The Crimson Z
Robert Cloud
Lee Rush
Richard Savage
Abby Blythe
Kara Elsberry
ISBN 0-9774682-8-3

Collection Paranormal
Stories
688 paperback pages
Multi-format ebook $6.99
Paperback $29.99
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The Crimson Z has it all, contemporary, historical, sweet, sexy, erotic.

The Crimson Z Includes:

Love of a Pendant's Heart
A Short Novella
by Lee Rush

The Anniversary
A Short Novella
By Richard Savage

Incorrigible
A Novella
by Abby Blythe

On The Wings of a Dream
A Novelette
by Kara Elsberry

The Blood Ritual of the Crimson Z
A Novel
by Robert Cloud

The Awakening
A Long Novella
by Robert Cloud

Chapter Three

"Adrian? What happened to them? Don't stop now. You
have to tell me what happened next."

He smiled softly down at her and hugged her to him again.
He took the hand that held the pendant and drew it to his
lips, kissing each finger as it curled around the delicate chain.
"My mother told me very little of the next few months of
her life, Crys. Only that it was a difficult time for her. She had
so many adjustments to make in her life and the way she
lived it. I think there were days that she simply cried from
dawn to dusk. She was heartbroken at the way William had
treated her and I think she held to the hope that he would
change his mind and come for her."

"But ... but Adrian ... surely she told you more. You
wouldn't have begun this story without an ending. You
wouldn't do that to me. Would you?"

The look on her face as she gazed up at him touched him
as only she could. So trusting in everything he did and said to
her, she was almost childlike in her love for him. The love
that she had gifted him filled his heart with joy ... and
clutched at it with a bit of sorrow as well.

He chuckled softly and hugged her to him as he kissed her
forehead.

"You know me better than that, sweet woman. I would
never think to disappoint you."
* * * *
Cara heard the crackle of a broken branch outside her little
cave and she hurried to the entrance, with a smile on her
face. She was expecting the Witch of Wolstad. The witch had
shown herself to be a good friend.

When she looked outside the entrance to her new home,
there was no one there. She frowned and turned to go back
inside, her foot bumping against something that hadn't been
there before. As long as she had been in the little cave, she
had come to know the area surrounding the entrance, quite
well. She had labored there often enough, planting and
tending the tiny flowers from the woods. As she knelt down to
pick up the package, she smiled at the tiny white bells that
hung from the glossy pointed leaves and gathered some to
scent her pillows.

As she entered the cave, she dropped the package on the
table and proceeded to her bed, scattering the little bells
amongst the fragrant pine boughs. A soft smile curled her lips
as the mingled scents wafted up. Unable to help herself, she
drew her hands to her nose and inhaled deeply. The white
bells had always been her favorite flower and she loved
bringing them in where she could smell them all day.

When she had sniffed to her delight, she rose and went
back to the entrance, looking for the witch. Then she
remembered the package and turned to the table. The paper
was decorative and appeared to be well made with a silky feel
to it. Her heart skipped a beat as she realized the cost of
something as fine as this paper. William! He had sent her this
package! Perhaps he had changed his mind at last!

She laughed as she ripped open the shiny paper and found
a piece of folded parchment inside. As she unfolded it,
something slipped out and fell to the ground. Before picking it
up, she read the words inscribed on the parchment.
'Please wear this always, to know your true love.'
It was signed ... 'One who has always loved you'.

It was from William! She clutched the parchment to her
chest and danced around the cave, a sudden song on her lips.
She laughed and danced for several moments before she
remembered that something had fallen from the parchment.
She hurried back to the table and dropped to her knees to
search for it.

It sparkled in the light from the cave entrance and when
she held it up to examine it, she gasped with delight. It was a
pendant dangling on a fine golden chain. She blew on it
gently to banish the dust and watched it sway in her fingers.
She smiled at the rose pendant, admiring the delicate cuts
that gave it the appearance of a real rose. There was even a
tiny drop of dew on one of the petals ... and a Z cut into one
of the leaves that swirled around the rose. The entire pendant
was wrapped lightly in threadlike strands of gold ... almost
like a golden spider web.

Cara smiled softly and slipped the chain over her head, her
fingers clasped over the pendant as it fell between her little
furry breasts.

"What is it ye have there, lass? A pretty?"

She looked up and there stood the Witch, smiling down at
her, a large tote bag at her feet.

"Aye, it is, it must be from William. Who else could have
left it here? But he didn't sign the note that came with it."
The Witch stepped forward, leaned to look closer at the
pendant and smiled.

"Aye ... 'Tis a pretty indeed. One that cost a ransom as
well, I'll wager."

"I knew it was from William. He has had a change of heart
then? Have you seen him? Or spoken to him? When will he be
coming for me?"

She was so excited, her face almost ached from the broad
smile and her heart was leaping in her chest. She clasped the
witch's hands in hers and tried to pull her into another dance
around the cave, but she was puzzled when the witch didn't
join in her joy.

The Witch was shaking her head, a sad expression on her
face.

"I know 'tis what you would wish, lass, but I dinna think
it's from the lord."

Cara felt the tears stinging her eyes as the witch's words
sank in. She was right, of course ... William didn't even know
where she was living. She sank slowly onto the chair at the
side of the table as the tears slipped down her face.
"I ... I guess you're right. How would he find me here? But
if it wasn't William, then who could have left it here? Who
would give me such a thing of beauty?"

"I know not what to say to ye, lass. 'Tis a lovely thing
indeed and ye deserve such loveliness but as to who left it ...
I've no words for ye about that."

Lifting the heavy bag and looking closely at Cara, the
Witch ran her hand across the girl's forehead.
"Sick are ye, lass? Yer a mite pale this day."

"Well, the stomach has been giving me a bit of a problem
this morning, but I feel fine other than that. And now, my
head is aching as well. Must be from the upset about William
and his stubbornness."

"Aye, must be then."

Days passed and the Witch's visits were frequent, but
there came a time when she needed to travel away from the
area and Cara fell into the despair of loneliness. Leaving her
little cave, she wandered through the woods, just to be out
and about ... just to feel the sun on her furry little body.
Stepping into a clearing near her favorite pool, she came up
short, gasping her surprise.

There in the wood was a man ... tall; handsome beyond
belief, naked and dripping with water as though he had just
stepped from the pool. He turned toward her at the sound of
her gasp and looked surprised for a moment. Then a bright
smile lit up his face and he bowed toward her.

"Good morning, little fox. I hope your travels are happy
ones."

"Good morning, kind sir. Thank you. I didn't mean to
intrude."

She stepped back into the bushes, intending to leave but
wanting to stay. Something about this man drew her
attention as no other had done, but she didn't know him
and...

"Nay, please wait."

He reached down, turned his back to her and pulled his
pants on. When he was done with the pants, he turned back
to her. She had watched every movement he made and it
brought a heat to her face she hadn't felt in quite a long time.

The grace in the way he moved ... the smile on his face ...
something about him drew her attention and stayed her feet.
"Now ... a more proper visage for you, my lady."

She chuckled softly and stood her ground.
"I thank you Sir ... but 'twas not necessary for my benefit.
I saw nothing wrong with your appearance."
S
he couldn't believe she was saying such things to a
complete stranger, but there was something about him that
she hadn't felt before ... even with William.

"Are you new to the area, Sir?"

"Well, not really. I've been hereabouts a time or two over
the last few years. And you, lass? Are you new here?"

"I used to live in the village downstream, Sir, but..."
Her words faltered as she thought of her transformation
and her reason for being in the woods. She felt the heat in
her face again and her head dropped. She wasn't ashamed of
what she had become but it was difficult for her to voice the
explanation.

"But? It sounds as though there's a story to be told, lass.
Sit and tell me while we eat." He nodded towards the base of
a tall willow tree and she saw a picnic lunch spread out on the
thick grass.

She smiled at the thought of dining with this handsome
man, forgetting for a moment that she would have to share
her tale of woe.

"Thank you, kind sir. It would be my pleasure."

She crossed to the base of the tree while he dressed and
settled herself to her knees, then noticed a bit of discomfort
in her back and resettled herself. When she looked up again,
he was taking a seat beside her and reaching for a loaf of
bread.

"Then tell me your tale, lovely lass. You lived in the village
and now you don't?"

He watched her as she sighed heavily and her head
drooped as she began to speak, softly, hesitantly.
"The Witch of Wolstad read my fortune, Sir and it was
foretold that I would wed the lord of this realm and bear him
many sons. So, if truth be told, I threw myself at him as if I
were a hussy. I teased him unmercifully and he took me to
the castle, wed me and then bed me. When he was done and
I opened my eyes again, all I saw was a shock of surprise on
his face. Then he jumped from the bed and backed away from
me."

When she paused to catch her breath, it was like she was
coming up for air. She had hurried through the words so
quickly that it took him a moment to understand them. A
wave of regret moved through him as the words sank in and
he saw the tears in her eyes. She might look different but she
had deep feelings of loss and was one of the most delicate
creatures he had ever encountered. To think that a lord would
behave in such a manner was an affront to his sensibilities.

He searched the pockets on his doublet, found a
handkerchief and held it out to her as her story continued.
Her little hand took the proffered cloth and swiped at her
cheeks.

"When the Witch came, she told the tale. There is a dragon
here, Sir and she said he cursed me. When the seed of the
lord filled my body, I was changed to this. He was afraid and
shocked and ... and disgusted. He bade me leave and never
return."

"Ah, lovely lass ... 'Tis a sad tale indeed. A lord of the
realm acting in such a manner against such a sweet thing as
you is a dishonor to his position and name."

Her voice broke on the last words and she was shaking as
deep sobs wracked her body. When her voice first faltered on
the word disgusted, he leaned closer but when she broke
down completely, he scooted over and slid his arm around her
shoulders, pulling her close.

"Then he was a fool, little fox and you are well rid of him.
A lovelier creature I doubt I have ever seen or ever will see
again."

His scent filled her head and his gentle touches of comfort
filled the hole left by the lord's absence.

"Truly, Sir? I'm not something to run from? Or be
disgusted by?"

"Aye, it's most definitely true. What is your name, little
fox? Although I don't mind calling you little fox, I would
dearly love to know your name."

"My name is Cara. I have no last name other than the
lord's and I doubt he would want me to use it now."

"It doesn't matter, little one. Cara is enough and it's a
lovely name. I am called Zaven and I am pleased to have met
you."

He took up the kerchief from her lap and wiped the tears
from her face, smiling softly as he did.

"No more tears, Cara. Now take this and eat. You look pale
and sweet fruit is always good no matter if it is for fur or
skin."

He chuckled and leaned toward her, kissing her forehead
as gently as possible.

She gasped at the tiny shock from the kiss and then
smiled up at him, feeling the pleasure she had dreamed of
feeling with William.

They passed the remainder of the day with food and talk,
each telling tales of remembered times, though he had many
more tales to tell than she did. The food dishes always
seemed to be filled at least half way, the wine flagon was
never empty but she was so wrapped up in listening to him
tell of his exploits that she didn't pay attention to those
details. When she yawned, he laughed out loud.

"Poor Cara ... I've kept you all this day with nattering
about stories of old and you are so tired you can barely keep
your eyes open. Rest now. Close your eyes and rest while I
pack up the lunch and then I will take you home."

"I don't know why I'm so tired all of a sudden. Surely you
must believe it was not the company, Sir."

"Sir? Is it now Sir again?"

"No, Zaven. It is Zaven, for sure. It must be the tiredness
taking my senses."

He chuckled and stood up to clear the lunch as she closed
her eyes and leaned back against the tree. The soft sounds of
his movements added to her sense of relaxation and she
peeked up at him for a moment before sighing deeply and
closing her eyes again.

It seemed only a moment had passed when she felt herself
being scooped up and held against his chest. She was almost
giddy from the closeness and was of two minds. She wanted
to snuggle against him but what sense of propriety she had
left dictated otherwise.

"Zaven! I can walk, you know. It's not far."

"But you are light as a feather, dear Cara and there is no
reason for you to walk when I can carry you quite easily. Now
... which way do we go?"

Cara gave up the argument and snuggled against him. The
scent of him as she nestled under his chin filled her again and
she could only point the way to her little cave, not quite
trusting herself to speak. Then she was asleep again, smiling
in his arms. The next thing she knew, he was leaning over
her, putting her in her little bed.

"Mmmm, Zaven. How can I thank you? You gave me such
a wonderful day."

"There is no need for thanks, little one, other than to let
me see you again for more delightful conversation."
She stifled another yawn as she nodded up at him.
"What is this, Cara?" His fingers caressed the golden rose
hanging from her neck.

"Isn't it lovely? It was left outside the cave as a gift to me,
but I know not who sent it."

"It is quite beautiful. Whoever sent it to you must love you
very much. Perhaps I should simply leave you be ... I
wouldn't want to anger your lover."

"But Zaven ... I don't know who sent it."

"Well ... whoever he is, maybe he won't mind a bit of
conversation and a little food and drink between friends."

"If he shows himself, Zaven ... I will tell him that I choose
my friends and will talk and dine with them as I choose."

He laughed loudly, leaned down and kissed her forehead
again and then stood up beside the bed.

"Take care, sweet little fox. I will be back to see you
again."

Toy's Story:
Aquisition of a Sex Toy
By Robert Cloud

Bound By Fate
By Lee Rush

Fool Me Once
By Jessica Joy
(Jessica also writes as Abby Blythe)

1 Fan -- Books given this rating include very minimal sexual activity between hero and heroine. Sexual activity that does occur is described without the use of graphic terms. These titles will be found in our Tender Destinations line and in our Amorous Adventures line.

2 Fan -- Books given this rating include a moderate amount of sexual activity between hero and heroine, however it is described in romantic as opposed to graphic terms. These books will be found in our Tender Destinations and Amorous Adventures lines.

3 Fans -- Books given this rating include a lot of sexuality between hero and heroine. The activity may be described graphically but will not include fetish elements. Books with this rating will be found in our Sensuous Journeys line and in our Amorous Adventures line.

4 Fans -- Book given this rating include a lot of sexuality between hero and heroine and will typically include fetish elements. Sexuality in these books is described graphically but with a softer touch than our 5 Fan titles. Books with the 4 fan rating will be found in our Forbidden Experiences line as well as our Amorous Adventures line.

5 Fans -- Books with this rating include a very high degree of sexuality between hero and heroine. These books include fetish elements which are described graphically. Books with this rating will be found in our Forbidden Experiences and Amorous Adventures lines.

Tender Destinations
Are poignant stories of meeting and falling in love. They contain a minimal level of sexuality.

Sensuous Journeys
Are emotional and poignant but include explicit descriptions of the lovemaking between hero and heroine. There is no explicit fetish component in these books.

Forbidden Experiences
Are powerful and emotional love stories with explicit sexuality which includes fetish content.

Amorous Adventures
Are love stories with an element of suspense or danger.