COPYRIGHT
COPYRIGHT (c) 2013 by Jennifer Probst All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner without written permission from the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.
THE BOOK OF SPELLS
The Official Love Spell from
THE MARRIAGE to a Billionaire Series
JENNIFER PROBST
Dear Reader,
When The Marriage Bargain exploded and readers responded so enthusiastically, I was pretty humbled. I also had the best time creating new characters who were related to Alexa and Nick, and forged a family of both books and readers. Maggie and Michael in The Marriage Trap, Carina and Max in The Marriage Mistake, and Julietta and Sawyer in my upcoming July release, The Marriage Merger. I love hearing which couple readers identify with and love the most, or who their current book boyfriend is.
Occasionally, I throw a short story out there for a guest post, such as Max and Carina's Valentine's Day over at SubClub, or a character interview at some of my fave book bloggers.
But it wasn't enough.
I've received numerous requests for two items: a short story centering around Alexa and Nick, and the famous Book of Spells that show up in every story in the Marriage to a Billionaire series.
So, my dear readers, you've got it.
Here is the mysterious book unveiled in all its glory. The story for Alexa and Nick was harder. I needed to wait until the right idea came to me. Until one night, lying in bed listening to my beloved husband snore away, I stared at the ceiling and it became clear.
Everyone knows I'm a huge dog lover and animal advocate. And the relationship between Nick and Old Yeller from Bargain was...special.
I hope you enjoy this short story as an extra perk to the Book of Spells. I adored writing it and delving back into Alexa and Nick's life.
I am also a huge food advocate! So, I added an extra treat--a recipe straight from the Conte family table.
As always, this is all for you, my amazing readers. Your emails, Facebook messages, Twitter and Goodreads comments mean the world to me. Please keep them coming. I do listen.
If you love my books, please consider joining the Probst Posse. We have a wonderful time and I share all my upcoming books exclusively with them. What else happens? Sneak peeks, cover reveals, giveaways, brainstorming, member input requests, and a ton of laughs.
Just drop an email to my fab assistant, Lisa at
[email protected] Smooches to all and Happy Reading!
Jen
INTRODUCTION
Love spells have been used for centuries. As long as love has existed, both men and women have dreamt of meeting their soul mate. From the ancient traditions of match-making and arranged marriage, to the more modern tales of nightclubs, speed dating, Match.com, E-harmony, church, book clubs, and other pursuits, the human need for finding one's mate is ingrained. Like the holy grail, the search is taken up time and time again, sometimes to be met with a high cost of divorce, heartbreak and pain.
Yet, we still pursue the dream.
The love spell contained in this book is from ancient times and combines a mix of true methods meant to capture the essence of what one desires in a mate. To look beyond the surface, strip past barriers, and dig deep to the core. Using a mix of the four elements, fire, air, water and earth, this call to our true nature is an honest plea for fulfillment of the most basic need of all.
True love.
PREPARATION
Begin with a basic meditation to clear the mind.
Sit quietly in a safe place, close your eyes, and begin to breathe. Counting each inhale and each exhale, concentrate on the rhythm of the air being taken in and released by your lungs. Continue to do this until you feel relaxed and your mind is clear.
Take the time to let your thoughts drift to your childhood. Continue to breathe and picture yourself as you grow, and the obstacles along the way. Meditate on the qualities that make up the core of your spirit. Each person has different strengths and needs. Whether that be creative, scientific, or spiritual, recognize your unique talent without judgment.
Meditate on your prior relationships. What made them fail, what made them succeed. Use no judgment and release any fear or anxiety - this is an important exercise to go deep into your spiritual core to find what you truly need.
Picture your future self happy. What will feed your soul? What will nourish the need beyond the surface?
Think of your family - their strengths and weaknesses. Think about how you have evolved on this earth and the way you fit into your family's structure. Again, allow your thoughts to touch on both the positive and negative relationships within your family.
Go over the friendships you have created in your lifetime. What has worked? What hasn't? Take some time to meditate on each friend who has come into your life and made a difference. Sift through the traits each friendship has brought you.
THE LIST
Prepare your fire. Using a small fireproof bucket, or a campfire outside, ignite a flame. Gather two pieces of clean white paper. Clearing your mind, begin to make a specified list of all the qualities you need in a mate.
Look beyond the surface, beyond previous choices, and into your soul. Write from the heart without censoring - it is best that the list springs from the natural need in your soul rather than your rational mind. Clearly number each quality.
You may write as many or as few as is needed. If you trust your subconscious, you will know when to stop.
When you have finished, copy down the list on a second piece of paper.
Fold both pieces of paper into quadrants.
THE SPELL
Closing your eyes, offer a prayer of peace to Mother Earth. She will call the elements in the universe of fire, air, water and earth to bring what you need.
The suggested phrasing is listed below:
Dear Earth Mother, please bring forth these qualities on my list to complete my soul, to fulfill the need in my spirit, to nourish my emotional fulfillment. I offer my humbleness, my gratitude for all that I have, and my plea to the Universe.
Throw one piece of paper into the fire and watch it burn.
NOTE: There are additional items you may integrate with your list to bring forth specific traits. Use a small stick to symbolize dependability and stability. Find a family member with certain traits you admire, and use a lock of his or her hair. Add a treasured memento that invokes specific memories of love, happiness, or passion.
When it has completely vanished into ashes, meditate briefly on leaving the past behind and going toward the future with a whole heart.
Take the second piece of paper and place it under your mattress. As you sleep, your subconscious is freed, and the qualities you have listed will gain more strength in slumber.
NOTES
Use this page to write down all your thoughts on this process. Have you been afraid to find what you want in a soul-mate? Are you excited about the future or concerned you will be hurt? Do you feel silly or self-conscious taking the time to list all the qualities you need in a spouse?
There are no right or wrong answers -only your own unique individual journey.
SEDUCTION DINNER MENU
My seduction dinner menu is full of obvious as well as hidden aphrodisiac ingredients specifically formulated for a heightened sense of arousal. Start off with an appetizer of oysters and follow with a main course of salmon and asparagus. Look for recipes online, i
n cookbooks, or from a friend or family member and make this your own. Don't forget to serve your guest a glass or red wine, which is also an aphrodisiac.
Follow your dinner up with the ultimate in sensual desserts, chocolate truffles with an added kick of fire to increase arousal. I've included a recipe from the Conte family that I'm going to share.
Impassioned Chocolate Truffles
Ingredients 10 ounces of semisweet chocolate
10 ounces of bittersweet chocolate
3/4 cup heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon chili powder Pinch of cayenne pepper
Truffle Coating Options Cocoa powder
Course sea salt
Directions Grate or chop chocolate in small pieces while heating heavy cream, cinnamon, chili powder, and cayenne pepper in small saucepan on medium-low heat. Bring mixture to a simmer and take off heat. Add chocolate and vanilla extract to pan and immediately mix well with a whisk until all chocolate has melted. Let mixture cool to room temperature for approximately 11/2 hours.
Take a teaspoon or melon ball to scoop a small amount of chocolate out of pan and roll in hands, forming a small ball sized truffle. Place each individual truffle on cookie sheet lined with plastic wrap or parchment paper to set. Then roll balls in cocoa powder or sprinkle with a few pieces of sea salt. Once you roll all the truffles keep refrigerated until 1/2 hour before serving.
Makes between 40 - 50 truffles depending on size
SECOND CHANCES
A short story with Alexa and Nick from The Marriage Bargain
Nick Ryan lay down next to the fire and stroked the back flank of Old Yeller. He found the sweet spot and smiled when the dog's leg quivered, and began beating the floor in the familiar rhythm of sudden ecstasy. After a few moments, he lost the momentum and slumped back into sleeping mode, his chest lifting with shallow pants.
He was sick.
Nick felt the wrongness in his bones. Yes, he was older. Since Alexa had taken him from the shelter, his age was a rough estimate, and the dog could be anywhere from ten to fifteen at this point. They'd assigned him an age and an October birthday so Nick estimated an approximate age of twelve years old. Optimistically. Old Yeller never had boundless energy, probably from his rough past and the air of dignity he wore like a royal cloak. Simba tortured him with love, rough play, and tumbled affection, but Old Yeller preferred the quiet moments in life like Nick. A good meal. A hot fire. Beautiful music. Simple fulfillment.
He never wanted to open himself up to loving an animal this much. Alexa had broken through his walls and strolled right into his heart, burying herself so deep she was pretty much a part of his anatomy. His beautiful daughters were a natural extension of their shared union and love, and he'd surrender everything for their happiness.
But this old, strange hound dog had always haunted his soul. Once he let him in, the idea of losing him shook his foundation. He sensed a sickness other than arthritis in Old Yeller's tired bones, especially this past week. Nick needed to step up and get him to the vet.
It was time.
Warm hands slid around his waist, and the body that had carried two of his children pressed against him. "He's still not better, is he?"
Nick sighed and rubbed the dog's half torn ears. "No. I'm going to take the morning off and take him to the vet."
"I can do it. I know you have a big board meeting tomorrow."
Nick allowed himself to lean back into her quiet strength. "Yeah, and you know how much I despise them. I'll love having an excuse to back out."
Alexa laughed. She covered his hand and they both stroked the dog that had brought them together. "Ok. Maria has Musical Munchkins class, Lily has dance, and I only have to go into Bookcrazy for a few hours. Why don't we have lunch afterwards?"
"Done. We haven't played hooky in a while."
"We haven't played anything in a while."
Nick grinned and twisted around. In one smooth motion, he flipped her over so her back pressed into the thick carpet and he loomed over her. The familiar surge of heat gripped him and he hardened instantly. His wife's gasp was full of pleasure and excitement. His veins pumped with heat and the desire to claim. "You're right. Maybe it's time we correct that."
Blue eyes widened, but he took note of her hardened nipples and the way her thighs opened to welcome him. "What if the kids wake up?"
"They've been asleep for a while. I doubt they'll come downstairs if they need something. We'll hear them checking our bedroom first."
"I don't know, Nick, I haven't shaved my legs and I wanted to put something pretty on for you and, oh!"
He shut her up the best way, with his mouth over hers. His tongue parted her lips and delved deep, while his hands tugged down her stretchy yoga pants. Her panties followed, until she was half naked, and the scent of her arousal drifted to his nostrils. Oh, yeah. She was hot for him still. He didn't give a crap about sexy lingerie, or perfect legs, or anything other than possessing his wife completely.
He tore his mouth from hers. Shaky little breaths puffed from her swollen lips. "You must be very quiet, Alexa," he whispered. "Do you think you can do that? We don't want to wake the children."
"Of course, why. Oh, God--"
He slid down, pushed open her thighs, and dipped his head. Her musky scent swarmed his senses and he encountered gorgeous wet heat when his mouth finally hit the sweet spot. Her choked cries drifted to his ears like music, and her orgasm shattered through her and filled him with a primitive triumph he never tired of.
God, he fucking loved this woman.
*
"We found a mass."
Nick hated doctors. Hated the sterile environments that reminded him of the ability to die, get sick, and screw with a happy life. His palms dampened, and he fought the urge to wipe them on his jeans. It had taken him a long time to become confident enough in his ability to love, and trust, and believe that his family and wife wouldn't leave him. Now, other terrors danced in the dark, taunting him. What if something happened he couldn't control and he was left alone again? What if something happened to Alexa? His kids? His sister? And his beloved dog?
Nick cleared his throat, and dug for control. "Ok. Can you give me the details? Can you make him better?"
Dr. Jack was an older man, obviously in the business for a number of years, and emanated a friendly compassion Old Yeller was immediately drawn to. He was an obvious animal lover, and Nick liked the way he spoke to his dog, as if he wasn't a piece of meat but an actual living patient that deserved respect. The doctor peered over his glasses, his eyes sad but kind. "I'll need to do a biopsy. The tumor is close to the stomach area so it's a delicate procedure. Then depending on the test results, we'll need to go over our options."
Icy fear trickled down his spine. "What type of options?"
"If it's cancer, we try to remove it. With Old Yeller's age, we've got the odds against us. It'll be a long recovery, He may need chemotherapy, which I wouldn't recommend. I've had owners who took a holistic approach, with herbs and acupuncture to lessen the pain, but again, with the age of the dog we need to look at other options."
"I'm not putting him to sleep." The stubborn words escaped his mouth before he had time to bite them back. As if with his own determination to save the dog, it would all work out.
Dr. Jack nodded. "I understand. We'll explore all options but let's wait for the test results first."
"How long?"
"They have to go to our main lab so forty-eight hours."
Nick rubbed his forehead. "Any way to get them quicker?"
"I'm putting a rush on them. But we'll need a full two days. As soon as they come in, I'll call. For now, keep his regular schedule."
"Treats, ok?"
Dr. Jack smiled. "Treats are always ok. I have a new shipment of the greenie bones dogs' love. You can pick them up at the front desk."
"Thanks." The lab tech led Old Yeller in. Nick noted his head hung a bit lower, almost
as if he was beginning to give up. The blue and orange Mets bandanna around his neck had been cleaned and ironed so it looked fresh against his brown fur. "Come on, buddy. We'll get you some goodies and go home."
He purchased a bag of bones and headed his dog out the door.
***
"How did it go?"
Alexa was waiting for him at the door. She shifted back and forth on her bare feet, as Simba dodged in and out of her legs in a game he'd made up when he was a puppy and refused to abandon. As soon as Old Yeller entered, Simba let out a joyous howl and they bumped noses in greeting. Nick kissed her briefly and went into the kitchen. "They found a mass. Doctor is running tests to see if it's cancer."
"Oh, my God." Alexa bit down on her lower lip, the lines of her face strained. "What if it's cancer?"
"The doctor will look at different options. Let's not panic yet. The tests come back in two days and then we'll take it from there."
His wife dropped to her knees and murmured the dog's name. Like a rat entranced by the Pied Piper, Old Yeller trotted over to her and snuggled in. Nick still enjoyed the way they bonded together. When the shelter dog first came to them, he'd been haunted, starving, and vacant. Nick knew how he felt, and every day battled his own need to respond to his wife's loving openness. But the joke was on them. Alexa was too much of a force to fight, so eventually they had both surrendered and never looked back.
The short tail thumped. Alexa murmured loving words, stroked his ears, until Simba got jealous and bum rushed her. She fell back in a tangle of licking fur, laughing. "Get off me, you maniac. Look, daddy has greenies."
The dogs got off Alexa and sat perfectly positioned in front of him, awaiting their treat. "There you go, guys." He placed the bone in each of their mouth's and watched them race back to the living room to eat them in their favorite places. "Are you ready for lunch?"
"Sure. Unless you want me to just make something here." She closed the distance and peered into his eyes. He tried to keep his face in a mask of calm, refusing to let her worry for both of them.