What might we run into as we expand beyond Earth and into the stars? As we explore our own solar system and beyond, it seems inevitable that we'll run into aliens ... and what they've left behind. Alien artifacts: what might they reveal about us as we try to unlock their secrets? What might they reveal about the universe? In this anthology, nineteen of today's leading science fiction and fantasy authors explore how discovering long lost relics of alien civilizations might change humanity. Join Walter H. Hunt, Julie Novakova, David Farland, Angela Penrose, S.C. Butler, Gail Z. Martin & Larry N. Martin, Juliet E. McKenna, Sharon Lee & Steve Miller, Andrija Popovic, Jacey Bedford, Sofie Bird, James Van Pelt, Gini Koch, Anthony Lowe, Jennifer Dunne, Coral Moore, Daniel J. Davis, C.S. Friedman, and Seanan McGuire as they discover the stars and the secrets they may hold—both dark and deadly and awe-inspiring.

The old gods are still with us. The world is constantly changing, evolving, growing. In order to stay relevant, deities must change with the times as well. In this anthology, fifteen science fiction and fantasy authors tackle how gods and goddesses have adapted to the surge in technology and the mercurial beliefs of humanity. So sit back and watch Hera try her hand at marriage counseling, while Macuilxochitl conquers the world of online gaming. Buy a ticket to Anubis' magic act or roam the back tents at the local carnival and catch Doc Saturday's medicine show. Take a sip of wine at Dionysus' winery or grab some potato pancakes at Baba Yaga's café. Whatever your taste, here you will find interesting twists on how deities have found their way in our modern world from Crystal Sarakas, Juliet E. McKenna, Tanya Huff, Edward Willett, Daniel Roman, Jennifer Dunne, Jean Marie Ward, Mike Marcus, A.L. Tompkins, Daryl Marcus, Alma Alexander, Kari Sperring, A.J. Cunder, Irene Radford, and N.R. Lambert. And remember to beware. You never know who...or what...you will meet next. And don't miss The Modern Fae's Guide To Surviving Humanity!

The new Baron of Kittern, General Bayard, discovers an injured woman during a hunt. Suspecting her to have been attacked by rebels, he keeps her safely locked away in the abandoned tower in the center of his land, hoping to use her to cement his control over the disputed barony. As she recovers, he's shocked to discover her strange power tied to the land; power she promises to use on his behalf if he gives up all killing. But can he let go of a lifetime of military thinking to accept her offer, or will his efforts to trick her into using her power destroy them both?This story previously appeared in the New Concepts Publishing anthology Shifters, which won the 2003 EPPIE award for best ebook anthology of the year. It is set in the Worldgates universe, which includes the novels Not Quite Camelot and Shadow Prince.

Two Days, Three Nights by Dominique Adair (a.k.a. J.C. Wilder): After ending a disastrous relationship, Victoria longs to take a cruise and indulge in her favorite past time, reading and margaritas. Instead, she receives an anonymous gift of lingerie with a handwritten note daring her to wear the garments to a company party. Intrigued by the command, she complies. When she meets her gift-giver in the flesh, Victoria knows she has found the perfect master. Anne's Birthday Bachelor by Jennifer Dunne: Advertising executive Anne is tired of making all the decisions for her company, day in and day out, and confides in her best friend that her secret fantasy is to have a lover make all the decisions for her. Her friend takes her at her word, and for her birthday, buys her a date with a very special bachelor, introducing Anne to the exciting world of dominance/submission, where all of her fantasies come true. Power Play by Madeleine Oh: Annie's dominant lover, Mark, (Power Exchange) gives her Tom Baldwin, the TV actor heartthrob and fellow submissive, as a birthday present. Annie has plans for Tom, but the best laid plans can derail-in extreme and satisfying directions.

Interlude By Madeleine Oh A borrowed cottage, an ancient magic spring, wild erotic dreams and the mysterious Dai Hughes all lure Alex to the wildest side of wild Wales. Life Sentence By Jennifer Dunne Samantha Taylor expected the erotic art book to offer her an escape, not release Master Giacomo. Italian, hunky and a skilled Master, Giacomo is a triple-threat devoted to giving Sam the ultimate pleasure as his submissive. Having let one man control her life, Sam was damned if she'd let another do it, no matter how he made her body burn. But Giacomo is damned, and if he fails, he really will go to Hell. The Cajun By Dominique Adair During a storm in the marshes of Southern Louisiana, Rachel Thierry finds herself seeking shelter in an old cabin, never dreaming a childhood friend now resides there. Etienne Broussard's trip into New Orleans was curtailed and he returns home to find Rachel sound asleep in front of the fireplace. All softness and curves, and with a sexual hunger as deep as his own, Rachel is everything he ever wanted in a woman. Outside the storm rages as Rachel and Etienne push the boundaries of friendship and their passions erupt into a fiery inferno that will forever change their lives.

In a future Earth torn apart by prejudice and religious strife, only the members of the outlawed Auric Rights League dare defy the Inter-Continental Police, fighting for survival against those who fear their genetic gift. Ruthless ICP agent Val Tarrant and the League member he is pursuing, Raven Armistead, are betrayed by both sides, left for dead and framed for murder. Reluctant allies, they become fugitives in a world where they must make their own laws. If they are successful, they will create a new world order. If they fail, a civil war will be the least of their problems.

A Wolf By Any Other Name By Kate Douglas When computer nerd Zevulan Cable awakens in a dungeon, bare-ass naked, chained to a bed as gorgeous identical twin witches have their sensual way with his body, he figures he's found his greatest desire, just as the leprechaun promised. Then why is the tiny, sexless woodsprite the one who captures his heart? And how can he explain his growing need to howl at the moon...? Sticks and Stone By Jennifer Dunne Wealthy, powerful, and recently voted the year's most eligible bachelor, Dermot Stone had it all. But he wanted more. He wanted magic. Irish witch Eileen Daniells had her hands full with a busy writing and teaching career. The last thing she needed was an arrogant American stirring up trouble among the faerie creatures in her woods. When a tree spirit appears and seduces him, Dermot thinks he's getting the wish the leprechaun promised -- only to discover it may cost him his life. Eileen uses her powers to save him, but Dermot must confess to his secret sexual longings before her rescue can be complete. Could she be the answer to his heart's deepest desire? The Public Eye By Chris Tanglen Greg Tennerson figures the leprechaun was just an elaborate prank, but quickly changes his mind when he wakes up with Vivian in his bed. She's gorgeous. She's sexy. She's very much naked. In fact, she's Greg's vision of absolute female perfection. She's also more than willing to satisfy his every physical desire. Anything he wants. Any time he wants. As often as he wants. It's a fantasy come true for this successful attorney with his heart set on a career in politics...but there's a catch. Because Vivian will only have sex with him in public. And only if there's danger of getting caught!

Cajun Blue By Dominique Adair Elle Grayson is a woman with a taste for bondage and handsome men who know how to wield a paddle. Using the name Ms. Scarlet, she attends a B and D party with the intention of finding a man to satisfy her dark, sensual nature for a one-night stand. Remy 'Blue' DeLaughter is a Cajun with a taste for the dangerous and an eye for sexy, curvaceous women. While attending his business partner's party, he finds the woman of his bondage dreams only to have her slip away in the night. He wants her for a lifetime. Finding her is the problem... Love and Kinks By Madeleine Oh Jane knows Alan is offering much, much more than a weekend in the country. Her choices are to play it safe and decline, or accept and agree to his conditions. In her heart, she longs to step out of her safe, predictable existence and satisfy her secret desires with a lover who knows her better than she knows herself. She only hopes she has the courage to live her fantasies. South Beach Submissive By Jennifer Dunne Alexandra Davidovitch finagles an invitation to an exclusive BDSM party, but doesn't let on that she's really club reviewer Sassy D on assignment to get the goods on how the South Beach elite party in private. Then she meets fashion photographer Michael Jackman, a drop-dead gorgeous dominant who makes her forget everything but the way she feels under his control. She'd do anything and everything for her new Master...except tell him who she is. Because the only way out of exposing him in the pages of her paper is to expose herself, and either way, one of their careers will be over.

To some, shifting is a gift-to others it is a curse they are born to.... In SHIFTERS, journey to worlds filled with wondrous possibilities ... and sometimes terrifying realities....

Louisiana Heat By Dominique Adair Having met the man of her dreams online, Kay travels to Bayou Blue, Louisiana, to explore the possibilities of furthering their relationship. The moment David sees her, he decides to impersonate his cousin Remy, the man Kay is searching for. Having been obsessed with her for the past six months, David seizes the opportunity to get to know her better and to explore their seemingly mutual desires.