- •Independence, intelligence, and unique beauty of modern women. My heroes all have one thing in common:
- •375 Hudson Street, New York, New York 10014, usa
- •I would like to thank Mark Stelljes, the rosarian I consulted as I researched this book. Mark, your information
- •Incredibly erotic dream of my life. I really didn’t give a damn what his face looked like.”
- •Instead of answering her, Mikki twirled an errant strand of thick, copper-colored hair and bought time by
- •It was a solid friendship, founded in trust and mutual respect. And Mikki had no idea why she was so hesitant
- •Intended to turn his face to hers—to open her eyes and to finally, finally see him. Then she had touched them.
- •I was crossing the street, and I heard something weird behind me.”
- •Incredibly articulate like ‘Whoo-hoo! You are one hot mamma, Red.’ That effectively killed the fantasy.”
- •I’m more horny than horrified.” She bit her bottom lip. “Is that awful?”
- •Vibrant, deep blue. If hope had a color, it would be the blue of the old woman’s eyes, and Mikki was struck
- •Very hardy. It makes a great hedge, and it blooms for almost four straight months.”
- •Is your name, my dear?”
- •Its light. Slate blended with mauve and coral in the fading day. Mikki knew the colors would wane quickly,
- •I aothing cd hide within it for long. Mikki opened the knife. The little blade was honed to a razorlike edge,
- •Volunteers at the Rose Gardens noticed it, Mikki would simply smile her way through their admonishments
- •In the psychic? I don’t remember Nelly saying anything about that.”
- •Insightful and well educated. They create worlds filled with strong, passionate women and honorable, heroic
- •It was exhilarating!
- •Intrigued, she searched her memory for details of Medea’s story. She vaguely remembered that the play was
- •I will love my sons and daughters, and adore the gods.”
- •Into her throat, so that when she continued the invocation, her voice strengthened and magnified. Had she
- •It took several minutes for Mikki’s cheeks to cool down. She could easily imagine the blazing red of her
- •Imposingly between the archway she had just walked beneath and the second stone archway, which framed
- •It only took a second for her to work the Band-Aid free from her left palm. The cut was already scabbing
- •It was so silent that Mikki imagined a soundless bubble had been formed around her made of roses and cool
- •It’s just a delusion, she reminded herself firmly. Nothing more than a symptom of my overactive imagination.
- •Inviting suddenly beat against them in a frenzy of scent and sound. They were caught in a vortex of
- •Impossible. Home was a nice little apartment in a great location, not a room fit for a princess. Mikki’s
- •Intermingled with ornate trees, hedges, fountains and statuary. In the heart of the gardens she thought she saw
- •If that were true, then it didn’t matter whether she chose to stay or return. Either way she was screwed
- •It smelled like home.
- •If you understood who we were when Nera and I welcomed you, but surely you know who we are now that
- •I had no idea I was a Priestess of Hecate until the goddess told me so herself. So it’s not just that I don’t
- •Voluptuous. Her body was lush; the blue silk lapped around her like translucent waves. Petite Aeras wore
- •In the center of the circle near the heart of the goddess’s flame.”
- •I think of movement and invisible power. It is a contradiction—a paradox. It cannot be contained, but it can
- •Inspired by the element’s personification, Mikki continued, “Fire is passion and heat. It consumes, but it also
- •In warmth and security, as if her mother’s arms were once again around her. With a catch in her voice, Mikki
- •Impulse or hesitate until she could second guess herself. Mikki danced. Within the circle she twirled and
- •In the midst of the sacred circle.
- •In his arms as the power of the goddess transported them to Hecate’s realm. He closed his eyes and leaned
- •In response to the flexing of his muscles, pain shot through his arms and chest. He welcomed it. The pain
- •Vigilant. He had been tireless in his devotion. And he had been alone, even during the brief moments when he
- •In the casting of a circle. She would not know that she must ground herself and use food and drink to
- •It was only when she stopped dancing that Mikki felt the return of her sick dizziness. So many women . . .
- •Illuminate. Its light danced off a crystal goblet filled with dark red wine. She lifted it, admiring the elaborate
- •In the darkest shadows, washing around her and causing the hair on her body to prickle. “It is a belief to
- •It was totally fucking Loony Tunes.
- •Is not appropriate. What I did for you is out of duty. It is why Hecate called me into her service. Do you
- •Instantly, he halted. “Have care where you step. The glass can cut through the soles of your slippers.” The
- •Impossible that I was aware again. At first I sensed you, but I could not see you. I only knew your presence.”
- •It was so beautiful that it weakened the disbelief and cynicism she had learned from a very young age to carry
- •Intelligent gray eyes looked unnaturally mature and out of place in the goddess’s smooth young face. “I rarely
- •I may be older, but that also means I’ve lived through more experiences, so I suggest they watch their silly
- •Important in either her mother’s or her grandmother’s life. Not that either of them hadn’t been wonderful,
- •Interior? Now she was saying that beauty was everything.
- •Vast forest, a kind of netherworld, which is the crossroads between reality and magick. On one side of the
- •Instincts, Mikado. Allow your spirit and the knowledge held in your blood to guide you, and you will do well .
- •Various other types of mantles.” Taking a wide, soft brush from the vanity dresser, Gii fussed with Mikki’s
- •Voice rumbled intimately between them. If‘Ђfro
- •Inexperienced young girl, had called him back to her without knowing for sure what she wanted to say.
- •It’s your turn to listen and answer.”
- •I can’t do it on my own, so the women are going to have to help me.”
- •Ignored the lingering soreness in her body and the vague nausea she seemed unable to get rid of and looked
- •Ignoring Gii’s sudden surprised intake of breath, Mikki tilted her head in what she liked to think was a
- •I have to finish up here and then take a bath or something because I am definitely a mess and—”
- •It seemed that these roses were greener and healthier than those in the rest of the realm. Beyond the beds of
- •It was true, but she squelched the thought, pulling her mind from the beast to the mystery that surrounded the
- •I’ll definitely need you in the morning. I’m going to have breakfast with the four Elementals. Could you be
- •Instead of being included in one of their groups at lunch . . .
- •In handy in your line of work.”
- •If he was afraid of crushing it.
- •It’s a great resource for me. Now I don’t have to worry about not knowing my way around.” She couldn’t
- •In entering her bed, the very thought of which was abhorrent to her. The sight of me was a constant reminder
- •I should not be here with you.”
- •It was impossible between them because he was making it that way. It was as if there was some kind of
- •If she asked the goddess outright and Hecate commanded her to stay away from him, then what would she
- •In return; she had shivered beneath his lips.
- •If he would be the only one to pay the price, he would gladly do so. He knew it for truth, even though the
- •Imagined that she was preparing to summon the Elementals and begin her day. He, too, must begin his. She
- •Ink, and she’d drawn her own considerably less-attractive lines to quarter the blueprint. “As I said before,
- •In the dirt as she demonstrated exactly how the earth needed to be worked around the roots of the bushes.
- •It had taken Mikado longer to inspect the southern section of the gardens. The roses were more ill there,
- •Its shadows to him and attempt to cloak himself from prying eyes. There he would rest and perhaps drink
- •Intoxicating than wine could ever be. Then he realized what she had said and commanded himself to stop
- •It was the exact green of her eyes. She knew it flattered her, just as she knew Daphne had brought it to her at
- •It was okay for her to touch him. But his only movement was the pounding of his heart and the drawing of his
- •View of the torch-lit gardens. The north side of the hall held door after door, each ornately carved with mystic
- •If they like the wish, they turn it into a dream.”
- •Is a dream you will grant.”
- •In Tulsa when you started coming to me in my dreams—and I didn’t even know the man within you then.
- •It was not enough! The beast within him roared.
- •Into stone. She pulled away, but only by a hand’s width, so she could meet his eyes.
- •Into the marble troughs that stretched from its base outward and all the way to the four corners of the
- •Invoked the spells?” Gii said.
- •Imagine what was going to go on in the women’s wing tonight. I wish the same thing was going on in my
- •Is that Crete?”
- •Into the realm.”
- •In the middle of which sat a huge pallet covered with more pelts. This is where he sleeps. The thought sent a
- •Voluptuous swell of her ass.
- •Imagined knowing the joy of.”
- •It is your love that sustains us.” He closed his eyes and buried his head in her hair, willing himself not to
- •In the mundane world. He would still be without her, but Asterius could live with that. He would miss her for
- •Inhumanly feral grace that the comparison was jarring. She didn’t desire the golden man, but she did feel a
- •In some harmless flirtation. And why not? She felt amazingly pretty and completely loved. But that didn’t
- •It is not. Perhaps he will choose to keep you to himself while we visit the women in the rest of your pathetic
- •Instantly, Asterius checked his attack.
- •It is the goddess you must beseech in the future.” Without another word, the Titan disappeared from the
- •Very much alive. Slowly, she lifted her eyes to meet her lover’s.
- •Victory for them. If they can taint your life, even after they’ve been banished, then they haven’t truly been
- •Idiot! Do you have bandages? Ugh—some of these look like they need stitches. There has to be a doctor in
- •In the barely controlled strength of his thrusts. Mikki didn’t close her eyes. She wanted to see him, to watch
- •Violently. Mikki pulled back to see that his eyes were closed and tears were slowly tracking their way down
- •Violence was left to disturb you.” Gii’s voice shook, and her face was deathly pale. “They’re dying, Empousa.
- •Varieties, with their double blooms and abundant midseason and fall repeat blossoming. But why had these
- •Irrigation for the realm. Is that true?”
- •In the spring they would grow back and be healthier and hardier than before. Roses were survivors—not the
- •Imagine it, and so she refused to think about it. She would do what she had to do when the time came. Until
- •Into the walls of the cave and lighting more torches until the bedroom was alive with warmth and light. He
- •Into the heart of the gardens. Mikki didn’t allow her mind to wander. She hurried up the stairs, barely glancing
- •Into Asterius’s bed . . .
- •I began to hope that perhaps Hecate had allowed me to live for so longt o±ђ† for another reason.” Sevillana’s
- •Is only part of my name. I rarely use my family name—it is too difficult for me to hear it and to know that I
- •Very least, forced me back to face Hecate’s wrath. Instead, he said one small thing and then stepped aside and
- •It all made horrible sense. Asterius’s behavior when they first met and were attracted to each other . . . How
- •Into the meadow, followed by a group of young, beautiful women. Their flowing chitons were draped
- •In the shadows, Hecate smiled and patted one of her great beasts on his dark head.
- •Into eyes that were so big and blue and beautifully dark lashed that she suddenly and moronically forgot her
- •I’m not sure whether to get her another dog, get her some Prozac or take her for a visit to the pet psychic.”
- •Interested in women like me.”
It was totally fucking Loony Tunes.
Mikki took another long gulp of wine. This time the scent of the rosebud tickled her nose and she noticed the
way its elusive sweetness heightened the richness of the wine. She put down the goblet and looked out across
the table. Fine linens. Beautiful porcelain china. A crystal goblet and pitcher etched with a rose design. Plates
heaped with carefully chosen delicacies. A blanket and warm, comfortable slippers. He had ordered all of this
for her?
Mikki glanced at the corner of the balcony and then hastily averted her eyes and poured herself some more
wine. His voСe wine. Hsilence was making her even more nervous than his inhumanly powerful voice. Had
he left? Was he sneaking up on her? Stalking her?
The erotic chase scene from her last dream teased through her memory, causing her cheeks to flush and
nervous words to rush too loudly from her lips.
“I didn’t know about the grounding. And everything is delicious. I guess I owe you my thanks.” She wanted
to bite her lip at her idiocy. She guessed she owed him her thanks?
“You owe me no thanks, Empousa. I am Guardian of this realm, and as such it is my duty to see to the
welfare of those within the realm, which includes Hecate’s High Priestess,” he said gruffly.
“Oh, well,” she mumbled, feeling awkward and not knowing what to say, but wanting to be polite. “Still, I
appreciate—”
“Do not!”
She felt the force of the command against her skin. It battered her and made the flush that had heated her
cheeks drain white and cold. Hecate’s assurance that the beast wouldn’t harm her seemed only weak,
faraway words. Mikki pressed her hands into the arms of the chair and bunched her legs under her, preparing
to sprint for her room. Maybe he wouldn’t come inside the palace. Or maybe she could call for help and . . .
“Forgive me. It seems I have again frightened you. That was not my intention. It is just that your appreciation
Is not appropriate. What I did for you is out of duty. It is why Hecate called me into her service. Do you
understand?”
He was clearly trying to modulate his voice to a softer, less- intimidating timbre. She recognized the attempt,
even though he was being only partially successful. Instead of answering right away, Mikki took her death
grip from the chair handle and, two-handed, lifted the wineglass to her lips. After she’d had another fortifying
drink she stared into the darkness again. This was ridiculous and twice as scary because she was talking to a
disembodied voice and letting her imagination fill in all the gory details of his appearance.
“I’m trying to understand, but it’s not easy. Especially when I can’t see who I’m talking to.”
There was a long pause. And then he stepped from the darkness. The crystal goblet slid from between her
numb fingers and shattered against the marble floor. He made a movement like he was going to approach her,
and with a rush of adrenaline, Mikki surged to her feet, knocking over her chair with jerky, panic-laced haste.
Shards of broken crystal crunched under her feet.
Instantly, he halted. “Have care where you step. The glass can cut through the soles of your slippers.” The
words were meant to be gentle, but the voice that spoke them rumbled with an inhumanly thunderous
warning.
Mikki couldn’t breathe. She couldn’t make her vocal cords work. She could only stare at the creature. Then
he sighed, and it was in that lonely, wordless sound that she heard the echo of a familiar roar. That one small
thing pushed through her panic, allowing her to draw a gasping breath.
“I did not come to you tonight to harm you. You have my oath that you are in no danicuСre in no ger.”
Her lips felt cold and numb, but she forced herself to speak. “You’re the statue. The one from the rose
gardens.”
He nodded his massive head. “Yes, you have known me only as I was in your world, entombed in marble
amidst the roses. Now that I have awakened, I have resumed my rightful position as Guardian of the Realm of
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the Rose.”
Mikki brushed a shaking hand across her forehead, trying to clear her mind.
The creature took a step closer to her, his hooves thudding inhumanly against the silent balcony.
“No!” she blurted, blood pounding in her ears. “Stay away!”
As if to show that he meant no harm, he raised one huge hand toward her, palm up. Except for its size it
appeared normal, but Mikki was sure she caught a flash of the candlelight glinting off something sharp and
deadly. She stared at his hand without blinking.
He closed the hand and let it fall to his side, where it was enveloped in shadow. “I was only concerned that
you might faint.”
“I’m fine,” she said automatically, but she did pick her way carefully among the pieces of broken glass,
righted her chair and sank into it before her legs gave way. “I don’t faint.” She forced herself to sound as
normal as possible. He said he wouldn’t hurt her. Hecate said he wouldn’t hurt her. And, anyway, if he was
going to attack her, it would do no damn good for her to hyperventilate and freak out. She clasped her hands
together to stop them from shaking. “Really, I’m fine,” she repeated, more for her own assurance than his.
“You should eat,” he said. “It will strengthen you.”
She just stared at him. How the hell was she supposed to eat with him standing there?
She was surprised to easily recognize comprehension on a face that was so alien. And at the same time she
recognized something else, something that clouded his powerful voice like fog. Sadness . . .
Did he really sound sad, or was she just imagining it?
“I should leave you to your meal. First allow me to . . .” He broke off and spoke a sharp, unintelligible
command. He held out one large hand, and instantly a crystal goblet, identical to the one she had broken,
appeared in midair. His hand closed around it.
A noise, somewhere between a sob and a scream, squeaked from Mikki’s lips.
“Did you not desire another glass?” he asked.
Mikki could only nod. Her swarming thoughts semi-hysterically said that what she really wanted was a valium
to go with the wine.
He was watching her closely, and she thought his expression might have softened, but his face was so fierce
that it was hard to tell. “May I bring this glass to you?”
She hesitated and then nodded again with a quick, sli="1Сa quick, ght movement.
Slowly, he stalked forward with an athletic grace that was as powerful as it was feral. His ebony hooves
echoing against marble sounded unnaturally loud in the silence of the balcony. Mikki couldn’t look away
from him. As he moved closer to her, she couldn’t help pushing herself against the back of her chair, where
she sat rigid and unmoving. Her heart was pounding hot and loud in her ears, and for a moment, she thought
she might make a liar out of herself and actually faint.
Would he catch her if she did? The thought of him touching her shivered through her body.
When he reached the broken glass he made a dismissive gesture with one hand and muttered a word under his
breath.
The shards instantly obeyed him, blowing off the balcony in a tiny crystal tornado.
Then he stood beside the table. This close the light from the candelabrum flickered over him, illuminating the
hard, inhumanly muscular lines of his body. He kept very still, allowing her time to study him and to become
accustomed to his nearness.
The statue in the park had not been clothed, but the living Guardian was. He wore a black leather breastplate
over a short tunic. The outfit reminded her of something Russell Crowe would have worn in Gladiator ,
except had the two stood side by side, the Guardian would have made the Aussie actor look like a boy in
dress-up clothes.
The creature was huge. He had to stand almost seven feet tall. His hair was the unrelenting black of a new
moon night. It fell thickly around his massive shoulders. Two dark horns protruded from his head. They curled
forward and tapered to dangerous-looking points. His face . . . Mikki’s breath caught in her throat. The face
of the statue had been roughly hewn and indistinct, but the living Guardian was no unfinished rock; he was
powerfully masculine, with a thick brow; high, distinct cheekbones and a square jaw. Taken by itself, his face
reminded her of ancient images she’d seen stamped on foreign coins or carved into statues of warriors long
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dead, but mix his classic features with the horns and the sharp glint of a carnivore’s teeth, and it was obvious
that the man did not completely dominate the beast that lay so close to the surface.
His breastplate and tunic left quite a bit of his muscular body bare. The skin that covered his torso was dark
and looked like living bronze in the candlelight. She let her eyes travel down his body. She knew what she
would see, yet still she sucked in a shocked breath at the reality of it. His thick legs were covered in dark fur.
Instead of feet, the flickering light glinted off cloven hooves.
He was the personification of animalistic power, and though he did not move to threaten her, the aura of feral
viciousness that surrounded him was almost palpable. Mikki shivered and pulled the blanket more closely
around her shoulders.
“The night is getting cold,” he said as softly as possible. “I should have had them set your dinner within by
the hearth.”
“I—I like it out here,” she stuttered.
“Do you? Or are you just being polite?”
“No, I often eat dinner on my balcony at home,” she said, feeling a tremor of homesickness. There wasn’t a
lot she’d miss about her old life, but her comfortable apartment and her view of Woodward Park was
something that would always be a bittersweet memory.
“Then I am pleased that I chose to set your dinner on your new balcony, Empousa.”
Slowly he placed the goblet on the table and, with a gentlemanly gesture that was in direct contradiction to his
bestial appearance, he poured her another glass of wine. Each of his movements was unhurried and carried
with it a catlike grace.
Like a predator, she thought.
When he was finished pouring he took a step back from the table and nodded at the full glass.
“Drink. It will soothe you.”
Mikki did as she was told, barely tasting the excellent red. Her body felt detached and unreal, but the wine
warmed her and helped anchor her senses. She drank deeply, for the moment not caring if it made her tipsy or
muddled her thoughts.
Her thoughts, after all, were highly suspect. Perhaps they could use some muddling.
“I dreamed of you. Back there, in your old world . . . at your old home. I dreamed of you often.”
His words jolted through her, and she put down the goblet before it, too, broke. Mikki raised her eyes to his.
They were almond shaped and as dark and bottomless as a quarry.
“I know,” she whispered. “I dreamed of you, too.”
“It was a shock,” he said, pulling his gaze from hers to look out into the darkness. “After all those countless
years of nothingness . . .” He shook his head and his mane moved softly around his shoulders. “It seemed