In From the Cold

In From the Cold By R.W. Shannon

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental. In From the Cold Copyright© 2011 R.W. Shannon ISBN: 978-1-60088-734-5 Cover Artist: Sable Grey Editor: Devin Govaere All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced electronically or in print without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in reviews. Cobblestone Press, LLC www.cobblestone-press.com

Dedication Thank you for your support.

Chapter One It was a cold and dreary night in Baltimore. At three in the morning, London Ivory was tucked into her bed but couldn’t sleep. Yawning, she turned onto her back. Counting reindeer didn’t help. Neither did the dancing Santas that she conjured in her mind. There were only three more days until Christmas. She had a million things to do tomorrow, including some last minute shopping. Maybe she was too stressed to sleep. An orgasm was a great relaxer, but since she was alone, she’d have to take matters into her own hands. She turned onto her side and hugged her pillow. Her mind raced. The skin on her arms prickled. Should she? What the hell. London giggled. Twisting onto her back, she opened her eyes. The room was dark, except for a sliver of moonlight that peeked through her closed blinds. Heart pounding, she sat up and pulled her T-shirt over her head. London shivered as she lay back down. Squeezing her right breast, she stroked her dark nipple with her index finger. The soft peak responded by hardening. It had been ages since she’d masturbated. But, something was missing. Closing her eyes, she continued to tease the sensitive flesh of her breast. What she needed was someone to fantasize about. London thought about her own appearance. Dark brown hair. Light brown eyes. Smooth caramel complexion. Who would her ideal man be? She loved blue eyes. Maybe pale skin that set them off. Long, dark hair that flowed around the chiseled features of his face. Strong shoulders and a smooth muscular chest, hard abs and thighs. And he was so very naked. Her breath hitched when her fantasy took shape. Sliding her hands under her silk panties, she

touched her wet clit and moaned. If only he was really here with her. Now that her co-star was complete, she needed a location. Her bedroom would do. In her mind, he bent close to her. Wisps of his hair brushed her forehead as he pressed his lips against hers. London reached up to thread her fingers through his soft hair and returned the kiss with one of her own. His scent was sweet and earthly. Whiskers from his cheeks tickled her chin as she hungrily consumed his mouth. Releasing his hair, London caressed his neck and shoulders. Damn. He felt real. His breath was cool on her hot flesh as he tore his mouth from hers to press his lips against her throat. “Let me help you with that,” he said. Suddenly, the fantasy consumed her. The mattress shifted as he climbed in beside her. Removing her hand from her pussy, he hooked his fingers into the waistband of her panties and roughly yanked them off. London gasped. He stroked the smooth skin between her trembling thighs. He brought her hand to his mouth and suckled on her moist fingers. What was his name? She wanted to yell the right moniker when she came. “Daemyon,” he whispered. His baritone voice sent a shiver down her spine. “What are you?” she asked. Reaching down, she grasped his solid wrist. “It feels like you’re really here.” “I can be.” “When?” she asked. “Soon. But first, we have some business to attend to.” Daemyon curled his left arm under her shoulders, cradling her to his chest. He parted the soft folds of flesh between her legs and touched her clit. When she parted her thighs for him, Daemyon inserted his finger into her wet core. She arched her hips into his touch. Reaching for him, she stroked his hard cock, tracing the network of veins with her fingertips. Was this still a dream? Opening her eyes, she glanced around the dark room of her reality before closing them to go back into her dream world. “How do I make you real?” she asked. “Just ask, London, and I am yours.” Daemyon fondled each ridge and valley of her pussy. Her legs

trembled. Leaning to her right, she pressed her lips against his shoulder. London let go of his cock to touch his thigh. He flinched when her hand connected with his warm skin. Soon, he relaxed. His breath was ragged against her temple. This must be driving him crazy, she thought. “I want you in me,” she breathed. He shook his head. “I can’t.” “Why?” Without answering, he swept her mouth with a light kiss. He thrust his finger deep inside her, down to his knuckle. Moaning, she undulated her hips and closed her eyes. Shivering, she climaxed in his arms. The intensity of the orgasm startled her and left her wanting more of him. She opened her eyes to discover she was alone in the room. Her hand was stuffed in the crotch of her panties, not Daemyon’s. Where had he gone? London turned on her side and snuggled beneath the comforter. Soon, she was sound asleep as visions of her dream lover danced in her head.

Chapter Two Though London had circled this row four times, she hoped that the fifth time would be the charm and a parking space would open up. She had already tried the other lots, but they were also full. Sighing, London was about to give up when she saw in her rearview mirror that an SUV was leaving. The space was six back from where she stopped. Only, a station wagon saw it, too. Oh, hell no! Narrowing her eyes, she put her car in reverse and floored it. The way the SUV backed out blocked the station wagon’s path, allowing her to steer her compact car around the SUV and slide, backward, into the space. The driver of the wagon honked her horn and shouted obscenities, but London shrugged. All was fair in love and parking during the holiday season. Flipping down the visor, she checked out her appearance in the mirror. London’s honey complexion was flawless. Her light brown eyes twinkled in the dim lighting. She wore a black beret over her long hair. Fresh from her job as a hair stylist, she wore a black sweater dress and high-heeled black boots that staved off the chill in the air. A car stopped in front of her and asked if she was leaving. When she shook her head no, the car sped off. Sighing, she closed the visor, grabbed her purse, and climbed out of the car. She was in dire need of a latte. It was unseasonably warm for the suburban Baltimore location, but London didn’t mind. The noisy echo of the two-story mall greeted her, along with the scent of cinnamon and roasted coffee beans. A coffee shop stood just inside the entrance. She spotted Sari among the crowd in line.

Her friend’s long, flaming red hair gave her away. Sari’s porcelain skin glowed, as did her green eyes. “You read my mind,” London said, giving Sari a hug. “Did you find a parking space? I have no idea where I ended up parking.” London laughed. “We’ll find it. I may have to drive you around like in that Seinfeld episode.” “I know,” Sari sighed. “So what’s your poison? I’m buying.” “Double vanilla latte with whipped cream.” They took two steps forward. Twelve people stood between London and her much needed caffeine. “I have no idea what to get my boss,” London sighed. “Joan has everything.” Sari snorted. “Sounds like Mark.” Mark was Sari’s police officer husband of six months. He, Sari, and London had attended the same high school and had known each other forever. “How is he?” London asked. “Great...” The rest of Sari’s conversation became mute as the image of London’s dream lover from last night flashed in her mind. Who was he, and could she dream about him again tonight? This time he was going to make love to her. When the line inched forward, London got a strange feeling that someone was watching her and glanced to her left. Sitting at a table in the back corner was a man who took her breath away. His thick black hair hung over his leather jacket to his waist. His skin was the color of alabaster. She couldn’t see his eyes from where she stood, but his gaze bore through her soul. It was Daemyon! Her heart fluttered. London was hypnotized by his eyes. The man seemed to be drawing her to him, but she held her ground. When he brought his coffee to his lips and sipped, she found her cheeks flush with excitement. In her mind, she heard him call her name. London. She heard it as clear as day. Suddenly, she wanted to strip right where she was and make love to him on one of the tables. She looked away to break the connection. When she looked back, he was still there.

“Well?” Sari asked. She had taken London’s elbow to move her to the side. London blinked, realizing that Sari had already ordered and had asked her a question. Chancing it, she looked back at the table, but Daemyon had vanished. Damn it. “What?” London said. “I was asking what you were doing for New Year’s Eve.” “What I always do. Spend it watching Dick Clark on the television,” London smirked. Sari laughed just as her name was being called by the barista. While her friend went to get the drinks, London looked toward the back table. A couple now sat where Daemyon had. How could he have left so fast? Glancing around the small shop, she didn’t see him anywhere. Her heart sank. She had to find him. But how? “Who are you looking for?” Sari asked her while she handed London her drink. London looked around one last time before answering. “No one.”

Chapter Three Two hours later, London was finally finished with her shopping. She was exhausted and ready to go home. While she and Sari made their way to the exit, London looked around for Daemyon but didn’t see him anywhere. A lump formed in her throat. Maybe, she thought, she could think about him again, and he’d appear. Closing her eyes briefly, she remembered his handsome face. When she opened her eyes, he was still nowhere to be found. Her heart sank. She and Sari approached the mall’s center court, which was decorated to look like Santa’s workshop. Elves stood beside the gingerbread entrance, but the line was empty. Sari elbowed London in her side and motioned toward the white sleigh throne. London turned. Santa sighed as he fiddled with his smartphone. He had a rotund figure with wire rimmed glasses. At least he looked like Santa, London thought with a giggle. “Santa looks lonely,” Sari said. “He’s probably glad his lap is finally free of whining kids,” London snorted. “Maybe you should fill it.” London looked at her best friend like she was crazy, but Sari was serious. Shifting the bags in her hands, she looked at Santa again. He did look bored. Her sitting on his lap would probably be the highlight of his shift. Plus, she never got to sit on Santa’s lap as a kid. Her parents had told her that Santa didn’t exist when she was five years old. The reason, her father said when she questioned them as an adult, was to prevent her

from having heartache over something that wasn’t real when she found out about it later. Maybe, she thought when she continued to look at the Santa, that’s why she had trouble believing in things she couldn’t see. All those paranormal shows were so unrealistic. Falling in love with a demon or vampire didn’t happen in real life because those creatures didn’t exist. “Go ahead,” Sari urged. “What could it hurt? And it will be a cool picture for your web page.” London glanced at Santa and shrugged. What could it hurt? She approached the two teenage girls that were dressed as elves. “How much to sit on Santa’s lap?” she asked. “Twenty bucks,” one of the elves said. Digging out her wallet, London paid the fee and followed the second elf up the red velvet carpet to where Santa sat while Sari stayed behind. Santa quickly put his phone away and smiled when they approached. Something in his eyes flashed. The slight movement caused London to stop walking. At first, she chalked it up to the characteristic twinkle in his eye, but then she realized that Santa had changed appearance. His eyes had changed color from brown to blue. Santa’s once-full body gave way to a more sculpted one. Her heart stopped beating. Daemyon. “Are you okay?” the elf asked. London. His velvety voice slipped into her mind. Shaking her head, London began walking again. Daemyon smiled at her. It wasn’t an amusing smile but a sexy one that caused her knees to buckle as she stepped on the platform. Setting her bags next to the chair, she sat on his lap. His thighs were solid, as if steel rods had been placed inside the muscle and held her firmly upright. When he wrapped his arm around her waist, his touch ignited her skin. “What happened to you last night?” she asked, whispering her question so that the others couldn’t hear her. “I couldn’t stay,” he answered. His baritone voice sent a shiver down her spine. “Because I fulfilled my duty, I had to return to my realm.”

London frowned. “I don’t understand what that means. What are you?” He chuckled. When he did, his lips brushed against her ear. London felt her nipples pucker. Shifting in his lap, she curled her arm around his neck. Daemyon’s erection pressed into her hip. The heat rose from his body and swathed hers. The only thing stopping her from taking him right now was the little girl who was skipping up the red path toward them. “I’m an incubus,” Daemyon admitted freely. “A sex demon. I can only be made whole if you invite me in.” “How did you find me here?” London sighed when Daemyon’s finger slipped beneath the hem of her dress and caressed her thigh. “Your energy. You made me. We’re now linked.” London gasped when he touched the sensitive skin on her inner thigh. She had to fight to keep her legs closed. Still, she lightly brushed her lips against his. Daemyon returned her kiss and then tore his mouth away. Cupping her cheek, he gazed into her eyes. She melted under his intense stare and almost fell off his lap. “Can I make love to you tonight?” he asked. Before London could answer, the elf appeared at her elbow. “Okay, guys. Time’s up. Smile for the camera.” “Come home with me,” she said urgently. “And finish what you started.” “I’m sorry, miss. I’m married.” London shrieked. The camera lens flashed. When she looked back at Daemyon, the former Santa had returned. He smiled sheepishly as London jumped off his lap. She grabbed her bags and hurried down the red carpet. On wobbly legs, she ran for the exit and didn’t stop until she was safely outside. While she paused to catch her breath, Sari caught up with her. “Oh. My. God,” Sari exclaimed. “You were totally making out with that Santa.” Cringing, London sank down on a wooden bench and covered her face with her hands. Every inch of her body trembled. “I thought he was someone I knew.”

Footsteps approached them. London lifted her head. The elf from Santa’s booth was heading in their direction. “You forgot this,” she said, handing London the picture. “Thank you,” London said, taking it from her. The elf smiled and dashed back into the mall. London looked at the picture. She sat on the original Santa’s lap. Her eyes were wide. A look of shock was etched on London’s face, but she’d managed a thin smile. Groaning, she shoved it into her purse. She was disappointed that Daemyon wasn’t in the photo. Where had he gone? Was he still in the mall? “It’s not that bad,” Sari said as she stood. “Can you help me find my car?” “Sure.” Sari’s compact hybrid was parked in one of the lower lots. After hugging her friend goodbye, London drove off. She was about to exit the mall parking lot, but at the stoplight, she changed her mind. Doubling back, she parked in the fire zone and rushed into the mall. The mall would be closing in an hour, and the crowd was thinning. How was she going to find him? Daemyon could be anywhere. This is crazy, she thought as she frantically searched the upper level while scanning the lower level through the cutout in the center of the floor. Desire nagged at her soul, but maybe it wasn’t meant to be. Giving up, London walked back to the entrance and prayed that her car hadn’t been towed. As she neared the row of glass doors, she spotted Daemyon leaning against the center glass panel. This time, he was wearing a uniform of a security officer. The brass name tag on his white shirt read “Raul”. She stopped a few inched from him. “Looking for me?” he teased. Swallowing hard, London’s mouth suddenly went dry. Pushing off the glass, Daemyon closed the distance between them. He swept her in his arms. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she pulled him closer to her and entwined her tongue with his. Breaking the kiss, she leaned away to looked at him. Daemyon’s eyes sparkled gold, even in the dim light of the corridor. Her heart slammed against her chest. She longed to feel his hands and lips on every inch of her bare skin. In his arms was where she

belonged. Where she needed to be. Tears slid down London’s cheeks as she took his hand and led him to her car.

Chapter Four “Don’t we have to give this body back?” London asked Daemyon. He held her free hand as they drove through the streets to her home. Bringing her hand to his lips, he kissed her fingers. The memory of him sucking on her essence-soaked fingers last night played in her head and caused her to tremble. “Yes. But, it’s the only way I can travel in this realm.” London nodded. “How do we make you real?” “When you invite me in, I should be able to separate from the host.” “I’d love to have you inside of me all the time.” Daemyon chuckled. “And inside of you I shall reside.” She felt her cheeks flush with excitement. Stepping on the gas pedal, London sped through the streets because she couldn’t wait to get home and be alone with Daemyon. He squeezed her hand. “There is one more thing,” Daemyon confessed as she parked her car in front of her apartment building. “You have to fall in love with me.” Shutting off the car, London twisted in her seat to look at him. “Are you serious?” He nodded. “Only your love can free me from where my soul is being kept. Otherwise, you’ll have me for tonight only.” London’s breath stilled. She already couldn’t imagine being without him, but could she fall in love with him so soon? After unfastening her seat belt, she climbed out of the car. Daemyon followed and paused to grab the bags from her backseat. The walk to her third floor

apartment felt like an eternity. Shivering, she opened her door and went inside. She turned on lights. Her freshly cut tree stood in front of her sliding glass doors that led to the balcony and was decorated in multicolored bulbs and lights. No gifts were under the tree because she hadn’t had the chance to wrap them yet. The scent of evergreen filled the space. She set her purse and keys on the table to the right of the door. Taking off her hat, she shook out her hair before tossing her hat on the sofa. “Aren’t you going to invite me in?” he asked. “Of course. Daemyon. Come in,” she said. London turned to the doorway. The hairs on the back of her neck stood on edge when she saw the intense desire in his eyes. Daemyon separated from the host body as he entered her apartment. Her gaze flowed over his nude torso and settled on the area between his legs. She licked her lips. His shadow loomed over her as he dropped the bag on the floor and swept her up in his arms. She placed her hand on his chest before his lips could touch hers. “The host,” she said, motioning to the doorway with the tilt of her head. Daemyon nodded. Raul stood in the doorway, blinking rapidly. The guard was about her height, five foot six inches, with a stout build and olive toned skin. In a daze, Raul looked from her to Daemyon. She extracted herself from Daemyon’s arms and hurried toward him. Her hope was that Raul could find his way home or back to work from here because nothing was going to make her leave right now. “Thank you for escorting me home,” she said. “I appreciate it.” London closed and locked the door before the guard could say anything. Turning back to Daemyon, her breath caught in her throat as she took in his nude body. He was the best holiday gift she could have asked for. Reaching down, she grasped the hem of her dress and pulled it over her head. Clad in a pink lace bra and panties with her boots, she tossed the outfit on the floor. “You are so beautiful,” Daemyon commented. His voice was filled with awe. “Thank you.”

She trembled as she walked toward him. Cupping his face in her hands, she pressed her lips against his. The kiss awakened every cell in her body. Backing him up, she placed her hands on his shoulders and pushed him down on the sofa. Without breaking the connection of their lips, she straddled his lap as he reclined against the cushions. Daemyon’s hand flowed up her back to caress her neck. Then, he pushed down the straps of her bra. Releasing her lips, he pressed his mouth to her throat and suckled on the sensitive skin. London closed her eyes. Her head tilted back in ecstasy, but she was only getting warmed up. And she could tell by the way his shaft pushed against the crotch of her panties so was he. She seized his shaft and fondled the tightening muscle. “Make love to me,” London said. Her statement was more of a demand than a plea. Groaning, Daemyon unhooked her bra and pushed down the lace cups. When her full breasts were free, he pulled her dark nipple into his mouth. London arched into his gentle suckles. She threaded her fingers in his dark tresses. Daemyon shoved the crotch of her panties aside and guided his stiff cock into her pussy. London inhaled as his girth pushed into her. Closing her eyes, she rode the wave of his thrusts as he let go of her nipple to consume her mouth with his. “Claim me, London. Make me yours.” London opened her eyes and stared into his steely gaze. Was it really that simple? Could she fall in love with Daemyon so easily? Never before had she felt so passionate about anyone. All she had to do was let go and give in to the feeling. He sat up and gathered her in his arms. With her still in his lap, Daemyon laid her back against the carpet. She braced herself against the beige Berber to receive his hard, deep thrusts. His image began to flicker. Frightened, London gripped his hips with her thighs and clutched his shoulder. Daemyon rose up on his hands to gaze down at her before capturing her mouth in a desperate kiss. “Don’t hold back,” he said against her lips. “If you don’t love me, I’ll have to go back into the cold darkness.” Panting, London opened her heart to receive his. When she did, tears sprang to her eyes. She sobbed against Daemyon’s shoulder. Her

skin prickled where it touched his. Oh. Yes. He had been created just for her. Closing her eyes, she held on to him. Her climax caused her legs to tremble. The slick walls of her pussy contracted around his shaft. She called out his name, claiming him with each syllable. “I love you, Daemyon,” she whispered against his collarbone. London caressed his solid back. Her hands flowed down his smooth skin to curve around his ass. Daemyon’s warm breath dried the tears on her cheeks. When he winced, she sensed it was his turn to proclaim her as his own. His skin shimmered with golden light. His thigh quivered between hers. He pumped furiously against her pelvis, each thrust going deeper than it had before. Grimacing, he plunged into her and released. She held him until he stopped shuddering. Once he was able to move, Daemyon turned on to his side, and London snuggled against his chest. This was officially the best holiday ever. “Thank you,” he said. She cupped his cheek. “I should be thanking you.” Daemyon chuckled and kissed her. “You’ve made me so happy. I’m no longer suspended in darkness. I’m here.” “And you’re mine.” He stroked her back. “I love you.” Sniffing back emotions, she kissed him. “What do you want to do for your first night as a human?” “I have a few ideas,” he teased. Grinning, Daemyon ripped the seams of her panties. London squealed as he tossed the torn pink lace aside and positioned her to straddle his hips. The End

Author Bio R.W. Shannon is a native of the East Coast but spent six years in the desert before returning. She became a librarian so that she can walk around with her nose in a book without ridicule and also for the free books. When she’s not belly dancing or getting another tattoo, she can be found in the kitchen of her mother’s house until she gets her own. A member of Romance Writers of America and Passionate Ink, she is always at work on another project. In addition to Cobblestone Press, her books can be found at Beautiful Trouble Publishing. Please friend her on Facebook at facebook.com/rwshannon for more information or email her at [email protected].