Jarharis

JARHARIS BOOK TWO THE WITCH AND THE VAMPIRE BY FAWN LOWERY

The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000. Please purchase only authorized electronic editions, and do not participate in or encourage the electronic piracy of copyrighted materials. Your support of the author's rights is appreciated. This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental. Jarharis: Book 2 – The Witch and the Vampire Copyright © 2008 Fawn Lowery ISBN: 978-1-55487-011-0 Cover art by Martine Jardin All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or hereafter invented, is forbidden without the written permission of the publisher. Published by eXtasy Books Look for us online at: www.extasybooks.com

To Tina. Thank you for your friendship and encouragement.

Jarharis: Book 2-The Witch and the Vampire

CHAPTER ONE Sutherland shifted his perched position Jarharis on the tiled roof and watched the three men and one woman on the sidewalk below. He studied the female. She was tall, with long blonde hair that hung loosely down her back. She was dressed in tight pants and a long sleeved sweater that dipped low on her chest. The tantalizing swell of ripe breasts peeked over the neckline. Her face shown luminous in the yellow glow of the streetlight the group stood under. She had exquisite features— high cheekbones, a small delicate nose that tipped upward slightly and full sensual lips. He was intrigued. The perfect face. He drew in a deep breath and tried to clear his mind. He had lost track of how long he had assumed the shape of a bird and perched on the peak of the brownstone, but he thought less than an hour earlier he had been in his time—ll85, along with his three brothers—and a rather beguiling witch. Ronna Gentry. She 1

Fawn Lowery possessed a magical amulet, which she used to travel through time. God only knew what else that amulet was capable of. He sighed. Ronna was a witch of the present time and she belonged to his brother, Marcus. The woman on the sidewalk blew a stream of smoke from her mouth. He watched the gray fog encompass her head and dissipate as a summer breeze swept it upward into the darkness. He tuned his keen ears to their conversation, smiling at the rhetoric. “If you two want to check out the night spots, I’ll take Merrick with me and meet up with you later.” “We should stick together, Selena. There’s safety in numbers.” “Kaleb, I am perfectly capable of taking care of myself.” “I know. You have an arsenal in your boot. But, honestly, babe, you take too many chances. Vampires don’t play fair.” Vampires? Jarharis narrowed his eyes. “You don’t give me any credit for having a brain. For Pete’s sake! I’ve been a hunter longer than you and I’m still alive, aren’t I?” “Well, that’s questionable.” “Fuck you, Kaleb.” The men in the group laughed and the blonde woman separated herself from their small cluster, 2

Jarharis: Book 2-The Witch and the Vampire walking into the shadows beyond the streetlamp. Her body was rigid, her shoulders squared. Jarharis sensed her irritation. He inched along the crown of the roof, positioning himself directly above her. He looked down and saw the top of her head. He smelled the smoke she blew in to the air, stifled a cough and shook his head. He had never seen a female smoke and, though it seemed odd— in his time, a female would appear too masculine if she took up the habit—there was a certain sensuality about the act that spoke to his senses. He left his perch on the roof and soared silently into the air, flapping his feathered wings. The city was foreign, a modern day marvel of stone and concrete, high rise buildings that stabbed at the darkness with tall spires. Strange odors assaulted his acute senses and a mirage of noises melded one with the other until he realized he couldn’t possibly discern any specific one. He floated lightly to the ground, keeping to the shadow of the building. With a brief thought, he summoned the magic and shapeshifted into himself, a tall robust man with shoulder length blond hair and quizzical inspecting eyes. A vampire had many attributes, which he could summon at a given thought. He pulled in a deep breath and adjusted his dark tunic across his broad shoulders. He had to learn the customs of the time period, and dress himself appropriately if he wanted to mingle with 3

Fawn Lowery the people and not call attention to himself. His acute power of observation would serve him well as he built a life in the new time he had been transported to. He tried to push the thoughts of his old life from his mind. Being a vampire had served him well in medieval times. He had wealth and fortune, traveled abroad and enjoyed many things. But an evil witch had brought his dark existence to a swift halt with a spell wrought of revenge. He had much to learn about his new existence, but at the moment, the woman who had captured his attention, intrigued him. He kept to the shadows of the building and inched toward her as she blew smoke into the night air. He could sense something disturbing about her, a weight that seemed to settle about her slim shoulders. His brows furrowed. He stared through the darkness at her, desiring her perhaps more than he should. She is very beautiful. His eyes took in her clothing—the tight pants and the clinging sweater. Her legs were long. She wore boots with a tall heel. A metal bracelet that caught the glow of the streetlight circled her left wrist. He watched as she pursed her lips and drew on the cigarette then blew another cloud of smoke into the air. She was agitated. He smiled slightly, recalling the conversation between her and her male companions. 4

Jarharis: Book 2-The Witch and the Vampire The smoke was irritating his nose. He waved a hand in her direction, mentally commanding she put the cigarette out. Immediately, she dropped the cigarette on the sidewalk and ground it beneath the toe of her boot. He smiled. The power to command obedience was perhaps his greatest asset. He drew in a long breath. He had always been the commanding type. Even in his youth—he was, by vampire years, well over ten thousand years old. His brows drew together. Vampirism was a curse. Why then, did he enjoy certain elements of the affliction? Affliction? He grimaced and turned his thoughts to the woman mere feet from his grasp. He hadn’t fed yet. The urge for warm blood rose inside him as he looked at her. She was perhaps the most beautiful woman he had ever laid eyes on. Did he want to sully her beauty by piercing her throat with his fangs? He studied her as she gazed out into the darkness. What was she contemplating? Could she sense him? Did she have any powers that she might use against him? Or was she merely a mortal female with no more powers than that womanly trait of female intuition? He smiled and took a step closer to her. She jerked her head around suddenly, spinning abruptly on one heel. She walked back to the three 5

Fawn Lowery males beneath the streetlight. Jarharis halted his feet, tuning his ears to the renewed conversation. “Garrett killed one last night.” “Where was he hunting?” “In the North Park—along the bluffs.” “It’s almost midnight. We should hurry.” “Kaleb, you and Merrick patrol the downtown avenues and Reece and I will check out the cemetery on the West side.” “Who died and made you boss?” Selena sighed and propped her hands atop her hips. “Then go any fucking place you want to, Kaleb. I swear. You keep pissing me off and I’ll request that you be transferred from the city.” The group fell silent and Selena stooped to check her boot. Jarharis followed her bending movement with his inspecting gaze. She had a very nice butt with rounded hips that thrust toward him in a tantalizing jut. He could have stared at it all night, had she not pulled up her pants leg and revealed a silver handled dagger peeking from its scabbard. He cocked an eyebrow. Up until then he had taken great delight in looking at her—now he knew she might be a threat to him. He stayed in the shadows, biding his time. The four split up without further argument. The woman and one man headed down the sidewalk while the other two males cut across the 6

Jarharis: Book 2-The Witch and the Vampire street and disappeared into the darkness. Jarharis shapeshifted into a bird and took to the air in pursuit of the woman and her male companion. A gnawing thought plagued his mind. I should feed and not concern myself with the woman. Delay in feeding served only to weaken him, physically and mentally. He swooped through the nighttime sky and landed silently on the peak of an above ground tomb. A cemetery sprawled out before him, eerily dark and soundless. Tall trees lined one edge of the graveyard. The woman and her companion walked ahead, quietly making their way through the stone markers. He watched her back as she took each step with a measure of caution. Is she expecting vampires to jump out of the ground and attack her? He chuckled silently. Perhaps I shouldn’t disappoint her. His hunger gnawed at him. Perhaps he was wasting too much time following the woman. A wave of regret washed through his insides. He had no future with a mortal woman. What mortal woman could ever fall in love with a vampire? The best he could hope for was a quick fuck in her bed and a nip on the neck before he placed her in a trance and took leave. He launched himself into the air suddenly, disgusted with his own lack of priority in his life. He shapeshifted into human form once he 7

Fawn Lowery reached the shadow of a large tree and paused behind its massive trunk. He should bite her and get on with investigating his new surroundings. A moment’s study on the subject, and he reached a decision. He would bite her companion—take his blood to revive his body while he placed the woman in a trance. She could watch. He smiled as though the thought brought him humor. He pinned his gaze on the pair. The man had separated himself slightly from the woman, aiming his steps toward the edge of the graveyard. He would be easy prey. He sensed he was on alert, keenly aware of his surroundings, yet he didn’t stand a chance against Jarharis’s powers. He stepped from his hiding place and stole silently across the grassy slopes toward the pair, gliding effortlessly on silent feet, then veered his steps in the direction of the male. A slight wave of his hand and the man turned to face him. Jarharis halted his feet and commanded he come, raising one arm in his direction. The man walked toward him, his arms hanging limply at his sides. Jarharis spied the dagger he carried in one hand. It was of little consequence. He commanded his feet to the shadow of the tree where he stood. His prey came as ordered and paused before him, his face expressionless. Jarharis reached one hand to the man’s nape and curled his fingers just below his jaw. He drew 8

Jarharis: Book 2-The Witch and the Vampire his body against his chest. The thought of nourishment spurred him on. He felt the throbbing pulse in the warm neck, tipped his head to the side slightly with one thumb and bent his own head, preparing to sink his fangs into his willing prey. “What do you think you’re doing?” The sudden intrusion caused him to jerk his head around. The blonde woman stood just to his side, her hands propped atop her hips, her head tipped back to stare into his face. A quick laugh leapt from his mouth. “Turn him loose this instant!” Jarharis snarled and tightened his hold on the man’s neck, determined to feed. “Toby Bauer! You turn Reece loose this instant!” Her words briefly lodged in his mind seconds before he felt her foot land against his ass. He jumped and flung his prey backward. Lunging around, he grasped the woman by both shoulders and raised her feet off the ground, anger fueling his actions. She screamed and kicked her feet, catching him just beneath the chin with one boot. “Put me down, you jack off! Put me down!” Jarharis halted his hands. His ass stung where her boot had landed and his chin smarted from her second blow. He should toss her on the 9

Fawn Lowery ground and be done with her, yet he found himself instantly amused by her thrashing body. Her sweater had ridden up on her chest, exposing her breasts. Round and bulbous, they jiggled quite invitingly. He held her while she tried to get loose and admired her body. Even in the faint moonlight, she was lovely. Her blonde hair flew about her head and shoulders, landing across Jarharis’s grasping hands and wrists. She seemed more fantasy than a real live woman gyrating in his vice-like grip. He found himself fascinated at watching her. She kicked at his legs, though he held her at arms length and she didn’t stand a chance of making contact with her angry thrusts. He grew aroused with her actions and fought the urge to draw her against his chest and kiss her. Kiss her? He questioned his own thoughts as he lowered her feet to the ground. His fingers dug into her upper arms, holding her steady as he prepared to release her. His own thoughts gelled in his mind. He was far too attracted to the woman. He needed to separate himself from her before anything else occurred. “Did Kaleb put you up to this?” “No.” He cautioned himself about answering any of her questions. He pushed her away, pulling his hands free of her upper arms. She stood still and looked at him for a moment 10

Jarharis: Book 2-The Witch and the Vampire then raised her hands and adjusted her sweater. “You’re not Toby.” He shook his head, not daring to answer. He stared at her, feeling as though he was being reprimanded for something he didn’t do. The urge to separate himself from her grew inside him. “What did you do to Reece?” Jarharis glanced at the man he had been about to bite. He stood nearby, his expression bland, waiting for his fangs to sink into his neck. He licked his lips. He could almost taste the warm blood on his tongue. “He’s okay.” He stepped back, aiming his steps into the shadows of the trees so he could shapeshift safely out of her sight. She took a step toward him, her hands on her hips, defiantly. “Who the hell are you? And why are you here in this cemetery? Are you a vampire?” He chuckled. And you claim to be a hunter? He sensed she was toying with him suddenly. He felt annoyance rise inside him. He reached out one arm and grasped her around the waist, hauling her body against his chest. “How dare you…” Her words trailed off as he stared down into her upturned face. Her eyes were luminous in the moonlight. Her lips were parted slightly and she had the nicest fragrance. It wafted upward to tease his nose. He pulled the scent into his lungs, filling 11

Fawn Lowery them with the unfamiliar aroma. For a moment he lost all thoughts of anger toward her then the slightest flash of memory claimed his senses. He blinked his eyes down into her upturned face. He had forgotten how it felt to hold a woman in his arms—a mortal woman with warmth about her body. He tightened his grip. He should turn her loose and flee as fast as his legs could carry him. But his body was telling him otherwise. His cock was quickly growing hard between his legs. His senses felt alive as though he were a mortal man— not the dead thing he had become. “I heard your companion call you Selena.” He swallowed, his throat suddenly dry. The words left his mouth even as he cautioned himself against further contact with her. “Selena Bentley.” Her voice was barley a whisper on the still night. He felt her fright, fierce and all consuming, yet she showed no outward terror of him. He thought briefly of her struggle when he grasped her immediately after she kicked him in the ass. A slight smile pulled at his mouth. She had thought he was someone else. What was the name she had called him? Toby? Is Toby her lover? A feeling akin to jealously ripped through his chest. He shook his head, startled by the feeling. He pushed her to arms length and released her. 12

Jarharis: Book 2-The Witch and the Vampire She stared at him and straightened her clothes. “Who are you?” “It doesn’t matter.” “Whose team are you on?” “Team?” Jarharis shrugged his shoulders and shook his head. She wasn’t making any sense— but then nothing had made sense since he started following her. She cocked her head at him, placing her hands on her hips once more. “You’re not a player?” “I don’t know what you mean.” He turned to leave, aiming his steps toward the shadow of the trees so he could shapeshift in private. “Wait.” She grabbed at his sleeve. “I’ll give you fifty bucks if you’ll be on my side.” He chuckled and turned to face her. She stood in the moonlight and smiled at him. He drew in a long breath and combed one hand through his hair. Life used to be so simple. “What? Not enough money. Okay. I’ll give you a hundred bucks.” She thrust one hand into her pants pocket and pulled out a wad of bills. “Here. Now say you’ll be on my side.” She poked the money against his chest, urging him to take it. “I’m afraid I can’t help you.” “But you have to.” She turned her gaze on her male companion. “Why is he still acting as though he’s in a trance?” She turned her gaze back to Jarharis, her arched brows raised in question. 13

Fawn Lowery “What did you do to him?” Jarharis pulled in a long breath. He was wasting the night. There was much he needed to accomplish before the sun rose in the sky and brought daylight. He needed a place to stay once the darkness lifted—he needed sustenance and there was a wealth of details that needed tended. Why then, was he standing there wasting his time with that female? Her eyes grew wide suddenly and she clasped one hand over her mouth. Slowly, she began to back away from him. A wave of fear leap from her body, flooding Jarharis’s mind with a stinging attack. Realizing she was aware that he was something more than merely a mortal man, he had little choice but to act on his hunch. He lunged toward her, grabbing her forearms. “Don’t touch me!” Jarharis wrenched her against his chest and lifted her feet from the ground. In the next instant, he took to the air, the woman clutched against his chest. Darkness surrounded them and, for a brief moment, he wondered what he should do with the woman. She tried to wrench free of his grasp, only to realize they were aloft then screamed in his face and clutched his shoulders with clawing hands. “What in the hell are you doing? Are we flying?” 14

Jarharis: Book 2-The Witch and the Vampire “Fear not.” He regretted uttering the words, for he had all intentions of taking what he wanted from her—just as soon as he decided on a place to secret her away for a few minutes. He had been very foolish in pursuing her as he had. He scanned the buildings below. Many were lighted with glowing windows that revealed their tenants wakefulness. She squirmed in his arms, twisting first one way, then the other. “I live in that building, the one with the patio on the roof. There. See it?” She didn’t sound scared any longer. He felt himself relax a bit. He took his gaze off the scenery below for a second to glance at her. Her hair was fluttering wildly about her face while she peered bravely beneath their moving bodies. Her arms were clasped tightly around his neck, her breasts pressed into the muscles of his chest. He swallowed the uncertainty welling up inside him. “Go there. Land on the roof.” He sensed he should obey her command—a completely foreign thing for him to do. He smiled in spite of himself. He had never allowed a woman to command him—ever. He followed her pointing hand and glided easily onto the roof. She hopped out of his grasp so quickly that he wondered if he had made a mistake by following her orders. “That was one hell of a flight, buster. How did 15

Fawn Lowery you do that?” She straightened her sweater and stared at him. He glanced around. The roof was flat and he could make out many items scattered about its surface. Chairs and tables, and a long bench. A faint light glowed at one end of the area. Finally, he returned his gaze to the woman. He sensed her curiosity. And suspicion. “Do you have other weapons—besides the dagger in your left boot?” She pulled in a quick breath. “You were in the shadows! I knew someone was there!” He moved toward her, sensing more than mere curiosity and slight suspicion. “Do you have other weapons? Is the dagger in your boot your only weapon?” She took a step back, glancing over her shoulder toward the end of the building. He followed her gaze, identifying a doorway looming in the darkness. “You stand no chance of escaping me. I assure you, your speed is no match for mine.” He snarled suddenly and covered the distance between them in rapid haste, grasping her by the throat. He hauled her body against his chest. “I have wasted too much time with you already, my sweet.” She struggled against his grasp, pushing at his chest with flattened palms. Her eyes widened. She opened her mouth to scream, but a quick thought from Jarharis, and she fell silent. Her body sagged 16

Jarharis: Book 2-The Witch and the Vampire against his vice-like hold on her throat. “Please…don’t kill me.” He cocked an eyebrow. No mortal was immune to his powers of suggestion. No one. “What do you want from me? Do you want to fuck?” Her words gave him pause. Why isn’t this woman under my power? “Strip off my clothes—and we’ll have sex right here—on the roof in the moonlight.” Her breath was hot puffs against his face. He could peer down into her eyes. She was frightened of him—yet she dared goad him. He tightened his grasp on her throat and opened his mouth, baring his fangs. His eyes glowed red—like burning embers stuck in his skull. He had wasted enough time with the woman. He was famished. He found her vein, felt her pulse beating beneath his thumb. He sank his fangs into her vein and felt the gush of warm blood fill his mouth. “Ouch! You son-of-a-bitch!” She wiggled in his grasp. He tightened his hand on her throat. She raised one leg and slammed a knee into his crotch.

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Fawn Lowery

CHAPTER TWO

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is prick felt like it was broken! He groaned and tried to put aside the hurt while the warm gush of blood filled his mouth. Stifling the urge to writher in pain, he drank greedily. Her hot blood flowed against his tongue, thrilling his senses and quickly reviving his flagging body. He closed his eyes briefly, swallowing the life force in large gulps as he restrained her against his chest. She stopped struggling after a few moments. Her body sagged against his chest. He felt her fear and apprehension and tried to reassure her with his mind. Always before, when he took from a victim, he tried to assure them that he meant them little harm. He only took what was necessary and no more. He had never killed anyone before and promised himself that he would never drain a body of all its blood. The curse of vampirism was his for eternity and he had little intention of creating others like him. The woman lost consciousness. Jarharis slowed his feeding. His body felt strong and revived. He 18

Jarharis: Book 2-The Witch and the Vampire raised his head, removing his fangs from her vein. He paused, smelling her scent, then lapped the wound with the tip of his tongue, sealing the tiny pin pricks. She might have a bruise come morning, but her body would have made up the loss of blood by that time. He held her against his chest and gazed down at her. Her eyes were closed. Her head fell limply back on her shoulders. He lowered her to the floor, being careful not to bump her head as he released her. He stood and gazed around at the city from their lofty position atop the building. Rooftops were visible as far as he could see in any direction. He brushed one hand across his hair, at a loss for his next move. Should he leave the woman on the roof and return to investigating the city? He turned his gaze on her. She lay as still as a corpse. A surge of guilt nearly choked his throat. Had he taken too much blood in his haste to feed? True. He had been famished. “Blast!” He turned his gaze toward the end of the roof. The door leading to the lower levels of the building was clear in the moonlight. Should he take the woman to her living quarters? He considered the thought. I’ve wasted enough time with the woman as it is. He ran one hand through his hair. He couldn’t ever remember feeling so responsible for a victim. He stooped and scooped her limp body into his arms. 19

Fawn Lowery Positioning her head against his shoulder, he turned toward the door at the end of the roof. The door at first appeared locked, but it gave little resistance to his immense strength. He pulled it open and strode through the entrance—his ears and eyes keen to any living beings traipsing along the dark passageway. He could hear sounds coming from beyond the closed doors as he continued his trek along the darkened corridor. Passing from one apartment to the other, he deemed the foreign voices to be those of the occupants of the rooms and not the home of the woman in his arms. He stole a peek at her. She lay quietly, her breathing even. He had no doubt that she would be none the worse for his act against her. He found the stairs leading to the next floor and walked quietly to the next landing. He paused and accessed the closed doors leading off the hallway. The last apartment was empty—except for a small animal. His brow furrowed. A cat. He raised his nose into the air and sniffed, scenting the feline. A smile pulled at one corner of his mouth. He quickened his steps, understanding that he held the cat’s mistress in his arms. He paused at the door of the apartment. Had he not been carrying the woman, he could have merely vaporized into a faint mist and seeped beneath the door. As it was, he had baggage. He 20

Jarharis: Book 2-The Witch and the Vampire lowered his eyes on the woman. She fit quite nicely against his chest. Her head was snuggled against his shoulder, her long hair splayed across his tunic. He pulled her scent into his lungs, identifying the faint smell of feline clinging to her clothes. Jarharis laid one hand against the door and pressed forward, releasing the lock. The door opened with a squeak. He strode through the opening, kicking the door closed with one foot. With one quick sweep of his keen eyes, he identified the bedroom and strode in its direction. The cat lay on the bed, a black and white long hair with a red collar around its neck. It rose and stretched when he entered the room, but it didn’t run away. He crossed the room and laid his cargo atop the bed, positioning her head on the pillow at one end. He rose and stared down at her. I should leave. He drew in a long breath, noticing the quiet of the apartment. The noise he had been exposed to all night was shut out. There was a peacefulness that seemed to radiate from the furnishings and the warm body lying before him. He sighed and considered his situation—again. “Damn.” He cursed softly beneath his breath. The woman moved on the bed, groaned, fell silent again. Jarharis gazed down at her. She had mesmerized him with her beauty. 21

Fawn Lowery And damn near killed me when she kicked me in the crotch. He laughed suddenly. Hell! I’m already dead. He turned from the bed, convinced that it would be in his best interests if he left and never thought about the woman again. She could only mean trouble for him. He made his way to the door then paused, contemplating his next move. He rubbed his chin, thinking. He had followed her into a cemetery not far from the building he presently stood in. He needed a place to sleep when the night gave way to daylight. Perhaps he could spend the day inside one of the above ground mausoleums—if he could find his way back to the graveyard. He strode to the window in the bedroom. Gazing beyond the panes of glass, he tried to remember the direction he had gone when he decided to fly off with the woman. His mind raced. A measure of doubt welled up inside him. He felt as though he was at loose ends and the feeling was uncommon and disturbing. For an instant he wished he had chosen to remain in his time period. He had been foolish to think traveling ahead to 2007 would be a good idea. Hell. So far he had managed to bite a woman that he found so incredibly attractive that he didn’t want to leave her. A low groan sounded behind him. He turned and watched as she rolled to her side. She was 22

Jarharis: Book 2-The Witch and the Vampire asleep. There was no reason for him to stay. The cat stood and stretched then jumped to the floor. Silently, it left the room. He watched it as it disappeared through the doorway. Returning his eyes to the sleeping woman, he felt his emotions stir. Just before he fed from her body, he had found himself becoming sexually aroused. A shiver of lust warmed his big body. He had often solicited sex from a woman—while he was alive anyway. Once he had been changed, he had merely used his powers to order a female to satisfy his needs. He lowered his hand to his crotch. His cock was growing hard. He pulled in a long breath. Did he dare awaken her? He moved toward the bed. Her body was very desirable in the tight jeans and clinging sweater. He could almost imagine how her warm flesh would feel beneath his inquiring hands. He smiled slightly. He would wake her—and then if she sent him away— He waved one hand and she lurched upright in the bed, her eyes wide and her hair flying about her head in disarray. “Where am I?” “Home—I believe.” She found him in the dark room, pinned her eyes on him while she inched to the side of the bed. “How did you know where I lived?” He shrugged his shoulders. “I know many 23

Fawn Lowery things.” She swung her feet over the side of the bed and levered herself upward. “What did you do to me? I feel like hell.” She clutched her head and fell back against the bed. “What did you do to me?” Her voice cracked with emotion. “I only took a little blood.” “Blood! Blood! You took my blood? What are you—the fucking Red Cross?” “Red Cross?” She stared through the darkness at him, but didn’t speak. She sat on the side of the bed and clutched her head in both hands. Jarharis felt a wave of guilt surge through his insides. He had tried not to harm her, but perhaps, in his haste, he had taken too much of her blood. He lowered himself to the side of the bed where she sat. Reaching one arm toward her, tentatively, he placed one hand on her back. She stiffened beneath his palm. Twisting to one side, she separated herself from his touch. “I don’t know who you are or why you’re here in my apartment, but I want you out!” Surprised at her words, Jarharis rose from the bed. Thoughts of leaving entered his mind—for the millionth time. He should have taken leave once he placed her on the bed, but his senses had been muddled the moment he gazed down at her. His cock strained against his britches. He ran one 24

Jarharis: Book 2-The Witch and the Vampire hand through his hair. Leaving now was out of the question. He was too aroused sexually to go. “What are you waiting for?” She tried to stand, pushing herself from the bed only to fall back against the mattress. Jarharis caught her, wrapping his arms around her waist and upper body, he lowered her to the bed and followed her body as it settled against the mattress. His weight settled against her form. Her warmth immediately engulfed his cold body. He sighed audibly. She pushed against his chest, flattening her palms and using her forearms against his upper body. She tried to lever herself upward, but her weakened state prevented her from making much effort. She groaned and settled back against the mattress, realizing her strength could not match his. A wave of victory settled inside Jarharis. A small smile pulled at his full lips. Mentally, he ordered the woman to submit. He drew her fragrance into his nose, filling his senses with her female aroma. He lowered his head so that his face hovered just above hers. The faint moonlight illuminating the room allowed him to see her features. Her eyes were wide, staring up at him in wonder. He felt her fright. He stared at her for a moment, mentally reaching out to her as his lust rose in mountainous 25

Fawn Lowery peaks. He allowed his full weight to settle atop her body. He clasped her wrists and pushed her arms above her head, holding her hands beneath his palms. He pressed his rapidly hardening cock against her crotch, spreading his legs atop hers and pinning her fast against the mattress. Submit to me. She released a long breath. Her lashes dipped alluringly over her eyes, fluttering softly to settle against her cheeks. She relaxed her muscles, pliable beneath his big body. “Go ahead and rape me. I have no strength to fight you.” Her voice was barely a whisper in the quiet room. Jarharis lowered his head and brushed his lips across hers, feeling her body stiffen beneath his. She rolled her head, breaking contact with his lips. “No kissing, please. I know the difference between rape and love making.” He brushed his lips across her cheek, nipping tenderly until he worked his way around to her mouth again, this time he paused and forced her lips apart with the tip of his tongue. He groaned deep in his throat when she gave no resistance. His tongue slipped between her lips and he tasted the sweet inside of her mouth. His emotions soared. He deepened the kiss, feeling her body react in kind. She pressed her hands forward against his palms, searching for release. He 26

Jarharis: Book 2-The Witch and the Vampire considered her plea for a moment, then decided against becoming too confident in his effect on her. She squirmed beneath his body, slowly moving her hips and rubbing her crotch against his hard cock. She moaned at his tending of her mouth. He grew complacent, slowly releasing her hands and running his palms down the length of her pinned arms. His mouth continued the barrage of fevered kisses, working his way across her chin to her throat and lower onto her exposed breasts. He lowered his hands and grasped the hem of her sweater. A quick flick and it left her chest bare. She sucked in a quick breath and tried to cover herself with one hand. Jarharis chuckled beneath his breath and dipped his head to suckle a ripe breast. He pulled her taut nipple between his lips, flicking it with the tip of his tongue. Moonlight spilled across her naked flesh, bringing a delectable glow to her heaving mounds. Supple flesh delighted his eyes and encouraged his mouth to taste. He suckled her breasts and lapped hungrily at her flesh as she tangled her hands in his long hair and held his hot mouth against her naked skin. She raised her legs and clutched his waist, hunching her hips toward his crotch. He could stand it no longer. He moaned his 27

Fawn Lowery need and stripped his pants off his hips, setting his engorged cock free. One quick yank on the waistband of her tight jeans and their seams gave way. He tossed the torn garment aside, listening as it landed on the floor beside the bed. Naked, except for her boots, Jarharis remembered the dagger that might be a threat to him. He reached one arm down, sliding his hand along her thigh and onto the calf of her leg to relieve her of the boot, when she suddenly lurched upward. He jerked around, spying her face very near his. She was smiling a wide grin, her eyes vivid in the faint light of the room. His hand tightened on her boot, keeping her from raising her leg further. They stared at each other through the pale moonlight streaming in through the bedroom window. “Give it up.” “Why do you fear my knife?” “Perhaps it is not the knife I fear, but the woman who plans to use it against me.” She relaxed against the bed suddenly, surprising him again. He pulled the boot from her foot and threw it across the room. The silver dagger flew out of the cuff and landed against the wall, clanging loudly. Without further conversation, he rid her of her other boot, tossing it across the room as well. Completely naked, she lay beneath his body, 28

Jarharis: Book 2-The Witch and the Vampire her eyes watching him as though she couldn’t believe what was happening between them. He splayed his fingers and caressed her breast, lifting the heavy mound in his palm. He dipped his head and licked her nipple. Watching her face as he wet her skin, he felt her compliance with his desire to touch her. “Have you known a man before?” A short laugh leapt from her mouth. “Does the sun come up in the morning?” He sighed, slightly annoyed with her reaction to his inquiry. He skimmed his hand across her waist and onto her abdomen. “I assume you have known at least one man then.” “Assume anything you want.” He lowered his hand, sliding it between her legs. Splaying his fingers, he reveled in the feel of her bushy crotch. Her body was hot against his palm. His lust rose as anticipation grew inside him. He inched his fingers lower, separating her hair-roughened pussy lips and sliding his index finger amid her hot folds. She groaned and arched her back. “Don’t pretend you’re trying to pleasure me.” He brought his gaze up to her face. “You are very beautiful.” He lowered his head and claimed her mouth as his finger found her clitoris and stroked it rhythmically. She groaned and returned his kiss then 29

Fawn Lowery wrenched her mouth away, turning her head. “Why are you doing this to me?” “Your body sexually arouses me.” He pulled his hand from her crotch and grasped his cock. He positioned its hot head at her slit. He pressed his prick against her opening, but he didn’t enter her cave. “I don’t usually ask a wench’s permission to rut—” She jerked her head around, staring at him through the near darkness. “Wench? Rut? What kind of language are you speaking? For Pete’s sake! This isn’t the middle ages.” He pushed inside her suddenly, realizing his continued attempt to gain her permission was only arousing her curiosity about him—and her doubts. He gripped her buttocks in either hand and rammed his long hard cock in to the hilt, listening to her attempt to catch her breath. He savored the warmth encasing his cock. For a moment he closed his eyes and enjoyed every thrust as his cock slid in deep, paused a second while he ground his crotch against her slit then pulled back, only to ram back inside her silken passage. His orgasm came much too soon. The muscles in his buttocks knotted as he felt the first tingles ripping through his insides. He groaned and stiffened his legs as the sensations grew in intensity. Thrust, thrust, thrust! The climax raced 30

Jarharis: Book 2-The Witch and the Vampire full bloom through his body, bringing a loud bellow from his throat. Memories of sexual conquests flitted through his mind as he released the pent-up emotions he had kept contained for so long. His hot semen gushed inside her warm body, releasing the torrent of sensations that spiraled throughout his limbs. He opened his mouth and panted, arched his back as he lunged his cock as deeply inside her core as he could. Heaven should be so sweet. For an instant the thought assailed his mind. There was little chance that he would ever see heaven. He almost laughed. He was destined to live in hell for eternity—but right at that moment—he knew he was as close to heavenly bliss as he would ever come. He didn’t want to pull out, to separate his body from hers. He wanted to remain there forever, his prick inside her cavern, their bodies linked in an inevitable wave of sexual orgasm. He moved his hips slowly, anticipating another bout of sex play, when she raised her hands and pushed at his chest. “I don’t suppose you thought about using a condom?” He opened his eyes and stared down at her. What did she say? “Get off me!” 31

Fawn Lowery He moved without thinking, rolling to his side then onto his back. His chest heaved with panting breaths. His legs felt as though he had run ten miles. He smiled at the comparisons. There was little to compare his body to that of a mortal—yet the sexual experience with the blonde woman had all but brought back explicit memories of times long past. He stifled the urge to speak of such times—aware that she was trying to get up from the bed. Suddenly he realized it would be best if he took his leave. He rose from the bed, pulling the woman back down to the mattress. “Stay in bed and sleep. You’ll feel better in the morning.” “Now I suppose you’re going to tell me you’re a doctor.” The acid in her tone was all too prevalent. He winced at the infraction. He rose and pulled on his clothes, though a mere thought would have dressed him in less time and with far less effort. It’s best not to call more attention to myself. He crossed the room to the window and ordered it open with a wave of his hand. With a quick summons of the magic, he shapeshifted into a bird and flew out into the dark night.

32

Jarharis: Book 2-The Witch and the Vampire

CHAPTER THREE

T

he darkness was broken only by the glow of lights shining here and there. Jarharis flew toward the heart of the city as he pushed thoughts of the blonde woman named Selena from his mind. He should never have pursued her as he had. He turned his thoughts to learning about his surroundings, finding a safe place to spend the daylight hours and establishing himself—whether he chose to be known by some or a few—he needed an identity. He wondered if he should even bother. Perhaps come tomorrow, he would learn Brooklyn was not the place for him. His mind retuned to thoughts of the blonde woman. Her body was so tantalizing, so intriguing. I’m weak. With the next breath he rebuked himself for such an admission. His weakness, perhaps, comes only with the allure of a female body. He felt pensive suddenly as he soared silently on a wind current high above the lights of 33

Fawn Lowery the city. He had never been in love—indeed his existence as a mortal man had ended when he was barely thirty years of age. Still he was not immune to the wiles of a fetching wench. He remembered suddenly how the blonde woman had mocked his choice of words. He gazed at the lights beneath his feathered body and mentally noted that he must learn the language of the time so that he did not call undue attention to himself in the future. He sought a place to perch, examining the rooftops as he had previously. He needed a perch high above the place where people traversed where he could sit and observe their comings and goings. He chose a tall steeple atop a massive building, a church, perhaps, or a cathedral. He pinned his sharp gaze on the broad avenues below his perch. They were deserted. Not a creature—or man—stirred either on the narrow winding lane like the one he had seen the blonde woman and her companions traversing, or the wider strip that winded through the buildings. He turned his gaze upward, surveying the sky. Stars gleamed out of the blackness. A full moon hung aloft as if suspended on an invisible string. A sorrowful emptiness engulfed him and he forced his mind to return to the matter at hand. Perhaps he should resume his immortal state and stroll along the walkway in search of other 34

Jarharis: Book 2-The Witch and the Vampire beings. He leapt from his perch and settled within the shadow of the towering building, shapeshifting in the blink of an eye. He stepped out of the darkness and scanned the street in either direction. He sighed, feeling as though he were alone in the world. He began walking, his mind consumed with thoughts of his new life. He pushed his hands inside his trouser pockets and strode across the street into the illumination of a tall lamppost. He leaned one shoulder against the sturdy post and tried to reason how he would survive in the time he had arrived in. Everything was foreign. The people. Their ways. The language. He smiled suddenly and shook his head. The blonde woman had certainly made him feel as though he were a stranger. If she only knew. His brows drew together. He could just imagine her telling her friends—perhaps the male companions he had seen her with tonight—how she had flown through the air in a stranger’s arms. The group’s talk of vampires would be intensified, certain to stir the minds of all who listened. He pulled one hand from his pocket suddenly, having discovered the object he had been toying with while he thought about his situation. The witch’s amulet gleamed yellow gold in the light from the street lamp. He turned it over in his palm, studying its many facets while he watched 35

Fawn Lowery the light play across its surface. Its long gold linked chain lay upon his fingers and dangled across his wrist. What good is this stone? His thoughts returned to the instant he had taken it from the neck of the Morganford witch. It had landed easily into his palm—as though he was meant to take it from its owner. He closed his hand around the stone, squeezing his fingers against the angled surface. Perhaps he should have asked the witch who brought him to this time about the amulet. He sighed. He couldn’t search her out just to appease his curiosity. He pushed his tall frame from the support of the lamppost and began walking down the street, the amulet grasped tightly in one hand. An idea was taking root in his mind. Perhaps he could sell the stone for enough funds to establish himself. The idea had merit. But could he make such arrangement in the night? Would there be any dealers willing to speak with him after hours? A movement further along the sidewalk drew his attention. He paused and listened, his hearing keen. Sounds of footsteps came to him then the unmistakable sounds of an animal. He watched the shadows as a man and a small dog appeared, the dog walking slightly in front of the man. “Now hurry up and take a whiz, Buffy. It’s late and we shouldn’t be out at this hour.” 36

Jarharis: Book 2-The Witch and the Vampire Jarharis smiled and stepped into the shadows of a nearby building, awaiting the passing of the man and his companion. His fingers toyed with the amulet nestled inside his pocket. Perhaps if he wished himself back to his time and held on tightly to the amulet, he would be transported forthwith. The notion struck him as funny. He chuckled. But the humor failed to lift his spirits. What do you want most, Jarharis? Jarharis jerked his head around, certain that the man walking his pet had spoken to him. He surveyed the street where he had spied the man. There was no sign of the man or his little dog. Speak your needs. Jarharis closed his eyes then opened them, certain that he was imagining the voice that had spoken to him twice now. He could detect no one in his midst. He snarled. Agitated that he was, perhaps, being the butt of a joke. He stepped from the darkness leant by the building and walked along the sidewalk. The area was quiet, void of persons. He clutched the amulet in his fist and searched the sky for direction. Which way to the cemetery where I encountered the blonde woman and her male companion? He should secure a place to rest since the sky would soon turn to light. He turned his feet in one direction then the other, uncertain which way to go. 37

Fawn Lowery “Blast!” He raised one fist and railed at the night. He hated the curse that gripped him. And he hated the weakness he was displaying at the moment. He cursed beneath his breath. He was the eldest of the Sutherland males. The brother the others looked up to. He sighed and shook his head. Things were different now. He had been brought ahead in time—given a new era to exist in. Remorse welled up inside him. He was sounding like a total fool. He had been given a chance to start over—and he was mulling around like a dolt. He pulled in a deep breath and squared his shoulders. Memory of rutting with the blonde woman came to mind. He hadn’t been feeling sorry for himself while he was between her legs. He tried to recall the feel of her warm body beneath his, the way his cock felt when he first slid it inside her cavern. He was a man with sexual urges and he had fulfilled his lust with the woman. If he had felt remorseful while he was with her—she would have crucified him. He shook his head. If only he had a direction to follow. He combed one hand through his hair. His first night in 2007 was proving to be less than productive—if you didn’t count the sexual episode with the blonde woman. What was her name? “Selena.” Her name rolled off his tongue with a familiar ease. A smile pulled 38

Jarharis: Book 2-The Witch and the Vampire at one corner of his mouth. Suddenly he realized why he was feeling sorry for himself. He had the foolish idea that he would never see her again. “Not true.” He muttered beneath his breath. Deciding he had to take matters into his own hands, he pulled the amulet from his pocket. He would find a buyer for the stone and spend the money to establish his new life—then, he would return to the blonde woman and…and… Jarharis, state your needs. He glanced around at the sound. His eyes darted toward the buildings along the street, across the way and into the darkness overhead. Could he be imaging things? He snarled. Suddenly he realized the stone he clutched was burning his hand. He raised his fist and gazed at the amber glow emanating from between his fingers. Aghast, he opened his fingers. The jewel lay on his palm, its surface lit with fire. His brows furrowed. Uncertainty welled up inside him. He stared at the amulet, waiting. Jarharis, state your needs.

39

Fawn Lowery

CHAPTER FOUR

A

n array of lights—amber, red, blue—splintered around him. The darkness turned to gleaming brightness, pulsed and flickered. A swell of sound pierced his ears. He snarled and tried to shut out the noise. The earth beneath his feet seemed to move, shifting his body first to one side, then the other. Thinking he might lose his footing, he groped in the darkness, searching for something solid to cling to. Sparks as brilliant as the stars shining overhead ricocheted around him. Invisible forces pulled at his body, tugging at his clothing and pressing against his chest. He felt breathless, confused, his head throbbed. He closed his eyes to the bright lights assaulting his senses. The waves of undulating forces tearing at his body manifested shards of fright coursing through his insides. He knew he was in no danger of being killed— he was already dead—yet the forces tearing at his body were unfamiliar and therefore deserved his attention. He tried to gain perspective of what was 40

Jarharis: Book 2-The Witch and the Vampire taking place. Was this some sort of consequence he had made for himself in journeying so far ahead in time? An overpowering force slammed into his chest suddenly, pitching him back. He fell, lunging through inky darkness that seemed to have no end. He groped at the unknown, falling, falling… He felt the force pressing inward, taking the breath from his lungs. Was this the end? Did a vampire have an end—aside from a wooden stake in the heart? He rebuked the thought—hurtling through the darkness without benefit of knowing what awaited him when it came to an end. Surely it would come to an end. The thought pierced his brain. The barrage of ear-shattering sounds and the flashing of innumerable lights continued until he could stand it no longer. He opened his mouth and released a great bellow of discord. The lights paused, pulsed then resumed, seeming to close in on his mind. He gnashed his teeth and squeezed his eyes shut. He could stand it no longer. The sensation of falling ended suddenly. Something solid pressed against his back. He felt breathless. He blinked his eyes, clearing his mind. The lights had stopped their incessant flashing and were gone. He realized he was lying on his back, his arms raised as though protesting his treatment, his legs stretched out before his body. 41

Fawn Lowery His muscles ached. For an instant he dared to believe that he had feelings akin to when he was mortal—but the notion passed in a frenzy of muddled thoughts as he got to his feet. He stared at his surroundings, for he was no longer on the street in the darkness. He was in a room, a lavishly furnished room with a high ceiling and elaborate crystal chandelier. He gazed about, identifying a brocade covered couch and matching chair, an assortment of glass topped tables. Marble floors stretched out before him, leading into yet another room. He walked toward a tall doorway, his senses alert. Surely he was being tricked. But he was at a loss as to whom he should fear as the culprit. He spied yet another large room stemming off the first, furnished just as elaborately, then another room materialized before his eyes. He paused and gazed about. He felt no other presence besides his own. He raised his fist clutching the witch’s amulet and stared at it. His fingers ached, his muscles clenched so tightly that his knuckles were painful in the tight clasp. Finally deciding that he was alone, he strolled through the many rooms, seven, he counted, the last being a darkened bedroom. He smelled the fragrance of soil before he set foot inside the chamber. Chamber? Indeed. The room was a chamber 42

Jarharis: Book 2-The Witch and the Vampire fashioned very much like the one he had sought solace in at his fortress in Morganford thousands of years ago. He strode inside and let his nose guide him to the fresh earth. Serenity came upon him, soothing his senses and reassuring his thoughts. His keen eyesight honed in on the object standing before him. He breathed a sigh of relief and reached one hand out. The cool feel of earth met his inquiring fingers. A smile touched his lips. He felt weary suddenly and sought the comforting solitude that awaited him. He crawled within his beloved homeland dirt and stretched out, the amulet clutched in one hand. He closed his eyes. The sleep of the dead was upon him. **** Jarharis opened his eyes. The room was dark just as it had been when he chose to end the first night of his time in the present. He lay still and listened, aware that he was in a foreign place. No sounds came to his ears. He levered himself up and left his earthy sanctuary. The fragrance of earth clung to his clothing. He breathed in the aroma, once more feeling that sense of reassurance he needed so badly. He left the room and ventured out into the hallway. I didn’t imagine the whole thing. When he was mortal, he believed that seeing was believing. And 43

Fawn Lowery once he had been changed forevermore, he still clung to that concept, despite the fact that he had witnessed many things uncommon to either mortal or immortal man. He ran one hand through his hair, realizing that his long tresses were secured at his nape. He gazed down at his clothing surprised to see he was no longer wearing his rough tunic and britches. “What happened?” He realized he had spoken aloud and gazed about as if expecting to see another being then, finding no one, he quickly inspected his new clothing. He wore tight fitting jeans like those the blonde woman’s companions had been wearing. His shirt was loose and open at the throat. A gold watch adorned his left wrist. Sleek black boots were on his feet. He marveled at the transformation. Hunger gnawed at his stomach. He turned his thoughts to feeding. He walked through the rooms, searching for a way out. Finding the first room he had awakened in, he reversed his steps and found what appeared to be the entryway. A large wooden door flanked by two long windows covered in burgundy velvet stood on one side of the room. He walked to it and took hold of the brass doorknob. Place the amulet around your neck. He swung around at the sound of the voice, the amulet clutched in his hand. Finding no one, he 44

Jarharis: Book 2-The Witch and the Vampire raised his hand and inspected the chain on the gem. An odd feeling urged him to place the necklace around his neck. He slipped his head through the chain and the bauble slid into place between his male nipples. He looked down upon it for a second, remembering a time when he had tried to place it around his neck and could not. By some force, whether magical or otherwise, he had managed to activate the amulet’s powers. He felt immensely pleased—though a bit unnerved, too. He had clearly heard a voice speaking to him, commanding him to place the necklace around his neck. He hadn’t been imagining the voice. His hearing was too keen for imaginary voices to trick him. He considered investigating his new quarters, but decided to give in to his need to feed instead. He clutched the doorknob and gave it a twist. The door gave no resistance to his strength, opening easily on its brass hinges. He peered beyond the structure, identifying a wide street with several large trees flanking it. He was clearly in a house, he decided, his brow rising upward in surprise. He paused only a moment, glancing up and down the road while he decided which direction to take. He hoped this night proved more productive than the previous one. Thoughts of Selena, the blonde vixen he had encountered last night 45

Fawn Lowery became vivid in his mind. He could see her long blonde hair and her naked body. He smiled slightly, his full lips pulling upward at the corners. He’d like to see her again. Perhaps bite her neck again. He shook his head and stepped through the doorway into the darkness of the night. A quick thought and he shapeshifted into a bird and took to the air. The lights of the city were easy to see from his lofty position above the buildings. The stench of the city penetrated his senses, bringing back memories of his travels in Europe so long ago. A thought suddenly assailed him. Perhaps he would return to Europe some day. He had all the time in the world. The thought brought a battery of emotions to the fore. He strove to rid his mind of the conflict and find a willing victim to feed on. His body felt the effects of going without nourishment for the duration of all day. He soared on a light breeze then came to land in a tall tree at the edge of a sprawling park. He looked about, wondering why he had suddenly chosen that particular spot to stop in. He had spotted a multitude of people coming from a nightclub—finding a victim to feed on would be easy with so many in the crowd. He could simply immerse himself within their midst and choose whom he desired. Voices sounded beneath the tree. He leaned 46

Jarharis: Book 2-The Witch and the Vampire forward to get a better look and recognized Selena’s companions from the previous evening. Surprise filtered through his insides. Was he to be subjected to those dolts again? They seemed so juvenile in their quest to hunt vampires. Surely they were wasting their time with the frivolous game. He sighed and turned his ears to their conversation beneath the tree. “If their numbers increase, we’ll all be in danger.” “We need more hunters. That’s for sure.” “We should go to the police.” “Are you nuts? The cops would laugh at us.” “But we have proof.” “Like hell we do. Garrett may have said he killed one of the bastards, but there was no body to show for his efforts. Remember? There wasn’t even a sign of a struggle.” “Well hell no there was no signs of a struggle! If you catch a vampire before it gets dark, he’s at your mercy.” “That may be, but there was no body!” Jarharis listened and discounted their conversation. Did they really think they were smart enough to destroy a vampire in the case that they could actually find one? He watched the three and deemed their vampire hunting to be a fantasy game they were intent on playing out. He leapt from the branch and took to the air. 47

Fawn Lowery Traveling into the heart of the city, he landed beside a building and shapeshifted into his male body. Stepping from the shadows he joined a group of young men walking on the sidewalk. The young man walking beside him glanced in his direction and Jarharis took the opportunity to clasp a hand atop his shoulder. Immediately he was under his command. He pulled him into the first dark alley he spied and pushed him against the wall. In a moment he was sinking his teeth into his vein and nourishing his body with his warm blood. He drank only as much as necessary, soon releasing the young man and allowing him to rejoin his peers walking up the sidewalk. Jarharis stood in the shadows and savored the renewal of his body. A low chuckle sounded behind him. Jarharis whirled around. “Whoa! It’s cool, man.” A tall, well-dressed man stood in front of him, a smile gracing his thin lips. He held up both hands as if to ward off an attack from Jarharis. He was dressed similar to Jarharis—jeans, tailored shirt open at the neck and leather boots. His hair was cut short and stood up in spikes on his head. A diamond earring gleamed in his left earlobe. “I’m Aston.” He shoved one hand at Jarharis. He’s a vampire. Jarharis knew who he was before 48

Jarharis: Book 2-The Witch and the Vampire he introduced himself. The fact that his keen powers hadn’t sensed him earlier was only due to his needing to feed—and the fact that until a few moments ago—Aston had been in another part of the city. He surveyed him as he awaited Jarharis’s greeting. He was young, about twenty-four, with many centuries behind him. He harbored many regrets and was laden with much sorrow. But Jarharis sensed cunningness about him, a sly demeanor that wasn’t to be overlooked. Whether becoming a vampire was the reason for his slyness, or whether he had been of that nature while still a mortal, he couldn’t tell. But he was wary of him immediately. Jarharis pulled in a long breath and clasped Aston’s hand. “Jarharis.” “Are you the one the vampire hunters are looking for?” Jarharis chuckled. “Do you seriously believe they are capable of finding and destroying one of us?” Aston shook his head. “I don’t know about you, but I’m too smart to be apprehended by the local vampire club.” Jarharis raised an eyebrow in speculation. Until that moment he hadn’t fully understood the reasoning behind the group’s mission. Suddenly he understood why the blonde woman wanted him to be on her side. They were evidently 49

Fawn Lowery divided into groups and sent out to hunt down imaginary vampires. He raised one hand and rubbed his chin, thinking. “Who’s the president of this vampire club?” Aston shrugged his thin shoulders. “I hear they have to elect a new one quite often. Seems vampires keep sucking the life out of them.” He threw back his head and laughed jeeringly. Jarharis chuckled. “Do they have a club house?” His mind was suddenly racing. Thoughts propelled briskly one after the other. He couldn’t explain why it was happening, but he seemed to be suddenly very knowledgeable about the present time. He understood Aston’s meaning about the vampire club and the little joke he made about them having to elect new presidents. Hell! He even knew the brand names of the clothes he wore. He thought suddenly of the amulet. He reached inside his shirt and traced one finger along its metal chain. Had its powers enabled him to know about the time period? He shrugged one shoulder in uncertainty. What else could it be? Aston moved suddenly and Jarharis’s attention was pulled back to him. “I’m headed down to the Wharf. Want to come along?” Jarharis knew immediately that the Wharf was a nightclub where the young singles hung out. 50

Jarharis: Book 2-The Witch and the Vampire And he knew that Aston considered it his territory. He shook his head and took a step out of the alley. He had no intention of accompanying the young vampire to the nightclub, though he thought he should remain on a friendly basis with him. He turned and offered his hand. “See you around,” Aston said, briefly shaking Jarharis’s hand. Jarharis had little doubt that he wouldn’t be seeing Aston on more than one occasion in the future. He was, no doubt, one of the vampires the hunters was looking for—since he seemed to know a bit about them. He combed one hand through his hair, tracing the mass to the nape of his neck. For all his newness, he still had his long hair, though it was apparently coiffed in a modern style. He smiled and looked down the avenue. A streetlight on the corner illuminated the area. He breathed in the moist night air. The street was wet. It must have rained sometime before dark. He was aware when Aston took his leave. An intense coldness seemed to go with him. Jarharis turned and looked in the direction he had taken, sensing he was off to feed. Suspicion rose up inside him. He would be wise to keep an eye out for that one. And, he wondered, rubbing his chin with one finger, were there others around like Aston? 51

Fawn Lowery

CHAPTER FIVE stood before the building and gazed up Jarharis at the window. A yellow glow lit the interior of Selena’s apartment. He fought the urge to go to her. He shoved his hands inside his pockets and warned himself about pursuing her. Only trouble could come out of the association. He sighed and turned from the temptation. He would do well to investigate the city and leave the female population for dining privileges only, since he had little chance of ever becoming involved with one beyond sex now and then. He pushed the feelings of remorse aside. He should have taken Aston up on his offer to accompany him to the nightclub. He needed to get a first hand account of the nightlife and what better way to do that than to accompany a vampire familiar with the scene. He didn’t allow himself further time to debate the issue. He shapeshifted into a bird and took to the sky, winging his way toward the nightclub. 52

Jarharis: Book 2-The Witch and the Vampire The array of brightly colored lights pulsed with the loud beats of music filtering outside the club. A cluster of skimpy dressed females gathered at the entrance then linked arms and pushed through the doorway. Jarharis lit across the street and changed into his male form. He straightened his clothes and headed across the street, a plan forming in his head. He couldn’t let Aston believe he was infiltrating his territory. On the contrary, he would show no signs of looking for a victim should he run into Aston. Jarharis strode through the doorway, past the burly bouncer standing beside the opening and gazed around. His keen eyesight allowed him to take in every person and item in the large room with one assessing sweep. He spotted Aston seated in a booth along the back wall, a buxom redhead nestled in the crook of his arm. He nodded his head when Aston’s watchful gaze locked with his. Aston returned his nod of greeting and returned his attention to the woman nestled against his side. “Buy me a drink, honey?” A slim hand with red lacquered nails slid across Jarharis’s right shoulder and paused atop his forearm. He turned his head and came face-to-face with a dark haired woman. She pressed her breasts into his side and smiled up at him. “Want some company?” 53

Fawn Lowery Jarharis smiled at her. It was too early in the night to think she was the welcoming committee. His smile broadened with the thought. She was looking for someone to buy her drinks for the evening then fuck until daybreak. His gaze followed the line of her body. Her breasts were large, pushing over the neck of her dress. A small waist tapered into rounded hips. I could fuck her. He wound his arm around her waist and crossed the room to an empty booth. She slid onto the leather seat and waited for him to join her. He surveyed the room again, looking for a waitress. Spotting one near the bar, he waved one hand, summoning her. “A very dry martini.” Jarharis didn’t order anything to drink. He could have, but the questioning look on the woman’s face sitting in the booth, brought amusement to his insides. He slid into the booth beside her. “Are you on the wagon?” “I just had a drink.” He hid his smile, turning his head toward the waitress as she brought the martini to his new friend. He withdrew a twenty from his pocket and tossed it atop the waitress’s tray. “Keep the change.” The dark haired woman gave a surprised gasp and picked up her drink. “Do you always tip so generously?” She sipped the martini and eyed 54

Jarharis: Book 2-The Witch and the Vampire him. Jarharis shrugged a shoulder. Until that moment he had no knowledge of present day money or that he possessed any. “I’m Lily. What’s your name?” “Jarharis.” “That’s a strange name. You’re not from around here.” She scooted closer to his side, pressing her thigh against his. She lowered one hand and slid it along his leg until she reached his crotch. She grasped his cock and squeezed it gently. “But then I don’t care where you’re from. I want to fuck you.” Jarharis made no move to lift her hand from his lap. He sensed her arousal the moment he sat down beside her and, since he made no show of stopping her from fondling his prick, she became even more turned on. “Let’s get out of here, baby. My place is just around the corner.” She was breathing heavily, her mouth nipping hotly along his neck. She rubbed his cock and scratched at his fly trying to release his zipper. Jarharis caught her hands and pulled them from his crotch. For all her heated attention, she failed to arouse him enough to entice him to leave with her. He was much too engrossed with studying the crowd to pay much attention to a female that was harboring thoughts of robbing 55

Fawn Lowery him. “What’s wrong, baby? Don’t I turn you on?” Her breath was hot against his cheek. She pressed seductively against his side, her hands battling his strength to return to his crotch and her rhythmic stroking of his cock. He considered what to say to her. She’d find the truth offensive. He hid a smile. If he hadn’t already fed for the night, he might be tempted. But under the circumstances, he had little interest, aside from the fact that her attention made him appear as mortal as the other males in the room. Except for Aston. He couldn’t sense other vampires—aside from Aston in the room. But he supposed there were others roaming the streets, choosing victims to feed upon. He turned his head toward Lily. She was staring at him, sipping her drink. He sensed her curiosity. “You aren’t gay—are you? Cause if you are, you’re in the wrong bar. The gay joint is over on Fourth Street.” Anger laced her voice. She suddenly finished her drink and scooted against his side, pushing at his shoulder with both hands. “Move. I want out.” Jarharis stood and allowed her to exit the booth. “Thanks for the drink.” He watched her walk away, her steps wobbly, her hips swaying provocatively in the direction of the front entrance and a group of young men just 56

Jarharis: Book 2-The Witch and the Vampire entering the door. Jarharis scanned the room, glancing in Aston’s direction. Surprise filtered through his insides where he saw the booth where the vampire sat, was empty. He quickly looked about, spying Aston milling about the crowd gathered at the bar. He’s looking for a victim. He lowered himself back to the booth and watched the vampire. Though his ears couldn’t discern what he was saying, he appeared very friendly, shaking hands with the males and kissing the women on the cheeks as though he knew them all. Jarharis watched and mentally noted his mannerisms, aware that he too might be forced to act in kind if he chose to remain in the city. He combed a hand through his hair. He had never been a social person. Indeed, he rather preferred his own company as opposed to a multitude of followers. But then, that had been in another time. He sighed. He couldn’t seem to adjust—even with the force of the amulet at his disposal. He raised one hand and clutched the gem pressed beneath his shirt. His fingertips played across the faceted surface, pressing against each raised line and sleek contour of the amber jewel. The hair on the back of his neck suddenly stood up in alarm. He jerked his head to the side, spying Aston in his midst. He rose just as the vampire 57

Fawn Lowery closed the distance between them. “I see you changed your mind about coming to the club.” He had recently fed. His face was no longer pale. His cheeks were flushed with the warmth of fresh blood. Jarharis cocked an eyebrow in speculation. Had he been cunning enough to feed on the redhead he sat with while the whole of the nightclub looked on oblivious to his evil deed? Jarharis smiled and nodded his head. “I thought I’d check out the scene.” “I saw you with Lily.” Aston smiled. Your fangs are showing. “Lily belongs to me.” “She offered herself, but I wasn’t interested.” Jarharis couldn’t resist the goad. Aston bristled. His eyes narrowed. He stepped closer to Jarharis. “You’re in my territory.” “I’m aware of that. But keep in mind, you invited me.” “I was being nice.” “Vampires aren’t known for their manners.” Aston chuckled and looked out over the crowd. Jarharis sensed his rage. Were it not for the fact that perhaps two hundred people were crowded into the nightclub, Aston would have challenged him. Suddenly he felt as though he could best the younger vampire. After all, before his change, he had been a soldier who fought in the Crusades. He 58

Jarharis: Book 2-The Witch and the Vampire was no stranger to battle. Aston strode off suddenly without another word. Jarharis watched his back, sensing he was intent on someone or something. Suddenly he saw the object of Aston’s interest. Damn! Selena came through the door of the club, her slim body encased in a bright red dress, her long blonde hair spilling over her bare shoulders. A shiver of lust raced through his insides. She paused, looking into the sea of people as though searching for someone. Suddenly Aston was at her side, sliding one arm around her trim waist and drawing her against his side. Enraged, Jarharis pushed into the crowd, elbowing his way across the room to where the pair stood. Get away from my woman! His thought shocked his senses. Had he laid claim to Selena already? His brows knitted. He couldn’t ever recall a woman giving him such torment. And he had only just met her. He pressed on, pushing the people out of his way, determined to reach Selena and send Aston on his way. But when he reached the place where he had seen the pair, they were gone. He wrenched his neck, trying to see over the mass. The urge to use force almost overcame him. He stifled the urge to clear the room with a sweep of 59

Fawn Lowery his hand. For all his strengths, he had to use common sense. He couldn’t risk disclosing his identity. He paused and considered the situation. He was reasonably certain that Aston hadn’t taken Selena out the door. He turned his eyes toward the back of the room. Anger rose like a tidal wave inside him. Aston had returned to the booth and Selena sat beside him. He headed toward them, a mental warning going out to Aston as he covered the distance between them. Aston glanced up as Jarharis reached the table. The questioning look on his face soon dissolved as he slid a glance toward Selena. Jarharis reached for Selena, grasping her upper arm with his hand. “Come.” “What?” Selena jerked her head around. Spying Jarharis, a surprised look jelled across her pretty face. “You—” “Let’s go.” Jarharis lifted her by one arm and pulled her from the booth. One heated glance at Aston, and the younger vampire made no move to stop him. “I say, my friend. I saw no marks of ownership on the woman.” Aston chuckled and pinned his black eyes on Jarharis. “You didn’t look in the right place.” Jarharis didn’t give Selena time to voice further objection. Once she had left the table, he pushed her in front 60

Jarharis: Book 2-The Witch and the Vampire of his body and propelled her toward the door of the club, intent on getting her away from the hungry appetite of Aston. “What are you doing?” Selena twisted out of his grasp once they were on the sidewalk in front of the bar. She slapped at his hands as he tried to hold her arm and lead her across the street. Obey me! She acted as though he hadn’t sent her a mental order, jerking her arms free of his hands and trying to walk in the opposite direction. Obey me, dammit! “Stop issuing orders to me!” Jarharis halted and looked down on her. “You heard me then.” “Hell yes! I heard you! But you are not my boss!” “Come with me and don’t argue.” He stopped short of telling her that she may be in danger. “I was hunting and you just let that vampire get away.” Jarharis sighed audibly and shook his head. “You have no idea what you were getting yourself into, Selena.” “Oh, I think I know.” He stared at her, wondering how much knowledge he should reveal about Aston. Selena brushed her hair over her shoulder and propped her hands on her hips. “Listen, I 61

Fawn Lowery appreciate you trying to help me, but I don’t need your help. Nor want it.” She leaned closer to him. “I know all about Aston. I’ve hunted him for months.” “He’s been out of the city.” She looked surprised. “How do you know?” He didn’t answer. He took hold of her upper arm. “Come on. You’re in danger here. I’m taking you home.” “No. I’m not going anywhere with you—and don’t pull that flying stuff with me again either.” She jerked her arm free and straightened the top of her dress. “I don’t need you looking out for me. I can take care of myself.” Jarharis was growing tired of her arguing. Since he couldn’t make her see reason, he decided to take matters in to his own hands. He grasped her upper arms and pulled her against his chest. He drove his mouth down hard against hers, kissing her. Obey me! He felt her body sag against his chest. He pulled his lips from hers and lifted her into his arms. Taking to the sky, he set his direction toward her apartment.

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CHAPTER SIX

S

elena moaned and rolled her head on the pillow. Jarharis looked down at her from his leaning position beside her on the bed. Perhaps he had commanded her sleep to be too lengthy. He sighed. He had spent hours watching her slumber, admiring her beauty, wishing she belonged to him. He dashed the last thought that appeared in his mind. He was not mortal. He could not hope for such a woman as Selena for his own. He had no right. A wave of anger filtered through his insides. Damn the curse of vampirism. “Where—” She suddenly bolted upright in bed, her eyes wide as she caught sight of Jarharis. “What are you doing here?” She scrambled to clutch the sheet against her naked breasts. Jarharis watched her, a smile across his lips. He had wanted to wake her, but he feared her reaction to what he had done while she was under his command. 63

Fawn Lowery “Where are my clothes?” She jerked her head from side-to-side, finally spying her dress and undergarments on a nearby chair. She turned back to glare at him. “As I recall the evening, I was about to lure Aston into a trap—and you ruined my plan.” Jarharis nodded his head. “I didn’t like your plan.” “I don’t remember telling you.” “I suppose you don’t remember taking your clothes off either.” “No, I don’t.” He shrugged his shoulders. “Well, as you can clearly see, you’re naked.” She clutched the wad of sheet between her breasts and glared at him. “What time is it? What did you do to me while I was unconscious? And when are you leaving?” She drew in a quick breath. “And who are you? What’s your name?” “One thing at a time. First of all, it’s about midnight. And as for my leaving—” “What did you do to me while I was unconscious?” “You weren’t really unconscious—more like a little bit incapacitated.” “What does that mean?” He shrugged his shoulders. “My name is Jarharis Sutherland.” She narrowed her eyes on him, leaning closer. 64

Jarharis: Book 2-The Witch and the Vampire “What kind of powers do you have, Jarharis?” Her eyes suddenly widened. “Can you kill someone with a thought?” He shook his head. “I’m not a killer.” “But you’re a vampire. I know you are. I’ve read up on vampires and I know for a fact that you are one.” She sounded adamant. He was amused at her display of knowledge. “And what facts about vampires are you aware of?” His voice took on a teasing note as he smiled into her face. “Don’t patronize me, Jarharis. I’m quite serious about what I do.” “Honey, you aren’t very good at it. Why don’t you find something else to occupy your time?” She bristled and flung an open hand in his direction. He caught her wrist and brought her hand down to his crotch. “Your hand will be better appreciated here then against my cheek.” She tried to wrench her hand free, losing her grip on the sheet and exposing her breasts in the process. Jarharis held her easily, pressing her hand against his aroused cock and reaching his own hand up to caress her ripe nipple. Selena sucked in a quick breath and drew back, pulling her breast from his grasp. “Don’t tell me we had sex again!” 65

Fawn Lowery “Not yet. But I’m hoping to very soon. I’ve laid here and lusted after you for some time now and my nuts are aching so badly I can hardly stand it.” He tossed the sheet aside, drawing a surprised yelp from her and tugged her across the bed and into his arms. “I can’t think beyond wanting to dive between your long legs, Selena.” He raised one hand to her nape and held her head steady while he lowered his mouth to cover her lips. He kissed her passionately, pressing his chest against her breasts and groaning lustily when her peaked nipples met his flesh. He had never wanted a woman as badly as he wanted Selena. He craved her body as much as he craved the time period he had left behind. He devoured her mouth, tasting her lips and her gum. His tongue delved along her teeth and dipped across the back of her mouth, wanting to sample more, but unable to for reasons too insane to believe. He was acting mortal in so many ways, kissing, stroking, enjoying. He had been able to push aside the hot ferocity of vampirism for a short time. He pleasured his body as though it was alive and not the dead thing he had become. Her warmth penetrated his cold flesh, heated his mind, spoke to his senses. He desired her more than the thing he had been deprived of. A flash of recognition rose in his brain. He felt himself falling in love with this mortal woman. 66

Jarharis: Book 2-The Witch and the Vampire Woe with me. Woe with me. Have I no conscious? He groped her back and slid his hands along the contours of her hot flesh, clutching a fleshy buttock in either hand. He caressed her body, reveling in the purity of her soul. He moaned his discord at his very actions, yet he couldn’t contain the need coming forth like a spray of arterial blood. The similarity shook him to the bone. How could he compare making love to Selena— enjoying her body as he was—to the overpowering gluttony of sating his urges for fresh blood? His eyes jerked open, flashed red, closed. His cock pressed against her hot body, urging entry into her core. He lowered her body to the bed and climbed atop her with an urgency that defied reason. He parted her legs with his knee and slid his cock into her passageway. A shiver of longing coursed through his big body then culminated in a surge of desire as he began to move, sliding to the hilt inside her silken passage, pausing, savoring then drawing back and doing it all over again. He closed his eyes and experienced every nerve tingling sensation. Erotic musings filled his brain. Hot sensations of orgasm began all too soon as he savored and thrust, held her body beneath his and claimed her for his very own. The climax rose in mountainous peaks and overshadowed all else. 67

Fawn Lowery He felt its electrifying bolts stream along his limbs, knot his balls and tighten the muscles in his buttocks. “Jarharis.” Her voice was a mere whisper in his ear as he became caught up in the wonder of the orgasm. And he wasn’t quite certain she had actually spoken, until he became aware of her body thrashing beneath his own. She was in the throes of her own orgasm. He smiled and continued to thrust inside her body, suddenly losing sight of his own keen pleasure in lieu of pleasing her. He levered his upper body up on his elbows so he could look down into her face. Her eyes were pinched closed, her long lashes lay on her cheek. She panted through her mouth. She bit her bottom lip. He dipped his head and kissed her. Touching his tongue to her teeth when she smiled at him. “I’ve never felt an orgasm…so strong.” He gazed down at her. What could he say? “Vampires are the best lovers.” Her eyelids fluttered open. She stared up into his eyes. “Tell me you’re not a vampire—I can’t fall in love with a vampire.” A renewed surge of death seemed to touch him. He sucked in a long breath and tried to deny she had ever spoken the words. He lowered his head and brushed his lips across hers again, halting any further conversation between them. 68

Jarharis: Book 2-The Witch and the Vampire Pretend its just sex, you fool. He lay atop her body—his cock still nestled snugly inside her cave, his arms wrapped securely around her waist. He didn’t want to let her go—ever. Reality of the moment suddenly cut into his thoughts. The moment he released her she would want to resume the hunt for vampires. He couldn’t let her do that. Now that he had interceded between her and Aston, he would surely seek her out and harm her. Jarharis rolled off Selena and propped his back against the head of the bed. He watched her as she sluggishly moved to join him. She rested her head against his shoulder. He curled his arm around her shoulders, lowering his hand to toy with her naked breast. For all her modesty earlier, he had to smile at her brash display now. She was totally naked and stretched out beside him, unabashedly comfortable with being that way. “How did you find me and why are you here?” “I found you by accident and I’m here because I want to be.” He leaned over and kissed the top of her head. “Now I have a few questions.” He considered what he was about to ask her. If he knew more about her desire to hunt vampires— perhaps he could keep Aston away from her. Or convince her to stop any further exploration of her hobby. “Don’t expect me to be honest with you.” 69

Fawn Lowery He chuckled. “I haven’t been around a lot of woman—so tell me, are most women liars?” She giggled and stroked a hand across his chest. She plucked at the dark spray of hair spanning his broad torso then trailed her fingertips along the wispy trail leading down his abdomen to his crotch. “Hell yes. We all lie to get what we want.” She giggled. “And I bet you’ve been with lots of women. You fuck like a pro.” “A pro? You have categories for lovemaking?” She leaned her head back so she could look into his face. “Not lovemaking, Jarharis. Fucking. Yes. There are categories. And you’re a pro.” “Should I thank you for the rating?” “Does it make you jealous that I’ve fucked a lot of men?” She’s lying. He smiled down at her. “For all your experience, you’ve remained pretty tight.” She slapped his belly and levered herself to a sitting position. “You’re so experienced—I thought I should be experienced, too.” He pulled her into his arms. “How old are you?” “Twenty-seven.” He cocked an eyebrow. “All right. Twenty-four.” “You’re a baby.” “Well, how old are you?” Do I dare divulge my real age? “It doesn’t matter. 70

Jarharis: Book 2-The Witch and the Vampire I’m older than you. Let’s leave it at that. Tell me about this vampire club you belong to.” She raised her eyebrows. “How do you know about that?” “I know many things.” “Sure you do. Hell! You don’t even know how old you are.” He drew in a long breath. “I’m thirty-three. Or rather, I was thirty-three when I was turned.” She studied him for a moment. He grew nervous under her inspecting gaze, despite all his powers. He stared at her and admitted to himself that if it were possible, he would claim her for his very own. She was the perfect woman, beautiful, good in bed. Fool! She drew in a long breath. “My boyfriend was killed by a vampire. Soon afterward, I learned about the club and joined.” She shrugged her shoulders. “I’ve never actually killed one—but I’ve seen some. One of the other members actually killed one. And I heard all about it.” Jarharis combed a hand through his hair. She sounded almost childish, talking about vampires and never actually killing one. The urge to protect her surged up inside him. She had put herself in danger that very evening and yet she seemed unaware of what she had done. “Are there other club members besides the 71

Fawn Lowery three males I saw you with last night?” “There are twelve of us. Three teams of four.” She traced his male nipple with one fingertip. “Want to join my team?” “I want to keep you safe, Selena.” He hesitated to speak his mind. He hugged her close. Aston would take advantage of her in the blink of an eye. Perhaps he should take care of Aston then maybe she would be safe.

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CHAPTER SEVEN

D

aylight was rapidly approaching. Jarharis sighed. He hated to leave Selena. Her body was so delectable in every way. She was pleasing to look upon and even more so to fuck. But, as with every evening of his life to come, he had to be wary of the approaching daylight. Once the darkness gave way to morning, he had no powers and became totally helpless, dead in all respects from the curse that haunted him forevermore. He felt Selena’s even breathing beside him. Sexually sated, she had fallen to sleep minutes earlier nestled against his side, her arm flung possessively across his naked hip. He smiled as he eased from the bed, gently removing her limp arm from his body. He pulled on his clothes and strode to the window of the bedroom. He had given much thought to relieving the world of a vampire. He had decided Aston must die. And soon. Else he would have to guard Selena day and night. He could not be with her during the day. Nor she with him. 73

Fawn Lowery A thought suddenly materialized in his mind. He grasped the amulet hanging around his neck. Its powers mystified him. If it could somehow help guard Selena in his away hours— He raised the window frame and shapeshifted into a bird. Taking to the sky, he winged his way back to the building he now called home, its gift a mystery still. He arrived mere seconds before the sun broke the horizon with its yellow glow, rushing through the rooms and into the bedchamber. He stretched out in the familiar earth given him as a sanctuary and closed his eyes, the weight of his body great. **** Jarharis knew the second he opened his eyes that something terrible had happened. He rolled to his feet and lunged from the room, his mind consumed with thoughts of Selena. As he jerked the door to the outside world open, he halted suddenly, feeling a presence behind him. He whirled around on one heel, his eyes racing to find the object that had invaded his sanctuary. His first thought was that of Aston, but then he reasoned that he too was only awakening from his night’s sleep. His powers were as limited as his own right then. He relaxed a little. He walked through the foyer 74

Jarharis: Book 2-The Witch and the Vampire of the expansive house, his eyes searching, his senses alert to any movement. He wasn’t prone to imagine things—vampires were too realistic to believe much beyond their need for blood. He combed one hand through his hair. He wasn’t one to fall prey to trickery either. Anger rose inside him as he searched the rooms. Finding nothing, he turned toward the door, only to have the feeling grip him again. “Show yourself!” His voice was a loud bellow, a verbal warning to whoever had invaded his private quarters. “Show yourself!” A faint noise pulled his eyes upward, toward the high ceiling of the room. His brow quirked. He blinked his eyes. Just above the doorway he saw a tiny black cat, sleek hair, long tail, suspended as though on a string, hovering. Suddenly it zoomed upward, stopping mere inches from the ceiling. It pushed its body up, stretching its back in a black bow and yawned, as though having just awakened from a nap. “What the hell?” Jarharis rubbed his eyes. He had never seen anything like the cat—a figment of his imagination? He shook his head. No. He wasn’t given to seeing things form out of thin air. He considered his ability to shapeshift for a moment. He rubbed his chin with one finger, contemplating. “I can take on many forms.” 75

Fawn Lowery He jerked his head upward, pinning his eyes on the black cat. It floated in the space near the ceiling then began a slow descent, moving toward him, its legs moving as though it were walking. It stopped within inches of his face. A rainbow of colors suddenly sparked, causing Jarharis to throw up one hand to shield his face. When he opened his eyes, the cat was gone and a tiny fairy hovered in its place. She was pale as alabaster, with white-blonde hair that billowed around her head, tiny translucent wings fluttered on her back, keeping her aloft. A cherub face and brilliant blue eyes stared at him from the halo of pale hair. “Who are you? Where did you come from?” “You may call me Mi.” The voice was so shrill and yet so soft, that Jarharis had to strain his ears to hear her. “Who sent you?” He cocked his head and assessed the tiny creature, reminding himself to be on guard. For all the little imp’s beauty, she could be there to do him harm. He almost laughed at the thought. What could a tiny fairy possibly do to him? He was at least a hundred times her size. And with powers of his own. “My master sent me to tend you, Jarharis.” Jarharis folded his arms across his chest. A smile toyed with the corners of his mouth. How could this tiny creature tend him? “And who is 76

Jarharis: Book 2-The Witch and the Vampire this master you speak of?” Mi laughed and flitted upward toward the ceiling then veered sharply to the right and returned to hover before Jarharis’s face. “I bring news of the whore you met in the nightclub last night. She lies dead in the alleyway.” At first Jarharis didn’t know what she was talking about—but then he remembered the woman named Lily he had met in the night spot— the woman Aston claimed belonged to him. A shiver of dread passed within him. He drew in a long breath. He was leery of asking how the woman died. “Aston killed her. He pierced her throat with his sharp fangs and drained her body, fortifying himself.” Jarharis wasn’t surprised. He nodded his head. Perhaps he was to blame for Lily’s death as much as Aston, though he had not taken a drop of her blood. “You must be on guard against Aston. He is your enemy now. You have betrayed him.” “I owe Aston no allegiance. And as for my having betrayed him, I have not.” Mi giggled softly and fluttered her wings, propelling her tiny body about the room. Jarharis turned to keep his gaze on her, waiting for her to settle in one spot so he could continue 77

Fawn Lowery their conversation. “He has summoned his legion to his side. They will be coming for you, Jarharis.” “His legion? Vampires?” Mi giggled and flew very close to Jarharis. He could see her tiny face and read the alarm in her expression. “You must take every precaution.” She held his gaze. “You must unite with the vampire club and utilize their resources.” Jarharis threw back his head and roared with laughter. “That bunch of juvenile vampire hunters? They play at something they know nothing about.” He gritted his teeth, suddenly angry at the intrusion of the little imp. “You’re wasting my time.” He waved one hand at the fairy and turned to the door. “Be off with you.” Agitated that he had wasted time listening to the apparition, he stormed through the doorway, slamming the door behind him. He had better things to do than cater to a fairy that suddenly felt like invading his midst. He pushed the event out of his mind and allowed his gnawing hunger to dictate his moves. He took to the air, the fastest and, so far, the safest, form of moving about the city, to search for a victim. He wanted warm blood to revive his body. Once he had fed, he would investigate the news the fairy had brought about Lily. 78

Jarharis: Book 2-The Witch and the Vampire He spied a woman sitting on a bench in the park. He lit in a nearby tree and looked down up on her. She was alone, a hand-held music machine in one hand, earphones in her ears. She swayed slightly, perhaps moving to the rhythm of the music she listened to. Jarharis issued a mental command to her and leapt from the tree branch. A second to shapeshift, and he strode toward her, moving on silent feet through the darkness. Approaching from behind, he reached out and clasped her neck, raising her body from the bench. He pulled her into the shadow of the tree. She whimpered only slightly as he sank his fangs into her jugular vein. Hot blood gushed into his mouth. He sucked greedily, suddenly feeling the urge to hurry and be on his way. The woman gave no resistance, her body completely his to take from. He drank his fill, felt his strength return and cast the woman aside, levering her body over the bench. He swiped the back of his hand across his mouth, wiping away the traces of blood on his lips then turned. Halting his feet, he looked back at the woman. Her body was draped across the bench haphazardly. He grimaced. He wasn’t usually so callus with his victims, especially those that didn’t fight him. He took hold of the woman and placed her upon the bench as he had found her minutes earlier. Satisfied that he had righted the wrong, in 79

Fawn Lowery some small fashion, he quickly shapeshifted and took to the sky. The Wharf nightclub was abuzz with people. Couples clung to each other on the dance floor, the bar was lined with drinkers—clouds of cigarette smoke hung in the air, making visibility poor. Jarharis entered the bar and searched the crowd for Aston. There’s nothing like meeting trouble face on. He made his way to the back of the room, listening to the chatter from those he pushed past. Someone mentioned Lily and his ears pricked up. He paused and tried to discern the conversation from the other voices vying for his attention. “She’s dead alright. The cops found her this morning behind the club.” “I heard all her blood was drained from her body.” “Don’t be ridiculous! Who would do such a thing?” Jarharis didn’t need to hear any more. It was true. The woman was dead. Murdered. And he may have been directly to blame for her death. He checked the booth where he had seen Aston last night. The booth was empty. He turned, deciding to ask some of the patrons if they had seen him. “I don’t know Aston.” On three occasions he had gotten the same 80

Jarharis: Book 2-The Witch and the Vampire answer. Perhaps Aston wasn’t as well known as he had thought. But then, the bar was crowded and maybe he had just picked three people new to the area. Bullshit! He pushed his way to the door, wondering how many of Aston’s legion was in the room. He chided himself for having the thought. He was beginning to have doubts about the fairy’s message to him. But why had she appeared to him in the first place? Who had sent her? He thought of the amulet suddenly and its magical powers. He had been given a place to call home, a safe sanctuary where he could sleep without worry. Or could he? Suspicions flooded his body. He was of the undead. What could he possibly fear? A fucking stake through the heart! He swallowed down the nervousness that suddenly gripped his insides. He was vulnerable during the day and there was little he could do about it. He couldn’t be woke up, nor communicated with, should he magically come across someone that he could be soul mates with. Who am I kidding? There will never be anyone I can totally trust or call my own. I have no soul mate. He left the club, shaking off the reverie he had sunk into. He needed to be with Selena. He needed her body to give him pleasure. He felt a smile touch his lips at the mere thought of lying with her 81

Fawn Lowery again. He turned his feet in the direction of her apartment. He paused on the street in front of the nightclub. Gazing overhead, he took note of the low hanging clouds and the threat of rain on the slight breeze. Maybe Selena and her hunters would choose to stay inside tonight because of the weather. He smiled slightly. For all her intentions toward ridding the world of vampires, she had managed quite nicely to put herself in harm’s way. He walked the distance of the city block and stood on the corner. To his left more nightspots appeared, their garish lights flooding into the street. Loud music blared through the stillness. Perhaps he should check inside for Aston. He headed down the street, determination fueling his quick steps. He had not as yet fully explored the city or learned the habits of the people living near his sanctuary. For all accounts, he had been preoccupied with Selena and her little vampire club since his arrival in the time era. He pushed thoughts of the woman aside for the time being, needing to be at his utmost best when he entered the nightclub and started searching for Aston. The music ended just as he pushed through the entry. Teeming crowds of young patrons clustered near the door, assessing him as he made his way through their mass. He strode forward into the 82

Jarharis: Book 2-The Witch and the Vampire wide room, confident in the fact that he looked somewhat similar to those gathered there and therefore didn’t draw any unusual attention to himself. Once he had fed his complexion flushed and took on the appearance of a normal human male. He could move around freely amid the mortals without suspicion. He searched the sea of heads for Aston, his gaze traveling over the numerous males at the bar and coupled with attractive females at the scattering of tables and booths. The loud music started up again, disrupting his hearing of conversations near where he stood. He decided that Aston wasn’t in the club and turned to leave. A hand appeared suddenly on his arm, grasping his coat sleeve. He paused, looking first at the hand then following the arm up to a naked shoulder. His gaze traversed to a pair of fleshy tits poking seductively against the filmy bodice of a slinky evening gown. Pert nipples peaked from the fabric tauntingly. He smiled as his gaze raised upward, following a most enticing throat and finally rising to view an exquisite female face. “Like what you see?” Her voice was soft and sultry. Jarharis smiled wider and covered her hand with his. She was the first female vampire he had seen in a long time. The chill of her hand pressed into his palm, warning of her undead state. He locked gazes with 83

Fawn Lowery her. Does she know I’m undead? Or does she know that I’ve identified her? A female vampire often sets her sites on mortal man—thus her attachment to Jarharis seemed puzzling. She was, perhaps, a new turn, or was she trying to set a trap for him? He decided to give her a few minutes of his time and see if he could find out what she was up to. “Very much.” “Want to buy me a drink?” His eyebrows quirked upward. Vampires didn’t often consume liquor, not to his knowledge. Perhaps she was merely trying to get him alone with her little ploy. “Sure.” He led the way to an empty table near the rear of the room and held a chair for her. Almost on cue, a waitress arrived and the woman ordered a mixed drink. Jarharis slid into a chair across the table and pinned his eyes on the female. Did she belong to Aston—as his other encounter in a nightclub had? He resisted the urge to ask the question. “I haven’t seen you around. You must be new in town.” She stared at him, her red lips pursed, her lacquered nails toying with the stem of her glass. “I haven’t seen you around either,” Jarharis countered, leaning forward and placing his hands on the table before him. “Do you come here 84

Jarharis: Book 2-The Witch and the Vampire often?” “Only after I’ve fed.” He leaned back in his chair and smiled across the table at her. Well, she certainly wasn’t setting a trap for him—else she wouldn’t have confessed to being a vampire so soon. “Who are you?” “I could ask you the same question.” She stared at him, her lips pressed together. “My name is Tanya Sills.” She pulled in a long breath. “Until last week, I was happy being a newspaper reporter. Then I met Aston and the bastard ruined my life.” A look of sorrow and hatred filled her dark eyes. Jarharis suddenly identified with her on a different level. He glanced over his shoulder as the music ebbed then ended, leaving the room in virtual quiet despite the mass populating the interior. “Why are you telling me this? I can’t be of any help to you.” She shrugged both shoulders. “I guess I just need someone to talk to. I saw you come in the bar and thought—” Her words broke off and she stared at Jarharis, imploring. Jarharis shook his head. “I know who Aston is, but other than that I have no association with him. I’m not one of his lackeys.” “He has many who serve him.” 85

Fawn Lowery Perhaps she could shed some light on where he might find Aston. But before he could ask the question, she admitted her lack of knowledge about the vampire. “I only know that he travels with a great many. Once he boasted of lying in a crypt that was hidden from all eyes. I don’t know what he meant—except that he boasts also of having allegiance with the dark one.” She sighed. “If only I could find a way to destroy him.” Jarharis listened to the woman and drew his own conclusions about Aston. He would be difficult, if not impossible to find on his own and perhaps it would be easier to lay a trap for him of his own making and let him fall into it in his own time. “I sensed that you were different from the others.” “I do not kill my victims.” How many times have I professed to that truth? She reached across the table and covered his hand with hers. “I sense that there is another in your life as well. You can hardly wait to be with her.” “You’re quite perceptive.” Or do you smell Selena’s scent on my body? He halted the surge of want rising inside him. Had he not stopped in the bar, perhaps he would be lying with Selena now, feeling her body against his, her mouth pressing 86

Jarharis: Book 2-The Witch and the Vampire his lips. “Your love, she is not one of us.” He stared at her, not answering for fear of disclosing Selena’s identity. “Beware, mortals are fickle. To fall in love with one, is to have your heart broken.” He didn’t like having his suspicions confirmed about his feelings for Selena. Was he that transparent? Or was the sultry vampire just that perceptive in her observation of him? “I hoped you could help me.” She pulled her hands away and leaned back in her chair. “Is the end inevitable? Am I cursed for evermore?” Her brows knitted together, her chin trembled with emotion. “You can’t possibly imagine the things he makes me do.” “You could leave Brooklyn. You could go abroad.” “He would find me.” She raised her eyes to his face. “My only salvation is to see his end.”

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T

he conversation with Tanya Sills stuck in Jarharis’s mind. She had sought to ask him for help, but when she learned that he was involved with another, decided that she had no chance of becoming close to him. They parted in the club and he watched her disappear in the throng of people. He considered whether to search further for Aston or to give in to his lust and go visit Selena. Just the thought of being with her made his cock rise. He swept one hand across his jeans. His fly bulged with his growing erection. The decision made, he shapeshifted into a bird and took to the air. The night was growing short and his lust was rapidly taking control of his emotions. He flew directly to Selena’s apartment and hovered near the bedroom window. Disappointment filtered through his insides when he saw no lights were on. Selena was out. Distress suddenly gripped his insides. 88

Jarharis: Book 2-The Witch and the Vampire Damn that vampire club! Refusing to believe the worse—that she was out stalking would-be vampires in the dead of night in some isolated area—he turned his thoughts to where he might find her. He winged his way to the cemetery across town where he had followed her that first night. From memory, he recalled that the graveyard was a favored hunting place for the little club. If they only knew that vampires didn’t take up residence in local cemeteries. Should I tell Selena so? No. His divulging such information would only entice her to question him further and the more she knew about vampires—real vampires—the more danger she would be putting herself in. He turned his direction toward the outskirts of the city, the parks and recreation areas he remembered seeing as he tried to get a feel for the city on his first night there. Watching carefully for signs of small groups milling about, he found nothing more than pairs of young lovers out for late night strolls. He tried to connect with Selena mentally, issuing a call to her conscious state in hopes of garnering her attention. But little success came of his plan. She just simply wasn’t his soul mate—a fact that he had been hoping wasn’t true since the first moment he laid eyes on her. Alas, he felt rejection well up inside him. 89

Fawn Lowery He was on the verge of becoming overwhelmed with frustration, deciding that he needed to feed again in order to clear his mind, when he spied a group of five on the ground near a housing complex. He heard the loud ruckus even as he chose a place to perch and realized that one in the group was the male that he had tried to make his first victim when Selena kicked him in the ass. He perched in a tree and took assessment of the gathering. A solitary figure stood in a circle formed by the other four. The figure appeared to be a male—tall, very thin with extremely long arms and legs. He appeared almost emaciated. His body leaned forward from the waist, a mop of long hair hung about his head and shoulders, obscuring his face. The four surrounding males made charging attempts to knock him off his feet, swinging long bats and yelling orders to each other. The figure in the circle staggered and veered, almost succumbed to one blow, but regained his footing and began railing his arms at his attackers. “Stab the fucker, Reece!” “Knock him to the ground, for Pete’s sake, Merrick! I’m not a fucking magician! I can’t stab him if you don’t do your part!” Jarharis realized the group had a vampire trapped and was attempting to kill him. He considered whether to become involved or merely 90

Jarharis: Book 2-The Witch and the Vampire sit and watch. So far, the group had little to show for their efforts. The creature in the circle was doing quite well in fending them off, even landing some blows of his own as he flailed his long arms at his attackers. Jarharis sensed that the creature was weakened from lack of blood, having been accosted by the club members before he had managed to feed. Nevertheless, he was an amiable opponent. He decided not to help the club or the vampire, but to watch instead and perhaps draw his own conclusions as to the hunters abilities. So far they had done little aside from taunting the vampire and exchanging curses with their own kind. “Kill the mother-fucker!” The female voice cut into Jarharis’s mind like a sharp razor. He jerked his head to the side, spying Selena sprinting across the grass as fast as her legs would carry her. The silver dagger she kept hidden in her boot gleamed brightly as she waved it in her right hand. “Don’t let him get away!” Crap! Of all the insane things— Jarharis hurried to lift off from the branch of the tree and bounded to the ground beneath. A moment’s thought, and he was transformed into his vampire physique. He stepped from behind the tree just in time to see Selena penetrate the circle of hunters and lunge recklessly at the vampire standing in the center. 91

Fawn Lowery The damning blow she aimed at him missed by a mile when the creature glimpsed her charging him and simply turned out of her path. She cursed and slid on the grass, falling on her butt. Jarharis leapt from his hiding place and quickly closed in on the group, appearing inside the circle as Selena got to her feet and began another assault on their captive. Jarharis reached one hand out to grasp the vampire by the coat front, savagely lifting him into the air as Selena lunged in for the kill. She whisk past in a flurry of brutal stabs with the dagger, only to find herself completely out of range of the vampire. Jarharis bellowed his discord and slammed the weakened body of the vampire to the ground, holding his chest to the solid earth with one foot. All amount of savagery broke loose among the hunters as they rushed the poor victim in mass. One hunter positioned a wooden cross against his chest while another wildly swung a mallet, slamming its pointed end into the helpless chest. Blood spurted upward and fell to the dark clothing. The vampire cried out in anguish. Jarharis took leave quickly, transforming into a black mist and vaporizing into the darkness. Momentarily he shapeshifted into his bird state and returned to the tree where he had previously perched. The males in the group hovered around the 92

Jarharis: Book 2-The Witch and the Vampire dying vampire on the ground, continuing to slam the wooden stake into his chest with the mallet, refusing to believe that his life was ended. Selena stood near the edge of the group, her eyes searching the darkness overhead, transfixed as though not believing her eyes. He watched her, trying to decide whether to go to her or not. Surely she had seen him. And now she was trying to believe what she had witnessed. He watched from his perch, his emotions mixed. The hunters could clearly claim now that they had killed a vampire. And his suspicions were confirmed about Selena. She was, indeed, a woman to be reckoned with. She took vampire hunting seriously. And she wasn’t afraid to use her silver dagger—if she could get close enough to land a blow—or aim correctly. He smiled in spite of circumstances. The little club could use his help. They were amateurs to say the least. But would they turn on him should he offer to join them? Hell yes! They profess to hunt vampires—not befriend them. The truth almost made him wretch. He pushed off from his perch. He needed fresh blood to revive his spirits. He flew toward the city. It didn’t matter whether he found a willing victim who he could control or one he had to subdue by other means. He would drink his fill—then he would consider his actions of the night—and his 93

Fawn Lowery growing feelings for Selena. He swooped down amid a group of people as they were emerging from a theater. He fell into step with a man and woman that seemed intent on discussing the show they had just seen, oblivious to his presence as they headed across the street to a parked car. Jarharis followed them, his steps undetected. When the man ushered the woman into the car, Jarharis gave him a push, sending him tumbling inside atop the woman. A high-pitched scream sounded as the heavy body of the man fell across her lap then laughter as she thought her husband had merely taken a spill. By the time they both realized someone else was in their midst, Jarharis had made his way into their car. He quickly subdued the pair, placing each in a trance and proceeded to take his time feeding. He felt strengthened by the time he left the pair, revived enough to risk a tongue lashing from Selena. He transformed and rose into the night sky, his course being Selena’s apartment. She was home by the time he arrived. He landed on the windowsill of her bedroom and peered through the window. She was pacing back and forth across the room, her arms folded across her chest. He watched her breasts jiggle, growing aroused as he imagined the fleshy mounds bare and filling his hands. He was growing complacent, almost to the 94

Jarharis: Book 2-The Witch and the Vampire point of transforming and slipping beneath the window frame when he saw someone in the room with Selena. He leaned closer to the window as Tanya Sills rose from a chair beside the bed and came forward, halting Selena and taking hold of her upper arms. Surprise filtered through his insides. Tanya Sills had not mentioned she knew Selena earlier in the evening when he met her in the nightclub. And why was she in Selena’s bedroom? He reached a decision suddenly. He called forth the magic and vaporized, seeping beneath the window frame in a fine black mist. Falling to the carpet beneath the window, the mass rapidly grew and formed until he stood at the edge of the room watching the two women. He shifted his stance, calling attention to himself and summoning a scream from Selena. She jumped back then, seeing it was Jarharis, rushed forward to stand before him. Anger shown in her blue eyes. She raised both hands to her hips. “And just how in hell did you know that the hunters had a vampire cornered? And why didn’t you stay around and take credit for his killing?” He glanced at Tanya Sills. Satisfaction shown across her face. No doubt his aiding the hunters had played right into her plans to annihilate Aston. He shrugged his shoulders and strode into 95

Fawn Lowery the room. “I didn’t kill the vampire. The hunters drove the stake through his heart.” “They couldn’t have done it without your help, Jarharis.” He pinned her with his gaze. “Your little band of hunters is playing with deadly consequences, Selena. You’re unaware of who you’re dealing with.” “Who are we dealing with Jarharis?” He combed one hand through his hair. What could he say? He was new in the city. He didn’t know how many vampires were lurking about. He turned his gaze on Tanya Sills. “Why didn’t you mention that you knew Selena?” Tanya shrugged her shoulders. “I had no way of knowing that you had bedded Selena.” Selena jerked her head round. “What’s that got to do with anything?” “Are you aware that you’ve been fucking a vampire?” “Yes. But that’s none of your business, Tanya. What I do in my personal life is private.” Tanya smiled and pushed her hair off one shoulder. She raised one eyebrow in speculation as she stared at Jarharis. “Shouldn’t you fuck your own kind, Jarharis? Do you have to include mortals in your sex games?” “That’s what this is about?” Selena shouted turning an angry face to Tanya. “You’re jealous 96

Jarharis: Book 2-The Witch and the Vampire because I’m mortal!” Tanya shrank against the bedroom wall. Jarharis stepped between the women. There’s enough of me to go around. He chided himself for having such a thought. He glanced from Selena to Tanya and back to Selena. If he could choose, he would most definitely pick Selena—but in the absence of commonsense, Tanya would do in a pinch. He combed one hand through his hair. His thoughts seemed to be muddled. Perhaps he shouldn’t have drunk from the last two victims he encountered. Woe with me. Trying to live in the present was proving to be quite an ordeal. So far he had managed to find a woman who he wanted to claim and now there was an enticing she-vampire that had set her sights on him. He groaned and rubbed the back of his neck. And then there was the little fairy he had encountered inside his safe haven—how did she fit into the mix? I’m being presumptuous. “Enough!” he declared. He turned toward Tanya. “Do the other members of the vampire club know about you?” She shook her head. “I used to work with Selena.” “You’re a newspaper reporter?” Jarharis asked Selena. “Yes. Aston turned Tanya and ever since, she’s been feeding the club information on his 97

Fawn Lowery activities.” Jarharis studied the two women. Apparently the club’s lack of success in destroying Aston and his cohorts had prompted Tanya to ask him for help. Suddenly it became clear how she had known to approach him. “So you make a habit of peering through bedroom windows, do you?” Tanya glanced about, clearly embarrassed by Jarharis’s accusation. Selena gasped and turned angry eyes on Tanya. “How dare you! I’ll pull every hair on your fucking head out! You bitch!” “Whoa! Hold on!” Jarharis caught Selena around the waist and lifted her off the floor. He held her body against his side. Selena thrashed about, curse words flying from her mouth. “You better leave, Tanya, before I turn this wild cat loose.” Tanya walked to the door of the room and vanished through the solid wood without further argument. Jarharis released Selena and pushed her onto the bed. “I have little doubt that Tanya isn’t already at the window.” He smiled and began opening his shirt. “Let’s give her a show to remember.”

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CHAPTER NINE could sense Tanya’s presence at the Jarharis bedroom window. He felt a measure of arousal and remorse congeal inside his big body for the she vampire. When he was first turned, he had difficulty adjusting so he knew what she was going through. Had it not been for the fact that three of his brothers had been turned at about the same time as he, he would have been hard pressed to accept his new way of life—or death, as he came to call his vampirism. “Don’t count on me entertaining Tanya!” Selena stalked about the bedroom, her legs stiff and her jaw set. “So don’t even plan on taking your clothes off, Jarharis. I’m not fucking you with an audience.” She turned suddenly, facing him. “Suppose you tell me how you came to know Tanya.” Jarharis halted his fingers on the buttons of his shirt and leaned one shoulder against the wall. “I met her in a nightclub earlier this evening.” 99

Fawn Lowery “Is that the truth?” “What else would it be?” Selena combed her fingers through her hair. “I don’t know. She’s been feeding the club information about the vampires in the city, telling us where to look for them, what they have planned in advance. She wants us to find Aston and drive a stake through his heart.” Jarharis nodded his head. “She wanted me to help her destroy him as well.” Selena turned imploring eyes on him. “You could help us—since you’re one of them.” “One of them? I’m not one of Aston’s vampires, Selena. I have allegiance with no one.” He swallowed the urge to add her name to those with whom he desired attachment, but lacked it. “But you know about vampires in general.” He chuckled. If you only knew, my sweet Selena. She sauntered toward him, a smile inching across her mouth. “You could tell us about vampires. What they are capable of. How they communicate with each other. Where they hide during the day time.” He watched her with amusement. “You can ask Tanya all those questions.” Selena waved one hand at him. “Tanya is new. She’s not really very good at being a vampire yet.” “Do the members of your little vampire club know about Tanya?” 100

Jarharis: Book 2-The Witch and the Vampire “Yes. She’s one of us—or rather, she was one of us. She used to work at the same newspaper with most of the club members.” “And they aren’t planning to drive a wooden stake through her heart?” She shook her head. “Tanya wants to help us destroy all the other vampires. There isn’t any plan to eliminate her. She’s the only help we have. For Pete’s sake, Jarharis, we would never hunt her.” He cocked one eyebrow in speculation. “And what about me, Selena? Does your club have plans to hunt me?” Her jaw dropped open. “The club doesn’t even know about you!” “I imagine after tonight they have an idea that there’s another vampire in their midst.” “Which is why you should help us. Don’t you see?” “I see that your little group is playing with fire. They’re out of their league when it comes to hunting the undead.” “Help us, Jarharis.” She halted in front of him and reached out one hand to slip her fingers inside his open shirt. “Tell us about vampires.” Her fingers were warm against his cool flesh. He looked down at her and wanted to be mortal so bad that he had to bite his tongue to keep from screaming the words aloud. He covered her hand 101

Fawn Lowery with his, halting the play of her fingers across his chest. “Your friends would never accept me in their club.” “You never know—“ “Yes. I do know, Selena. If you profess to hunt vampires then you hunt the creatures. You don’t befriend them under any circumstance.” He stopped short of telling her that sooner or later, Tanya Sills would become their victim. She pushed both hands inside his shirt, circling his waist and snuggling against his chest. She leaned her head back, awaiting his kiss. He looked down into her upturned face. Arousal showed in her eyes. He groaned and wrapped his arms around her shoulders, pressing her breasts against the wall of his chest. “What kind of powers do you have?” Her voice was soft, barely more than a whisper, her tone, imploring. He lowered his head and took her mouth in a sultry kiss that warmed his insides and started his cock rising. She moaned and pressed tighter against his chest, squeezing her arms around his waist. She opened her mouth and sucked his tongue between her lips. He knew she was attempting to seduce him, but he was becoming so aroused that he didn’t care. He had come to her for sex—the fact that she was the one who instigated the act made the coupling 102

Jarharis: Book 2-The Witch and the Vampire even more erotic. He slid his hands the length of her back and found the hem of her top. With one quick motion, he lifted it over her head and flung it across the room. Quickly he released the bra she wore, sliding it from her breasts and pushing it from between their bodies so it would drop to the floor. Her flesh was warm and inviting. He savored the silken texture as he caressed her back with his palms. His arousal grew, mounting faster and hotter than he could contain. He slid one hand to the waistband of her jeans, intending to rip them off her body then paused. His eyes flickered open as he sensed that Tanya had suddenly taken leave from the bedroom window. He pushed all thoughts from his mind and concentrated on the woman in his arms. His cock was straining against his fly and his balls were beginning to ache. His emotions were racing out of control. He needed to fuck. He tore the tight jeans from Selena’s body and lifted her into his arms. She straddled his waist with her legs. He clasped her buttocks in either hand, pulling her body tighter against his. He leaned his back against the wall and released his prick from his jeans. It sprang forth engorged and ready. He pushed Selena’s tight butt down onto his cock, and lunged his hips upward, entering her to the hilt. 103

Fawn Lowery She groaned and began bucking her hips, riding his hard staff as she clung to his shoulders. Jarharis held her ass and worked his cock inside her hot passage, savoring every thrust. Selena dug her nails into his shoulders and received his mouth against hers with a greedy passion. Her breath quickened, her breasts pushed firmly against his chest. He felt the first tingles of orgasm as they began in his belly and rapidly spiraled along his limbs until he was all but overcome with sensations of electrifying currents. A multitude of feelings coursed through his body, making him pull his mouth away from hers and pant to catch his breath. He hunched his hips, milking his cock, wanting to experience every last nuance of sensation the act wrought. Selena tightened her grasp around his neck, bringing realization to his brain. She was coming. He pressed her buttocks tighter against his abdomen and rocked his cock inside her, rubbing her clitoris and bringing her to climax. She panted loudly in his ear and nipped at his lobe with her teeth. He smiled at her display of pleasure, holding her bare ass tightly in his big hands as she wiggled against him. “You are such a…good…lover.” Her voice was heavy with emotion. He dipped his head and brushed his mouth across hers, 104

Jarharis: Book 2-The Witch and the Vampire tasting the perspiration on her top lip. He opened his eyes and gazed down into her face. Her flesh was moist from the exertion. He smiled and hugged her close as he strode across the room to the bed and lowered her naked body to the flowered coverlet. She settled on the bed, releasing her arms from Jarharis’s neck and unclasping her legs from around his waist. She sighed and stretched out on her back, smiling up at him as he poked his cock back inside his fly and zipped up. He stood looking down at her, a look of contemplation on his features. I have to find Aston and destroy him—before he comes after her. The thought jarred his insides. The mere idea that the vampire might eventually come seeking Selena made his senses enraged. A shiver of awareness passed over his flesh. He jerked his head toward the window in the room, suddenly sensing a presence—a threatening presence that emanated from beyond the glass pane. Aston! A shard of dread stabbed at his brain as he realized that the sensation had fled almost as quickly as it came upon him. Without further delay, he passed swiftly to the window and vaporized, slipping beneath the pane and into the darkness, awareness gripping his insides like the grasp of an iron fist. All his vampire powers suddenly came to the fore, 105

Fawn Lowery heightened by the threat of evil that had entered his midst. He passed through the night, a blurry shadow that melded with the darkness and silently coursed through the heavens, his senses keen to any presence of the undead. Forces pulled at his body, drawing his attention to a tattered form on the street below. He drew closer until confirming that the figure was merely a victim of one of the vampires. He hurried on, investigating other signs of the undead, victims that lay in alleys, most of their life’s blood drained from their bodies, hovering near death, unnoticed. Sorrow wrenched his heart as he pushed aside thoughts of the multitude he had come across in such a short time. The number was staggering. The unsuspecting, traveling the streets after dark and accosted by the greed of the vampires, were easy prey. He followed the blood-sucking trail winding through the city and leading to the outskirts where the population thinned. Houses were less numerous. Dense woods covered acres of land with no visible roads leading inside. Only then did the trail lessen, the bodies of the victims becoming less evident. Jarharis paused near a dark grove and contemplated all he had seen during the past hours. There were many vampires within the city and beyond. He shook his head in weariness. He 106

Jarharis: Book 2-The Witch and the Vampire hated to admit that he was no better than they were—an undead thing that must take the life force from a living being to remain in the state of limbo that vampirism brought. He hung his head as the curse rose up inside his body. Blood sustained his body in the same manner. His needs were exact. He sought comfort in the fact that he had a bit more respect for his victims than what he had seen tonight from his fellow vampires. Though, come to trial, he could be viewed no differently by mortal man. Still, he had never taken a life and had no intention of changing that fact. Once he had awakened and found he had the curse, he had vowed never to drain a body and he had managed—so far—to keep that promise. He pulled in deep breaths to try and steady his big body. His search had turned up little beyond victims either dead or near death from loss of blood. He scanned the sky overhead, deciding how much night there was remaining then turned his attentions to the stand of trees directly in front of him. Recalling that Tanya had divulged that Aston boasted of sleeping inside a crypt that was hidden from all made him wonder if his sanctuary was perhaps inside an unexplored patch of woods in the vicinity. He concentrated his powers of perception on the grove of trees. He sighed. Alas, there was nothing within that 107

Fawn Lowery he could discern. He turned to leave the area, ready to call upon the magic and transform into a winged creature when he suddenly heard a movement behind him. He whirled around, glimpsing a shadowy form rapidly approaching. “So you have been searching for me, Jarharis.” Aston stood before him, his slim body poised as though to do battle. Jarharis eyed his enemy. “You leave a noxious trail, Aston.” Aston threw back his head and laughed loudly. Jarharis sensed Aston’s rage though he tried to cover it with an attempt at humor. And suddenly he sensed the dark woods concealed the legion traveling with Aston. “You have found me only because I allowed you to find me, Jarharis. You should not become so pompous in your ability to track me down.” He snarled. “What do you want?” “A word of warning, Aston.” He fought to contain his rage, holding his emotions as best he could. The urge to grasp the young vampire by the throat and tear his veins open gripped his insides though he doubted he could stand against the many loyal to Aston. “Warning? You dare to speak a warning to me?” He strode forward, his back stiff, and one hand stroking his chin in mock contemplation. “You lay with a mortal whore—” 108

Jarharis: Book 2-The Witch and the Vampire Jarharis struck without warning, lunging forward and grasping Aston by the neck. He propelled his body upward then slammed him against the ground all so quickly that there was only a gasp of surprise from the vampire’s mouth. A great roar sounded from within the darkened woods. Aston raised one hand, holding his legion at bay while he bounded to his feet. He stroked his neck, displaying an amused grin. “You did not bring a wooden stake to drive into my heart, Jarharis? Your tactics are lacking, my friend.” He resumed his pompous posture before Jarharis. “And as for your whore—” Jarharis bellowed and lunged at him again, only to be struck from the rear by a mighty blow. He wavered on his feet, his eyes bleary, his strength ebbing. “Carry this warning to the lovely bitch. Tell her to prepare herself for death—or near death.” He laughed jeeringly. “I will soon come to her and she will welcome me with open arms or should I say, open legs?” He laughed again. “After I have fucked her royally, I shall make her my immortal woman. Yes. She will serve me and keep me happy.” He gritted his teeth. “In much the same manner as Lily—before you interfered.” Jarharis fought to regain his senses, forcing the fog to clear from his brain. He braced his feet apart, gathering his strength. He clenched his fists 109

Fawn Lowery at his sides, ready to attack Aston once more. Aston laughed and disappeared, leaving only his raucous sound on the night air.

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CHAPTER TEN returned to his sanctuary, his mind Jarharis consumed with the threat Aston had issued against Selena. His anger knew no bounds when it came to the evil vampire’s threat. And he had little doubt that he wouldn’t try and carry out the menace. He had nothing to lose. He was undead, walking among the living, considered one of them on many levels. And the legion loyal to their master would aid him. He combed a hand through his hair. Daylight hovered just beyond the horizon. He needed to sleep. Night had escaped and yet there was much more he desired to do. He sighed and sought out his earthly sanctuary. The fragrant soil brought him a measure of peace as he settled into the crypt. He closed his eyes, his last thoughts of Selena and how he would protect her. **** 111

Fawn Lowery “Wake up, Jarharis. There is much to do.” Jarharis opened his eyes. His keen sense of hearing recognized the sound of Mi’s tiny voice and the spinning whir of her fairy wings. He levered himself up, swinging his feet over the edge of the crypt. “Perhaps you would tell me how you could invade my sanctuary without my knowledge, Mi.” She laughed, flitting across the dark room to the lit foyer and the open spaces beyond. “You sleep soundly, Jarharis.” He shook his head and followed the tiny being through the doorway into the expansive room adjacent to his sleeping chamber. A crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling, spilling its bright luminance across the marble floor. He gazed about, looking for the pixie then heard her voice calling to him from another room in the house. “Your enemy awakens as you do. Thoughts of destroying you are in his mind. Be wary when you venture forth to feed. His legion is nearby.” Jarharis gazed at the elf, hovering just beyond his grasp. “Why do you bring me messages? To whom do I owe for your presence, Mi?” “I have been sent to tend you.” He chuckled and thought suddenly of the amulet handing about his neck. He grasped its linked chain and pulled the jewel from the 112

Jarharis: Book 2-The Witch and the Vampire confines of his shirt. Closing his hand around the gem, he brought his eyes back to Mi. She had moved since he last looked her way—and changed forms. Once more she assumed the figure of a sleek black cat and hovered near the ceiling, sprawled out on her side, a sleepy expression on her feline face. He stared at the cat and squeezed the amulet in his fist. He had taken it from the neck of a witch— but he couldn’t remember seeing a cat in the stronghold. Still, he presumed that black cats and witches were synonymous. Or was that just around Halloween? He scratched his head suddenly. His era had no such holiday to his recollection. He watched the cat lying near the ceiling and held the amulet in his hand. For the past two days he had been aware that he knew various things about the time period he had been transported to and at times questioned how he had come to have such knowledge. He opened his fist and gazed down at the gem. It glowed pale amber against his palm. Heat radiated from its glassy surface. He blinked his eyes and raised his hand nearer his face, staring unblinking at the faceted stone. A murky shadow seemed to form within its interior, drawing his eyes ever closer. The shadow swirled, changed from murky to opaque, swirling as it began to change form. The swirling halted 113

Fawn Lowery suddenly, suspended within the walnut size amulet then began to separate, spiking long lustrous ribbons that rose upward as though driven on a breeze within the stone. Momentarily the ribbons became arms and the milky swirl centered into a being. His breath caught up in his throat as he realized he was staring at a picture of Selena, her long hair forming a pale halo around her head. He could see her face, her expression. A fear unlike any he had ever known gripped his insides. He stared as the mirage moved, turned and seemed to look right at him. A slow smile pulled at her mouth, until she was grinning broadly. Suddenly she parted her lips and the unmistakable sight of fangs gleamed forth. Jarharis closed his eyes and shook his head. Perhaps he had imagined the vision. His thoughts were consumed with the woman. Perhaps he had lost the ability to concentrate properly. He drew in a long breath and returned his eyes to the gem in his palm. The vision had vanished. The gem appeared as it had since he first possessed it. He turned it over in his hand as though examining it for the first time. “You have been shown the future, Jarharis.” He glanced upward, searching the ceiling for Mi. She had resumed her pixie body, hovering in 114

Jarharis: Book 2-The Witch and the Vampire one corner of the large room. She flew closer to him when he saw her. “Join the vampire club and help Selena.” “That’s not a very good idea, Mi. They are mortals who profess to hunt vampires. I would not be accepted.” “You are vulnerable to Aston. As for Aston’s thinking about the mortal club, he considers their efforts futile.” Jarharis contemplated the fairy’s words. Aston had openly jeered at the vampire club the first time he met him. He gritted his teeth. He should have destroyed him on that night. He should have torn him to shreds and left him lying in the alley, bits and pieces scattered about. He closed his fist around the amulet. “Heed my words, Jarharis.” The fairy waved her wings and flitted from the room, leaving Jarharis staring after her. Perhaps there’s something to the pixie’s words. If Aston has no fear of the vampire club—perhaps they could lay a plan for him without him being aware of it. A doubt stabbed at his mind. The members of the club are not knowledgeable enough about vampires to properly set a plan and execute it to the end. For an instant he thought back to his days as a warrior. The times had been brutal and bloody, a deathly trial by man’s strengths. And in the end, many lives were lost, but victory 115

Fawn Lowery was won. Could he possibly compare going to battle with Aston to that of the Crusades? Surely Aston didn’t have that big a legion on his side. He considered Mi’s words and the vision he had seen swirling inside the amulet. Its magical powers were still his to discover. He released the gem inside his shirt. His hunger gnawed at his insides. He needed to feed before he turned his thoughts to dealing with Aston. He left his sanctuary, the search for a victim to quench his thirst filling his mind. He flew into the nightclub district and transformed, strolling along the street as though he were mortal. He spied two females coming toward him on the sidewalk. He ducked quickly into the shadow of a building and waited for them to approach. He heard their soft voices then laughter as they passed in front of the alley. He sprang forward, taking up a position directly behind them on the sidewalk. A quick wave of his hand and they were under his power. Obey me! They halted their feet and turned toward him, their eyes glassy. He circled their waists with his arms, placing himself between them and resumed walking up the sidewalk. To all passersby they were merely strolling along with nothing out of the ordinary taking place. As soon as the next dark alley appeared Jarharis steered the pair into the passageway. 116

Jarharis: Book 2-The Witch and the Vampire He cleared his mind of all else aside from the need for blood that beckoned to him and fed first on the larger of the women then the smaller one, taking his fill before releasing them back onto the street. He transformed quickly and leapt into the air, the thought that he had not harmed either of the women to any great extent solidified in his mind. As on the nights before, once he had nourished his body with warm blood, his thoughts turned to Selena, and sex. He mentally chided himself for slipping into a rut. He smiled. The fact that all his needs were being met by the magical powers of the witch’s amulet left him free to pursue other pleasures. Mi’s warning came swiftly to mind. Aston’s legion was nearby, watching, planning to destroy him. He realized that he would have to take the pixie’s advice and aide the vampire club, regardless of how insane he thought their efforts appeared to be. For a brief second he recalled the group’s attempt to destroy the vampire creature they had captured the past evening. They were poorly equipped to do battle with the undead. He arrived at Selena’s apartment just as she was leaving for the evening, her battle fare tucked safely into her left boot. “Come with me. The group is hunting on the outskirts of the city. Tanya thinks Aston’s 117

Fawn Lowery sanctuary is somewhere in that vicinity.” Jarharis took hold of her upper arms, halting her steps as she headed down the sidewalk. Thoughts of his encounter with Aston last night came quickly back to mind. “You may be walking into a trap.” “Tanya said—” “She may be luring the group into danger, Selena. Remember, she belongs to Aston.” “She’s just pretending to be with him. She hates him and wants the club to destroy him.” “You’re too trusting. Aston has immense power over anyone he’s turned.” “But she’s been keeping us informed of his activities, Jarharis. Doesn’t that prove she’s on our side?” He shook his head. “I don’t trust her.” Selena sighed. “Well she’s the best informant the club has. Just last night, she told us where the vampire was that you ended up helping us kill.” He contemplated her words. On the one hand, it almost sounded as though Tanya was aiding the club, telling them where to find a lone vampire to destroy, but on the other hand, she hadn’t given them Aston. The poor creature she had directed them to was capable of little more than finding sustenance for his withering body. He thought about the threat Aston had made against Selena. He didn’t impress him as a 118

Jarharis: Book 2-The Witch and the Vampire vampire who made idle threats. No. He fully intended to carry out his promise of turning her. And then Selena would be his to command. His senses wrenched at the thought of beautiful Selena being the pawn of a ruthless vampire. “All right. I’ll help the club.” She threw herself against his chest, wrapping her arms around his neck and squeezing him tightly. “I knew you’d see things my way.” She kissed his cheek then his lips, pressing her breasts against his chest and tangling her hands in his long hair. A shiver of longing coursed through his insides at the feel of her body pressing so tightly against his length. He wrapped his arms around her waist and held her, never wanting to set her free. He closed his eyes for a moment, shutting out all else except the warming sensation generated by her body. “Come on. Let’s go.” “No. I can’t go with you to meet the others.” “But—” “They can’t be aware that I’m helping them, Selena. I have to stay in the shadows and be unknown, except to you.” She caressed the side of his face with one palm. “You’ll help us kill the vampires—won’t you?” He caught her hand and brought her palm to his mouth. He kissed it, pressing his lips into her 119

Fawn Lowery warm flesh. If anything ever happened to her— “Jarharis, you’ll help us kill the vampires, won’t you?” “I won’t allow you to put yourself in danger, Selena. Yes. I’ll be there and help if I’m needed.”

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CHAPTER ELEVEN

A

rmed with a box of wooden stakes and wearing odoriferous leis of garlic, the members of the Vampire Club piled into three cars and headed toward the outskirts of the city, relying on information Tanya had supplied regarding Aston’s hideaway. Against Jarharis’s better judgment, he allowed Selena to accompany the group. Transforming into a bird, he raced against time to arrive at the destination that Tanya had supplied. Realizing that her information revealed the exact location where he encountered Aston last night, he was certain that she lured the club members into a trap. He arrived at the stand of dense foliage and took up a position in a tall willow across the road. From his advantage point, he could clearly see the gravel road where the club would stop their cars. The road gave way to woods and entry could be gained only on foot. Trepidation filled his insides as he perched in the tree and tried to see amid the 121

Fawn Lowery dense stand of trees. If only he could be certain of what lay within the grove and the definite danger that the group of hunters might be bringing upon themselves. State your needs. The voice sounded so clearly within his head that he almost lost his footing on the tree branch. Suddenly the urge to transform into his undead state gripped him. He leapt from the branch and glided softly to the forest floor beneath the tree, immediately assuming his vampire state. His hand went immediately to the amulet hanging about his neck. He clasped it in one fist and tightened his fingers around its faceted shape. State your needs. There was no mistaking the voice that time. He glanced around, looking for the speaker of the words, only to feel that he was alone beneath the tree. He contemplated what he should ask for, wondering if indeed, the voice was offering to fulfill his needs to keep Selena safe and to find Aston’s hideaway. “Jarharis, Aston’s sanctuary lies within the trees.” He jerked his head around, spying Mi. She hovered near a branch on the tree. Taking a seat on the woody bough, she relaxed her gossamer wings, folding them across her back, and stared at him. 122

Jarharis: Book 2-The Witch and the Vampire Jarharis blinked his eyes at the tiny pixie. She appeared to be illuminated, as though surrounded by a soft pale green light that allowed him to see her features as clearly as if he were in his own sanctuary and illumination coming from a crystal chandelier. “Did you speak to me?” The pixie smiled at him and nodded her head. “Aston’s sanctuary lies within the trees.” Puzzled, for her voice didn’t sound like the first voice he heard, he held the amulet and stared at her. “Look at the gem. It will reveal the way to Aston’s sanctuary. But you must not tell the members of the vampire club.” Jarharis’s brows rose upward in surprise. Mi disappeared as quickly as she had materialized. He looked around, but failed to catch further sight of her. He opened his hand and stared at the amulet. It glowed pale yellow, then drew his gaze to its center. As before, he saw a swirling mist, moving, surging, then it began to clear. A picture began to form. He stared, trying to make out the forms taking shape. He recognized the woman, Tanya Sills, suspended by her wrists, her legs spread wide. She was dressed in a black leather bra and tight shorts, with stiletto heels. Another figure appeared before her coiling a long black whip in his hand. Tanya’s chest heaved, an expression of 123

Fawn Lowery distress shown on her face. Jarharis felt her fear…and her arousal. He drew back, aware that he was watching Aston and Tanya performing some sort of sexual ritual. Anger wafted through his insides. Why was he being privy to see them play? Intrigued, and more than a little disgruntled with the sight, he felt compelled to watch the pair. Aston’s chest was bare, though he wore long pants. He watched as he levered the whip across Tanya’s chest, making her grimace in pain. An evil grin shown on Aston’s face. Tanya lunged against the ties that bound her wrists and ankles, trying to free herself. Aston landed the whip across her shoulders again then flung the weapon aside. He released his pants and pushed them along his legs, stepping out of them when they fell to the floor. He walked toward Tanya. Tanya panted and strained against her restraints. Aston took hold of her hair and yanked her head back. Jarharis tried to look away, remembering Tanya’s words to him when they met in the nightclub. Aston made her do terrible things. She was appalled at his treatment of her. Surely she had been referring to just such a scene as he was viewing now. He watched Aston release her hands and force her to her knees. His hand tangled in her long hair as he held her head to his 124

Jarharis: Book 2-The Witch and the Vampire crotch, making her suck his long hard cock. Jarharis watched, trying to steel his emotions at the sex act. Tanya greedily sucked her master’s cock, caressing his buttocks and stroking his balls. Aston hunched his hips and lolled his head back on his shoulders as Tanya’s mouth brought him to orgasm. Jarharis closed his fist around the amulet. Why had he been forced to watch the sex act between Aston and his slave? “Have you no reasoning?” He jerked his head up, looking into the tree he stood beneath and spied Mi sitting on a leaf, her tiny wings at ease, her pale pink dress fluffed around her little body. “Tanya is setting a trap for the hunters. She pretends allegiance to Aston in his presence, but she wants him destroyed, as you suspect, Jarharis. But there is more to her plan, once her master has met his fate.” Mi vanished as quickly as she spoke the words. Why would Tanya set a trap for the hunters when she confessed to supplying information about the vampire’s plans to the group? He considered the she-vampire’s plan. Perhaps she wanted rid of the hunters—thinking that he would destroy Aston, given the chance and with the vampire club gone, there wouldn’t be any hunters remaining to search for her. He clenched his fists. 125

Fawn Lowery Did Tanya know of Aston’s threat against Selena? He contemplated what had just taken place and tried to determine his next move. He could perhaps, divert the hunters route into the woods until he infiltrated Aston’s sanctuary alone. But Selena was suspicious of his agreeing to help all ready. Would she be as easily fooled as the other members of the club? He tuned his hearing toward the direction the group would be traveling and listened. He could make out the faint hum of the motors as they drew nearer. He returned the amulet to the safety of his shirt and took to the sky, transforming once again into a bird. Flying swiftly across the stand of trees, he spotted the first of the three autos on the road. Veering sharply, he searched the winding road until he spied a hairpin curve then lit on the ground and called the magic forth. Transforming into his vampire form, he set his hand to a tall oak tree and toppled it across the road. It fell with a resounding thud, its numerous branches snapping and twisting as its heavy trunk crashed upon the gravel. Deciding that the roadblock would be sufficient enough to halt the groups travel plans he hid in the shadows and awaited their arrival. “What the fuck!” “It looks like a tree, man.” “I know a damn tree when I see one! Why is it 126

Jarharis: Book 2-The Witch and the Vampire across the fucking road?” “I guess it needed to fall somewhere.” “Shut up!” Jarharis looked on as Selena emerged from the vehicle and came forward to inspect the road blockage. He stared at her form in the bright headlights of the car. She raised her hands to her hips and looked the situation over, glancing beyond the tree boughs into the darkness. Jarharis felt her suspicion. “I guess we have to turn back.” “Really Einstein?” “Fuck you, Kaleb! Why do you always have to be such an asshole?” “Get back in the fucking car! We’re leaving!” Jarharis shook his head, listening to all the arguing among the group. No wonder they never actually caught any vampires—they were too busy berating each other. The drivers of the cars finally managed to get turned around and soon they were headed back in the direction they had come. Jarharis stood in the road and watched the red glow of taillights as the sounds of motors faded into the darkness. At least he had managed to foil the groups plans for that night.

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CHAPTER TWELVE grasped the amulet in his fist. He wasn’t Jarharis of the habit of asking for help—and he wasn’t quite certain whether he would be granted his request— “I need to infiltrate Aston’s sanctuary without chance of being discovered.” He felt a mysterious pull on his body beginning at his head and traversing along his tall muscular frame. He held out his arms and felt the force warp around his cold flesh, encompassing his chest and racing across his hips. He sucked in a quick breath and realized that his request was being fulfilled. Puzzlement congealed inside his brain. Was the powers of the amulet his for the using? Did the magical stone cater to his every whim? He stood amid the trees and waited for the force to deliver his plea. Should he get his desire, he could safely travel through the woods and infiltrate Aston’s stronghold without fear of 128

Jarharis: Book 2-The Witch and the Vampire detection. A measure of reassurance settled inside him. It would be easier to direct Selena’s club members when he knew about Aston’s domain from the inside. Trusting that the amulet had delivered anonymity for him, he rose into the sky and relied on his keen sense of perception to direct him to Aston’s hideaway inside the dense woods. The darkness seemed intensified by the gathering of clouds overhead. The moon was obscured and no stars shown against the blackened sky. He hovered above the treetops, his keen eyes discerning the object he sought. He doubted whether a house actually stood within the woods. Aston was more than likely secreted away inside a cave and its entrance was probably hidden beneath a fallen tree or some other obstruction. Vampires were notorious for concealing their sanctuaries. Their very lives—or dead state—depended on their ingenuity to deceive mortal man—for it was mortal man that arrived armed with wooden stakes to drive through their hearts. He shuddered with the thought. For too long now he had diverted the attentions of mortal man from his own sanctuaries. Devising first one plan then the other to distract prying eyes. Even with all his care taking in the matter, the thought haunted him that someday an adventurous mortal 129

Fawn Lowery would ferret him out and he would be at their mercy. He lowered his body to the ground, easing onto the dense carpet of pine needles and underbrush covering the forest floor. Quietly, he moved among the trees, his feet gliding effortlessly as he peered behind tree trunks and inspected fallen boughs. His ears pricked up to any noise sounding within the leafy confines. The aroma of fresh earth and rotting timber permeated the air. He had walked midway into the grove of trees when he caught a glimpse out of the corner of his eye. He halted his feet, holding very still and staring at a wisp of mist that suddenly rose from the ground. He watched, certain that he had found the hideaway belonging to Aston as the vaporous cloud grew and formed upon the ground. A shape started to emerge—arms, legs and torso. Finally he gazed upon the fully formed body of a tall male, dressed in a long dark cloak. His senses told him he was a vampire and that he had risen from the very spot upon which he stood. Jarharis watched the creature rise upward into the air, veer between the boughs of nearby trees and disappear. He’s off to feed. Jarharis waited until he was certain the creature wasn’t returning then he walked over to the spot where he had first seen him rise. He stood in the spot, sensing a great hollow space, a cavern, beneath his feet. Within 130

Jarharis: Book 2-The Witch and the Vampire moments, he called upon his vampire powers and vaporized, seeping into the earth under his feet. His body floated downward, falling through the great chasm beneath the earth. Coldness engulfed his limbs as he sought a solid form to grasp. He sensed the floor of the cave finally and drew upon his powers to change into a bat. Within seconds, he was hovering near the ceiling of the dark cave, his eyes searching the dank interior for signs of movement. Rustling noises came to his ears, pulling his attention in various directions. Directly in front of his hovering form nestled a gathering of bats, hanging from the rough stone ceiling of the cave by their sharp talons. He held still and tried to sense their reaction to his presence. Gathering no alarm, his confidence grew with the knowledge that he was indeed undetectable. Listening intently, he heard other noises coming from within the chamber. He flew on, carefully keeping to the ceiling and following the sounds deeper into the cavern. His sharp eyesight caught a glimpse of light and veered in its direction. A large opening gaped before him, descending down into the bowels of the earth. He folded his wings and dove through the opening, dropping quietly into the lighted shaft. A series of blazing torches revealed a large chamber, its walls craggy. Numerous hooks and 131

Fawn Lowery long chains hung from the ceiling. He gazed about, spying the leather bra and shorts he had seen Tanya Sills wearing in the vision showed him by the amulet, lying on the floor. He quickly inspected the opening before following other illumination further into the cave. He entered yet another room and heard voices, a male and a female. He hovered near the entry and looked beyond the narrow opening. The walls were slick, as though they had been chiseled to enlarge the space. He saw them then, Aston and Tanya. She was naked except for her spike heels. She was laying on a mound of dirt, her legs spread, her hands bound with leather straps above her head. Aston stood over her, his legs braced apart, a scowl on his face, a massive hard cock bobbing in his crotch. “You betrayed me!” “No, Master! I did not!” “You sent the newspaper reporter and her little gang to destroy Minyon.” Tanya fought the restraints on her wrists and ankles. Her nipples were red peaks thrusting atop her global mounds. Her chest heaved with fright as she stared up at her angry master. “I didn’t, Master. You must believe me.” Jarharis listened and tried to discern whether they were still playing sex games or if Aston was on to Tanya’s plan to have the vampire club 132

Jarharis: Book 2-The Witch and the Vampire destroy him. Aston lunged at Tanya suddenly, throwing his body atop hers and bringing a loud scream from her throat. She fought her restraints and the vampire, wrenching her legs and flailing her arms until the leather straps broke, flying in bits against the cave walls. She yelled loudly and clawed at Aston’s back as he lunged his long cock between her legs. She dug her long talons into his back and brought blood oozing from the gashes. Aston levered his upper body onto his elbows and slammed a fist into Tanya’s jaw. “Fuck me, you good-for-nothing-whore!” “I love you, master!” Jarharis hovered near the ceiling and considered his options. He could materialize and catch Aston at his weakest. His mind was consumed with fucking Tanya and berating her at the same time. He wasn’t aware that he was in his midst. And surely Tanya was too fearful for her well being to aide him. He considered taking advantage of the moment. It would be for the better—should he destroy Aston and end the vampire club’s plans to battle him. He gazed down at the fucking pair. Tanya had ceased to fight Aston. She dug her claws into his back and lunged her hips upward, meeting his mighty thrusts. Aston spread his legs wide and drove his cock deep into her cavity, wrenching her 133

Fawn Lowery body against the hard surface. Finally he bellowed loudly when orgasm came upon him. Suddenly from the adjoining chamber, Jarharis heard voices. Realizing he had missed his chance to attack Aston, he watched as three other vampires strode through the narrow opening, one trailing the other. They were males, with thin bodies and flushed faces, having just fed from the looks of the blood splatters on their clothing. They eyed Tanya sprawled on the dirt, her naked body no longer concealed as Aston got up. He stood to one side, his skinny chest heaving as he tried to catch his breath. “Who wants to fuck the whore?” The vampires glanced at each other and smiled. Tanya rolled to her side and sat up, stretching to loosen the bindings on her ankles. “Lay down,” one of the vampires ordered. He ripped his pants off and gave Tanya a shove. He mounted her body and stabbed her crotch with his engorged cock. The other vampires drew close to the thrashing couple and watched, their mouths hanging open and drool dripping from their red lips. Aston laughed and strode from the chamber. Jarharis followed, silently flapping his way along behind the naked vampire. Aston made his way through to the dark passageway leading to the entry chamber and rose upward to the ceiling. He hovered for a moment 134

Jarharis: Book 2-The Witch and the Vampire then disappeared. Jarharis quickly followed, vaporizing into a mist and seeping through the earth onto the forest floor. He materialized just in time to see Aston transform and rise into the air. Jarharis followed him, certain that he was going to feed since he had viewed his ashen face while he fucked Tanya. He hoped that Selena and her club friends had gone home for the night and wouldn’t encounter Aston. The vampire was enraged that Tanya had betrayed him and would be set to take his revenge out on any unsuspecting member of the group. Aston flew into the heart of the city where the nightlife was plentiful. The streets were crowded with couples strolling along unsuspecting, and singles rushing about as though they had definite places to go. Jarharis stood in the shadow of a building and watched Aston as he penetrated a group of males just leaving a bar. At first nothing happened, Aston appeared to be one of them. He situated himself between two burly men and clasped their shoulders, laughing along with their revelry then suddenly, he grabbed one of the men by the neck and ripped his flesh, drinking his fill while the others stood nearby gasping at the carnage, helpless to aide their friend. When Aston had drained the body, he dropped it to the sidewalk. A resounding thud 135

Fawn Lowery seemed to sound above the noise of the city before he reached for another member of the group. He bared his fangs threateningly as a show of warning to the others while he sank his teeth into their cohort. Jarharis watched the sight, steeling his senses against the urge to interfere. His own thirst had not been quenched for the evening and he licked his parched lips. Hunger gnawed at his ribs. Still he remained immobile and viewed the horror that Aston wrought, hating the murderous vampire for his careless carnage. When Aston had drank his fill, three corpses lay at his feet, drained of all blood. One man remained, in a trance, his body motionless. Aston waved his hand and the man jerked into motion. Spying his dead friends on the sidewalk, he screamed and ran from the scene, his hands waving wildly above his head. Aston threw back his head and bellowed with laughter. Jarharis paused, realizing he might as well kill Aston and be done with him. His anger at seeing Aston’s treatment of the men he murdered had turned into rage. “Jarharis! Jarharis!” He jerked around, recognizing Mi’s voice. The fairy hovered near his ear, her tiny wings beating the air currents in a rapid frenzy. “Selena needs you! Go to her at once!” 136

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CHAPTER THIRTEEN ear shot through Jarharis’s body as he lifted into the air and headed toward Selena’s apartment. He overlooked all else as his emotions raced to the fore. If anything should happen to her—He passed through the night, arriving at her apartment only to find it dark inside. Had she not returned home after the vampire club found the tree blocking the road through the woods? He hovered outside her window and tried to think where he might find her. Was she still with the group of hunters? Were they foolishly out somewhere thinking they could track down a vampire to destroy? His thoughts melded into a tangled web of worry. Why hadn’t he asked Mi where Selena was? He grasped the talisman hanging around his neck and squeezed it in his fist. “Where is Selena? Where is Selena?” The charm grew warm in his cold hand. He opened his fist and gazed at it, watching it turn

F

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Fawn Lowery bright yellow against the black night sky. The mist began to swirl within the gem. He pinned his eyes on the sight, anxious to discover where the woman he loved was. His thought jarred his insides. Did he really love Selena? He shook his head briefly, not daring to take his eyes off the amulet lying in his open palm. His feelings for the woman didn’t matter right that moment. Mi had said she was in danger and he had to find her. He stared at the swirling mist inside the amulet, wondering if it would ever clear and reveal something of importance to him. Suddenly he made out a form and his breath caught up in his throat when he saw Selena lying on the ground, her eyes closed, blood on her face. He stared at the vision, his body barely able to hold still. “Where is she? Where is she?” His voice was a raspy scream echoing into the black night. Other things began to form within the mist, shapes and things unfamiliar to him. He drew closer to the amulet, trying to figure out what he was seeing. Suddenly it became clear to him. Selena had been involved in a car crash and was lying unconscious along side the road. He closed his fist around the amulet and stuffed it back inside his shirt, out of harms way. He knew where she was at last. He rose into the air and, calling the magic, turned his path toward the 138

Jarharis: Book 2-The Witch and the Vampire gravel road leading to the woods where Aston’s sanctuary lay. Within seconds, he was dropping to the ground beside Selena’s still body. She lay in a shallow ditch beside the road, the glare of the headlights illuminating her still form. Her clothes were blood stained and her throat displayed a deep gash. Jarharis sensed she was still alive, but she had lost a lot of blood. He glanced around quickly taking in the scene that sprawled across the roadway and beyond into the stand of trees. The car was demolished, its doors standing open, its windows broken. The other passengers were lying about, four all total, silent, unmoving, dead perhaps. He didn’t take time to examine them. Selena was his only concern. Jarharis bent over Selena. He could heal his own wounds—any vampire was capable of rejuvenating himself from injuries outside of the wooden stake through the heart, fire, dismemberment or exposure to sunlight—but he didn’t know if he could help Selena. He felt her pulse. It was very weak. He placed his hand over the wound on her throat, pressing slightly, hoping to seal the gaping gash. When he pulled his hand away, he had not made any difference. Distraught, he slid his arms beneath her body and lifted her against his chest. He had no powers to help her. Anguish welled up inside him. The woman he loved lay dying in his arms and he could do 139

Fawn Lowery nothing to save her. He threw back his head and released a loud cry of sorrow. Hate for Aston and his band of vampires congealed within his body. If it was the last thing he ever did he would hunt each of them down and destroy them forever. He gazed down at Selena’s limp body, silently promising to avenge her death. “Give her some of your blood, Jarharis.” He barely heard the voice, his emotions so distraught. “Let her drink from your vein.” He jerked his head up, spying Mi hovering near his head. He stared at the pixie, trying to make sense of her words. “No. She would be like me. And I will never turn a mortal into the undead thing that I am. No. I will not put her mouth to my vein.” “She will surely die then.” Mi flitted upward into the darkness, and disappeared. Jarharis lowered his eyes to Selena. She was so beautiful. And so helpless. Yet he dared not turn her into a vampire. It was a curse worse than death. He cradled her body in his arms and sat back on his heels. He had not known the true meaning of being with a woman until he met Selena. Nor had he truly known the pleasures of the female body until he lay with her. She was true perfection in every 140

Jarharis: Book 2-The Witch and the Vampire sense of the word. Why then am I willing to let her die? He was shaken by his thought. Could he stand to watch her die? Could he cradle her body and let her pass without trying to save her? He stood suddenly and, clutching Selena’s limp body against his chest, rose into the air. He would take her to his sanctuary, lay her on his healing bed of fragrant soil and watch over her, keeping a vigil, until she left him forever. His body felt heavy as he entered his sanctuary. It was then he realized he had not fed while he was out. But one look at the ashen face of his beloved, took all thought of leaving her even for the few minutes it would take for him to revive his body. He held her tightly and hurried through the lavish rooms he had been provided as a safe haven. Jarharis entered his sleeping chamber and gingerly placed Selena upon his coveted sleeping space. He felt her pulse and grimaced at its faintness. He levered his head back on his shoulders and cursed all vampires worldwide. Promising he would mount an attack upon Aston and his legion, he kneeled beside the crypt and held Selena’s hand. Unconsciously, he grasped the amulet hanging around his neck. Without warning, a tremor of hope surged through his insides. He tightened his 141

Fawn Lowery fist around the jewel and raised his head. You have no soul to bargain with, Jarharis. The voice sent him reeling backward on his heels. He lost his balance and fell to the floor beside the crypt. Raising his eyes, he searched the darkened chamber for the owner of the voice. But momentarily realizing he was alone, and that the voice was the same that had been speaking to him of late, he got to his feet. He paced back and forth across the room, his brow furrowed, his mind racing. All of a sudden he paused. Had he unconsciously asked the amulet for a solution to his problem? His soul was long ago taken from him. But did he have something else he could bargain with? He went to Selena and kneeled beside the crypt. He would do anything to save her life. He grasped the amulet in his hand. “What can I do to save Selena’s life?” Serve me. His brows furrowed. He looked down at the amulet lying in his palm. He had been curious about the gem since he slipped it into his pocket at the witch’s castle and, until that very moment, he had wondered about its powers. He raised the gem and stared at its faceted sides. He had seen visions within it, heard the voice of a deity he could not identify and been privy to have a pixie visit him. He combed one hand through his hair. The exact value of the amulet was a mystery to 142

Jarharis: Book 2-The Witch and the Vampire him. “Who are you?” The owner of the talisman you hold in your hand. “But I took this from the neck of a witch.” The witch was my servant. He released the gem as though it had burned his hand. He gazed at Selena—remorse filled his insides. “I serve no master.” He took hold of the amulet and lifted it above his head, tugging at the chain around his neck. The links tangled in his hair, snarling painfully and making him wince. “I serve no master!” He shouted the words, giving the chain a forceful pull to get it over his head. “Jarharis?” He paused his hand, the amulet in his grasp, as he watched Selena rise to a sitting position on his fragrant bed of soil. “What happened? Where am I?” He rushed to her, inspecting her throat for the deep gnash left behind by the vampire. It was gone. Her skin healed. He gathered her in his arms and pulled her against his chest. Closing his eyes, he held her tightly. “Jarharis, where are we?” Selena pushed out of his arms and swung her feet over the side of the crypt. Brushing at the soil clinging to her clothes, she stood up. He caught her arm and pulled her against his side. Leaving the bedchamber, he walked with her into the spacious room leading to the door of the 143

Fawn Lowery house. “Is this your house?” “Yes. I brought you here when I found you lying beside the road. Do you remember what happened?” She pulled in a long breath. “Where are the rest of the hunters?” He shook his head. “Those in the car with you are dead.” She gasped and covered her mouth with one hand. “Tanya told us there was another way into the woods. When we came upon a tree blocking the road, we turned around and tried that route.” She combed her fingers through her hair. “I don’t remember much after that. I think the car hit something. But I’m not sure. Kaleb is such a shitty driver—” Tears welled up in her eyes. “Oh my gosh! Is Kaleb dead?” He stared at her and contemplated his next move. Despite the circumstances surrounding her recovery—he knew his fate was sealed. He would be a servant for eternity because he wanted her saved. He heaved a sigh. Looking at her, ravishing her beauty with his eyes, he thought it was all worth it. He had no future as a mortal anyway— so why did he feel compelled to rip the amulet from his neck and cry foul? He swallowed down the urge to scream his misjudgment. The sight of Selena healed, her flesh 144

Jarharis: Book 2-The Witch and the Vampire completely intact, her memory of the incident foggy—he should be happy with the result of his plea. “I have to leave, Jarharis. I have to go check on the other hunters.” “I’ll come with you.” She turned toward him, a smile on her lips. “Thank you for saving me.” She rose up on her tiptoes and kissed him lightly. He groaned and wrapped his arms around her body, pulling her tightly against his chest. A wave of warmth filtered through his cold body as he devoured her mouth with his. He pressed her breasts into the wall of his chest and lowered his hands to clasp her buttocks. His ardor grew as he savored the feel of her shapely body. When she tightened her arms around his neck, he relented and allowed himself to agree that saving her had been a good idea. A gnawing thought rankled his mind. What did Selena owe the Master for her second chance at mortal life?

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CHAPTER FOURTEEN

H

e pulled her down on a velvet lounge and covered her body with his, his appetite fierce. His cock strained against the zipper of his jeans, needing set free. He tasted her mouth, hungered for her blood, but refused to give in to his vampire needs. He wanted to ravish her body and have sex with her. He pushed all thoughts of feeding aside. He pushed her blouse off one shoulder and sampled her warm flesh, lapping her skin with his tongue. His senses reeled out of control when she tangled her fingers in his hair and pushed her bra aside then guided his mouth to her breast. He groaned and sucked her ripe nipple between his lips. The bud puckered and firmed. His tongue danced along its surface, reaping sighs of delight from her throat. She held his head at her breast and planted tiny soft kisses across his forehead. She pulled his shirt from the waistband of his jeans and slid her hand across his back, feeling his skin. She slid lower on 146

Jarharis: Book 2-The Witch and the Vampire the chaise lounge, opening her legs and urging his crotch to press against hers. Jarharis pulled away briefly, ridding her of her blouse and bra and yanking his shirt over his head before he resumed pleasuring her with his mouth. He fell on her warm flesh, sucking her nipples and stroking her crotch with one hand. He couldn’t get enough of her body. She was the most beautiful woman he had ever been allowed to touch. Her fingers found the snap on his jeans and pulled it free. In the next second she slid her hand inside his pants and grasped his hard cock. He pressed against her body and withered in her grasp as her fingers wrapped around his flesh. His mouth returned to nip at her lips, to taste her rosy flesh. He began kissing her face, working his way across her cheeks to her chin and lower, onto her collarbone then her breasts. She moaned and tightened her fingers around his prick. He followed the contour of her body with his tongue, tasting her skin and leaving a wet path in his wake. When he raised his body to his knees, she pulled her hand from his pants, groaning as she released his cock. He placed one hand on the waistband of her pants and slid them off her hips, baring her abdomen to his eyes. In the next second, he whisked the garment off her body and tossed it to the floor then he lifted her legs and placed them across his shoulders. 147

Fawn Lowery “Oh Jarharis!” He lowered his head to her crotch and began lapping at her pussy with his tongue, making her sigh and tangle her fingers in his hair. He felt the pressure of her hands on his head and concluded that he was pleasing her with his tongue. He reached one hand to delve amid the dense blonde bush and separated her fleshy lips, revealing her clitoris for his lips to pluck. He poked out his tongue and licked the tiny rose bud, making her suck in a quick breath and tighten her legs around his head. His senses reeled out of control. He felt pleased with his efforts to pleasure her. He held her tightly and lathed her tender tissues with his wet tongue. If only he could put the events of the night behind and spend eternity wrapped in her arms. He dared not believe such bliss was possible. He pushed the thoughts from his mind and pulled his head from between her legs. He unzipped his fly and allowed his prick to spring through the opening. Taking it in one hand, he guided its bulbous head to her crotch. He entered her quickly, pressing her back against the lounge and raising her hips up so he could hold them in his big hands. He began to fuck her, working his long hard cock in slowly and pulling back, looking down on her face while he moved. Her eyes were closed, her long lashes lying 148

Jarharis: Book 2-The Witch and the Vampire softly on her cheek. Her lips parted, displaying a row of white even teeth. Her long hair spilled across the velvet lounge, framing her face like a halo. The light from the crystal chandelier in the room illuminated the supple flesh of her body, accentuating the velvety shimmer of youth. He sucked in a quick breath as the first sensations of orgasm started in his belly. Their bodies moved in rhythm for Selena seemed to sense his impending climax. She opened her eyes and groped the edge of the lounge with both hands, herself close to coming. “It feels…divine!” He silently agreed, smiling down into her flushed face. Nothing else felt like climaxing inside her body. A shiver of desire raced lightening fast through his insides. He had never met a woman like Selena, soft, tender, giving—yet bold and fearless at the same time. He shivered at the thought of her, of touching her, of making love to her. His mind soared with the realization that part of his body was joined to hers, thrusting madly inside her most inner cavern. She was made just for me. His admittance brought a smile of epic proportions to his face. He couldn’t deny his feelings for her any longer. He wouldn’t deny his feelings any longer. His chest heaved with exertion as the orgasm gathered within his 149

Fawn Lowery body then exploded into a mind-boggling blast of incredible tingles. “My god, Selena! I can hardly stand it!” He lost all sense of place or time—knew only the incredible barrage of sensations racing through his body. He closed his eyes and laid his head back on his shoulders as the wildly racing feelings took total control. Sweat blanketed his face and chest. The muscles in his buttocks knotted. He dug his fingers into Selena’s fleshy hips and held her crotch against his while the orgasm spilled through his body. Sated at last, he released a long sigh and slid her legs off his shoulders, crawling atop her on the narrow lounge. He wrapped his arms around her shoulders and lowered his head to claim her lips. He tasted her sweetness, nipped at her lips with his teeth. A great need welled up inside him. He kissed her cheeks—made her close her eyes so he could kiss her eyelids, kissed her nose. He almost spoke the words that inched up his throat. Almost. He swallowed the love cry down and nestled his face in the hollow between her neck and shoulder. His lips found her supple flesh just beneath her earlobe and nipped playfully. In the next instant, he was fighting the urge to take her blood, to break the supple skin and drink to his heart’s desire. He groaned and snuggled his face against her throat. 150

Jarharis: Book 2-The Witch and the Vampire He felt her arms tighten around his shoulders. She moved slightly beneath his body. She sighed. He could feel her pulse in her neck, the steady rushing of blood to her brain. He closed his eyes and imagined the red substance, nectar to his vampirism. He shivered in longing. She moaned and shifted her head, positioning her neck against his lips. A tremor of resistance strummed through his insides. He poked out his tongue and lathed her vein then he bared his fangs and drew closer. Temptation was too great. He brought one hand up to clutch her chin and sank his teeth into her vein. **** Jarharis sat on the lounge, his head in his hands. He had done the unthinkable. He had drank from Selena’s vein, used her blood to nourish his needing body—for the second time. Torment filled his big body. Selena picked up her jeans, made a disgruntled snort when she found the rip along one leg seam then wiggled her ass into the garment and went in search of her shirt. She found it lying on the other side of the room. She pulled it over her head and combed her fingers through her hair. “Stop beating yourself up, Jarharis. It was just a little blood. I’ve bled more than that with a nose bleed.” 151

Fawn Lowery He raised his head and stared at her. He had tried not to give in to temptation. “I’m sorry. I didn’t take time to feed—” She crossed the room to the front door. “It’s daylight. I have to go.” She turned to face him suddenly. “Do you have a clock in this mausoleum? I have a feeling I’m going to be late for work.” He stared at her, realizing that she sounded more concerned with being late for her job than the fact that he had taken blood from her again or that she had nearly died along with three of her friends only hours earlier. He pushed to his feet. His body was weary despite the nourishment of fresh blood. He needed to sleep. He stretched his arms over his head, feeling the tightness in his muscles. “You should go home and crawl into bed.” She shook her head. “I have to get to the office and find out who was murdered last night— besides Kaleb and Reece and Merrick.” She bit her bottom lip. “I wish I could remember what happened.” She turned suddenly and grasped the doorknob. In the next instant the room was flooded with bright sunlight. Jarharis shrank to the far side of the room, one hand raised to shield his eyes. No matter how much he wanted to go with her—or to protect her—he was destined to remain behind. The door 152

Jarharis: Book 2-The Witch and the Vampire slammed and the sunlight disappeared from the room. He released a sigh of resignation and turned toward his bedchamber. **** Jarharis opened his eyes. Finding the quiet oppressive, he raised his body to a sitting position atop his earthy bed. He combed one hand through his hair. Upon each awakening, his first thought was of blood and searching for a victim to take it from. He groaned and lifted his feet over the side of the crypt. It was his destiny—but he didn’t have to like it. He left the bedchamber and entered the outer room. His eyes strayed to the velvet lounge and his mind was flooded with memories of making love to Selena upon its softness. He raised one hand and grasped the amulet hanging about his neck. He had tried to take it off—and found he could not. He was still puzzled by the event. He gazed down at the stone, once more marveling at its beauty. If he had known it would cause him such strife, he would have thrown it into the fire with its previous owner. A flash of light sparked from the jewel as he looked upon it. He blinked his eyes—uncertain whether he had imagined the show of light or if he was about to learn of another commodity of the amulet. 153

Fawn Lowery “The jewel will serve you well.” Jarharis jerked his head up, spying Mi as she hovered at eye level. He considered her words. The jewel would serve him? But what of his servitude to the Master? “It didn’t serve its previous owner so well.” “The witch was merely a vessel with which the Master toyed. She held no great importance.” “And what about me? And Selena? Why was she saved from death?” “You shall serve the Master and reap great rewards for doing so.” She fluttered about the room, transforming into a sleek black cat, arching her back and stretching in feline beauty then transformed back to her pixie self. She flew to within inches of Jarharis’s face. “Selena will soon realize her worth in the Master’s plan.” Anger rose up inside Jarharis. He reached out one long arm and attempted to grab the pixie. Only to end up grasping thin air when the imp darted out of his reach. “And what if I refuse to serve the Master?” He gritted his teeth. He clenched his fist. Mi laughed softly. “You can not refuse. You wear the amulet around your neck. You belong to the Master.” A shard of disbelief stabbed at Jarharis’s heart. He grabbed his chest, feeling the realization as 154

Jarharis: Book 2-The Witch and the Vampire though it were a sharp wooden stake driven through his flesh by the hand of a hunter. It can’t be true. He combed his fingers through his hair. Wasn’t it enough that he was destined to drink blood from strangers and lie in an undead state for eternity? Did he have to serve a Master of the dark as well? He released an angry bellow and strode to the door of the sanctuary. Flinging it open, he bolted out into the dark night. He needed nourishment for his body. He needed a victim. He looked up and down the street, deciding which way to go when he suddenly caught sight of a figure standing across the street. Aston! He crossed the avenue as quickly as he could summon the thought, a foggy blur that mocked time. He stood in front of the vampire. He was loath to believe that the villainous murderer had discovered his sanctuary. Woe unto the vulture if he thought to invade his haven. I should have destroyed him last night. Jarharis felt the tremor of regret gather in his belly. Had it not been for the peril that Selena had fallen into, he would have ended the vampire’s life once and for all. He inched closer to the vile creature, prepared to battle to the death. “You are alone.” Aston shifted his stance and smiled at Jarharis. “Where are the hunters you have offered to aide?” 155

Fawn Lowery Jarharis cocked an eyebrow in speculation. Aston could only know that bit of information if Tanya had related it to him. “Where are your legion of savage vampires you threaten me with, Aston? Have they discovered your vile nature and deserted you?” Aston threw back his head and roared with laughter. Jarharis watched the vampire closely. He wasn’t above using trickery to put him off guard. He heightened his senses, though not taking his eyes off the predator for fear he would lunge at him without further notice. “Pray tell, Jarharis, where is your lady friend?” He raised one hand and rubbed his chin with one fingertip, contemplating. “I haven’t time to stand here and listen to your goading, Aston. If you have business with me, get on with it.” Aston laughed again, breaking the still night with his loud guffaw. “I’m merely inquiring as to the health of your fair Selena.” “She is well.” Aston looked surprised. Jarharis cocked an eyebrow. Although he suspected Aston had something to do with the murder of Selena’s friends, the look on his face suddenly solidified the fact for him. And Jarharis had just made up his mind that he had enough of 156

Jarharis: Book 2-The Witch and the Vampire the vampire’s surly ways, when he suddenly disappeared, transforming so quickly that Jarharis gasped at his speed.

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CHAPTER FIFTEEN tossed the limp body to the ground. He Jarharis raised one hand and swiped it across his lips, wiping away the traces of fresh blood. He breathed in deeply, feeling strength return to his body. He stepped over his victim and headed to the opening of the alley. A low moan sounded behind him as he took to the air, but he refused to be swayed by the noise. He had needed the blood he took from the man and he hadn’t drunk more than necessary. He pushed the thought from his head. He was unable to change anything about his vampire state whether he desired to or not. He sought to find Aston and his legion. But first he had to find Selena. He had to know that she was all right. He flew to her apartment building and, finding her windows dark, surmised she was out with the remaining hunters. The thought unsettled his nerves. After last night’s untimely attack on the club members, he feared that further hunting would only result in more deaths. He tried to remember what Selena had said about her 158

Jarharis: Book 2-The Witch and the Vampire dead cohorts. Surely there would be funerals and a mourning period to follow. He was surprised at the knowledge he had of the present time. It was almost as though he had lived during the time instead of having been transported there only days earlier. He suddenly remembered the discussion with Mi and her insistence that he would serve the Master whether he wanted to or not. He felt his temples throb. He wasn’t a man to obey others, or a man who took orders from a Master. He drew in a long breath. But then, his vampire state left him at the mercy of most every deity in the universe. He grasped the amulet and thought about Selena. Immediately the gem began to light, a vision coming clear to his eyes. He swallowed down the burning desire to rip it from his neck and stared at the jewel as Selena’s whereabouts was revealed to him. He found her at a funeral parlor, a place where the dead were displayed for the living to cry over. A bevy of people filled the wide room, sat in the wooden pews and stood in small clusters near the casket. Jarharis paused at the opening leading from the street and took note of the gathering. Sadness reigned like a dark cloud over the group. At the front of the room a bronze colored casket sat surrounded by clusters of roses and lilies. He glimpsed the corpse lying within the satin 159

Fawn Lowery shrouded coffin and recognized the male known as Kaleb. He saw Selena then, standing to one side, her face blotchy from crying. “You shouldn’t be here.” Her voice was low and filled with concern. She touched his arm and glanced about the room. “I wanted to see what a real corpse looked like just before interment.” “Not funny.” “Sorry.” He took her hand and urged her to the side of the room. “Have you seen Tanya tonight?” “No. But I’ve discussed her with some of the other hunters—those that didn’t take her advice and follow the other road into the woods.” Her voice was venomous. Jarharis cocked an eyebrow. “You know then that Tanya set the club up.” She nodded her head and continued to glance over her shoulder. “You should leave. It isn’t safe for you here.” “But I thought you wanted me to help the club.” “I do. But you said yourself that you would have to remain in the shadows.” “Under the circumstances, I think you need guarded.” She smiled at him. “I can take care of myself.” “I don’t want to leave you.” “Then change into a bat of something and keep 160

Jarharis: Book 2-The Witch and the Vampire out of sight.” He chuckled. “Your concern is appreciated.” She squeezed his hand. “I don’t want anything to happen to you.” “I can take care of myself.” And the Master is watching out for me as well. The thought burned into his brain. Just how far would the Master go to protect him? He felt the intense gaze one of the hunters was aiming his way and suddenly he understood the significance his presence had regarding Selena and the club members. Against his better judgment, he nodded his head at her and separated himself from her. The last thing he wanted to do was to call undue attention to his self or to cause the other hunters to begin questioning Selena about him. “Just think of me and I’ll come to you.” She smiled and turned away. She had felt his mental messages to her once, he was certain of it, though she pretended not to. She was too independent for her own good. He left the funeral chapel, slipping quietly through a side door into the alleyway. He took to the air and resigned himself to finding Tanya Sills. She had some explaining to do about last night’s murder of the three hunters, and the attempt on Selena’s life. He tried to imagine where Tanya might be at such an early hour—since he had already 161

Fawn Lowery encountered Aston he surmised she might be avoiding him as well. He decided to go to the nightclub where he had first seen her. Perhaps she was looking for a victim so she could feed before she entered into any other misdeeds for the night. “You risk your life, Jarharis.” Tanya sat on the bar stool and stared at him. Jarharis felt her confidence. There were too many people in the club for him to dare harm her. She preened while she goaded him. “You failed in your attempt to do away with all the hunters last night, Tanya.” Her brows lifted. “You jump to conclusions.” Jarharis clenched his fists at his sides. He would kill the she-vampire—rip her body to shreds and leave her remains where they fell. “Survivors talk.” Her eyes widened. She glanced around the club as though anxious to see if anyone overheard Jarharis’s words. He watched her. She was unaware that Selena had survived the attack and visibly worried that there would be retribution from him for her deadly deed. She inched off the stool. Jarharis grabbed her arm, pinning her against the edge of the bar. He glared down into her frightened face. “Let me go. You’re hurting my arm.” She glanced up and down the bar, her eyes imploring. “I’ll scream.” 162

Jarharis: Book 2-The Witch and the Vampire “Go ahead. Everyone will think that we’re lovers having a little spat. Then I’ll drag you out of here while the crowd screams sexual innuendoes at us. Nobody will be any wiser—until morning comes and they start picking up pieces of your body strewn about the block.” She tried to smile. She raised her hands and pressed her palms against his chest. “Maybe we can make a deal.” She brushed her hands across his shirt then slid her arms around his waist. “I can be very persuasive.” He wrenched her hands away, pressed her back against the unyielding bar. “I want to know where Aston’s legion is hiding. Tell me or I’ll drag you out of here right now.” She stared at him. “They are too plentiful for you to take on alone.” She licked her lips, running her tongue across her fangs. “I could help you.” “Just tell me where they are.” “At Aston’s sanctuary.” “You lie.” She licked her lips. She shrugged one shoulder. “Perhaps Aston will send them to you and then you will not have to search.” He caught the renewed confidence in her tone suddenly and knew Aston had come into the club. He gritted his teeth. Glancing to his side, he spied the vampire closing in on them at the bar. Did he dare risk a showdown in the crowded nightclub? 163

Fawn Lowery History repeats itself. The thought entered his mind just as Aston drew up beside him. In the next instant, the vampire placed one hand on his shoulder as though they were old friends. “I know it’s rude to interrupt, but—” Jarharis wrenched Aston’s hand from his shoulder. Turning quickly, he landed an open hand against the vampire’s chest, sending him reeling backward into the floor. The patrons gasped and looked to Aston as he sought to gain his balance without benefit of his vampire powers. Jarharis transformed suddenly and vanished from the club. “I’m tired of meeting Aston and having the same result come about!” Jarharis railed aloud as he paced back and forth beneath the cover of darkness. He had returned to Selena’s apartment building and sought refuge on the roof. Berating himself for not having rid the world of Aston upon their first meeting, he was in an uproar, stamping angrily across the roof and pulling his hair. Finally, he dropped into a metal chair and closed his eyes. I’ve got as many problems as mortal man. He considered all that had happened last night. He had found Aston’s sanctuary and witnessed his treatment of Tanya—Tanya had arranged for Selena and her club members to be ambushed and 164

Jarharis: Book 2-The Witch and the Vampire murdered—though her plan hadn’t been completely successful. And he had missed another opportunity to destroy Aston. Jarharis? He jumped to his feet as Selena’s voice came to his mind. Jarharis? He leapt from the roof and within seconds he was standing before Selena as she stood on the sidewalk in front of the funeral home. “Oh! You scared the shit out of me!” She clutched her heart as though suddenly having a heart attack. “Couldn’t you have given me a little warning? Gees!” He smiled a wide grin down at her, pleased that she had summoned him. “Maybe next time.” She smiled up at him. “You’ll be listening—won’t you?” She slid her arms around his waist and pressed her breasts against his chest. “Yes. I will be listening.” He lowered his head and kissed her, quickly brushing his lips across her mouth before he pulled her arms from his waist and took her hand. He led her down the sidewalk, out of the light streaming from the funeral home exterior. “The hunters are resigning from the club after what happened last night. They’re scared.” A wave of elation wafted through his body. 165

Fawn Lowery “How many are left?” “Just me.” “Then consider yourself out of business because I absolutely refuse to let you—” “Whoa! Stop! You don’t tell me what to do!” She halted suddenly, yanking her hand out of his. “I’m an adult. I can make my own decisions.” He grasped her upper arms, giving her a little shake. “You’re not a one woman army, Selena.” He hesitated to tell her how she had almost died last night to get his point across. “You and your little silver dagger would hardly be any threat to a pack of blood thirsty vampires.” “Pack?” she raised her hands to her hips. “You mean like a six pack?” He chuckled. “No. I mean a whole fucking lot of vampires each one more vicious than the other because they kill on a daily basis and life means nothing to any of them. They exist only because of a curse as old as the human race and have no thoughts of anything other than sinking their fangs into nourishing veins.” She pulled back, staring at him through the darkness. “You’re trying to scare me, Jarharis.” He combed one hand through his hair. “You almost died last night. Do you really want to risk your life again?” He felt her surprise. She bit her bottom lip. “What do you mean?” He heaved a long sigh. “I found you and your 166

Jarharis: Book 2-The Witch and the Vampire friends on the road. You were very near death. Your three friends were already dead.” She gasped and covered her mouth with one hand. “But I don’t have a scratch on me, Jarharis. How can that be?” Should I play ignorant or tell her the truth? “Never mind. You’re alive and I won’t let you risk your life again.” She flung her body into his arms. “You saved me, didn’t you? I don’t know how or why—but you saved me. Tell me it’s so, Jarharis. Say that you saved me.” Her voice was muffled as she pressed her face against his shoulder. He wound his arms around her and held her, wishing he could somehow transport her to another universe where there would never be any risk of danger to her again. “Tell me, Jarharis. Tell me the truth.” Should I tell her that I had traded an eternity of servitude to the dark Master in exchange for her life? Would she believe the truth? Hell no! This woman is too realistic for her own good! “I love you.” He felt her body stiffen at his admission then relax against his. Her arms tightened around his neck. “I love you too, Jarharis.”

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CHAPTER SIXTEEN

A

ripple of untold happiness surged through Jarharis’s insides. He squeezed Selena in his arms. He had never heard a declaration of love from a woman—even when he was mortal. And to hear the words spoken after having been turned into a vampire and lived for a multitude of centuries— “I’ve never been happier!” He whispered the words in her ear then kissed the pink shell before working his way across her cheek and finding her mouth. He pressed his lips to hers and allowed the wonder of her words to fill his insides with bliss. He tore his mouth from hers suddenly, pushing her to arms length. “I will never let anyone hurt you.” As he spoke the words, a fear rose inside him. He couldn’t be with her day and night. Nor did he have a life to give for her. He drew her back into his embrace, remorse settling inside his body. “I’m not mortal, Selena. There are many things I can not promise you.” 168

Jarharis: Book 2-The Witch and the Vampire “Shhhh.” She squeezed her arms around his waist. “I’m intrigued by what you can do, Jarharis. You can fly and hear my thoughts. You can materialize out of thin air—or at least I think you can. You live in a house that I couldn’t find again if I had a million years to look for it.” He gazed down at her. His mind raced. Had he made a mistake by taking her to his sanctuary? He thought of the amulet and the way the safe haven had come about. He heard the voice—the dark Master’s voice—speak to him and he merely requested a safe place to lie in his undead state. The next he knew, he was walking about the lavishly furnished rooms and marveling at their beauty. “Where is your house, Jarharis? When I left this morning, I turned around to view it in the daylight, and it was gone. It was as though it never existed—though I know I spent the night there with you.” “It’s concealed for my safety.” Can it be a sanctuary for her as well? She threw both hands into the air. “I’m fascinated by you. And I do love you. Now, let’s find those vampires and kill every last fucking one of them!” His brows rose. “I’ll do the hunting, Selena. I just want you to be safe.” She started to argue, but he silenced her with a 169

Fawn Lowery kiss. “You could bite me again and make me a vampire. We could hunt the others together.” Her request jarred his senses. He released her and paced back and forth in the dark alley. Had his ears deceived him? Had Selena really requested that he make her a vampire? “I won’t do that to you. You don’t know what you ask.” “But we could be together.” “We’re together now.” “But I’m mortal—and I’ll die one day. Do you really want me to die, Jarharis?” He released a long breath. He had almost watched her die last night. Could he bear to have it happen again? She rushed to him, thrusting her neck at his mouth. “Here. Bite me and make me like you. Make me into a vampire.” He pushed her back. “I will not bite you and make you a vampire. Stop it. You’re sounding like a child who wants a new toy. I assure you that being a vampire is far from anything joyful.” He felt her disappointment and struggled to find the rationale in it. She simply doesn’t understand. Yes! I do. He felt her words, stared with wide eyes at her. “Vampires killed my boyfriend and ever since, I’ve wanted to destroy them all.” She shrugged her shoulders. “Then the vampire club was formed and I thought surely we would rid the city 170

Jarharis: Book 2-The Witch and the Vampire of all the nasty bastards. But we only found two— but we managed to kill them both. Now the club is dissolved. And my promise to Philip has to be broken.” “So you’re still in love with your dead boyfriend.” He uttered the words and inside he feared they were true. She didn’t love him as she said, but needed him to change her into a vampire so she could keep her promise to a dead boyfriend. Distraught, he gathered her into his arms and lifted into the air. He’d take her to his sanctuary then he’d set about destroying Aston and his legion once and for all. **** “You can’t make me stay here!” Jarharis pressed Selena back against the velvet sofa. For all his strength, he could be surprisingly tender. He waved one hand and she suddenly lost the will to object, relaxing on the cushions he piled behind her back and smiling sweetly up at him. He left without further complication. Turning his thinking entirely to finding Aston and his band of vampires, he flew first to the cave in the woods. Armed with a pocketful of wooden stakes and grasping the amulet in one hand, he once more requested help. The magic rolled over his body, transforming him into an undetectable thing. 171

Fawn Lowery He seeped through the ground at the top of the cave, a misty blur that clung to the rough rocky ceiling then shapeshifted into a small brown bat. Given the ability to hear the faintest of sounds, he pricked up his ears and listened for clues of the cave inhabitants. His ears picked up a noise beneath his perch. He realized it was coming from deep within the bowels of the grotto. He pushed off from his dank hiding place and followed the sound through the labyrinth, winging his way silently through the darkness, his keen eyesight alert to the slightest movement. He spied the large cavern opening up before him, the very space where he had witnessed Tanya and Aston playing sex games then her subsequent rape by three other vampires. He glided into the hollow space, lit by a blazing torch positioned on the craggy wall. Black smoke choked the air, making visibility poor. He made out the figure of a vampire reclining on the bed of earth. Drawing nearer, he saw that it was not Aston, but one of his cohorts. A large vampire with stringy, shoulder-length hair and tattered clothing. Jarharis called the magic and transformed into his vampire self, concealed in a dark crevice from the unsuspecting vampire. Suddenly he stepped into the light given off by the torch and grabbed 172

Jarharis: Book 2-The Witch and the Vampire the vampire by the neck. The creature shrieked loudly and flailed about, trying to wrench his body free of Jarharis’s mighty grip. Jarharis snarled and thrust the creature against the wall. He landed with an audible thud and fell to the floor. Jarharis closed in for the kill, grabbing him before he could get to his feet. He wrapped one hand around his neck and gave a quick jerk, separating the creature’s head from his body. Blood spewed from the severed stump and the extremities quaked. Jarharis flung the corpse to the soil bed and held it down with one hand while he produced a wooden stake from his jacket pocket. With a quick thrust he pierced the chest of the creature, driving the stake into its heart and ending its existence. The decapitated body wrenched about then burst into flames, spewing ashes into the air. Jarharis stood watching as the remains shriveled and disappeared into the bed of soil. He heaved a long sigh. He had successfully destroyed a menace to mortal man. He felt a mixture of relief and trepidation congeal inside his body. He searched the other chambers of the cavern and finding them empty, hurried on with his mission. He returned to the chamber where he had entered the cave and vaporized, oozing through the soil to the forest floor. He changed into his 173

Fawn Lowery vampire self and stood listening for any returning vampires. His ears didn’t detect any approaching creatures and he set his sites on returning to the city and pursuing Aston. He wondered how many vampires made up Aston’s legion. Perhaps if he could catch them in small numbers, he could handle them alone. He returned to the nightclub area of the city and strolled into one of the brightly lit clubs. He walked to the bar and ordered a drink, blending in with the other patrons. He glanced about, inspecting the crowd with his sharp eyesight, trying to discern the mortals from the immortals. The bartender set the drink on the bar in front of him and he threw a bill across the space. It didn’t matter that he had no taste for the liquor; he needed to deflect any suspicion coming his way. He slid onto an empty stool and pretended to listen to the band at the back of the room. Cigarette smoke clouded the air and hung in giant billows against the ceiling. Garish red and blue lights blinked erratically, playing tricks with the eyes. Two creatures of the night sit quietly in the rear of the club, Jarharis. Walk through the tables and they will sense your presence and flee. Then they will be yours for the taking. He smiled slightly, realizing Mi had joined him on his vampire hunt. He glanced to his left 174

Jarharis: Book 2-The Witch and the Vampire shoulder, spying the tiny pixie perched near his lapel. So you’ve come to help me, is that it? The Master has sent me to lend assistance. I suppose you’re armed. The notion of tiny Mi carrying a weapon made his mouth quirk. I’m armed with magical powers, Jarharis. He rose from the stool at the bar and strolled toward the back of the room. An assortment of tables sat in random order, occupied by two, three and occasionally four people. He wove his way through the crowd, his eyes searching for the two vampires Mi had told him of. He drew upon his senses, mentally hunting for the creatures, and finding them just where the pixie told him they would be. They sensed him immediately as he drew near. He could feel their sudden fear. Having just recently fed, his strength was all too evident to the pair. They exchanged glances with each other and rose simultaneously from the table against the wall. Jarharis grinned maliciously and hurried to pursue them. He could sense that they hadn’t fed yet and were in the club to choose victims, perhaps for sex and nourishment. Their plans abruptly changed, they chose the quickest retreat from the club and Jarharis. Slipping through the maze of tables, they pushed through the back exit of the club. Jarharis didn’t waste time stalking the two. He 175

Fawn Lowery sought refuge behind a couple blocking his path and quickly shapeshifted into a bird, abruptly swooping over the heads of the crowd and flying through the exit door before it had time to slam shut behind the rushing vampires. The two vampires raced down the dark alley. Jarharis didn’t change into his vampire body until he had overtaken them. Quickly, he positioned himself in front of them and changed, throwing up both arms and halting their bodies as they attempted to run past him. The vampires tried to duck beneath Jarharis’s outstretched arms, but he caught one by the coat and the other by the throat. He lifted both into the air, their bodies flailing about as their feet left the ground. “Mercy! Mercy!” “I know no mercy!” He felt a mighty surge of strength enter his body and his fist became as a steel vice clamped around the creature’s neck. Jarharis squeezed the neck he held in his fist until the body became limp. He slammed it to the ground and jerked the other creature against his chest. “Where is Aston?” He growled, his eyes glowing red, his fangs bared. “Where is your master?” “I don’t know! I don’t know!” The creature’s fright was all consuming. He clawed at Jarharis’s 176

Jarharis: Book 2-The Witch and the Vampire hands as the mighty vampire clutched his throat. “Have mercy! Have mercy!” “I do not hear your pleas!” Jarharis lifted the creature over his head and twisted his hands around his throat, severing his skull. A fierce jolt of savagery came upon him as he threw the withering body across the alley. He stood in the dark, his fists clenched, his chest heaving and his blood thirst aroused. For an instant he felt the power within his body, reveled in the rush of victory as he viewed the carnage his hands had manifested. Drive the stakes through their hearts, Jarharis, else they will rise and walk the earth again. Mi’s tiny voice brought his mind back to the present and the job at hand. He calmed his body and withdrew two stakes from his jacket pocket. One by one he pierced the hearts of the corpses, watched as the remains withered and dwindled until there was only black ash left that melded with the dirt in the alleyway.

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CHAPTER SEVENTEEN combed one hand through his hair. He Jarharis had mixed emotions about the killings. Vampires were vile creatures, undead things that walked the earth in search of human victims. They deserved to die. He propped his elbows on his thighs and cradled his head in his hands. He had wrestled with the problem before. And convinced himself that he was justified in taking the lives. But the ways of the mortal still held true in his heart. When he was a mortal man, he had no desire to harm. He swallowed down the torment as it rose upward to choke his throat. “You cause yourself much torment, Jarharis.” He glanced up to see Mi hovering before his face. “You have much work to do before this night is over. Come. There are others gathered at the cemetery on the west side of the city.” He got to his feet, his mind and body weary 178

Jarharis: Book 2-The Witch and the Vampire with the ordeal of killing. He followed Mi as the imp rose into the air. Thoughts of Selena and her safety filled his head. He had to keep killing—to assure her wellbeing. He rose higher into the nighttime sky, rising high above the city and setting his course to the west. How appropriate that the creatures would gather in the cemetery. For an instant he thought of the first time he followed Selena and her companion hunter, Reece to the graveyard. He smiled slightly, remembering how amused he had been at their display of vampire hunting. Now he wondered if there had actually been some validity to their claims about vampires rising from the graves of the dead mortals. He saw the vampires below as he hovered on the slight breeze and gazed downward on the cemetery. To his surprise, he witnessed one of the creatures as it emerged from an underground coffin, its black shrouded form shaking and elongating as it reached the surface. Others joined the one, standing close together as though deciding where they might find victims for their evening feeding. Jarharis glided quietly to the ground, ready to do battle with the undead creatures. He rushed the gathering, appearing within their midst before they realized what was happening. He flung the nearest one to the ground and drove the wooden 179

Fawn Lowery stake into its heart with one quick action. Black blood spewed from the carcass. A vile stink rent the air. The others drew back, fearful. They scattered in three different directions. Jarharis gave chase to the nearest one, leaping into the air with a loud roar. He caught the creature, bounding onto his back and driving his body to the ground. They landed with a dull thud and Jarharis pummeled his emaciated body into the dirt. The being tried to fight back, but he was too weakened from lack of blood. Jarharis easily overpowered him, pinning him beneath his body with one powerful knee. He placed the stake against his chest and drove it in with a mighty fist. He raised his head and scanned the dark cemetery, searching for the two vampires that had fled. His ears strained, listening. His eyes glowed red, the sensation of killing fueling his vampirism. He heard a noise and jerked his head toward the above ground mausoleum at the entrance to the cemetery. He sensed one of the creatures. With a quick leap, he bounded across the distance and landed silently atop the stone structure. On quiet feet he approached the edge, glancing below. The vampire cowered against the crypt, his back pressed solidly against the unyielding surface. His arms spread and his palms pressed flat. Jarharis could hear his rash breathing, knew 180

Jarharis: Book 2-The Witch and the Vampire of his intense fright. He glided silently to the ground, his big body coming to rest in front of the frightened vampire. The cornered creature yelled out loud, frightened, his body transfixed. His mouth open, his eyes bugged out, he stared at Jarharis. “Where is Aston?” “I…know no…Aston.” Jarharis sensed he was telling the truth. He stared at the form, skinny, ragged, truly a creature of the night in need of warm blood. He lies, Jarharis. Aston has dominion over all the vampires in the city—except you and your three brothers. Jarharis froze at the fairy’s words. He sensed she was very near his ear, but he dared not take his eyes off the vampire cowering before him. He drew in a quick breath, withdrew a stake from his pocket and impaled the vampire against the crypt, ending his existence forever. The vampire crumpled without resistance and slid to the ground at Jarharis’s feet. The other has made its way into the suburbs. It crouches beneath a bush foolishly believing that it might escape your wrath. Come. I will guide you to it. Jarharis listened to the high-pitched laughter of the pixie. He failed to understand her enjoyment of the hunt, though he somehow knew she would get around to explaining it to him in the not too 181

Fawn Lowery distant future. He shook his head and took to the air, following the tiny imp as she flew through the darkness. She hides beneath that very bush. Beware, she is very persuasive. She? Not all of Aston’s legions are male—though he has little use for the she-vampire—except to sate his sexual lusts. I can do without further explanation, Mi. Just show me where she hides. Resigned to the fact that he couldn’t escape the mission he had chosen, he swallowed down further thoughts of she-vampires and their value to Aston. Sights of the vampires thrashing about in the throes of their second deaths were etched in his mind forever. The fairy guided him to a two story white house with a picket fence surrounding its front yard and a spray of roses covering an arched entry. He saw the she-vampire then crouched beneath a yew, her thin legs drawn up beneath her skinny body, frightened eyes peered out from the foliage, pinned on Jarharis as he approached. The she-vampire screamed and jumped from her hiding place. On stick like legs she bounded across the yard toward the rear of the house. Jarharis called up on the magic and leapt into the air, landing in front of her before she could cover 182

Jarharis: Book 2-The Witch and the Vampire much ground. She slammed into his body and fell on her back. She lay on the ground staring up at him, her eyes beseeching. He gazed down at her, his eyes boring into hers. She was one of Aston’s legion. She was one of his whores. He smiled. And withdrew a stake from his jacket pocket. “I plead for my life!” She raised both hands as if to ward Jarharis off. Her eyes darted from side to side, searching for an escape route. Jarharis refused to listen. He shook his head, snarled his outrage then he lunged at the shevampire and stabbed her in the chest with the sharp stake. His powerful thrust pinned the shevampire to the ground. She screamed and tried to remove the stake with both hands. She stretched her legs out then drew up her knees, as though trying to get to her feet. Jarharis stood over her, watching. Her struggles were futile. The stake held steady, piercing her heart and pinning her body to the ground. Her head fell back, a low moan of distress came from her mouth. Then she fell silent. A cloud of noxious fumes arose from the corpse, spiraled into the darkness and dissipated. The skeletal remains withered and turned to ash on the lawn. Satisfied that the she-vampire was no more, Jarharis shapeshifted and took to the air. 183

Fawn Lowery Disappointment filtered through his insides that he hadn’t encountered Aston yet. He thought then of Selena and the trance he had placed her in before he left his sanctuary. He gazed overhead, calculating the remainder of the night. Mi? I am here. The pixie suddenly appeared on his left shoulder, perched atop his coat, her tiny legs crossed. Lead me to Aston. When the time is right. She left as quickly as she had materialized, disappearing right before his eyes. He searched the sky, but saw no trace of her. Puzzled by her reply to his request, he thought to return to his sanctuary to check on Selena. But then a feeling akin to failure wafted through him and he pushed the idea aside. He would do well to make the most of the darkness still given him. He returned to the busiest part of the city in search of other members of Aston’s legion. As he took up a stance on the sidewalk near one of the nightspots, he observed the people passing before him. All were mortals—not a single vampire walked on the street before him. He combed one hand through his hair, thinking about the dissolved vampire club and the murdered members that would soon be given eternal rest. It was no wonder that the little group relied so heavily on information from Tanya Sills. There 184

Jarharis: Book 2-The Witch and the Vampire was a multitude of people in the city to investigate and determine whether they were living or of the undead. He cleared his mind suddenly, sensing trouble at hand. He whirled around, spying six vampires lined up directly behind him. They were of Aston’s legion and they had just that instant found him. And they meant to destroy him. They came at him all at once, growling and snarling, their fangs bared and their eyes glowing bright red. Jarharis gathered his senses and leapt aside, evading their immediate rush to catch him. He whirled, spinning around as they regrouped and charged him again. He jumped into the air, clearing their heads and landed on the other side of the mass. Taking quick assessment of the mob, he sought to separate them so he would have a fighting chance. His powers were many, but they had the same advantage. He steeled his body as they ran at him again, kicking out one foot as the first vampire drew close. He managed to land a solid blow to the creature’s midsection, doubling him over and halting his attack. He lunged back just as another vampire sought to land a blow to his head, narrowly evading the savage fist. He barely had time to glance to his left before two of the vampires grabbed hold of his arms and shoved him into a dark alley. 185

Fawn Lowery His breath was knocked from his lungs as the pair slammed his body against a brick wall. A powerful knee caught his groin and doubled him over. A resounding blow landed on the back of his head. He felt his strength ebbing. He sank to his knees as lunging blows from feet and fists assaulted his shoulders and head. Thoughts of Selena mingled with the barrage of pain engulfing his body. He gripped his midsection as the vampires continued to rain their ire upon him. Rage gathered inside him, growing stronger with every blow he took. He gritted his teeth and pushed his body up, leaning heavily against the solid wall beneath his back. A flash of light lit the alleyway suddenly, giving sight to the carnage and halting the rampaging assault by the six vampires. Momentarily stunned, they paused to gaze about, giving Jarharis the break he needed to rise to his feet. Feeling the numerous blows dealt his body, he sought to recover his strength when he glimpsed Mi. She passed before his eyes so quickly that he wondered if he had really seen her then another flash of light rent the sky, illuminating the alleyway moments before a towering wall of fire appeared, flaming furiously into the darkness and separating Aston’s deadly vampires from Jarharis. Jarharis leaned against the wall and gathered 186

Jarharis: Book 2-The Witch and the Vampire his strength, his eyes pinned on the licking red and yellow flames stretching up to the roof of the adjacent building. He could hear the torturous screams of the vampires trapped behind the inferno as the fire consumed their grotesque bodies. He listened and watched, until the cries ceased and the flames dissipated. When the fire had burned itself out, he strode forward to investigate. Scattered ashes drifted about on the slight breeze and melded with the dust in the alley. The vampires were no longer on the earth, but in their final resting place within the earth. He sighed. His mind was weary. He wanted to crawl into his sanctuary and sleep.

187

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CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

W

eary with the killings, Jarharis returned to his sanctuary. The sun was cresting the horizon as he pushed through the front entrance. His eyes went first to the couch and the sight of Selena asleep on the cushions. He breathed a sigh of relief. She was exactly as he had left her. He crossed the room and stood near the couch, gazing down at her. His cock stirred in his crotch, though he was bone weary and nearing the time when he had no power. He kneeled beside her sleeping form and touched her hair, brushing a blonde curl from her cheek. He replaced the wisp with his lips, kissing her lightly. He had to awaken her. She couldn’t possibly remain there during the daytime. If she should awaken, she would go in search of him and possibly find him lying upon his safe bed, dead. She would surely learn then what kind of creature he was. And he feared she would flee his sight forever. He sighed. She looked so innocent when she 188

Jarharis: Book 2-The Witch and the Vampire slept. He smiled. She was innocent. She had no idea about the creature that had fallen helplessly in love with her. Or the torment he harbored. She must never know. He thought then of her words of love to him. She had spoken in the heat of the moment—for she surely harbored feelings for her dead lover, Philip. He felt remorse gather inside his body. Alas. It was too hurtful to think of Selena and another man, a mortal, together, sharing actual love. He placed one hand on her shoulder and lightly shook her awake. He would send her away, off to her job and hope that she would be safe until the night came again and he could watch over her. “Jarharis? What time is it?” Selena stretched and sat up. Her blonde hair was tousled and Jarharis reached out one hand, caressing the pale mass. She was hard to resist. He heaved a sigh and stood, pulling her to her feet beside him. “It’s almost daybreak. You must leave.” She stared up at him. Shook her head in agreement. Stepped around him and walked toward the door. “If I turn around and look at the house when I get outside, will it be there?” “No.” He shook his head. He lived in a different world than she did. And there was nothing he could do to change things. Her brows furrowed. “Did you find Aston?” 189

Fawn Lowery He shook his head, refusing to tell her how many other vampires he had murdered. “Be careful.” She strode through the door and Jarharis turned toward his bed of fragrant earth. **** Jarharis awoke and rose from his crypt. He headed toward the front door. He craved warm blood to nourish his body. And he craved Selena’s delectable body to sate his ravenous sexual lust. He would feed first, gather his strength. Then he would go to her, take her in his arms and make passionate love to her. He pushed away the final thoughts that plagued his mind just before he sent her on her way that very morning. No good could come out of thinking about her with another man. Even a dead man such as Philip. He would enjoy her for as long as he could have her then he would wander the world bereaved when she passed. Pushing aside the morbid thought, he left his sanctuary in search of a victim. The first he came upon proved to suffice and he quickly placed the man in a trance and bit his neck, drinking his fill before releasing the poor fellow. He swiped one hand across his mouth, wiping away the blood smears before turning toward Selena’s apartment and a night of lovemaking. 190

Jarharis: Book 2-The Witch and the Vampire Reaching the brownstone where Selena lived almost the instant he thought about it, he was aghast to find her tiny apartment dark. For a second he hovered outside the glass window, trying to reason where she might be. She knew he would be around to check on her. Why had she left without telling him so? He thought suddenly of Tanya Sills and the fact that she was still alive. He had told Selena that Tanya was to blame for the murders of her hunter cohorts, but he wasn’t quite sure she believed him. He stifled a shudder. Selena was vulnerable to Tanya’s tricks. She was too trusting by nature. He took to the air in search of Selena. There were two funerals pending for the murdered hunters. He would check the funeral parlor, despite the fact that Selena’s mortal friends weren’t too friendly toward him. He found her standing near Kaleb’s casket, her eyes moist. He sent her a mental message from the back of the room and she turned toward him immediately. A sweet feeling traveled through his big body as she turned her head and locked gazes with him. She had received his thought and smiled her acknowledgment. He waited near the door for her to come to him, a powerful feeling wafting through his insides. He had issued her a command and she was in the process of obeying him. 191

Fawn Lowery “Kaleb was an asshole, but I’m glad they didn’t tear his body to pieces.” Jarharis curled one arm around her shoulders and led her toward the front door of the funeral chapel. She was visibly upset and tears stained her cheeks. He wanted to comfort her, but wasn’t quite sure how to go about it. They walked out onto the sidewalk in front of the building. “I want to take you to my house where you’ll be safe.” She shook her head. “I want to stay here, Jarharis. At least until the chapel closes at ten o’clock. My friends from work are stopping by.” He shook his head. She wouldn’t be safe until Aston was destroyed. “Go do what you have to do and don’t worry about me. Remember, I can take care of myself. I have my dagger in my boot.” He rolled his eyes. “Your little dagger won’t protect you, Selena.” “It certainly will. I know how to use it and I’m not afraid to use it either.” She raised both hands to her hips, daring him to argue with her. He raised one hand and clasped her cheek. He would grieve forever if anything ever happened to her. She smiled and covered his hand with hers. “Okay. I’ll wait here and you can come for me.” After making her promise that she wouldn’t leave the funeral home for the evening, he gave in 192

Jarharis: Book 2-The Witch and the Vampire and left her there, though he had second thoughts about the matter. He realized he couldn’t persuade her otherwise. If she was anything, she was stubborn first. He shook his head and ran one hand through his hair. He would make it his top priority to find Aston that night. Given little choices as to where he might begin his search for Aston, Jarharis headed for the nightclub district of the city. He gazed along the streets, becoming familiar with the area almost as much as those that frequented the clubs. In the back of his mind he considered purchasing one of the nightspots. Just as soon as the ordeal with Aston was ended. He would need something to fill his time. Unless he left the area altogether. The thought had crossed his mind. And the thought of asking Selena to accompany him had as well. But then he realized that he couldn’t impose upon her in such a manner. She didn’t really know him as well as he wished she did. But circumstances dictated his living arrangements. What I do can hardly be called living. I merely exist. You are feeling sorry for yourself, Jarharis. He glanced up and saw Mi. He smiled then realized that he didn’t feel annoyance at her intrusion into his thoughts. After last night, he actually believed he was beginning to like the little imp. He thought suddenly of her comment about 193

Fawn Lowery his two brothers. His brows furrowed. Your brothers are safe. You have no need to be concerned. How do you know of my brothers? The Master knows everything. Jarharis shook his head and let the matter drop. Where are we hunting tonight? Along the river. The vampires are having a party. He refrained from asking further questions. Regardless of the attendance, he was destined to go. What would take place was entirely another matter altogether. He only hoped that he survived the melee. The moon shown brightly in the sky, surrounded by a million twinkling stars. As Jarharis followed Mi through the darkness, he thought about the night and longed to make love to Selena beneath the beautiful canopy of lights. He dashed the thoughts. He was out to kill—and nothing more. He had never been to a vampire party nor thought about creatures of the night having such events. He perched in a tree along the water’s edge and looked down upon the gathering. Hundreds of males and females cavorted among the trees. So this is Aston’s legion. A torch blazed in a clearing. Voices carried on the wind. Jarharis tuned his ears to the sounds, listening. Several of the vampires milled about the 194

Jarharis: Book 2-The Witch and the Vampire clearing suddenly, pulling an object along the ground. Jarharis leapt from the branch and flew closer to the gathering to get a better look. As he stared at the commotion, others joined the gathering near the torch. The object was hoisted upward and bound to a tree trunk. Suddenly a piercing yowl rose above the voices of those gathered on the riverbank. “Release me! I command you release me!” Jarharis stared at the body bound against the tree. It was Tanya Sills. Her fellow vampires had turned against her. They were intent on killing her. But why? Wasn’t she as vicious as the rest? A series of loud voices rose, each sounding angrier than the last. Jarharis listened and tried to make out the reason behind Tanya’s discord with the group. “You betrayed me!” “No, Aston! I did not!” “You didn’t kill the whore. You let her live.” “I thought she was dead! I swear! I thought she was dead!” A shiver of anger sliced through Jarharis’s body. Tanya was indeed to blame for the deaths of the three vampire hunters. And Selena’s near death. He had suspected it from the start. Now he had proof. “You shall die because you betrayed me.” 195

Fawn Lowery Jarharis watched as Aston reached a hand out to Tanya. She screamed as he clutched her throat. In the next instant the vampire lunged in for the kill, sinking his fangs into her throat. Savagely he tore at her neck, slinging his head and rending her body with his hands. Parts of her torso flew through the air and plopped audibly on the ground. Jarharis watched and felt no remorse for the victim. She was a murderous vampire like her killer. She deserved no consideration from him. Momentarily the carnage came to an end and Aston shapeshifted then took to the air. Jarharis watched him leave the gathering, readying himself for the savagery he was about to bestow on the remaining partygoers. He decided on his plan—swoop in quickly and destroy them one by one—dismembering their heads from their bodies then driving stakes into their hearts— He heard the horrid screams and glanced down at the gathering just in time to see the fire engulfing the area. One glimpse of Mi flitting above the blaze and he knew she had captured every one of the vampires within her fire ring. He felt relieved that the pixie had taken matters into her hands and not involved him in the carnage. He leapt from his perch and shapeshifted into his vampire body. Mi would probably insist that he make certain all the vampires were ashes before he left the area in search of Aston. 196

Jarharis: Book 2-The Witch and the Vampire The fire intensified then momentarily ebbed, sputtering yellow and red flames as the final bodies were consumed and reduced to ash. When the flames ceased altogether, he walked among the ashes, satisfied that the vampires had been destroyed.

197

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CHAPTER NINETEEN

M

i had successfully burned the remaining vampires of Aston’s legion on the bank of the river, their skinny carcasses turned to ashes and blending in with the dirt. Jarharis felt relieved, but wary at the same time. Aston was still on the loose. He had to be apprehended and disposed of. He couldn’t rest until his existence was ended. He resumed his search for the vampire. Since he had taken to the air once he had killed Tanya Sills without giving any clue as to where he was headed, Jarharis had little idea of where to look. As previously, he could only think of one place to search and that being the nightclub area of the city. It seemed that Aston had a penchant for that section of Brooklyn, assuming that was where he chose most of his victims. Jarharis reasoned that the vampire’s blood lust was high since he had murdered Tanya and that he would be on the rampage for another victim to sate his needs. Jarharis had just arrived in the area when he 198

Jarharis: Book 2-The Witch and the Vampire suddenly had a feeling of doom. The sensation filled his insides and consumed his mind. He raised his hands and clutched his brow, his temples suddenly pounding. Thoughts of Selena came in a flash and disappeared immediately, leaving him troubled. Jarharis! He sprang into the air when he heard Selena’s frantic call. She said his name with all the fright that could gather in her female body. His senses tuned in to locate her, sending him off in the direction of the funeral chapel where he had last left her. A part of his being tried to deny that the tone of her call was less than distressful. He didn’t want to think about her being in danger, knowing he would blame himself because he went away and left her vulnerable. He materialized at the chapel, on the sidewalk before the massive brick building to find it dark, the lights illuminating its front entrance, turned out. Panic gathered inside him. He approached the front door and quickly vaporized, seeping beneath the solid wood structure. The distress call from Selena had indeed come from her while she had been at the chapel. He could find no reason for her leaving without letting him know. He heard the voices, angry, loud, coming from the lower level of the building. He quickly located the stairway leading to the storage rooms and 199

Fawn Lowery traversed the distance below. He came upon a closed door, paused, listened. “You’re a murderer!” A loud spiel of laughter came from within. “You killed my friends!” Jarharis recognized Selena’s voice, distressed, high-pitched and anxious. He set his shoulder to the door, forcing it inward. The structure creaked then shattered as it gave way. Shards of wood splintered and burst into the room, opening the way for Jarharis to step through. He saw Selena across the dimly lit room, on her knees, one hand to her throat. A shaft of rage engulfed his body as he jerked his gaze to the other figure in the room. Aston. He stood in the center of the floor, his hands on his hips, his eyes glowing red and his long fangs bared. He whirled around to face Jarharis, snarling his rage. Aston forced a laugh. “Your hero has come to rescue you.” Jarharis glanced from Aston to Selena and back again, staring at the vampire with evil in his gaze. He bit me, Jarharis! He bit me! Jarharis sucked in a quick breath, his fears realized. Anger as he had never felt before intensified within his body. He clenched his fists. He opened his mouth and bellowed loudly, expressing his rage at the cruelty of Aston. He lunged at Aston, determined to kill him. 200

Jarharis: Book 2-The Witch and the Vampire Aston leapt into the air, bounding over Jarharis’s head. He landed across the room, his rage intensified on his face. His red eyes glowed as he displayed his fangs. He held out his hands and long sharp nails appeared. Jarharis saw the transformation of the vampire. He held out his own hands and brought forth his razor sharp nails. He could slash the throat of any enemy that got too close. It would be a fight to the death between he and Aston. And he resigned himself to be the victor. He charged Aston, his arms open, his fangs gnashing. He caught the vampire by the upper chest and rammed his body into the solid wall at his back, knocking the breath out of him. He lunged his head at Aston’s neck, meaning to drive his fangs into his vein and rip his head off. Aston bellowed and brought his arms up, pushing Jarharis away. He stepped from the wall, his body rising off the floor as Jarharis tried to regain his footing. Aston snarled his rage, his face a contorted mask of threat and deadly savagery. He flew at Jarharis, kicking his feet into his chest. Jarharis sprawled backward, sliding across the polished floor and slamming into an empty coffin on a stand. The stand veered and the heavy casket teetered then crashed to the floor. Selena screamed and scrambled to get out of the way of the fighting vampires. Her hand was 201

Fawn Lowery on her throat, blood oozing between her fingers. Her eyes were wild staring points of anger and fright. Jarharis bounded to his feet, raising his fists, he charged Aston, catching him around the waist and driving his body back. The locked pair careened into the corner, upsetting several metal flower stands. A clamorous noise rent the air as the duo fought on the floor, rolling and snarling, lashing out with fisted hands and gnashing teeth. Aston rolled atop Jarharis and for a second appeared to have the upper hand, but Jarharis gathered his strength and thrust his legs forward, upsetting Aston’s hold on him. He leapt to his feet and caught Aston around the neck. He spread his legs, bracing his body, and gripped the vampire in a tight hold. Aston railed and thrashed his legs, flailing his arms and trying to get free. Jarharis held him fast, pinning his body to the floor and holding his throat in both fists. He began to squeeze, digging his fingers into the skinny appendage in his grip. Hate intensified inside his body. Aston spat and kicked the air, raising his legs up and spiraling around to break free. Jarharis held on, determined to destroy the evil vampire once and for all. He had sought him to no avail and now that he had finally caught him, he was adamant about killing him. 202

Jarharis: Book 2-The Witch and the Vampire “You…will never…destroy me…Jarharis!” Aston spoke in forced whispers, his clawing nails raking at Jarharis’s hands as the mighty vampire held on to him tightly. He had the strength of ten, but Jarharis was determined. He would be the victor. “Kill him, Jarharis! Kill him!” Jarharis jerked his eyes around the room, finding Selena cowering beneath an overturned table in one corner. Blood soaked her clothes and she looked weakened. She clutched her neck and sank against the wall, her strength flagging. Jarharis snarled and applied pressure to Aston’s throat, forcing the vampire flat on the floor. He stepped one foot on his chest, listening to the sound of ribs breaking beneath his heavy boot. He dug his fingers into his throat then gave a mighty jerk, severing Aston’s head from his body. Selena screamed. Black blood squirted from the decapitated body. Aston’s limbs jerked convulsively. The severed head rolled to the wall and teetered for a second before coming to rest, the eyes open and staring wildly. Jarharis reached for a wooden stake in his jacket pocket. He straddled the flailing corpse and thrust the stake into the chest, driving it through the cavity with a blow from his fist. He snarled his contempt as he landed a second blow to the stake for good measure. 203

Fawn Lowery The corpse jerked one more time, the legs straightened, the arms fell to the floor. Blood gushed from the open wound around the wooden stake standing upright in the thin chest. Movement ceased. Aston was dead. The vampire at his end, Jarharis got to his feet. He brushed his hair from his face, ran one palm across his eyes and sought out Selena. His rage engulfed him still. He pulled in great calming breaths, trying to regain his composure before he went to Selena. His eyes still glowed and his blood lust was fierce. He snarled again and glanced down at Aston’s dead body. The end had come. His vampire flesh was rapidly succumbing to the rigors of death. The corpse shrank within the black garb he wore, a wisp of black smoke appeared, grew, consumed, engulfed the whole form then burst into flame. The flesh on the head dried up, revealing the bony skull. The dried matter flaked off the bone, landing on the floor in piles of ash. Jarharis turned his eyes away. His senses were returning. He looked at Selena and felt his insides lurch. She was on the brink of death. Quickly he rushed to her. Selena reached out one hand to Jarharis. Her eyes rolled back in her head. She opened her mouth, but was too weak to speak. She fell forward, sprawling onto the floor, unconscious. Jarharis snarled his rage and scooped Selena’s 204

Jarharis: Book 2-The Witch and the Vampire limp body into his arms. Her muscles flexed, moving just enough to let him know that she couldn’t last much longer. He held her to his chest and exited the storage room in long strides, his mind refusing to believe that she would leave him. He hurried from the funeral parlor onto the street and quickly took to the air, Selena clutched to his chest. As he turned his path to his sanctuary, he refused to acknowledge that he had seen the vision of Selena turned into a vampire in the amulet he wore around his neck. Could he possibly have prevented Aston from forcing himself on her? He vented his rage in a loud yowl that echoed through the darkness. He pushed through the entrance of his sanctuary with Selena clutched in his arms. One look at her pale face and he feared the worse. He laid her on the sofa and kneeled beside her. Taking her hand in his, he brought her palm to his mouth. Her body was cooling. Death was near. He felt remorse well up inside him. “Give her your blood, Jarharis.” He knew Mi’s voice without looking for her in the room. He felt her presence, a mixture of reassurance and dread. His brows furrowed. The Pixie had fought by his side the past two nights, destroyed more vampires than he himself had. She was a friend. He raised his eyes and found her perched near the ceiling of the room. A thought 205

Fawn Lowery suddenly occurred to him. “Why do you keep your distance from me, Mi? Are we not friends?” She flew closer, hovered just in front of his eyes. “Indeed, yes. We are friends, Jarharis. But the Master commands us both and therefore, I must do as he wishes.” He dropped his gaze, returning his sight to Selena and her near death state. The fang marks on her throat were gaping holes that still oozed blood. He pressed one hand upon it, stemming the flow. He knew her fate, as well as he knew his own. He sighed. “Press your vein to her mouth, else she will surely die.” He hesitated, as he had when he found her lying unconscious by the side of the road. Did he dare to take matters into his own hands? Or was he letting her pass by choice? Was her life his to toy with? His temples throbbed with the agony of decision. “Aston has taken too much of her blood, Jarharis. You must choose whether to help her through the change—or bring death upon her.”

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CHAPTER TWENTY

S

elena lay in the crook of Jarharis’s arm, her head cradled on his shoulder. He held her hand and felt the cushion of her body as it pressed against his side. At the eleventh hour, he opened his vein, pressed it against Selena’s ashen lips, and forced her to drink. He had turned her into a vampire. He wrestled with remorse over the act, but finally, he knew happiness for the first time in thousands of years. She would be his always. He rolled his head to the side and looked at her placid face. She slept, her breathing even and deep. He closed his eyes and let the sleep of the undead consume him. **** “If you hate me, I’ll understand.” He heaved a long sigh and looked at the woman lying against his side. Selena stirred. She tightened her hand inside 207

Fawn Lowery his and rolled her head to stare at him. “I feel different, Jarharis.” She raised one hand and placed it on her neck. “I remember Aston catching me off guard at the funeral home. He attacked me.” Jarharis covered her hand with his. “He intended to kill you, but his plan failed.” “Am I a vampire now? Did he make me a vampire?” Fright laced her voice. She jerked upright, shaking off Jarharis’s hand from her body. “No, Aston didn’t make you a vampire, though he nearly drained your body of blood. I arrived before he could finish the act.” He drew in a long breath. “I made you a vampire—I forced my blood into your mouth. I turned you, Selena.” She jerked her head around, staring at him with wide eyes. “You! But why?” He levered his body up out of the crypt then turned to offer her his hand. A sudden thought brought a smile to his lips. “Don’t you remember begging me to make you a vampire so we could hunt the others together?” She nodded her head and allowed him to help her out of the crypt. Brushing the dirt from her jeans and shirt, she followed him out of the bedchamber and into the bright interior of the sanctuary. “I didn’t mean it, Jarharis.” Her knees buckled suddenly and she almost fell. 208

Jarharis: Book 2-The Witch and the Vampire Jarharis caught her under the arms and helped her to the sofa in the room. He pushed her down and placed a pillow behind her back. Her admission slammed into his heart, making him wince with pain. “I thought as much.” She placed her hand on his cheek. “Dear Jarharis, I love you, I truly do. But we don’t even know each other.” “That’s got little to do with your situation now, Selena. You’re a vampire whether you want to be or not. The other alternative was death.” He shrugged his shoulders. “I had a decision to make and so I chose vampirism for you.” He stopped short of saying that they could be together forever. “Would you rather I’d let you die?” She shook her head. “I feel dreadful. Why do I feel so horrid?” “You need to feed.” He rolled the cuff of his shirtsleeve back and raked a sharp fingernail across his wrist, opening his vein. He offered his blood to her. “Here, drink. You will feel stronger instantly.” She didn’t hesitate, but reached quickly for his arm and placed her mouth over the oozing vein, sucking the red blood into her mouth. He watched as she took his blood, relishing the feel of her lips against his skin. She drank with a mighty thirst. The new ones usually did. He suffered a terrible memory of his brother, Duella 209

Fawn Lowery when he was first turned. He had a ravenous appetite. And then there was Chandler, the youngest of the Southerland boys. He drank from his two brothers then hurried out to find other veins to pierce. He dashed the thoughts. That was so long ago. Centuries. He was destined to live in the present for now. And Selena was his to tend. He allowed a smile to pull at his full lips. He loved her with all his heart. If only he could believe her words of love to him. She pulled away finally, licking her bottom lip with her tongue to capture every last trace of his blood. She smiled up at him, her face flushed with new life. She leaned into his chest and snaked her arms around his waist. “What happens to us now? Do we just go out and bite people for the hell of it?” He chuckled. “Vampirism is a way of existing. For me it’s meant being alone, until I met you. You made my senses come alive, Selena.” He tightened his arms around her shoulders, hugging her close. “You made me want you in a way that I hadn’t felt in a long time. You made me feel mortal—though I am not.” He kissed her temple. “Can I fly like you now?” “Yes.” “Can I change into a bird or a bat?” “Yes.” 210

Jarharis: Book 2-The Witch and the Vampire “Do I have incredible strength?” “Yes.” He chuckled at her questioning. “Do we have to sleep in that dirt bed every night?” She wrinkled up her nose. “I’ve never slept anywhere else. The soil is healing to my vampire body. Its fragrance is reassuring to my mind.” “Bologna!” “Beg pardon?” “Do you have a lot of money? Are you rich?” His brows drew together. “I wish for nothing.” “Then I say let’s go buy a real bed.” She grinned at him, her new fangs poking slightly over her bottom lip. She raised her hand suddenly and pressed her fingers to her mouth. “Are my fangs showing?” Jarharis laughed aloud and hugged her against his chest. Life—or existence as he knew it—would never be the same again. True, there would be some adjustments—probably more than he cared to think about— “Tell me about yourself, since we’re going to be spending eternity together.” He drew in a deep breath and tried to decide where to start. “I was once a medieval knight who lived in a fortress in Morganford, England.” “Whoa! Are you shitting me?” He laughed and shook his head. Selena pushed out of his arms and crawled onto 211

Fawn Lowery his lap, her knees on either side of his hips. She leaned her breasts into his chest and wrapped her arms around his neck. She kissed him, tasting his lips with the tip of her tongue. She wiggled her hips atop his crotch then settled heavily atop his lap. Jarharis groaned and moved his hands to her buttocks. He took command of the kiss and sucked her bottom lip between his own. He raised one hand and released the buttons on her blouse, freeing her skin for his touch. His fingers found her bare nipple and stroked it, bringing it rapidly to a firm knot. Selena groaned and pressed her breast into his hand, urging him to play further. She wiggled her hips atop his lap, teasing his cock. His cock grew hammer hard beneath the covering of jeans. He reached one hand to Selena’s crotch and tugged the denim covering open along the seam then he thrust his hand inside to feel her moist passage. He stroked her pussy, pushing one finger inside her cave and thrusting it about. She giggled softly in her throat and deepened their kiss. All at once she leapt from his lap into the floor and shed her clothes. Giggling, she stood before him naked. She raised one hand to her hip and posed for him, a smile on her face. “Do you want me, Jarharis?” 212

Jarharis: Book 2-The Witch and the Vampire He looked at her, her breasts were high and firm topped with pert nipples, rosy from his playing. Her hips were round and curved, the blonde bush at her crotch, dense and curly. Her legs were long and shapely. His eyes traveled the length of her body then skimmed slowly back up to her smiling face. Her fall of yellow hair lay on her naked shoulders enhancing her beauty. He sighed. He was a mighty vampire with enormous strength and numerous powers—yet he was brought to his knees by this vision of loveliness. And very fiber in his body wanted to possess her. He nodded his head and held out his arms. She leapt across the room and landed on his lap. With one hand, she sought out his zipper and freed his cock. Sighing, she sank onto it and began to move, her arms encircling his neck and her mouth sealed with his. Jarharis felt happiness flow through his veins. He held Selena’s naked body against his crotch and lunged upward, filling her passage with his hard cock, as his mouth pressed lovingly against hers. “I love you.” She pulled her mouth from his and stared down at him. “I love you.” He stroked her cheek with one finger. Identified the true love in her eyes. “And I love you, Selena. Forever, my sweet.” 213

Fawn Lowery “Forever, Jarharis.” He closed his eyes and reveled in the array of orgasmic sensations as they began traveling through his body, his arms holding tightly the woman he loved. Finally he had found happiness in his drab existence. He felt fulfilled as a man—vampire or not. He was in love with a beautiful woman and she loved him. She was his to command. And he would command her. She would look to him for guidance. Together they would make love and share intimacies. They would be happy. He would make certain of that. On a whim, he opened one eye and looked about the room in search of Mi. She was nowhere in sight—at least for now. He felt a measure of relief—glad she wasn’t hovering somewhere watching them. She was a mystery—appearing suddenly and telling him things. He thought about the amulet hanging around his neck—and the fact that he couldn’t remove it. And the Master—have I really been serving the Master of the dark? A sudden jolt of awareness shook his mind. You have only begun to serve me, Jarharis.

THE END 214

About the Author

I

began writing freelance almost twenty years ago and eventually my short stories became longer. The characters seemed to take over and draw their stories out. I first submitted a novella length story to Extasy Books in 2003 and it was accepted. That was Captive Heart, the historical romance now on the site. I have eight titles with Extasy Books. New ideas come to mind every day and some of them find their way on the computer screen. When I’m not writing, I enjoy traveling with my husband Dave.