A Spanking Good New Year: Short Story Collection Read online

  “I’m a builder and this is my showroom,” Will explained. “When people ask for references or want to see my work, I often invite them over. When we’ve got more time, I’ll show you the before, during, and after pictures, if you like. I have hundreds of them.”

  “I’d love to see them,” Kylie said with genuine enthusiasm. She’d always wanted to renovate a house, but didn’t know where to start. Maybe she’d learn something.

  “This place was built in 1912. When I got it, it was falling down. I jacked it up to put in a basement, shored up the outside walls, gutted it and rebuilt it from the inside out. It was a part time project that consumed my life for about two years. This is my favorite room…” He led her into the kitchen. “There used to be a separate kitchen and dining room, but I’ve combined them into one big space.”

  Joining of the Clans

  by

  Mira Brooks

  Tradition stated that Campbell daughters married on New Year’s Eve of their eighteenth year. Annalise Campbell hadn’t heard anything about her pending marriage until a surprising toast. Then a chance meeting with her betrothed has her contemplating who might be able to help her avoid the marriage. When an opportunity arises, she flees, but her actions could cause a war between Clans Campbell and Mackenzie. Will she be the first Campbell in three hundred years to flout tradition?

  Excerpt from Joining the Clans:

  December 1632

  It was tradition. A stupid tradition that Clan Campbell had done for more than three hundred years, Annalise mumbled walking through the great hall of her father’s castle. Laird Aleck Campbell, 7th Earl of Argyll, announced before everyone in the supper hall that evening that this year Anna was eighteen, and tradition was that daughters of Campbell lords were married off on December 31st, New Year’s Eve, once they reached the age.

  It was something she had been well aware of for more than six years, when the betrothal contract was signed between her and Kenrick ‘The Falcon’ Mackenzie, the eldest son of Laird Colin Mackenzie, Earl of Seaforth, and a known warlord in his own right. The betrothal had been conducted by the two chieftains at the Mackenzie’s Brahan Castle, but Anna was too young at the time to accompany her father. It formed a strong bond between the clans, one that had been desperately needed in the recent uneasy times when the English were often aggressors. All too frequently, Scotland’s streams ran with the blood of both countries’ young men, and the chieftains, for a change, were aligning themselves together against their common enemy.

  The Campbells were one of the richest and most feared clans, known for their ruthlessness and fearlessness when it came to battle. The Falcon had a similar reputation. It made Aleck proud, that his daughter would be on the arm of such a powerful warlord, and more so that such a strong force in Scotland would be his son-in-law. Together, Clans Mackenzie and Campbell would be a cyclone of destruction. Two super powers, converging in one of the greatest betrothals either family had ever seen. Family meant everything to the Scots, and this marriage would bring a lot of comfort to both clans’ people.

  Kenrick obtained the name of The Falcon early. His strategies and lethal notoriety for winning became more legendary every passing season. Like the predator, he would swoop in on his enemies and capture or kill them before they even realized he was upon them. He was called a myth in the highlands. A shrewd, calculating giant who took into consideration every possible avenue a tactic might have in failing, before executing. His father was older in age, so once Kenrick reached maturity, he was sent out as his father’s enforcer. He crushed his enemies, and made countless men cower at the thought of facing his wrath.

  Annalise had known for some time that the announcement would be coming. She was just unsure of when. As December set in, and the house was being decorated in the festive trees, furs and rushes, she had almost given way to hope that her father had forgotten the betrothal and she would be free a bit longer.

  She had heard whispers about The Falcon, especially in the village. Everything she heard was about his ruthlessness in battle, and how he had been leading an army around the border. Normally, whenever his name came up around her, people changed the subject. It was public knowledge a betrothal between the couple existed. Unlike them however, the thought of the union was not a cause for celebration for Anna.

  The sweet smell of cider was in the air, a true hint that Christmas was upon them. The next morning would be Christmas Eve, so she knew she had to get to see Marisol either that evening or the following morn. It was just her luck that her lavender oil ran out just as she was beginning the next set of candles. Her mint was also running low, and she still needed four more bars of soap for her brothers’ gifts.

  When she took her seat, a servant filled her goblet. Aleck clinked his glass and raised it in a toast. The hall went silent, as many pairs of eyes raised to their chieftain. It was the Christmas celebrations, and for twelve days before and during Christmas, the clan gathered to give thanks and praise as a unified family. Respected friends from the village were also invited to attend. The Earl of Argyll was kind to those loyal to him, and put on a spectacular feast.

  “I have received word that The Falcon and his men are descending upon our fortress, and I am expecting them within these next celebratory days. The wedding of my daughter Annalise will be taking place as tradition has dictated, on the 31st day of December at midnight. Clans Campbell and Mackenzie shall be celebrating the new year with a new family, and peace. It is my command that everyone, who is able, be in attendance and share in the merriment. Subhachas.” The old man looked jovial, as he winked at his wife and avoided eye contact with his daughter.

  Annalise nearly choked on the tender venison, when her father made the announcement. Her eyes went wide as the hundred clansmen, and women all raised their glasses in respect to honor her and their father. They looked happy for her, even though she was very far from cheerful at the prospect. She wasn’t foolish enough to make a scene, but she was defiant enough to not raise her glass as propriety had dictated. Trying to smile, despite her shock, she wouldn’t dare make eye contact with her brothers.

  A dreadful knot formed in the pit of her stomach, as she glanced around at the hopeful faces of her people, and she wanted to make them proud. A sheen of tears formed in the corners of her eyes as she fought the urge to run from the room, and the castle, to a safe haven.

  The fact she failed to salute did not go unnoticed, and her mother kicked her beneath the table of the large dais. Rosalyn Campbell looked the part of countess, and wife of the laird. She was beautiful, with blonde hair and sky blue eyes. Her limbs were long and delicate, evenly proportionate of her height. Her rich emerald green gown was decorated by a wrap made of fox tales and a diamond broach clasped around her slight neck.

  Rosalyn was treated like a queen by her clan, for her gentle nature and compliant respect. However, Aleck and she often had their fair share of disagreements in private. Their bond grew stronger over the years, a united front at all cost, even at times of disagreement.

  She had given her husband four living sons and a daughter, earning her the respect of the clan, and the gratitude of Aleck. She was nearing forty-five, but aging gracefully, with only a touch of crow’s feet about her eyes.

  In her mother’s presence, Anna felt like a servant. She was shorter, with unruly curly red hair. Her eyes were green, and she had freckles about her cheeks and nose. She was the only one in her family to barely make five feet tall, which made her look like the runt of the litter. Her brothers were all exceptionally tall, like her father. So, they nicknamed her Sprite, something she had resoundingly lived up to. She was mystical, unpredictable and abnormally fast for a short girl.

  Rhett, her brother closest in age, had started the term Sprite, when he began learning about the fairies and sprites in the highland legends, tiny little women creatures with fierce tempers and sharp teeth. Anna was a force to be reckoned with when she was cornered, priding herself on not being the spit of her mother. In her
own opinion her mother was weak, conceding to her father’s whims like a common lap dog. However, her youth allowed her the naivety. The boys learned the hard way that she would claw or bite her way free of them, if they got too close.

  Anna ignored her mother’s discrete reprimand, and focused more on the words her father was saying. If she was lucky, a huge snowstorm would trap the brute and his crew of barbarians high in the hills until late spring. Then she could enjoy the holiday season, and not have to worry about finding herself in The Falcon’s clutches.

  Until You

  by

  Measha Stone

  Jade and Garrick have been friends for years. While neither of them want to be in the friend zone, they don’t seem to be able to get out. Until Garrick decides it’s time to take the reins and show his girl what she’s been longing for all along – dominance. His dominance, to be exact. But moving from friends to lovers is tricky, and Jade has her fears. Garrick needs to push her past her worry without losing her all together.

  Excerpt from Until You:

  “I’m not even sure how you talked me into this.” Jade pulled the hem of her too-short skirt down in a sad attempt to hide her thighs from the Uber driver who continued to eye the two of them through the rear-view mirror.

  Carissa stuck up her middle finger at the reflection of lust-filled eyes and waited until the man looked away before turning in her seat to address Jade. “Look. You’ve been talking about this club for the longest time, we’ve always promised each other we’d go, tonight’s perfect. It’s a holiday party. It will be casual, no pressure. I swear it.”

  “You say this as though you’ve been there before.” Jade cocked an eyebrow. It wouldn’t be the first time Carissa forgot to mention she’d scoped out a place before dragging her along.

  Twirling one long red curl around her finger, Carissa bit her lower lip. “Well, maybe.”

  Jade sighed. “That little girl act doesn’t work on me, Carissa. I’m not into age play, and I’m not into topping.” But it didn’t stop her from patting her friend on the head and giggling along with her. “Okay, so you’ve been there. It’s not too stuffy? I mean, I’m not sure I can handle high protocol yet. I don’t know anything about that.” Jade knew enough about the kink world to know she badly wanted in, but as to particulars, she hadn’t a clue.

  The idea of a strong man taking her to task, keeping her on the straight and narrow, calling her on her bullshit – her girly bits tingled just at the thought. But it wasn’t just the discipline; it was everything. Giving over control, being able to trust one man with all of herself? Her past history with men would make most women run from the idea, but she knew if she just found the right one, the right guy, she’d be able to find safety in his hands.

  “Nothing like that. Well, I guess if you’re into that, then you’ll find the guy that’s into that. I keep telling you, this isn’t a one size fits all thing.” Carissa brushed her hair off her shoulders, showing off her perfect posture and dusting of freckles on her creamy skin. Jade’s olive tone would never allow such a beautiful display, nor would her less than ladylike posture. Too many years of trying to hide her bosom from classmates had created the horrible habit of slouching to hide her parts.

  Jade plucked her cell from her purse as it began to blare into the car. “Just Garrick,” she said and swiped to see his message. She’d met Garrick freshman year of high school, eight years later they were still close friends – no matter what Jade wanted otherwise. He’d never understand her desires, and he sure as hell wouldn’t see her as anything other than the girl who had tutored him out of a D in chemistry.

  What are you up to tonight?

  Out with Carissa.

  Where?

  Just out. Why?

  It’s really cold tonight. Didn’t forget your jacket, again, did you?

  Jade sighed. Of course, she’d forgotten it, at his house last time she’d stopped by after another double shift at the hospital looking for a cold beer and a warm couch.

  I’ll pick up this weekend.

  Just out with Carissa, nowhere special?

  “He’s getting creepy in his old age.” Carissa pressed her shoulder against Jade to get a look at her screen.

  Jade shoved her off. “You know how he is.”

  “Yeah. I do – bossy and over protective. Would make a great Dom if he had any clue.” Carissa had the mistaken idea that everyone would fall into either being a submissive or a dominant if they only opened up their eyes and saw the world through her eyes.

  Jade tapped a few more messages to Garrick, evading his prying questions and not giving any direct lies. She hated lying, especially to Garrick, but no way would he understand this – and she didn’t want to hear any more safety lectures from him. The last time she’d mentioned signing up for a dating service, he went on for almost an hour, and in the end, demanded he vet the guys for her. She’d decided to take down her profile and save herself the lectures.

  “We’re here!” Carissa announced in her singsong voice and clapped her hands. “Go on.” She gave Jade a shove until she opened the door and scooted out. She heard Carissa reprehend their driver for getting all handsy with his eyes before slamming the door.

  “In his defense, this dress you gave me is a little hard to ignore.” Jade pulled down the hem of the spandex one piece, while yanking up the neckline. December wasn’t exactly warm in Chicago, and the chilled breeze drew her nipples to stand fully erect, giving everyone in eyeshot a perfect view. She yanked her jean jacket around her tighter, trying to fight off the cold and failing miserably.

  “It’s warm inside, let’s go.” Carissa gave her a little shove and pointed at the entrance to Dark Lace, the newest BDSM club to hit Chicago. Memberships didn’t come easily, and any messing around with the rules got a member banned. It was one of the safest places for those new to the scene to play and meet people, which is what drew Jade to begin with. She and Carissa had received their membership acceptance only a week ago, which meant Carissa missing her morning shift on Friday, had more to do with her Thursday night escapade than the migraine she’d called in with.

  “Why didn’t you just tell me you were coming here?”

  Carissa didn’t need to ask what she meant by her question. “I knew you’d feel better if one of us knew what we were walking into, and you never go out on work nights.” Linking her arm through Jade’s, she walked them to the door. “Now, get ready, because your holiday season is about to light up!”

  Garrick stretched his back and took another look at his phone. She was lying. She’d completely avoided his questions.

  Something was going on with her lately. The string of men she’d brought home recently, the Internet profiles – the girl looked in all the wrong places. A woman like Jade didn’t belong on Bigger Fish or any of those dating sites. She didn’t need to fill out five hundred questions to know who would match up with her. She only needed to ask him, and he’d tell her. She needed someone who would take her submissive side, that little bit of her she tried desperately to hide from him and everyone else around her, and draw it out.

  He wanted to tell her, to show her, but if he brought up sex, she clammed up and changed the subject. He would consider her a prude, except he’d borrowed her laptop a few times to check his email while hanging at her apartment. The woman didn’t know the first thing about hiding her history, or at least closing the browsers before offering someone the computer.

  Of course, he’d never tell her what he saw. Although it took more power than he would have guessed he had to keep from tearing the thing in half when he saw her half filled out profile on Collar-Me. No fucking way that was going to happen. If she was going to become active in the community, start actually searching out what she wanted, she wasn’t going to start meeting up with random guys from the Internet.

  “She here yet?” Jamison slid a beer onto the table and took a seat.

  Garrick shook his head. “Nope. And according to her, she and Carissa are just ha
nging out tonight, going nowhere special.” He all but growled with his annoyance. He’d known her since before her first acne break out, had nursed her through her parents’ divorce, her father’s remarriage and her own broken hearts, but she couldn’t confess to this part of her – the truth of her?

  Claudia’s Revolution

  by

  Adaline Raine

  Claudia Burke prides her twenty-nine year old self on always knowing about the latest gossip in her community. She also strives to keep up the appearance of a well-to-do housewife until she has lost her sense of self, and becomes a snobbish clone like the other women who reside in her upscale neighborhood, Lilac Meadows. Her tragic past creeps up after she gets too tipsy on New Year’s Eve with her best friend, and the truth reveals itself. It will take more than just material objects to help Claudia accept her grief, and move through it.

  At thirty-one years old, Logan Burke is one of the youngest pilots for Prime Airways. Exciting as it is, being an airline captain results in adjusting to an ever-changing schedule. He offers to work during the busiest time of the year to bring in a nice bonus, but it keeps him away from his wife during the holidays.

  Logan returns early to surprise his wife, but has been thinking about their recent struggles while he was away. With two full weeks of down time before his next shift, there will be plenty of time to explore their most carnal desires, as well as set rules and dish out consequences.

  Will this new revolution change their relationship for better or for worse?

  Excerpt from Claudia’s Revolution:

  “Things are really different around here. I’ve never seen Molly Humperdink wear the same dress twice.” Claudia Burke sipped the rest of her drink down. “Oh! And Mrs. Briarcliff gets her gray hair dyed every other Friday. Who has the time to sit in the salon that much? But listen, she gets it done in the most beautiful shades of red. The natural white and gray come out like highlights when her colorist is done. Oh! And Bunny—”