The Lion and the Rose

Blurb

Man or beast? Mikelas, half man, half beast, caught between worlds, desperately needs his bride. As tradition demanded, he invoked the magic of the ancient marriage coin, but his Midas mate didn’t answer, and without her, he is doomed to revert to his animal form forever. At one minute to the stroke of forever, a new scrying is performed and Rosemarie Edwards receives a very special gift meant only for a woman of Midas blood.

Rosemarie doesn’t believe in fairytale love—she doesn’t have faith in humanity at all. Certainly not with the memories of her tragic past shrouding her from any hope of future happiness. But an attractive messenger with an intriguing gold rose and a special invitation will send her on a savagely sensual journey that will change her life from a black-and-white existence filled with painful reminders to the full Technicolor of devastating desire.

One night of sizzling animal passion in what she thinks is a dream leaves her with a throbbing, visible reminder of the claim of her dominant mate. How did it happen and why does she respond so intensely to the scent of the golden rose? Only by accepting the mysterious invitation to Midian will she find the answers she needs and maybe discover that there can be a happily ever after.

Excerpt

“The painting…you like it?”

“Yes…yes, I do.”

“It is the island of Midian, located off the coast of Greece, in the Mediterranean Sea.” He turned back to her. “I am here to offer an invitation from Her Royal Highness Princess Tira DeJon for you to visit the island.” He again held out the envelope. “Inside is her personal request for your company.”

This has to be a dream, possibly brought on by the pills. “You don’t even know who I am.”

“But I do. Your name is Rosemarie Edwards.”

She reared back. “How do you know that? Have you been following me? Are you from the hospital? What is this all about?” The panic which had receded for a time, now rushed back with full force. Rosemarie shot up from the bench every instinct on alert, ready to run.

A firm, yet gentle, hand reached out to stop her. It wasn’t a savage touch, but there was certainly strength in it. Enough to make her hesitate.

“I didn’t mean to frighten you, Ms. Edwards. Princess Tira is very eager for you to visit her on Midian.”

“But why? I have no idea who she is?”

“If you agree to go, a car will come for you tomorrow at ten o’clock in the morning. Inside the envelope is a commercial return ticket so you will be free to return whenever you desire. If you wish to bring a friend, you may do so, if it will make you feel safer. A private jet will be waiting and the princess wishes you to be at ease in your journey. No one wishes you harm, but the princess will explain everything when you arrive.”

“This is crazy.” She shook her head. She thought she’d left all that behind her in the hospital.

“Please take the envelope. Think about it. The car will arrive at your apartment building to pick you up in the morning. Princess Tira hopes you will accept her offer.”

He laid the envelope on the bench beside her—along with the perfect gold rose—and then he pivoted around and left her.

Tentatively, she picked up the envelope and the rose. Again, she inhaled the scent of the flower, and her glance shifted to the painting. She noted the plaque below it. “On loan from the Principality of Midian.”

As she sat there, looking at the painting, it seemed to come alive. She inhaled the fragrance of the rose. Its scent curled into every corner of her body, bringing each nerve ending alive. She thought she could even feel the brush of air from the air conditioning as it feathered across her skin, coaxing her body into a state of heightened recognition.

She shifted in the seat, her body suddenly restless with hot need. Her fingers stroked the petals of the silky rose. As she looked at the painting the scene shifted. She could feel the heat of the sun on her skin and it was as though she was drawn into the scene unfolding before her.

She gasped as she looked around, as the sunlight beat down on her. The lions circled her, studying her, and then one of them rose up on his haunches. To her shock he transformed into a gorgeous, naked man, with a thick head of black and caramel hair. He dropped his head back and let out a roar.

He was the most beautiful man she’d ever seen. And frightening. He stalked toward her, a fierce expression on his face. She found herself rooted to the spot, unable to move. Lions to the side and behind her, and this stunning man in front of her.

He stopped in front of her, gazing down at her with his brilliant, angry eyes.

“What took you so long? Why didn’t you come when I sent the coin? It is too late now, far too late.” He started to reach out for her, but she felt herself spinning away, yanked from inside the painting.

Dizzy and lightheaded, Rosemarie blinked, focused on the diamond-patterned floor, then back up at the painting. It was just a painting, and the lions were only pictures of lions. Inanimate and they could not hurt her. Her heart thundered against her breast. Her nipples were tight and sensitive, her pussy pulsing with…what? How could she be so turned on by a mere painting?