Lord of Blackwood & Lord of the Forest [Anthology]

TORRID TEASER VOLUME 16: LORD OF BLACKWOOD & LORD OF THE FOREST by

Susan M. Sailors

WHISKEY CREEK PRESS www.whiskeycreekpress.com

Published by WHISKEY CREEK PRESS Whiskey Creek Press PO Box 51052 Casper, WY 82605-1052 www.whiskeycreekpress.com

Copyright  2006 by Susan M. Sailors Names, characters and incidents depicted in this book are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental and beyond the intent of the author or the publisher. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. ISBN 978-1-59374-709-1

Credits Cover Artist: Jinger Heaston Editor: Laurie Rauch Printed in the United States of America

Dedication To David

LORD OF BLACKWOOD by

Susan M. Sailors

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Torrid Teasers Volume 16: Lord of Blackwood & Lord of the Forest

“I’m heading back now, Carolyn,” Melissa called up the stairs. “Okay. See you in the morning,” Carolyn replied. Melissa sighed. “I don’t feel like screaming up three stories. I’m coming up.” She ran up the steps, and then stopped to catch her breath. “You’re sure you want to stay?” she asked. “Yes,” Carolyn said without looking up. “I have to get to know this place.” “But you could do that during the day.” “I’ll learn so much more staying here. I’ll really get a feel for the house, and its owner.” “Its owner? Are you going weird on me? You insist it’s safe to stay here because the legends aren’t true.” Carolyn shook her head and stood up, then tightened the rubber band holding her long, blonde hair out of her face. “I mean that, if I stay here for the whole trip, live here as if it’s my house, I’ll be able to write about it on a completely different level. My whole thesis is based on the idea that these houses reflect the men who built them, so I have to get to know the house as intimately as possible.” Melissa crossed her arms defiantly. “The guy at the inn is going to be pacing the floor all night because you didn’t come back with me. And I’m not crazy about leaving you up here alone either.” 2

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Carolyn ignored this comment. She didn’t care about what the townspeople thought. She cared about finding what she needed in the Blackwood mansion. She wasn’t afraid of being in the house alone because she didn’t put much faith in the stories, but she liked the paranormal aspect. American academics loved a good old English ghost story, whether it literally had a ghost in it or not. It would certainly draw attention to her research. Melissa continued. “Do you believe the legends? Do you think the original owner is still in this house, lying in a coffin somewhere waiting for a beautiful damsel to be stupid enough to open his coffin and faint from fear?” “No, I don’t,” Carolyn finally said. “So I don’t know what it is you’re so afraid of.” “These small towns can be dangerous in and of themselves. You know how locals can get about outsiders poking around. Some guys hanging out at the local pub might come up here and try to scare you.” “It would be nice if there were some guys around here. I’ve seen nothing but old men.” Carolyn laughed Melissa laughed. “I’ll agree with you there. It does seem like a desolate place.” She shrugged and turned to go. “Is your cell phone fully charged?” “Of course.” “I’ll be back at nine in the morning with breakfast.” “You can sleep in if you want to.” Melissa shook her head. “I doubt that will be possible. The whole town will be in that little Catholic church next to the inn praying for your soul.” 3

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“Tell them to pray for my thesis instead. It needs more help than my soul does.” Melissa dropped a little curtsey at the top of the stairs. “Good night, my Lady.” Carolyn rolled her eyes and laughed. “Good night. Be safe.” After she heard the bolt on the front door sliding into place, Carolyn sat back down and continued with her work, reattaching the rubbing paper she had been using to the wall with fresh tape. She was making a rubbing of a very unusual wall panel, and the tape kept giving every two minutes. The panel was covered in flowers, but as she’d been admiring the intricate design, she’d noticed something that gave her chills. Interlaced with the flowers, very subtly, were bones. She’d decided against showing them to Melissa. It had been hard enough getting her to come to the small town of Blackstone in the first place, even though they’d both dreamed of a trip to England together for years, because Melissa was convinced the townspeople were going to run them off and put them on the next boat back to America. But Carolyn knew this house was just what she had been looking for. It proved her thesis all by itself. The original owner, Marius Blackwood, had been a recluse who only left the house at night and had a reputation for practicing magic and seducing women. His house was covered in ancient symbols. Pentagrams were on all the doors, hung right side up for his protection. A Thor’s Hammer hung over each of the outside doors, again as a symbol of protection for the house. Most of the fireplaces had runes carved around the mantles. All the windows were covered in heavy velvet draperies that 4

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allowed no light in. And the bedrooms were all enormous. The black marble, the carvings, the tapestries, and the paintings all reflected the legend this man had been. Carolyn’s goal, however, was to delve even deeper. She wanted to know what Marius had been so afraid of. Maybe he really was a seducer and a rake, but he obviously felt he had enemies. Supernatural enemies. Carolyn didn’t believe in the supernatural, but the important thing was that Marius Blackwood had. The tape on one side of the paper she was working with fell down and she reinforced it yet again. She leaned one hand against the edge to try to hold it in place as she rubbed across the last corner. Her crayon broke suddenly, as though she’d rubbed it across something sharp. But the paper wasn’t punctured. She moved the paper aside to look at the wall. Down in the very corner was a small skull. She touched it with her finger and felt it move. She pushed harder and the panel moved slightly. Carolyn backed away, letting the paper fall to the ground. The caretaker wouldn’t be very happy with her if he knew she was destroying property. She looked at the wall more closely and sighed with relief. It was obviously a hidden passage, so she wasn’t tearing the panel from the wall or anything like that. She pushed the button again, but it didn’t give at all. She backed away and looked over the panel, then went back to it and pushed right in the center. It wouldn’t budge an inch. She picked up her rubbing paper and began removing the tape so she could fold it up, and that’s when she noticed the hallway was filling up with smoke. She almost panicked, but 5

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then she realized the smell wasn’t right. The hallway was filling with mist or fog, not smoke. She looked to the windows, but they were shut tight and locked. The mist felt warm, so it had to be coming from inside the house. Carolyn felt the wall again. It wasn’t warm or damp, but the mist did seem to be coming from behind it. “Damn and blast,” she said to herself. “What am I supposed to do now?” “I have a few ideas,” said a husky male voice behind her. She didn’t even get a chance to turn around. The man’s arms were around her waist, and she was pressed tightly against his body. “Who the hell are you?” she yelled. He pressed his lips to her ear. “I’m the answer to your prayers, my dear. You said you wanted to get to know me more intimately.” Carolyn stopped struggling for a minute and rolled her eyes. “Very funny. I’m so scared. Now get the hell off me and maybe I won’t call the authorities.” “I don’t think the constable could help you. No one can now.” “This isn’t funny!” She tried to kick him, but he was holding her between his legs and she couldn’t get a good position. “I thought you wanted to meet me. I’m very glad to meet you. It’s been a long time since I had such a pretty blonde.” “If you’re really Marius Blackwood, then you wouldn’t need to restrain me. You could hypnotize me.” “That’s not a bad idea. Why would I do that?”

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“Because Marius Blackwood was a vampire. All he’d have to do is look into my eyes and tell me to come to him, and I’d fall right into his arms.” “Interesting. Let’s give it a try.” He turned her around and pushed her away from him. He held out his hand. “Come to me.” Carolyn just stared. He looked exactly like the man in the portrait. He had black hair that fell in waves to just past his collar. He had sharp green eyes and strong masculine features. He was very tall and muscular. He was even wearing the same cloak. And he was the most beautiful man she’d ever seen. “Who are you really?” she asked quietly. She tried to keep her expression neutral, not wanting to give him the satisfaction of seeing anything like desire in her eyes. She felt like they were blazing, screaming out, I want you! as her gaze traveled over his amazing body. “Isn’t it working? Shouldn’t you be in my arms by now?” “Who are you?” she repeated calmly. He bowed to her. “Marius Blackwood, at your service.” He let his gaze rove lazily over her body. She felt her entire body grow hot under his scrutiny. “I doubt that.” “My identity, or my willingness to give you anything you desire?” “Both.” “You question my honor as a gentleman?” “You aren’t acting like a gentleman.” He raised his dark brows and smiled. “You’re correct, but that is only because I desire you so.” 7

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She swallowed, trying to calm her fluttering stomach. “And that is supposed to be a compliment, I’m assuming.” He raised his eyebrows. “Your tongue weaves a lot of magic,” she added sarcastically, “but it doesn’t seem to be working.” He smiled, and she wondered if he knew that something about him was really working on her. He said, “Perhaps my charm is rather crude. I haven’t chosen to materialize in years.” “You didn’t choose to. I let you out.” He laughed. “I was merely being theatrical.” “You’d get more sympathy if you acted like you’d been trapped in there. You know, the whole ‘how can I ever repay you’ seduction.” As soon as the words were out of her mouth, she wished she could take them back. She didn’t want to give him ideas, especially ones that might actually work on her. “Whose side are you on, my dear?” He shook his head. “Not my style. Sorry.” “It wouldn’t have worked anyway,” she protested, trying to convince herself. “You think not?” Carolyn bit her lip. It probably would have. He wasn’t doing half bad as an arrogant bastard, so she ignored the question. “Are you really at my service?” “Most definitely.” “Then will you really help me?” “Your research?” “Yes.” He held out his hand. “Let’s sit down and relax. Then you can tell me all about your work.” 8

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Carolyn took his hand without hesitating, partly to show him she wasn’t afraid and partly because she was dying to touch him. She wasn’t sure she believed he was a vampire or he was Marius Blackwood, but she couldn’t deny the effect he was having on her. She felt warm all over, cozy almost, like she’d spent the last hour having a drink by the fire instead of working. She felt drawn to him as well and, in a way, she wanted nothing more than to just fall into his arms. His presence seemed to surround her like a mist, so much so that she couldn’t stop herself from being aware of his masculinity. Whether what he said was true or not, she couldn’t deny the chemistry she felt between them. He led her into the sitting room and gestured for her to sit down as he lit several candles. When he was done, he sat down beside her, but he leaned back to give her space. “Tell me about your work. I heard you talking, but I don’t quite understand.” “I’m in art history and I’m doing a creative thesis. I’m trying to prove that custom-built estates such as this one reflect the personalities of the men who commissioned them, whether the men consciously designed them that way or not.” He looked at her, puzzled. “But that should be obvious. Every man designs a house to his own liking.” “But does that automatically mean that the house will reflect his personality? Can someone a hundred years later know about the owner’s personality simply because he preferred a certain color or style?” “Why does it matter? Does this house tell you so much about me?” 9

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“This house is Marius. It embodies Marius. That is what I am writing about. Many estates in England reflect only the style and fashion of the time. I am looking for houses that don’t fit this pattern. Grand showplaces that no one ever visited. Towers and turrets in neighborhoods of staid English manors. Houses that stand out. Do you understand?” “I believe so. You think my house is so important to your thesis?” She nodded. “Yes. I’d like to write my final chapter on it.” “And you’ll include all the legends?” “That’s all there is about Marius Blackwood. Legends.” He smiled seductively. “The flesh and blood man is right in front of your eyes.” Carolyn sighed. “You seem harmless enough, but you won’t for long if you keep this up. Just tell me who you really are and there will be no hard feelings.” “Your friend bolted the door. Did you hear anyone come in?” She considered this, then said, “No. But you probably know this house very well.” “I practically materialized before your eyes. What proof do you need?” “Seduce me,” she challenged. His eyes darkened and the teasing look on his face went away. “You don’t know what you’re asking.” “You aren’t a vampire, so you can’t do it.” As he stared into her eyes, her mind raced. She wanted to prove he wasn’t who he said he was, but part of her really wanted him to seduce her. She hadn’t had a good, satisfying 10

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night of sex in a long time. Maybe it was time she gave into her desires, the way she would have done years earlier, before graduate school and her thesis. “Or you could be asking me because my very presence is having an effect on you.” She reached out and touched his chest, then ran her hands up to his neck. He might be right, but she didn’t care. “You said you desired me.” “I do. You want to be bitten on the neck? The townspeople might raise their eyebrows.” She knew he was teasing her again. Whether or not he would really bite her was another matter. “You want to bite me? Is that all?” “I want to do far more than that, but you don’t know what you’re doing.” “Now you’re acting like a gentleman? When you first showed up you were pretty game to have your way with me.” “But only if you wanted me.” She was becoming frustrated. Everything about him said he wanted her, from the look in his eyes to his voice and his body language. Yet he was holding back. “Now I do.” “You’re trying to prove something. And you’re playing with fire to do it.” She ignored his words and the voice in her head that said he was right as she brought her lips to his, meaning only to give him a light kiss. He had other ideas. His lips captured hers quickly. His warmth coursed through her as his tongue teased hers. His kiss fueled her desire. She hadn’t been so forward in years, and she suddenly felt free. The wild and slightly dangerous nature of what she was doing had called to 11

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her and that had driven her to kiss him, but when their lips touched, suddenly it was him. If she was right and this guy was as human as she was, she had no idea how to explain her intense attraction to him. She wanted to consume him and be consumed by him. Things like fate and soul mates had never held much charm for her, as she’d always preferred bad boys who didn’t stick around too long, but what if this guy could give her both? She felt more than desire. She felt some kind of pull she didn’t understand, and she’d never felt anything like it ever before. A million thoughts and theories crashed through her head as he broke the kiss suddenly. “You should leave,” he said, turning from her. “No! Don’t send me away. Please!” He looked down at her and cursed to himself. He fled the room quickly. Carolyn watched him leave. All she could think about was the pain in her heart. She shook her head. There was no reason for her to feel this way. She ran after him anyway. “Wait!” she called. “I had no right to do that.” “You’re a very confusing man.” He turned back to face her. “I’m a very tortured man.” “Really?” she asked, not convinced. His demeanor had changed suddenly, but he certainly didn’t seem tortured. “You had no intention of seducing me?” “Not tonight,” he admitted. “I fell under your spell a bit too quickly?” He shook his head. “I wanted you a little too much and it made me reckless.” 12

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“But you knew I wanted you from that first moment. Couldn’t you feel it when I looked at you? Aren’t you supposed to be able to sense things like that?” She knew her desire had been obvious to her, but maybe she had done too good a job of hiding it. She took a deep breath, still not sure why she wanted to convince him that seduction was exactly what she wanted from him. “Read a lot of vampire novels between classes?” “You don’t have to be a vampire to know when a woman desires you,” she huffed. He smiled. “You certainly don’t.” “Then why run from me?” “For your own sake.” “Then you shouldn’t have come near me in the first place. But you did. Can’t I make my own decisions?” He looked at her for a long moment, then asked quietly, “What is your decision?” “To sleep with you.” Her gaze roamed up and down his body again. Surely he wasn’t going to refuse and just leave her there. “To sleep with a total stranger you believe to be crazy?” “To sleep with the vampire who’s going to help me with my thesis.” He walked back to her and looked down into her eyes. “You’re a very enchanting woman, Carolyn.” She smiled when he said her name. “Why don’t you show me exactly how enchanted you are?” She’d barely finished her sentence before his lips were on hers again. He lifted her into his arms and she gladly wrapped 13

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her arms around his neck, moving her head to the side so he could deepen the kiss. He carried her quickly to a bedroom. The doors opened and closed without being touched. He set her on her feet, and she stared back at the doors. “You’re certain this is what you want?” he asked. She’d been half joking when she’d called him a vampire, but how had those doors moved like that? A shiver went up her spine, but it wasn’t from fear. “What if I say no?” She had no intention of walking away now—she was far too intrigued—but she couldn’t resist teasing him after he’d teased her. “I might find it very hard to continue to be a gentleman.” She looked up into his eyes. “Maybe I should say no and see what happens.” He pulled her to him and nuzzled her neck. “And maybe you should stop toying with a man who has fangs.” He turned her around, pressing his cock against her ass. “It isn’t wise to tease a creature of darkness.” “Then let’s forget about the teasing.” She took his hand and brought it to her breast. He needed no further invitation. Her blouse and bra were on the floor in no time. His hands caressed her breasts as he kissed her neck. He licked her pulse, and she rubbed her body against his. He turned her back around and kissed her. She undid his cape, and it fell to the floor. Her jeans were the next to hit the floor. He laid her on the bed and looked down at her. “You look beautiful. Very ravishable,” he said, smiling wickedly. 14

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Her gaze ran the length of his body. “That’s exactly what I had in mind.” He removed his shirt and pants, giving Carolyn a moment to look at him. He smiled. She knew he could see the desire in her eyes. “Who’s going to ravish whom, my Lady?” “Maybe we can take turns,” she said as she reached for him. He moved on top of her and first lavished a great deal of attention on her breasts. She tangled her fingers in his hair as he sucked and laved her nipple. She wrapped her legs around him, trying to bring him closer. He reached down between her legs, and she arched her back to meet his hand. He caressed her thighs, never quite touching her. She writhed underneath him as he kissed her mouth slowly. “We’ll both have what we desire very soon,” he whispered as he moved down her body. He settled himself between her legs and looked up at her. He ran his tongue over her clitoris, and she trembled. She closed her eyes as his tongue explored. Then she felt a tiny prick on her thigh. She looked down and saw a tiny drop of blood. He licked it and looked back at her. “Just enough to whet my appetite,” he said before sticking his tongue deep inside her pussy. Her breathing became labored and she had to lie back because her arms were too weak to support herself. His tongue moved back to her clitoris, and he began exploring her wet heat with his fingers. She moaned as he laved her clitoris and worked two of his fingers inside her. 15

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“You’re very close, Carolyn,” he whispered. His hot breath almost sent her over the edge. “Please don’t stop,” she pleaded. The sight of him licking the tiny droplet of blood off her thigh made her pussy tighten. She imagined his teeth grazing her breasts and her neck as his tongue continued to work its own magic. She shivered, almost ready to come. He sat up and pulled her into his lap, impaling her quickly on his cock. She gasped because he was so large, but she was so close to orgasm she didn’t feel any pain. He brought her face up to his and looked into her eyes as he grasped her hips and moved her slowly up and down his cock. Carolyn had never felt anything so intense. She struggled not to shut her eyes as she came. He smiled up at her sexily, obviously enjoying what he saw. He felt so good inside her. The pleasure soared up through her body. She could feel her blood pumping through her body and heard her own heartbeat thundering in her ears. She collapsed against his chest and he held her tenderly. His cock was still hard inside her. After a moment, she looked up at him. “Isn’t it your turn?” She moved against him slowly. “Yes, it is,” he said, moving her hair aside. “Will you let me?” “What will happen?” she asked. He smiled. “For both of us, there will be a great deal of pleasure. You won’t become a vampire or become weak and die. But we will always be a part of one another.” 16

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She shook her head. It was difficult for her to concentrate. His hard cock still buried within her was making her pussy even wetter, and she could feel the desire for another orgasm building already. “I don’t understand what that means.” “When I’m near, you’ll know. You’ll never be able to forget me. You’ll dream about me.” “I think I’d do that anyway,” she said breathily. “But I don’t have to. It’s only if you want me to.” That was the second time he’d said that, first when she’d recklessly come on to him, and again now. She wondered who was really seducing whom. “Yes. I’d like to have that with you.” She wanted to know him, really know him, and something told her this would grant her that. He moved in slowly and kissed her neck. He ran his tongue over her pulse, and then sank his teeth in. There was pain, but she didn’t mind. She felt her pussy tightening around his cock. Soon the bite was over, and he licked her neck, sealing the wound. His eyes were on fire, and he kissed her fiercely. He pushed her back onto the bed and began riding her hard. She wrapped her legs around him and tried to give him better access. She dug her nails into his back and he pounded into her. She felt another orgasm begin. He groaned deep in his throat as he spilled his seed into her. When it was over, Carolyn was so breathless she felt a little dizzy. “You were right,” she gasped. “I had no idea what I was getting myself into.” He moved off her and stretched out beside her. “But you don’t regret it?” 17

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She touched her neck, which was still warm. “No.” She hesitated, not sure how to say what she felt. “I feel like I’ve already gotten what I was after, that I somehow really know you now. How can that be?” He touched her cheek. “It’s like a psychic link. That feeling will continue to grow, so you have a lot to think about.” “What do you mean?” “If you become too attached to me, you’ll be unable to live without me.” She didn’t say anything. She’d wanted great sex, and she’d certainly gotten that. She hadn’t expected the intimacy. It wasn’t the kind of intimacy she was used to, the sweet words or long looks. But she still felt they had shared something that she never had with another man. She didn’t understand how that brief moment could do such a thing, make her feel this way. “I shouldn’t burden you with this now,” he said, kissing her forehead. “Go to sleep. You’ll see me again.” Though she wanted to protest, she couldn’t fight the drowsiness that washed over her. She was asleep within a few moments. **** Carolyn woke up from a dreamless slumber feeling as if she’d slept for days. But her watch said it was only eight in the morning. She turned quickly, even though she was sure Marius wouldn’t be there. She pulled the covers around herself and sat up to think. Either the gorgeous man who’d made love to her and bitten her on the neck was a vampire or he was a local jerk. She shook her head, unable to believe the latter, no matter how much more realistic it was. He’d actually 18

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had fangs, she’d felt the puncture, and now her neck was completely healed. An ordinary man could have bitten her, but only a vampire could cover his tracks so well. She also couldn’t dismiss the way she felt, the lingering desire and the longing to see him again. That feeling was about more than the amazing orgasms she’d had. Last night, he hadn’t just taken her, he’d loved her. He’d given her something she couldn’t describe. She grabbed her cell phone and called Melissa, who answered after two rings. “Someone’s up early,” she said. “Ravenously hungry, I’m assuming.” Carolyn thought quickly. “I’m starving. And I slept so well, I woke up early, so come over as soon as you’re ready.” It would take Melissa at least twenty minutes to get to the house, even if she left right then, so it would give Carolyn time to think. “I just got out of the shower, but I placed a breakfast order last night, so I’ll be there in thirty or forty minutes. Will you make it till then?” Carolyn forced herself to laugh. “I think I can make it. See you then. Drive carefully.” “Bye. See you soon.” Carolyn set the phone down and started gathering her clothes up. Marius had definitely been real and he probably was exactly who and what he said he was. So where did that leave them? Carolyn sighed and went across the hall to one of the working bathrooms. She showered quickly and put on fresh clothes. She tried not to think of Marius, but that proved very 19

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difficult. She couldn’t focus on her work without thinking of him, so she was left with very few options. **** When Melissa arrived, Carolyn tried to act natural, but she soon found she couldn’t hold it all in. She decided to take the direct approach. “Guess what?” she said as she reached for a biscuit. “What?” “Marius Blackwood really is a vampire.” Melissa nearly choked on her coffee. “Very funny. You find a coffin in a candlelit room?” “No. He materialized out of a cloud of mist and seduced me.” Now Melissa laughed. “I’m sorry I teased you last night, so please stop joking. What did you really do last night?” “I had sex with a vampire.” Melissa stopped eating her breakfast and stared at her friend. “Are you serious? You met some guy last night and had sex with him?” “I met Lord Marius Blackwood, the resident vampire, and we had sex. He bit me on the neck and everything.” “Carolyn, please tell me this is a joke. You didn’t really meet anyone last night, did you?” “I did, and he’s a vampire.” Melissa rolled her eyes. “Prove it then. Where is he now?” “I don’t know. He’s somewhere in this house.” “And he just materialized last night for a quick romp?” “It wasn’t like that!” Carolyn snapped. She hadn’t meant to snap at Melissa, but alarms were going off in her head. 20

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Even though Melissa had always been the steady boyfriend type while she had tended to follow the rule that the third date always included a sexual test drive, sleeping with a guy so soon wasn’t something she’d ever done before, and telling her more cautious friend about it in the light of day somehow drove that home. She still felt Marius’s presence, as he’d said she would, but what if he had lied? What if he didn’t come back that night? Melissa was surprised by her reaction. “Carolyn, are you sure you’re okay?” She took a deep breath. “I’m perfectly fine. What do I have to do to convince you?” “Stop telling me this man you met is a two hundred year old vampire.” “So you believe I’d sleep with a man I just met, but you won’t believe he’s a vampire?” Melissa stood up. “Gee, guess that’s just silly, isn’t it?” She walked over to the portrait of Marius Blackwood. “You’re trying to tell me that you slept with this man? We went to his crypt yesterday. He’s dead.” “Everyone in town thinks that tomb is empty, but they’re all afraid to do anything to confirm that.” “This is a town full of superstitious people who don’t know any other way to live. If there’s a vampire living in the big scary house on the hill, why aren’t there any unexplained deaths or disappearances?” Carolyn sighed heavily and looked up into the eyes of the portrait. “I don’t know.” “Vampires don’t exist, Carolyn. Would you have stayed here alone if you really believed they existed?” 21

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“Probably not.” “So why do you suddenly believe in them now?” “Would it be better to believe that I let some crazy guy with no special powers seduce me within ten minutes of our meeting? That last night was a big joke on me and I’m another notch on his bedpost of gullible tourists?” Carolyn was near to tears. Melissa put her arms around her. “You really met someone last night?” “Yes,” she said quietly. “And he said he was Marius Blackwood? And that he was a vampire?” “Yes.” “You believe him, even now?” Carolyn looked up at the portrait. “Yes. I know it’s true. There’s no other way to explain the way I feel. I feel connected to him, Lissa. I really do.” Melissa pulled away and looked at Carolyn. “So what do you want to do?” “I want to wait until sundown. I have to know for sure.” Melissa nodded. “Have some more coffee. Then we can go for a walk.” Carolyn sat back down, but she knew today was going to be the longest day of her life. **** That night, Melissa and Carolyn were talking in front of the fireplace when a knock came on the door. Carolyn glanced up quickly. “Marius?” Carolyn called anxiously. “Yes.” 22

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“Come in.” Carolyn stood up when he entered the room. She wanted to run to him, but something stopped her. She’d been feeling doubts all day long. He bowed to her then looked to Melissa, who was staring at him with wide eyes. Carolyn remembered her manners. “Melissa, this is Lord Marius Blackwood. Marius, this is my friend, Melissa James.” Marius walked over to Melissa and held out his hand. “A pleasure, Miss James.” Melissa let him take her hand, and he kissed it lightly. “If I’m not mistaken, I’ve been a popular topic of conversation today.” He turned to Carolyn. “I’m sorry I had to leave you, Carolyn, but it was necessary.” Carolyn smiled. “You’re certainly on your best behavior now.” He smiled back. “I can be a gentleman when I wish to be.” “You’re really a vampire?” Melissa asked suddenly. “Yes, I am.” “And you bit my friend! What gave you the right to do that?” “I did, in fact, ask permission, and she gave her consent.” Melissa looked away for a moment. “This is all very hard to believe.” “But you don’t seem afraid, Miss James.” Melissa made a face. “Please call me Melissa. I feel like I’m in a time warp.” “I’m sorry, Melissa. I don’t get out much.” “Can we get back to us? To me?” Carolyn asked. 23

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Marius turned back to Carolyn. “Yes. Do you wish to discuss this publicly?” Carolyn thought about this. “No, but you and I can go out into the hall.” She turned immediately to leave. Marius bowed to Melissa. “I promise no harm will come to her, now or ever.” Melissa just nodded and motioned for him to follow Carolyn. Carolyn didn’t know what to say when she was actually alone with him. “Did you think I wouldn’t come back?” he asked. “I wasn’t even sure you were real.” “I am real, and I am telling the truth.” “And what does that mean for us?” she asked uncertainly. “I’m not going to tell you I love you and sweep you off your feet into a world of unending night, if that’s what you mean. But I do desire you and care for you, so I would like for you to stay.” “Stay here?” “Why not? You said this house was important to your work. I’ll give it to you.” “How?” “The caretaker is a descendant of mine. He takes care of me and the house.” “But you had no children?” He smiled. “I was a rake and a seducer, remember? His name isn’t Blackwood, but his great-great-great-grandfather was my son.” “That’s very comforting.” “It was two hundred years ago.” 24

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That didn’t make her feel any better. “And what was going on two years ago? Two months ago?” “No woman has been in this house for nearly thirty years. And I haven’t seen a young, desirable woman in over fifty.” “So now you’re going to mend your ways?” “I am still a gentleman. My word is not to be taken lightly.” She sighed. “You keep saying that. But can I believe you?” “Are you truly going to consider my offer?” She took a deep breath and looked up into his eyes. “Perhaps.” “Then we should rejoin your friend and give you time to think.” “When exactly are you expecting an answer?” “When your answer is yes.” The tenderness in his eyes and his soft voice made her look away. “I’ll see you later,” she said, closing the door without turning back to him. **** Carolyn returned to the inn with Melissa, even though she wanted to stay. But after Melissa had gone to her own room, Carolyn found a surprise on her bed. “Are you crazy?” she said when she saw Marius. “No,” he said. “Someone could see you, or hear you. And we’re right next to a church.” He laughed. “I’m not going to burst into flames, Carolyn. I promise.” “What are you going to do?” She already knew the answer, and it made her body tremble. 25

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“Whatever you want me to do.” She turned away, putting her purse down. “What makes you think I want you here?” “You wanted to stay. I could feel it.” “You warned me not to get too attached to you,” she said as she turned back to him. “You aren’t helping.” “Do you want me to leave?” She looked deep into his eyes. “No.” “Then come to me.” He held out his arms, and she was in them in an instant. He caressed her cheek and looked down at her tenderly. “Have you considered my offer?” “I need more time.” “So do I.” “What do you mean?” He kissed her gently. “I need more time with you, more than I need anything else.” “Now who isn’t being careful? What if you become too attached to me and I leave?” “I’ll worry about that if it actually happens.” His lips met hers. He was even gentler than he had been the night before. He sat down on the bed and undressed her slowly, taking care with each button and zipper, admiring every inch he revealed. He kissed his way down her back after he’d removed her bra. Then he turned her to face him and gave the same lavish attention to her breasts. She was near to orgasm before he’d even removed her jeans. She was fighting to stay on her feet. As soon as her jeans hit the floor, she touched his face. “Please, I don’t think I can wait.” 26

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He trailed kisses across her stomach as he slowly removed her panties. He ran one finger over her, feeling how wet and ready she was. He pulled her down into his lap and pressed his cock to her opening. She was tired of waiting. She slid onto his throbbing cock, arching her back so she could take all of him. He laughed as he pulled her in for another kiss. “Keep this up, my Lady, and I’ll never let you go.” She brought her lips to his ear. “Maybe that’s my plan.” She moved up and down slowly as he wrapped his arms around her. She pushed him back on the bed and looked down at him. “The view’s better from down there,” she said teasingly, running her hands over her breasts. He looked up at her seriously. “But I want to hold you, to be as close as possible to you.” She stopped moving, stunned by his words. She’d never known a man who preferred cuddling or holding her to watching her do something sexy. She didn’t object when he pulled her into his arms again and moved on top of her. He thrust into her swiftly, but brought himself out very slowly. The mixed sensations almost took her breath away. He moved more quickly as her pussy tightened around his cock. She exploded underneath him, writhing and clinging to him. After her tremors subsided, she looked up at him again. “Will you drink from me again?” He shook his head. “I don’t need blood. I only desire it, so you should have no fears on that point. And it’s too soon. You’ll have to come into my world slowly.” “Your world? Becoming a vampire?” she asked. 27

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“Some day, when we’ve been together long enough. It’s nothing to be afraid of. I can explain everything to you.” “But you will let me in?” She hoped he’d say yes. “If that is what you desire.” She smiled at what she was coming to consider his typical response and tried to pull him even closer. His cock was still hard inside her. “Right now I want to give you what you just gave me.” This time he let her stay on top. She rode him slowly, but then she quickened her pace as they both approached orgasm. They cried out as they went over the edge together. Carolyn could feel his power coursing through her as they both came. Something about her body was changing, if only slightly. As she lay in his arms, she wanted to turn to him and say she would stay, but she hesitated because she wanted to be sure she was doing it for the right reasons. She wanted to stay for him, not for her research or really great sex. She also wanted to be sure that he wanted her to stay for the right reasons. “So what would all this mean? Our future together. What will it be like?” she asked. He rubbed her back. “You’ll live forever with me. But not as you are now. You’ll live normally, until you die of natural causes, but you’ll hardly age at all. After you die, my blood will bring you back to life.” “But what if something happens? A car wreck?” “Hmmm. I can’t guarantee anything, but the longer you are with me, the harder you’ll be to kill.” She looked into his eyes. “So I will become like you just from your blood?” 28

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“After you die. Until then, my blood only gives you strength. You’ll probably never crave any blood but mine. You aren’t descended from the one who was cursed, so you will be as I am only because I’ve chosen you as my mate.” He laughed. “It’s not a bad deal.” “Has it been hard for you all these years?” He nodded and stroked her face. “Yes. The loneliness was the worst part.” She wrapped her arms around him even tighter. “You aren’t alone anymore.” He kissed the top of her head. “And I want you to understand everything. I can assure you that our life will be good, but that’s because I’ve lived so long this way. I want you to know you’re making the right decision.” “Eternity with you sounds perfect, but I know what you mean. I’m considering all of it.” “What does your friend think?” Carolyn rolled onto her back and looked up at the ceiling. “She’s very calm. She’s more concerned that you’ll hurt me emotionally. I don’t get it. I was so nervous about telling her because I thought she’d think we were both crazy.” Marius didn’t say anything. He seemed to be considering something. “What is it?” she asked after a few moments. “Something about the way she reacted to me was puzzling. You’re right. She wasn’t shocked, and I think she believed us right away once she’d seen me.” “But what would that mean?” “I don’t know. She could be descended from someone who was cursed.” 29

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Carolyn laughed. “Are you serious? How would that help?” He shrugged. “It was only an idea. She’d have an instinct about supernatural creatures if that were so.” He rolled over to face Carolyn. “But it doesn’t matter. I’m glad she came. It will be good for you to have a friend to talk to.” She just wanted to be in his arms. She was tired of worrying about the future. She reached for him and asked, “Will you stay until dawn?” He kissed her softly on the lips. “Yes. I will stay by your side as long as you will have me.” She knew his words had more than one meaning, but she tried to act as if she didn’t. She snuggled up close to him and fell asleep, feeling happier and more secure than she ever had in her life. **** Carolyn woke up to the sound of knocking. She hopped out of bed and ran to the door. It was Melissa. “Still in bed, I see,” Melissa said. “It’s only nine.” Melissa raised her eyebrows playfully. “How was it?” “How was what?” “Last night. Someone was having wild sex on this floor, and I don’t think it was that old couple across the hall.” Carolyn sighed. “Just go ahead and tell me what you think.” “What I think doesn’t matter. If you think you’re making good decisions, I’ll support you.” “Sit down. There’s more.” Melissa sat down on the bed. “More what?” 30

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Carolyn put on her robe and tied it around her waist. “There’s more to this than just a holiday fling. He wants me to stay.” “And become the Lady of the manor? A vampire?” “You believe us now?” Melissa stared at the wall for a moment. “I believed you all along.” “What do you mean?” Melissa looked back at Carolyn seriously. “Remember Sean?” “Who could forget Sean?” “He’s a werewolf.” Carolyn stared at her. “A what?” “A werewolf.” She crossed her arms. “You can meet a vampire but I can’t date a werewolf?” “Is that why you broke up?” She nodded. “He said it was too dangerous. He can control the transformations most of the time, but it’s that one time out of every ten that he doesn’t want to risk. He says he prefers to be alone.” Carolyn put her hand on Melissa’s arm. “Good grief, Lissa. You could have told me.” She laughed. “You wouldn’t have believed me.” “You’re probably right. But is this why you think I shouldn’t stay? He might hurt me?” “Any guy could hurt you.” “Not every guy could drain me dry.” Melissa shook her head. “I don’t think he’d do that. Vampires aren’t really like that.” “More adventures I should know about?” 31

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Melissa scowled. “That’s not fair.” Carolyn sighed. “I know. I’m sorry. But how do you know?” “I’m guessing you two haven’t really talked about this yet. Well, first off, vampires and werewolves are really the same. When you’re alive, you’re a werewolf. After you die, you rise as a vampire. Think about it and try to stay with me. Vampires are the undead, walking corpses, all that old movie stuff. They only come out at night. But a werewolf is a normal, living person who changes into a wolf.” “I know that stuff, but I still don’t get what you’re saying,” Carolyn said. “They aren’t two separate species, two separate curses. They are the same.” “How?” “Just what I said. It’s the same curse. But a werewolf is human and alive. A vampire is a dead human kept alive by the curse.” “You mean by blood?” Melissa shook her head. “No.” Then she laughed. “I never thought this knowledge would be so handy.” “Go on.” “You see, vampires and werewolves aren’t evil. They only have the potential to be evil. They can control themselves almost all of the time. The real curse is being given so much power, power that could only be used for selfish ends, and the cursed person must struggle with that forever. A man who could turn into a wolf could do all kinds of things in that form and never be caught. Vampires have psychic powers and 32

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can change forms as well. There is great temptation that comes with that power.” “Wait a minute. Back up. Cursed? Why would they be cursed? Because of something they did?” Carolyn didn’t like to think of what Marius might have done to deserve this fate. Or Sean. He’d always been so wonderful, and he’d treated Melissa like a queen. How could he have done anything to deserve such a fate? “Not them. The curse was put on their ancestors and passed down through the male children. As far as research indicates, the curse itself has been lost for hundreds of years.” “But there’s no cure? Doing good, finding true love?” “No cure. It’s part of their DNA. It is a punishment that will not harm others, unless the victim chooses to use it to harm others.” “Thus deserving the punishment even more.” “And being hunted down. They can be killed in all the ways the stories say and only in those ways.” “So can I become a vampire?” “If you drink his blood, you will rise as one after you die.” “So I get old and wrinkled for fifty years and then finally get to be hot again?” She had to laugh. Melissa finally smiled. “I don’t think it’s quite that bad. You’ll probably live a normal human lifespan, but stay young from drinking his blood. Your prince charming could tell you more.” “I’m sorry about Sean. You acted so calm when he left that I never dreamed it was so serious.” “It was pure shock. But this isn’t about me. It’s about you making the right choice.” 33

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Carolyn looked down at her hands and quietly said, “I think I’ve already made it.” “Then go for it. You can finish all your research at a slower pace.” “How do you know what I’m going to choose?” “I know what I’d have chosen if Sean had asked.” Carolyn hugged Melissa. “Thank you for understanding. And for sharing all that.” Melissa just squeezed her and smiled. “Let’s go get some breakfast. We have a lot to talk about.” **** Carolyn hugged Melissa after they got out of the car and then turned to look up at the house. “You call me as soon as you get home.” “I will,” Melissa said. “You’re sure you don’t want me to wait? I could still make my plane in plenty of time, even if I waited till sundown.” Carolyn shook her head. “Everything will be fine.” “You certainly kept him waiting long enough for your answer.” “It didn’t hurt him.” She smiled. “Besides, deep down, he knew I’d say yes, so I doubt he’s been worried.” Melissa smiled, but there was a touch of sadness in her eyes. “You’ll be happy, Carolyn. It won’t be easy, or even normal, but you’ll be happy.” Carolyn hugged her again. “You will be too. Someday.” “I know.” Melissa got back into the car and waved one final time before driving away. Carolyn picked up her bags and went into the house. She set them by the stairs, and then went back out onto the porch 34

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to wait for Marius. He appeared in the doorway right after the sun sank behind the hill. “I noticed you brought your bags today. Can I dare to hope you’re finally going to give me an answer?” “Yes, you may,” she said with a playful smiled, “but first you have something else to do.” “What?” “Carry me over the threshold.” He picked her up without a moment’s hesitation, but he didn’t move to the door. Instead, he held her perfectly still and looked into her eyes. She could hear both their hearts beating. “Marius?” she breathed. He brought his lips to hers slowly, teasing her and making her want more. He ran his tongue over her lips then began exploring her mouth. He tasted her, enjoying her as if she were a fine wine he wanted to savor. When he finally pulled away, she couldn’t stop the groan that came from deep in her belly. “We could have gotten to this so much sooner,” he said, moving into the house swiftly, “but I didn’t mind waiting.” “I think I did,” she said, clinging to his neck. “Hmmm, perhaps that’s punishment enough. I had planned on keeping you tied up the rest of the night…” “But it was so horrible of me to keep you waiting,” she replied, joining in the game. “I think you ought to tie me up.” “You’d put yourself at the mercy of a vampire?” She touched his cheek and looked into his eyes. “Yes.” She giggled. “Or the big bad wolf.” “What?” Marius asked, half laughing. 35

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“You used to be a werewolf, right?” He stared at her for a moment. “How did you know that?” “That’s why Melissa believed us. She dated a werewolf.” He raised his eyebrows. “That does explain things. They aren’t still together?” “No. He left because he was afraid he’d hurt her.” He nodded. “That’s understandable, but he could never have hurt her. She would have been his mate, if he loved her.” He kissed her sweetly. “Perhaps he’ll come to his senses before he’s as old as I am.” He kissed her again. She swirled her tongue against his, enjoying the taste of him, the promise of sweet things to come. “He can take care of himself,” she finally said. “It’s time for you to take care of me.” Marius carried her upstairs to a room he’d obviously prepared. He laid her down and lit the candles around the bed. “You knew I’d say yes,” she said as she undressed and looked around the room. He picked up the long sashes of velvet that were laid out on the table and wound them in his hands. “Perhaps I planned to keep you here by force.” “I’d have been a very willing captive.” She climbed onto the bed and moved toward him. “There’s no reason to change your plans.” She took one of the sashes from his hand and tied her hair back, revealing her long neck. She removed his shirt and ran her hands over his chest. Then she turned around so her back was to him and pressed her body to his. His cock was already hard, and it felt wonderful against her. 36

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She tilted her head to give him better access to her neck. “Please, Marius. Drink from me again.” She reached back and ran her hand over his neck and through his hair. She could hear his labored breathing. He turned her around slowly and she looked up at him, puzzled. He titled his own head and ran his nail over his pulse. Small drops of scarlet blood appeared. “Drink from me first. It will protect you.” He smiled devilishly. “I want you so much I might not be able to control my desire.” He ran his hands along her thighs, working his way up to her pussy. She felt herself growing tight and wet from his touch. The dark desire in his eyes was overwhelming. She brought her lips to his neck slowly and ran her tongue over the small cut. She heard him draw a quick breath and began moving her tongue in small circles. His fingers found her clitoris and she gasped at the pleasure. She was so sensitive to his touch, her knees almost buckled. She licked the last of the blood away and looked into his eyes. He brought his lips to hers and kissed her hard as his fingers delved into her wet pussy. “Marius,” she gasped when he released her. His lips moved down to her shoulder and he bit her. This time she didn’t feel any pain. She only felt the rush of her orgasm and the joy of being one with him. She fought to press every inch of her body against him as she rode his hand, coming apart in his arms. He cradled her in his arms and brought her down gently on the silk sheets. “I love you, Carolyn. You’re mine forever, and I am yours. For all of time.” 37

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She kissed his chest. “I love you too. I can hardly believe it, but I could never deny what I feel for you.” “Everything will become more natural soon.” She wrapped her arms around his neck. “There’s nothing more natural than loving you.” As they kissed, she reached around behind him and took the velvet sashes in her hand and gradually rolled him over ’til she was on top of him. “What are you doing, my Lady?” he asked. She pushed his hands above his head and began tying them to the headboard. “Reading your thoughts.” He laughed. “How do you know you’re really reading my thoughts?” She ran her hands down his body and finally freed him of his pants. “Isn’t this what you want?” “I certainly won’t deny its appeal.” “And you wouldn’t deny your Lady anything she desired, would you?” As she took his cock into her mouth, he struggled to answer her. “I’d never dream of it. Lady Blackwood must always have her heart’s desire.” His tongue finally gave up as hers worked its own magic.

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LORD OF THE FOREST by

Susan M. Sailors

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Melissa sighed and dialed the number she still knew by heart. Sean’s voice mail picked up immediately. “Sean, it’s Melissa. And before you erase this, I’m not calling for me, not really. I went to England with Carolyn so she could work on her thesis, and she met a very unique guy. I’m sure you know what I mean. I just need to talk to you to reassure myself.” She hung up. Her message was only a bit of a lie. She began to brush her short brown hair, thinking about how much time had passed since the last time she’d seen Sean. Her best friend Carolyn was in fact in England and living with a vampire named Marius Blackwood. But Melissa didn’t really have any doubts or fears concerning them. She knew Marius and Carolyn were truly in love, and she trusted Marius because she knew what vampires were really like. Thanks to Sean, a werewolf with a martyr complex. When Sean had told her the truth about himself and his family’s “problem,” Melissa hadn’t imagined she’d ever share that information with anyone, not even her best friend Carolyn. Melissa had never believed in vampires, werewolves, ghosts, or any of the other beings she’d read about in books and seen in movies. Sean had changed all that. He’d explained everything to her, including the intricacies of the curse that almost no one knew about, not even scholars. A curse that 40

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lasted for all eternity had been placed on one of Sean’s ancestors. He would live his entire life as a werewolf, but the curse would not end there. When he died, he would rise as a vampire, kept alive by the curse, not by blood as most legends said. It had taken Melissa a long time to understand, and she’d been as confused as her friend Carolyn had been just weeks earlier when Melissa had explained it to her in an attempt to help her decide whether she really wanted to stay with Marius. After tossing most of the Saturday night horror movies out of her memory, she’d come to understand everything Sean had told her. A werewolf was a living man who could transform into a wolf, but not only by the light of full moon. He could do so anytime he wanted to. In places like Romania and other eastern European countries, the people believed, or rather knew, that every dead werewolf rose as a vampire, a supernatural being sustained by the curse. The curse had been lost, thus there was no cure, but Sean had said the curse must have come from that region of Europe, where many still believed in and feared such creatures. But, despite the violence of the folk tales, an insatiable bloodlust was not the true curse for either creature. Both creatures had all the powers the books and movies said they did, but the abuse of these powers would inevitably lead to the creature’s downfall, and possibly the entire family being hunted and killed. More than anything, these men always felt they were alone in the world, that they couldn’t get close to anyone or try to be happy for fear of passing the curse down to their sons. Through all this, she’d seen why Sean was so afraid to commit to her, but she had truly believed they could get through it. Sean hadn’t. Though 41

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he had done nothing and didn’t even know what his ancestor had done, he was cursed, as any sons he had would be. He thought he didn’t deserve to be happy, which he felt meant he didn’t deserve Melissa. Meeting Marius had stirred up all of Melissa’s memories of Sean, and now she couldn’t stop thinking about him and how they’d parted. He’d told her they were wrong for each other, and then he’d transformed into a wolf and jumped out her window. He had a flair for the melodramatic, and she’d kept hoping he would come back. They’d spent two weeks being blissfully happy after he’d revealed his secret, and she had seen no real reason for that to end. He’d kept his secret for the entire year they’d dated, so she didn’t understand why she was suddenly in so much more danger just because she knew he was a werewolf. Part of her believed that he had been afraid of her ultimate rejection or that she would be repulsed by him physically. After he’d revealed his secret, their physical relations had diminished to chaste kisses on the porch. She’d tried to keep him close, to get him to spend the night, but once he’d revealed his secret, it was like he’d been afraid to touch her. She’d missed the passion, and she knew she might have been more insistent if she’d known what was coming. Maybe, if she could have shown him that she still wanted him, that they still had that spark they’d always had, he would have stayed. After nearly eighteen months apart, she still couldn’t forget his kiss or his touch. His eyes still haunted the edges of her dreams. She stared down at her cell phone. He simply had to call her back. The pain of hearing his voice would be sharp, 42

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but that potential phone call was her only chance to get what she needed so desperately. **** Sean stared out into the woods as he listened to the message again. He knew calling Melissa back was trouble because she probably wouldn’t settle for just a phone conversation. She would want to see him, and they’d both be in trouble if that happened. Leaving her had nearly killed him, and he doubted he’d be able to do it again. He played the message a third time, trying to hear the feelings in her voice. For all he knew, she’d met a guy in England, too. After eighteen months, she could have met lots of guys. That thought raised a growl from deep inside him. He deleted the message and hit his speed dial. She was still number one on his list. “Hello?” Melissa said. She sounded breathless. Either she’d been in a hurry, or she’d noticed his name flashing on her caller ID. “It’s Sean.” “Sean! I’m so glad you called me back.” He jumped straight to business, trying to ignore the pounding of his heart. Her voice had sent a chill of guilt over his body just as the memory of her beauty sent the blood rushing to his groin. “Do you know this guy’s name?” “What?” She sounded disappointed that he hadn’t even said hello or asked how she was, but he tried to ignore that as well. “The man Carolyn met. What is his name?” “Oh. Sorry. It’s Marius Blackwood.” “Blackwood’s a vampire.” 43

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“I noticed.” He took a deep breath. She sounded bitter, but he knew he shouldn’t blame her. He’d been the one to leave. “He’s nearly two hundred years old. I’ve never heard a word against him, but he keeps to himself; not to mention the fact that he has nearly two centuries on me. Did he give you any reason to fear him?” “No. He’s wonderful.” Sean’s hand tightened on the phone. “Then why did you call me?” “Because ever since I met him, I can’t stop thinking about you.” He’d never stopped thinking about her, not even for one day. He’d moved so he wouldn’t drive by her house. He’d even stopped going out so he wouldn’t see her or any woman who looked even a little bit like her. And he dreamed about her all the time. “Why?” he asked, trying to control his voice. Just hearing her voice again made his cock hard. “We’ve been over this before, do you want me to say it all again?” “If you feel the need to.” Part of him wanted to hear what she’d say, but another bit of him wanted to throw the phone across the room. And the rest of him wanted to spend the next week making love to her. “I still love you, and I know you love me. You ran away, plain and simple. I’m not going to let it drop this time.” “What do you have in mind?” he asked before he could stop himself. His heart and his cock had definitely ganged up on his common sense. 44

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“Just come talk to me. If you can convince me your feelings have really changed, you’ll never hear from me again.” “Name the time and place, then.” He knew he was making a mistake, but he longed to see her again. Seeing her would make him long to touch her, but he would deal with the temptation when the time came. “Come to my house tomorrow night. Seven o’clock.” “I’ll be there.” He hung up the phone and realized both their fates were sealed. **** “Come in, please,” Melissa said, holding the door open for Sean. He didn’t say a word. He went straight into the living room and sat down in the chair by the fireplace, where he’d always sat. Melissa stood in the doorway, unsure what to do. She wanted to ease his defensiveness, but she also wanted to run into his arms. “Can I get you anything?” she asked. “I’m fine. Just here to talk.” He wouldn’t look at her. She told herself it was because he was fighting his feelings for her. Deep down, she knew that was what it was, but the hard expression on his face still hurt her. She sat across from him and stared into the fire. After a few moments, he said, “You’re going to have to start. I said all I had to say the day I left.” “The day you jumped out the window with your tail between your legs?” He finally looked at her. “You mean the day I saved your life?” 45

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“We dated for over a year. We were even sleeping together. You never did anything to harm me. I never even suspected there was anything unusual about you.” “But anything could happen. I’m stronger than other men. We could be making love, and I might hurt you because I lost myself in you.” “I love it when you lose yourself in me,” she said honestly. She felt a shiver of delight and desire run over her body, making her pussy tighten and her breasts feel heavy. He’d always been rougher than other men, but she’d loved the passion, the abandoned way he took her. Her orgasms had always been amazing, and his stamina was unforgettable. She hadn’t been with another man since he’d left, and she knew she’d never want to. He groaned with frustration. “You’re not being realistic. I never fully let my guard down with you. I was always on the alert.” Melissa sighed. “Then why did you even bother with me in the first place? Do you collect broken hearts? Do they keep you warm at night, the memories of all those women crying into their pillows?” He laughed bitterly. “You’d never cry into your pillow.” “Maybe not over anyone else, but I did over you.” Sean looked up at her, but this time she was the one who refused to meet his gaze. “So you want to marry a werewolf, a man who’ll outlive you by centuries, who’ll rise as a vampire after he dies? You want to get pregnant by a monster and sit around worrying you might have a son who’ll be cursed because you were so selfish?” 46

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“Selfish? I’m the selfish one? I want you to be happy as much as I want happiness myself. Now let me ask you a few questions. Do you want to go through eternity alone? Do you want to sleep alone every night? Do you want me to spend the rest of my life alone?” Sean raised his head at her final question. “You say that now, but in time you’ll meet a normal guy who’ll make you feel the exact same way, and then you’ll be happy.” “So I’m just being silly? My feelings for you don’t really mean anything?” “They aren’t what you think they are. You’ll get over me. You were probably over me until Carolyn met that guy.” She wanted to hit him or kiss him senseless, anything to get him to stop repeating the same things over and over again. “I was never over you, and I never will be.” “You think that’s good? Healthy?” “I’m not wandering around in my bathrobe eating ice cream from the carton. I’m living my life just fine. But something is missing.” “Me, I’m assuming.” “Yes. And this.” She was up before he could stop her. She knelt in front of him and pulled his face down to hers. She kissed him roughly and held him close, unwilling to let him pull away. He could have broken away, but instead he kissed her back with all the passion she knew was still inside of him. He pulled her roughly against him. Melissa lost herself in his kiss. Her blood pounded in her ears as her heart soared. She knew he wouldn’t be able to deny the power between them any more than she had been 47

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able to forget it. She began to fumble with the buttons of his shirt. Her fumbling was unnecessary. He ripped his shirt open and threw it to the floor without breaking the kiss. Her hands roamed across his chest, bringing a growl from deep in his belly. He finally pulled away and looked down at her. “If you’re not sure about this, you better kick me out now and lock every door and window.” She looked back at him with the same intensity. “I’ve never wanted anything more in my life.” The words were barely out of her mouth when he threw her over his shoulder. He carried her to the bedroom and threw her onto the bed. He was on top of her before she could even catch her breath. He ripped her blouse off and looked down at her bare breasts. She smiled up at him. “I know you better than you know yourself,” she whispered. His eyes flamed, but he didn’t say anything. He fell on her quickly, giving her just what she needed, what they both needed. His lips were hot and hard on her breasts. His teeth grazed her nipples as his expert tongue teased and aroused. He devoured her breasts as if he couldn’t get enough, as though he’d been starving for her. Melissa ran her hands through his hair, knowing he’d needed this as much as she had. She untied her skirt and did her best to wiggle out of it. He kissed her on the lips again and helped her free herself. He moved down to kiss her stomach as he pulled her panties down. 48

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“Take me now, Sean. Please,” she whimpered. “You’ll get what you want after I get what I want,” he growled. His voice made her back arch. He moved his head down between her legs and began lapping at her pussy. He put her legs over his shoulders so he could bury himself deeper inside her. His long tongue worked magic on her. She came quickly, crying out, not caring how she sounded. He continued exploring her hot folds as she trembled in his arms. Her legs were shaking, but he held her steady as he licked and probed. He finally looked up at her. “I’ve missed the taste of you. No other woman is like you.” “There have been others since me?” She regretted the words as soon as they were out. But instead of becoming angry or being offended, he just looked at her. “You say you know me better than I know myself. If that’s true, you would know there could never have been anyone after you.” He laughed and kissed her thigh. “I was referring to the women before you—the ones you already knew about—and trying to give you a compliment.” She forced herself to smile. “I just couldn’t stand the thought of you leaving me and then being with someone else.” She tried to hide the tear that slipped out of her eye. She wasn’t sure if it had been caused by the fear of his being with someone else or the power of his words. “I’m sorry.” “You never have to be sorry with me. You know that.” “I just seduced you, didn’t I?” “You did that the moment you opened the door.” He pulled her close. “Now, that’s enough with the talking.” 49

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She welcomed his embrace. He kissed her deeply, his hands roving across her body and caressing her in all the right places. Then he turned her around. “Get on your knees,” he said. He moved up on his knees and stroked his hard cock. She got on her knees and turned her head to look back at him. He looked unbelievably sexy. His green eyes shone down at her, and her pussy tightened when she saw his hand moving up and down his shaft. He entered her quickly and she gasped. She hadn’t forgotten how big he was, but she was amazed at how good he felt inside her. She’d had nothing but memories for so long. He held himself still for a moment and she savored the feel of his cock as her body adjusted to him. She was so tight, and they fit together perfectly. Her body conformed to his and caressed him just right, and they almost always came at the same time when he let himself. She was wet and hot, and her legs were trembling. Melissa found it hard to breathe. She wanted him so much. She began to move against him, tightening her pussy around his cock and rubbing her ass against him. He began to pound into her, and she moaned as her orgasm built. They were so perfect together. Her orgasm exploded and she moaned. He slowed his pace to let her enjoy her release, to draw it out, and her moans made him even harder. She needed all he could give her. “Don’t you dare stop!” she cried. He groaned and pumped his cock into her, filling her to the hilt and making her complete. Her tight, wet heat soon took him over the edge. She smiled as she heard his moans. 50

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He filled her full of his seed, and then he fell back on the bed and pulled her on top of him. He flipped her over so he could look into her face. “Are you satisfied? Look what you made me do.” He smiled as he caressed her cheek. She smiled back at him, knowing he wouldn’t be able to resist teasing her. His teasing reassured her. “I’m satisfied. There’s no doubt about that.” Sean pulled her closer. As far as she was concerned, nothing could spoil this moment, no matter what came after. **** Melissa woke up early, pleased to find Sean’s arms still around her. She snuggled up to him and closed her eyes again. After a few moments, she felt him shift slowly. He seemed to be watching her to see if she was awake. But instead of leaning down to kiss her or pulling her closer, he slowly tried to move out from under her. She rolled over and let hair fall over her face. She wanted to stop him, but something told her she should let him leave. He dressed quickly, and then he knelt beside her and moved her hair out of her face. She fought to stay perfectly still. He kissed her forehead softly. Then he was gone. Melissa rolled over and looked out the window. All she saw was his truck speeding out of the driveway. She stared up at the ceiling. She wasn’t going to cry. She was through with crying. Instead she pulled the covers up around her face and breathed in his scent. Her body woke up then and remembered all the pleasure he had given her the night before. He’d finally admitted that there was no denying 51

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the passion between them. But he’d said nothing about the future. Melissa got out of bed and took a long shower. The warm water flowed down her body as she remembered how he’d touched her. She leaned against the wall and let the water and her hand travel between her legs. She whispered his name as she climaxed. **** After heating up a couple of croissants, Melissa called Carolyn. She wasn’t sure what she was going to tell her friend, but she knew this was a conversation that couldn’t wait. “Hello?” Carolyn said. “It’s Melissa.” “Hey, Lissa. What’s up?” “Quite a lot, actually. Is this a good time to talk? I don’t know what time it is over there.” “Don’t worry about it. This is fine. What’s happening?” “It’s about Sean, actually.” Carolyn was silent for a moment. “Damn. Marius was right.” Melissa was puzzled. “About what?” “He was certain you’d try to contact Sean. He said the bond you must have had with Sean was too powerful to be broken and that one of you would eventually be overwhelmed by it.” “Well.” Melissa let out a long breath. “We were both overcome by it last night. He left about an hour ago.” “You slept with him?” “Yes. Don’t be so surprised.” 52

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“I’m not. I just didn’t really think you’d call him. You were so hurt, but I thought you’d gotten over him. I guess my meeting Marius brought it all up again.” “I was better, maybe happier than I was when he was being so secretive and distant those last weeks, but I was never over him. I realize now that being truly over him is something that will just never be possible.” “So what happens now?” “I don’t know. I have his cell phone number, but that’s all. It’s been a year and a half. He moved twice while we were dating, so I doubt he’ll still live in that same apartment near the park. And he left without saying anything or leaving a note. I don’t know what will happen next.” “Can’t he understand that you aren’t in danger?” “Part of him does, but it’s not so simple. He’s still, well, alive. You and Marius are different. You aren’t in danger of having a baby bat anytime soon. We could have a child, and if it were a son, he would be cursed as well.” Carolyn tried to stifle her laughter. “Carolyn! I can’t believe you.” “I’m sorry. It was the image of feeding a little bat wearing a bonnet that got to me. I’m sorry, really.” “But you get it, right? Obviously men like Sean can survive just fine, but think of what a challenge it would all be.” “Raising any child is a challenge. I do understand, Melissa, but I believe Sean’s issues are more complex than that.” “I think I know him a little better than you do.” Carolyn sighed. “But I’ve learned a lot living with Marius. Yes, these men have issues the two of us can’t fully compre53

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hend, but above all, I know that Marius needs me. His existence would be infinitely harder if I weren’t here.” “Very eloquent, but Sean left me before, remember?” “And this time you aren’t going to let him get away. He needs you.” Melissa shook her head, wishing Carolyn was there with her. “What can I do?” “Where’s a man who wants to be left alone going to go?” “I don’t know.” “Think about it.” “The woods?” Melissa guessed. Then she understood. “The cabin?” “Yes. He owns that place. It’s been in his family for generations, and I think we can both understand why. He must be living there.” “So I should just go out there and barge in? Tie him to a chair and tell him I’m never letting him go?” Carolyn laughed again. “That might do just the trick. Marius loves when we play those kinds of games.” Melissa groaned, but then she recovered and said seriously, “Maybe you’re right, but I’m going to do this my own way. Okay?” “Just do what’s best for you, Lissa. I think we both know that involves Sean.” “Now if I can only get him to see that.” **** Sean paced up and down the floor of the living room. He hadn’t bothered to build a fire because he wanted to feel the cold. He’d been on fire ever since he’d first seen Melissa again. He couldn’t get her out of his mind. He could still 54

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smell her scent all over him, even though he’d taken two showers. It was like she was a part of him, a part of him he’d never be able to get rid of. He glanced around the sparse room and thought about the way he’d been living since they’d broken up. No, since he’d left her. His life had definitely gone downhill, and he was just starting to realize that hers had as well, if in a very different way. He remembered her phone calls and pleas, but he’d always assumed that she’d gotten over him soon after she’d stopped trying to reach him. He’d obviously been wrong. Now he’d gone and made things worse by agreeing to meet with her and then acting like a feral beast. The sex had always been hot with Melissa, but this last time had been even better. It was the first time they’d been together since he told her what he truly was. He didn’t want to admit this to himself, but his revelation had most definitely not killed the chemistry they had. He shook his head, telling himself it was because they had been apart so long and they both knew it was wrong. He stopped in front of the fireplace. No, that wasn’t right either. They both knew he thought it was wrong. Once she’d gotten over the initial shock, Melissa had been very open-minded about everything. He’d been the one to slam all the doors on their future and walk away. This night of all nights was the worst time to have so much to think about. The full moon was just over twenty-four hours away and he felt his headache beginning. The pills he’d obtained from an herbalist in Europe helped ease his bodily pain, but he knew nothing was going to end his mental an55

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guish until he swallowed his pride and agreed to work things out with Melissa. He just hoped he’d have the strength to do so. **** Sean walked out onto his porch as Melissa parked in her usual spot in his garage, and then she began the half a mile walk to the cabin. “Were you expecting me?” she asked as she came up to the house. “In a way,” he said. “But I didn’t think you’d come so soon.” He looked up into the sky. “The full moon is tomorrow night, so my hearing’s in overdrive.” “So all the moon stuff is true, huh?” She tried to keep her tone light, but she looked nervous. “You’d better hope not!” he snapped. She sighed, but never took her eyes from his. He regretted his harsh words. She didn’t deserve any of this. “Sorry,” he said. “No, I’m not going to transform against my will. Full moons aren’t much fun though.” “What do you mean?” Sean smiled. “Think of it as my time of the month.” He took a deep breath. “Headaches, nausea, crankiness, and extreme pain.” “I can relate to that.” “I remember,” he said, then laughed. Then he rubbed his forehead. She seemed to relax but then became concerned. “I didn’t know all that. You certainly hid it well.” “You were never nosy enough. If I didn’t call, you figured I was busy.” 56

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She nodded. “I didn’t want to smother you. I knew how you felt about me. It was the things I didn’t know that caused the problems.” “And now you know. Is this really any better?” “It will be once you stop being so stubborn.” He knew she was right, but he couldn’t admit it to her. Something was stopping him. He could tell himself it was the moon, but deep down he felt it was his own pride. “I’m protecting you.” “From what? You’ve never hurt anyone, and you can’t convince me you ever could or would.” “From having to deal with this kind of life.” He went over to the door and opened it. “Come in. We have to settle this.” She followed him into the cabin, which he knew wasn’t anywhere near as homey as it had been the last time she’d seen it. She sat down on the couch and waited for him to finish building a fire so he could continue. Nearly ten minutes later, he turned back to her. “So, Carolyn hooks up with a hot vampire and now you think this is the life for you?” “What’s that supposed to mean?” “Nothing against either of you. But Carolyn finding happiness is no guarantee that we’ll be happy together.” She sighed. “We were happy together, in case you’ve forgotten.” “We were happy because I was deceiving you.” “And now you aren’t.” “But what about our children? What about us? Right now you don’t have to deal with my curse, but if you wanted us to 57

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always be together, you’d have to agree to forever much more literally.” “Drinking your blood?” “You might not even have to. A lifetime of sex could do the job for you.” He looked right into her eyes. “You might rise as a vampire no matter what we do.” Melissa looked unsettled. “You see? It wouldn’t be a matter of making a choice. It would already be made for you. Carolyn would rise as a vampire if someone killed her tonight.” “What?” “Vampires rarely have sex without a little blood. I daresay she’s already infected.” “Lucky her, then. She can be with the man she loves.” Her words sounded bitter and juvenile, but he knew it was because she was hurt and angry. “I am willing to do anything for you, be anything for you. Why can’t you understand that?” “Because I’m a stubborn bastard.” He started to say something else as he moved toward her, but he stopped when he felt a stabbing pain in his eye. He groaned and turned away. “What is it?” “Just a pain. I need some of my pills.” He stumbled to the fireplace and opened the bottle. He popped two pills and turned back to her. “Please go now.” “I’m not leaving while you’re in pain.” “I’ll be fine. I always have been.” “I’m staying anyway.” “Fine.” He grabbed his pills and stormed out of the room. “You won’t see me again for two days though.” “I’ll wait.” 58

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“Yeah, right,” he said under his breath. He kept listening for over an hour. He finally relaxed when he heard her car pull away. He didn’t know if she’d come back that night or not, but he locked the basement door anyway. The only way to end his pain was to take his pills, then transform into a wolf and sleep. He knew he wouldn’t hurt Melissa in that form, but part of him still wouldn’t let her in. It was one thing for her to know he was a werewolf and another thing for her to see him as a real wolf. But he knew their bond would never be broken. Even if he never saw her again, she was his true mate. Someday, he would have to let her in because they’d never be truly one until then. He put on his collar and transformed, pushing his own anxiety about making things right with her away as sleep took him. **** Sean emerged from the basement groggily. His headache had finally gone away, but his dreams had been full of Melissa. He hadn’t been able to get rid of her scent. He needed coffee and a cold shower. He nearly screamed when he saw Melissa sitting at the kitchen table, wearing one of his shirts and eating a piece of cold pizza. “I thought you left,” he growled. “Nope. The pizza guy came and went, but I haven’t moved.” She met his eyes pointedly. “In two days.” “Don’t you have a life?” “Not without you.” His head was still full of the sensual dreams that had haunted him for the past two days. “You should leave.” “Because you’ll throw me out if I don’t?” 59

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He looked at her with blazing eyes. “Because I might not let you leave if you don’t.” “I’ll take my chances.” She stood up and walked over to him. “I might finally get what I want.” The look in her eyes set him on fire. “I’m tired of talking about what you want.” “What do you want to talk about?” she asked, leaning in close. “What I need.” He swept her up into his arms and kissed her with all of his pent-up emotion. She clung to him desperately, and he realized what a fool he’d been to constantly push her away. She was what he needed, the only woman who could make him happy. He wanted to spend his entire life and afterlife with her, and only his own fear had kept him from believing her when she’d said that was what she wanted too. She would never leave him or reject him. She’d proven that, and that had been all he’d needed to finally crumble all his defenses. He loved her, only her, and she loved him. He felt complete with her, and he felt safe with her. He could trust her as he’d trusted no other. He’d found his true love, his soul mate, his ideal lover. And he could feel her love for him in her kiss, see it in her eyes as her hands roamed all over his body. He carried her into the bedroom and laid her down on the bed. He was very grateful she wasn’t fully dressed because he wasn’t sure he had the patience for many buttons and zippers. His hands ran over every inch of her greedily as he kissed her. Her sighs and moans were driving him crazy. Her hands reached for his zipper, but he pulled away. She shook her head. “We can go slow later,” she said huskily. 60

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She finished releasing him from his pants quickly. His cock was hard and it throbbed in her hand. She stroked him as she pulled on his shoulders to bring him closer. He ran his hand up her thigh. She was wet and ready. She groaned when his thumb brushed across her clitoris. “I love you, Melissa,” he said. “We’ll make this work.” She nodded, then smiled and said, “Now make me come.” He thrust into her. She felt amazing. She wrapped her legs around his waist, and he rode her hard, never taking his eyes off her. She came apart around him, and he slackened his pace to draw out her pleasure. Then he thrust deep into her. She gasped as he came. He collapsed on the bed and pulled her to him, holding her very tightly. After a few minutes, he said, “You know what finally convinced me?” “What?” She looked into his eyes as if she might see the answer there. “The way I felt when I thought you’d left. I finally understood what a bastard I’d been, how selfish I’d been.” “I’ll never leave you. I love you. Nothing could change that. I should hope you see that by now.” He ran a finger across her cheek and moved a stray lock of hair. “I do. I’m sorry for causing you so much pain. I thought I was only hurting myself.” “Let’s not think about any of that anymore. It’s in the past. Now we have to look to the future.” “There are going to be some bumps in the road.” 61

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“I think we can handle that.” She ran her hands over his chest. “I daresay they’ll be worth it.” He kissed her softly. “They certainly will be. Hope you like forests.” She laughed. “They do have a certain appeal.” She pulled him on top of her. “Can’t beat the privacy.” He nuzzled her neck. “You do get a little loud.” She hit him playfully, then rolled him over so she was on top. “That’s it! We’ll see who howls the loudest this time.” She inched down between his legs and began stroking his cock, which was already hard again. He groaned as she took his cock into her mouth and down her throat. She knew every inch of him so well, and she drew his pleasure out. When he could hold back no longer, he came and she lapped up every drop of his hot juice. She kissed her way up his body and snuggled into his arms. He held her close, wondering why he ever let her go in the first place. He kissed her neck, enjoying the sweetness of her skin and the soft sighs that signaled her arousal. He moved down to her breasts, licking and laving them, toying with her nipples with his teeth, making her tremble with desire. Her scent surrounded him, and when he dipped his head down to taste her sweet pussy, he went mad with desire. Her cries drove him on as he laved her clitoris with his tongue and moved his fingers in and out of her wet pussy. She tasted so good, and her cries of pleasure brought him a satisfaction unlike any other. “Sean,” she whispered. “Please come inside me. I want both of us to come.” 62

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He slid into her hot core quickly, and her pussy caressed his cock deliciously. He looked down into her eyes as he brought them both to orgasm. She was so beautiful and abandoned when she came apart in his arms, and he savored every cry as he nibbled at her lips. As she slept in his arms, he knew how much he needed her. She hadn’t given up on him, and she never would. She deserved an eternity of happiness, and he planned on giving her exactly that.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR Susan M. Sailors is the editor of Shadows of the Night. She lives in Knoxville with her husband and her cats Motley and Shadow. Her favorite writer is H. P. Lovecraft, and Peter Davison is her favorite Doctor Who. She began writing erotic romance in early 2005, but she’s been writing paranormal fiction since she was twelve.

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