Chapter One

The air shimmered and the outline of the large timber wolf blurred before her eyes. Slowly her rescuer began to change shape. The snout retracted and the wolf’s body stood upright, tawny skin replaced the fur. As the air settled, Cyrrus stood before her in all his naked glory. He glanced at her and grinned ruefully as he used his magick to materialize clothes on his body.

Gabriella threw herself into his waiting arms. “Cyrrus, my love, how could I ever have doubted you?”

Cyrrus, framing her face in his hands, used his thumbs to wipe away some stray tears before lowering his mouth to hers...

I made a little moue of frustration and sighed when the bell above the door signaled the arrival of a customer. I put a bookmark in my place and laid the book down on the counter. I desperately needed to make a sale, but I also wanted to finish my novel. I promised myself that when I got home that evening I would curl up in my favorite armchair, enjoy a glass of wine, and finish Gabriella’s story.

I pasted what I hoped was a welcoming smile on my face and looked up at my customer. “Good afternoon, Mrs. Weston. How are you today?”

“I’m well, but I’m in the mood for something with a little more spice. I’ve decided I’m tired of these insipid hospital romances.” She placed half a dozen returns on the counter in front of me. “I think I’m ready for something with a little more ‘bite’.”