Bewitched and Bewildered Series by Alanea Alder

One of several Bewitched and Bewildered short stories released by the Author on her website.

In book one you meet our delicious Alpha Unit leader Aiden McKenzie. When the topic of grandchildren comes up during a weekly sewing circle the matriarchs of the founding families seek out the witch Elder to scry to see if their sons have mates... moreIn book one you meet our delicious Alpha Unit leader Aiden McKenzie. When the topic of grandchildren comes up during a weekly sewing circle the matriarchs of the founding families seek out the witch Elder to scry to see if their sons have mates. They are shocked to discover that many of their son’s mates are out in the world and are human! Fearing that their future human daughter in laws will end up dead before being claimed and providing them with grandchildren to spoil, they convince their own mates that something must be done. After gathering all of the warriors together in a fake award ceremony the witch Elder casts a spell to pull the men’s mates to them, whether they want it or not. Aiden is adamant that he doesn’t need a mate and that they would only get in the way, little does he realize Fate is sending him his mate first! He meets his destined mate Meryn Evans and things go downhill from there. In the first twenty four hours she kicks, screams and knocks her bear shifting mate unconscious. They eventually discover that life before finding each other may have been good, but life afterwards is perfect, even if it involves super soaker battles and accidentally discharging hand grenades. less

One of several Bewitched and Bewildered short stories released by the Author on her website.

Gavriel Ambrosios has been dreaming of his accident prone mate for weeks. Now that he is nearing the apex of his vampiric transition, she has made her way to Lycaonia, just when he is at his most dangerous. Elizabeth Monroe was planning on staying in Lycaonia while humans forgot about the swan dive she took out of her boss’s office window. Little did she know that this short side trip was about to become permanent. Gavriel is the mate she has always dreamed of... moreGavriel Ambrosios has been dreaming of his accident prone mate for weeks. Now that he is nearing the apex of his vampiric transition, she has made her way to Lycaonia, just when he is at his most dangerous. Elizabeth Monroe was planning on staying in Lycaonia while humans forgot about the swan dive she took out of her boss’s office window. Little did she know that this short side trip was about to become permanent. Gavriel is the mate she has always dreamed of. Even as he sweeps her off her feet his need to protect her has him pushing her away. She’s both concerned with and drawn to his darker nature, but is determined to see him through his transition. In the shadows their enemy has targeted Gavriel when they know he is at his most vulnerable. They creep ever closer to the Alpha estate putting the men on high alert. But as the days get shorter and the nights get longer Elizabeth begins to wonder, which is the bigger threat? The enemy or her mate? less

Fun loving wolf-shifter Colton Albright’s usual concern…his next meal, has been replaced by haunted dreams. The nightly visions of the sad, anxious face of his mate have this jovial jokester withdrawing from his fellow Alpha Unit members. Rheia Bradley is a dedicated professional that lives to help others, but has long forgotten how to help herself. When she arrives in Lycaonia seeking the protection of the warrior units, Colton is ecstatic to discover that she’s his mate... moreFun loving wolf-shifter Colton Albright’s usual concern…his next meal, has been replaced by haunted dreams. The nightly visions of the sad, anxious face of his mate have this jovial jokester withdrawing from his fellow Alpha Unit members. Rheia Bradley is a dedicated professional that lives to help others, but has long forgotten how to help herself. When she arrives in Lycaonia seeking the protection of the warrior units, Colton is ecstatic to discover that she’s his mate. His relief is quickly eclipsed by one small problem, a tiny, solemn four-year-old girl who happens to be his mate’s adopted daughter. Which means… he is now a father! While Rheia settles into her new job, Colton and all his fellow warriors are about to get a crash course on little girls. The men quickly learn that not one ounce of their centuries-long training has prepared any them for this precocious child. When Rheia uncovers something about their enemy that puts her name next to her daughter’s on their hit list, Colton is willing to do anything to keep his new family safe. But will it be enough? less

Amelia has dreamt of her mate since she was a little girl. All her life visions of a golden prince have warmed her heart and promised a fairy-tale future. She longs for the day when they will finally be together. When the fateful day arrives and she meets Darian for the first time, she is nearly destroyed by his unequivocal rejection. His continued denial of their destined relationship has her doubting her own self worth and the visions she has had all her life... moreAmelia has dreamt of her mate since she was a little girl. All her life visions of a golden prince have warmed her heart and promised a fairy-tale future. She longs for the day when they will finally be together. When the fateful day arrives and she meets Darian for the first time, she is nearly destroyed by his unequivocal rejection. His continued denial of their destined relationship has her doubting her own self worth and the visions she has had all her life. Darian is teetering on the edge. He refuses to acknowledge Amelia as his mate and shadows continue to spread across his heart. He has grown used to the emptiness in his soul and almost fears the barrage of emotions she elicits. When an unexpected tragedy sends Darian spiraling into a hopeless abyss, will Amelia have the strength to pull him out, or will she succumb to her own darkness? less

Two hundred years ago Kendrick Ashwood had a premonition that showed him the gruesome image of his baby brother being killed in the line of duty while serving with the Alpha Unit. When centuries go by and Keelan is still alive and well, he begins to relax. He believes that his prayers sent to the Gods to make him wrong this one time have been answered. As Kendrick feels his godsdaughter’s magic flare out of control he immediately merges with her in an attempt to rein it in... moreTwo hundred years ago Kendrick Ashwood had a premonition that showed him the gruesome image of his baby brother being killed in the line of duty while serving with the Alpha Unit. When centuries go by and Keelan is still alive and well, he begins to relax. He believes that his prayers sent to the Gods to make him wrong this one time have been answered. As Kendrick feels his godsdaughter’s magic flare out of control he immediately merges with her in an attempt to rein it in. That is when he learns of the tragedy that has taken his only family away from him. Using every resource at his disposal he immediately heads for Lycaonia to find out for himself who would be suicidal enough to harm his brother. What he finds shocks him to his core. Anne Bennett gets a phone call that changes her life. Her new best friend Keelan has been hurt and his commander is asking her to move in to help take care of him. Her heart breaks when she hears from his family that the dreams she has been having of them together were shared by Keelan and that he was meant to be her mate. Upon meeting Kendrick, her entire world is shaken. His more mature appearance and perpetual frown makes him look more like the man from her dreams than Keelan ever did. When she can no longer fight her attraction for him she confesses her feelings only to have them rebuffed. Kendrick is adamant that he would never steal his brother’s mate. But Anne is almost positive that she was never Keelan’s mate to begin with. As the Alpha Unit races to find the enemies who have stolen Keelan’s soul and covered Lycaonia in black magic, Kendrick begins to uncover dreadful truth behind the necklaces. When turning to Anne feels more natural than it should, Kendrick faces the fact that Anne truly is his mate. As the paranormal world teeters on the brink of chaos, he finds himself protecting not his brother’s mate, but his own. less

The next chapter in the Bewitched and Bewildered series is about to begin. Meryn and Beth have been summoned by Beth’s uncle and council elder, Magnus Rioux to the vampire’s pillar city of Noctem Falls. Meryn in a city of vampires, what could go wrong? Aiden and Gavriel are about to find out. Eva Mae Miller has been around for a long time. But never in all of her centuries has she ever had to turn to vampires for sanctuary... moreThe next chapter in the Bewitched and Bewildered series is about to begin. Meryn and Beth have been summoned by Beth’s uncle and council elder, Magnus Rioux to the vampire’s pillar city of Noctem Falls. Meryn in a city of vampires, what could go wrong? Aiden and Gavriel are about to find out. Eva Mae Miller has been around for a long time. But never in all of her centuries has she ever had to turn to vampires for sanctuary. But when whole paranormal families begin disappearing in her quiet Texas suburb, Eva knows that it’s time to set her pride aside and join the other refugees heading to Noctem Falls for protection. Adriel Aristaios doesn’t know what to make of the small human his commander is mated to. Bethy assures him that Meryn is sane, but he’s not so sure. Magnus must be out of his mind bringing a pregnant human and precious Bethy back to the City of the Night, just as things are about to get ugly. To complicate matters he’s pretty sure the sassy, blonde shifter who has just arrived is his mate. How can he possibly do his duty and protect their Prince, when he has not only his commander’s mate and little Bethy to guard, but also the woman who has stolen his heart. When racial tensions threaten to boil over and sink the city in chaos, Adriel surprisingly finds himself relying on wacky little Meryn and his mate to help keep things from turning violent. But as more information comes to light, it’s clear that someone is out to destroy his city. The question is will they find them in time? less

Declan Lionhart has been running interference between the Founding Families and the citizens of Noctem Falls since the day he arrived in the city. His hopes of being a simple unit warrior crumbles in the face of their troubles and it looks like he will always be bound by his family’s political legacy. But with current tensions skyrocketing to unimaginable levels, Declan’s laid back persona and easy smile are needed now more than ever... moreDeclan Lionhart has been running interference between the Founding Families and the citizens of Noctem Falls since the day he arrived in the city. His hopes of being a simple unit warrior crumbles in the face of their troubles and it looks like he will always be bound by his family’s political legacy. But with current tensions skyrocketing to unimaginable levels, Declan’s laid back persona and easy smile are needed now more than ever. Kari Delaney has finally achieved everything she’s ever wanted. The business she created from scratch is booming and she has her dream custom built condo in the heart of the small town where she was raised. But all that changes the day she gets her evacuation notice. Despite being a vampire, Kari hates Noctem Falls and the politics that permeates every aspect of life within the city. Under protest she and her younger brother leave for the City of the Night. Declan is smitten with his little general and the strength she exudes. But when it’s just the two of them he begins to break down her carefully constructed walls and shows her that even though he’s easy going, he is still an Alpha, and his lion is demanding her heart. When the entire city erupts into chaos with matings being dissolved and Founding Families making alliances, Declan realizes it will take every trick he learned at his father’s knee to maneuver through the murky political waters swirling around them. Both he and his mate race against time to keep the people of the city safe, despite homesick children, disastrous dinners, Meryn’s wacky revenge plans and an unexpected pairing. less

When a mysterious illness begins to sweep through Noctem Falls affecting the children, Eleanor Kimball is called to the city to see if she can determine what is wrong. As a pediatrician Eleanor loves children and desires many of her own, however, after several dating disasters she has not only sworn off men, but has given up her dream of a family, and the promise of a destined mate... moreWhen a mysterious illness begins to sweep through Noctem Falls affecting the children, Eleanor Kimball is called to the city to see if she can determine what is wrong. As a pediatrician Eleanor loves children and desires many of her own, however, after several dating disasters she has not only sworn off men, but has given up her dream of a family, and the promise of a destined mate. After discovering Grant in Noctem Falls she is faced with her own insecurities and finds it hard to believe in his love. Grant Douglas is a man of few words and doesn’t do well surrounded by others. He is scared to death of finding a mate. He believes the harshness of his past, where he struggled to survive, didn’t cultivate a gentle heart. After a series of terrifying nightmares where his mate is at risk, Grant has decided he doesn’t want a mate at all. When he meets Ellie, he realizes there are some things worth fighting for. Even if it means putting himself out there by becoming the Alpha he was born to be and facing the power he desperately tries to hide. As Ellie starts to believe in Grant’s love it will take every ounce their combined strength to discover why the shifter children are suddenly falling ill before it’s too late. less

Vivian Mercy has been running from the past for so long she doesn’t know any other way of life. When a panicked call comes from one of her only friends she finds herself returning to the city of her nightmares where her dedication as a doctor and resolve to help others is put to the test. Etain Vi’Aerlin has been watching over Noctem Falls for centuries. Sent by his queen he became a silent sentinel in the shadows helping Magnus whenever he could... moreVivian Mercy has been running from the past for so long she doesn’t know any other way of life. When a panicked call comes from one of her only friends she finds herself returning to the city of her nightmares where her dedication as a doctor and resolve to help others is put to the test. Etain Vi’Aerlin has been watching over Noctem Falls for centuries. Sent by his queen he became a silent sentinel in the shadows helping Magnus whenever he could. While the sickness around him claims more lives he discovers what it feels like to be helpless, as an ancient warrior he doesn’t have the skills to fight this unseen enemy. At any other time finding a mate would be cause for celebration, but Etain wants Vivian as far from Noctem Falls as possible, unfortunately, as the only doctor with an intimate knowledge of diseases she has to stay in the city, and finds herself working tirelessly to discover a cure in the middle of the deadly chaos sweeping the levels. As Vivian’s past is revealed she finds herself not only combating the terrible virus but also the rebellious faction of the Founding Families. Etain vows to stand by her, even if it means abandoning the post assigned by his queen. It’s a race against time to unravel the lethal secrets the virus is hiding before the city itself is lost forever. less

Micah has spent so many centuries hiding who he is that he’s forgotten how to be himself, and despite always being there for others, he finds it impossible to ask for help. As weeks of sleepless nights catch up with him, he faces the fact that he needs his unit brothers no more than ever. Living in Storm Keep with mixed blood, Serenity fought for everything she has... moreMicah has spent so many centuries hiding who he is that he’s forgotten how to be himself, and despite always being there for others, he finds it impossible to ask for help. As weeks of sleepless nights catch up with him, he faces the fact that he needs his unit brothers no more than ever. Living in Storm Keep with mixed blood, Serenity fought for everything she has. When she disobeys the dictates of her Elders to help the sick in Noctem Falls she is unprepared for the kindness and support she receives from it’s citizens, including her own witchborne mate. As both of them are forced to reveal their own long kept secrets to save a city, will they be able to overcome their own deep-seated fears to make their mating last. less

For thousands of years Oron Vi’Eirson has lived each day trying to keep the pain and devastation caused by his family from hurting his precious baby brother. But despite his best efforts his past has come back to haunt him, placing not only Darian and Amelia in harm’s way, but also his newly found mate. Isabelle Campbell, or as she likes to be called, Izzy, is a mess. She knows this. It’s never intentional, but somehow her curiosity always seems to run away from her... moreFor thousands of years Oron Vi’Eirson has lived each day trying to keep the pain and devastation caused by his family from hurting his precious baby brother. But despite his best efforts his past has come back to haunt him, placing not only Darian and Amelia in harm’s way, but also his newly found mate. Isabelle Campbell, or as she likes to be called, Izzy, is a mess. She knows this. It’s never intentional, but somehow her curiosity always seems to run away from her. When her latest gaffe lands her homeless and fired from her favorite barista job she is left little choice but to accept the kindness of some of her favorite customers, little did she know that by doing so, she would find herself starting the biggest adventure of her life! With kindred spirit Meryn at her side, Izzy takes on the entire fae city to protect the heart of the kindest man she has ever met. If the golden fae think they can get away with hurting her mate, they are sorely mistaken. After all, her new friend likes to electrocute people. When facing your greatest fear means facing your family, is there any escape? Can Izzy help Oron stand against all odds? less

Ari Lionhart is the youngest warrior in Èire Danu, yet despite his lack of years, he is trusted by the queen’s consort Brennus to act as the unit leader for every unit in the fae city. He works hard at balancing his life between being a unit warrior and being a Lionhart, and secretly fears he is failing at both... moreAri Lionhart is the youngest warrior in Èire Danu, yet despite his lack of years, he is trusted by the queen’s consort Brennus to act as the unit leader for every unit in the fae city. He works hard at balancing his life between being a unit warrior and being a Lionhart, and secretly fears he is failing at both. With a genius politician for a father and two older brothers that are shining examples of what it means to be a warrior and an Elder, how can he possibly try to do both with any degree of success.When their city unexpectedly faces tragedy after tragedy, and a vote of No Confidence is brought before the queen on how these things are being handled, and Ari finds himself facing his greatest fear, failure.Brie Wilson has been a Deputy Sheriff in Monroe for years. She loves the small town of her birth and the laid back atmosphere that makes it a wonderful and safe place to live. But even small towns have their own quirks and problems. Outside a few exceptions at the station, she pushes daily for her efforts to be recognized by the men on the force. Still smarting over her last break up where her ex likened her to a man, she decides the safest route is to stick to herself and never get her heart broken again.When these two selfless warriors find one another can they learn to lean on one another before the body count escalates? What does it say about them when it’s easier to face murder than the deepening feelings they have for one another. less

As the holidays approach Caspian has resigned himself to the fact that life in the City of Eternal Night is just one meaningless day after another. When his older brother, Magnus, asks him to greet a scientist working on improving the quality of their blood resources, he is surprised to hear that the man is a shifter. Once they meet he is shocked they are mates. When he looks at what Broderick Monroe is carrying on his hip, his heart melts... moreAs the holidays approach Caspian has resigned himself to the fact that life in the City of Eternal Night is just one meaningless day after another. When his older brother, Magnus, asks him to greet a scientist working on improving the quality of their blood resources, he is surprised to hear that the man is a shifter. Once they meet he is shocked they are mates. When he looks at what Broderick Monroe is carrying on his hip, his heart melts. In one fateful afternoon, he goes from being Noctem Falls' most eligible bachelor, to a mated man with a baby girl!Broderick Monroe is still reeling from losing his best friend and mother of his child to a senseless carriage accident, when the Prince of the Vampires writes and extends an offer to move him to the Noctem Falls and further fund his research. His only worry his how his toddler Beth will handle living below ground and how the vampire citizens will react to shifters in their city.When they arrive they are welcomed by the Prince's brother and Broderick almost faints when he realizes this god-like man his is mate. He soon realizes that his mate is as beautiful on the inside as he is on the outside. Caspian turns his entire life to suit his and Beth's needs, becoming a model mate and father. What more could he ask Father Christmas for?As Caspian and Broderick carve out a new life together, they both start to suspect that the small accidents Beth has been having on a regular basis may not be exactly normal. Being the only shifters in Noctem Falls seemed daunting at first, but when Beth nearly dies for the fourth time in a week, Broderick realizes that it may take an entire city of super strong and fast vampires to keep his baby girl alive!Father Christmas has his work cut out for him in the City of Eternal Night. less

Gage Fabre has been attending meetings regarding the city’s dimming lights, but so far, no one knows why it’s happening. He and his fellow unit brothers can only concentrate on recovering kidnapped fae and supporting their queen.Nightly visions of a beautiful woman engulfed in flames haunt him. Sleepless nights and increased drills leaves him feeling frayed... moreGage Fabre has been attending meetings regarding the city’s dimming lights, but so far, no one knows why it’s happening. He and his fellow unit brothers can only concentrate on recovering kidnapped fae and supporting their queen.Nightly visions of a beautiful woman engulfed in flames haunt him. Sleepless nights and increased drills leaves him feeling frayed. Will their world ever be safe again?Zoe Appleblossom has just started her familial obligation to act as Fire Temple Head when an urgent request comes in from Eire Danu. Unlike her older brother and sister, her magic, is a bit more, wild. Both excited for a chance to leave and concerned for the fae, she immediately heads toward Eire Danu.But all of her excitement fades when she arrives in the City of Eternal Sun and experiences a cold and seeping darkness that leaves her shaken.As feelings of self doubt plague her, she finds a glimmer of hope in the man she discovers as her mate. Side by side they race to find answers, but can their combined efforts drive off the shadows and restore the light of an entire city? less

Priest Vi’Aerdan wants nothing more than for his mate to be safe, but nightmares plague him with images of her being torn to shreds. Despite consulting Meryn, his anxiety persists. He remembers the helplessness associated with his failure to help his unit brothers when they were trapped in the caves of Noctem Falls. As ice forms on the palace walls, Priest needs his animal more than ever, even if it means asking for help from the people who turned their backs on him... morePriest Vi’Aerdan wants nothing more than for his mate to be safe, but nightmares plague him with images of her being torn to shreds. Despite consulting Meryn, his anxiety persists. He remembers the helplessness associated with his failure to help his unit brothers when they were trapped in the caves of Noctem Falls. As ice forms on the palace walls, Priest needs his animal more than ever, even if it means asking for help from the people who turned their backs on him.Cassandra Vi’Illiya has been living amongst humans since she came of age, and her parents began to fade from their world. Having lost so much at a young age, she strives to help those crippled by grief. After returning to Éire Danu and seeing the devastating effects of losing so many of their people at once, she knows she is exactly where she belongs.As the city sinks into mourning, will they find enough of their own light and happiness to keep their loved ones safe? less