost like she wanted, she said, “You may enter.”
He bowed low and came to stand before her. His sneaky eyes glittered as he drank in her black attire. A saucy getup meant to entice Aamon, which he barely even glanced at. Bael, on the other hand, appreciated her physique much more than she cared for his. His nose hooked like a birds, his lips were too thin, and if he had muscles, they were invisible to the naked eye. Small men never attracted her, especially when their bones could be seen through their clothes, like Bael’s.
It took a few tries before she could push her displeasure away enough to keep it from showing on her face. “What can I do for you, Bael?”
“I’ve come to ask if you’ve given any thought to our last discussion.”
“No.” The word came out cold in comparison to the heat of the atmosphere. She felt no warmth for the smarmy, groveling demon before her.
“May I ask why, my queen?”
Because you’re a spineless wimp. Because you’re like a fish in bed. Because you’re not Aamon.
No matter how much she wanted to, she couldn’t allow herself to utter any of those responses, so she settled on, “Because there is nothing to think about. We’ve had this discussion before, and my mind will never change.”
He pulled a light brown hand through shoulder-length, oily, black hair and sighed. “I wish you would reconsider.”
“I won’t.” She turned back to her reflection in the vanity.
“Just listen to reason.” He took a presumptuous step closer.
“Watch yourself, Bael. Bad things happen to men who disrespect me.”
“I’m sorry, my queen. I just don’t understand.”
Pathetic, just pathetic.
How could she be expected to be with a man who whined more than a sniveling brat? Who couldn’t even muster the strength to stand up to her? Aamon would have stared her in the eyes and told her what to do with her commands. Like a man, even knowing she would punish him for it.
“There’s nothing else to be said.” She turned and grazed him with a quick glance then looked back at her reflection. She picked up her brush and went back to sliding it through her hair, all but forgetting his presence.
“But my que—”
She contained the growl hovering at the edge of her lips and took a few deep breaths. “If I were you, I’d leave now.”
A childish scowl drifted over his features before he could master his expression, but he said nothing in response. The door clicked closed behind him as he exited her room.
She breathed a heavy sigh of relief. In all her life, she’d never met such an insufferable man. He wanted more power than he knew what to do with, but couldn’t control his own damn minions. She’d made the mistake of sharing a bed with him when she’d hit a low point and regretted it still. Since then, he’d acted like he held favor with her, which he did not, and never would. It made her want to drop him off the side of a mountain or maybe down an active volcano. Her shoulders rose and fell as she blew out another sigh. If only she could go back—but only few could work with time. Even so, no one had the power to make any changes. Too bad.
She crossed over to her king-sized bed and plopped down on her red, silk sheets. The past no longer mattered. She had her sights on Aamon…still.
Thank you for stopping by.
The full version can be purchased directly from Cobblestone Press or Amazon.
Monday, May 28, 2012
Poem Time!
Time for a little naughty, naughty. Enjoy.
Waterfalls of Love
By. Lauren Murphy
Water Cascading down our smooth silken bodies
Leaning against the shimmering rocks
You enfold me in your heartfelt embrace
As our lips become one, tongues intertwine
Slowly swaying, our thighs touching
Your arousal rubbing against my wet sex
Our clothes become undone, washed away in the current
Of raging desire as you enter my body with
One single thrust, a strangled moan floats
From my lips as your hips find their slow rhythm
In and out until we're both craving release
Climax, coming in a rush our bodies
Bucking, convulsing, minds floating in ecstasy
Staring into each others eyes, sharing
One last intimate kiss, one touch...one look.
© Lauren Murphy, All rights reserved
Waterfalls of Love
By. Lauren Murphy
Water Cascading down our smooth silken bodies
Leaning against the shimmering rocks
You enfold me in your heartfelt embrace
As our lips become one, tongues intertwine
Slowly swaying, our thighs touching
Your arousal rubbing against my wet sex
Our clothes become undone, washed away in the current
Of raging desire as you enter my body with
One single thrust, a strangled moan floats
From my lips as your hips find their slow rhythm
In and out until we're both craving release
Climax, coming in a rush our bodies
Bucking, convulsing, minds floating in ecstasy
Staring into each others eyes, sharing
One last intimate kiss, one touch...one look.
© Lauren Murphy, All rights reserved
Monday, May 21, 2012
Pizza Casserole
This turned out wonderfully. I didn't wait until 10 minutes before the dish was done to add the rest of my cheese. I just sprinkled it on before baking and let it cook uncovered. I loved it!
Ingredients :
1lb hamburger
2C elbow macaroni
1 jar/can spaghetti sauce
(any flavor/mixture)
1 medium onion (chopped)
1 can cream of mushroom soup
2 packages pepperoni (8oz. each)
1-16oz package shredded 4 cheese Italian mix
1-8oz package shredded cheddar cheese
Directions :
Fry hamburger with onion,drain.
boil elbow macaroni
mix cheeses together, set aside
Combine cooked elbow macaroni, hamburger, spaghetti sauce and mushroom
soup into pan. Heat and blend well.
Using casserole dish layer bottom with macaroni/spaghetti sauce mix
cover this layer with pepperoni then a layer of cheese mix.
continue to layer until casserole dish is filled.
place in oven on 350F for 25-30 minutes.
save some cheese mixture to cover top 10 minutes before casserole is done.
Cool for 10 minutes. Cut into squares. Top with parmesan cheese.
You can also check this recipe out at this website.
Ingredients :
1lb hamburger
2C elbow macaroni
1 jar/can spaghetti sauce
(any flavor/mixture)
1 medium onion (chopped)
1 can cream of mushroom soup
2 packages pepperoni (8oz. each)
1-16oz package shredded 4 cheese Italian mix
1-8oz package shredded cheddar cheese
Directions :
Fry hamburger with onion,drain.
boil elbow macaroni
mix cheeses together, set aside
Combine cooked elbow macaroni, hamburger, spaghetti sauce and mushroom
soup into pan. Heat and blend well.
Using casserole dish layer bottom with macaroni/spaghetti sauce mix
cover this layer with pepperoni then a layer of cheese mix.
continue to layer until casserole dish is filled.
place in oven on 350F for 25-30 minutes.
save some cheese mixture to cover top 10 minutes before casserole is done.
Cool for 10 minutes. Cut into squares. Top with parmesan cheese.
You can also check this recipe out at this website.
Monday, May 14, 2012
Progress Update (Return from Slackerdom)
Soooooooooo… ahem I didn’t post last week and it had nothing to do with that fact that I hadn’t gotten any writing done (OK maybe it did, whatever). Anywho I am happy to report that I slid in, not one, but two days of work on my WIP this past week! Yay! I am feeling quit motivated and there is the fact that I won’t be allowed to get lost in any of the books on my TBR pile if I don’t get this baby polished. So here’s to next week. Laters. ;)
Monday, April 30, 2012
*Hangs Head in Shame*
So I didn’t post last week as I was avoiding talking about my lack of progress in deep thought
about my current writing progress. I have so many ups and downs when it comes to being
productive with my writing and it makes mewant to go postal a little frustrated. What I
want is consistent progress, you know, so I can actually get something submitted for publication!
So I’ve decided that maybe I will try a reward system (always said I wouldn’t but anything’s
worth a try). I totally heart reading wonderful romances and I will take the time to finish reading
a book in a day… sometimes less and still not make time for writing. *bad procrastinator…
bad* Anywho, I am not allowed to read any books until I finish these self-edits. There, it’s out
and now I have to be accountable. I will be working on this story at least on the weekends, but I
would love to sneak in some time during the week as well and if I couldstay the hell away from
FB games just focus I could really polish this baby up!
about my current writing progress. I have so many ups and downs when it comes to being
productive with my writing and it makes me
want is consistent progress, you know, so I can actually get something submitted for publication!
So I’ve decided that maybe I will try a reward system (always said I wouldn’t but anything’s
worth a try). I totally heart reading wonderful romances and I will take the time to finish reading
a book in a day… sometimes less and still not make time for writing. *bad procrastinator…
bad* Anywho, I am not allowed to read any books until I finish these self-edits. There, it’s out
and now I have to be accountable. I will be working on this story at least on the weekends, but I
would love to sneak in some time during the week as well and if I could
FB games
Monday, April 16, 2012
Finally an Update on Writing (Please No Judging)
Yeah I know it’s been a little while, feels like forever but I’ve been managing to squeeze in a little time here and there to work on my WIP. The first draft dreck has been completed and now I am doing self-edits. It’s probably been months since I’ve even looked at this particular story, as I’ve just been procrastinating totally busy and haven’t made had the time. So now the story bug has bitten me in the ass hind parts… wait I’m allowed to say the word ass on an 18+ blog post… whatever, anyway, I’m totally stoked about this story… again.
The best part about taking these long breaks is that since I haven’t seen the story in so long I can view it with fresh eyes and get a reminder of how frakin’ awesome I am. On the other hand… with the length of the breaks I’ve been taking this wonderful, fantastic story isn’t going to be ready for submission until I hit my mid 60’s… perhaps a slight exaggeration, but you get my meaning. I need to get on it... the editing I meant, you durdy, durdy minded people. :P
The best part about taking these long breaks is that since I haven’t seen the story in so long I can view it with fresh eyes and get a reminder of how frakin’ awesome I am. On the other hand… with the length of the breaks I’ve been taking this wonderful, fantastic story isn’t going to be ready for submission until I hit my mid 60’s… perhaps a slight exaggeration, but you get my meaning. I need to get on it... the editing I meant, you durdy, durdy minded people. :P
Monday, March 5, 2012
GLOMP!
Yes this really is a post about the word glomp. The definition(s) can be found in the Urban Dictionary (here), however definition number one states, that it is “NOT sexual, it is the action of one person lovingly (and dramatically) attacking another with a hug.
A glomp is often predatory and lies somewhere in the grey area between a caring embrace, and a flying leap to tackle someone.
The term is used extensively in anime culture, as well as online in text form (anime because many anime characters do this often, and online because it is short and descriptive).” Apparently this is what’s done when you are overwhelmed with joy at seeing someone. I find every bit of this hysterically appropriate for my personality and will now be incorporating the “glomp” into my many eclectic methods/forms of greetings.
Sorry… :P
A glomp is often predatory and lies somewhere in the grey area between a caring embrace, and a flying leap to tackle someone.
The term is used extensively in anime culture, as well as online in text form (anime because many anime characters do this often, and online because it is short and descriptive).” Apparently this is what’s done when you are overwhelmed with joy at seeing someone. I find every bit of this hysterically appropriate for my personality and will now be incorporating the “glomp” into my many eclectic methods/forms of greetings.
Sorry… :P
Monday, February 27, 2012
Well…
I know I usually show up with something clever and witty (at least in my mind), but today… I gots nothing. My kids are swirling around my living room like a vortex of screeching happiness and my thoughts are all surrounding ways to escape the “cuteness” of the short ones. Of course those musings all turn out to be fantasies that will never take place, because, seriously… where would I go? So here I am, hanging out, perhaps cracking a smile at the madness (but don’t you dare tell them that) and that’s all I’ve got. Maybe I ‘ll work on being productive tomorrow.
Monday, February 20, 2012
Black Hole...
The same vortex of nothingness that only sucks up all of my left socks (because clearly I don't need them) is obviously sucking away at my time as well. I know this may sound ludicrous to most, but I'd appreciate it if everyone could please spare me their judgement. I know I am somehow being cheated of the supposed twenty four hours I should have the benefit of utilizing each day. No really! I am absolutely SURE that time is either speeding up or seeping out the window, because I'm sure as hell not seeing it. I see you all glancing at me with your blank stares, probably thinking I'm some type of weirdo. Whatever. I know what I'm experiencing and it ain't twenty four full hours. I'd even go as far as to say I enter into some type of time warp tunnel (or whatever people call them) when I lay my head down at night to sleep. As soon as I close my eyes my pesky alarm clock is blaring in my ear. No, I won't be talked out of my extremely valid conclusion. My mind can't be changed... probably because it's too exhausted. *sigh*
Monday, February 13, 2012
Longwinded...
You know, it’s been brought to my attention that I could possibly be longwinded…wait…have we had this discussion before? Well, you know what, who cares? For some reason I tend to think of myself as quiet and reserved. Well recent correspondences either written or verbal, through multiple different media types, have all confirmed that I obviously have a VERY flawed viewpoint! When I feel the need to express an opinion, somehow my well intentioned ten word response (ok, yeah whatever) turns into a one hundred thousand word novel (perhaps a slight exaggeration).
Well as I’vestruggled worked to complete my latest WIPs I’ve realized that my stories and ideas have gotten longer, and longer, and longer… and longer. The premises are getting more complicated, the characters are growing deeper and my imagination has gotten wilder (not that I feel this is bad, mind you). But yes it appears that I have changed and so has my writing, but I’m okay with this… for now.
*stands to introduce herself* Hi my name is Lauren and I’m longwinded… so what! *neener neener*
Well as I’ve
*stands to introduce herself* Hi my name is Lauren and I’m longwinded… so what! *neener neener*
Monday, January 30, 2012
How About a Poem?
It's a little dark, but there is a little light shed at the end. ;)
The Time Has Come
By. Lauren Murphy
Distorted images of a dark face linger
Terrorizing my mind as I lie sleeping
Creeping in and out of peaceful dreams
Caressing my thoughts with angry malice
I hide under a fog of fleeting uncertainty
Afraid to confront the ominous essence
Impaling me with horror, hushed voice whispering
Hateful phrases, demeaning heartfelt desires
Tears flow from my eyes, as I realize
No other way, I must remain, wishing
For deliverance, survival seriously significant
Soul filled with evil, clouding my senses
Weary of hiding, my spirit demands release
My mind begins to clear, eliminating my fears
Tears disappear, no longer a slave
Released from my shackles, no longer afraid
Refreshed, restored, renewed, alive
The time has come...slowly I rise.
© Lauren Murphy, All rights reserved
The Time Has Come
By. Lauren Murphy
Distorted images of a dark face linger
Terrorizing my mind as I lie sleeping
Creeping in and out of peaceful dreams
Caressing my thoughts with angry malice
I hide under a fog of fleeting uncertainty
Afraid to confront the ominous essence
Impaling me with horror, hushed voice whispering
Hateful phrases, demeaning heartfelt desires
Tears flow from my eyes, as I realize
No other way, I must remain, wishing
For deliverance, survival seriously significant
Soul filled with evil, clouding my senses
Weary of hiding, my spirit demands release
My mind begins to clear, eliminating my fears
Tears disappear, no longer a slave
Released from my shackles, no longer afraid
Refreshed, restored, renewed, alive
The time has come...slowly I rise.
© Lauren Murphy, All rights reserved
Monday, January 23, 2012
Soooooooo...
The writing/editing bug still has yet to bite me, but I remain hopeful that I will find the time and the motivation to get this last story completed (because I can assure you, it is made of total awesomeness). The good news is that I’ve had plenty of time to try new recipes and if you promise not to judge me for my blatant procrastination I will share one with you… alright who am I kidding, here you go.
Sausage and Spinach Alfredo
Ingredients
1 pkg. Jimmy Dean® Regular Flavor Pork Sausage Roll
1 cup chopped onion
1 tablespoon minced garlic
½ cup dry white wine or chicken broth
½ pound fettuccine, cooked, drained
2 cups whipping cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1bag (6 ounces) baby spinach leaves (about 8 cups)
Cracked black pepper to taste
Directions
1. Cook sausage, onion, and garlic in stockpot over medium-high heat 8-10 minutes or until sausage is thoroughly cooked, stirring frequently; drain. Return sausage mixture to pan.
2. Stir in wine. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium; cook 4-5 minutes or until most of the wine is cooked off.
3. Add pasta, cream and cheese; bring just to a boil, stirring constantly. Cook and stir 4-5 minutes or until cheese is melted and sauce is thickened. Remove from heat.
4. Stir in spinach; cover. Let stand 3 minutes. Season with pepper.
Cook’s Tips For best results, use grated, not shredded, Parmesan cheese. Prepare using 1 pkg. Jimmy Dean® Italian Flavor Pork Sausage Roll. Serve topped with additional Parmesan cheese.
Yield:
Makes: 6 servings (about 1-1/4 cups each)
Check out this great recipe and more from the Jimmy Dean website. (http://jimmydean.com/recipes/italian-pasta-rockefeller.aspx)
Sausage and Spinach Alfredo
Ingredients
1 pkg. Jimmy Dean® Regular Flavor Pork Sausage Roll
1 cup chopped onion
1 tablespoon minced garlic
½ cup dry white wine or chicken broth
½ pound fettuccine, cooked, drained
2 cups whipping cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1bag (6 ounces) baby spinach leaves (about 8 cups)
Cracked black pepper to taste
Directions
1. Cook sausage, onion, and garlic in stockpot over medium-high heat 8-10 minutes or until sausage is thoroughly cooked, stirring frequently; drain. Return sausage mixture to pan.
2. Stir in wine. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium; cook 4-5 minutes or until most of the wine is cooked off.
3. Add pasta, cream and cheese; bring just to a boil, stirring constantly. Cook and stir 4-5 minutes or until cheese is melted and sauce is thickened. Remove from heat.
4. Stir in spinach; cover. Let stand 3 minutes. Season with pepper.
Cook’s Tips For best results, use grated, not shredded, Parmesan cheese. Prepare using 1 pkg. Jimmy Dean® Italian Flavor Pork Sausage Roll. Serve topped with additional Parmesan cheese.
Yield:
Makes: 6 servings (about 1-1/4 cups each)
Check out this great recipe and more from the Jimmy Dean website. (http://jimmydean.com/recipes/italian-pasta-rockefeller.aspx)
Monday, January 16, 2012
Blame it on the holidays!
Yeah, so what if I went MIA before the holidays, that’s still where I will be placing the blame. I have been slacking horribly super busy with family stuff and haven’t been keeping up with my writing at all as much as I would have liked. Soooooo I am getting my butt in gear again… for the trillionth time, and working toward the completion of SOMETHING. Ugh! I’ve been getting some self-edits done on a story I intend to submit someday and I am pleased to find it’s much better than I thought… and only getting better. Wish me luck. *goes off to do something that would not be considered slacking off*
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