Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Winners of the "Bitter Harvest" Halloween Contest!



Okay, it's 10pm on the East Coast and I'm announcing the winners of my month long "What Are You Afraid Of?" blog contest for 10 FREE copies of my sizzling and shocking Halloween Phaze novella, Bitter Harvest!

Many thanks to everyone who participated in the contest. Your honest and thought-provoking answers were a joy to read, and I'm honored that you shared them with me. It was extremely hard to choose between so many great entries. :O)

Now, the 10 winners of Bitter Harvest are made up of entries collected from my Roses On Snow blog and the review site Rogues and Romance, and here they are in no particular order...

1: Phoenix Lyon (ROS)

2: AzGaye (ROS)

3: Jaycee (ROS)

4: Sarah (ROS)

5: Catslady (ROS)

6: Robin S. (ROS)

7: Caffey (ROS)

8: QB (RAR)

9: Tam (RAR)

10: Mahaira (RAR)


I've already contacted some of you about your prize. Everyone else, please contact me at aurora.supernova (at) yahoo (dot) com to claim your copy of Bitter Harvest.

Congratulations to the winners! For those who missed out this time, there will definitely be other chances down the road. Thank you all!

Happy Halloween,
Aurora

Monday, October 29, 2007

Two Announcements

#1: The Phaze Reader's Survey is now closed. Originally it was supposed to be open until Nov. 15th, but the response was just too explosive for The Powers That Be to keep up. Thanks to everyone who participated. The reader feedback is greatly appreciated by Phaze.



#2: October 30th is the very last day of my "What Are You Afraid Of?" contest to give away TEN FREE COPIES of Bitter Harvest. I will close the contest at the end of Tuesday and look over the entries, and I'll announce the winners at 9pm EST on Halloween night (Wednesday).

Many thanks to everyone who took the time to enter!

Naughty Thought for Monday



I've taken my Naughty Thought for Monday, mixed in a current event, and taken it on the road to The Romance Studio's blog...hmmm, what could it be, you'll have to head over and find out :-)

Tilly Greene
WARNING! Red hot romances ahead!
www.tillygreene.com

Tilly Greene’s Monthly Scorcher
Yahoo http://groups.yahoo.com/group/tilly_greene/
Google http://groups.google.com/group/tillygreene/

Tilly Greene’s Hot Thoughts Blog
www.tillygreene.blogspot.com/

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Taming Marie Antoinette by Tilly Greene is OUT!

October in Paris is romance and the Depravity Dance, what could possibly be next?

Liana Trudeau has moved to Paris in pursuit of her doctorate. While her mind has been working hard, her body has been ignored. Knowing what she wants, Liana attends the Depravity Dance and connects with two men who can perfectly read her needs, both physically and mentally. Unfortunately it's for only one night, or is it?

Thornton and James Michaud have spent the past couple of months focused on a project in conjunction with the French government. With all the signatures necessary to move forward, they’re out to celebrate and indulge their desire for a woman. By the end of the evening they find she has only one fault, leaving before they were finished. Can they find her to complete what they'd started in a city as large as Paris?

What has one reviewer said?

"I swear that several times my ebook reader ignited as I read this powerfully dominating story!" Reviewed by Frost gave Taming Marie Antoinette 5 swords!

Heat up your hump day - dash over and pick up a copy of Taming Marie Antoinette, the second installment in the 'A Passion for Fashion and Bondage' series. If you missed the first, The Leather Bride, they are both now available through Phaze.

Tilly Greene
WARNING! Red hot romances ahead!
www.tillygreene.com

Monday, October 22, 2007

Whoo! It's out!

It's an exciting week for me. And busy. I'm getting ready for YaoiCon up in the San Fransico Bay area. Found out my hotel is farther away from the con than I thought...but not necessarily a bad thing. Sometimes I need a place to retreat to. So, I'm prepping promo CDs, updating websites, trying to get everything packed.

And I'm feverishly checking the PO Box for my author copies. This will be the first con I've been to where I may actually have a book on hand. Whcih book, you ask?

This one of course:



James Buchanan's Twice The Cowboy, Twice The Ride







Twice the Cowboy and Twice the Ride, together in one print volume! It’s out Today!

You can also get the e-book of Twice the Ride, sequel to Twice the Cowboy at Phaze (in case you can’t wait)





http://www.king-cart.com/Phaze/product=Twice+the+Cowboy,+Twice+the+Ride+by+James+Buchanan


Twice The Cowboy:


Preditors and Editors Readers Poll Winner!
Love Romances Golden Rose Winner!


Manuel Santos Fuentes was not the type of cowboy Jess Graff was used to. From the moment they met during the El Paso International Rodeo, Jess wanted the Charro. When Manuel is injured during El Paso de la Muerte, Jess seizes the opportunity to get his vaquero into bed. But cross-cultural misunderstandings and family feuds threaten to destroy their relationship before it really starts. Can two men from wildly different backgrounds overcome hatred and jealousy and learn to trust in each other?



Twice The Ride: The anticipated sequel to Twice the Cowboy!


Saddle up for the much anticipated sequel to Twice the Cowboy! The story of Jess and Manuel continues. A Rodeo, a wedding and an uncle with attitude…Jess tries to negotiate his way through Manuel's family and feelings. It isn't easy for the cowboy to deal with a culture he doesn't really understand. And it isn't easy to trust, for either of them. Misunderstandings mix with Manuel's machismo and Jess' bravado to tear at the still fragile underpinnings of their relationship. Can their bond survive a weekend with Manuel's family?


Elements: M/M

And a little except for you.

Excerpt:

Jess stamped his boots before following Manuel through the door. It was as cold inside as it was outside. Scooting round the charro already digging through the drawers, ancient springs protested when Jess flopped on top of the covers. He watched as Manuel shucked his clothes on the way to the closet. Jess would have reached over and turned on the small wall heater, but they weren’t going to be there that long.

He closed his eyes and lazed. Subtle, soft, Manuel’s scent drifted from the pillow. The slightly honeyed smell of the shampoo Manuel always used reminded Jess he needed to pick more up. That meant a trip to the only damn store in town he’d found that carried the chunky orange bottle. Probably he should grab some of those little sesame candies the boy had gotten him hooked on. Okay, it was four goddamn thirty and he was making grocery lists. It was either time to go back to sleep or head out. Sleep sounded like the better option. Jess just started to wonder what was keeping Manuel when the drizzle out of the bath sounded.

Disgusted, Jess sat up, flipped on the heater and yelled without quite yelling. “You could have taken a shower at my place.”

From behind the drone of water came Manuel’s voice. “No hay que ahogarse en un vaso de agua.”

Jess hauled himself off the thin mattress and headed into the closet. Neat rows of shirts and jeans hung from a pole along one wall. Two sets of broken-in cowboy boots, a pair of tennis shoes and Manuel’s fancy charro boots were lined up underneath. Manuel’s pride and joy, second only to Mango, took up most of the space. Tucked along the back wall, a black leather saddle studded in ten pounds of coin silver slept on its tree. The damn thing cost more than a quarter of Jess’ yearly take from construction. Turning left the cowboy leaned against the jamb and coughed. A dark shadow lurked behind green and blue stripes running across a dime store shower curtain. “What the hell are you going on about?”

Manuel stepped to the rear of the tub and pulled the plastic back. “You make it a big thing when it is not.” Water beaded on his warm brown skin. “I didn’t think before we left.” Jess sucked in his breath and shifted. Suddenly his coat was too damn warm and his pants too damn tight. Manuel’s lip curled in a sensual smile. “You want to join me, papi?”

Jess swallowed. “I already had a shower.” A quick and dirty jump under the spray and hose off shower while Manuel made coffee, but a shower all the same.

Manuel leaned back against the pink tile and smirked. One hand wandered down to rub his thick, uncut cock. Nimble fingers played with Manuel’s heavy balls and stroked warm flesh. “Pasa nada.” He shrugged and pretended as though he could really care less what Jess wanted to do. “You do what you want.”

Damn, no way the cowboy could even make eight seconds with that show. “Ah, hell.” Jess hissed as he stripped. “At least it’s warm in there.” Stumbling over his own feet, he tried to get his boots and jeans off at the same time. Finally he recovered and shucked his clothes in record time.
With a smirk, Manuel licked his lips. “Very warm.”

Everything was already hard and throbbing as Jess stepped into the tub. Manuel reached out and wrapped his hand around Jess’ cock. “JessĂ©, estoy ansioso de ti.” He whispered as he moved in close.

Jess swallowed, trembling with anticipation under Manuel’s confident touch. The cowboy wasn’t even out of the gate and he was already half way to finished. That firm grip moved up and down his shaft, balling lightning in his toes and behind his knees. “Goddamn!” Jess hissed just before Manuel’s lips met his own.

Jess slid his hands over Manuel’s chest across his back and down to cup his tight cheeks. Hard in all the right places, round in all the right places, Jess cupped and squeezed. That man had the finest ass in all creation. It might be just his opinion, but did anyone else’s matter?

With an indrawn breath, Manuel leaned into Jess’ body. Everything was rearing up and ready to go for both of them. Manuel’s hard prick bumped up against his belly. It left a slick kiss each time. Rocking his hips to feel that silky hard flesh moving along his own, Jess moaned out. “Hot damn, Manuel.”

http://www.king-cart.com/Phaze/product=Twice+the+Cowboy,+Twice+the+Ride+by+James+Buchanan

Sunday, October 21, 2007

Chat with the Sexy Phaze Authors tonight!

Chat to Brenna Lyons,Alessia Brio, Jude Mason, Victoria Blisse and see out the weekend with a bang.

The sexy writers of phaze are chatting at sexyreads tonight,so pop on over at 9pm EST and talk to some of the sexiest names in erotica and ask them as many questions as you like. You'll find out what's coming soon from Phaze and I'm sure you'll be hearing about how to recieve a prize or two as well.

Last months chat was a laughter fest, we had a fantastic time -make sure you don't miss out tonight!


http://www.sexyreads.co.uk/



"Bitter Harvest" Trailer @ Watch The Book!



Watch The Book is a great site where readers can see the latest and hottest book trailers out there, and now my trailer for Bitter Harvest is live on the site.

Bitter Harvest @ Watch The Book



This isn't the first time I've had a work featured on Watch The Book; I Heart You also made an appearance on Watch The Book shortly before its release earlier this year.

I Heart You @ Watch The Book

Friday, October 19, 2007

New & HOT Excerpt of "Bitter Harvest"



Title: Bitter Harvest
Author: Aurora Black
Publisher: Phaze
ISBN 1-59426-931-9
Paranormal Romance / Horror


Now Available at Phaze!

BLURB:

What would you do for love?
How hard would you fight to hold on?

When Claire Ballard first sets eyes on Jack Tanner, she knows he's the
man she's been waiting for her entire life. Their life together is
like a fairytale, until the unexpected happens and tears them apart...
but not forever.

Jack has longed to return to his wife Claire after so long an absence,
and he has sworn revenge on the man who ruined his life. With the help
of a magical book, both the couple's reunion and his vengeance are at
hand, but at a terrible price. Is their love strong enough to defeat
an ancient evil?

Bitter Harvest Trailer

EXCERPT (R):

They climbed into the shower and lovingly soaped each other's bodies, kissing and laughing as if they'd never parted. They stood together under the water, staring into each other's eyes until Jack pulled her close and claimed her mouth in a hungry kiss that left her breathless.

The warm spray continued to fall on the lovers, and neither of them noticed. The need to connect their flesh rose in them again. Claire reached down to stroke his erection, finding it hard and ready. Jack gazed down at her, the water droplets glistening in his golden hair as they caught the light. She stared up at her love in awe.

He's so beautiful. What did I do to be so lucky twice?

She lowered her head to his chest, pressing her lips against the damp skin.

"Take me, Jack."

Strong arms lifted her off her feet and carried her to the shower wall, and she wrapped her legs around his lean hips. Bracing her against the wet surface, Jack reached for the bottle of foaming body wash and squeezed a generous dollop of gel into the palm of his hand. Meeting her eyes, he gave her a wolfish grin.

"The poor wall won't survive otherwise."

Claire leaned forward and wrapped her arms around his neck, kissing him deeply as he applied the soap gel to the bath tiles behind her. When he was done, he pressed her against the lubricated area, and she enjoyed the slickness. His cock slid against her moist sex and she instinctively arched her hips to take him in, but Jack clearly had other plans.

She could see the strain of holding back on his face as he lowered her.

"I need to taste you."

Now Available at Phaze!

Thursday, October 18, 2007

New Yahoo Group: Aurora's Satin Whispers

After a year of waiting, I've finally decided to jump on the bandwagon and create my own Yahoo group: Aurora's Satin Whispers!

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/satinwhispers

At the moment it's only for announcements, but that may change sometime in the future. If you can handle my late night horny (and often CORNY) ramblings brought on by sugary snacks, cheap Chardonnay and raw lust, I'd love to have you join. :O)

~ Aurora

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

Reviews for Michelle Houston's Diggin' Up Bones

I've gotten three reviews for Diggin' Up Bones, and so far the reviewers are all in agreement - they like it. The best part - they GET what I was trying to say and do with the story.

So I am doubly thrilled!

Check them out:

4 roses from Sensual Reads and Reviews
http://www.sensualreads.net/reviews/diggin_up_bones.shtml

4 cups from Coffee Time Romance
http://www.coffeetimeromance.com/BookReviews/Digginupbones.html

4.5 Nymphs from Literary Nymphs
http://literarynymphsreviewsonly.blogspot.com/2007/08/diggin-up-bones.html

Michelle Houston
http://www.phaze.com/authors-michellehouston.html
http://www.eroticpen.net/

Mornin'!

Man, I love October.

Not too hot, not too cold. It's Halloween season (Samhain, for my fellow pagans)--lots of corn, pumpkins, earthy colors. And then there are the horror movies. The TV stations really cash in on this time of year, playing horror movies--new and old--for the entire month. Being a HUGE horror movie fanatic, it's heaven to me.

There's also something different, something in the air that makes this time of year peaceful, renewing. Maybe it's the Druid in me, but I'm calmer during the fall, especially during October, than I am any other time of year.

So what about y'all? What do you like about October in particular?

Monday, October 15, 2007

My Interview @ Rogues & Romance!

The wonderful reviewing team of Dee & Mandy were kind enough to ask me to do an interview with them for their special Halloween feature on the Rogues and Romance site, and I was overjoyed. Here's the result of their hard-hitting questions and my (very) candid responses:

Interview with Aurora Black @ R&R

Obviously, I held nothing back. Not even the twist of Bitter Harvest was safe... though there are even bigger surprises than that one!

In their generosity, Dee & Mandy also mentioned my special Halloween giveaway contest that's happening on my official blog, "Roses On Snow." I'm giving away 10 FREE copies of Bitter Harvest!!! Please visit my blog for details. Visitors of Rogues and Romance can also enter the contest there.

Good luck, and see you all on Halloween when I announce the winners!

~ Aurora

Saturday, October 13, 2007

Updated Phaze Survey link

For the chance to get a FREE e-book from Phaze, please follow this updated survey link:

Phaze Reader's Survey

You'll also be entered into a drawing for THREE Phaze paperbacks of your choice. Good luck!

~ Aurora "Please tell them I sent you!" Black :O)

Friday, October 12, 2007

Calling All Readers! Win a FREE e-book from Phaze!

Phaze is having a Reader's Survey to see what you the readers enjoy regarding erotic romances, and to take your suggestions to make Phaze even better!

As a special thank you for participating in the survey, all readers will receive a FREE e-book of your choice and you'll automatically be entered into a drawing for THREE Phaze paperbacks! So for just a few minutes of your time, you'll have the chance to win four free books from Phaze!

The Reader's Survey will run until November 15th, so let your voice be heard!

Don't forget to let them know that Aurora Black sent you. *wink*

Monday, October 08, 2007

"Bitter Harvest" Contest: What Are You Afraid Of?



Bitter Harvest is now available to the public, and to celebrate I pose the following question to you:

What is your BIGGEST fear?

Spiders? Snakes? Escaped mental patients with chainsaws? The idea of someone hurting your child? I want to hear all the things that make your palms sweat and your heart race!

TEN lucky winners will receive a FREE copy of my latest Phaze release, Bitter Harvest.

How To Enter:

All you need to do to win a FREE copy of Bitter Harvest is post your answer in my Roses On Snow blog between now and October 30th, 2007.

Only ONE response per person, please.

The ten winners will be announced at 9pm EST on Halloween Night. OOOHHHHHHHHH!!!!!

Good luck, everybody! :O)

Sunday, October 07, 2007

Wishbound releases in Print, and a Contest!

WHAT WOULD YOU DO WITH 3 WISHES?

Janey Duvall is posed with that exact predicament when shes tricked into a bargain with a very sexy Djinn named Marsh, a man as irritating as he is intoxicating. Their adventures will leave you breathless and begging for more...
Continue the story in e book with GIFTS ...

the third installment of the series... and be sure to MAKE YOUR WISHES... because sometimes its not the choices we make that decide our fate, but the choices others make for us.

*OH, and theres a contest running too! buy WISHBOUND from our publisher and send the receipt to stella@stellaandaudra.com with WISHBOUND CONTEST in the subject and you coule win a Tshirt, candle set, sterling silver charm and other one of a kind Djinn goodies from us!*


Stella and Audra Price
a series for EVERY obsession

Bitter Harvest is Out!!!



The wait is over. Bitter Harvest is now available on the Phaze website! Described by the publisher as "one of the most intense" Phaze titles ever released, Bitter Harvest is a darkly erotic & chilling tale of love and revenge that will definitely put you in the mood for Halloween.

Experience the mystery and danger inside the human heart. Experience Bitter Harvest.

~~~

Title: Bitter Harvest
Author: Aurora Black
Publisher: Phaze
ISBN 1-59426-931-9
Paranormal Romance / Horror
Available Now

What would you do for love?
How hard would you fight to hold on?

When Claire Ballard first sets eyes on Jack Tanner, she knows he's the man she's been waiting for her entire life. Their life together is like a fairytale, until the unexpected happens and tears them apart... but not forever.

Jack has longed to return to his wife Claire after so long an absence, and he has sworn revenge on the man who ruined his life. With the help of a magical book, both the couple's reunion and his vengeance are at hand, but at a terrible price. Is their love strong enough to defeat an ancient evil?





Thursday, October 04, 2007

CT:FtC on PDT

Coming Together: For the Cure is the subject of Chelsea Girl's latest pretty dumb things blog post. Check it out!

Coming Together: For the Cure

Tuesday, October 02, 2007

Alessia Brio & Will Belegon Chatting at Joyfully Reviewed Today!


Join us this evening from 6-7pm Eastern as we participate in Joyfully Reviewed's celebration of paranormal writing duos! We'll be sharing excerpts, pimping our contest, and giving readers a peek behind the curtain.

The event is taking place on the Chatting with Joyfully Reviewed Yahoo!Group. We hope to see you there!

Monday, October 01, 2007

Marsh is Back! Gifts released at Phaze today!




GIFTS

By Stella and Audra Price

Book three of he Duvall Inc series



BUY NOW



The holidays are a time for giving, so when Marsh decides to give Jane a real Christmas, complete with family and friends, he never expected everything to go haywire. Meeting his family is only part of the problem. His parents, the reigning royalty of his race, are going to be a surprise to Jane, but no more so then his station as crown prince, a fact he had kept hidden from her till now.

Throw in a conniving princess that contracts his death, an engagement ring and his quirky and outlandish parents, and Marsh has his hands full, just presenting Jane as his consort.

Two days before Christmas, Trent Duvall, Janey’s Silent partner in the assassin syndicate shows in Austria and informs them of the fact that a special member of the Duvall inner circle has gone AWOL, and its up to Jane and Marsh to help him get him back. With the help of Malcolm Frost and a few choice friends, Trent and Marsh leave Jane in Austria and go to Africa to retrieve their family member, and usurp the position of a murderous and insane Fallen Angel.

And you thought your holidays were stressful.



Book three of the Duvall Inc series is one you wont soon forget! It takes a new turn, shows a little skin and a lot of what family for an assassin is really all about!



Reviews:



The ending of Gifts will leave you desperate for more of this series. I know I await it eagerly.

9.5, Howling Scribe



Gifts is another mustn’t-miss from the dynamic sisters Stella & Audra Price. Run, to not walk, to your nearest e-book outlet and pick this one up immediately upon release. Caution: do not read without an ice pile or partner near at hand!

5 SWORDS, Frost Reviews

Excerpt:



The villa was dark when he finally arrived twenty-five minutes late, battling traffic coming from the roads around the Vatican. December was always traffic hell in Rome due to the Holy City's existence—all these pilgrims coming in hopes of forgiveness made him shudder. They had yet to figure that their savior was just a man, a talented and charismatic man, but just a man nonetheless. It was the belief that made him grand and that was the man's greatest trick of all.

Janey. His Janey. He pulled into the driveway and shut the car off. He got out and carfully grabbed the holocaust lilies and the shopping bag before locking the door. He punched the code into the door's keypad and it opened for him, the lights coming on automatically. It was good to be back at the house. He knew from calling the office that Janey had gone to meet a client, so he had a few minutes to get everything set up. He went to the kitchen and unpacked the shopping bag--two New York strip steaks, a bag of mussels, salad fixings, fresh baby spinach and a bottle of Merlot.

Putting the water on to boil for the mussels, he took his coat off and draped it on the nearby chair, leaving his scarf on. He grabbed paprika, garlic, pepper, oregano and salt from the spice cabinet and over seasoned the water, leaving it to come to a boil. He then grabbed the fresh rosemary and some garlic and sunflower oil, throwing them in a pan on the eight-burner stove and sautéing the herbs before pouring the mixture into a bowl where the steaks floated in a generous portion of Merlot.

He let that sit as he made the salad, adding fresh basil and red olives to the mix. As he was setting the spinach to cook the water for the mussels began to boil, and he emptied the bag into the swirling heat. Minutes later he was setting the kitchen island with plates and two crystal goblets when he heard Janey's code being punched into the door. He waited, knowing the smells coming from the kitchen would draw her further into the house out of sheer curiosity. Marsh rarely cooked.

After a few moments she appeared in the doorway, looking tired. She'd kicked her shoes off at some point between the short walk from the door and her suit jacket had been discarded. She held a manila folder in her hand. "I have something for you." she said, waving the folder and leaning against the door frame.

"Yeah? Well, can it wait till I put the steaks on?" he said over his shoulder. "Wine's poured already."

She bit out a strangled laugh. "Sure, take your time, love." She pushed off from the door, throwing the folder on the table along with the knife. Sitting down, she took the wine glass staring contemplatively into it. "I have had the worst day today. I really hate working on the weekends. In fact, I hate leaving bed on the weekends. I'm going to ban it."

"You do what you have to pet, you hungry?" He turned to kiss her and spied the dagger. "Okay, what is the Dagger of Wormritz doing on our table?"

She nodded to the folder. "Like I said, it's been an interesting day. I got the crap beaten out of me by Trent. I got shot, passed out, twisted my ankle and was offered a hit on you. Not all in that order. Tell me, do I look stupid?"

He went to her and gathered her up in his arms and kissed her fiercely. "No, pet, you don't. Trent was here, was he? I thought I smelled old man aftershave. So, who wants me dead?" he asked in an amused voice as he set her back down on the chair and moved back to the stove to turn the mussels off.

She shrugged, taking a sip of wine. "No clue, not one of mine. There's photos...interesting ones."

"Photos? No shit." He turned from the stove, grabbed the envelope, and took out the shots. he whistled. "Well, I'll be damned. The Braven sisters, so which one approached you? Had to be Lillian right? Damn cow. Though these shots, they aren't me...the older ones, yes, they are me, but these. Seems the sisters learned how to work a tangible glamour. Interesting."

"Indeed. I must say it is quite a likeness, though, not exact but very close. Exactly who are they? And why do they believe that I must be on the same level of intelligence as a mealworm?"

Marsh sighed. "Well, that's complicated, and they will both pay dearly for upping my timetable. How about we eat and I'll tell you? Steaks are done, how you like it, pet..."

She nodded, her stomach growling. "Sure, I haven't had a chance to eat anything yet. Unless coffee counts."

"It doesn't. You know that." He smirked and speared a thick steak on her plate, then meted out some spinach and then gaveit to her, doing the same with his own. He filled a bowl with mussels and placed it on the table as well, and sat across from her. "The mussels are spicy just like you like, pet." He winked and grabbed his glass, pouring some more wine, then sighed. "So, where do I begin, eh?" he asked absently. He was pissed off, his perfect romantic evening fucked to hell because a spoiled princess wanted what she saw as competition out of the way. He said as much to Janey as she forked a rare piece of steak and spinach into her mouth.

"Royalty, eh?" She sipped her wine. "Well, I suppose that explains a lot."

He shrugged. "Don't be mad at me for not telling you, pet, I could care less about what I am by birth."

She looked up at him, her fork paused mid-strike. "I wasn't talking about you..."

He smirked. Janey wasn't stupid, nor was she oblivious, so she had to know at some point. "The Braven sisters are twins, fraternal, of one of the main houses of Jenai. Like my mother, they can ascend to be a Djinn's consort and possible queen. Apparently they take that seriously."

"Enough to piss the hell outta me? Boy, do they not know me; I've already had Trent bitching at me about my judgment."

"Well, they aren't the brightest crayons in the box, I'll grant you that. Trent came to piss you off? It's been a while, eh? Let me guess, he doesn't approve of our relationship?"

"Not really. He questions my judgment and thinks I've been slacking. He also said I was fat..."

"Well, you are pudgy." He grinned at her and forked a mussel into his mouth, chewed, and swallowed. "So how much did they offer for my hit?"

"She started at fifty mil but I worked her up to two-fifty. After all, you're worth it."

"Shit, two-fifty? That's it. I must be overestimating you, love." He reached down and brought the long midnight blue velvet box and set it before her. "Happy Christmas, pet, even if it's early."

Her eyes lit up and she grinned, reaching for the box. "It's not like I'm going to kill you, love, I needed her to agree to a price and I didn't want to accept something to cheap or they would have suspected something. I mean, really, I'm not just fueled by my own greed. I have depth and layers. A lot of the time I kill people because I don't like them, and if I can find somebody who'll pay for that death then I'll consider it a job well done." She stroked the box, lovingly dragging it in front of her. "I didn't think we were doing Christmas, it's not really my thing, even Ko's given up on it this year." She guiltily lifted the box to inspect it.

"Christmas really isn't my thing, either. I mean, I'm all about consumerism, but the actual thought behind it all for me boils down to the all mighty dollar. Technically we aren't doing Christmas, we are doing something else." He watched with small amusement as she opened her first present.

"Well, if we're not doing Christmas then what are we doing..." She gasped sharply as she opened the box, small sparkles of light reflecting on her face. "Marsh...My God..." She trailed off, truly speechless for the first time since he'd met her. "I..." She shook her head grinning at him. "It's beautiful."

"It pales to you, pet, but yes, it is beautiful. You approve?" he asked in a joking tone, knowing full well she was enchanted by the jewelry.

She nodded heartily, her hair bouncing around her face. "I do. I most certainly do."

"Good. I knew you would when I had it commissioned. You have one more, love, though for this you'll need to close your eyes," he said and watched her, palming the ring box from his jacket and waiting.

She grinned at him. "You know you're making me look bad?" she teased as she shut her eyes.

"All will be forgiven in but minutes, pet." He opened the small box and turned it to her with the ring facing her. "Open it, pet, and say yes."

"Yes?" She frowned, opening her eyes and looking at him. Her gaze fell to the box and widened in surprise. She looked up at him, the shock clear on her face.

He smirked at the look. She really didn't think he ever would do it, it was written all over her face. "Well, you going to say it? Or do I have to take it back?"

"No!" she started, snatching the box quicker than lightning. She looked down at the ring then back up at him. "I mean, yes...I do mean yes." She laughed, pushing the box at him. "You have to put it on me...at least, I think that's how it works."

He grinned and got up, quickly making his way around the island to stand next to her, and grabbed her hand. He took the ring out of the box and kissed her, and as he did, his fingers slipped it onto hers.

She kissed him back hard, pulling back to look at her hand. "Its perfect, it really is." She kissed him again, wrapping her arms around him and pulling him tightly to her.

He chuckled. "I'm glad you like it. If you didn't it was going to be hard justifying half a mil otherwise."

"Well, I'm worth it." The grin on her face widened as she moved to watch the glistening ring. She kept it on, turning it and holding it up to the light. "You do realize that a lot of money just got won and lost in my office They've been betting on this for months. I think Malcolm was in for a few thousand Euro," she told him quietly, watching the ring sparkle.

He laughed and kissed her again. "Eh, it is the season of giving, after all, isn't it?"

"I guess it is." She laid her head on his shoulder, her gaze still not leaving the ring. "It was a surprise, nobody expected you to buy the cow...Not in the human way. Are we really going to get married? With chapels and guests?"

"That's up to you, pet. You're mine already, the binding like a human marriage. I don't require it, but if you wish to we will." He smiled at her and rubbed the pad of his thumb on the nape of her neck.

She nodded. "Maybe. It certainly would be interesting...although, maybe not entirely a good idea. Guest wise, I'd hate to have to work out the seating arrangement. There are some people you really shouldn't sit next to other people, and I think I know most of them."

"True, though seeing you stunning in a white gown would be worth it. A lot of bets would be won then, too, no doubt."

She laughed. "Yeah, and a lot lost, too. Security would be a fucker; we could just do a private thing. Me, you, and very few other people. Somewhere bright and hot so we don't get any unwanted demons or vampires."

He laughed. "You do know Mal can withstand sunlight, right? I don't think he would show. Taylor, he'd show regardless, even just to see you in the dress and use it against you."

"I know, but the bright light irritates a vampire's sensitive eyes. If Taylor shows he better bring presents, or at least one big one."

"I think we could count on that, pet." He pulled her close to him and nuzzled her behind her ear. "But we don't have to decide now. We do have forever. I do have one more surprise, though."

She pulled back from him, raising a questioning eyebrow. "You do? Hmmm...Let's see, you cooked, you gave me an exquisite and beautiful choker and you proposed." She counted them off in her hands, and at the mention of proposal she grinned and flashed the ring at him. "What else is there? You realize I'm being spoiled, I'll come to expect this sort of thing every Christmas."

He smiled and swallowed hard. "Remember how I told you I was going to take you to meet my parents?"

"Kind of..." She said carefully.

"Well, it's a little more complicated then just stopping by my parents for the holidays. Which is why I didn't spring it on you last minute, like, when we were at the citadel itself."

"This holiday? Like as in...What citadel?"

"The birth of Christ coincides with the highest of holy times for Djinn. We call it the Birthing. The scrolls say it's when we were breathed to life is the deepest desert of the true continent. Tradition is that the nobility of Djinn congregate at the Citadel in Sumeria, but the last three hundred years it's been at my parents' palace in Austria, for seven days of festivities."

"Uh huh...their place." She worried her bottom lip for a second before taking a deep breath. "Marsh, exactly how royal are you? Just to clarify."
He coughed and looked at her. "Really royal, like crown prince royal."

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