Series: Magic of the Damned #1
Publication date: August 19th, 2021
Synopsis:
They say you should never make a deal with the devil, but what about with the Prince of the Underworld?
Fresh off a breakup and an eviction, I started my day like any other: a book in one hand, a coffee in the other, and faking that can-do attitude inspirational memes are made of. I was ready to take on the world--and I did.
Unfortunately, it was the Underworld.
One freak accident later, I'm standing face to face with the sexy-as-sin and dangerously powerful Prince of the Underworld. He was a few burning questions for me--like how a mere human unlocked the door to the Underworld's prison and released its prisoners.
I'd sure as hell like to know, too, because I have no freaking clue.
Now, instead of a forgettable bookstore clerk, I'm newly famous for doing the impossible. The wrong people want to thank me, and the rest want me dead. Spoiler alert: The Dark Prince definitely doesn't want to thank me.
I'll do anything to get my life back to normal and he'll do anything to recapture the escapees. We make a deal: He'll keep my enemies at bay, and I'll find a way to return the prisoners.
What could possibly go wrong?
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Snippets
"The Discovery of Magic," he said in a low, smoky voice before returning the book to me. The intangible energy that wafted off him caused me to stand far too closes, violating all social norms and decorum."It's an interesting, eye-opening read," I offered.
"Is it?" His question was rhetorical. He inched his face closer to me, his fiery eyes inquiring as he took me in. Speculative. "You're a witch." The inflection left me wondering if it was a question, but his appraising look seemed like a reluctant accusation.
Was he screwing with me? Did he really believe in witches? And even worse, he thought I was one.
To her, you are simply a toy she has the opportunity to break as a way to retaliate against me."I frowned. "Toy?"
"No worries. I have no intention of playing with you." His gaze was playful, his smirk a sensual taunt. "Unless you want me to," he tacked on in a husky drawl.
"Anand said I should gouge a vampire's eyes out if they try to get me to look them in the eyes. What should I do to you?"Moistening his lips, he fixed me with a roguish smile. "What would you like to do to me, Luna?" There was nothing innocent about his insinuating words or the look he gave me.
Heat ran up my neck and over my cheeks. I dropped my head to look at my book and hopefully hide my flush. If the warmth radiating on my face was any indicator, I wouldn't be able to hide the strawberry coloring.
His expression changed but it was still indecipherable. Understanding? I don't think that was it. Amusement? Definitely. Portentous? It better not be. His lips curled slightly into a small, tight, mirthless smile. He looked over his shoulder at Anand who flashed a grin. "I've been commanded to behave," Dominic said to him. The laughter in his voice made its way to his eyes.
"Little Luna."
"It's just Luna," I shot back.
Dominic stood between me and it. Steely eyes, coiled danger, and raw power radiated from him in waves. When he spoke again, he leaned in, right against my ear. Heat radiated from his body, enveloping me. I inhaled his scent of sandalwood, my hand going to his waist, my thumb brushing over the hard muscles of his abs. Damn. My mind wandered to a place it shouldn't."Are you still enjoying the book?" he asked.
There was only one book he was inquiring about. I nodded, trying to read his expression. He'd asked me about being a witch, and I was curious as to how far down the supernatural rabbit hole he was.
"Luna, you've released my prisoners from the Underworld. You may not have been the weapon, but you are the tool."Believe me, you're a tool, too.
Oops. Didn't mean to say that aloud.
With a wry smile he started pacing around me again, his hands behind his back, my name said over and over but not in the alluring, sultry way. It was a rough, disparaging string of words. Nearly excruciating in its execution.
"Tell me, Luna," he said behind me. I whipped around to face him. "Should I destroy the tool for a short-term solution, or find the weapon?"
McKenzie, as a child, discovered that her life could be a whirlwind of adventures by simply opening a book. To this day, reading is still her favorite activity. She has a fondness for fantasy and mystery, which is probably why she writes urban fantasy.
When McKenzie isn't working on her next book she is usually binge-watching paranormal and comedy shoes, maintaining her title as "favorite auntie", or trying to create a tasty low-calorie pizza. McKenzie loves to hear from her readers. Feel free to contact her via her website, Facebook, or email.
