CURSED (a gargoyle shifter story): A prequel in the Underground Encounters series

by Carlisle, Lisa

  Danton hmphed. “Perhaps her dark spell is diminishing with time and distance.”

  “And killing someone who reminded me of Veronique triggered my memories.” Lucan resisted a shudder as he recalled the pain before he remembered. “The memories clawed their way through the dark magic.”

  “If it is diminishing, maybe the curse might, as well.” Mattias’s eyes glimmered with hope.

  Danton released a slow exhale. “The mind is powerful. And more resilient. Perhaps it will be the first to recover.”

  During the flight back to Vamps, Lucan replayed the now vivid memories of Veronique. Tension strung his wings taut, affecting the smoothness of flight. Venomous acid coated his tongue. He swallowed the unpleasant taste and took slow breaths to calm himself.

  It was no use. The lust for vengeance burst anew as strongly as if he’d lit an explosive.

  He glanced at his brothers. He wouldn’t tell them, not after witnessing their concerned expressions.

  A glance at the shoreline below posed another issue. Finding Veronique would be a challenge—especially now that an ocean separated them. And, where she lived was still clouded by her dark spell.

  Oh, what a gifted witch she was, able to protect herself from retribution! And dangerous. Anyone who had manipulated magic for such dark purposes, had to be evil. Pure evil.

  Lucan clenched his hands into fists. How foolish he’d been to ever get involved with someone like that.

  Blinded by lust. He’d never allow himself to be fooled by a woman again.

  And never trust a witch.

  Raising his hands before him, he envisioned wrapping them around Veronique’s throat. She’d beg for mercy. He would give her none.

  No mercy.

  Are you okay? Danton asked Lucan.

  He glanced over. Fine. Why do you ask?

  You’re doing something strange with your hands.

  Lucan unclenched his fists and lowered them to a more natural position by his sides during flight. Just a tightness I’m stretching out.

  Danton nodded, but his eyes expressed doubts. Lucan pulled his gaze to the sky ahead and took deep breaths in search of calming the rising rage.

  It was no use. Veronique was a monster. She’d lashed out at his brothers, innocent bystanders who deserved none of her retribution. She didn’t deserve a second chance.

  Lucan kept his hands relaxed while he again pictured tightening his hands around her neck. Her eyes would bulge with terror as he squeezed every speck of life from her vile body.

  Perhaps, he was wrong to envision destroying her in such vivid detail, but he had long hours to think trapped in stone—cursed by her doing.

  One day, he’d find her and avenge her evil.

  No one could convince him otherwise.

  He would find her.

  And he would kill her.

  Danton

  Although he’d had reservations coming to the States, Danton grew accustomed to their new routine. Routines were steady and predictable, providing structure in a world with so much uncertainty.

  Thursdays through Sundays buzzed by quickly as Vamps swarmed with activity. After the weekend, things slowed down. Michel came after sundown to ensure a smooth operation of the club and then tended to other business ventures, including a rock-climbing gym.

  A skeleton crew of staff came on the days Vamps was closed. They cleaned and prepared for the next time the club opened.

  On a Thursday evening, a curvy woman with pink hair entered the club. Danton thought his stone heart thumped.

  She wore a black cardigan that was buttoned tight over full breasts and a vintage-style pin-up pink dress with black cats spread over the full skirt.

  Peering through the empty club, she called out, “Hello? Is anyone here?”

  Her voice called to him and he yearned to respond, but his stone form didn’t permit it.

  Would you look at the body on her? Mattias communicated from his stone perch. Damn, she’s hot. My stone is melting just being near her.

  Very nice, Lucan replied. I don’t think I’ve seen her here before.

  She hasn’t been here before. Danton snarled. He wouldn’t have forgotten her.

  Easy, brother. What’s with the attitude? Lucan asked.

  Good question. Why did Danton snap at them like that? Admiring beautiful women was one of the few activities that kept them occupied during the long hours on watch. When his brothers gawked at her, it engulfed Danton with dread.

  Michel entered the club from the stairwell that led to his office. His arrival came at the optimal time, a welcome distraction since Danton didn’t know how to explain his odd reaction to this woman.

  “You must be Tracy?” Michel asked her.

  Tracy. Danton repeated her name in his head.

  “Yes,” she replied and extended her hand.

  Michel shook it and apologized, “Sorry for my cold hands. I was checking inventory in the freezer out back.”

  That was likely not the truth, but he needed an excuse for his cold vampire skin.

  “Oh, no worries,” she said.

  “I’m Michel. We spoke on the phone. Come on, let’s go to my office.”

  They walked to the stairwell, and questions swarmed in Danton’s mind. Why was she going with Michel? What would they do alone in his office?

  Danton’s stomach seemed to roil. His body tensed with agitation despite being encumbered by the stone.

  What’s going on? Mattias asked. I sense your unease from across the room.

  I don’t know, Danton replied truthfully. I don’t know.

  Such powerful tremors vibrated over his stone, Danton thought he might shift.

  Why? Was she in danger? Was Michel feeding on her? An acrid taste coated Danton’s stone tongue like someone had poured a horrid drink into his mouth. The compulsion to shift bloomed.

  Danton attempted to transform to intervene, but his body remained frozen. That meant she likely wasn’t in danger.

  Still, he didn’t want to picture what they were doing alone.

  Your emotions are so strong right now, Lucan said. Is it jealousy?

  It could be. It was something Danton had never felt before, at least not this strongly. And most definitely not with a stranger.

  Perhaps. Danton remained on edge, watching and waiting. That was what he’d been doing for years, yet it had never felt so excruciating to endure.

  When she returned, would her hair appear disheveled, a sign of what they done? Danton didn’t want to look.

  Eons passed before Michel and Tracy emerged from his office.

  “It was nice to meet you, Tracy,” Michel said. “Looking forward to having you start next week.”

  Start? Start what? Danton dragged his stone gaze to her. Her hair appeared the same as it had when she’d entered, not a pink strand out of place. Was she going to work at Vamps? Ripples of excitement seemed to dance all over his stone.

  Was that what they were doing in Michel’s office—discussing a job? Danton laughed to himself over his unnecessary jealousy for a woman he’d never met. Of course, they’d discuss business in Michel’s office. He had never brought a woman in there to seduce them—or drink from her—since Danton had taken watch.

  “Thank you, Michel,” Tracy said. “See you next week.”

  Her voice was like a soft melody that wrapped around and caressed Danton.

  As she walked out of Vamps, Danton yearned to shift and follow her. He’d say something to convince her not to leave.

  She exited and there was nothing he could do to stop it.

  But she’d return next week.

  Hope flickered within. For the first time since he’d been cursed by this fate, Danton had something to look forward to.

  The following week, Tracy returned. One of the bartenders greeted her and had her follow him behind the bar.

  Look who’s back, Mattias noted with a gleeful tone.

  Careful, Danton responded. A growl simmered deep in his chest.

>   The possessive response returned. At least, he found some comfort in his earlier decision to take a position at the end of the bar. It allowed him to be close to her, and for some reason that soothed him.

  As the weeks went on, his anticipation grew. Tracy picked up bartending shifts and he knew her schedule. The nights she worked he burned with vitality. Being near her was enough to lift his spirits for hours on end.

  After the club closed and turned quiet, his thoughts turned to fantasies. Oh, the things he’d do to bring her pleasure if he was ever able to come to her as a man.

  One night when they were alone, she put her hand on his shoulder. His stone warmed with the heat of her silky fingers.

  “Hello, old friend.”

  Was she talking to him? A statue? Did she know he was alive?

  He waited for more. She didn’t give any indication beyond that friendly greeting.

  Over the next several weeks, she spoke to him more often when they were alone, like they were old friends. He learned she was a college student, going to school to be a teacher. She had a younger brother whom she worried about.

  And was dating a guy who sounded like an ass.

  Whenever she touched him or spoke, he yearned to respond. To reveal himself to her as flesh and blood—and alive! She gave no signs of sensing he could hear her, so it had to be an odd coincidence that she spoke to him.

  Or, was it something more? Could she be the one?

  His brothers had teased him initially. How odd she confides in you, Lucan pointed out. Like you have some connection.

  We do, Danton admitted. I’ve felt it growing for some time.

  What could he do about this inexplicable connection?

  What do you feel exactly? Mattias asked.

  Danton moaned. Agony. When she’s not working, my questions spike. Where is she? What’s she doing? Who’s she with? Is she safe?

  He ached to break free from the stone to check on her. Was the ass she was dating treating her badly again? What a jerk. Why didn’t this damn curse allow Danton to break free to ensure she was safe?

  If Danton was free, he would treat her like a queen the way she was meant to be. And he’d draw out all the sensual pleasure she could handle.

  That wasn’t what I thought you’d say, Mattias replied.

  Lucan grunted with a strange, strangled sound. I’m sorry, brother. I wish you were free to pursue her.

  It’s madness, Danton replied. How can I have developed such strong feelings for someone who doesn’t know I exist? A twisted trick of fate.

  One Saturday night, Danton and his brothers escorted an aggressive wolf shifter from the club. They warned him that his insistent pursuit wasn’t tolerated at Vamps, and if he exhibited that behavior toward the women again, he’d be banned. After the shifter skulked away, Lucan turned to Danton. “You have time. You’re free. Why don’t you go talk to Tracy?”

  Danton’s pulse quickened at that prospect. “It’s complicated.”

  “Why?” Lucan asked.

  “I’ve thought about countless scenarios with how our first two-sided discussion could play out. It’s not like I can reveal my true self to her.”

  Even if his wildest fantasy played out and she dumped the loser she was dating to be with Danton, it would be for what—a one-night stand? How could he explain why he’d disappear for days or even weeks at a time, when he’d in fact be right in the club beside her, but in stone form? If he’d ever lucked out with his interest in her returned, one night wouldn’t be enough. He couldn’t blow it.

  “Right,” Mattias agreed with the lopsided grin. “You can’t announce that you’re the statue she talks to. And, by the way, you’re a gargoyle cursed to remain in stone.”

  Danton’s ribs clenched and stomach felt hollow. “She’d run from me. I know I can’t do anything as foolish as that. And with our responsibilities at the club to lie low so as not raise suspicion, I need to be careful. I need to wait until the right moment. This isn’t it.”

  During her next shift, his torment increased. The guy she was dating came to Vamps. He appeared disheveled and already well-buzzed. He barely took note of Tracy unless he wanted another drink. She tried to convince him to slow down, but he grunted in response. While she’d shut down any other patron and call a cab, she caved into his demands. He slouched in front of the bar and drank. What a waste. Dread burned like acid in Danton’s stone gut.

  That’s her guy? Mattias pointed out. She could do so much better.

  Like be with Danton? He could dream it, but did it have a chance in reality?

  From what he knew about Tracy, she liked to help people. She cared for her brother. She was studying to be a teacher. Maybe she was trying to save her boyfriend, Brian.

  By the end of her shift, Brian could barely stand. He slurred as she helped him out.

  How could that drunken fool end up with a gem like Tracy? He doesn’t deserve her.

  But it was her choice.

  That truth burned him like the lashing of a thousand flames. Danton was nothing to her. She thought he was a piece of gothic decor that she considered a suitable sounding board.

  He had to ignore his feelings for her and let her live her life.

  But how? It wouldn’t be easy. How could he dismiss the way his stone seemed to ignite with vitality whenever she approached?

  Tracy entered the club with a distressed expression the following week. What bothered her? The question tormented him for several hours as the club filled up. Tracy tended to patrons’ drink orders and Danton remained at the edge of the bar, unable to ask her the question burning through him.

  It wasn’t until the bar closed and they had a moment alone, that she revealed her distress.

  “Why do I always pick the wrong guy?” She sighed. “I can’t believe he hit me. He swore he didn’t mean to and he was just drunk.” She snorted. “He swore it would never happen again, but I don’t know.”

  Fury roared through Danton. He attempted to break free from his stone cage, yet it didn’t budge. He unleashed curses in his native tongue in his tormented mind.

  His brothers had overheard Tracy and protested, asking why she’d date such a dick. Danton ignored them, not wanting to miss a word she said.

  “He doesn’t even remember,” Tracy added. “Should I give him another chance?”

  Don’t do it. He doesn’t deserve you, Danton silently implored her.

  She shook her head. “I need to stop this.” She motioned at him. “I sound crazy telling my problems to a statue.”

  No. Danton would go crazy if she stopped. Did a part of her—any part—sense the connection he was certain existed?

  Why couldn’t he have witnessed when Brian had threatened Tracy? Danton would have been able to shift and ensure Brian never laid a hand on her again.

  His stone vibrated with fury. Once again, Danton attempted to shift, and still, nothing.

  The agony of being unable to care for her gnawed at him like a metal screw boring through his stone. He couldn’t protect her now, but one day, he’d find a way.

  I promise you, Tracy. One day.

  Until then he’d continue to watch.

  Watch and wait…

  * * *

  A note from the author:

  Danton must wait for a while before he reveals himself to Tracy. Their story is in HEAT, book 5 of the Underground Encounters series. Can’t wait? Read HEAT now!

  In book 1, SMOLDER, the vampire, Michel, meets a firefighter, Nike, and the night turns fiery when the unexpected follows. If you like to read series in order, start with SMOLDER.

  Or, better yet, get the first three books in the series at a discounted price in the MELT boxed set.

  Read MELT now.

  Escape into a world of steamy paranormal romances set in an underground club that attracts vampires, shifters, witches, and rockstars. You never know who you’ll meet a Vamps!

  Here’s a sneak peek at what’s ahead! Each can be read as a standalone.

&nbs
p; • Book 1: SMOLDER (a vampire / firefighter romance)

  Ice blue eyes. Intense stare. Incredible accent.

  Vampire.

  Had I missed the signs?

  At the rock climbing gym, he's a harmless crush. But, when I run into Michel at an underground club, my reality and fantasy worlds collide.

  And my life is endangered…

  • Book 2: FIRE (a witch / firefighter romance)

  Opposites attract... and sometimes combust.

  Tristan avoids people due to his curse.

  He spots a woman dancing alone surrounded by an unusual glow. Who is she? Why does she have that power?

  • Book 3: IGNITE (a feline shifter / rock star romance)

  He's a computer geek by day, and rock star by night. How could she resist such a combination?

  But, her furry little secret could be dangerous. Especially during the full moon.

  • Book 4: BURN (a vampire / shapeshifter rock romance)

  A vampire on the run.

  A shapeshifting bounty hunter hired to capture her.

  Who will outsmart whom?

  If you like 80s rock and steamy paranormal romance, don’t miss BURN!

  • Book 5: HEAT (a gargoyle shifter romance)

  A gargoyle statue that's more than stone...

  Tracy isn't sure why she's drawn to a particular statue in the Goth club where she works.

  When her drunk ex threatens her after her shift, stone turns to flesh...

  • Book 6: BLAZE (a gargoyle shifter rockstar romance)

  A computer geek turned rock star

  When Mike finds a woman bitten, something wakes inside of him. He's compelled to protect her.

  One night with a crush Allana would never forget

  But, Mike did. The humiliation burns.

  He insists they leave Vamps. She wants to refuse, but he warns that she's in danger...

  • Book 7: COMBUST (vampire / witch romances)

  A vampire attack left Nike unbalanced caught between two worlds.

  Being asked to be a maid of honor should be a joyous celebration—

  But danger awaits...