Date: 2015-08-24 07:00:00+00:00
Keywords: alpha male'; deep south; plantation house; Paranormal; Vampires; georgia
Description: Cosette Beauvais is a risk taker with a capital R. When her daredevil behavior leaves her paralyzed, her uncle ends her suffering by turning her into a vampire. In no time she makes her mark as one of the most cunning female vamps in existence. Though her fearlessness is admired in her violent new world, her impulsiveness leaves her with terrible regrets. By violating the rules, she kills a young human while feeding from him. The selfish deed haunts her, causing her to steer clear of men who attract her both physically and mentally. After she breaks with a vampire kingpin named Tristan who tri

Savannah Past Midnight

Christine Edwards

The Past Midnight Series, Book 2

Fanny Press

PO Box 70515

Seattle, WA 98127

For more information go to: www.fannypress.com
www.christineedwardsauthor.com

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

Cover design by Sabrina Sun

Savannah Past Midnight

Copyright © 2015 by Christine Edwards

ISBN: 978-1-60381-558-1 (Trade Paper)

ISBN: 978-1-60381-559-8 (eBook)

Produced in the United States of America

To my brother Matthew, the strongest fighter I know.

* * *

Special Thanks

To everyone who has ever carved time out of their busy schedules to sit down and read one of my books. A deep, heartfelt thank you.

To Jennifer and Catherine, for taking a chance on an unknown Southern author. I’m beyond grateful.

To Al Smith, for his informative interview on weapons.

To Florence and the Machine, for “Breath of Life.”

With every listen I envision the hero and heroine’s intense love for each other.

Prologue

3:37 a.m.

River Street; Savannah, Georgia

“Hey, Colton! How’s it going, man? You close up shop over at Macpherson’s?”

I cross the fog-enshrouded street toward Alex, who’s busy locking up Bale’s Tank House.

“Yup, just shut everything down tight. Another wild Saturday night for us. I’m completely wiped. How’d everything go for you guys?”

He pulls his set of keys out of the top deadbolt and turns to face me as I close the remaining distance between us.

“You know how it is,” Alex grumbles. “Same old wise-ass college-age assholes thinking they can hold their liquor like men. My bar-back spent half his fuckin’ shift cleaning puke off the men’s room floor. We also had a minor bust-up that added to the chaos. Thankfully it happened early on. Tossed both of ’em on their asses to fight it out in the street. Other than that, we made total bank tonight.” He shoves his hand through his hair and continues, “Thank fucking Christ most of these loaded parents send their kiddos off each and every semester with Mommy and Daddy’s credit cards. Wonder if they have a clue as to how much booze it buys their little scholars? Regardless, makes me a happy man. How ’bout you? Earnin’ those benjamins for the boss man, or is my bar the only place people wanna’ hang?” He grins deviously. “Thinking the latter.”

I press my lips together to fight a twitch. Alex is a former ranger, like I am, and lives for order and containment. He’s also funny as fuck; that is, when he chooses to be. Regardless, stupid shit doesn’t go down well with him. Things go his way. Period, zero exception and that’s the only method that works for him. Especially when it involves work.

“Yeah, you can say we did all right tonight. Had to kick out a party of fine-ass bachelorettes earlier, though. Damn shame, too. ’Bout the extent of our excitement.”

He slides his keys into the front pocket of his jeans and whistles low between his teeth. “Bet they were fuckin’ hot, huh? They local? You guys always get the sweet pussy over there with all your Irish music and bullshit. So why’d you toss ’em out?”

“Scottish music.”

“Whatever, jackass. You gonna answer me why you didn’t send that sexed-up party of eye candy our way? Would’ve brightened the boys’ night for sure.”

I cough out a laugh into my fist and am about to go into detail on their scanty attire and blatant flirting with anything sporting a cock when I hear something unusual that immediately gets my blood pumping. I hold my palm flat and nod my head in the direction of the sound: a low, distinct growl, closing in fast.

His brows snap together as he turns his attention toward the curved, cobblestone incline that leads up to Bay Street. There’s still no sight of the motorcycle but the sexy purr is growing louder by the second.

My eyes meet his and I ask quickly, “You hear that shit?”

“Yeah, a cycle. They’re all over this town. So fuckin’ what?”

My head shakes slowly back and forth, “Nuh-uh …. That, my friend, is a Ducati, and I’m guessing from the smooth rumble of the engine that it just might be a 1299 Panigale S. Very fucking rare and one of the fastest street-legal rides on asphalt.”

“You are one crazy dude, Colton, thinking you can call out a ride from the sound of the engine alone.”

“Fact, brother. Know my engines. Always researching the latest online. Would bet money on it. Check it out, here it comes ….”

The dual beams from the inverted, cat’s eye-style headlights slice through the black haze of dense fog as the sweet crimson cycle emerges and begins the steep downward descent, recklessly bumping along the damp rounded cobblestones.

I strain to see the bike clearly as the rider pulls into a lone space about a hundred yards away from us.

Alex grumbles, “Crazy bastard to be riding at that speed down here on these slick, ancient fucking streets. Paint job alone must cost a whack on that thing. There’s my girl pulling up now. I’ll text you on Sunday. Maybe we’ll catch the ball game and a pint together over at Brew Nation. Later, brother.”

Completely distracted, I reply with a quick murmur, “Yeah, sounds good. Take it easy, man.”

I’m not missing the rare chance to scope out one of these outstanding bikes in person.

I observe the rider, who’s covered head to toe in black leather. A matte helmet with a closed visor conceals his face. How the fuck can he see anything with that tinted shit?

I haul ass, quickly making my way up the narrow street, watching as the rider dismounts. My steps nearly stall out altogether as I realize that the fine, sculpted ass I’m staring directly at can only belong to a woman. Impressive … very.

Not many men could handle a powerful, tricked out Ducati, especially not on these uneven, pitted streets.

With her sleek back to me, she pulls off the helmet, and a pool of black velvet hair cascades down, the glossy locks stopping just short of her tapered waist.

Holy fucking shit.

As I move in closer, I’m about to say something. I don’t want her to think some son-of-a-bitch is about to assault her.

Keeping her leather-clad back to me, she beats me to the punch with a smooth, “Get lost.”

My mouth slams shut. The educated, overtly feminine command leaves zero room for misinterpretation.

Jesus, no wonder. If her face remotely lives up to that ridiculously perfect body she has going on then she’s got to be harassed 24/7 by the opposite sex. Talk to her. Show her you’re not your typical grade A asshole.

I start slow and casual. “Easy there. Just wanna have a look at your outstanding ride. That work for you? Besides, a woman shouldn’t be down here alone at this hour. Dangerous.”

She slowly and deliberately places the expensive helmet down on the leather seat. With one palm still planted on top of the thing, she pivots around to face me. My brain instantly seizes up, like a branch shoved hard into a moving spoke. Her beauty is intoxicating. I feel like I’ve just BASE jumped from the lip of the Grand Canyon and I’m now in a complete, euphoric free-fall. My jaw slackens and my lips part. She’s mesmerizing. I’ve never seen anyone like her. Didn’t know that level of human perfection could walk the earth. I can only stare in wonder.

She gazes at me with narrowed, crystalline eyes, before saying in a menacing, clearly pissed off feminine whisper, “And what could you ever know of danger?” Not giving me time to form a response, she continues in open annoyance, “Now, for the second time, do us both a favor, and get lost.”

Staring down at this stunning woman, I’m about to set her straight, to let her know that she’s dead wrong on the danger front, when she suddenly whips back around and tenses up. For a second I wonder if I’m missing something; then I hear it. From deep within the shadowed brick alcoves not fifty feet away from us, I hear a low, menacing growl. I know animals, and even though I can’t see what’s lurking in the inky shadows, the lethal sound alone is enough to register that it’s massive … and very fucking pissed off.

I swiftly unzip my Carhartt and reach inside to grip the handle of my Glock. Before I can grab her arm to pull her behind me and out of harm’s way, she rounds the back wheel of the bike and begins powering straight toward whatever is concealed in the darkness.

My voice booms through the humid air, “Hey, hold up! You fuckin’ crazy, woman? That thing could be rabid! Don’t take another step!”

I sprint after her and can barely manage to keep up as she closes in on the thing with the fleetness of an Olympian.

No time to ponder that bizarre shit.

Suddenly, with inconceivable swiftness, a massive gray wolf leaps out at her.

Holy fuck.

“Jesus Christ … run!”

I’m awestruck as she catches hold of the thing by its neck, flipping it around to pummel its face down against the cobblestones.

Impossible. It must have over a hundred pounds on her. No time to waste. Can’t just stand and gawk. Gotta help her.

“Fuck! Get away! Lemme get a clear shot!”

I’m barely aware of the words leaving my mouth as a hefty dose of adrenaline pumps through my veins with the ferocity of a dam that’s just given out.

There’s no time to dwell on why she’s thrown herself headlong at this anomaly of nature, but if we both want to walk away without being torn limb from limb, I need to keep my shit tight and act on instinct.

Using its weight and mass, the creature manages to turn over beneath her and is now furiously trying to bite her. She’s clocking the crazed beast over and over again in its face and chest and it’s a damn miracle that her petite body can even pin it down for a single second, much less kick its ass.

Clutching my gun tightly in my sweating right palm, I lean down into the bloody chaos and grip her shoulder, trying to pull her back and away so I can fire at it.

“No, it’ll bite you!” she yells furiously. She’s astride the powerful animal and her gaze never leaves it.

She shrugs me off and in a blur of motion her right arm slices back through the air, the brutal blow coming unbelievably fast and hard. I’m catapulted backward, my back slamming into the brick wall ten feet away. Dazed, I stagger to my feet, wondering why the fuck she would resist help as the savage fight roars on.

My eyes nearly pop out of my skull as she suddenly uses her right hand to push its head to the side while leaning down into the thing like she’s gonna kiss it or some shit. As her face disappears into the hollow of its gray fur, it bellows out an unmistakable cry of agony. It’s desperate to heave her off, using its bulk as leverage. Seconds pass and its movements eventually slow and then finally cease altogether. All I can do is stand and stare in absolute shock and revulsion, wondering if this is it, if this is the exact moment I’ve completely lost my ever-loving mind. Too much war and death …. Did I finally hop the bus to crazy town? Jesus Christ. What. The. Fuck?

With her hands still pinned tightly against the thing’s neck, she slowly lifts her head. I hiss out a shocked breath. “Holy fuck ….”

Long hair streams around her face and those stoic, once arctic blue eyes are now pitch black and as freaky as a demon’s. In them I see the remorseless look of a warrior—a survivor. Scarlet blood drenches her face from right below her nose to mid-neck. With her mouth half open, she reveals long white fangs that are fucking terrifying.

She ignores my obvious shock, speaking clearly and rapidly. “No time, there’s likely more. You want to live, human? Then do exactly as I say. Take my Ducati. Keys are still in it. Meet me in five minutes at the corner of Bull and Liberty.”

I shake my head and clear my throat. “No way. We ride together or not at all. C’mon.”

“Single seat. You know that. Go, before I change my mind.”

“What about you?”

She’s vibrating with fury. Clearly this woman gets her way and hates repeating herself. “I have another mode of transport. Do as I say. Now go!”

She has no clue how stubborn I am. “Not leaving. Not ’til you’re outta danger and safe.”

Her eyes flare. She’s monumentally pissed. Jesus, even covered in blood and half-crazed, she’s absolutely fucking gorgeous.

“Fine. You want visual proof of my safety? How’s this?”

Shoving off the fresh cadaver, she closes the short distance between us, cranks her neck up to meet my eyes, and hisses, “I expect to see you and my Ducati very soon. And if you’re a no-show or if there is so much as a hair-line scratch on my ride, what happened with that wolf will look like a play-date compared to what will happen to you.”

I lurch backward against the bricks as she suddenly disappears right before my eyes.

“Impossible.” My astonished whisper goes unheard. All that remains is the oozing fur ball and the creepy, surrounding fog that’s settling in like the backdrop for a Wes Craven horror film.

“Fuck this.”

I’m not taking any chances that the freak-show’s buddies could be hovering nearby, so I sprint the short distance to the Ducati. Holstering my weapon, I pull on the too-tight helmet, crank it up, turn it around, and head back up toward Bay Street.

I wish I wasn’t still in a state of near-shock complete with a full-blown case of the shakes over what just went down, because the Ducati handles like a dream. Still, my mind is playing a game of ping pong with images from the bizarre, grizzly event along with the mysteriously captivating woman.

Jesus, have I been hallucinating? Could someone have slipped something in my water bottle as I manned the front door tonight? This shit is just wrong, and I’ve seen some fucked-up situations firsthand in my twenty-nine years on this earth.

In an attempt to shake off the unease, I grip the throttle tighter and squeeze my thighs against the body of the machine. The performance and handling are exceptional.

I arrive at the corner of Bull Street, not ten yards from the intersection of Liberty. I carefully pull the bike into a narrow space between a tricked out Mini Cooper and a green CJ-7.

“Leave it running, cowboy.”

I just about jump out of my skin. As if from thin air, she’s beside me, slim, soft hand covering mine on the throttle.

Practically growling, I swiftly pull the helmet off and yell, “Jesus! Where the fuck did you come from? You seriously might want to reconsider sneaking up on armed individuals, lady.”

Her porcelain face is now oddly free of blood and her eyes once more their former soft hue. She watches me closely before answering slowly, “Or … I might not. Thanks for the delivery. Now get off.” The dismissive tilt of her head to the right sends my anger straight into the red zone as she adds haughtily, “You’re a big boy. Certainly you can find your own way home from here.”

I drag in air through my nostrils and fight the urge to tell her exactly what I think of her snotty disrespect.

There must be a reason behind her detachment, but now is hardly the time or the place to find out why.

Slowly I dismount and hand the helmet over to her. She pulls it on, and I frown as the blacked-out visor is swiftly clicked down, obscuring those haunting eyes from my view. Inside of ten seconds she’s mounted up and begins to rev the engine to take off. My hand clamps down on top of hers—not hard, but firmly enough to make a point as her head whips toward me.

I know there’s no time to waste, that if she wanted to, she could easily shrug me off, so I shoot the question at her, even though I already know the answer. “You like fightin’?”

The raven-black helmet stares silently up at me.

I continue slowly, choosing each word carefully, “Yeah, you do, woman. Wednesday night, one in the morning, the vacant warehouse behind Clary’s Café. Your turn to come see me fight.”

I hold my ground as she wordlessly guns the engine. I still have hold of her hand and I’m half dragged toward the top of the intersection. I manage to let go and stagger back up to my feet in time to see the puzzling woman’s black silhouette run a red light before swiftly disappearing beneath the moss-draped, shadowed oak trees that line historic Bull Street.

After she and her bike are swallowed by the dense night, I continue to stare, knowing that I’ve just crossed paths with the first woman who’s fierce enough to handle me, and if she ever chose to, ruin me.

Chapter One

August 17, 1782

Beauvais Plantation, 12 Miles S.E. of Charleston, South Carolina

“Good afternoon, Grandfather, are you busy at the moment?”

He pushes away from his massive mahogany desk and stands with open arms to greet me. “Never too busy for my best girl. Now tell me, what do you and Annalin have planned for today, ma petite lapine?”

Grinning, I cross the room and embrace him tightly. “We will be spending the afternoon on horseback. The humidity has finally eased and we are both looking forward to a little jaunt through the forest.”

His arms release me and his hands clasp mine. “I approve, but only if you have both stable hands follow you on their mounts for protection. You can never be too cautious.”

“I understand, Grandfather. I know how you worry.”

His eyes bore into mine. “I lost both your mother and my son so yes, you are correct to assume that I am inclined to fret over your safety. However, I know your wild spirit; Severin was like you, untamable, but please allow this aging fellow to have a little peace of mind. Will you?”

Rising up on tiptoes, I place a swift kiss onto my grandfather’s wrinkled cheek. “Yes, yes, of course, Grandfather. I assure you that we will both be cautious and will return well before the evening meal.”

Spinning around, I’m just about to step across the threshold of his vast office when his crisp French accent slices through the summer air. “Cosette?”

I turn slowly to meet his eyes. “Yes, Grandfather?”

“You will under no circumstances ride Sacred Falls. Am I clear? I understand you being drawn to the stallion, but he is far too wild. This is not a request, Cosette.”

My heart sinks as I try to recover, hiding the crushing disappointment with a soft smile. “Yes, of course, sir.”

“Very well. You girls enjoy your day then.”

My best friend and I rush down the winding staircase and are crossing the expanse of the emerald lawn toward the stables when Annalin tugs on my forearm, bringing us both to a standstill. “You’re not thinking of defying him, Cosette, are you? I’ve seen the way you have been eyeing that horse ever since your cousin shipped him over from France a fortnight ago. That animal is positively aggressive. In fact, it should rightfully be named Evil One instead of the beautiful name of Sacred Falls.”

I sigh and begin walking again. “Annalin, did you ever stop to think of how exciting life might be if you ever stopped second guessing everything?”

“Cosette, there is a massive difference between hedonistic, reckless behavior and a little thrill now and again. You heard Monsieur Beauvais; he was adamant that you not ride that horse. Shall I warn him now?”

My eyes flare as I turn to pin her with a reproachful look. “You would betray your best friend?”

Her cheeks flush. “N-no, of course not. I just know you well, Cosette, and I think that you have a bit of deviltry running through you. I’ll always be your best friend, no matter what you do; however, I don’t like being placed in the middle of a potentially dangerous situation. I beg you to rethink whatever mischief is brewing in that gorgeous head of yours, for my sake as well as your own.”

I squeeze her hands and smile reassuringly. “You just let me handle everything.”

Our full skirts kick up a plethora of dust as we enter the cool space of the barn.

“Well, good afternoon, Miss Cosette, Miss Annalin. What can we do for you?”

“Good afternoon, John. Annalin and I would like to go riding today. Please saddle up Regent’s Code and Sacred Falls.”

I hold my ground and arch a brow, waiting for his resistance.

“Now, you know, Miss Cosette, no man here has been able to ride that stallion. Why you wanna go and get your pretty self all injured, mam’selle? That horse ain’t fit to be ridden, pure and simple.”

“John, I would only like to sit atop him and I will do so today whether you saddle him or I do it myself.”

He shakes his head slowly back and forth as he strides away, grumbling to himself. “Headstrong as a darn bull. Theo! Gonna need your help. We’re saddling up Sacred Falls. Heaven help us.”

“Cosette,” Annalin squeaks, “there is no way you can ride that beast sidesaddle. You will certainly be bucked off!”

In a hushed voice I say, “I’m not planning on riding him sidesaddle. Here, quickly, help me with this cumbersome petticoat.”

“You’re not … what?”

“Either you help or I’ll manage alone. I’m about to be married, Annalin. Do you understand what that means? At the age of twenty my escapades will certainly come to a screeching halt. I’m determined to live fully while I can. What on earth is wrong with that? I’m not hurting anyone, am I?”

“Only my sanity,” she mutters with an exaggerated eye roll.

“Oh, Annalin, stop being so dramatic and help get me out of this voluminous monstrosity.”

We work together to undo the multitude of ties and hooks to the point where I can shimmy out of it. “Ah, that’s much better! Quickly, let’s hide it in this tack box.”

“It sounds like they’re having an awful time trying to saddle him, Cosette.”

“They know what they are doing. Follow me.”

We make our way down the length of twenty stalls until we reach the final one. Wood is banging and creaking as agitated hoofs meet straining boards.

“There, Theo,” John says, “now get that strap up around his belly and buckle it right quick. He’s unbelievably strong. All right. I’ve got him by the bridle. You come on out now and take the reins to head him out into the ring. We’ll see if we can calm him down enough for her to sit on him for a minute or two. That should satisfy her curiosity with no harm done to anyone.”

We follow behind the men and the seventeen-hand-high chestnut-colored Arabian stallion who is snorting hard, his head constantly pulling away from the confinement of his headgear.

The weathered stable master wipes his brow with a handkerchief and asks pointedly, “Now, before I go and let you on him, Miss Cosette, I need to know that Monsieur Beauvais gave his approval for this.”

I can feel Annalin’s eyes boring into me.

“Actually, truth be told, he told me not to ride him; however, he said nothing about briefly sitting atop him.”

His lips turn down in a frown as he contemplates what to do next. I hold my breath, waiting for his answer. “Well, all right then. I suppose there’ll be no harm done with all of us holding him for you. Here, let me help you up. I’ll let you sit on him here in the ring only. After that, we’ll return him to his stall and then all go out on a nice long ride with some of the tamer horses. I can’t take the chance of anyone getting injured with this wild one. Understood, mam’selle?”

“Yes, of course, John.”

“Very well.”

“Here, let’s get you seated. He’s a tall fellow.”

The two stable hands easily lift me up to sit sidesaddle on the magnificent horse. “There, see? All is well. I think he might even like you, mam’selle.”

John nods to Theo. “Well, at least this turned out to be an exciting morning, eh boy?”

While they are distracted I waste no time clasping the reins tightly while shifting back to maneuver my right leg up and over the saddle.

“Now, Miss Cosette, you shouldn’t be sitting like that. It’s not proper for a lady.”

Ignoring John’s comment, I quickly lean in, gently rub the side of Sacred Falls’ silken neck with my gloved hand to purr, “I know what you want, boy, and I want it too. Let’s see how fast you can go.”

I pull away from Theo’s hold and gasp in delight at how responsive the horse is. In a flash I have him turned around and urge him forward with a firm nudge to the ribs, knowing that the only way out is to backtrack through the open-air stable. The panic-laced calls are rising up from behind as John and Theo frantically try to catch up to us.

Impossible. This could be my once in a lifetime opportunity to ride a true thoroughbred stallion that is built for nothing but speed … a racehorse by definition.

As we hastily clear the final beam of the stable entrance I have a new, more appreciative view. With the entire expanse of the manicured lawn as our track I give an excited yell and nudge him even harder. In no time we are racing at full gallop, the terrified cries of Annalin blending with the frantic shouts of the stable hands until I hear nothing but the wind and the unmistakable drumming of hooves against the ground.

“Yes! Go, go! That’s it, boy!” I laugh in delight as the wind rushes through my hair.

The exhilaration is nearly indescribable as we fly toward the entrance of the well-traveled path. I plan to slow him to a nice fast trot once we enter the tree line.

I crave the excitement that his speed provides. I feel so alive as it travels through every inch of my body. I’m not the least bit sorry for defying orders. Any repercussions will be worth this one brief but potent experience.

As we close in on the woods I begin gently pulling back on his reins. “Whoa, Sacred Falls. Whoa, boy, slow it down now.”

Nothing.

I try not to let panic overtake me. I realize that he sees that path as a direct route to his freedom. Apparently this horse knows no fear. Holy hell.

I keep my voice as calm as possible as we enter the woods, flying headlong up the path. “Halt, Sacred Falls. Slow it down, boy!”

My hands are trembling hard, and I pull back with all my might against the reins as he pounds up the dirt trail, racing hell-bent toward the upcoming road. If I don’t stop him we could crash into a carriage or whatever riders are ahead on the well-traveled stretch that heads straight toward Charleston.

Come on … slow for me … please!

My heart lodges in my throat as I spot a low-hanging branch that’s closing in fast. With his height it will be a miracle if we clear it. Certainly he’ll slow, won’t he?

Within seconds the branch is coming right at us, and with no other option besides jumping from the speeding animal I clasp his neck tightly and flatten my body along his nape. With my eyes squeezed shut I’m just about to lift my head to check that we’ve made it when a massive force hits the top of my forehead. With one brutal blow I’m instantly unseated. I scream in agony as my body sails helplessly through the summer air. I land like a broken China doll on the hard packed earth, my eyes wavering in and out of focus at the yellow sunlight spilling down through the trees. My head is on fire, and I feel like my skull has been split in two from a mighty ax blow. I attempt to raise my hand to my face, to see how badly I’m bleeding, but the limb isn’t cooperating. Could I have broken my arm that badly?

Confusion rapidly changes into dire panic as I try desperately to move any part of my body. The pain is only in my head. Suddenly terror consumes me at the realization that I can’t move at all or feel anything below my neck. My own reckless actions have finally caught up with me. I scream in anguish—not for help, but in abject despair.

Chapter Two

Present Day, 1:00 a.m.

The Warehouse behind Clary’s Café; Savannah, Georgia

“Last call for all bets!”

I watch silently from the far corner of the dilapidated three-story warehouse. The five-deep crowd all but surge forward to gain a better view of the two massive males who are about to fight. Through the bodies I assess him carefully. I knew the moment I drove off that night that I would be here. He’s captivating and seems not to know fear, unlike most humans I’ve encountered. There’s a magnetism about him coupled with a strange calmness that draws me in. We have zero future together, but I’m curious to observe him regardless. The fact that he’s a self-proclaimed fighter has piqued my curiosity. I watch him carefully, wondering if he has the skills as well as the brawn. I really should have wiped his memories of the attack before we parted ways the other night, but I chose not to—a first for me. There is still time to do it, to make it seem like nothing ever happened between us, like we’ve never even crossed paths.

“C’mon, Brennan! Fuckin’ take that sorry ass motherfucker down, man! Send him outta here on a stretcher!”

“Shut the fuck up, dickhead! Go for his legs, Smith! Get ’em to the ground and pummel that pretty boy face of his!”

He’s motionless except for his eyes—alert and a vivid green the color of fresh bamboo. Those penetrating eyes track even the slightest movement of his deranged-looking opponent.

The skinny kid in the hoodie who is acting as equal parts ref and bookie tries to push back the encroaching crowd, yelling out, “You wanna see ’em fight or not? You’d best step the fuck back! Give ’em room or it’s a no go tonight!”

As soon as the ravenous crowd obeys, he continues, this time addressing both fighters, “You know the drill. Either knock your opponent the fuck out or pin him down for ten seconds. Winner takes sixty percent of the pot. Let’s get this gritty party started!”

I move in a few steps closer, not wanting to miss a single second of the action. A scattering of halogen contractor floor lights are the only source of illumination. Both men are shirtless, their thick muscles covered in tattoos. But that’s where the similarities end. I came to see the one the men are calling Brennan and the few women present are cheering on as Colton. His imposing size seems to be natural in comparison to his opponent’s. The other fighter’s daunting physique looks fake—clearly a product of the gym combined with chemicals.

They slowly and methodically begin to circle each other, obviously looking for vulnerabilities, a weakness to home in on. Suddenly, Colton’s opponent drops a shoulder and rushes him. I watch closely as he braces for the guy with the Mohawk to slam into him. The shouts from the crowd rise to a fever pitch as they collide in a vicious tangle of grunting, muscled flesh. Colton binds his powerful arms around the man, attempting to wrestle him to the ground, seemingly ignoring the blows that are landing repeatedly on his chiseled torso.

“Let ’em have it, Colton!”

“Come on, Brennan, unleash the fuckin’ beast on that pussy!”

The spectators have closed in on the fighters, lusting after the blood that is beginning to spill. I edge even closer to watch them struggle ferociously for the dominant position, over and over again, all the while clocking each other any place they can connect. The once white boxing tape wound around their wide fists is now ruby red as they pound away like raging animals vying for the last piece of meat on earth. Over the many decades I’ve learned how to quell my zest for blood, to contain the urges that come when I catch the first hint of that warm, distinctive scent. I shift it to the back of my mind and simply observe.

“Show him what you’re about, Smith! C’mon, man, put him out of his fuckin’ misery! Don’t let this punk ruin your track record! Take him down!”

With his mouth dripping blood, Colton takes one more direct hit to the chest and a savage uppercut before seizing the opportunity to pull back far enough to land a powerful right hook that connects perfectly with the side of the man’s temple.

That’s it. Lights out.

As if in slow motion, the man twists and goes down into a free fall of splayed arms and legs, landing with a grotesque thud, face down on the dust-strewn concrete floor. Complete KO. Perfect execution.

Well done, cowboy.

There are shouts of drunken excitement along with curses of annoyance from the losing side as the group of over a hundred spectators begins to disband. Some line up to collect their winnings from Mr. Hoodie.

I turn around and stride out the lone door. I’m halfway to my motorcycle when a breathy, rumbling voice says from behind, “You like what you see, then?”

I suppress a grin as I spin around. Up close and dripping blood and sweat, he is a magnificent specimen. I act casual, staring up into his eyes, and offer with a shoulder shrug, “I guess so, but you really should’ve landed that blow inside of the first thirty seconds. The delay cost you a black eye, split lip, and bruised ribs, cowboy.”

“Gotta give ’em their money’s worth, sweetheart. Everybody wants a show.”

“A show. Fighting for entertainment … how amusing.”

“Ain’t nothin’ amusing about fightin’. Let me take you out for a drink, wildcat.”

“Wildcat?”

“Hell yeah. Wildcat. Wild. Beautiful. Mysterious. Feisty as all get out … wildcat. Fuckin’ perfect choice.”

I flash him a rare smile and say, “You’re a peculiar one.”

“Peculiar enough to capture your attention. That’s all that matters to me.”

I drink in his impressive chest and full sleeve tattoos. The edgy work had to have been done by the same artist because it is all consistent in style, precisely laid out over gorgeous, lick-worthy biceps.

He glances down at himself. “I know I’m a filthy mess, but give me twenty minutes. I promise you that I clean up well. I’ll take you out anywhere you like. Even put on a shirt with a collar for ya, darlin’.” He gives me a sly wink.

Tilting my head to the right, I consider his offer. “Tempting, cowboy, but I have some business to attend to.”

I catch the flash of disappointment before he quickly covers it, though his jaw line tenses up.

“Business at nearly one thirty in the morning. You a dealer or somethin’, baby?”

“If I was, do you think I would share that information with a virtual stranger? You, cowboy, could be an undercover cop. Maybe your job is to bust illegal gambling rings and the nefarious business that it inevitably attracts. Hmm?”

He runs his filthy hand across and back over his medium brown, close-cropped hair, “Nah, I’m sure as hell not a cop, baby. By the way, why do you keep calling me ‘cowboy’?”

“Let’s just say that I’ve been around awhile and I call it like I see it. You are one, aren’t you? Because I’ve never met a man who wears a battered Carhartt jacket better. Then there are those fine tattoos, not to mention your scarred-up hands. You speak like you’ve been living on a ranch most of your life. All that’s missing is the horse and a dusty Resistol hat.”

His eyes rapidly drop down to his battered hands before latching back onto mine as I continue, “Those are the reasons I call you ‘cowboy.’ ”

“Name’s Colton.”

“So I’ve heard.”

His chin lifts. “You got one, wildcat?”

“I do.”

He shakes his head slowly back and forth and grins, revealing the miniscule gap between his otherwise flawless front teeth. “I like a fire in my woman.”

“Well then, good luck finding that woman.”

“Just did. Where we off to tonight, sweetheart?”

Mr. Hoodie jogs over, shouting, “Brennan! Got your cut from tonight. I’m taking off in a minute. Let’s settle up, man. You know the cops are always fuckin’ lurkin’ around.” His beady eyes narrow as he nervously checks over each shoulder.

I get on my ride as he answers Mr. Twitchy Hoodie, “Be over in a sec. Meet you at your car.”

My engine roars to life and he surprises me, straddling my front wheel. His tan, blood spattered Cat work boots pin my tire neatly as his huge, bloodied hands plant down on the handles directly inside of mine. He leans in to whisper flirtatiously, “C’mon, gimme a chance. Promise you won’t be disappointed.”

“No, I can’t. And for the record, I can assure you that you definitely would be.”

“What?”

“Step away, cowboy. I’d hate to add to those injuries.”

His eyes narrow as if he’s deep in thought. This is clearly a man who isn’t accustomed to hearing no … not from a woman, anyway.

“Fine, you need your space. I’m on board with that. But I want one-on-one time with you and I will find a way to get it. At least tell me your name before you go. Don’t you think you owe me that after all we’ve been through?”

“You’re a funny guy. Step back and I’ll consider it.”

With a beaming smile he releases the front wheel of my bike and steps aside. “I like you, wildcat. You’re different.”

“You’re right, I am.”

“So …?”

I slide the helmet on before answering, “Cosette.”

I flip the visor down and sigh heavily, hearing my name fall slowly, like melted caramel from his bloody lips as I speed away into the familiar, enveloping darkness.

Chapter Three

Eighteen Years Earlier

Brennan Ranch, Fifteen Miles West of Choteau, Montana

“Hold up, Vivian! I didn’t say ‘Go’ yet, you dirty little cheater!”

She stops mid-sprint and turns to jog back. “Could’ve swore you did, Colton. All right then, we’ll start over. Remember, first one to the base of those rocks gets that last tootsie pop. Deal?”

“Deal. Get ready to lose, Sis. Ready … set … go!”

Both barefoot, we’re neck in neck as we sprint past the right side of the barn then farther out across the flower-strewn meadow. I can’t believe that for once I’m actually keeping up with her; she’s always been so much faster than me. Maybe I have a chance this time.

Out of the corner of my eye I catch her sidelong, determined glance, which fires up my competitive nature even more.

As the rocks come closer, I turn up the heat and pump my arms faster, making each stride count. I’m out of breath, trying to suck in more wind as I fly across the grass. She’s no longer next to me as I nearly plow into the rocks, coming to a sudden stop.

I whirl around and shake both fists in the air. “I did it! I did it! I finally beat you, Vivian!”

She’s bent over, palms flat on her pale blue shorts. She’s breathing hard as her head lifts. Furious green eyes meet mine as she struggles to say, “Yeah, well, everyone gets lucky sometimes, Colton. Tell you what. Double or nothing, you beat me up to that large boulder up there and you’ll get both the lollipop and I’ll do your chores for three whole days. What’cha think about that?”

I stare up to where her finger is pointing. It’s not too far up the craggy incline, maybe thirty feet or so. I could easily beat her.

“I’m not sure, Vivian. You know Pa told us over and over again to stay well clear of these rocks. If he found out, he’d whip both our butts red—”

She cuts me off, “He won’t. Not unless you run your giant eleven-year-old mouth, that is. Now I’m thinkin’ you’re just scared, knowing you’re gonna lose to your twin.”

That did it. “Fine. Deal.”

She smiles at me, the pigtails making her look nearly innocent … almost, but not quite. “And Colton, when you lose—which you will, big time—I’ll watch you do all of my chores while I’m sucking on that lollipop. You ready?”

Am I ever.

“You’re the one stallin’, Viv.”

“Go!” She takes the lead and starts scrambling up the huge rocks that are warmed by the July noonday sunshine.

I do my best to quickly strategize, desperate to make it to that huge rock before she does. If there is one thing I hate most in this world, it’s losing. My fingers claw for a good hold as I heave myself up. Almost there.

“Colton!”

At first I ignore her cry, thinking that she’s playing games, trying to distract me from the finish line.

“Colton, please! Help … I-I’m stuck!”

Sweat drips down into my eyes as I quickly wipe my brow and glance down at her. Sure enough, her left leg isn’t visible. It’s trapped in a crevice between two fair-sized boulders.

“Hold up! I’m comin’ back down.”

“Hurry, Colton. Think I twisted it or somethin’.”

“Just hang tight. I’ll pull ya out.”

I edge slowly back down the misshapen rocks until I’m beside her.

“Now how’d you go and do such a stupid thing, Vivian? Thought you were ’sposed to be the brain in the family.”

I stare at the rocks as I try to figure out the best way to pull her out without cutting up her leg.

“You bleedin’?”

“I-I think so. Just pull me out, Colton. If Pa finds out we’re both done for.”

“Yeah, you got that right. Here, I’m gonna get behind you and try to lift ya. You got down there; surely we can get you back out.”

“Just hurry.” She squirms violently, trying to free herself.

I get a firm grip under her arms and start to pull, quickly realizing that she’s not budging an inch.

“Oh God! Oh Jesus! Something’s biting me! Pull!! Heeeelp me!”

Biting her?

I freeze in shock and she begins screaming at the top of her lungs. I pull desperately at her little body as my heart thunders violently in my chest. She is writhing manically, desperate to get away from whatever it is.

“Colton! Pull harder, oh God! Puhleeeezzze!”

She is shaking and sweating in my grip as I use everything I have to heave as hard as I can. Finally she is wrenched free and I fall backward with the weight of her on top of me.

“Vivian! You all right?”

Scrambling back up, I crawl around her to have a look at her leg. The bloody scrapes are nothing compared to the dozen or so puncture wounds that are covering her calf.

Oh no, oh shit, please no … prairie rattlers. Pa warned us to steer clear of ’em. Normally they are reclusive. Maybe she scared then or stepped on ’em or something.

She is shaking and crying as I touch her shoulder. “We gotta get you to a hospital, Vivian. You wait here and I’ll go for help.”

“No!” She sobs harder, her arms flying up to cling to my neck. “No! Don’t leave me here, Colton! I’m scared. I’ll try and walk if you help me, okay?”

“Yeah, okay. Not sure what bit you but we gotta get you help real quick.”

I get her up and half walk, half drag her as we inch our way back toward the house. Every few minutes I look down at her swollen, bloody leg, which is rapidly getting worse.

She stops, panting, and manages to eke out, “Can’t walk anymore ….” Tears track down her pale face.

“Shh, it’s gonna be all right. Let’s get you up on my back. Here, try to bind your legs about my waist.”

The added ninety pounds of weight on my skinny frame slows our progress to a crawl. My legs are shaking as I put one foot in front of the other, determined to make it to help. I’m about to lay her down in the meadow and sprint back to the house when I see Pa coming toward us on horseback.

Quickly I pant, “Pa’s comin’ now on Outlaw, Vivian. Everything’s gonna be okay.”

A pathetic moan is her only reply.

I set her down as gently as I can and raise my arms in a frantic crisscross motion, hoping my father will understand we need him. He seems to understand because Outlaw breaks into a gallop, heading straight toward us.

“Vivian, wha-what’s wrong?” The words fall from my trembling lips as I stare down at my sister, who is now ashen white and unconscious.

“Pa! Pa! Hurry!”

The horse comes to a halt not two feet from us. My father jumps down and bends to scoop up my immobile sister. “Jesus Christ, boy! What the hell happened to her?”

“Need to get her to the hospital. She was bitten a bunch of times, might have been prairie rattlers. I didn’t see ’em. She got her leg stuck down between two rocks.”

With my sister clutched high in his arms, he sets her gently atop Outlaw right before he mounts up behind her, her back leaning into his chest. He glares down at me—a hatred I’ve never seen before in his dark eyes.

“Headed to the hospital in Helena. For your sake, boy, you’d best hope she’ll be all right.”

I watch as he whips around and takes off in a billowing cloud of dust.

“Pa, wait for me!” I race after them but by the time I make it to the house the taillights of the old blue Chevy are already a quarter mile up the driveway.

I collapse on the front porch swing and sob uncontrollably. I didn’t know that many tears could come out of a body. Then I just become numb, fearing deep down that something is wrong—very, very wrong. Day turns into night and the only words that are pounding around in a repeat loop in my head are, “Is she all right?”

Finally, after what seems like a year-long wait, I watch the streaky beams of the truck come down the lone dirt drive.

I rush to the truck and in the darkness watch my father get out, his battered Stetson clutched tightly in his right hand. He looks older, beaten down. He won’t meet my eyes.

My lips tremble as I ask, “Pa, where’s Vivian?”

“Gone.”

“Gone?” I repeat the single word, not understanding.

“Too late. Nothin’ they could do. Organs started shuttin’ down on the drive there.”

“But, but, they can fix her. I saw on TV they have medicine for snakebites—anti-venom I think it’s called—right Pa? They’re gonna fix her, ain’t they? Never heard of nobody dyin’ of a snakebite.”

I gasp and stumble back as he rages at me, “That’s because you ain’t never seen a small girl get struck seventeen times by rattlers and have to wait close to three hours for treatment! They pumped her full of that shit—I watched ’em do their best—but she was already in a coma. Now know this, boy, now and forever, I put this all on your head, Colton.”

I stand alone, shaking in the night as he turns and walks away from me.

“Vivian?” I whisper helplessly into the air.

Her reply never comes.

Chapter Four

2:15 a.m.—Present Day

Club Sub-Zero, Broughton Street, Savannah

The smooth, rhythmic strains of “Greyhound” by Swedish House Mafia throb in perfect unison with the rapid flashes from the overhead strobe lights as I wind my way through designer-clad bodies, heading toward the roped-off VIP area of the ultra exclusive nightclub. Tristan’s pale eyes are watching me with chilling potency as I close the distance between us. He nods to one of his men to release the latch of the leather rope, which obviously makes him feel quite important.

“Cosette, it’s been a while, my darling.”

“Not long enough.”

His mouth tightens in distaste at my insult, but he shows no other sign that he’s affected before smoothly offering, “You look stunning as always. Please join me. Belvedere and tonic?”

“No. I’m here for one reason, Tristan, you know that.”

With an exasperated sigh, he waves his men away before leaning forward, both forearms resting on the thighs of his gray designer suit. “Cosette, I’ll be straight with you. I want us to put the past behind us. I want you back in my life. I want things to be how they were before you moved out. And before you respond, know that declining my offer would be a grave, regrettable mistake.”

He can’t be serious. Threats? I thought this would be a meeting about information regarding the recent attacks, and here he is, turning it into something to benefit his needs. Narcissist.

“You’re one hundred percent declined. That ship sailed long ago, Tristan. Now, do you have the information I’m here for, or was the phone call just a ploy to get face time?”

He pats the black leather seat beside him. “Sit with me.”

I’m boiling with anger at his arrogance. “No. You can’t smooth-talk me, not after what you’ve done. Now, you have exactly five seconds to tell me what I came for tonight or I’m gone. Five, four, three ….”

He straightens and runs his right hand back through his long, flaxen hair. His controlled power is undeniable as he muses, “All right, all right, always so tenacious, Cosette. Actually, that is one of the qualities I’ve always loved in you.”

Seething inside, I lean in and hiss cruelly, “Really? That’s interesting, Tristan, because that quality couldn’t possibly have been in the forefront of your mind when you repeatedly tried to turn me against my own uncle by filling my head with black lies. Or to give another example, when I caught you with Sonia’s mouth wrapped around your cock. I see that this meeting is nothing but a complete waste of my time.”

He’s livid as I spin around and cut back the way I came.

I hear his voice behind me calling out to his men in barely contained rage, “Bring her back to me. Now!”

He wouldn’t dare make a scene here, in a club filled with witnesses, would he? If they try to stop me then I definitely will. Humans watching or not.

Suddenly a long arm lands hot and heavy across my bare shoulders, momentarily stopping me in my tracks.

I’m about to shove the male aside when a low, familiar voice floats down to me, “You’re sure in a hurry tonight, wildcat. Somebody botherin’ you that I need to know about, sweetheart?”

Does his timing ever suck!

“Move away, cowboy. I’m in kind of a hurry.”

Still holding me close, he pivots us around to watch Tristan’s thugs fighting through the heaving crowd.

“You sure do keep some nasty company, sugar.”

“Not by choice. Now move or you’re going to regret it.”

“Nuh-uh, princess, took me over a week of asking around to try and find out anything about you. Just happened to be on my way home tonight when I saw your ride parked out front. Not missing this opportunity.”

I seethe, “Are you deranged?”

He grins, his white teeth flashing in the strobes, “Fuck, yes, although I’ll admit, I’ve never been asked that question by anyone as pretty as you. Kind of a turn on.”

I huff in exasperation as I shove him out of the way and power forward toward the edge of the jammed dance floor, only to be stopped by a mammoth human bouncer whose dark eyes are moving between mine and the guard dogs rapidly closing in. He touches the device in his ear, saying, “Got it, will do.”

Damn! I underestimated Tristan’s level of control in this setting. I never should have come alone tonight. I should have brought Ambrose and Alina with me for backup. Shit!

The towering bald bouncer frowns and says, “Back up, lady. Looks like Tristan needs a word with you.”

A cool, menacing voice answers for me, “She’s with me and we’re leavin’. You got a problem, my man? If so, let’s settle that shit right now.”

His hand snakes around my waist and I’m pulled in tightly against the warmth of his torso.

He hasn’t a clue who he’s starting trouble with. Tristan could snap his neck as an afterthought while drinking a martini, while playing a game of chess … all simply for touching me.

Closing in from behind, one of Tristan’s guards threatens, “Release her now. She’s coming with us.”

He twists us around to face them and I watch Colton smile a malicious grin, one of a fearless killer, before he lands the two giant vampires with, “You just try and take her from me.” I’m stunned to see a glimmer of excitement in his eyes, as if he would almost welcome the violent altercation.

I speak low and quickly, “Don’t do this. You don’t know what they’re capable of.”

I know I can get out of here, but now I need to try and get him out of here as well. Damn it!

His eyes never leave theirs as he says, “Think that’s the other way around, wildcat. Time we bail. This place has always been a den of fuckin’ wannabe assholes, anyhow.”

As fast as a whip he lashes out with a powerful haymaker that catches the first of Tristan’s men square in the jaw. It hardly fazes the vampire—only causes him to stagger back two steps. Both of them lurch for us as we spin around, the bouncer blocking our way.

No time! Need to move fast!

“I’ll handle this.” The words fall from my lips as I kick the bouncer backward through the set of swinging glass doors. Any humans who see the act will most likely be too drunk or high at this late hour to process it. Even if they do, it would have appeared to be a fast, bad-ass martial arts kick that caught him right in the chest, nothing more. There is no way for them to measure the inhuman power behind it.

We leap over his splayed out body as Colton shouts, “My ride is right behind yours! Go!”

I jump onto my bike and take off as Tristan’s furious guards race out onto the sidewalk, fighting their way through the crowd of bystanders. I can hear Colton’s engine behind mine, knowing that he’s made it. Not until we’re three traffic lights away do I pull over to the curb. He rolls up beside me on his low-slung chopper that perfectly suits his huge frame.

I lift my visor to meet a glacial stare as he asks angrily, “You wanna give me some idea what all that bullshit was about back there?”

“No. I don’t. It was my personal business.”

The muscles in his neck and shoulders go rigid as he grates out, “Your business, huh? Woman, I about capped three guys in a packed nightclub just to get us outta there safely, so I think the very least you can do is give me a fuckin’ explanation. The cloak and dagger act is wearin’ thin, sweetheart.”

He’s leaning forward, nostrils flared. Most women would be terrified, but I’m unbelievably aroused.

I reply smoothly, “I didn’t ask for your help back there. I could’ve managed on my own.”

He shakes his head back and forth in disbelief. “To hell you could’ve. C’mon, we’ll finish this conversation over at my place—that is, unless you have more ‘plans’?”

“I’m not sure whether I like or detest you, cowboy.”

“Don’t matter. You’ll be mine soon enough and I assure you that you’ll more than ‘like’ me then.”

“Excuse me?”

“You heard what I said, wildcat. Follow me. I don’t live far.”

“You’re impossibly direct.”

“Real men always are, darlin’. C’mon.”

I give him a questioning look and he lands me with, “The least you can do is give me twenty minutes of your time to explain the shit that’s been rollin’ around in my brain from that night down on River Street.”

Turn him down, an inner voice warns. This can’t lead anywhere good for either of us.

My emotions drown out the voice of reason. “All right, just one drink.”

“Whatever you say, boss lady.”

I fight a smile while pulling out behind him.

It’s a good thing I fed two nights ago, which hopefully will give me a modicum of self-control, because his unique, all-male scent is already getting to me. Badly. If his presence alone has this effect on me, I can’t imagine how addictively luscious his blood would be … not to mention what moves he could deliver with that gladiator body of his.

Chapter Five

9:00 a.m.—August 30, 1782

Beauvais Plantation

“One hundred and seventy six. One hundred and seventy seven. One hundred and seventy eight ….”

The sharp rap at my slightly open door pulls me out of my abyss of emptiness.

“Yes?”

My grandfather enters with the doctor, who is taller and lankier than I imagined he’d be. We’ve been waiting for him to arrive from Boston ever since the accident nearly two weeks ago. I’ve tried to prepare myself for any diagnosis, but at this point the unknown is just as horrific as finally hearing the consequences of my terrible decision to ride Sacred Falls.

“Cosette, this is Doctor Harden. As you are aware, he has graciously cleared his hectic schedule and traveled very far to examine you.”

He studies me from a distance, and I can’t help my sudden attack of nerves as I wait for him to proceed.

“I shall leave you two alone. Cosette, I will be two rooms away in my office should you need me.”

“That’s fine, Grandfather.”

“Very well.”

My grandfather turns to leave and I catch the unmistakable look of nervous hope, nearly a plea as his eyes meet those of the doctor. I want to weep at the stress and unrest I have caused him. I bite down on my lower lip to stop it from trembling as the doctor moves slowly toward my oversized cherry wood rice bed.

“Hello, Cosette.”

“H-hello, Doctor Harden.”

“I’m here to assist you. Please don’t be nervous. I took the Hippocratic Oath fifteen years ago, which means that first and foremost I must do no harm and always uphold the highest ethical standards. If possible, I would never do anything to cause you distress, Cosette. Now, if it is not too upsetting, can you tell me in your own words what happened to you on the afternoon of August seventeenth? I realize that recalling such a memory is most unpleasant; however, I need to begin there in order to assess your injury.”

He sets his large, immaculately clean black leather doctor’s bag at the foot of my bed. I watch him straighten, and there is a pleasant look on his clean-shaven face as he patiently waits for my reply.

Hesitantly, I begin, “I was quite reckless with the stallion I was riding that day. I wanted to see what he was capable of. You see, I’ve always been fascinated with speed and risk taking, Dr. Harden. I know that it is likely difficult for you to comprehend, but I love the feeling, the vibrating energy that being that close to danger provides. To be honest, I should have sustained multiple injuries already for all of the mischief I have tangled myself up in throughout my childhood.”

“I hope you don’t mind my saying this, Cosette, but putting a young lady on an untamed racehorse is tantamount to insanity. Your grandfather has explained to me the loss of your mother to yellow fever when you were merely a newborn. He also stated that your father will return any day now from his business travels in London. I hope that we might be able to give him some hopeful news. Why don’t we have a look at you to determine the extent of the damage. May I lower the sheet?”

“Yes. That is fine.”

I watch as he gently lifts each of my limp arms and pulls the starched white cotton down to my toes. I try to will myself to feel the material slide across my thin nightgown, but there is only the recollection of feeling, nothing more.

“Tell me, Cosette. The moment you hit the ground after falling off Scared Falls, did you feel anything?”

“My head hurt badly. That was all.”

“So it was then that you ceased to have sensation below the neck?”

“Yes, that is correct, Doctor.”

“Very well. I would like to raise your gown, just to the knees, and perform a little test on your legs—with your permission.”

“Certainly.”

I watch him curiously as he pulls a small tapered device from his bag that has a thin, pointed end.

“I assure you that I will do nothing other than test your reaction to stimulus in various places. I will draw no blood.”

“All right.”

He touches the probe along my legs, then lower, to each of my toes. I wonder silently if my reactions are at all what he is looking for. I desperately want to pass the test. This man is my only hope for recovery from this hell on earth.

As if speaking to himself, he states softly, “I see you have been well cared for since the accident. Your skin is still in excellent condition. Your caregivers obviously shift and reposition you regularly.”

“Yes, sir.”

“All right, Cosette. I need to examine your upper back and neck, as that is where the major damage was sustained. Let’s rotate you over onto to your stomach.”

I nod as he slowly turns me over. All I can feel is my face brushing against the down pillow and the strands of my long hair as it tangles with the turn.

“Here, let’s shift your head so you can keep your eyes on me. Excellent. Now, I need to lift your gown to your upper back, is this acceptable?”

Oh God! I dread having him look at my body, but I would do anything to be cured.

“Yes. That is fine.”

“Very well.”

With my head tilted I watch him lift the gossamer cotton all the way up to my shoulders. From the position of his body and arms I can see that he is doing something to my back, most likely what was done to my legs earlier. Come on, feel something!

After a long moment he lowers the gown back in place.

“Let’s roll you back over then.”

I try to read the emotions in his smooth voice but he is completely calm—too calm.

When I’m lying face up again he is all business, placing an extra pillow behind my head as he sits down on the edge of the bed.

“Now, I would like to examine your neck.”

“All right.”

“I’m going to place my fingers at the base of your jaw and then very slowly work them down. I would like you to tell me at what point you stop feeling my touch.”

“I will.”

I focus and feel his cool fingers along my skin as they ever so slowly shift down my neck.

“There. Right there.”

I dip my chin and see his fingers resting about two inches above my collarbone. My eyes fly to his. Immediately I see that whatever he’s thinking isn’t good. Since his first step into the room, the man has been smiling—his lips soft, friendly. Now they are turned down into a frown.

“W-what is it? You can fix me, can’t you?” I’m unable to stop my voice from rising to a near shriek.

“What’s wrong with me? Tell me this is temporary, please!”

His dark blue eyes behind his small spectacles express profound sorrow.

He breathes deeply before saying, “Cosette, it would be cruel to be less than honest with you. It is my opinion that due to your fall, you have sustained a severe injury to your neck that has most likely severed your spinal cord. It pains me greatly to tell you this, but there is nothing that can be done to repair the damage. I am so very sorry. Something like this should never happen to a smart, beautiful young woman such as yourself.”

He and his consoling words fade away as my eyes fill with tears that begins to stream down my face.

“Ah, there, there.” He uses his handkerchief to gently wipe the tears away.

“I will give my recommendations to your grandfather for your care. Cosette, try to be strong. I know that this is a lot for you to comprehend at the moment.”

Awash in a sea of self loathing and despair, I am barely aware of him packing up his bag. My choked sobs grow louder as he walks toward the door.

With one hand on the knob, he turns to face me. “Cosette, may I please ask what were you counting when I arrived?”

I stare at him and struggle to reply, “The fleurs-de-lis on the wallpaper.”

His wise eyes scan each wall of the large bedroom for a long moment, his face registering disbelief as I continue, “There are fourteen thousand eight hundred and sixty-one. I’ve counted them all. Eleven times now.”

His cheeks turn ashen as his gaze drops down to his shoes. Without another word he pulls the door open and disappears.

I want to die.

That night would be the longest of my life.

After listening to Dr. Harden deliver the news to my grandfather, I hear him weep, brokenhearted, until I am certain that I will go mad from the misfortune that I have brought upon our small family. Hours tick by until the house grows silent. A light breeze wafting in through my open balcony is the only relief from the stifling humidity that seems to hang ever-present, both day and night, from April well into October in the Deep South.

My thoughts finally slow down after the whirlwind of emotions that the final diagnosis set in motion. Heaven only knows what expense my grandfather went to in order to bring the doctor here from the north. As one of the only back specialists in the entire United States, he must charge a small fortune. A new wave of guilt begins to engulf me as I speculate what my care will cost him over the course of my useless life.

“Cosette.”

I gasp with astonishment at the arrival of a towering man and a petite woman who seem to have appeared from out of nowhere. They begin to move toward me with fluid grace from the dense shadows of my bedroom.

“Cosette, don’t be frightened, and for God’s sake, don’t scream.”

His low, crisp voice is terrifying in its eerie calmness as the duo makes their way around the side of my bed. I want to shout at them to get away but my terror has me utterly frozen. As they come closer I blink in shock as the single gas lamp reveals the identity of the male intruder.

Stunned, I whisper, “Impossible.”

Without hesitation and as if he expected my comment, the striking man says, “Very possible.”

“A-are you who I think you are? My … my uncle Severin?”

“Yes, Cosette, and I have waited a very long time to meet you.”

“But … I-I must be dead then.”

“No. Not at all. You are still very much alive, if you can call the state you’re in living.” His eyes tighten in blatant disapproval of my pitiful condition.

I choose my next words carefully. “Yes, as you can see, I’ve made some bad choices.” I continue to stare in awe. “I can’t believe how much you look like Mama. I’ve studied your painting, which hangs beside hers in the drawing room, countless times. You look just as you did the year you died in that sword fight long before I was born. How is that possible? Are you a ghost?”

“No, we are something far more dangerous than ghosts, Cosette. But there will be ample time to discuss that later. I would like you to meet Katerina, my maker. We are here to help you.”

Maker?

My eyes take in the exquisite redhead whose regal demeanor might be that of a queen. Her waist-length hair cascades over an icy lilac-hued velvet gown that is cut so dangerously low and tight that it’s a wonder her ample breasts don’t spill out. She reminds me of a woman I once admired in a Botticelli painting from a book that my father brought home from a business trip to Italy. Her beauty is completely mesmerizing, nearly luminous, but it’s her unusual topaz-colored eyes that shine with a heavy sorrow. This woman has seen countless tragedies that are forever stamped upon her soul. I can’t help staring, and only Severin’s deep voice pulls my attention away as he continues to speak.

“I’ve watched you from afar since you were a baby, Cosette. I’ve kept up to date with your impulsive, daredevil behavior, which has inevitably landed you in these dire straits. I’m here to make you a life altering offer, but I’ll warn you, Cosette, you would be wise to think carefully before you give us your answer.”

“An offer? What offer, Uncle?” My curiosity is piqued. If it has anything to do with reversing my condition, the answer is a resounding yes.

Arms fold across his strong chest as his blue eyes drill into mine. He says pointedly, “An offer of another life, a different one, where your wild spirit might just be the very thing that helps you survive.”

“I want it.” His final word has barely left his mouth as I clamor my acceptance. I’m desperate for any way out of the hell I’m trapped in.

Quickly, I add, “I accept your offer. Willingly. Anything is better than the barren existence that lies before me. Please, Uncle Severin, please help me.” The final three words emerge in a barely audible whisper.

His features are still and watchful. I’ve started to worry that I’ve offended him and that he’s thinking of retracting when he finally speaks. “That’s why I’m here, Cosette, to save you from yourself. It’s the least I can do to honor Sabine’s memory. But I refuse to have you turned until you know what you face.”

What does he mean by ‘turned’? I bite the inside of my cheek to quell the fear, not wanting to ruin everything by asking too many questions. I watch his alert blue eyes carefully as he continues on with his explanation.

“Assuming you follow both our leads and guidance, then you have the potential to live forever, Cosette. You could be immortal. However, as a consequence, you can have absolutely no contact with anyone who knows you as you are now. That is the past, and you will have to sever those ties for your safety and theirs.”

Could I really never see Annalin again? My fiancé already broke off the engagement, refusing to be burdened with a crippled wife. How could I ever walk away from my grandfather? Yet, if I refuse, he will be burdened with caring for me and eventually have to endure the heartache of putting me six feet under. No, a disappearance sounds less drawn out and in the long term easier on everyone. Maybe one day Severin will change his mind and allow me to see them.

Ever so slowly, I ask the imposing, impeccably dressed man the crucial question, “Could you make me walk again?”

“Yes, of course, Cosette, and much more than that. That is why we are here. I care for you deeply. You’re my beloved sister’s only child and ever since your accident I have wrestled with my intentions about having you turned. It took today’s final diagnosis of paralysis to convince me, however. You deserve to have the choice I was never given. I have no regrets of how I came to become what I am, and I’m bound and determined to make certain that you won’t have any, either. Cosette, tell me, what do you know of vampires?”

Dumbfounded, I can do nothing but repeat the word back to him like a trained parrot, “Vampires?”

“Yes, that’s what I said. Have you heard the term before, Cosette?”

The redhead is on high alert as her chin drops. She watches me closely, and I can’t help but feel unnerved. Her presence is both eerie and intimidating.

“I have heard of vampires, but only from folklore as well as Heinrich August Ossenfelder’s haunting poem, ‘The Vampire.’ ”

“Then you have a basic sense of what we offer you.”

I have no choice. I’d consider a deal with the devil himself at this point, and from the sounds of it, this decision might be akin to that.

The words rush out, “I’ll take it. Do what needs to be done, Uncle Severin, I beg you. Just don’t leave me like this—a pitiful cripple. Heaven help me, but I was already plotting to take my own life. I know that is a mortal sin—”

He cuts me off, obviously in a hurry, “Then the decision is made. Listen closely. Katerina is going to have to bring you to the point of death in order to turn you. We have discussed it at length and feel that even though I am your blood relative, it is best for her to accomplish this. I have yet to turn another and her blood is undeniably stronger than my own. She is quite experienced; you shouldn’t be frightened.”

“I understand and I’m ready.” Deep down the fear of the unknown is fathomless but on the outside I remain unwavering. I’m not dense; I know that if I show the slightest hesitation they may retract their offer.

They exchange looks before the woman takes the single step toward my bed, lowering her body down beside me while simultaneously sliding one arm around my left shoulder. She lifts me effortlessly until our faces are inches apart.

Glittering eyes stare deeply into mine as she says in a feather light, siren’s voice, “Cosette, I’m going to drink from you until your heart slows to the point that you would perish if I left you. After that, I will slice my wrist and you will drink my blood. There will be sharp pain as my fangs pierce you—it’s unavoidable. I can’t run the risk of glamouring you because I need you completely lucid as you drink from me.”

I swallow hard and nod. My mind is spinning with anxiety and a heady dose of hope as I stare into the stunning face of an exquisite vampire who appears to be only a few years older than myself.

With her free hand she gently moves my heavy hair away from the right side of my neck. Without another word, she lowers her face down, away from my view. I catch the fleeting scent of bergamot and vanilla—so lovely.

“Ah!” I can’t suppress my strained cry at the trauma of her razor-sharp fangs piercing my sensitive skin, a pain akin to being stabbed by twin daggers.

In a blur of motion, so fast my eyes can’t track it, Severin hovers above us, his hand clamped firmly across my parted lips. I struggle to keep from moaning against his cool hand as the flaming pain swiftly recedes, changing to mind-bending pleasure. Determined for the extraordinary bliss to never, ever cease, I do my best not to move my head, to stay quiet and languish in the most enjoyable sensations I’ve ever experienced.

Soon my thoughts turn foggy as if I’m swimming headlong through a pool of water that’s pulling me down below its murky surface, like a sinking ship dropping to icy black depths.

I have a vague sense that she’s released me. The pressure is gone, replaced by extreme dizziness. Severin moves away and my chin is lifted high, my lips pried apart. Only a second passes before warm wetness with the bitter taste of iron invades my mouth. I’m too weak to gag as my throat contracts involuntarily, struggling to keep up with the flow of rich blood that is entering me. All disgust is forgotten as a blast of hot, potent energy begins to ignite like a fire in my throat. The heat soon becomes uncomfortable, almost to the point of burning. Too hot! I’m about to plead with her to stop when it happens … I sense the weight and pressure of my body lying against the bed. Feeling! It’s back! Yes, yes! My reeling brain explodes with hope as the current of power rips through my body.

My hands, once again mobile, fly up to lock her wrist against my eager mouth. My vision is now exceptionally heightened. Perhaps this is what a hawk sees …. I watch her serious face as she nods for me to continue.

As if I could ever stop drinking from this life source ….

My recently useless legs begin twisting back and forth as I hold her tightly to me. I want to laugh in sheer joy. They’ve done it.

She turns to Severin. “This one is so very much like you, Severin—so very strong and willful. I’m impressed.”

“We need to finish this. Someone may come to check on her soon. My father has been incredibly particular about her care.”

With her free hand, Katerina brushes my hair away from my forehead, and the brief sensation feels glorious. “Let go of me now, Cosette. We are leaving and taking you with us.”

As much as I want to drink more of the healing elixir, I’m set on showing her my gratitude. With reluctance I unlatch my hands and pull my mouth away. She stares down and nods once in approval. I’m about to swing my legs off the side of the high bed when Severin leans in, scooping me up into his arms.

“Bind your hands around my neck.”

I obey and his lips twist into a small grin as he says, “Glad you made it, Cosette. Welcome to your new family, your new reality. I think you’ve finally found the heart-stopping excitement you’ve always chased after.”

I gaze up at him and whisper in awe, “Thank you a million times over, Uncle.”

“You’re very welcome, and let’s keep it to Severin from now on. Wouldn’t want anyone to take me as ‘old.’ ”

Instead of laughing, Katerina is all business, eyes darting back and forth between the door and the windows.

“Should I bother asking where we’re headed?”

Katerina answers hastily, “To our residence in Spain, Cosette.”

“Spain? That will be a long journey indeed.”

They exchange brief, amused looks as Severin cocks his handsome head and says, “Hardly. Now hold on tight and don’t you dare let go.”

I know now that things will be forever altered. I’m about to take a leap into the unknown and I can’t wait for my second chance. Hopefully this new, unrestricted existence will allow me to be who I really am—an independent free spirit, one who has known all along that she’s been living in the wrong time in history.

Chapter Six

2:54 a.m.—Present Day

Tatnall Street, 3 Blocks West of Forsythe Park; Savannah

Jesus, fuck, there’s no better sight on this green earth than her perfect leather-clad ass on the back of that bad-ass ride. Hold your shit together, Colton, you brought her here for answers, not to drool over her like a horny fucking bull.

I drag in a calming breath and dismount, calling out to her, “Nobody’ll mess with it in front of my place, if that’s what you’re worried about.”

Her hair spills down as she removes her helmet and I try unsuccessfully to wipe away the powerful vision of it tethered tightly to my fist as I fuck her ruthlessly.

I fail to hide a groan of raw male appreciation as she purrs out, “If you think I’m the least bit concerned about where I park my Ducati, then you have a lot to learn.”

I close in on her. Surprisingly she holds her ground, all cool, unaffected grace. Staring down, I respond to her taunt in a low whisper, “Oh, I look forward to learning more, wildcat, a lot more. In fact, I was planning on it, whether you extended the invite to me or not.”

Her lush lips tip up at the corners. “Such confidence. One drink, remember, cowboy? Nothing more, nothing less. And I choose what questions I’d like to answer tonight.”

She sets my blood on fire with that feisty attitude of hers. I point a finger in the direction of my weather-beaten Victorian, “C’mon then, sweetheart. You must be thirsty.”

Like silk, the words fall ever so slowly from her lips. “Oh, you haven’t a clue.”

“Well, we’ll fix that. Can’t promise you nothin’ fancy—no girlie drinks or that bullshit—but I’ll do my best to find you somethin’ you’ll like.”

Her hips sway in a perfect sashay in front of me as I stare in appreciation at her assets. Fuck, those skintight pants are doing things to my dick that my head can’t keep up with. Slow and easy, Brennan.

“Oh, I’m sure you’re very capable of accommodating me, cowboy.”

That’s it.

I lean in mid-stride, grasp her elbow and spin her swiftly back and around to face me. A look of amusement flares in her unusual pale eyes as I tell her quietly, “You’d best not go teasin’ a man like me, sugar. Consequences will follow if you do.”

Breathy, wild excitement threads her voice as she plants a small palm in the center of my chest and lands me with, “Whatever you have to offer, cowboy, you’d better believe that not only can I handle it, but I would come back for numerous rounds. You see, I am quite voracious.”

Christ, this woman was built for me.

“Fuuuukkk. You’re crazy, woman, you know that?”

“I’ve been called that and a lot worse in my lifetime. Now, if we’re past the witty foreplay, how about that drink?”

“Babydoll, haven’t even begun with the foreplay, but yeah, get your little ass inside.”

“Are you always this much of a totally uncouth savage around women, Mr. Brennan?”

“Not sure what the word before savage means, but it ain’t often I chat one-on-one with women, especially not sober women anything like you, so take it for what it is.”

“And what is it?”

“Male fucking interest. Pure and simple.”

Not waiting for an answer, I reach around her to unlock the deadbolt. My knuckles scrape the wood as the key twists, and peeling blue paint flakes off to flutter down onto the rotting, tilted porch.

I lead her inside and flip on the light, half expecting her to begin curiously look around; instead, she pivots and faces me.

Her expression is calm and unreadable as she asks, “Am I really here because you need answers about what you saw that first night, or for some other reason?”

Moments pass before I reply with the truth, “Gotta be honest, more for me gettin’ to know more about you rather than the shit that went down by River Street. You’ve been on my mind, baby, plain and simple. That work for you?”

Like she’s sharing a secret, she says in a sly whisper, “I’ll let you know when it doesn’t anymore.”

“Spirited. Like that ’bout you.”

“They all do, cowboy.”

Pissed, I lean in and practically grind out, “Dammit girl, now don’t go comparin’ me to no other men from your past, ’cause I promise you that I’m not like anyone you’ve ever crossed paths with.”

She blinks twice, as if my blunt honesty somehow startled her. Then she replies carefully, “No, no, you’re definitely not.”

We stare at each other for a long moment, the sexual tension simmering between us, threatening to boil over. Don’t scare her. She’s in your house. Ease any fear she might have so she won’t bolt. Lighten things up ASAP.

“Shit, now where’s my manners? Let’s see what I have around here to offer you. Ain’t often I have guests.”

I somehow manage to pry my eyes off hers and turn to swing the fridge door open, nearly cringing at what I see there. The only items inside are three lone Sam Adams longnecks, an unopened gallon of milk, and a nearly empty carton of OJ. Shit. Fucking shit. Motherfucker.

I snag a beer to offer to her when she peers around my back. “I’m really not that interested in a drink. How about a tour instead? So, what would you call all this?” She waves her right hand around at the complete havoc of exposed plaster, beams, sheetrock, power tools, ladders, and general wreckage. “Home Depot Work in Progress Chic?”

My lips press together as I fight a smile. “Funny one, babydoll. I’d like to think of it as one man’s crazed attempt to bring back a slice of history. Estimate she should be straight and restored to her long-lost glory in about two years. Don’t sleep much, so this beauty gives me somethin’ to occupy my time with when I’m not looking after the bar. We tend to keep each other company. If you’re that interested in my fixer-upper, then I’m obliged to give you the full tour. Follow me.”

I use the opener on my key ring to pop the top off the beer and extend my arm in an exaggerated, sweeping motion. “After you, wildcat. I’d watch where you step, though. Nails and shit scattered about, at least down on this first level.”

She makes her way into the living room, slowly winding around stacks of lumber and gallons of paint. Still inspecting, she asks curiously, “Are you renovating this all on your own?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Did you study architecture or historical restoration?”

I choke out a laugh into my fist, nearly splashing my beer all over myself.

She spins around, her eyes questioning.

“Shit no, wildcat. Never went past high school. But that don’t mean a man can’t pick up a few books at the library. There’s a world of free education out there if you go lookin’. Learn as you go, that’s my motto. Wouldn’t have it any other way.”

“So you have a creative streak in you then, cowboy?”

“Wouldn’t go that far. Just like makin’ things right, that’s all. Saw this house, and it was endless levels of fucked up. They were practically givin’ it away due to the termite damage alone. I could see past the chaos, knew it was somethin’ special once, long ago. Needed a place to live after I did my ten years in the army and wanted to settle downtown in the historic district, to be close to the action. Figured we’d make a good match. So far, I was right.”

“It suits you.”

I grin. “Oh yeah, how’s that? Weathered and gritty?”

She takes a step closer and lowers her voice, the streaks of moonlight complementing her flawless skin. “Hardly. You’re an excellent match because you’re both damaged and quite beautiful.”

My chest tightens. Her words … her simple damn words are a direct hit. This woman, this strange, confusing woman, with one look can somehow manage to see me, the real me. The man whose need for self preservation has always driven him to walk the solo route through life.

I shrug, doing my best to act casual.

“Yeah, well, might want to rethink that theory, sugar. Just a simple guy who likes to fix shit—’bout as straightforward as it gets. C’mon, I’ll show you what I’ve actually finished so far. It’s not all ruin and grime inside.”

I prefer talking about factual shit versus emotions of any kind—something I know little about and a topic that makes me extremely uncomfortable.

Following behind her, I wonder how the fuck she can be so graceful in those five inch stiletto boots, but then again, everything about her is like that, so why should I be surprised?

As she reaches the top step, I tell her, “Turn right and head to the last door, the one at the end of the hallway.”

She’ll be the first person, with the exception of Alex, to see the master bedroom. I’m curious what she’ll think of the overhaul. A lot of fuckin’ sweat and endless hours went into the restoration, but all well worth it, in my opinion.

She’s already far into the oversized room when I flick on the light switch and lean a shoulder against the ten-foot-high doorframe. She still has her back to me, but I see how she’s taking it all in, inspecting everything from the relief work surrounding the fireplace mantel to the original moldings that decorate the walls. Her eyes linger on the four-foot-across carved, circular ceiling medallion that surrounds the original though refurbished crystal chandelier.

Very slowly she turns around and whispers in shock, “You fixed all of this?”

I break her stare, suddenly embarrassed. Fiddling with the label on my beer I ask, “Yeah. You like it?”

“It’s breathtaking. It reminds me of a house I knew long ago. A once magnificent house. What you’ve done here is remarkable, Colton. Honestly. I’m quite impressed.”

An intense sadness fills her eyes as she walks over to run her fingers along the curves of the ironwork bed.

I clear my throat and say, “Yeah, well, the bed frame came with the place—thought it was cool. Sanded it down to get the rust off and then painted it black. The sofa was here as well. Liked the curved lines, had it restuffed at a fabric place and took the dude’s suggestion to cover it in brown velvet. Feels good to sleep on. It’s where I crash most nights, actually. Come over here and sit down with me.”

I sink down into the sofa and watch her walk toward me. Christ, even her walk is seductive as hell. Mental note: keep at least a three-foot distance.

She sits close and shifts to face me, our knees nearly touching.

Fuck.

Still staring in wonder she says, “I’m really impressed by what you’ve done. I can only imagine what it looked like before this.”

“I’m a determined man, sweetheart. Figured I didn’t stand a chance unless I went room by room, so that’s my plan. When I got the place, everything had basically been stripped down to the beams. Guess the last owners gave up or ran out of cash trying to tackle this house. Slow and measured seems to work for me, until it’s all done right.”

She smiles, her white teeth gleaming from full, inviting lips. Fuck, I want those lips like a man in hell wants two blocks of ice, one to sit on and one to lick.

Time to switch gears. Rapidly. Time for answers.

“You wanna explain to me why a wolf that huge and aggressive wanted to rip us to shreds?”

“It never came close to harming us.”

“Bullshit, darlin’. I saw it. Thing matched my weight, maybe more. I want you to explain to me what the fuck it wanted with you and how in the world you were able to stop it. Seein’ as my brain can’t come up with one single logical solution.”

She says solemnly, “I believe it was a Dire Wolf.”

I shake my head in annoyance. “To hell it was, sweetheart. I know wolves, used to shoot ’em for tryin’ to get at our livestock back in Montana. That thing was different—a mutation or somethin’ ’cause of its size alone. Besides, Dire Wolves have been extinct for thousands of years.”

“Ten thousand years, precisely.”

“Fine, smart ass, ten thousand years. That doesn’t explain why an animal that was easily forty percent larger than any wolf I’ve ever crossed paths with was prowling around in the fuckin’ middle of the night in a coastal southern city or how you, a woman who can’t weigh more than a buck twenty drippin’ wet was able to stop it without a weapon of any kind. You should’ve been mauled to death, yet here you sit, without a darn scratch, having a conversation with me about it. Now start talkin’, ’cause my patience is wearin’ thin.”

In an eerily calm voice, she responds, “And just how are you entitled to believe that you’re owed an explanation from me?”

I lean in close, making sure that she can feel my breath against her face. “ ’Cause, darlin’, I was there, was part of it, and from this moment forward I’m choosin’ to make your safety my business. You’re into some heavy shit, baby, I get that. I want the details so I can protect you.”

She looks briefly shocked before ringing laughter erupts from her throat. “Protect me? You … you want to protect me? Cowboy, if nothing else, you’re definitely entertaining.”

The back of my neck burns hot in anger. In a flash I close in on her, caging her between my arms and the high back of the sofa.

My voice is a near growl. “I wasn’t tryin’ to be funny, Cosette. Already warned you not to tease. Now you’re gonna tell me what I want to know. Right fuckin’ now.”

Her eyes are watchful but unemotional—a surprising reaction for a woman who is basically immobilized by a man twice her size.

In the faintest whisper she asks, “Are you threatening me, Colton?”

“Baby, I’d never threaten you. Why’d you even ask that?”

“Because you are being excessively demanding. And if you push me too far we’re going to have an issue with each other. An issue resulting in your immobilization.”

I’m not giving an inch on this. “You’ve got the demanding part right; it’s just how I’m wired. You’re still stittin’ here, meaning you can’t be too frightened of me. Now start talkin’.”

This close to her, I can smell her scent, an intoxicatingly beautiful smell that reminds me of the snow white gardenias I pass by on my early morning runs near Chippewa Square. I shake my mind clear of the pleasant distraction and continue, “Tell me about this ‘Dire Wolf’ theory then.”

“I think that someone or something genetically engineered them and is also controlling them.”

“What?” I whisper, astonished. She’s either mental or on drugs.

“You heard me. Wolves or animals of any sort were never a threat to my kind until recently. About three weeks ago, one attacked me. I was caught off guard; it was nearly fatal. Since then, two more incidents have occurred. Different beasts every time. They’re exceptionally strong and intent on coming after me.”

“How can you be certain they weren’t the same wolf?”

“Unless a dead-as-a-doornail wolf can regenerate and change fur color, then they were different. I took them all out. That’s why you’re still looking at me.”

“Wait … you said, ‘your kind.’ What did you mean by that?”

“It’s best you not know, Colton, for your safety.”

She’s not hiding info from me. No way.

“Fuck that. I want the truth. I know you’re different, don’t know how, but whatever it is, I can handle it. Tell me.”

“Why don’t you tell me what you think I am?”

I lean in closer, our faces a hair’s breadth away. “Woman, the time for stallin’ and playin’ games is over. Two outta three times we’ve crossed paths have been under violent circumstances. I saw you ravage a wolf with your mouth, not to mention roundhouse-kick a three-hundred-pound bouncer backward through a pane of thick glass. Now I’m gonna ask you one last time, what the fuck are you?”

She seems hesitant, but ever so slowly something changes in her features. A look of trust emerges as she answers, “I’m something defined as ‘other,’ something that you would never, ever be able to comprehend, Colton. I’m what they call a vampire, and I have been since the year 1782.”

Confusion and a cold shiver of fear ripples through my body as I stare at her, astonished to the point of shock.

“Colton, I know what must be running through your head—that I’m either as mad as a hatter or something along the lines of what you’re familiar with, maybe B-movie scenes from vampire horror flicks or something along those ridiculous lines, right? Well, we’re nothing like that. I’m merely a different species. One that is both rare and exceptionally deadly, given the right set of circumstances.”

Slowly the pieces all line up perfectly in my recall—her superior strength, her monumental confidence and lack of any fear, those fucking fangs, not to mention those intimidating eyes that can change color. My bullshit radar is super keen and one thing I know for certain is that this woman isn’t lying. Well I’ll be goddamned. Un-fucking-believable.

“Were you once human, then somethin’ happened to you?”

“Exactly.”

“Tell me.”

“Why don’t you ease off a bit, and I might.”

“Sorry. You do things to me, woman.” I push away and lean back against the sofa, taking a much needed gulp of ale in the process. My hands are slightly unsteady as I set the beer down on the floor by my right boot.

She speaks slowly, as if recalling a dream, “It all began with a horseback riding accident.”

She watches me, as if to gauge my interest level before continuing, “I took off on a racehorse, a massive Arabian named Sacred Falls that I had zero business on. I was knocked off his back in the woods not a mile away from the stable. The fall subsequently severed my spinal cord. I wanted to die but didn’t even have the faculties to carry out that selfish act. Thankfully, my uncle Severin and his creator, Katerina rescued me. She was the vampire who turned me.”

All business, I ask, “Did she have to kill you to do it?”

“Nearly, yes. But you have to understand that I was already dead inside. Colton, there was no hope for me. I would have lain in that bed of mine until my body slowly withered away completely. Every day I’m grateful for the chance I was given to live as what I am now.”

“How old were you?”

“Twenty.”

“You look about that age now.”

“Yes. We don’t age. I most likely seem older because of my confidence and the way I carry myself. When you have been around for a few hundred years, less and less impresses you. Jaded acceptance replacing rampant excitement would be the best way to explain it.”

“I’ve seen the blaze in your eyes. Things fire you up, wildcat.”

“Specific things, intriguing things, yes. I’ll admit that I’ve always been drawn to danger and the unknown, the unusual. This will never change. Does what I am bother you?”

“Nope.”

“That’s all you have to say on the subject of me being a vampire?”

“Yep. I’ll be honest, I don’t give a flying fuck if you’re a vampire, a ghoul, or a possessed demon, darlin’. Still doesn’t change the fact that I like you and I wanna know more about you.”

Her outstanding eyes are wide and wary. I wonder if someone has hurt her in the past to make her this skittish. My fists tighten at the thought.

“Now it’s my turn to get personal, cowboy. Why do you fight? Tell me honestly.”

“Easy one—same reason you straddle that cycle every night. Probably the same reason you took off on your final ride on that racehorse as well—to feel something. To get that indescribable feeling of power, of adrenaline that reminds us that it’s all worth it.”

“That is a very interesting way to put it, cowboy.”

“Don’t know shit about that, just know that fuckin’ rush is beautiful and pulls me out of the gray, the everyday, the bland. It also helps me release the pent-up rage I’ve always had in abundance. Add in the fact that I can make around a grand a night for a ten-to-twenty-minute fight seems all right by me. Sure as hell has helped out with the endless shit I have to buy to rebuild this ancient place.” I reach down and tag my beer between my fingers before taking another swig.

“You’re right, Colton.”

I lower the beer from my lips and ask, “ ’Bout what?”

“About the rush. That’s exactly why I need it—crave it, actually. I think I’ve always been drawn to danger.”

“Yeah, some of us are, like a moth to a fuckin’ flame, wildcat.”

“You mentioned rage. Where does that come from?”

“Had a twin. She’s dead ’cause of me. End of story.”

Deep sorrow fills her eyes as she says softly, “I’m sure there is more to it than that.”

I don’t want her pity. “Not really.”

She watches me closely as the thick seconds tick by before I change the topic. “So you live with your uncle, then?”

She looks down at her ivory fingers. “No. I used to, but then I began a relationship with someone he vehemently disapproved of and basically forbid me to have anything to do with. About a year ago I moved here to live with that person. We’ve since broken up. Turns out my uncle was right about him. Now I live alone, here in the city, until I figure out how to repair things with my family back in Charleston.”

“Please tell me your ex isn’t the slick fucker with the chick hair from Sub-Zero?”

“The exact one.”

I slam my beer down on the wood. “Dammit, woman, you need your head examined. That guy looked like a dealer. Who knows what low-down shit he’s into! He’s like you, a vampire?”

Her eyes narrow in fury. “Yes, and I’d watch your mouth, cowboy. Running it like that could get you into trouble.”

I lean forward and speak low and slow, “Let me be crystal clear, darlin’. I’ve never said nothin’ that I don’t mean. Period.”

She stands in a blur of motion. She’s so impossibly fast it catches me off guard, causing me to jerk backward. Seething, she stares down, grinding out, “Neither do I. This conversation is over. Goodbye, Colton. Good luck with your house.”

“Wait!” I jump up, unwilling to let her pull her disappearing act on me again.

“What is it?”

“I only meant that you’re too fine a woman to ever be with some lowlife like that dick, er, I mean guy. That’s all. Can’t fault a man for statin’ the God’s honest truth, can ya?”

“Just watch your step. I make my own rules and I don’t care to be second-guessed.”

“Sensitive, wildcat?”

“I guess you could say that. At least about personal issues.”

Time for a change of subject. I want to explore the attraction between us.

I tag her left hip and gently pull her against me. “I bet you’re sensitive in many places that I want to learn about.”

“What? W-we … this … can’t happen. Let me go.”

“Nope. Want you too damn bad to do that. What are you afraid of?”

“Injuring you beyond repair.”

I burst out laughing, finding her statement ridiculous. “That’s not possible, sweetheart. Now, where were we?” I lean down to try and press my lips against the ones that I’ve been dreaming about since the night I first laid eyes on her. They nearly connect when she pushes hard against my chest, making me stagger back two steps. Her eyes are huge and look both haunted and frightened.

“No, this can’t happen,” she insists. “I … I don’t trust myself.”

Doesn’t trust herself? What the hell? She can’t possibly think she could harm me, does she?

Without another word she bolts for the door, flying down the shadowed steps at an unimaginable speed as I struggle to keep up.

“Wait! Cosette! Don’t go!”

By the time I stumble out onto my front porch, she’s long gone. I hear only the distant growl of her engine as it echoes through the stillness of the night.

Knowing that she can’t possibly hear me, I whisper what I was trying to say before she fled, “Whatever it is, Cosette, whatever you’re afraid of, I’m gonna fix it. You’re going to be mine, whatever the cost.”

Now I just have to figure out how to find her again

Frustration rolls through me like a wave. Annoyed, I slam my hand against the porch post and growl in frustration, “Shit!”

Chapter Seven

Midnight, November 18, 1782

Seville, Spain

“Watch how confidently Ambrose stalks his prey, Cosette. See how he takes his time, how he patiently waits for just the right moment to approach her?”

Severin and I watch him from the rooftop overlooking the western façade of the Palacio de Lebrija. He’s standing motionless in the inky shadows as she approaches from the right. The silken fringe of her oversized azure-colored Manila-silk shawl sways in a nearly hypnotic motion as she sashays up the sidewalk of Calle Cuna. When she’s twenty feet away, he smoothly takes two steps forward, revealing himself to her. She halts before him, and it’s instantly clear that the gorgeous woman is attracted to him. What female wouldn’t be? At well over six feet in height with shoulder-length corn silk-colored hair he’s definitely exceptional, especially amongst all the dark-haired, dark-eyed people here.

We listen closely as he controls the situation, speaking softly yet flirtatiously. Within minutes she offers to take him back to her room at a nearby hotel, assuming he can meet her fee, that is. He hands her the money up front and tells her quietly, seductively, that he’s thirsty and would like her to accompany him on a walk to a nearby late-night tavern before heading to the hotel. With money in hand, she readily agrees, obviously proud to be seen on the arm of such a distinguished and handsome gentleman. It’s always fascinating to me how his angelic beauty and carefree smile is interpreted as harmless. I have come to learn over the past few months that it couldn’t be farther from the truth. He can be as deadly as a Bengal tiger when he chooses. We all can.

“He won’t kill her, will he?”

“No. He will most likely have sex with her before, during, and after he drinks from her, but Ambrose is controlled and respectful. He will spare her life.”

“She is very beautiful.”

“The finest prostitutes always are. They rely solely on their looks to survive. The unattractive ones never last long.”

“Why is that, Uncle?”

“Because, my sweet Cosette, life is cruel. You play the hand you’re dealt, and if you happen to be an ugly prostitute, then you will inevitably starve to death.”

His head swings to the right. “Stay here. I detect another vampire close by. If you choose to feed, use the skills I’ve shown you.”

“I will. Please be careful.”

As the last word slips past my lips, he disappears into the night air. I admire Ambrose for fulfilling his needs—all of them. I’ve been aching for a man’s touch recently, nearly as much as I crave blood. Could I trust myself to have sex and drink blood at the same time?

As I contemplate this heady, arousing possibility, I hear him for the first time. A low, soft hum, beautifully melodic. I watch from above as the young man with the robust dark curls rounds the corner, instrument case in his olive-hued hand.

He’s mine.

My landing is silent as I drop down behind him onto the sidewalk. The night is chilly, with little activity on the street. He must be on his way home.

I swiftly catch up to him, and when I’m only three paces away, he senses someone and whirls around to face me. His almond-shaped eyes widen. He’s obviously not expecting to see an attractive blue-eyed woman staring up at him.

He smiles softly, a dimple prominent on his left cheek. His accent is lush and fluid as he purrs, “Hola, hermosa. ¿Cómo estás?” Hello, beautiful. How are you?

I grin mischievously, “Me siento sola.” I feel lonely.

He begins to speak again, but I place my index finger against his full lips and make a shhh sound.

I smile brightly and tip my head toward the arched alcove of the entryway leading into the palacio. There are plenty of heavy shadows perfect for what I have in mind for us tonight.

He glances both ways, up and down the foggy street, before being led into the darkness. Even though he can’t see in the dark, my night vision is keen. His eyes flare with excitement as I press my body against his, causing him to back up against the smooth marble wall.

“Mmm,” he groans as our lips meet.

His kiss is searing, eager as he lets go of the case to thread his fingers through my hair. He smells clean, like the ocean. I can feel the hard length of his sex straining against his dark slacks as his toned body writhes passionately against mine. Both of us are growing frantic for more—more pleasure, more fulfillment. I gasp as one of his hands slides into the silk bodice of my gown, gently palming my breast.

Losing control. Must stop this, now.

The warning is like a screaming siren in my skull as the lust and hunger rapidly spin into an unstoppable cyclone within me.

My fangs have fully dropped and he jerks back as his pink tongue inadvertently nicks one.

His blood … so rich and pure.

He doesn’t have a chance to push me away before one hand clamps down against his mouth and the other pins him against the stone by his shoulder. My blade-like fangs waste no time plunging into his tanned neck. His low, muffled cries of terror barely register as the perfection of his warm blood floods my mouth. The combination of sexual arousal and hunger makes it a far more exquisite experience. I pull deeply, savoring his closeness, his heat. The shared connection between us. His struggle soon ceases and he moans in the pleasure that my bite provides. I didn’t glamour him as I should have—I was far too excited to remember to do so—but after the initial sting of the bite all he’s feeling is bliss. I can hear his heartbeat become faint. I know I should pull away, that I’ve already taken too much, but I don’t want my best encounter yet to end so quickly. His blood is so tasty ….

No, just a little more.

His tall frame slumps against me as I ravage his neck like a complete savage.

“Cosette, stop immediately.”

Severin’s voice behind me is uncharacteristically flat and menacing. With difficulty I unhinge my jaw and pull away from the beautiful young man.

“Oh!”

My stunned cry echoes helplessly throughout the arches. Without my support he drops straight down to land in a heap on the black and white marble floor. His vacant eyes are wide with confusion.

My eyes fly to my uncle’s, “We have to do something, I … I took things too far. Tell me what to do. Help him, please!”’

With his eyes never leaving the corpse of the young man, he says solemnly, “Nothing can be done for him now. We must dispose of his body. This is what I’ve warned you against repeatedly, Cosette. From now through to the end of your existence—if it ever ends and assuming you have any conscience whatsoever—you will regret the selfishness of the choice you just made.”

My hands tremble then close into fists by my side as self-loathing engulfs me. I can’t help but dread the crushing look of disappointment that Katerina and Ambrose will give me when they find out what I did tonight. Never again. Never again will I run the risk of drinking from someone I’m strongly attracted to. I can’t be trusted. I’m a killer, a merciless killer. Only disgust for my vile actions holds back my unshed tears.

Chapter Eight

Present Day, 12:45 a.m.

Savannah, Georgia

“Fuckin’ stay down, man! That guy is off the chain … need to let this one go!”

In a fog I hear Alex shouting at me as sweat and blood drip down into my one good eye. I struggle to push up from the concrete, not wanting Mr. T-Rex Dickhead to take tonight’s win from me. The ribs on my right side are pulsating in white hot pain, but I’ll take that shit all day long rather than lose like a total pussy. No, somehow he’s going down. I just have to find a way to do it. Right fucking quick.

His Southern drawl is menacing as he warns, “Get off that floor and I’ll make you regret it.” A wad of his spit lands two inches from my face.

Nobody talks to me like that. Ever.

My entire body burns in agony as I force myself up from the filthy ground. I do my best not to stagger sideways as I get my feet beneath me. Staring at him, I silently wonder where the hell this guy came from. I thought I knew all the toughest fighters in the southeast. It’s not that he’s particularly skilled; the sheer mass of him is a force to be reckoned with. I’m just shy of six and a half feet and he’s got several inches on me and at least eighty pounds of honed muscle. I know that there’s only one thing I can do to fire myself up enough to beat him and I dread going there.

As he stalks toward me, knowing that he’s already put me through the fucking ringer, I force my mind to go back to that night, the night she died, the night he blamed me for it, for everything.

A red wall of rage rises up as I attack, launching myself hard at my opponent.

“Holy shit! Fuck yeah! Lay into him, Brennan!”

Alex’s booming voice is like a distant echo as I go completely crazy, finding the strength I was looking for to savagely beat the man, imagining that he’s my piece of shit father. Using my last reserves of energy, I let my fists go into overdrive, slamming into him over and over without a scrap of mercy. His sporadic hits that come between mine hardly register; I’m too far gone for that. I haven’t a clue how I got him down to the ground and beneath me, but at this point his face is quickly beginning to resemble a large package of hamburger meat.

I have no regrets; he knows the game and would’ve done the same or worse to me, given the chance. He nearly did. He stops resisting and I’m hauled away, still swinging. It’s over, and even though I’ve won, I feel sick. I push viciously past the onlookers to get outside of the warehouse, needing air because I’m about to puke.

The boxing tape hangs in bloody shreds off my swollen, clenched fists held against my filthy Adidas track pants. I’m shaking from the aftershock of the adrenaline spike as I pull out my mouth guard, spitting out saliva and blood in the process. With my tongue, I check my mouth to see if the gigantic bastard knocked loose any teeth.

A hand slaps down on my sweaty back, and I twist my head to see Alex standing there sporting a just-got-a-blowjob grin. “Damn, son! That was fuckin’ epic.” He hikes a thumb over his shoulder. “His pissed-off buddies are still tryin’ to haul him up in there. Scary as shit to see you like that though—possessed psycho motherfucker. I don’t know where you found that rage, my man, but it sure won you the fight of the year, not to mention paying out big time for your best buddy, who always bets double on your crazy ass to win. Hey, you all right, man? You don’t look so good.”

No fucking shit. I was just about annihilated by a freak of nature.

Bent forward and still struggling to breathe normally, I look up at Alex. “You know how to find people, right?” His brow furrows. “There’s a girl I need you to find for me,” I explain. “Tried without any luck for two weeks now.”

“I can try, what do you know about her?”

“Remember that night, down near your bar when the cycle pulled up?”

“Yeah, the one that about gave you a hard on.”

I clutch my throbbing side and grit out through clenched teeth, “Yeah, well it actually was the rider that got me hard, not the bike, smartass.”

“You’re shitting me. That was a chick on that Ducati?”

“Yup.”

“Fuck. That’s so hot. What do you know about her, aside from her expensive taste in exotic cycles?”

I’m only willing to share the basics, not that he would believe the rest of it if his life depended on it.

“Name’s Cosette. No last name that I know of. Cycle’s rare, like I thought, a 1299 Panigale S. I’d be shocked if there were more than five of ’em in the entire state of Georgia. Lives alone, apparently. No address or place of work known.”

“Got a cousin, Josh, works over at the DMV. He might be able to pull somethin’ up on the owner of the bike as a favor. That and I can ask around. Savannah’s not a big enough place to hide in for long, especially not when someone’s looking hard.”

“Appreciate it, man.”

“I’ll let you know. Hey, lemme give you a lift home. You’re in no condition to get on that chopper.”

“Good call. Need to settle up with Mace first.”

“Go get your cash from the little bastard. I’ll wait for you in the truck. I’m parked right around the corner.”

“Thanks.”

“You got it, brother.”

I’m walking back toward the warehouse, peeling the saturated wraps off my hands, when the sexiest voice on the planet says smoothly from behind me, “Next time you might want to have more of a say in your opponents, cowboy. That was a tight win. My call? You got lucky.”

I straighten my shoulders and turn around slowly, a smile on my face. “Yeah, well I’m glad you liked the show, babydoll. And when it comes to fightin’, I always seem to be kind of lucky ’cause I’m that good. Surprised I didn’t see you watchin’—then again, he had me a bit preoccupied. You lookin’ for some company tonight, wildcat? I could definitely use an extra set of hands cleaning up these wounds—that is, if you’re up for it.”

Her eyes track over my wrecked body, following the trail of cuts and multicolored bruises. She sighs, “I don’t know if I should be suspicious or flattered that you’ve been digging for intel on me. What in the world am I going to do with you?”

I give her my best devilish grin. “Anything you like, wildcat, and hopefully it’ll be illegal in most states.”

She laughs and shakes her head. Does she have any clue how gorgeous she is?

“All right, you win, again. I’ll take you home. Go settle up and let your friend know that you have a lift.”

“That’s all good, sugar, but your ride’s only a single seater, remember? Can’t fit a big man like me on there with ya.”

“Who says I brought the motorcycle? I drove a car tonight, and by the way, my bike is registered under a false address. A necessary precaution against nosy cowboys.”

“You’re a handful, you know that, princess?”

“Better that than being dull.”

“Abso-fucking-lutely.”

***

“So I suppose that whatever you’re behind the wheel of has gotta be somethin’ straight outta The Fast and the Furious?”

Whipping the black Audi R-8 to the curb about a hundred yards from his house, I glance over and grin at him. “Bingo.”

“Sweet ride, wildcat. Never been in one of these before. Would ask what you do to be able to afford it, but not sure I wanna go there.” He glances down at the blood stains that his fresh injuries have left on the light-colored seat. “I’ll come back out later and wipe down the leather, promise.”

“Thanks for the offer, but I think your focus right now should be on those nasty gashes of yours. Let’s get you inside and cleaned up so there’s no possibility of infection setting in. That place you fight in is definitely lacking in any concept of hygiene.”

He starts to laugh and suddenly winces, his right hand flying up toward a particularly deep gash above his eye. “Stop making me laugh, woman. It’s fuckin’ cruel.”

I shut the car off, reach back and grab the bag full of items I’ve just picked up for him from the twenty-four-hour convenience store two blocks away. Stepping out, I go around the back of the car, thinking that it’s witty banter like this that draws me perilously closer to him. I’ve had several physical relationships before, but nothing of real depth and never with anyone who made me laugh and feel so desirable. There’s an undeniable connection between us, a unique understanding this brusque, mysterious human offers me that draws me into his seductive web.

I did my best to stay away. I really did.

He tries to stifle a muffled groan of pain while unfolding himself from the low slung sports car. He’s still shirtless and his battered left hand is clutched tightly against his ribs.

“Hand me the keys. Let’s get you inside.”

“They’re in the front zipper of my backpack.”

“Got it.” I snag the keys, hand him the backpack, and step up to his front door.

Once inside I set the bag down on the small island. I take out the Gatorade and Advil and place them on the wood. Within seconds I feel his heat closing in against my back, making me go still with nerves and raw lust.

In his low drawl, he says quietly against my hair, “Don’t matter why you came back, just that you did. I would’ve found you, Cosette. I hope you know that. The time for runnin’ from me is over.”

Ever so slowly, I turn around and stare up at him. The moonlight plays against his features, making him appear both handsome and fierce. For the first time in my life I have no clever response, and apparently he’s not waiting for one because his backpack drops straight down to the floor beside us as his hand moves up gently to caress the left side of my neck.

His stubbled face is calm but his eyes gleam with a hunger that matches my own. He uses his thumb to trail lazy passes back and forth against my jaw line while his fingers curl possessively around the side of my neck. Everything about him—his measured control, his natural, all male scent, and his larger than life presence—overwhelms me with primal desire. I took precautions before seeing him tonight. I fed, hoping that it would help me to stay focused.

His free hand closes around my hip and pulls me closer against his heat. He whispers, not a half inch away from my lips, “Thank you for coming back and for not fighting me. I want you so damn bad that just the thought of you drives me to the edge, you know that, baby? You know how you haunt me each and every sleepless night? Don’t know why, but I’m not gonna relent until I figure you out, and it all starts between us tonight.”

My breath catches in my throat and my body responds, aching in hot need at the delivery of his possessive words.

“Don’t be afraid of me.”

“It’s not you that scares me, Colton.”

“Good. ’Cause I’d never hurt you. But I’d damn near kill anyone who ever did. Any more wolf encounters, while we’re on the topic of your safety? Been worried about you.”

A protector? Be careful, Cosette. He’s human; there’s no future with him. Whatever happens, enjoy it as temporary, but don’t get attached.

“No. Things have been relatively quiet lately. Besides, you know that I’m exceptionally capable of taking care of myself, don’t you?”

“Yeah, I know that. Doesn’t mean I gotta like it though, so from now on, I’m your first line of defense. End of story.”

“That’s chivalrous, but you can’t do that unless you take care of yourself first. Here, drink this and take these, please.” I reach behind me to retrieve the two bottles off the butcher-block island.

“I can do that. See? We’re a good team, lookin’ out for each other like this. Mind putting two of those in my mouth? Sorry, but my hands are filthy, darlin’.”

“Sure.” I open the cap and try not to appear as nervous as I feel. I tip them out and take one between my fingers. “Ready?”

Our eyes collide the same moment his mouth opens and his tongue slides out.

Oh God. He has to know how he’s unraveling me at every turn. Whatever few defenses I had left have disintegrated in his presence. The chemistry between us is so incredibly powerful.

I do my best to steady my hand as I place a pill on his tongue and watch him take a long swig of the orange liquid. We go through the same motions once again, and just watching him swallow leaves me practically shaking with need. I want him to touch me. Anywhere.

He turns, takes a few steps, flips the lock on the deadbolt and crosses back to me. His voice is low and has a gruff edge to it as he says, “Gonna take that mouth of yours now. Can’t wait any longer to taste you.”

His hands wind urgently through my tresses as his face closes in, becoming a blur as those beautiful lips of his collide with mine for the first time. The pleasure of his hot, skilled mouth rolls over me like a warm wave as his eager tongue slips in, seeking mine. My hands twine around his neck, pulling him closer. I need more.

“Oh!”

I gasp as he roughly grabs my ass and hoists me up onto the island without uttering a word or breaking the contact between us. As we face each other eye to eye, things turn frantic. Our tongues lap and devour while our hands roam everywhere in greedy exploration.

A rough, sexy sound like a purr rises up from deep in his chest, so sensual that it causes my fangs to drop. He immediately notices and pulls back a few inches to stare across at me.

He’s breathing hard. In a low, wondering voice, he says, “Holy shit, your … your eyes. They’re black again, just like that first night … Jesus, baby, and those fangs ….”

Damn it! There is nothing I can do about the natural change that happens when I’m either highly aroused or seriously pissed off and ready to draw blood.

Suddenly shy, I look down. “This is what happens when I get really worked up. There’s nothing I can do about it. Do I look ugly to you?”

“Hell no, nothing about you could ever turn me off. It’s really fuckin’ intense, that’s all. Not gonna lie, I didn’t know you, those black eyes would definitely shock the shit outta me. Open your mouth for me; lemme see those sexy fangs.”

I open wide and tilt my neck back a bit as he curiously examines them.

“Now those are hot.”

“Oh yeah? How hot?”

He whispers as if he’s sharing a naughty secret with me, “This hot.”

His mouth claims mine once again and I can’t help but whimper with pleasure at the power of the connection. His hands are still wrapped around the back of my thighs as he grasps tighter, lifting me up into the air, pulling me tight against his strong body.

I break the kiss to gasp, “Wait, what are you doing? Your ribs, Colton!”

He’s moving quickly. My legs are instinctively wrapped around his waist and we’re already at the base of the stairs when he tells me in an all-male, very amused voice, “Hush up, woman. I’m not that injured. Now hold on and gimme those lips again.”

For a human he’s undeniably strong and impossibly demanding. I happen to be turned on by both traits. Highly.

I do as I’m told and seductively lick across the seam of his lips when his eyes flare in hungry interest. Tilting my head to the side I begin to softly explore his mouth with mine, kissing him slowly as we make our way up the staircase and then down the long shadowed hallway leading to his bedroom.

I’m vaguely aware of him slowly releasing me as I slide down his body. Our lips are still connected as my heels touch the floor. His fingers trace across my forehead as he pulls back. “Damn, I’m a gross wreck, angel. Wanna keep me company while I shower?”

I grin. Do I ever.

“Lead the way.”

A pleased look flicks across his face as he guides me through a door in the far corner of the room. Once inside the dark enclosure, he hits the light, revealing a pristine, pale gray and white marble bathroom that is first-rate in its construction. He releases me to turn the dual showerheads to the ‘on’ position as I admire his work.

“You kept this from me on the tour, you know.” My voice sounds different—softer and distinctly nervous.

How can being alone with a man have this effect on me? Get yourself together, lady.

“Yep. I like the thought of constantly surprising you.”

“I am surprised, but so far, I’m quite a fan of your taste and skill. It’s perfect.”

“No.”

I tilt my head, “No?”

He turns around and rests both hands on his hips. His searing gaze begins at my feet and ever so slowly travels up until he’s peering down at me through impossibly long lashes. “Perfection to me isn’t this room or any other, sweetheart, but what’s standin’ right in front of me is.”

My breath hitches. Never has a man ever made me feel so adored, so cherished. Especially in such a short period of time. It’s his honesty and sincerity that are so touching.

“Colton, I ….”

He suddenly seems uncomfortable with his verbal display of affection and turns away again to check the water temperature. Swiftly changing the subject, he says, “Hush. Shower with me now. Thinkin’ I’m definitely gonna need some help cleaning these cuts on my back.”

“Is that the only reason you want me to join you?”

He turns back to face me again, his demeanor all business, “Fuck no.”

“I didn’t think so.”

“That a yes, then?”

Without another word I begin to slowly undo the zipper on the side of my black silk skirt. I keep my eyes locked onto his. I wore the feminine outfit, along with the wicked Bordelle lingerie, just for him, knowing that there was a strong possibility we would wind up like this.

As my skirt flutters gently to the floor right along with my modesty, his lips part slightly, and every muscle in his body tightens till he’s like a drawn bow. I see the outline of his thick cock, which pulses eagerly behind his black track bottoms, and I can’t help but swallow at its size—even more impressive than I had imagined. He looks like a savage whose one last thread of humanity is about to snap.

I want it all.

“Now the rest,” he says.

His voice is gravelly and controlled as he grates out the command. I pull off my top and then kick off my stilettos. Moving slowly, I take a single step closer to him, immediately wondering if I’ve just made a colossal mistake, because now he’s towering over me and I’m left feeling exposed and nearly helpless in only my miniscule bra and panties. How can he make me feel like this, so feminine and delicate? As a vampire I’m aware that I’m exponentially stronger than he is, but that doesn’t change my urge to submit to the dominance that he exudes when we’re alone like this.

“Your turn.” My eyes trail down to his low slung pants and then back up to his face.

His lips press together and then tip up at the corners as both thumbs hook into the waistband on each side of his toned hips. Ever so slowly he slides the shiny black fabric down, revealing a pleasure trail of tanned male flesh while freeing his delicious length in the process. My eyes are riveted on his cock as he carelessly kicks the garment off to one side. He folds his arms across his chest and lets me look my fill. My mouth is already watering as dampness floods my scrap of silk panties. He’s nothing short of magnificent.

His head dips to my torso. “I’m not a patient man, wildcat. Need help with those?”

My mouth snaps shut. I realize that I’ve actually been salivating at the sight of this naked male. Cool and unaffected, Cosette? Long gone.

“I was just taking my time, admiring your impressive assets.”

“Mmm-hmm. You’re about to admire them a helluva lot closer. Now let me see what I’ve been dreaming about for these past couple of weeks.”

His arrogance is incredibly sexy and only ramps up my desire to be ravaged. Reaching back, I unhook the bra first and shimmy out of it, letting the delicate scrap of fabric drop between us. He remains silent, but his gleaming eyes are locked onto my breasts like a starving predator’s. My nipples harden under his blatant stare, and before I lose my nerve, I begin to slowly work my panties down and off of my legs. His deep groan sounds almost inhuman as his fierce gaze consumes me. I hold still as he reaches out, placing his hands on my waist and pulling me in close as he walks us backward into the marble shower. Steam has already filled the enclosure, making everything hazy. His large, callused hands begin running across my bare flesh.

“Damn, you’re a vision, baby. So fuckin’ soft and beautiful. I can’t think straight around you.”

His hands wrap around my shoulders, and he positions me beneath the warm spray. I reach out to touch his chest but he stops me, grabbing onto my wrists with a stern shake of his head. “Nuh-uh. Lemme get clean for you first, then those pretty hands can explore all they want.”

He turns, snags a bar of soap, and steps back under the spray shooting out from the opposing showerhead. I watch him as he washes, all business and efficiency. The grime and dried blood begin to blend with the white bubbles that slide down his wet skin and finally swirl in a pool at the drain. He’s heartbreakingly gorgeous and doesn’t seem to have a clue. Maybe that’s why I’m so enamored. He’s pure and raw and so unlike anyone, human or vampire, I’ve ever met.

And I’m not waiting a second longer.

He’s just turned around. He has his back to me and is scrubbing his palms against his face beneath the water when I meld my body to his, reaching my right hand around to grip his sex. He goes stone still, obviously surprised by my bold move. I begin to stroke him, and his thick cock kicks and jerks hotly against my fingers, eager for more attention. His hands slap high against the slick wall and I watch his head drop low, the water rolling down and across his bruised and cut back as he repeatedly groans in guttural pleasure.

I can’t resist trailing soft kisses along his injuries as I work him from behind. My left hand has just reached around to caress his balls when he grasps hold of my wrists and squeezes—just firmly enough to stop me. I’m about to protest when he lets go and turns around to stare down at me with a look of sheer ferocity on his face.

His voice is nearly unrecognizable as he says, “What you just did, touchin’ me like that, well that’s just like addin’ a gallon of kerosene to an already blazin’ bonfire, darlin’. Back up against that wall now. Do it.”

I’m stunned for a second because I’ve never had a dominant lover before. A couple have made weak attempts to show dominance, but it ended up awkward and nearly laughable. No, this alpha human means exactly what he says and has the wherewithal to back it up. If I refuse his command he would most likely punish me or worse, end it. It’s that black and white. I’m too far gone with pure lust to even consider hesitating, so on unsteady legs I step back and press my backside against the sleek marble, wondering what his next move will be. He surprises me by closing in and wedging both his feet between mine as he works my legs wide open for him. I watch excitedly as he drops down to his knees before me. His scarred hands slowly skim up the length of my legs while his head disappears into the delicate flesh between my thighs. I sigh deeply at the first skilled swipe of his wide, warm tongue.

“Mmm, Colton.”

A throaty growl is his only reply.

He takes his time, lapping ever so slowly as my body relaxes and yields to his touch. With trembling hands I reach out and caress his shoulders, marveling at their massiveness while the water trickles in rivulets through his hair and lower down along his tattooed skin.

“Oh, please … so good. God, don’t ever stop.”

My pleas seem to spur him on because he moves lower to work that wicked tongue of his farther up inside of me. The heat of his mouth against my sensitive folds is so intoxicating that it’s throwing my body headlong into blissful chaos. Without realizing it, I spread my legs as wide as they can go. I pull him closer, desperate for the intense pleasure to last. I’m clinging to him as my hips grind down against his mouth. Close, so close, nearly there … how did I ever live without this? Just a few more swipes of that perfect tongue of yours, cowboy ….

***

I know one thing … if I ever tasted something this sweet and perfect before now I sure as hell would’ve kept a tight rein on it, never lettin’ it get far. Not only is the taste of her beyond belief but she’s so flawless that I’m having trouble focusing on the job at hand. The moment I dropped down to show her how badly I’ve wanted to taste her I nearly became unhinged at the sight of her bare, stunning pussy. I should’ve known it would be like the rest of her, exceptional beyond measure.

Time to tame you, darlin’.

Her eyes flutter open in dazed confusion as I rise to my feet, spinning her around to face the wall at the same time.

“Wha-what?”

Using my right hand I tether both her wrists in my grasp, pinning them high up above her head.

Now she’ll know exactly who’s in charge.

I mold my body against her silken skin and whisper darkly, “Hush, Cosette. In all fairness, you need to be warned, baby.”

“Warned? About what?”

Her delicate voice quivers with excitement on the last word as she tries to turn back to find my eyes.

“That I fuck exactly like my personality, sweetheart: firm, relentless, and completely determined.”

She cries out as I move in, guiding my cock right up to align with her drenched entrance. In one unyielding motion I press into her and have to grind my back molars together because her pussy is impossibly tight and so damn exquisite. I’ve never felt anything even fuckin’ close to this level of perfection. My only goal is to make certain that she feels my passion for her, that once I get her there she’ll have no doubt of my intentions and how deep my emotions already run.

Once I’m seated to the hilt, I give her all my weight so there isn’t an inch of space between us. I drop a lone kiss against the back of her wet hair and whisper in her left ear, “All right?”

She whimpers slightly before answering, “P-please, I need—”

I cut her off, “I know, wildcat. Trust me, I know.”

With that I tighten my hold on her wrists and wrap my left hand around her waist as I pull back and slam right into her. She barely has time to scream before I start up a driving rhythm, fucking her with everything I have, knowing that’s exactly how we’ve both been craving it since our first encounter.

Quickly her desperate shrieks turn wild, close to animalistic, as I pin her gorgeous, wet body against the wall and continue working her relentlessly on my cock. I’m focused on sending her right over the cliff before I follow. The way her pussy is clinging to me is stretching my control to the snapping point. I ramp up my thrusts and at the same time slip my fingers down to play right against that rigid, eager clit of hers.

“Oh, yes. Oh God, please, Colton!”

I grin in satisfaction as she bucks hard against me. Using my index finger I start up a relentless circle as she starts to shake and tighten against my hold. Nearly there … so fuckin’ beautiful.

Against the back of her head I grind out the command, “Let go for me, Cosette. Do it. Give me that orgasm. I want it from you and I’m gonna get it.”

Buried impossibly deep within her, I feel the first clenching waves start up. I pull back out and thrust home, grinding firmly into her tightness as her screams of ecstasy begin bouncing off the shower walls.

Music to my fuckin’ ears.

“That’s it, such a good girl.” I growl low, not able to hold back a second longer. I intensify my pounding thrusts, loving the way she’s cumming for me without holding anything back. I shove deep inside of her one last time before releasing with a raw shout, my cock pulsing so fast and hard from the unbelievable orgasm that I’m seeing black spots and feel like I’m on the verge of passing out.

Holy fuck. Unfiltered perfection.

I’m gasping for breath and feeling like my muscles are suddenly made of Jell-O—most likely the after effects from the fight and the rampant fucking—when I realize that she is perfectly still. Too still.

Oh shit.

Did I hurt her? Was I too rough?

My eyes fly up to see her tiny hands balled into fists, completely trapped in my punishing hold. “Cosette?”

I gently pull out of her pliant body, release her and spin her around to face me, but before I can blink she’s shoved me away and I go flying back four feet to slam against the opposite wall. I wince as my back hits the marble so fucking hard—it’s a wonder the shit didn’t crack under pressure. Pain rolls though me but I mentally push it back.

She stares across at me with the crazed look of a trapped animal, a look I’ve never seen on her face before. Her fangs are bared and the black pupils are just adding to the shocking sight.

With difficulty she rasps, “Get … get away from me.”

She looks scared out of her mind. What changed?

“Cosette, what’s wrong? Talk to me, sweetheart.” I take a step toward her to comfort her but she shrinks away into the corner, yelling, “No! I’m about to bite you! Get away!”

She’s hungry? I’m furious that she’s holding back when she needs something. I lash out, “Then fuckin’ bite me, woman! Take what you need, I don’t give a shit! I just want to give it all to you. Don’t you think that the thought of you drinkin’ my blood hasn’t crossed my mind before now? I’m not that fucking dense. Gimme some damn credit!”

She stares at me for a long, tension-filled moment and finally rasps out, “Please, please, Colton, at least go into the other room. I need time to get my emotions under control. Please … the urge is so strong and I’m worried that I won’t be able to control myself with you. I’m begging you.”

Give and take. You’ve waited this long to get close to her. Don’t piss her off now. The possibility that she would ever harm me is stupid as shit, but I’ll give her what she wants. This time around.

“Fine. You have ten minutes then I’m comin’ back in here to get ya.”

She nods once and I can’t help but think how beautifully vulnerable she looks with her long black hair covering her breasts as she stands drenched and naked before me. My dick starts to harden at the thought of sinking into her once again.

I snap a towel off the rack and stalk into the bedroom, closing the door firmly behind me, reluctantly giving her the privacy she pleaded so desperately for.

I briskly towel off, trying to calm my surging emotions. I had hoped that the shower session would lead right to round two in my bed, where I could make slow, sweet love to her for the next two hours.

What the hell happened?

I toss a Duraflame log into the fireplace and use a Zippo to light each end. Securing the towel tightly around my waist, I cross barefoot to the bed and flop down onto my aching back, the tension and intensity of the past several hours finally taking its toll. I glance over at the bedside clock, which reads 2:17 a.m. Light streams out of the bathroom as she suddenly emerges. I prop myself up on my elbows to watch her. I sigh because she’s dressed and that’s something I’m not fucking happy about in the least.

“C’mere.”

Hesitantly she replies, “I really need to go.”

“I do somethin’ wrong, somethin’ you didn’t like in that shower, babydoll? I can handle it. Tell me.”

Her dark brows draw together and she vigorously shakes her head. “No. No, it was nothing like that. Honestly. It’s just ….”

She trails off and looks away, staring at the leaping flames.

I’m not giving her the chance to keep what’s going on to herself.

I growl, “Look at me. It’s just what?”

Now blue, her eyes fly to mine. “You were right. It’s just that I wanted to taste your blood. Desperately.”

“And that’s a problem how?”

“That’s a problem, Colton, because I crave it so badly that there is a strong probability that I wouldn’t be able to stop myself. I could very well kill you, drain you dry! Does that resonate with you?”

I bark out a laugh. “Shit, girl, you wouldn’t be able to kill me. I can handle you and that situation.”

I only catch a glimpse of her fury as the final word slips past my lips. Before I know it, she’s moving in a blur, pinning me down, straddling me with a vice-like hold on my throat.

“You think you can handle a vampire? Truly? Show me. Show me how strong you are, Colton. Do it.”

I’ve never heard her voice so flat and detached before, and it sends a shiver of discomfort up my spine. I swiftly brush the feeling aside, saying, “All right then.”

One hand closes around her slim wrist and the other latches onto her upper arm. I use my weight in an attempt to flip her beneath me, but nothing happens. Logic tells me that it’s impossible, that there is absolutely no reason for me not to be able to flip a slight female, but the force she is exerting to hold me down is immense, easily equal to that of five men my size. Not possible. I strain harder and try again, using everything I have to move her. Nothing. I am trapped beneath her, completely immobilized and gasping for air.

She leans down to whisper menacingly, “Now do you see how dangerous it is for me to be this close to you? I was on the verge of bleeding you dry in that shower, Colton. The force of the orgasm ignited my unchecked hunger for you. It’s a miracle that you’re still alive.”

She opens her hand and sits back on her haunches.

I push up on my elbows and in a matter-of-fact voice argue, “Lemme tell you somethin’, and I want you to listen close. Instinct has kept me alive all these years, Cosette, and deep down it’s screaming at me to trust you. Completely. Now make up all the fuckin’ excuses you want, woman, but the fact is, we’re right for each other, and if you wanna drink from me, for whatever reason, then do it, because I sure as shit don’t want you going anywhere else from this point on. You’re mine.”

She seems stunned at the gravity of my words.

“I’m serious.”

“Colton … this, all of this between us is so foreign to me. Not only am I trying to figure out what you are coming to mean to me but more importantly, how to keep from harming you. There might be a way for me to drink from you, but I need to give it some more thought. Can you be patient with me?”

“Yeah, yeah I can. Wanna kiss you, though. Get back down here.”

Her vivid eyes soften as she hovers closer. Her still damp hair falls all around us a moment before our lips connect. My hands close around her shoulders, pulling her against me as the tender kiss rapidly turns heated and frantic. I groan into her mouth as our tongues play in eager exploration. Her head tilts to the side as her hand caresses my cheek and then brushes over my hair.

I break the kiss for a moment to whisper, “You’re so damn perfect, you know that?”

“Colton, I’ve never—”

“Hush.”

I claim her mouth once again and savor the intensity, the energy that’s flowing between us. It’s always how I’d imagined and never dared to hope it could be with a lover.

Just when I’m about to take things to the next level she stops to whisper quietly, “I really have to get going.”

“No. I want you to stay the night with me.”

“I can’t.”

“Give me one reason.”

“Dawn.”

“Sunlight messes with you?”

“Immensely.”

“Need to fix that.”

“What?”

“Get some blackout curtains or even more shit in here so you can safely stay with me. I want you close to me.”

Both of her small palms run across my temples, “You’re an exceptional man, Colton.”

I just stare up at the woman who is quickly conquering every one of my well laid defenses.

“When can I see you again? I’m working ’til about two thirty every night this week, but I can come to your place afterward.”

She seems hesitant. “I … I don’t know, Colton. I’ve been trained to be incredibly private about where I live.”

“Fuckin’ blindfold me and take me there then. I want to spend time with you, not harm you or run my mouth to buddies regarding private shit about you. If you don’t know that about me by now then you never will.”

“I know, and you’re right. It’s just … with everything that’s been happening recently, I feel vulnerable. You can understand, right?”

“I want to, baby. I also want to help protect you—that is, if you’ll give me a chance.”

“Fine. I’ll pick you up on River Street tomorrow night. You can come with me to my place, but I’m warning you, the blindfold isn’t a bad idea. I might use it to get you there. I’m a wary kind. It’s the way I’ve been taught. Survival is paramount in my world, Colton.”

I grin at her. “Darlin’, give me a damn roofie if you want. Drug my ass to get me there if you have to. But know this: you can trust me. I’ll always have your back.”

“That means a lot.”

Her body feels so good on my chest that I’m reluctant for her to leave.

“Promise you’ll come.”

“Yes. I promise, Colton. I’ll see you in just about twenty-four hours.”

“Lemme write down my cell in case somethin’ comes up. If you’re running late, just text so I know you’re all right, ’kay?”

She slides off me and stands beside the bed, adjusting her skirt. “My cowboy. So protective.”

I get up and twine my arms around her waist. “You know it, Cosette. One last thing … why did you come to the fight tonight? It’s been two weeks and I was beginning to think we might never see each other again.”

“It’s simple, really. I couldn’t fight the pull anymore. You’ve done things to me, to my emotions, that are difficult to explain and impossible to deny. I tried hard to stay away, but each hour, each second that went by became more of a weight, a discomfort that had only one cure. You, Colton. You.”

My chest tightens as I pull her against me. In that moment I realize that she’s the one I’ve been searching for my entire life.

Now I just have to come up with a solid plan to keep us both alive.

Chapter Nine

Eleven Years Ago

Brennan Ranch

I glance sidelong at the headlights of my old Bronco that are providing the only source of illumination for my grueling task. The fierce blizzard started up just shy of three hours ago. After checking miles of fence line I’d met up with the old man a quarter mile from the house, where he informed me that there was a massive gap on the western side barbed wire. Lucky me, I was the guy for the job.

The wind is so fierce and the driving snow so thick that my visibility is limited to about twelve inches ahead. I’ve already re-seated a new post—the one that caused the collapse in the first place. The old one had substantial rot and is lying to the side, mostly buried beneath the snow. My leather work gloves provide little in the way of warmth, and at this point sensation is nearly gone, but they’re my best defense against my hands getting torn up from the barbed wire. I pause for a second and consider climbing into the truck to warm up for a minute but decide against it, wanting to get the job done. Fucking around will just stretch the misery out longer.

Our heated disagreements over just about everything have steadily become more frequent over the years and the tension between us constantly threatens to boil over. I thought that after my father remarried six years ago, he might calm down. Alice seems like a nice lady, far better than he deserves, but he’s still the same damned mean-ass bastard he’s always been. Nah, I’ll stay out here until the job is done—don’t want to give him yet another reason to come down on me. I do the work quickly and efficiently and things are nearly tolerable between us. When my work is not to his liking, well, then there’s hell to pay.

“Aw, shit!” I’m nearly finished when my right glove gets snagged up on a rusty barb. I fuck with it for a few minutes; finally, teeth chattering, I give up and slide my hand out of the protection.

The burning in my exposed hand is immediate and intensely painful. Cursing furiously, I get to work in the near blinding conditions, finally managing to get the last wire strung and secured, doing my best not to get my bare hand snagged up.

I curse a blue streak as I grab my tools and haul ass over to my Bronco. Thankfully I left the thing running and I moan at the welcoming heat.

Staring at the mended fence I lash out, “Bastard wolves, let’s see you fuckers try to get at the cattle through this!”

After what seems like forever, my teeth stop chattering, and that’s when the panic sets in because my right hand is still numb and deathly white.

“Fuck!”

I flip on the overhead light and whip the glove off my left hand to compare them. The right one definitely looks different, ghostly, but it’s the loss of feeling that makes my stomach twist and clench.

I unfasten my coat and shove the injured hand into the center of my Carhartt, doing my best to warm it against my flannel shirt as I use my good hand to drive back to the house. It seems to take forever because the drifts have become deeper. Even with four wheel drive I’ve spun out a few times.

The old man is watching the news and before I have one boot in the front door he asks without looking at me, “Repair done?”

“Yup. Think I might have a problem though.”

In open annoyance he mutes the TV and stares over at me. Without saying a word, he’s letting me know he expects me to start talking. The caring type he’s not.

“Glove got snagged up on the wire. Had to work without it for a while. Think I might have frostbite.”

He shakes his head and growls, “Then drive your butt to the hospital, boy. I’m sure as hell not gonna take you. Next time I step foot in that place is when the meat wagon comes for me.”

I stare blankly as he looks away and clicks the sound back on.

Standing silently in the corner near the kitchen, Alice says in a small voice, “I’ll drive you, Colton. Just let me get my coat.”

As the last word leaves her lips my father states matter-of-factly, “No, you won’t, Alice. Your tail is staying put right here where it belongs.”

I turn on my heel and head back out into the storm, wondering why I even bothered to come into the house to begin with. In that moment I’ve come to realize that he’s never gonna change his nature. Not ever.

The doctor scribbles a few notes after the examination and I’m on edge with what he has to tell me.

“Well son, looks like you got lucky. It’s my assessment that you have suffered only first degree frostbite on your right hand. The fact that the skin was exposed in the current wind chill and wasn’t severely damaged amazes me. We are going to wrap it to allow it to heal properly and I would like you to stay here under observation for the next forty-eight hours. I’ll send the nurse in to take care of everything. Do you have any questions for me or is there anyone we can call for you?”

“No, sir. I’m not gonna lose any fingers, am I?”

“No. As far as I can determine, everything is going to heal. The trauma was limited to the surface of the skin only. So long as you follow the treatment instructions and do not re-expose or injure the hand then the skin will return to normal. It might take up to a week for full sensation to return but you should not have any permanent nerve damage.”

I nod at the silver-haired doctor and he starts to leave the room. When he’s a few feet from the door I call out, “Hey Doc, one last thing.”

Glancing down to check his pager that has just gone off he asks, “Yes?”

“Passed by an Army recruiting office on the drive into town. Do you know what time they open?”

“I’m not certain but one of the nurses can bring in a phone book for you.” She straightens his glasses and asks curiously, “Why?”

“ ’Cause when I check out of here that’s my next stop.”

He stares at me and nods before saying, “Well, you seem to just meet the age requirement so I’d have to say that’s an admirable decision.”

He’s gone before I can respond.

Alone in the sterile room, I stare out the second floor window at the endless swirling snow, wondering why the fuck my mother didn’t take us with her when she left him for that bull rider so long ago. Had she owned up and done the right thing, my sister might very well be alive and I’d certainly be in a hell of a lot better shape than I am now. After tonight, I know that if I stick around he’ll all but take my soul away with his relentless demands and indifference.

Nope, time to go the solo route. My eyes slide shut and I will myself to rest up for the unknown.

Chapter Ten

2:20 a.m.—Present Day

West Hull Street, Savannah

The sweet scent of magnolias and jasmine permeates the humid air as I step out of my three-story stucco home, nestled between two other elegant ones very similar in style. The night is tranquil, and aside from an unfamiliar van that is parked about a hundred yards away, everything seems quite normal.

I’ve replayed my last encounter with Colton countless times in my head. I never knew how profound an impact one person could have on another in such a short period of time. The fact that what we have together is rare is beginning to really sink in, and I’ve decided the best thing to do is take it step by step. Earlier tonight I made a trip over to The Fresh Market on Abercorn Street. I want to cook for him and hope that after a long shift he’ll be hungry. I smile in anticipation of what he’ll think of my house. I hope he likes my taste. The décor is not far off from the subdued tones and classical styling of his own pad. I was going to text him that I’m heading his way now, but we’ve already agreed that I’ll pick him after his shift so it isn’t necessary. Besides, I like the anticipation factor.

My fingers reach out for the handle of my car when the first violent blow comes from behind, so unexpected, rapid, and forceful that I’m launched forward over the hood of my Audi, slamming hard against the iron gate that leads to my home. The precision and force of the attack could only have come from a single source—vampire.

The instant my body hits the ground I put aside any pain and go straight into survival mode, flipping upright onto my feet. Then I hear an unfamiliar voice say, “Get the wolf! I’ll force her into the back garden. Remember, he said it has to look like it took her down, not us.”

I’m livid, thinking, Just you try me, fuckers.

I hold still and wait for the battle to begin. All my training flashes through my mind as I catch sight of the back of the van opening up. Immediately I scent the wolf that is led over on a heavy chain by an unknown vampire. I should trace, but I know that if I do they’ll keep hunting me and I’ll never have the answers as to why I’m being stalked and threatened. No, I’ll take them down in this order: vampire number one first, wolf second, and finally, vamp number two— that is, after I extract intel from him about why I’m being targeted.

In the blink of an eye the vampire traces in front of me. His hand reaches out to grab hold of my neck, but I drop low and take his legs out in a blur of speed. He goes for my ankle and traces us both to the walled back garden where the other vampire and the huge animal are already waiting for us.

Play it smart and tactical, Cosette. Fear has no place in scenarios such as this one.

The vamp on my ankle has just let go and is now upright, about to leap onto me, when I disappear, tracing behind him to get his neck in a chokehold. He hisses violently and flips me up and over his back, which shakes loose my grip. Instinct takes over and I simply react, kicking him hard in the chest. My kick sends him flying back against a gurgling fountain that is quickly demolished. I’m doing my best to keep the other vamp and the animal in my line of sight, just in case they decide to join in the fun. The wolf is snarling uncontrollably and seems to be working itself in a frenzy to get at me. I charge headlong at the injured vampire, and before he can put up much of a fight to push me away, I go for his neck, biting savagely over and over again until I nearly take his head off. That will come later.

I turn back to the wolf and the second highly pissed-off vampire, who sneers, “You’ll pay for that, you stupid cunt.”

I shrug. “Not my fault that your amateur buddy couldn’t hold his own, now is it?” He glares at me as I continue in a bored tone, “Well, what are you waiting for? Come collect, big talker, and know that I’ll find out exactly who sent you. Trust me, you’re not going to like how I play.”

Both our heads whip to the right as a neighbor shouts from an open window directly across the dark street, “Hey! What the fuck? It’s after two in the morning! Shut your damn dog up or I’m callin’ the cops and animal control, assholes!”

The vamp sneers cruelly and with cold eyes never leaving mine, he reaches down to unclip the beast from its thick chain. It’s salivating hard as it lunges straight for me like Stephen King’s Cujo. I flash to the side and punch it in the head as it passes by, hardly fazing it. I do my best to take down the wolf first but the second vamp is tracing all around me, doing his best to disorient me as I fight. The first vamp is long gone, leaving only a pool of blood in his wake. He must have taken off after I ripped into him. I’m surprised he was still able to trace, but there’s no time to dwell on him.

Suddenly I’m hit brutally on the side of my head by the swiftly tracing vampire. The blow brings me to my knees for a moment as I trace to the far corner of the courtyard to get myself together. Unfortunately the wolf is already waiting there, only two feet away. I don’t have time to pull back a fist. All I can do is hold the thing by its neck as it lunges for me, its powerful jaws snapping away as it gets closer to my face.

To hell with this!

Using all my strength, I toss it forcefully to the side, which will buy me the time I need to reposition myself and take it down. The moment I release the wolf it lands on all fours and spins back around, already coming at me. I’m bracing for impact when I lose sight of the other vampire. Panic grips me as the wolf leaps, and in a split second I’m shoved forward by the sneaky vampire who has traced behind me. My raised hands aren’t enough to stop it as the beast’s teeth rip into the side of my neck with the power of an electric chain saw. I scream in agony at the possibly lethal bite. It’s crazed as it unleashes on me, mauling me repeatedly in the chest and neck as the vampire holds me down by the arm, preventing me from tracing away. At this point I’m trying desperately to just get it off of me. Its weight is tremendous as it presses me against the damp grass.

Suddenly the strobe of a flashlight swings in our direction. “Savannah Police! Don’t move!”

The vampire hisses in black rage, “Next time there won’t be anyone around to save you, Cosette!”

And with that he takes off with the wolf, disappearing over the back wall into the cloak of night. I choke out a cry of desperation, knowing that the wounds are going to be fatal if I don’t get help immediately. The lights of the police officer are closing in and I hear the latch of my gate click open. He’s only thirty feet away when I clasp my shredded neck and will my body into stillness, using the last of my energy reserves to trace to the safest place I know—Severin’s. I only hope that someone is there to help me.

“Hey … someone here? Ambrose? That you?”

I know that deep bass voice; it belongs to Case. With my throat nearly carved away I can’t respond. Lying prone on my back in their dark kitchen I do the only thing I can do—I smack my free palm frantically against the hardwood floor and hope to God that suspicion gets the best of him and he comes in to investigate. My vision is dimming, but I can make out his imposing frame as he rounds the corner a second before the recessed lights flick on overhead, causing me to squint.

“What the fuck ….”

He speaks in a stunned whisper. Suddenly his instincts override the shock and in a flash, he’s kneeling down by my side, uncertain of where to start because I’m so wrecked.

He says in a rush, “Gonna text Severin. Two seconds, Cosette. Hold tight for me, girl.”

I’m trembling hard from the massive blood loss as I watch him whip out his cell, his thick fingers flying across the glowing blue screen. Setting the phone to the side he wastes no time ripping into his own wrist, and his warm blood immediately begins to fall in fat plops on my cheeks as he positions the wound against my mouth. The only thought that keeps echoing in my head is, Please, please let my throat work enough to take in his blood. If not, I’m doomed.

His rich blood fills my mouth but I can’t seem to swallow. Wide with panic, my eyes fly to his. He seems to understand the problem and carefully slides his dark tattooed arm beneath my shoulders to prop me up.

I nearly weep when I feel the first healing trickle slide down the remnants of my ravaged throat. Even that miniscule amount begins to work its magic as my body jolts hard in his arms. It’s like someone just hit me with a defibrillator. More blood slides down and my body responds greedily, going straight to work on the damage.

“Better?” he rumbles.

Still unable to speak, I do my best to answer with my eyes.

“All right. Just relax and drink.”

A female voice calls out from the hallway, “Baby, the movie’s about to start. What’s the hold up?”

She rounds the corner and I watch her hands fly up to her lips at the carnage. Her eyes are wide and questioning as they meet Case’s.

He speaks quickly in a controlled voice, “Severin’s niece, Cosette. He’s on his way. Go get us some towels, Kiana.”

The unfamiliar brunette turns and races back the way she came as I focus on getting as much of his healing blood as possible into my body.

Severin’s voice booms out from the adjoining room, “Case! Where is she?”

“Kitchen,” he calls out over his shoulder.

I pick up on the unmistakable worry in his tone as his footsteps close in.

“Cosette!”

He drops down on the other side of me. I flinch at the distress that’s etched into his face. I hope he knows that I would never show up like this unless it was a life or death situation. As family, he was my only choice, regardless of our personal differences. Behind him stands a petite woman with waist-length golden hair. I’ve never known my uncle to have anything other than casual physical relationships but I’m in too much agony right now to speculate as to whether or not they’re together.

His eyes leave mine and he asks Case, “Details?”

“Not much, man. I was heading to the wine cooler to tag a bottle when I heard a strange gurgling sound. Almost blew it off ’til the smacking started up. She was obviously trying to get one of us to help her. Thank fuck I’m a suspicious bastard. No clue what took out her throat. From what I can see, it doesn’t look like the work of a vampire. Thoughts?”

“Got the towels!” Kiana races over and sets a stack of gray towels down next to Case.

I can feel the repair already in process. The muscles are knitting back together and my depleted energy is slowly returning, bringing me back from the brink. I so owe Case ….

“Difficult to tell without a closer look.”

Severin’s cool hand brushes across my forehead. His tone is calm as he leans closer to ask, “Cosette, can you release your neck so I can have a look? Don’t be frightened. His blood is already healing you. The trauma is fading rapidly.”

My wet hand ever so slowly lets go of my most severe injury of the night, and I see the shock in the faces of the two women. It’s clear that they’re vampires, but both must be new or they wouldn’t be so visibly affected by the carnage. The rest of our family is far too familiar with violence to even flinch at something like this.

Severin studiously examines the gore for over a minute before asking me, “Cosette, this bite wasn’t done by another vampire, was it?”

I release my mouth from Case’s wrist, feeling that my body has had enough sustenance to fix the rest of the mess. Slowly I shake my head back and forth. I can see the confusion in his eyes, because a vampire can thwart or fight any animal on the planet. Until I can speak again I can’t explain that the attack was done by a gigantic wolf aided by vampires.

“Okay. When you’re healed you can explain what happened to you. All that matters is that you did the right thing by coming here to your family for help. We’ll find out who or what is responsible for this. In the meanwhile, you need to rest. Case will carry you to your room. It’s been untouched since you left last year. Whatever attacked you can’t harm you while you are under our protection.”

I’m hoisted up in the air and held firmly against Case’s thick chest as he strides down the vast hallway. I’m placed on my former bed, and before his arms slip out from beneath me I’m out, exhausted from the fight of my life. I’m pulled under, lost in a sea of unconsciousness.

I awaken to the sound of soft feminine voices coming from the far corner of my room.

“She was really close to Katerina, and then, well, you know the story. I think she took her death especially hard.”

My eyes open and find those of Ambrose’s girlfriend Alina, who is sitting in a chair next to the mystery blonde.

“Cosette, you’re awake. We were beginning to worry because you’ve been out for so long.”

I try to speak and hope for the best as a quiet croak emerges, “Hey, Alina.”

She smiles and walks over to stand next to my bed. Her hand touches mine. “Hey there, lady. I’ve missed you, a lot.”

“Me too. How long have I been out?”

Alina and I have been close friends ever since Ambrose turned her over twenty years ago. She’s visited me in Savannah a few times since I moved there to be with Tristan nearly a year ago, but it’s not the same as living under the same roof. The strain between Severin and me over my former relationship hasn’t helped.

“Nearly a day and a half. It’s three in the afternoon.”

I look over at the quiet woman. She stands and comes close, her southern accent flowing through the room, “Hi Cosette. I’m Calla. I’ve heard a lot about you from Severin.”

“Hi, Calla. Are you and Severin together?”

“Yes. We met a few months after you moved away. I was human. He turned me not long after that in order to save my life.”

“That’s good. I’m happy he found someone. He deserves that … to be happy, I mean. I’m surprised that nobody has told me about you before now.”

“You know Severin, how private he is. He wanted us to meet in person for the first time and asked that everyone keep our relationship quiet until you returned. He’s relieved that you’re healing well. He would never admit it, but he’s been worried sick about you.”

I look away and stare at the wall, suddenly uncomfortable. “Yeah, well, we’ve definitely had our differences. Guess that’s what happens when you have two headstrong relatives vying to be the one who’s right all the time.”

Silence hangs thick in the air until she says, “I’ll let him know that you’re awake.”

I turn my head and look up at Alina. “Tell me the truth … is my neck still a mess?”

She points to the bathroom. “Why don’t you have a look for yourself?”

I can’t read her expression so I slip out of the high bed, surprised to see that I’m no longer in my bloody clothes. The long ice-blue silk robe flutters against my ankles as I cross toward the bathroom. I hit the switch, take a step back, and gasp. Aside from four faint reddish pink horizontal streaks across the center of my neck, I’m all healed. My fingers shake as I brush against the once unrecognizable section of delicate flesh.

“Safe to say that Case has some powerful blood. He’s into MMA magazines and Blanton’s Bourbon if you want to send him a gift basket.” We both look at each other and burst out laughing. She hugs me tight, whispering against my hair, “It hasn’t been the same without you around. Glad to hear you dumped Tristan’s materialistic ass. Still, if you want to live on your own, know that I understand it’s your business. Really, I do.”

I lean back, look up into Alina’s gorgeous face, and see that she’s beaming at me. “Alina, you’re one of a kind, you know that?”

She brushes a strand of hair over my shoulder and grins devilishly. “Well, Ambrose certainly thinks so. I put his patience to the test on a daily basis.”

“Am I interrupting anything?” Severin asks quietly as he enters.

Alina chirps, “Not at all. I was just heading to the living room to see if Ambrose is up for a game of pool. See ya in a while, Cosette. Glad to have you back in one piece.”

“Thanks, Alina.”

“You bet, lady. Later.”

She sashays out of my room and I watch Severin, who stands silently at the end of the bed. Jesus, why does he have to be so damned imposing?

His strong, elegant voice fills the room, “I see that you’ve healed nicely.”

I sigh and walk over to him. He has at least a foot on me in the height department so I tilt my chin and look up to answer him, “I have.”

“I’m sorry that I wasn’t here when you arrived.”

“It’s fine. You had no way of knowing. I’m lucky Case was around.”

I shudder involuntarily at the gory possibility of what would have happened if he hadn’t been. There’s only one scenario: I would have bled out on that kitchen floor, leaving my family—my loved ones—to discover my corpse. We both know it.

“Exceptionally lucky, Cosette. Judging by the extent of your injuries, I’m surprised you could even trace. Do you feel like talking?”

“Sure, why not? Look, don’t get pissed at what I’m about to say, but for the past six weeks I’ve been attacked several times by wolves.” He looks completely perplexed but stays silent as I continue, “They’re different, a mutant breed of wolves, like Dire Wolves—massive as tigers and just as savage. That is what laid into my neck the other night. And before you inquire, yes, I could have killed it, but this time I was fighting against two unknown vampires as well. They were trying to annihilate me under the guise of the wolf as the lone assailant.”

Wise, sapphire-colored eyes assess what I’ve just said. Finally he asks, “Do you think this has to do with Tristan? Could someone be trying to send him a message by harming you? Or could he be behind it?”

I shake my head. “No way. Not a chance. I ended it with him about two weeks before the first attack happened. Anyone close to him knows we’re no longer together. He reached out to me with some info to share, intel that I thought might be about the wolves, but things went south and I concluded it was a dead end, just a selfish ploy to win me back. His enormous ego apparently doesn’t take rejection well, and he never stops trying. Anyhow, the wolf thing doesn’t have the feel of anything he would ever be involved with. He puts all his energy into his dealings at the nightclub.”

“Cosette, I don’t want to bring up the past but you are well aware that I wanted you to have nothing to do with him. He’s had a hand in several known vampire deaths over the centuries. He is power hungry and dangerous.”

“He’s a wannabe, Severin, trust me. He’s content to reign supreme from his throne at Sub-Zero, dealing out whatever shady deals he does there. I doubt he’d have the brain cells to plot against rival vampires, not without getting caught in the act.”

“I’ll do some investigating and call in favors from other vampires in the region. In the meanwhile, I would suggest that you remain here, where you are safe. It will be easier on me if I’m not worrying about you constantly while trying to find out who’s behind these acts of war.”

I appreciate his help, I do, but I’m not going to let whoever or whatever is after me bring my life to a grinding halt.

He lays a hand on my shoulder, pulling me out of my thoughts. “Cosette, is there something you’ve left out?”

Reluctantly I say what I’ve been dreading to confess, “Yes. There is, actually. I’m involved with someone. A human.”

Without missing a beat he says gravely, “Then he’s as good as dead. Whatever is after you already knows of his existence, and rest assured he or she will use your feelings for this male against you, most likely to trap you.”

Dread hits me like a full body blow. Not Colton. Not him. He’s rare and good. I can and will protect both of us.

There must be a way, and I’ll stop at nothing to uncover it.

Chapter Eleven

2:58 a.m.—Present Day

Savannah

I hold my right shoulder with my left palm and swing the aching arm around in a wide circle several times to loosen it up. It’s still sore as shit from the fight this past weekend and I know that the plaster work I’m about to tackle tonight is only gonna make it worse. No matter, it’s better than lying in bed staring at the fuckin’ ceiling, wondering why Cosette blew me off two nights ago. I tense up with fury just thinking about it.

Nah, I’ll do what I’ve done for the past two nights, work myself into exhaustion until I can hardly see straight, then, thankfully, stagger to the couch and pass the fuck out. Yep, that’s the plan. Again.

A floorboard creaks in the hallway right outside the bedroom I’m working in. I call out in a menacing voice, “Who’s there?”

If some crackhead just broke into my place looking for something to pawn, they’re gonna need a trip to the dentist for some serious work when I’m through with them.

I stalk out to where the sound came from and see her standing there, watching me silently. Those gorgeous eyes glitter up at me.

She steps forward, saying softly, “Colton—”

I cut her off harshly, “If you don’t have a bulletproof explanation for what the hell happened to you the other night, then get the fuck out of my house. Right now!”

I’m furious and it seems to catch her off guard for a moment. I’m about to turn away when she says, “I was attacked on my way to meet you.”

I eye her suspiciously, wondering if she’s playing games with me, simply because she can. My eyes drop, scanning her from head to toe. She looks uninjured … not even a scratch.

“It was two vampires and a wolf. I lost a lot of blood and had to trace to my uncle’s home. I … I’m sorry if you were angry.”

“Why didn’t you at least text me or better yet, come to me for help? I was fuckin’ worried way before I was angry with you. By the way, how the fuck did you get in here?”

“I traced here, and believe me, I wanted to contact you, but my cell went flying when I got hit from behind. I would have come to you but only vampire blood is strong enough to heal the damage from such a vicious attack. Please believe me.” She steps in closer. “I was really looking forward to us spending time together the other night, Colton. I’m sorry things turned out the way they did.”

My hands are on my hips as I blow out a deep breath and stare down at my boots before looking back up into her angelic face. “Get your ass over here, woman. I missed you something fierce.”

She takes the final few steps and wraps her body around mine. Smelling her hair, I murmur against it, “Damn, you feel so fine. Thought you blew me off for someone else, maybe one of your kind or some bullshit like that.”

She tips her face up to mine, and while running her index finger along the edge of the cut near my eye, she whispers, “Never. That would never happen. Oh!”

She gasps as I dip down and scoop her up into my arms. She clings to my neck. In only eight strides we make it inside my room, and once I reach the foot of the bed I toss her up into the air and she lands on the white comforter, giggling.

“I miss that vision in my bed, you know that, sexy girl?”

She says playfully, “Well, technically, I was only in your bed once and even then I was fully clothed at the time.”

I hastily kick off my work boots, grip a fist behind my neck to pull off my shirt, unfasten my belt, and the top button of my jeans and crawl up from the foot of the bed. I mock-stalk her as I say in a warning voice, “We’re gonna change that, effective right now. No covering up that body in my bed, babydoll. Nuh-uh, not acceptable.”

She shrieks in excitement and frantically moves back toward the headboard, but it’s too late. I trap her, pulling on one ankle. Her fancy high heel flies off to land somewhere on the hardwood as I drag her beneath me.

“Somewhere you need to be, wildcat?”

Her eyes flare in a lustful daze as my mouth lowers down to claim hers. Just before our lips connect, I answer the question for her in a barely audible whisper, “Didn’t think so baby, ’cause you know there’s no escapin’ from me, lover.”

What begins as a slow exploration soon turns greedy and fast, the electricity in the air building like a storm rushing in from the ocean.

“Mmm.” The appreciative moan slides from my throat as I taste what I’ve been missing.

I have her pinned with my weight, but that doesn’t stop her from writhing beneath me, desperate for more.

Only on my terms, darlin’.

Our tongues lap hard as the kiss turns almost violent in its intensity. She slides her hand down between us to palm my cock, as if I need additional incentive. At this point it feels like an iron bar trapped in my jeans. I’m panting, nearly gasping for breath as I wrap my hand around her lower thigh. Her legs drift apart, allowing me full access. My thumb plays casually against the silk of her panties, and I smile inwardly, noting that she’s already damp and ready to take me. I’m going to make her scream before I enter her this time. I watch her lustful eyes as I continue my slow assault over and back against that sexy little clit of hers. Her fangs have dropped and I must be fucked in the head to want nothing more than to have her plunge them deep into me. The thought of her taking my blood, drinking from me so she has what she needs gets me impossibly hard. I grip the front of her panties and rip them clean off as she whimpers in need. She splays her legs out wider to accommodate me while her fingers make quick work of the final four buttons of my jeans. I help her out and lift up as they slide down my legs, followed by my boxer briefs. I hastily kick them off my ankles and hear the buckle of my belt land with a clink on the floor. Then I turn my attention back to my sexy prey.

“You fuckin’ turn me inside out with that beauty you have going on, you know that?” She’s staring up at me as I unfasten her skirt and slide it down and off her smooth legs. One side gets caught on her other heel. I pull it off her foot and toss it backward, along with the mini.

“Colton,” she sighs, “I’m aching for you to take me.”

“Sit up for me.”

She does as she’s told and I slide her top off before reaching around to unfasten her sheer bra.

“Such a good girl …. Thinkin’ you might be on your way to a reward tonight.”

I pull it down her arms and see that she’s eyeing my cock like she’s starved for it.

She comes up to her knees and drapes her arms across my shoulders while saying in a seductive voice, “I’ll do my best and more to earn that sweet reward, cowboy. I want to taste it. Please?”

I answer her by leaning in to kiss her lips before dropping my gaze down toward my straining cock. She smiles playfully and lowers herself onto her stomach before me. Her mouth is slick and warm as her tongue licks just the tip in a light, playful manner. Then she gets serious, engulfing first the head and then lower, taking me so fuckin’ deep …. Only once do I feel the side of a fang slide lightly against my skin. I don’t mind, knowing that she only wants to give me pleasure. Her small hand can hardly wrap around it as she starts up a smooth tempo, fucking me perfectly with her gorgeous mouth. My head cranks back and a primal growl resonates through the room. It makes her pause, but for only a second before she continues working me quickly with her little vixen lips.

Pure fucking bliss.

My hands skim the length of her hair as she continues to drive me right into the red zone. She uses one hand to start playing with my balls and I know right away that I have to shut this down or I’ll cum in her mouth.

I gently hold her head and pull her away from me, prompting a little moan of protest. I lift her under the arms before pushing her down onto her back. As I watch her fall against the pile of pillows, I say, “Behave for me now… or else.”

She gives me a curious, sly look and asks, “Or else what?”

“Or else I’ll spank your sassy ass into obedience, that’s what.”

Her eyes go wide but within the black pupils I can tell that she’s excited by the idea of me punishing her.

“You wouldn’t dare.”

The challenge in her sweet voice is unmistakable. I cross my arms firmly over my chest and say quietly, “Try me, Cosette. You’re on the verge right now. You’ve been warned. Now lie back and spread those fine legs for me.”

A look of defiance passes across her face as she pushes her luck. Her glossy lips mutter, “Make me, cowboy.”

Before she can move an inch I grab her right wrist and haul her across my knees.

“Colton!”

I ignore her protests and press my arm firmly against the center of her back, essentially immobilizing her as I use my left hand to lay into her pert little ass. I’m bound and determined to teach her a swift and effective lesson in obedience. In the bedroom, I make the rules. Period. I know that with her strength she could effortlessly break my hold, but she stays still, taking the spanking with only minimal protests that mostly come in the form of sexy little huffs and groans. So she enjoys being a good girl for me. Excellent. When her cheeks are nice and pink I stop and reach down to play gently against her folds, using only my index finger. Just as I thought … soaked.

I lean close to the back of her hair and whisper confidently, “See, Cosette? I know you. I know exactly what you need in a lover. You can’t hide your desires from me … ain’t gonna happen. I admit that I’m a totally dominant asshole and I expect things to go my way. Now, we’re gonna try this again, sweetheart. Position yourself for me like I asked you to earlier. And I’m warnin’ you: the next time I gotta punish you, it’s gonna be twice as harsh, and it will be with my belt instead of my palm.”

Her palms are flat and her face is turned away, right cheek pressed against the fabric of the comforter. She nods. I move my hands away, freeing her, and watch her crawl across the bed, turning to face me when she reaches the pillows.

I watch her closely, waiting to see what she’ll do next. She knows me well enough by now to understand that I’m as tenacious as a Nile crocodile. I play to win. In all ways.

“We straight?”

She seems a little embarrassed by the spanking but I can see in her eyes that it’s turned her on beyond belief as she answers softly, “Yes, we’re straight, Colton.”

“Good girl. Can’t wait to lick that pussy of yours, baby. It’s so unbelievably addictive, you know that?”

A look of shyness I haven’t seen before crosses her features. After a moment’s pause, she purrs, “I love the graphic things you say to me.”

“Good. I’m glad. ’Cause it’s true.”

I bind my hands around the underside of her propped up knees and stare down at her pussy a second before I drop down, lowering my shoulders between her legs. She sighs deeply and her hands play against my hot neck as I flick my tongue out to connect with her eager little clit. Her body writhes in response to the sensation but I pin her hips down and begins to lick faster, determined to work her into an absolute frenzy for me before I fuck her into oblivion. My right hand glides down her inner thigh and I pull my mouth back long enough to lick two of my fingers, wanting them slick for entry. Her needy whimper floats down from above my head as I simultaneously seal my lips over her pulsing clit while filling her tight sex with both my fingers. Her hips begin to buck wildly and her hands frantically run a path across both my head and neck, pulling me closer into her, desperate for more as she struggles beneath me. I’ll give her everything.

Swirling my tongue harder, I up the pace. I can tell by her incoherent cries along with the tightening of her muscles that she’s close, very close.

Her wetness is covering my face as I raise my head to say, “Give me those eyes.”

Her lips are parted and her breathing is ragged as her eyes flicker open to meet mine.

“Wanna eat that beautiful orgasm that’s coming. You’re gonna give it to me right now, Cosette.”

Her onyx-colored eyes gleam with unchecked lust as she practically begs, “Please, do it! I need it so badly from you.”

I grunt in approval and get back to my task of shattering the recollection of any lover she’s ever had.

I test her limits and slowly work three thick fingers up inside, filling her tight sex while my lips and tongue make a rapid, relentless circuit over and around her throbbing clit. Inside of five seconds she loses it, thrashing wildly beneath me. Her piercing scream of unchecked pleasure sets my neck hairs on end as I pump my fingers into her, pushing against the gorgeous contractions of her orgasm, drawing it out to the maximum.

She finally calms and I push up on my arms, panting hard as I tell her harshly, “Now it’s my turn, angel.” My lips curl into a feral, predatory smile. “I’m gonna fill you so deep that you’re always gonna feel aching and hollow without me inside. And Cosette, you’d best brace yourself, ’cause it’s gonna be miles from gentle.”

She’s still trembling from the aftershocks of pleasure as excitement dances in her eyes. She starts to push herself up onto her elbows.

“No.” I plant my palm between her breasts and force her back down.

“Want you looking straight up into my eyes when you come again, and you will, wildcat … oh so sweetly, and only for me.”

I grip my granite-hard cock in my fist and work the straining head into the slick entrance of her tightness.

“Oh my God, Colton!”

Ignoring her cries I grip her shoulders and pummel my entire length right into her. A loud snarl rips from my throat as I start up a controlled, punishing rhythm, fucking her with everything I have in me.

Her pale hands fly up and she braces herself on my dripping forearms. With each thrust she is sliding farther up the bed, so I reverse my hold, scooping my hands beneath her armpits and gripping her against the scapula and tops of her shoulders. She’s not going anywhere now. My cock wants nothing more than to explode inside her, but I need her to give it up one more time for me before I’m satisfied tonight.

Sweat is dripping from my face down onto her breasts as I continue to drive her hard.

“Slide your hand down between us, angel. Work that sweet clit for me.” My voice comes out in a guttural rasp and I hope that she can understand me. I’m close to losing it from the perfect grip of her drenched pussy to the look of ecstasy on her heartbreakingly beautiful face that is staring up at me in lustful awe.

I can feel the back of her hand bump against my lower stomach as she begins to pleasure herself.

“Mmm … yeah!”

Her sexy little sound is so erotic. Time to help her out.

I edge my knees closer and lever upward on each thrust, determined to hit her g-spot as I give it to her. Each time I pull all the way back, near breaking the contact before I slam home with precision.

Her desperate pleas fill the room, “Oh, oh yeah! Gonna cum, right now, oh my God, Colton, just like that!”

Her body goes wild beneath me as the force of the second orgasm rips through her. I ramp up the thrusts, struggling to push into her glove-tight pussy that is clenching me relentlessly.

Fucking heaven … nothing better.

Suddenly I feel a blazing sensation at the base of my spine just as I swing my hips out and back into her perfect heat.

“Ah, fuck!”

My orgasm blindsides me, rising up like a tidal wave on the heels of hers, its brutal force rocking me to the core. I’m buried deep inside her when the final pulses subside.

My arms are shaking and my only option outside of crashing down on top of her is to use my last reserve of energy to twist and fall down beside her.

I’m staring up at the chandelier, trying to get my breathing under control when I realize that she’s still and quiet beside me.

“You all right?” I glance over and see that her eyes are closed.

She whispers, “I think so, just give me a minute.”

Propping myself up on my elbow, I touch her cheek and freeze as she flinches.

I pull my hand away. “Hey, look at me.”

Her eyes open, pupils still black as night as her head turns to me, “Please ….”

“Was I too rough with you or are you just thirsty? Talk to me, Cosette.”

“No. The sex was brilliant, beyond words.”

“Then what the fuck’s wrong? You’re hungry?”

“Yes. I … I’m sorry, I’m just trying to get control over the urge, Colton.”

I don’t miss a beat. Leaning in, I offer my neck. “So, do whatever you need to do.”

She scrambles off the bed so fast that she nearly trips and falls in the process. Her arms are wrapped around her waist as I sit up and say in an exasperated voice, “Woman, get back here and drink from me. The solution is right here.” I pat the empty space beside me and wait.

She looks longingly and then shakes her head. “No, I don’t trust myself. I already shared that I could kill you. Doesn’t that mean anything to you?”

“Nope.”

“Nope? That’s your only reply when it comes to your life, Colton?”

“Yep. Know you wouldn’t let it get that far. I trust you, Cosette.”

She looks away, seemingly ashamed. “Well, you shouldn’t. I lost control once and killed someone, an innocent guy. I swore that it would never happen again.”

“Darlin’, people wind up dead for loads of reasons with every passing second. I wouldn’t offer myself up as your late-night snack if I thought for one instant you weren’t in total control. Besides, you look pretty healthy to me.”

“And what is that supposed to mean, exactly?”

“Means that you get your nutrition somewhere, baby, and I’m guessin’ it’s not all from others like you. So, why can’t I be what you need in all ways? I want that, Cosette.”

She’s touched by my persistence and says hesitantly, “Well, there might be a way.”

Now we’re getting somewhere. “Tell me.”

“If you could restrain me it might make things easier; then if I lost control you could easily back away until I got myself back together.”

“You mean tie you down? ’Cause I think I really like where this is goin’, angel.”

“It’s not a joke, Colton. It’s for your safety.”

“Sweetheart, I don’t need jack shit holdin’ you down ’cause like I’ve already told you, repeatedly, you have more control than you think, but you wanna go that route, I got lots of gear around here that might work for that idea of yours. This bed frame is solid iron. I could tie you to that. Like it. Kinda kinky, actually.”

“You’re unreal.”

“You just remember that, wildcat. Feel free to scream it to me next time I’m riding you. It’s so fuckin’ hot.”

She rolls her eyes in mock exasperation and asks, “Do you have steel?”

I think for a minute. “Got some galvanized steel cable downstairs that I use with my winch.”

“That might work. Can you find a way to secure it to the frame, I mean, so I can’t get loose?”

“Yeah. I can handle that. Hold tight, don’t go nowhere. I’ll be back in a couple of minutes.”

I hop up and tag my boxer briefs off the floor, slide them back on, and rush out of the bedroom to get the supplies I need.

If someone would’ve told me a month ago that I’d be strappin’ my vampire lover down to keep ’em from eatin’ me alive, I would’ve laughed my ass off. Now it’s become a sexy as hell reality.

***

I’ve just finished trying to finger-comb my wild hair into some sense of order when an excited shiver goes through me. Colton is standing there in the thick shadows of the doorway, silent and watchful, with two lengths of cable dangling from his clenched right fist.

His voice is deep, nearly unnerving when he glances down to murmur, “They’re coated, so, yeah, that’s better, I guess. Won’t rip into your wrists.”

“All right. Do you have anything to secure them with?”

His left fist opens, producing an unopened twin pack of padlocks. “Was thinkin’ I’d use these to secure the door on the shed out back. Like your idea a lot better.” He always knows how to break the tension as he continues playfully, “Arms overhead like a good girl so I can tie you up.” His devilish grin widens, displaying his white teeth. I have a flash of him with fangs, biting into me. The erotic vision makes my breath hitch.

“What is it?”

I shake it off and raise my arms, murmuring, “Nothing.”

Lying on the soft bed I suddenly feel shy and a bit awkward that he’s about to restrain me in order for me to eat from him.

The weight of his knee makes the bed dip as he drops the hardware at the base of the mattress. Planting both palms next to me, he comes down in a push up-like stance to brush a kiss across my lips. “Promise you’ll take what you need, ’kay?”

“Yes, I will,” I answer quietly, trying to recall the last time I was so excited to taste someone’s blood.

I come up with the answer immediately: never.

“All right. Let’s get this party started. Now grab hold of the metal.”

I’ve never had a relationship with a human before now, mostly due to their fleeting mortality, seeing it as pointless unless they are turned, and that is rare. It’s worked out well for Ambrose and Alina and apparently Severin is incredibly happy with his mate Calla—same for Case and Kiana. But they were all turned under dire circumstances. What if you give your heart to someone and they eventually decide that vampires are vile or worse? What if they are killed in the crossfire of territorial violence, too weak in their human state to adequately defend themselves in the dangerous world you selfishly dragged them into … what then?

“Hey.” His index finger presses against the underside of my chin. “What’s goin’ on in that gorgeous head of yours? Second thoughts already?”

I shake off the grim thoughts. “Not at all. See? Hands in place.”

“Good girl. You know how I like it when you listen to me.”

Mmmm … and his dark rewards are always so impossibly sweet.

He straddles me and swiftly and efficiently twines the first cable twice around my wrist. Tight enough that there is no way my hand could slip out. There are loops with clamps at the base of each cable, the kind that a hook or clasp would slide into. He opens the padlock and slips both into the loops before hooking it over one of the thick swirls of iron. The lock closes with a crisp ‘snick’ sound and he wastes no time doing the same with the opposite hand. I know that I could instantly trace away and if I really strained, break the cables along with the ironwork of the bed, but this is a very effective precaution should I completely lose control and try to ravage his neck. It would buy him enough time to get away from me—not much, but enough. It passes as a safety measure.

“Gonna need to take you tied up like this sometime soon. Think you landed yourself a deviant sex fiend, darlin’, but then again, I think that it’s you who brings it out in me.”

“Come closer, Colton.”

“Yeah?”

“Oh yeah.”

He leans in and his scent crashes over me. My hands clench tightly—I’m so desperate to taste him. He’s not four inches away when I stare intently into his eyes. The act of glamouring masks the sharp sting of my fangs before I plunge them into his skin. It’s like a sedative of sorts, only one that acts on your perception of pain, guaranteeing that the experience is mutually satisfying. When his eyes glaze over I whisper seductively, “Closer, and tilt your neck to my lips.”

The heat of his skin brushes against my lips and I nearly moan at the mouthwatering contact. I strike fast, my mouth opening wide as my fangs penetrate his skin in one swift motion. The first taste of his rich blood stuns me with its intoxicating flavor. I knew he would taste amazing, but his blood is so complex and flavorful, like a perfectly blended, rare Cabernet Sauvignon. I’m immediately grateful that I’m strapped down. He gives only a little start at the initial unfamiliar pressure when I begin to drink from him in deep pulls. Our bite offers another benefit … mind-bending sexual arousal. He moans restlessly as his hands fist into my hair. His cock, now rock hard and on the verge of orgasm is straining against his boxer briefs as his hips press aggressively against my stomach. Damn … if my hands weren’t restrained, I would so take care of him ….

His voice is a raw whisper. “Shit, so good, baby.”

He’s being pounded by wave after wave of need and lust as I draw deep from him. Not too much … retain control. Nice and easy, Cosette.

After two more pulls I reluctantly release my fangs and swiftly lap twice at the wound, knowing that my saliva contains healing properties that will cause the punctures to rapidly clot and heal.

He’s panting hard as he stares down at me. “Holy hell, why were your holding that shit back from me, wildcat? Don’t think I’ve ever been this turned on in my life. That was kinky as fuck.”

“Shhh … scoot closer and lower the band of your shorts, Colton.”

Time to repay the favor.

He looks shocked for a second before grinning like the Cheshire Cat, using both thumbs to pull the waistband of his shorts out and down. His thick shaft springs forward.

“Let me take care of that for you. Put yourself between my lips, Colton.”

Part of me wishes that my hands weren’t tethered, but being bound definitely adds a sinful edge to our dark play. His chest is rising and falling rapidly as he moves his hips in, touching the wide head to my parted lips.

I flick my tongue out in an eager swipe, tasting the essence of his pre-cum.

My eyes never leave his as I demand, “More.”

He tips his hips in and gasps as his cock disappears between my lips. I love how he feels like silk wrapped around molten steel. I hum appreciatively around him, hoping to encourage him to move, to fuck my mouth in a way that precisely meets his needs. He plants his palms down possessively on the top of my head as his hips find their rhythm, swaying back and forth until he bumps the back of my throat.

“C’mon, Cosette, release the beast in me. He wants out so damn bad.”

His wickedness spurs me on. I’m licking and sucking with everything I have, determined to please him. His tempo speeds up and he’s staring down at me with a look of such savagery that I’m tempted to break his stare. I feel consumed by him, as if somehow he can see right through to my very soul.

His constant rhythm suddenly breaks, turning frantic and choppy before he finally stills, gripping me tightly against him. Cum floods the back of my throat. His violent roar is so deafening that it bounces off the walls, shattering the calmness of the night.

He releases his hold, collapsing back onto his ass. Propped up on his elbows, he pulls ragged drags of air into his lungs. He looks at me and shakes his head in astonishment.

“Unbelievable.”

I grin across at him.

“You fuckin’ slay me, Cosette. Everything about you. Ah hell, let me get you out of those restraints. Hold up a sec, sugar.”

He fumbles for the keys on the bedside table and in no time has me released and folded securely against his hot chest.

Callused fingers brush the hair away from my forehead as he asks, “You get what you need?”

“Mmm hmm, that and more. Thanks.”

“Tasty?” There’s an edge of wry humor in his question.

I push up and twist to look at him. “Oh yeah, cowboy, you’re definitely tasty.”

His lips press together in a smug smile. “Good, come back anytime.”

“Thanks for the invite. I plan on it.”

“Excellent. I like that. A lot, actually. Stay with me tonight. I can’t say I’ll be much company … fuckin’ destroyed after that session. The things you do to me, woman.”

“As much as I’d love to, I promised my uncle Severin I’d return before dawn. They’re busy following up leads on the latest attack. Until we get to the bottom of why someone wants me wiped from the planet, I’ve promised to stay away from my home here and closer to their protection. I’m not happy about it, but it’s the rational move, considering the circumstances.”

He’s mulling over what I just said and says, “I’m gonna install those shades in here tomorrow. Next time we’re together I want you to stay wrapped tight in my arms, at least for a little while, before you go. Don’t like you taking off all the time.”

“Thank you, Colton.”

“No need for thanks.”

I hope that he’s up for what I’m about to toss out. I begin casually, “So, I was thinking. I’d like for you to meet my family in Charleston. My last relationship put a major strain on our once close bond, and it would mean a lot for them to see me with someone like you.”

“Someone like me?”

“Yes, someone who is strong and intelligent, and most important, trustworthy.”

His eyes glow at the compliment. “Yeah, all right, wildcat. You name the night and I’m there.”

“Are you off this Friday?”

“Nah, always scheduled to work the door on the weekends, but I got a buddy who owes me, can call in the favor to him, so consider it done.” He finishes by dropping a kiss on my forehead.

Reluctantly I slide out of his heat and begin to get dressed. “It will be dawn soon. You’d better get some rest. This house needs your attention.”

His gaze is hot as he stares at me. “House can wait. I need you more.”

Caught off guard by his comment, I merely watch him watching me for a long moment before whispering, “I’ll pick you up at nine on Friday. Sweet dreams, Colton.”

With that I trace away, already missing the intimacy.

Chapter Twelve

10:38 p.m.—Present Day

24 Miles South of Charleston

The red light on the overhead security camera blinks several times before the stately steel gate swings wide, providing us access to the eerie, oak-lined road.

“Better slow it down to a crawl, wildcat,” I tell her. “This unpaved shit is gonna do some hardcore damage to your struts.”

“Relax, cowboy, I’ve got it covered.”

It’s her car, I figure, and if she wants to risk ruining the suspension, I don’t have much to say about it. I’m not used to being in the passenger seat. Used to being in control.

“By the way,” I say to distract myself, “you never did tell me how you can afford the uppity lifestyle? Or is that top secret, super classified intel?”

“Hardly. Wise real estate transactions and stock investments. When you’ve been around as long as we have, the interest tends to compound, if you catch my drift.”

“Smart. I like that. So … what other non-adrenaline based activities get your blood hummin’?”

“I love to travel. Any place new and unusual.”

She glances over at me. Maybe we’re both a little nervous now that I’m about to meet her family.

“How about yourself? Have you traveled much?”

“Been to California twice with a buddy I served with. His parents live in Redondo Beach. Taught me how to surf. That was cool as shit. I was stationed all over Afghanistan, but that ain’t sayin much; place is a shithole. Only thing to do is either play cards, lift weights or watch for what might be comin’ to fuck up your day. I like Savannah: warm, laid back, and not far from the beach. The folks are friendly and the food is off the charts. More than enough for a simple guy like me.”

“I like Savannah for those reasons as well,” she says. “In a way it reminds me of a smaller scale New Orleans.” We follow the circular driveway right up to the door. “All right, we’re here. Are you excited?”

I glance over, grab her hand and give it a playful squeeze. “Hell, yeah. Although I admit that I wish I’d had a couple of shots of whiskey before strolling in there tonight.”

“We can arrange for that once we’re inside. Relax, they’re all cool, and they’re going find you fascinating.”

“Thanks for the reassurance.”

Opening the door, I step out and a wave of humidity smacks me in the face. The derelict mansion has definitely seen better days.

“Sure you got the right night? Nobody seems to be home.”

There’s not a single light burning and the constant noise of swamp critters and grasshoppers coming from the surrounding woods noticeably ups the creepy factor.

“Oh, they’re here; I can hear them. Follow me. You’ll see.”

Hear them? What the fuck? I strain to listen but there’s nothing beyond the sounds of animal and insect nightlife.

The battered stairs creak heavily under my weight as I climb to the top of the porch and enter the decrepit but once grand mansion.

I whistle low between my teeth as we step into the foyer. The silver cast of moonlight illuminates some of the most stunning woodwork I’ve seen in my entire life.

“Damn. This is amazing. When does this place date back to?”

“It’s pre-Civil War era. I believe 1779. Come on, I’ll give you the cobweb tour later. We’re running late.”

I open my arms and turn around in a circle. “So where is everyone?”

She’s standing in a wide dark hallway with fifteen-foot-high walls. Much of the fancy textured wallpaper has peeled away. “Through here.”

Before the question, “Where?” can pass my lips she’s stepping into a narrow passage that just opened in the wall.

I admire the well-worn heart of pine floorboards as I rush to catch up. The space that she’s ducked into is pitch black inside and I hesitate before stepping in with her. I can’t see her at all and for all I know it could be an elevator shaft—missing the damn elevator.

“Cosette?”

“I’m right in front of you. Here.”

Her slim fingers close around mine, pulling me in.

“Hidden entryway. Interesting. Kinda James Bond.”

In the darkness a red laser light projects from a flat screen panel. It tracks back and forth three times, scanning her palm before the door slides shut.

“Whoa.”

The floor begins to drop in a controlled descent and she whispers, “Easy there, cowboy. Just your everyday elevator. By the way, are you nervous?”

“Shit no, woman. Lost that emotion years back after havin’ to look over my shoulder every five fuckin’ seconds to see if an IED was comin’ to blow my ass to shreds. After that I deal with whatever comes my way the best I can. Besides, what’s the worst that could happen, they all wanna eat me? Don’t think there’s enough to go around if that’s the case.” I am nervous, but I don’t see the point in admitting it. I’m not afraid for my life … only I do want ’em to like or at least accept me.

I blink in the darkness as her full lips press against mine, her cool hands on either side of my face. “You amaze me, my sexy male.”

We’ve just stopped and the steel door starts to slide open. The light streaming in makes me squint as I murmur to her, “Yeah, well, feeling’s mutual, and that’s sayin’ somethin’.”

The low bass rhythm of Daft Punk is the first sound that greets us as we step into the clean contemporary décor of the room that lies ahead.

“I see Alina’s busy playing DJ again.”

She reaches for my hand and strides down the ultra-modern hallway.

A feminine voice rings out, “Hey guys, welcome! We’re back here in the living room.”

We round the corner into a massive lounge area, and before I have a chance to look around, four sets of eyes are drilling right into me. Fuuuuccck.

I’m pulling in air through my nose, trying my damndest not to hyperventilate before the intros even happen. I’m hardly aware that Cosette’s hand is rubbing down and back against the sleeve of my Henley. It’s him, the one with pitch black hair and eyes exactly like Cosette’s, who turns the contents of my veins into arctic slush. Yeah, I’d so never want to step in the ring with that scary motherfucker. Intimidating seems to be a word invented to describe his deadly aura. He’s sizing me up for what seems like a hole he’s about to dig. Jesus Christ, if I make it outta here tonight, I’ll definitely have shaved a couple of years clean off my life span.

“Sorry, guys, we’re twenty minutes later than expected,” Cosette says. “Everyone, this is Colton.”

A leggy brunette wearing head to toe tight leather steps forward and greets me with a beaming smile, “Hey there, I’m Alina.”

If it wasn’t for her elegant, refined looks the revealing outfit would land her right in a porn video featuring a lot of bondage. She continues on, “And this is my man, Ambrose.”

She gestures over to a towering blond man who’s just landed a difficult right corner pocket shot. He straightens, rolls the pool stick between his hands and grins at me. “Nice to meet you. Quite a shiner you have on that eye of yours.”

“Yeah, usually sportin’ one of those. You British?”

“English.”

“Oh.”

“You drink, mate?”

“Fu-, I mean, yeah.”

“What’s your poison then?”

“Whiskey or beer usually, but I’m not picky.”

“Well that’s bloody marvelous. Tell me you can hold your own at pool and I’ll convince Cosette that she has to keep you. Choose your weapon.”

His head tips to the pool sticks neatly suspended on a mahogany rack. “I’ll grab you a Boddington’s and we’ll have ourselves a quality match.”

“Right on.”

A gorgeous blonde woman wearing a short red dress steps forward. “Hi, I’m Calla. It seems like you’re fitting in already. I hope you’re hungry. Severin’s quite the chef.”

She glances back at Mr. Vampen-creepy and smiles softly. He’s still eyeing me suspiciously, as if I might be capable of mass murder.

I decide to cut through the tension and use what manners I’ve managed to learn, considering my upbringing. After all, I’m a guest in his place. I cross the room and stand in front of him, purposefully not getting too up close and personal. We’re eye to eye and I nearly lock up. His irises are so light that they seem to be frosted. The eyes of a detached, stone cold killer. One who’s posing as a French male model.

I hold out my hand and will it not to shake. “Hey, I’m Colton. Nice to meet you.”

He stares down at my scarred hand and I feel the first flame of embarrassment begin to lick up my neck, wondering if he’s going to let me stand here all night with everyone watching as he blows me off.

He finally clasps my hand in a firm shake. His voice is deep and has a slight foreign accent. “It’s a pleasure to have you here tonight, Colton. Cosette has told me that she is quite fond of you. Make yourself at home.”

“I appreciate that.”

Jesus. Talk about breaking the ice. He seems to take note as I breathe out a long sigh of relief that I’m still standing and alive.

“Hey, where’s Case and Kiana tonight? I thought they would be here?” Cosette takes a glass of wine from Alina and flops down casually on the winding suede sectional.

“He planned a surprise for her weeks back—a trip to Morocco. He’s kept it top secret. She thought they’d be around tonight, but when she found out they were leaving she told me to tell you she’d make it up to you.”

“The honeymoon is definitely ongoing with those two.”

Calla and Alina exchange eye rolls and Alina practically snorts, “To say that Case has ‘stamina’ would be the understatement of the millennium.”

The three women burst out laughing. Feigning disgust, Ambrose waves them off. “Come on, Colton, leave the ladies to chat about their rubbish while we suss out each other’s skills. Drink up before your pint gets cold, mate. Tapped a fresh keg tonight. Go on then. As our guest, you get to do the honors and break first.”

I take a slow swig from the frosty glass, choose a stick and lean down to break hard and fast, all the while thinking that they aren’t all that bad.

So long as they aren’t hungry, pissed off, or worse—both.

I lean back in the oversized dining chair, absolutely stuffed to the gills from the tender filet mignon and mouthwatering sides that were generously served up tonight. I was surprised to see them eating real food. Everything I’ve read about vampires or seen in the movies or on TV made me expect I’d be the only one eating, but these vamps love their food, wine, and single malt. ’Course these vamps are real.

From the opposite end of the table, wine glass in hand, Severin says, “Cosette mentioned that you are a fighter. Tell me about it, please.”

I use the fancy linen napkin to wipe my mouth before speaking. “Honestly, not much to tell. Couple of times a month I fight MMA style for money. Fights are illegal ’cause of the gambling involved, not to mention there’s no license on the abandoned building where most of the matches take place, but that doesn’t stop the crowds from showin’ up in droves.”

Genuinely curious, he asks, “And who taught you how to fight?”

Shit. Don’t want to go there, but not gonna lie to him either.

I can feel the inevitable frown on my face as I pick up my wine glass, drink deeply of the smooth Merlot and answer, “My father. I was a skinny kid who didn’t take crap off anyone. Trouble was, I didn’t have the skills or the bulk to back up my mountain of pride. My old man hung a boxing bag out in the barn and made it his mission to teach me how to fight.”

“It’s admirable that he taught you how to defend yourself.”

I huff out a laugh that makes his eyes flare in surprise. “Yeah, well, that wasn’t exactly his motive.”

“Then what was?”

“He was embarrassed that his kid was always seen in town and at school half beaten to shit simply because he was too weak to defend himself. So he changed that.”

I shrug as all five vampires stare at me but stay silent.

His next question catches me off guard. “Have you seen the wolves that have been hunting Cosette?”

The tension is thick as I stare back at him. “Yeah, only once, but it wasn’t like any wolf I’ve ever seen. It was huge, like a hybrid or a wolf on ’roids or somethin’. And it was ferocious, like rabid level. Scary as shit, actually. Was about to shoot it but Cosette took it down before I had the chance.”

“So, Colton, what is your take on why she is being stalked?”

“My take? Personally, I didn’t like the look of that asshole ex of hers. Maybe he’s got somethin’ to do with it. What I can tell you, Severin, is that I’m all over it. She’s my priority and I know that you and your family can kick my ass with your superior strength and all, but Cosette’s my girl and so long as I’m sucking wind and still standin’ upright then any threat to her life is gonna have to get past me first, and believe me, I’m not gonna make it easy.”

“Impressive. I think I’m beginning to like you, Colton.”

“Thanks, man. I’ll admit, at first you scared the hell out of me, and that’s a pretty rare thing.”

His smiles gravely, and says, “You’re wise to fear our kind. Amongst other things, we are first and foremost predators, Colton, killers at the highest level. I don’t know what Cosette has told you in regard to vampires, but weakness is not a trait that bodes well in our race. It’s tantamount to a death sentence. I admire your human strength, your tenacity. It will serve you well.”

“Serve me well for what?”

“For keeping you alive, however long that may be.”

He stares at me as if he’s definitely holding back intel and it shakes me to the core.

Cosette gets up and looks right at Severin. “Enough of this intense talk. We came for dinner, not a self-defense seminar. I’m going to take Colton for a walk around the property now. We’ll come back in for a drink before I drive him back to Savannah.”

As I get up from my seat, Calla chirps, “Gorgeous night to head down to the lake. The best things definitely happen by moonlight.”

For the first time since we’ve met, Cosette looks mortified, and as the catcalls and snickers continue she half drags me by the forearm out of the impressive dining room and down the hallway back toward the elevator.

I pull her into my arms and drop a kiss onto the tip of her nose. “Hey, look at me. I think things went okay, don’t you?”

She brushes a strand of hair from her face and sighs, “You’re right. I just hate going ’round and ’round with no answers about these attacks. It stresses me out. I just want things to be how they were before I ever dated Tristan and this mess with my family began.”

“Well, let’s see if I can change that.”

The elevator door opens and I pull her in with me.

“How?”

“Two ways. By slowly rebuilding the bridges that dick ex of yours burned and by distracting you in incredibly creative ways, my sexy little wildcat.”

I land her with a crushing kiss as the door closes tight and we begin to move up toward ground level.

***

His body positively radiates heat as he claims my mouth with natural dominance. I can taste the wine on his lips as he pulls me deeper against him, one hand sliding down my back to give my ass cheek a possessive squeeze. I writhe hard against him, loving the feel of his rigid sex that’s straining hard against the confines of his dark denim.

I’d planned on taking him down to the secluded lake. Now I’m not so sure that we’re going to make it that far. The car is looking like a damned viable option at this point. The seat does recline pretty far back … hmm.

The elevator halts and the steel door slides open, followed by the hidden wooden panel. I’m still wrapped securely in his arms when his lips pull away and he begins to walk me backward into the dark hallway.

His voice is low and husky as he asks, “So, exactly where are we headed, lover?”

Playfully I answer, “Someplace veeery private—a hidden location where I can have my wicked way with you. Don’t you like surprises, cowboy?”

“If they have anything to do with your naked flesh exploring mine, then hell yes. Never met a woman so damned hungry as you, baby.”

“You bring out the vixen in me, Colton. It’s undeniable.”

We make it to the bottom of the worn steps when he holds me firmly by my upper arms and tells me in a thick rasp, “I plan on doin’ just that, repeatedly, until you beg for mercy, darlin’. Rest assured, I’m a man of my word.”

I blink in astonishment as he releases me and turns around, dropping down into a crouch. “Here, hop up on my back, sugar. I like the idea of those long, bare legs you have going on tonight wrapped around me on the way to our little adventure.”

“Are you always this bossy?” I joke as I hop onto him, twining my arms around his neck and my legs around his taut waist.

“Yep, and you’re gonna learn to love it.”

“Or else?”

“There’s no other option. I see the desire in your eyes when I take you, wildcat. You love how it is between us, can’t get enough of it. Same for me and there’s no denying that. Stone cold fact.”

Oh my God.

“Nice property. Private. I like that. Which way?”

I use my index finger to point across the shadowed lawn. “There, off to the right, you’ll find a path. It leads directly down to the lake.”

He begins to walk at a leisurely pace and within seconds the oppressive heat and humidity causes the skin on his tanned neck to break out into a light sweat. I watch his veins pulse and lick my lips at the thought of sinking my fangs into his perfection.

After giving it a lot of thought, I’ve come to the conclusion that deep down I know there is no way I could ever drain him to the point of death. I’ve matured a lot from that girl I was back in Spain, and even if I was starved, I’m far too disciplined and my feelings for him are too strong—growing stronger with each passing day. He’s the first man, and a human one at that, who has ever has the ability to dominate me, not only sexually but emotionally. My encounters with the others in my past were passionate, true, but always lacking depth and long term potential. He’s the tamer and I’m his willing trainee. No, I would sooner take my own life than end his. But I won’t drink from him tonight unless he asks me to.

We enter the edge of the forest and his head shifts. “You’re awfully quiet. What’s goin’ in that sexy head of yours?”

“I was thinking about you and how things were before I met you.”

“Yeah? What about it, exactly?”

“That you’re what I’ve always dreamed of but didn’t dare long for.”

His steps slow and quietly he says, “We’re good together, Cosette, no matter that we’re a different species. We’ll work out any issues that come along, like we have from the beginning. I’m a man of honor—you’ll see that over time—and you’ll come to understand that I don’t invest my time or energy in things that aren’t worthwhile and valuable.”

His words are flowing through my mind as we make our way down the trail and finally to the edge of the tree line, where he steps out onto the narrow dirt embankment of the lake. The full moon is reflected in the copious ripples, making the blue-black water sparkle. He heads over to the dock, which juts far out over the water. When he’s walked us the full length of it he stops, gently sets me down onto the wood, and turns to face me. “Before you even ask, know that you’re the most priceless thing that’s ever entered my life.”

“Colton—”

“Shh …. I love how you say my name, babydoll, seriously I do, but the time for chattin’ is over and done with.”

I’m silenced with a kiss that is so consuming that all I can do is rock forward into his powerful body while his fingers do their work, dragging possessively up my neck, never stopping on their quest until they finally clench into two fists in my hair. I sigh into his mouth, lost in the bliss that he alone produces in me. Without warning that greedy tongue slides in, so demanding and seeking that I can only acquiesce, giving him whatever he wants to take.

Take it all, Colton. I’ve waited for you for what seems like forever.

I have difficulty holding back. My hands are itching to explore every inch of his body as they slip to his waist and under his fitted shirt. His ripped stomach quivers at the initial contact of my fingers, which move with the lightest touch. Placing both palms flat I begin to ever so slowly roam and explore, savoring this man who reminds me of a Spartan warrior. He personifies cool, controlled power, and I crave to unleash it upon my body.

Time to tease this aggressive tiger.

One of my hands slides around to his lower back as the other begins its wicked descent toward the front of his jeans. I’m eager to feel his pulsing heat pressing against the inside of my palm. The growl comes low and fast. I flinch for a split second as his fingers close tighter in my hair, the hold nearly punishing, but the effect utterly intoxicating. Instead of pulling back, I grip him firmly through the soft denim and begin to stoke slowly, down and up.

His mouth is devouring mine, forcing me to taste him, to accept the kiss that nearly brands me. My thoughts are turning hazy, driven headlong toward lust-filled madness, when I feel his hand drop down, lock onto mine, engulfing it completely, stilling me immediately.

“Enough.”

The throaty groan belongs to a tense male on the edge of sanity.

Before I can utter a word, his hand moves lower, a smooth glide up and under my dress. Two thick fingers press firmly against the silk of my panties. My needy wetness is undeniable. His appreciative all-male throaty purr comes a second before his hand switches directions, fingers clutching the front band of the panties as they’re torn roughly from my body.

I can’t hide my gasp of surprise or the response that comes right on its heels as I pull away from his lips. “Hey! I liked those panties, thank you very much.”

His eyes gleam like a feral predator’s. “So did I.”

My lips part in shock as he lifts the scrap of material to his nose and inhales deeply before shoving them into the back pocket of his jeans, a victorious smile on his stubbled face.

This man is relentless in getting his way.

He ever so slowly leans into me, bending slightly to grab the back of my bare thighs, hoisting me up against his front. I hold tightly to his neck as my legs wrap around his waist. He eases down to sit on the end of the dock. I watch him lean back casually on his forearms, stealthily observing me from below.

I narrow my eyes and can’t resist saying playfully, “You are a very determined man, aren’t you, Mr. Brennan?”

His eyes roam my face he replies thickly, “When I need to be, yes, Cosette, I am.”

I can feel his cock between my parted legs, irritated that a few millimeters of clothing are keeping us separated. I was ready for him before we even entered the house tonight and now my lust is reaching explosive levels.

How in the hell can he have this amount of patience? Incredible.

The words fall quietly from my lips, “What do you want?”

“What do I want? Angel, I wanna own every ounce of passion that you have stored up in that magnificent body of yours. I want to replace each and every powerful orgasm that I give you with others that are a hundred times stronger. I want to possess you, Cosette, and I know for a fact that you want to be owned by me. I can hear it in the cries and moans that are torn from your mouth when I make you cum for me, and I see it in the way you stare at me when you think I’m not lookin’. It may not have been long, but I know you, and I’m one hundred percent certain that I’m the man to give it all to you. That is what I want.”

My trembling fingers reach out to caress his left cheek as I stare into the face of the one man who has touched me this deep—straight to my core.

A thousand unspoken words flow between us, the connection is so profound.

His voice is soft and quiet, but its clipped intensity leaves little room for misinterpretation as he says, “Need to have you. Right now. Not waitin’. Take me out.”

Yes, yes!

Still straddling him, I lift up to create a few inches of space and make quick work of his belt buckle and jeans. The dark fabric of his boxer briefs is the last barrier between me and his gorgeous sex. He lifts his hips a bit as I drag his jeans down to the top of his thighs.

My breathing is shallow, the anticipation of having him inside of me irresistible. I try to recall the last time I ever wanted anything this badly. Not one thing comes to mind. Using my index finger I trace down the cotton, and his thick length jerks hard at my touch.

My eyes fly to his and the molten stare that meets me is shocking. His chin dips once, his signal for me to get on with it. He doesn’t have to ask twice. The tips of my fingers pull the waistband out and down, not stopping until they’re settled against his thighs.

The moonlight casts a delicious glow across his exposed skin. His hard body truly is a work of art, and I can’t help but nibble my bottom lip with my left fang at the sight of his impressive cock.

I’m just about to lower myself down onto him when I hear him rumble, “Wait.”

My eyes are questioning as he comes up to a full sitting position. He pulls his shirt over and off his head. His stomach muscles ripple and flex as he rests back onto the wood, saying quietly, “Get up here. I need to taste that pussy, baby. Starvin’ for it.”

He doesn’t have to ask twice.

I shimmy forward on my knees, and once I’m directly over his mouth I lift the sheer layers of my sundress up, immediately feeling the brush of his hot breath against my aching center.

“Oh God,” I whimper in absolute ecstasy as his hands reach out, locking onto my hips, to pull me the final inch or so down onto his awaiting mouth. It’s exactly like his kisses, all swirling tongue and sensuality. The wet sound of him lapping firmly against me blends with the water that’s relentlessly hitting the posts of the dock as I become lost for him, pulled effortlessly toward a mounting orgasm that he’s right on track to deliver. So close … so delicious … oh, yes, anything. Just never stop.

I frown in disappointment as his mouth moves away mere seconds before I shatter and he slowly retreats a few inches then comes up to a sitting position.

“Let’s get this dress off you. I wanna watch as you sink down and cum on top of me.”

Hell yes.

He helps me pull the airy dress off, tossing it behind him on the dock. I’m aching for him to fill me as I move back and slowly lower myself to connect with the head of his straining sex. My ass gently bumps first against his fingers, and I realize that he has slid his hand down to grip the base, providing the perfect position. The stretching is immediate as I begin to sink down onto him, my body slowly yielding to his, taking him inch by magnificent inch. I stop midway and marvel at our impatient, breathy sounds becoming tangled together in the stillness of night.

“I wish there was a way to show you how fuckin’ amazing you feel wrapped around me, Cosette. It’s absolute heaven.”

He removes his hand and I’m so lost in the moment that all I can manage is a low sigh as I edge my knees out wider to sink lower, struggling to take all of him in one final smooth glide. We both gasp at the intense sensation of his penetration.

“Beautiful,” he hisses low.

I lever upward, wanting, craving that potent friction of him moving inside me. My hips find a rhythm and begin a smooth circle. With each downward stroke I moan at the way he fills me to the hilt, so completely that I struggle to hold back, to savor the connection, to draw it out and not cum too quickly.

“Damn … so good baby. Love how wet you always are for me. Pushes my control right to the edge.”

I flatten my hands on his smooth chest to steady myself at the same moment he lifts his hand to his face. His tongue flicks twice against the tip of his thumb, which he uses to toy mercilessly with my throbbing clit.

“Colton … oh, oh yeah.”

“That’s right, Cosette, give it up to me. Clench my cock hard with that sweet cunt. Fuckin’ love the feeling of filling you ’til you can’t take any more.”

He presses harder against the sensitive bundle of nerves and the combination of the pressure and his filthy words acts as a detonator. I scream as I slam down onto him, far harder than before, and the waves of undiluted ecstasy explode, masking any rational thought, leaving my body adrift in pure, raw pleasure. As the orgasm rolls through me in wave after spectacular wave I’m hardly aware of his hands around my waist, lifting me down and back up again, forcing me to ride him to completion. I toss my head back and grab the top of his thighs while screaming out. My mind is filled with a hazy, euphoric blend of luscious images of him. I love the way he moves, his dominance, the way he fucks—giving every ounce of his focus and energy to the act. Suddenly he thrusts up from below at the exact moment I’m forced down hard to take him impossibly deep. His primal shout echoes across the lake as his orgasm takes over, pulsing hot and glorious inside of me.

He struggles to catch his breath as his shaking hand reaches up to move the hair away that has fallen haphazardly across my face. He senses my need, and my raging hunger must be written all over my face because his hand locks onto the nape of my neck, lowering me down toward him.

“Wait, let me glamour you so there’s no discomfort.”

“Fuck no. Take what you need right now, woman. Wanna feel those sexy fangs strike me.”

The last word barely has time to escape his lips before I plunge deep, my sharp fangs breaching his skin with surgical precision. He gasps and his body gives a firm jerk but he stays in place as I start to draw from him. The first swallow is exquisite. Maybe it’s the combination of his power along with the unique taste of his blood that I’ve grown addicted to, but I suddenly realize that I never want to drink from another. He groans as I begin grinding my hips, loving the deep connection with him.

He’s still hard inside me as he grates out between clenched teeth, “Don’t stop.”

Surprisingly I feel more control than I ever thought possible in this reckless scenario. I take three more deep pulls before unlatching my jaw and swiping my tongue across the wound. Then I begin to ride him fast and determined, fucking him with everything I have, feeling like some sort of sexual siren who can make him just as crazed as he makes me.

“Oh, hell, yeah, Christ … just like that, fucuuck, yeah, so hard, Cosette!”

I speed up the already rapid tempo, knowing that we’re both so very close. The orgasm closes in on me with the power of a freight train, stunning me as the blast of energy ignites. His follows right on the heels of mine, and a deep, sexy groan tunnels out of him as his heat begins to lash me deep inside once again. I fall forward against his searing chest, both our bodies glistening with exertion. We cling to each other, satiated lovers embraced by the velvet cover of night.

Chapter Thirteen

4:34 a.m.

Savannah

“You know, as pretty as you are, wildcat, you’re turnin’ out to be mighty distractin’.”

She pulls up to the curb in front of my house, shifting the gears to neutral as she bats her black lashes innocently. “Who me? How so?”

“ ’Cause it’s safe to say that I’m hopelessly addicted, woman. Couldn’t even slow myself down to pull my damn jeans all the way off before we got it on back there tonight. Lucky they didn’t fall into the fucking lake.”

She giggles as I continue, “Drives me half crazy when we’re apart. Speaking of which, I did manage to hang those black-out blinds in my room. Wanna come up with me?”

“Mmm, you’re not tired after everything tonight?”

I’m about to reply ‘Hell no’ when a flash of movement in front of us makes my neck hairs stand right on end.

I throw the car into reverse and shout at her, “Hit the gas! Now!”

She gasps and stomps on the pedal, but it’s already too late. We’re being ambushed. The car has barely made it five feet, tires squealing, when a powerful force brings it to a standstill. It’s as if we’ve hit a thick steel guardrail. I whip around and see a massive vampire, one of the bodyguards from Sub-Zero, staring at us menacingly though the narrow panel of the back window.

He’s strong enough to hold a moving car? We’re completely fucked.

Glass simultaneously shatters on both sides, and everything begins happening impossibly fast. I grab for her, but the force that’s pulling on her is too powerful as we’re both dragged out from opposite sides of the smashed windows.

I do the only thing I can, I begin to fight, all the while yelling repeatedly, “Trace! Fucking trace, Cosette!”

Please let her listen to me. If she doesn’t there’s little chance we’ll both make it out of whatever hell awaits us.

The metallic tang of my own blood fills my mouth as I spit once again, never once breaking eye contact with the prick in the designer suit. He has Cosette by the back of the hair and is forcing her to kneel on the metal floor at his feet while he sits arrogantly across from me, watching me with a cruel smirk of victory on his pale face. I want to eat him alive.

He cocks his head to the left and smiles, flashing a set of perfect, long, gleaming fangs as he says in a thick Eastern European accent, “You see what betrayal gets you, Cosette?”

She twists vigorously in her restraints, determined to shake loose of his punishing hold, but he won’t have it.

“I suggest you save your strength, darling. You’re going to need it.”

“I hate you!”

“That’s strange. You didn’t feel that way when we first met, when I showed you things you’d never dreamed of.”

“Shut up, Tristan!”

My mind momentarily blanks in a rage so black and toxic that it’s a wonder it’s not oozing out of my pores. The thought of him fucking my girl, touching her in any way, makes me mental, on the verge of going ballistic. But I have to stay in control, or I’m no good to her.

For what seems like the hundredth time I strain with all I have against the steel cuffs. Nothing. I can’t budge an inch. My hands are locked behind my back to a thick metal pole that runs from floor to ceiling. We’re in the hull of a large ship, I can tell by the surrounding sheets of riveted metal and the way the floor sways beneath my feet. I feel the eyes of the five other vampires on me as the gravity of the situation hits home. Even if I got free, I’d be lucky to take two, maybe three of them out … that is, if I wasn’t already beaten half to hell. It’s been close to an hour since they tossed us into the back of a van, bound and hooded. Beating me over and over again on the ride to the waterfront was just their warm-up for the evening. I’m furious that she didn’t trace to get help, but she more than likely wanted to know exactly where we were headed, fearing that they’d kill me simply to make a point.

Dammit girl, you should’ve listened to me.

My eyes bore into hers and I know that she reads both my anger and concern. I wrack my brain for some way, any way, to get her out of here in one piece. Chances are, neither of us will survive this night.

She jerks against him again and seethes, “Why are you doing this, Tristan? You must have a death wish because you have to know that my family will seek revenge against you. They already suspect that you’re behind the wolf attacks, and there’s no denying it now.

He bursts out laughing at her and I want to smash his face in, fangs first.

“She’s such a charmer, isn’t she? Unfortunately for you, my sweet, all of this falls on your shoulders. There is no denying the truth. Now it’s time to pay.”

“What the fuck are you talking about? Are you seriously doing all of this because I dumped you?”

My fists tighten up as his eyes go as hard as flint. He drags her closer, pulling her within an inch of his face. “This isn’t about feelings or pride; this is about power. Your arrogance and entitlement put a crimp in my plans, Cosette, and for that alone you will be punished.”

Practically hissing she says, “Enlighten me on your plans, you sick fuck.”

“Watch your mouth, Miss Beauvais.”

She shocks the shit out of me by hauling back and spitting right in his face.

Holy fuck.

In a flash of movement—so fast that my eyes can’t track it—his fangs pierce her neck as she screams and tries to fight him, but the cuffs make her actions futile and it becomes clear that she’s unable to trace with him holding onto her.

“Enough!” I roar from across the room. “Get off her! Drink me!”

He continues until I think I’ll lose my mind. Finally he pulls back, his maniacal laughter bouncing off the steel walls. Her crimson blood drips down his face and saturates his light hair. “The pride and honor of a fighter. I would never let our little Cosette miss the show.”

I’m practically foaming at the mouth as I seethe, “Turn me! Turn me so I can fuck you up, ’cause I swear to God, you do it and I’ll rip your head right off your body, motherfucker.”

He keeps laughing, which makes me even more pissed off.

“Really, Cosette, your standards have plummeted. A thug who barely has a grasp on the English language. Tsk tsk, I can only imagine what Severin must think. He must be positively appalled. And to think you could have had it all. You could have been at my side when I take total control of the South.”

“You’re deranged. There are too many vampire covens around to stop you.”

“Not if they don’t know it’s me taking them down. See, that’s where the wolves come in. It’s taken me years of preparation and planning, but I’ve slowly and methodically injected them with minute amounts of vampire blood, giving each new litter additional strength—the superior strength needed to fight against our kind. I figured once the other covens’ numbers are decimated, it won’t take me long to swoop in and claim what’s mine. I should actually thank Severin for taking out Valdon for me. He was the only vampire who ever posed any real threat to my plans. Now that he’s gone and most of his men have returned to the old country, Charleston and the remainder of the Southeast are mine for the taking.”

“That’s insane. There’s no way you can control wolves to do your bidding, Tristan. They are wild animals and will inevitably turn on you.”

“That’s where you’re so wrong, darling. They are trained from a young age to attack by scent.”

“What?” she whispers in disbelief.

“They are given the scent of enemy vampires and food is withheld, sometimes for days. They are ravenous and trained for aggression. We really have come up with a positively gruesome Pavlovian style of conditioning. I underestimated your will to live, Cosette, I really did, because I never thought you would be able to escape from my most powerful wolf, but from what I’ve heard about that night, your survival was mostly due to timing and luck. No matter, I will have the pleasure of watching you fight him once again later tonight. The prospect makes me strangely excited.”

“You’re sick, Tristan. There is no way you’ll get away with this. You’ll be caught and put to death. It’s just a matter of time. My family will hunt you down. They will never stop until you are obliterated.”

“So naive, my little Cosette.” He looks over to one of the guards, “Release her boyfriend. I want her to see what a pathetic choice she’s made.”

Raw, burning anger flares in me as I stare across into his cold eyes and think to myself, You’re going to eat those words, you jackass. If it’s with my dying breath, I’ll make damned certain of it.

The dark-haired vampire on my left closes in on me with an arrogant sneer and I steel myself for the fight that’s about to bust open. He catches me off guard, gripping me brutally by the throat and dragging me up the pole until I’m suspended several feet in the air. Still bound, I can do nothing to defend myself, aside from kicking my feet out in a wild attempt to get him to let go of my airway.

I’m starting to black out when I hear the guards laughing and Cosette wailing desperately, “Make him stop! Release him!”

“Yes, unchain him, Lucas. Let us all see our tough prize fighter in action.”

His hand opens and I’m dropped right onto my ass, where I gasp desperately for air. He reaches behind me and with his bare hands snaps the chain between the cuffs. Instantly I scramble backward, struggling to get my feet beneath me. My opponent is standing ten feet away, an annoyed look on his face, most likely because he’s being forced to fight a lowly human.

I drop a shoulder and rush him but he steps away in a blur of motion and I slam hard into the steel wall that should have been him. Snickers of amusement fill the dank enclosure as I whip around and take off after him again, this time going right for his throat. If I can just get him beneath me on the ground ….

My fingers don’t even make it to his body. As swift as a cobra, he strikes out, twisting my forearm until it snaps in a sickening crunch from the brute force.

The mind-bending agony explodes hard and fast. The compound fracture is so crushing that I’m brought to my knees. There’s nothing I can do to stop my own guttural screams. I try not to look down at the bone and blood that’s spewing out of my arm, but I can’t help it.

Cosette is hysterical, yelling frantically and doing anything she can to fight off Tristan. It’s no use. He forces her to watch, saying, “I’m bored now. He was even weaker than I predicted. Drain him.”

I’m hauled to my knees, forced to face them as the bloodsucker sinks his knife-like fangs mercilessly into my neck.

“Noooo!” Cosette wails a heartbroken sob that’s worse than a fuckin’ dagger to my heart. “I’ll stay with you, anything! Just set him free, Tristan, please. I beg you!”

“No. You had your chance. Your fate was sealed when you turned and walked away from me in my own club. Your time is up, my beauty.”

The greedy bloodsucker is drawing me down in heaving pulls and my vision is starting to waver when Tristan leans over, piercing Cosette in the neck once again.

How the fuck did it come to this? Should’ve done more, should’ve fought harder ….

From deep within the shadows I hear a female voice, so alluring that it sounds almost dreamlike, something like ringing chimes. In a cold tone she asks, “A party? And no one thought to invite me? Now that really is a shame.”

My last glimpse is of Cosette’s tear-streaked face as her eyes flare wide. Then everything fades to black.

***

Tristan’s sucking voraciously at my neck and I’ve just about given up hope when I hear a familiar voice that sends shockwaves of hope through me.

Impossible!

My eyes shift and I stare at the vision that emerges from the far corner of the hull.

“Katerina.” The name emerges as a whisper of solemn reverence from my lips.

Tristan withdraws his teeth from my neck and snarls, “Who the hell are you?”

She smiles pleasantly at him. “Why, I’m your worst nightmare, darling.”

“But … but you’re supposed to be dead,” I whisper.

She tosses a length of glorious hair over her shoulder, all seductive grace as she smiles down at me. “I don’t see why a vampire can’t fake her own death, do you?” Before I can respond she adds, “Now, unfortunately for you, Tristan, as retribution for trying to kill something that belongs to me, you and I have a date, one that I’m betting you won’t enjoy in the least. Oh, and such a shame, too, because that beautifully tailored Armani you’re sporting won’t fare too well with what I have planned for us.”

“Get her!” he bellows.

She gives a playful laugh as four of the guards rush her at once. The first one is closing in on her as she takes a blade out of the folds of her gown and flips it straight at him. He howls as it sinks deep into his left eyeball. The second guard launches over him and she catches him, ripping his throat clean out with her fangs and discarding his body in a corner like a bag off trash. These acts of speed and prowess cause the final two vampires to hesitate as the lead guard snarls viciously and stands, shoving Colton roughly away. My love keels over onto his side into a crumpled heap, and my heart sinks.

Hold on for me, please, Colton. I love you.

I watch for any sign of life, but his face and neck are both coated in blood and it’s not looking good. Frantic, I use all my remaining energy to scramble toward him, dragging Tristan along with me. Torn between the distraction of Katerina and holding onto me, he shouts angrily and releases his hold on my hair.

My hands are restrained in front but I manage to I run the backs of my fingers across Colton’s shoulder, desperate for a reaction, any at all. His body is still and covered in a sheen of sweat and blood. I lean over him. “Colton? Can you hear me? Hang on! Don’t give up on me, cowboy.”

Blood is spraying from the vicious massacre that’s happening behind us. From our time together I know Katerina’s strength and skills as a fighter surpass those of any other vampire. She could hold her own against twenty of our kind, but still, I hesitate to leave her in case she needs me. I glance back over my shoulder in time to see her fangs retract from the final guard. The man who Colton could not stop drops at her feet. Her silver gown is now splattered with scarlet, making her look like a moving abstract painting.

With measured steps, Tristan begins to circle her, sizing her up for weaknesses. As far as I can recall, she has none. The only vampire who ever posed a threat to her was her own creator, Valdon, and now that he’s an ash heap, she fears no one.

“Your skills are impressive, Katerina. I’ve never seen a vampire fight like you just did.”

Her stare is cold and hard as she replies, “That’s because none can, you sycophant. Now come, Tristan, it’s nearly dawn and you and I have a date we must not be late for.”

“A date, you say? You must be mad. I’m not going anywhere with you.”

She licks her lush lips. “Oh, I beg to differ.” With her topaz eyes locked on his every move she calls out, “Cosette, you need to trace your human to Severin immediately. His heart is about to give out and you’ve lost too much blood to turn him yourself.”

I strain and manage to break the cuffs as I pull Colton up and into my lap. Katerina’s dark prediction makes me cling tight to his unconscious body.

Have to slow my thoughts and focus to trace us safely.

Tracing with a human is incredibly dangerous. Often they don’t make it. Only under dire circumstances do we ever attempt it. And this is the very definition of worst case scenario.

Tristan’s unholy roar makes me jump and when I whip back around they’ve both disappeared. Whatever is about to happen to him is well-deserved retribution, but there’s no time to think on it now. I have to get Colton help. I only hope that Severin wasn’t right when he foretold my lover’s death. If he’s too far gone to be turned, then I may as well be dead, because a future without Colton would be unbearable.

Chapter Fourteen

5:57 a.m.

South of Charleston

I trace us to the center of the living room, clinging to the thread of hope that someone will be around.

“Oh my God!” Alina’s shriek cuts through the fight scene of The Bourne Ultimatum and the normally cool, unaffected Ambrose jumps up in shock at the gruesome sight of our bloody arrival.

She immediately races down the hall, most likely to get Severin.

I’m so wired with panic that I struggle to push out the words from my trembling lips, “Help him, Ambrose, he’s dying. Please!”

Instantly he springs into action. “Release him, Cosette. Now!”

He practically has to pry Colton out of my vice-like grip. I stay close, hovering like a hawk as he sits down on the floor, his longs legs straight out and his back leaning up against the end of the sectional. In a smooth motion he drags Colton’s back against his chest. If anyone can keep calm under pressure, it’s Ambrose. He’s witnessed multiple lifetimes of carnage and learned at an early age to methodically process and deal with each and every chaotic situation that rolls his way. He uses two fingers to swiftly work Colton’s lips open before ripping into his own flesh. His wrist is facing up and I watch the blood stream over the sides as it begins to drip in scarlet drops across battered Colton’s face. He adjusts his wrist twice, positioning it perfectly before flipping it over and securing it tightly to Colton’s parted lips.

“Cosette!”

Severin’s distraught voice slices like a blade through the tension. Dropping to one knee, he touches my back. “Cosette, are you all right? Look at me.”

“I … I’m fine, oh God, help Ambrose!” My eyes shine with tears as I finally look over at him. “He has to make it, Severin. I … I can’t lose him.”

He goes still, hearing the desperation in my voice. The only times I’ve ever asked for his help were in rare circumstances far beyond my control.

Calla and Alina are standing close, eager to lend a hand. Severin leans over Colton’s chest, holding up a finger for us to remain silent as he listens for a pulse. I nearly collapse as he nods once to Ambrose.

“Bloody hell, can’t believe the big bastard’s still breathing after the beat down he took. I’ve seen numerous men bite it from far less trauma than this. He’s a fighter all right. Have to make a mental note to watch this one in the ring, assuming that he makes it through the change. Hard to even tell if any is getting down his throat. I have his head tipped back as far as his neck will allow.”

Severin’s eyes fly between Colton’s chest and Ambrose. “We’re not out of the woods yet. His pulse is incredibly faint. Keep your wrist latched onto him. The blood could take a few minutes to take effect.”

His head turns and his eyes track my own injuries, which are taking longer than usual to heal because Tristan took so much blood from me.

“This is the work of Tristan, I presume?”

“Yes.”

“They will regret ever touching you, Cosette. Nobody harms a Beauvais without payback. You’re low on blood.” He nods at Calla. “Come, Calla, assist us. Cosette needs to drink.”

“Absolutely.”

She sits beside me on the floor, bites into her delicate wrist and offers it to me.

“Thank you, Calla.” My lips close over her wound as she says encouragingly, “Take as much as you need.”

“Anything yet?” Alina asks, her voice worried as she stands beside Ambrose, arms folded.

His blond brows snap together. “Wait … I felt something. Yes, just there! He’s drinking. I felt him drawing from me. Thank fuck for that!”

Covered in dried blood, Colton’s body suddenly jolts hard as a guttural groan of pain comes forth from deep within his chest. Ambrose urges, “Go on, drink up. You’ll be right as rain before you know it.”

Calla’s blood is already nourishing me, and my former strength returns in a rush. My eyes slide shut for a moment to try and comprehend what’s occurred. He made it. Now I can only hope that he’s not furious that he didn’t have a choice in his future.

I release Calla’s wrist, wipe the traces of blood from my lips and say apprehensively, “There’s something else.”

All eyes fly to mine as I continue hesitantly, not knowing how to deliver the shocking news. “Tristan and his men are gone, wiped out, and I wasn’t the one to do it. I know this will sound unbelievable, but it was Katerina who saved us tonight. She showed up at the eleventh hour. She’s back.”

A bomb could have detonated in the center of the room and nobody would have noticed.

***

Thank fucking Christ that the burning has let up! Hell, for a while, it felt like my own blood was boiling me alive. I desperately want to pry my eyes open, but just that simple act seems exhausting. I’m worried about Cosette and I need to get my shit together because my last coherent thought was the stuff of nightmares that happen in filthy back alleys.

Cool fingers slip between mine. Her angelic voice floats down to me, “I’m here, Colton. You’re going to be all right. Can you hear me?”

I manage to squeeze once, letting her know that I heard her. I replay the events from the ship blow by graphic blow and wonder if that last voice, the one of the strange woman, could have been that of the vampire who saved our doomed asses.

I focus and finally blink my eyes open. The room is dim, the only light coming from a bathroom or closet off in the far corner. Strangely, I can see her perfectly in the near darkness. She’s sitting against my right hip, holding my hand.

In a feather light whisper, she smiles and greets me, “Hi. Welcome back.”

I struggle to get my throat to work. I feel like I’ve gone three full days of endless rounds with a gold belt heavyweight champ. After two attempts, I croak, “Hey.”

I have to know. “Am I ….”

She hesitates before answering in a halting voice, “Yes. There was no choice. Well, other than death.”

The shock hits me like a sucker punch and I turn my head away, not wanting her to witness my look of blatant shock.

“Are you angry? Colton, please look at me.”

I rasp, “Just give me a minute, will ya? This is a lot to fuckin’ process, all right?”

A new life. As a vampire. Holy fucking shit. How am I going to manage this?

Her touch is soothing as she runs her fingers lightly across my shoulder. “You’re right. It is overwhelming. You heal and take your time. You’re safe here. I won’t be far. If you call for me, I’ll hear you. I really should devote some time to planning with the others. Severin is very concerned about settling the score with the rest of Tristan’s conspirators, and then there’s the matter of the remaining wolves that they plan to use as weapons in the fight against us.”

She begins to leave and immediately I feel like a total dick.

“Wait.” I twist my head to look at her. “C’mere. Don’t go.”

She takes two steps then stops. “Are you sure? I understand if you’re angry.”

“Nah, not at you, never with you, my wildcat. Come back, sit with me.”

Strangely I feel my muscles and bones knitting back together, the traces of pain a nightmarish memory. I try pushing up on my hands and manage to scoot back to a sitting position. I’m beneath the covers with what feels like just my underwear on.

I glance down at my chest as she sits next to me again. “We had to cut your clothing off you. It was drenched.”

Odd silence hangs thick in the air between us until finally I sigh heavily and tell her, “I’m sorry.”

She flinches as if I’d just slapped her across the face. “Sorry? For what, Colton? You didn’t invite that attack or being turned.”

“No, I sure as hell didn’t, but it really fuckin’ bothers me that I wasn’t able to defend us, either.”

Her head moves back and forth. “There were too many of them. Victory wasn’t even a remote possibility. Few vampires could have taken on those odds.”

“I still can’t believe the power of that dickhead vampire. Crazy shit. Wait, there was a woman who came at the end, right? Or was I hallucinating?”

“Yes, you’re right. My maker Katerina saved us. We all thought she was dead.”

“So what happened?”

“Severin just traced her back from our place in Spain. She’s out in the kitchen with everyone now. We’re all pretty much in a state of shock as to why she chose to stage a nearly two-hundred-year-long vanishing act. She is a seer, something along the lines of a psychic. Turns out her visions included Severin and Calla taking down her nemesis Valdon on their own. It’s also no secret that she was growing exhausted by her crazy maker’s relentless attempts to possess and control her. She wanted to be certain that she didn’t interfere with fate in any way so she faked her own death. She loathed him with a passion that’s difficult to explain. Thankfully, Ambrose turned you before it was too late, and believe me, we were right down to the wire with your mortality.

“That’s some seriously heavy shit, wildcat. My head is swimming just trying to keep up. Wait, please tell me that I’m gonna get the opportunity to hunt down that shifty fucker Tristan, right? That asshole’s number is called.”

She leans in and drops a kiss on my forehead. “Sorry, cowboy, but Katerina arranged a lovely front row seat at sunrise for him on the rooftop of one of Savannah’s tallest buildings. According to Katerina, she watched in glee from the shadows of a stairwell and wants to return to the exact spot after sunset tonight to retrieve a sample of his ashes. She has a uniquely dark sense of humor and doesn’t take lightly to people disrespecting her family.”

“Good. He deserves to relive that shit on replay for a hundred years straight. Never wanted to get anyone opposite me in the ring as badly as I did that snake.”

“I’m relieved that’s he’s nothing but a memory now. I regret that I ever listened to his lies about Severin trying to control me. He was so conniving, even giving examples of how much stronger and independent I could be without Severin’s influence. It was all total bullshit. Look, it’s understandable that you would find this new life is bizarre and hard to comprehend, but seeing as we don’t age and are incredibly difficult to kill, you have an infinite number of years to unravel it all.”

“Infinite, huh? So long as we’re together, then that works for me.”

“Good, because I would never have been able to give you up, Colton. You’re absolutely the most tenacious, inscrutable and exceptionally gorgeous man I’ve ever met and you captured my heart that night you came to my rescue in Sub-Zero.”

“Shit, woman, I would’ve chased you down to the ends of the earth if it meant I’d get the chance to spend more time with you. Climb on up here. Need you closer to me. C’mere.”

The sexy little blue dress she’s changed into hikes up higher, putting her long silky legs on display as she straddles me.

“That’s it. Very nice. Now give me those lips. I’ve missed them, almost painfully to be honest.”

Her hair surrounds us as she hovers close, taking my face in both of her palms to whisper playfully, “We can’t have you in pain, cowboy. That’s not allowed.”

“Not at all.”

I’m silenced as her lips meet mine, and just like my enhanced vision, the sensation of our skin touching is noticeably heightened and a new level of strength begins to surge through my once ravaged body. She wastes no time speeding up the tempo. Her tongue pushes in, seeking, exploring ….

“Oh!”

She squeals in delight as I flip her beneath me, dropping my head down at an angle to take charge, branding her lips with a proprietary kiss. When we’re both nearly drunk on each other’s taste and scent, I pull back.

“Captured your heart, huh? I like that. A lot, in fact.”

Her eyes are gleaming as she nods slowly. The tender expression in them tells me all I need to know.

“Wildcat, I knew that I was falling hard for you the night you drove off on your cycle and I was left standin’ alone on my front porch like some lost puppy dog, my chest burning, wonderin’ if I’d ever be lucky enough to see you again.”

“Oh, Colton.”

“Hush.”

I slide my hand up under her hair, my fingers pressing against her soft neck, bringing her close until her right ear is brushing my lips. Quietly I tell her what I’ve wanted her to know for so long now. “I love you, Cosette. Always.”

Her fingertips trace my cheeks, and she covers my mouth with endless kisses, each one punctuated with five simple words said in the sweetest voice I’ve ever heard in my entire life, “I love you too, Colton.”

Chapter Fifteen

Two Months Later

Savannah

“Yo, Colton. You got the nail gun over there with you?”

Glancing down around my feet I tag it from the concrete floor with a, “Yup, right here.”

I walk it over the twenty or so feet and hand it to Case, the massive vampire who definitely would have given me the shakes if I’d ever fought him as a human. He’s hunched down, doing some final tweaks on the base of one of the corner posts of the new boxing ring. He reaches back, his thick tribal tats snaking out from beneath the neckline of his shirt. He takes the tool from me, grunting his thanks.

After the transition into my new life I began thinking long and hard about what I wanted for my future. I decided to partner with Case and my human buddy Alex to purchase the rundown warehouse that I used to fight in illegally. It took about three weeks of grueling work and a wad of cash to get the thing up to code as a top notch training center where fighters could train, spar and hold legal fights. Case and I are silent partners, for obvious reasons, with Alex running the day-to-day activities—a task he is perfectly suited for. We’ve chosen not to reveal what we are to him, and as far as he knows, I’m either busy working on my house during the daylight hours or spendin’ time with my girl.

“Fierce ring,” Case says. “You gonna miss fightin’ in matches here?”

I shake my head. “Nah, I’m holdin’ out hope that I’ll run across another prime asshole of Tristan’s caliber one day. Then I’ll let loose.”

His voice is gravelly. “Yeah, those types always seem to show up outta nowhere to fuck around where they don’t belong. Just be patient. You’ll get that fight you’re craving, no doubt. Too bad the remainder of Tristan’s men and their wolves pulled a disappearing act before we could nail ’em. I’m guessing they’ll lay low if they have any brain cells. If not, you’ll get first dibs when they resurface. I’m sure word has spread about the slaughter that Katerina rained down on Tristan’s little empire. By the way, been meaning to ask, how’d your first couple of feedings go? Didn’t kill any humans, did you?”

I grin. “Nope. Cosette made certain that I had a clear idea of what the fuck I was doing before I ever went there. But shit, it was tempting to not stop, you know what I’m sayin’?”

“Fuck yeah, I do. It gets easier with time, though. You’ll learn to pace yourself. Good thing you have your head on straight. It’ll come in handy when you’re forced to make rapid-fire decisions.”

He does a once over of his work, and seemingly satisfied, stands and move closer to me, glancing over his shoulder at Cosette and Kiana, who are arranging a seating area in the nearby entryway. Quietly he says, “Glad you stepped in when you did. Severin was a fuckin’ wreck with the wedge that had been driven between him and Cosette. Couldn’t mention her name without him gettin’ all worked up. Thought those two would never get past their differences—both as stubborn as they come. You showing up really helped out with what seemed like a deadlocked situation. Just wanted you to know.”

“Appreciate it, Case. I’d do anything for her.”

“Yeah, and he knows it, too. We all do. Makes it easier with her living down here in Savannah. Tension is gone and that’s a good thing.”

“Glad to hear it. By the way, is Katerina still around? Haven’t heard much since I met her soon after I was turned.”

He shakes his head, a rare smile passing over his lips. “That’s one curious fucking female. She had a long private discussion with Severin and then, bam, took right off again. Guessin’ she’s got her own thing goin’ on somewhere else, and just made it a priority to step in when Cosette needed her. None of my business, but I’m sure she’ll show up again. She’s a badass, though, pretty much the only vampire I’d fuckin’ run from in a fight and that’s no lie.”

“Yeah, still puzzled how she took down all those guards along with Tristan without getting’ so much as a scratch. Crazy shit.”

Impatient, Kiana calls out, “Hey, babe. You promised that we’d check out that waterfront rooftop bar over at the Bohemian hotel before we headed back to Charleston tonight. You about ready to go?”

Case holds up his hand to Kiana. “Two seconds.”

I take the nail gun from him and lift my chin. “Thanks for helping out this weekend, appreciate it. You both get going. Heard there’s a good band playing up there tonight.”

“You two are coming along later, right?”

I grin deviously. “Not a chance. Have a little surprise planned.”

“Damn. Enough said.”

His large palm lands on my shoulder before he turns to stride out of the warehouse, Kiana drawn close to his side.

Cosette crosses the newly laid concrete floor. When she reaches the ring she leans forward on the lowest rope, looking up at me through sexy lashes with spectacular eyes that always seem to slay me. “So, did you finally come up with a name?”

I beam at her. “Yeah.”

“And …?”

“Central Training Center.”

“Like it, cowboy—clean and direct. The others are into it?”

“Yup. It was across the board our top choice.”

“The opening next Saturday night should be exciting. Especially with the fight you have scheduled. I’m sure it will be packed to the rafters in here.”

“Looking forward to it. Alex got the occupancy license we’ve been waiting on from the county so everything’s right on track.”

“Perfect. So, what else can I help out with? I assume there’s more work to do; otherwise we’d be with Kiana and Case, right?”

“Nope. Assumed wrong, my sexy wildcat. Climb on up here.” I reach down for her hand to help her as she ducks under the royal blue rope.

Those inquisitive eyes narrow suspiciously. “What are you—”

I cut her off with a hard kiss, gripping her waist and pulling her into me until our bodies are flush against each other. As our tongues begin to spar, I focus and trace us back to our house.

I can’t wait to see her reaction to what I have planned tonight.

***

We bounce twice on the plush bed and I let out a laugh against his lips, saying sexily, “Couldn’t wait any longer? You know, I’m beginning to worry about your insatiable sexual urges, cowboy.”

“You’ve nailed that sweetheart, ’cuz I’m definitely insatiable for that body you have going on. Mmm.”

He rolls us fast so I’m trapped like a butterfly by his formidable strength.

His gaze is piercing as he whispers down to me, “Reach into my back pocket.” He drops his head to nip my chin lightly with his teeth.

“Ooh, you know how I adore surprises! Now what have you done?” I eye him suspiciously.

With narrowed eyes, he calls my bluff, “Just look and see woman.”

I love it when he’s direct like this. I flash him a bright smile as my hand glides across his lower back, then farther down to his faded jeans until it passes over a small lump in his right pocket.

I eye him carefully, trying to see if he’ll give me any indication of what he’s up to. He’s his usual cool, collected self, but his stare is heated. Clearly he’s very interested in my reaction.

Using my thumb and index finger I reach in and slowly pull out the metal object. From the feel of it I’ve determined that it’s a ring, but when I lift my arm to bring it around his shoulder I gasp in astonishment.

“Colton, oh, It … it’s magnificent.”

I struggle to speak as I stare at the exquisite, Georgian-era vintage cocktail ring. The rectangular shaped center stone is a vibrant sapphire. I’m mesmerized by the lush cobalt hue that seems to catch prisms of light with the slightest movement of my fingers. It’s nestled between two pear-shaped diamonds whose points drop down along the shimmering gold band.

He clears his throat, “You like it?”

I drag my eyes away from the exquisitely crafted work of art to meet his. “Thank you, I absolutely love it. It’s the most stunning ring I’ve ever seen.”

He looks pleased. “Good. Wanted something from your time, you know, to be symbolic and all. It was important to me that you have something to remind you of our bond whenever we’re apart. Found an estate jewelry dealer online in Atlanta, had them keep an eye out for me. When they located what I had in mind I arranged to have it shipped. Here, let’s see how it looks on you.”

He takes the ring and slowly slips it onto my finger. Dropping a kiss down onto the center of the stone, he murmurs, “Perfect fit.”

“Yes. Like us.”

“Exactly. I love you, Cosette. You own my entire heart and always will. You’re not someone I could ever have dreamed up or even hoped for.”

“You’re my world, Colton. I’d be so lost without you.”

“Hey, you’ll never be without me, babydoll, not ever.”

Licking my lips I whisper, “Let me show you how much you mean to me.”

His body instantly stiffens at my innuendo, his eager sex pressing urgently into the crevice of my parted legs. His eyes flash to black and even though I’ve seen it happen often now, the effect is still intoxicating, and dampness floods my core.

In a blur of motion he flips us again, and this time I’m straddling him.

His voice, as dark and seductive as midnight, drifts through the air between us. “Show me then.”

Oh, I intend to ….

I draw the seduction out, taking my time as I reach beneath his shirt, caressing the smooth muscles that jump and flex beneath my touch. He leans up a bit and pulls his shirt off. I hardly notice as the black T goes sailing through the air landing silently next to our bed. I drink in his impressive visage. The detailed black tattoos are equal parts menacing and sexy, worn by a vampire that backs them up perfectly. I can tell that he likes it when I stare at him because his mouth is parted and his imposing fangs have dropped. Just the thought of him thrusting them into me causes another wave of heat to rip straight through me. Wasting no time, I draw my dress over my head and toss it carelessly over my shoulder.

“Hmm. You wore that bra again. Too bad.”

I pull back, confused by his statement. “Too bad?”

He springs forward and lowers his tiger-like fangs down to my chest, and before I can react, rips the material apart in a savage display of lust.

His tongue starts lapping at one of my nipples as his groan drift up to me, “Yeah, too fuckin’ bad for that bra. Seeing how it looked on these drives me insane.”

Oh God.

His arms are wrapped around my waist and his relentless circuit across my eager breasts is driving me wild. My head drops back as the remains of my ruined bra slide right off my arms.

“So good, Colton. I need you inside … please.”

“Warning: lose the panties or they’re next.”

“Bad man.” I lift up and pull the black lace down my thighs, shimmying out of them one leg at a time.

“Extremely bad,” he says with a wolfish stare.

His hands are working between us, eagerly unbuckling his belt and kicking his jeans down and off his ankles. I hover above him, just inches from his gorgeous shaft when he begins to rub and caress my clit. His pacing is wicked perfection as he purrs darkly, “Damn, baby, it’s times like this I wonder why we ever even bother leaving the bed.”

“So close, Colton ….”

His fingers pull away and I groan at the loss.

His wide palms wrap around my hips, forcing me down onto the very tip of his straining cock. “Not until I say so, sugar. You know my rules.”

“Oh!”

I cry out as his right palm connects with a firm smack against my bare ass. The stinging heat is nothing compared to the delicious stretching of his determined entry. The overwhelming sensation of his invading sex, so thick and hot, forces another desperate sound to rise up out of my throat as he lowers me down onto him, inch by mouth-watering inch. He fills me completely, and even though I’m above him, the way he’s gripping me, directing me, lets me know exactly who’s in charge of our lovemaking.

“Oh, God, yes!”

The first commanding thrust comes hard and fast as he lifts me only seconds before his hips buck up from below. The pressure of taking him like this, so impossibly deep, is outstanding. He gives me no time to adjust as his hold tightens on my waist, and I cry out as he begins lifting and lowering me effortlessly, forcing me to accept his plunging heat. The driving rhythm soon elicits screams of dark pleasure as he works me aggressively on his steel hard sex.

He grits out through clenched teeth, “Fuckin’ love this pussy, so damn soft and beautiful and all mine! Rub yourself, wanna see you give it up to me.”

I’m drawn so tightly, so close and on the verge that I struggle not to pitch forward onto his chest. I bring my shaking hand down between my slick folds to do as he instructed. My middle finger passes twice across my clit and the brief contact combined with how deeply he is seated inside of me ignites a blast of euphoria.

“Ah! Colton!”

My mind swirls in absolute rapture. All rational thought is wiped away as the devastating force of the orgasm rolls through me, wave after rapturous wave.

“Yeah, that’s right, cum all over that cock. It’s all for you!”

The pleasure is still rocking me to my core as I pull my hair quickly to the side and lean in to offer him my neck. “Do it,” I rasp.

He gives me a fierce look before plunging his predatory fangs deep into my bare skin.

I cry out at the breach, more in shock at his savagery than from any actual pain. Immediately he begins drinking, drawing in deep, sucking pulls from me, never once breaking the tight connection as his strong arms lift and lower me over and over again onto him, knowing how I adore it when he’s vicious, nearly brutal when he fucks.

The throaty sound of triumph vibrates across my neck a second before he releases inside of me, cumming with relentless force. His arms bind me impossibly tight as he snarls down into the bite, clearly lost in the devastating orgasm that’s rocketing through him.

We’re locked together and panting hard when he slowly pulls his fangs out. I bury my face down into the curve of his neck and inhale deeply, loving the perfect male scent that is unique only to him. His hand comes up to tenderly stoke my hair then draws a slow trail down my back. I always love the quiet closeness we share that invariably seems to follow on the heels of the wild storm of our animalistic sex.

His whispers softly against my hair, “You’re my princess. You’re all mine, you know that, don’t you?”

I plant a row of passionate kisses on his corded neck and along his jaw line until I reach the very corner of his full lips. “Yes, Colton. Only yours, always,” I whisper back to him in the near darkness.

“Good. ’Cause I’m gonna spend the rest of my existence showing you precisely how much you mean to me.”

His lips brush softly against mine and it’s clear that he requires no response.

Epilogue

Midnight—Springtime

Alhambra; Granada, Spain

“All right, cowboy, we’re here. Can you guess?”

Her hands cover my eyes as I listen closely, quickly recognizing the sound of flowing water. It’s everywhere, gurgling like it’s coming from several different directions … maybe from fountains? There’s also a pervasive floral scent in the air, but not like the air in the south. This is headier, richer. “I’m not sure,” I say, “maybe somewhere in the tropics? Puerto Rico?”

Her gleeful laugh rings out all around us. “Wrong. Here, I’ve made you wait long enough, but I have to say, I love it when we play this game.”

I grumble, “Come on, woman, let me see.”

“You’re so very alpha. You know that, right?”

“And getting more alpha by the minute.”

“All right, all right, my impatient one. The big reveal. Ready, one, two, three!”

Her hands fly away and I stare around at high, manicured walls of dense green foliage that’s perfectly balanced alongside low, narrow pools of water. Spouting fountains are at the end of each turn of the stylized garden, which seems to be a labyrinth of some kind. I turn in all directions, taking in the beauty, from the robust roses in shades of cherry red, pink, and white to the detailed layout that seems to go on forever.

“This place, my God, it’s like nothing I’ve ever seen before. Where are we?”

She’s watching me closely. Finally a beaming smile forms on her lips. “Wanna take a stab at which country at least?”

“Hmm, maybe France or Portugal?”

“Close. We’re at Alhambra in southern Spain.”

Still stunned by the beauty of the place, I murmur, “Spain. Outstanding. You brought us here, so it’s obviously a place you’ve visited before.”

She casts her eyes around appreciatively. “Yes. This is a very special place that I’ve been waiting to show you, Colton. Long before we met I would come here whenever I needed to make sense of things. When I was feeling lost, I guess. As you can see, it has a calming effect. Anyhow, I wanted to share this with you, especially since you appreciate architecture so much.” She turns to point up at a Moorish palace that sits high atop a nearby hill. Its impressive light tan walls stand out against the star-filled midnight sky as she continues, “We have a lot of ground to cover in this majestic place, lover, so where would you like to start?”

“Where would I like to start?”

“Mmm, hmm. Anywhere you like.”

I reach out and snap a full white rose off a nearby branch and tuck it carefully behind her left ear. She smiles serenely at me as I thread my fingers through hers and take a single step closer to her before tipping my chin down to whisper right against her beautiful mouth, “Right here, wildcat.”

I drink in her soft sigh as our lips connect, all the while thinking to myself, You did it, you lucky bastard. You actually made it straight through hell in order to find this flawless, extraordinary love.

* * *

American erotic romance author Christine Edwards grew up on Hilton Head Island, SC. At an early age she developed a passion for the arts that led her to earn a bachelor's degree in Art History from the College of Charleston in South Carolina. For many years she was the director of a contemporary art gallery in Charleston's historic French Quarter.

Christine has a special place in her heart for reading and writing erotic tales. She continues to publish stories that immerse readers in exotic and realistic geographic settings amid interesting subcultures of adult life. Within the vein of BDSM romance, her main focus is on loving, multi-faceted relationships involving intense alpha males and strong-willed, passionate heroines.

An avid skier, she will take on just about anything that is vertical. Christine resides in the Deep South.

Savannah Past Midnight is her seventh novel and the second book in the Past Midnight series.

Please visit Christine online at www.christineedwardsauthor.com.

Table of Contents

- Prologue
- Chapter One
- Chapter Two
- Chapter Three
- Chapter Four
- Chapter Five
- Chapter Six
- Chapter Seven
- Chapter Eight
- Chapter Nine
- Chapter Ten
- Chapter Eleven
- Chapter Twelve
- Chapter Thirteen
- Chapter Fourteen
- Chapter Fifteen
- Epilogue