Taking Secrets in Stride

Episode II: Taking Secrets in Stride Things get heated between Zalena, Ezra, and Damien while things get sweet (but steamy) between Zalena and Azariel. The battle for global domination and perfect world balance has started and Zalena has no idea she's caught in the middle.********** The Bad Guy: Azariel. A mage tapping into the darker half of the earth element and leader of the Jewel Clan, he was never so much evil as lost. Of all the things Azariel is willing to do, harming a woman or child isn't one of them. He makes a point to use his resources to eradicate the world of rapists, woman abusers, and child beaters one dead man at a time. The Good Guys: Damien. The last dragon shifter and leader of the Dragon Clan. He refuses to love, because love, he claims, is dangerous. He claims the sweet Zalena as the alpha male he is, partaking in carnal pleasures infused with pain that fade into soft care once his urges have been fulfilled. Ezra. A wolf shifter who despised the modern adaptation of his kind as 'werewolves.' With puppy-like enthusiasm and a good nature that lifts everyone's spirits, Ezra has an animalistic personality in the bedroom infused with playfulness. Markian. A mage who taps into the white half of the spirit element. He's very ordinary compared to his brethren, but has a calming way about him that puts everyone at ease. He's the voice of common sense in their trio, and when he's gone on missions, the other two are known for making very bad decisions. The Woman: Zalena. A tiny, raven-haired beauty who has clawed her way up in the world from a dark past we don't quite understand yet. She's unwittingly pulled into a world of magic, into the battle for balance in the world, when she accepts a cleaning position from Damien.