“Listen up, hero—”
But Theron didn’t hear what Nick said. Acacia’s arms were twining around his neck and she was pulling his mouth back to hers. “I love you,” he whispered. “You’re right. I’d have to be a fool to turn away from my destiny.”
She was smiling when her lips met his. “My hero, the fool,” she mouthed against him. “All mine. Four hundred and fifty years. How will I ever survive?”
“Don’t worry. I’ll protect you.”
“We’ll protect each other.”
“Damn right.”
Eternal Guardians Lexicon
ándras; pl. ándres—male Argolean
Argolea—realm established by Zeus for the blessed heroes and their descendants
Argonauts—Eternal guardian warriors who protect Argolea. In every generation, one from the original seven bloodlines (Heracles, Achilles, Jason, Odysseus, Perseus, Theseus, and Bellerophon) is chosen to continue the guardian tradition.
daemons—beasts who were once human, recruited from the Fields of Asphodel (Purgatory) by Atalanta to join her army.
élencho—mind-control technique Argonauts use on humans
Fields of Asphodel—Purgatory
gigia—grandmother
gynaíka; pl. gynaíkes—female Argolean
Isles of the Blessed—Heaven
matéras—mother
meli—term of endearment; beloved.
Misos—half-human/half-Argolean race that lives hidden among humans
ochi—no
oraios—beautiful
patéras—father
skata—swearword
Tartarus—realm of the Underworld similar to Hell
yios—son
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
As with every project, I could not have gotten through this book without the help of my friends, family and colleagues. Special thanks go to Lisa Catto, my expert in all things Greek mythology related; my fabulous critique partner, Joan Swan, for keeping me on track every step of the way; my pals Becky Hakes and Kendra Elliot for praising me when I got it right and never pulling punches when I got it wrong. To Nicholas Roussos for his help translating at the last minute; and my wonderful agent, Laura Bradford, who read this manuscript so many times I’m pretty sure she could have written it herself. Big thanks also to my editor, Leah Hultenschmidt and the entire staff at Dorchester for all their hard work on my behalf.
And finally, to my husband Dan and our three kids, thanks for giving me the opportunity—and encouragement—to be the writer I always wanted to be. I love you all.
RAVE REVIEWS FOR ELISABETH NAUGHTON!
“Gripping, dangerous, and sinfully sexy, Marked is a top-notch read! Elisabeth Naughton combines dynamic dialogue and sizzling romance with a wicked cool world. Do NOT miss this series!”
—New York Times Bestselling Author Larissa Ione “The sensuality of Sherrilyn Kenyon and the intensity of Patricia Briggs. Naughton’s foray into paranormals is deep, dark and sexy as hell.”
—New York Times Bestselling Author Angie Fox
STOLEN FURY
“A rock-solid debut…Naughton’s intelligent adventure plot is intensified by the blazing heat that builds from Lisa and Rafe’s first erotic encounter.”
—Publishers Weekly
“Naughton deftly distills deadly intrigue, high adrenaline action, and scorchingly hot passion into a perfectly constructed novel of romantic suspense.”
—Chicago Tribune
“When a tough-as-nails and slightly repressed archaeologist meets a charming bad-boy thief, they test each other’s limits, narrowly escape danger, and fall in love…Naughton creates an action-packed and satisfying story line. She also delivers one very charming and sexy hero—with a heart of gold.”
—RT Book Reviews
“Stolen Fury puts an intelligent, spirited heroine together with a mischievous hot-blooded rogue. The sparks fly! Danger threatens at every corner as these two race around the globe and delve into the secrets each keeps from the other.”
—Merrimon Book Reviews
“This is an exciting romantic suspense thriller that starts off hot and…turns up the heat and action.”
—Midwest Book Review
STOLEN HEAT
“Stolen Heat is an awesome combination of deadly suspense, edgy action and a wonderful romance with characters that you’ll laugh, cry and yell with.”
—Night Owl Romance
“Ms. Naughton offers readers an intense read with nonstop action, suspense, and sizzling chemistry.”
—Darque Reviews
“This book has got it all: an adventure that keeps you turning the pages, an irresistable hero, and a smoking romance.”
—All About Romance
“Stolen Heat is a very well-written romantic suspense with excitement and intrigue on every page. I fell in love with the characters and their witty personalities. A great read!”
—Fresh Fiction