by J. A. Saare
Table of Contents
Crimson Sunrise
Copyright
Praise for J. A. Saare
Dedication
Acknowledgements
Prologue
Chapter 1—Holiday Season
Chapter 2—Future Consequences
Chapter 3—A Million Little Pieces
Chapter 4—White Dust
Chapter 5—Character Traits
Chapter 6—Glimpse The Future
Chapter 7—What Might Have Been
Chapter 8—Father Like Son
Chapter 9—Linen and Honeysuckle
Chapter 10—Indigo
Chapter 11—Here and There
Chapter 12—Breaking Point
Chapter 13—Dreaming of Sleep
Chapter 14—Snow Flakes
Chapter 15—This One Thing
Chapter 16—In More Ways Than One
Chapter 17—Kitchen Faux Pas
Chapter 18—A Welcome Interruption
Chapter 19—A Parting Gift
Chapter 20—Caleb
Chapter 21—Full Circle
Chapter 22—Humility
Chapter 23—Never Let You Go
Chapter 24—Quinn
Chapter 25—Embracing Within
Epilogue
A word about the author...
Thank you for purchasing this Wild Rose Press publication.
Crimson
Sunrise
by
J. A. Saare
Copyright
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales, is entirely coincidental.
Crimson Sunrise
COPYRIGHT © 2012 by J. A. Saare
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission of the author or The Wild Rose Press except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.
Contact Information: [email protected]
Cover Art by Angela Anderson
The Wild Rose Press
PO Box 708
Adams Basin, NY 14410-0708
Visit us at www.thewildrosepress.com
Publishing History
First Black Rose Edition, 2012
Digital ISBN 978-1-61217-079-4
Print ISBN 1-60154-971-7
Published in the United States of America
Praise for J. A. Saare
“J. A. Saare has written a wonderfully romantic story in CRIMSON MOON. The characters are emotionally authentic and the writing is crisp with an exciting plot that is sure to pull you in and keep you captivated with every page. If you like stories with sexy, romantic heroes, strong, quick-witted heroines, and intriguing plot twists, then you'll want to read CRIMSON MOON.”
~Sophia, Fiction Vixen Book Reviews
~*~
“CRIMSON MOON offers the No. 1 thing paranormal romance readers need: a couple whose interaction leaves you with butterflies in your stomach. J. A. Saare has provided us with an irresistible example of deep, overwhelming first love.
~Chelsea, Vampire Book Club
~*~
“Not often in my reading journey have I come to experience something so very different from book to book as I have come to experience with J. A. Saare's writing…I believe this makes for a fantastic author, because you really don't know what to expect.”
~Rachel, Parajunkee's View Book Blog
~*~
“I love a book that takes you on a journey filled with emotion. CRIMSON MOON has all the elements I love in a good romance: smokin' hot alpha males, the constant threat of danger, heartbreak, surprise, delicious shmexy times...the list could go on and on!”
~Lisa Sanchez, author
~*~
“I also thought Saare's writing was spot-on, she was able to tie romance, the paranormal world and a fast paced plot line into a page-turning fun story. I can't wait for the second installment!”
~Tina's Book Reviews
Dedication
This book is for everyone who enjoyed Crimson Moon
and insisted on the second installment.
Thank you for your unwavering support
and continued generosity.
You are the reason I do this.
I also have to give thanks
to my very own personal hero
who takes care of the kids, helps with chores,
and has made it possible to pursue this dream.
Sweets, I couldn't do it without you.
Acknowledgements
I would like to acknowledge
my beta readers and critique partners
for aiding me in making this book
stronger than the first,
as well as my editor, Lill,
and her continued encouragement for
the trilogy.
Prologue
His teeth sank into my neck again and I cried out, raking my fingers into the freezing ground. He settled over me as he gorged, swallowing loudly, pulling the life from my body. Pushing against his solid chest, I reached for my only defense, pulling his energy into my body for a second time even as my arms became heavy.
I sent the power back out, unable to focus on where the energy released. His body flew up and to the right. I heard the impact as he connected with trees and branches and twisted my body around, until I rolled onto my stomach. I swayed on unsteady legs as I rose, unable to run, too weak from the blood
loss.
Blood trickled from the oozing wounds in my throat, pooling down my neck and shoulder, spreading into a decorative red stain in my cream colored sweater.
My shaking legs carried me to the fire pit when I felt the brutal impact of my assailant’s body as he brought me to the ground. I crashed into the cold earth, unable to brace myself. His large hands flipped me over a second time. He pulled me into his arms and yanked at the back of my nape until I revealed my neck. His teeth scored my throat a third time, the sensation as agonizing as the ones before, and the fight was over.
A deep sigh escaped me as he ravaged the skin on my neck, his teeth stretching the skin painfully, his mouth and tongue sucking at the wounds that would kill me. My gaze flittered to the dark sky above, and I mentally detached from the chill that had settled inside me, no longer suffering the bite of the bitter cold as the winter air and the frigid ground sapped away my body heat. The stars were out, the clouds giving them a reprieve for the night, twinkling and bursting in the sky. The blue surrounding them was familiar somehow.
Caleb.
The sky reminded me of Caleb’s eyes when he was calm and happy, the most precious and rare shade of the color spectrum.
My thoughts turned to the man holding me in his arms, knowing now was the only time I could reciprocate his love without fear of hurting him or the other person I adored. Decimus had been wrong. There was one true gift I could bestow, and it didn’t involve selling my soul.
My mind was slipping, memories becoming hard to latch on to, but I remembered the night he left, recalling the words he picked so easily from my mind. He knew I yearned for him, he knew I needed him, and he knew that if it weren’t for Caleb I would have come to him. But the most important words he glimpsed were ones that people always want to hear whispered into their ears or spoken at random, to remind them of just how cherished they are.
“I love you,” I mumbled weakly, watching as my breath turned to a white icy frost in the air.
Fear is pain arising from the anticipation of evil.
~Aristotle
Chapter 1—Holiday Season
Thanksgivi
ng is a time of celebration, togetherness, good food, and all around family joy...until you throw in a little werewolf angst.
Caleb’s parents Chris and Beverly, his best friends Derek and Sarah, and his sister Samantha, surrounded the crowded dinner table. Beverly went overboard in the kitchen, which didn’t surprise me in the least. She’d cooked a huge turkey, two hams, yams, green beans, okra, mashed potatoes and gravy, dressing, and freshly baked dinner rolls. An ornate platter situated in the center of the smorgasbord held an assortment of fruit, condiments, and raw vegetables.
The sad thing was all of the food would be gone by the time we finished. Werewolves have voracious appetites, and delicious homemade Southern food didn’t last long among them.
What had started as a joke had erupted into a heated argument. Sammie wanted to go with us to the Pit later in the evening, and her brother wouldn’t relent to her request, refusing outright. Derek decided to toss gasoline onto the fire, asking if I thought it was okay if she tagged along.
That was Derek. Always flaming the fire. His one true calling.
“I think she’ll be fine, we’ll be there,” I offered quickly, cramming my spoon with mashed potatoes and stuffing. I shoved the food into my mouth and chewed slowly so I wouldn’t have to defend myself.
Since I’d returned with Caleb from Scotland, I was continuously placed in the center of petty family squabbles and bickering. The old adage, pick your battles wisely, had never been so true. I wasn’t sure if this was the future I could expect as Caleb’s mate. If so, it was a good thing I was learning how to respond, duck, and get the hell out of Dodge.
“See, listen to your girl.” Derek smirked at Caleb, purposefully treading into dangerous waters. “She’ll be fine. Chill out, big brother.”
Caleb turned and looked at me, his deep indigo eyes flashing sky blue while his thick dark brows furrowed in betrayal. I bit my lip and shrugged, turning away to focus on my food. I couldn’t help it. I had to take Sammie’s side. She wasn’t a baby anymore, barely younger than me and a freshman in college. No matter what her brother wanted, she was growing up.
I glanced at her and couldn’t help but smile.
She was beautiful, and the mirror image of her brother. Her dark hair had grown, cascading in long billowy curls to her waist, and she was wearing make-up. Nope, definitely not a little girl anymore, maturing into a young woman.
“Why are you even going to that place? On Thanksgiving of all nights?” Beverly scowled, openly disgusted and disapproving of our after dinner plans. She hated Haven’s Pit with a passion, feeling it took her son away from her after he shifted for the first time. He used the place to tame his wolf while he retreated from his family and tried to come to terms with the fact that his life would never be the same again. Beverly had never forgotten that.
I didn’t blame her. The violence that took place beneath the bar was enough to make a hard-core street brawler cringe.
“Because Haven wants to give the two love birds here a present before they take off on their little trip.” Derek snickered, puckered his lips, and started blowing kisses into the air.
Sarah rolled her eyes and kicked him under the table. He yelped, narrowed his eyes, and growled in agitation.
“Jesus! What did you do that for?”
“I’m sorry. I thought I heard a rat.” Sarah grinned at me impishly, brown eyes twinkling in merriment, and I laughed softly.
We’d become close in our short time together, and I was grateful for her friendship. She was gorgeous, as usual. Her thick ink black hair had grown past her chin, the ends barely skimming her shoulders. I discovered she had chopped off her hair when she and Derek had split for a brief period. It was a werewolf’s way of mourning and sharing grief with their peers. It was a good thing she and Derek decided to reconcile despite his wolf’s lack of bonding. Her hair was too beautiful to remain short.
“That’s nice of Haven,” Chris said, adding more ham to his plate before following it up with a hearty helping of dressing. He and his son looked identical since Caleb had cut off his own hair. The only difference being a slight scattering of gray along the elder Blackney’s temple, so light you hardly noticed it.
“I can’t wait,” Sammie said excitedly. She twisted happily in her seat, a bundle of endless energy.
“You’re not going,” Caleb informed her before shoving another bite of food into his mouth, glowering at his sister from across the table. His body language said it all—the topic was not open for discussion.
Caleb used the Pit for one reason—to appease his beast. Going into the place for enjoyment didn’t register to him, and he didn’t want to think about or contribute to his sister stepping past the threshold.
“Caleb—” Sammie whined, batting her big baby blue eyes in his direction.
“You’re not going,” he repeated in a throaty snarl. “End of discussion.”
The table erupted into chaos again. Sammie and Caleb argued, Derek antagonized, and Beverly interjected. Meanwhile Chris, Sarah, and I shook our heads. The intensity increased, their voices lifting to the crown-molded ceiling, causing the pictures on the wall to vibrate and rattle.
Derek cackled mischievously between bites of food, his chocolate brown eyes traveling back and forth as he enjoyed the show. Sarah met my concerned gaze and arched a dark brow, sending a silent plea. I brought my hand up and rubbed my fingers across my eyes. Caleb wouldn’t relent and neither would Sammie.
I was going to have to intervene.
“Caleb.” I whispered his name.
He stopped snapping at everyone long enough to look at me. Derek, Beverly, and Sammie continued to go back and forth, which was good. I didn’t need an audience for this.
“Just let her go. What will it hurt? We’ll be with her.” I placed my hand on his thigh and squeezed my fingers ever so lightly. “If she goes with us, you can watch over her. Since we won’t see her again until Christmas, we should take advantage of what time we have together.”
His hand came down, his much larger fingers twining gently over mine. He glanced at Sammie briefly. His blue eyes darkened when they left her expectant face and returned to me.
“I don’t like any of us going there, much less her. You know that, Emma.”
“I know.” I attempted to look imploring. Sometimes begging is a good thing, especially when it can save Thanksgiving dinner. “But I think she’ll be fine. She’s not a baby anymore.”
“Don’t give me that look.” Caleb drew a deep breath. I could tell he was relenting, if only for me. He exhaled and shook his head. “If it will make you happy, fine, she can go. But she never leaves our sight.”
“What will make me happy is when we are finally alone,” I said softly, my meaning perfectly clear.
Caleb and I had done as we promised, spending time with my parents so they got to know the man who had bonded to their daughter, as well as returning here for Thanksgiving with his family.
Soon it would be our time together.
I broke eye contact, not wanting to embarrass myself. I had a hard time keeping my hands to myself around Caleb, and I didn’t want to entertain everyone at dinner by throwing myself at him like a hormone-crazed woman. Which in my defense, I would be. Werewolves did release pheromones when they bonded.
“I said fine!” Caleb shouted over the chaos.
I listened to the conversation, coming back to reality. That was another problem I had around Caleb—I daydreamed too much.
Derek grinned at Sammie and extended his arm across the table, palm up. “Pay up, little sister. That’s ten dollars you owe me. I told you he’d listen to Em.”
Sammie rummaged inside her pocket and produced a ten-dollar bill. She wadded the cash into a ball and threw it across the table. Derek caught it and smugly placed the money inside his pocket.
Caleb grumbled, shoved more food into his mouth, and I did the most sensible thing I could think of.
I didn’t say another word.
****
/> After dinner, I excused myself and hurried to the restroom to freshen up. The cool Tennessee air had caused my hair to tangle, and I ran the brush quickly through the unruly locks.
Raking my fingers along the crown and back, I began thinking. So much had happened in the last two weeks since Caleb had come to Scotland to retrieve me. I had moved back to the States, forsaking a potential life among my power hungry vampire relatives that would have kept me among them, and as much as I missed my parents, I didn’t regret leaving.
Not one tiny bit.
It was terrifying when I thought about the trueblood vampires and the future I’d almost been forced into. If Caleb hadn’t returned for me and challenged the vampire Prince Decimus Watts, I would have been forced to live out an eternity in the vampiric royal houses, doing God knows what...
The bathroom door opened, closed, and Caleb appeared in the reflection of the mirror. He lifted a finger to his mouth, indigo eyes crinkling mischievously, instructing me to remain quiet. I kept brushing, pulling more than half of the heavy length of my hair over my shoulder to remove any remaining tangles with the tips of the bristles.
Caleb walked behind me and wrapped his large arms around my waist. I let my hair fall to my shoulders and reached for his neck to pull him down. His breath was hot on my throat as he pressed a kiss to the rapidly pounding pulse along the vulnerable jugular vein, creating ripples beneath the surface of my skin. I closed my eyes and exhaled, going limp.
“Just one more day.” He breathed the words, bringing his lips to my ear while increasing his grip, holding me aloft.
“One more day,” I murmured in agreement. Dropping the brush onto the counter, I watched as it slid noisily into the sink.
He turned me in his arms, plush lips coming down hard and demanding against mine. I reached under his arms, fingers plunging into his back, nails scoring the cotton T-shirt protecting his skin. His lips parted and I ran my tongue along the lower one, teasing the seam of his mouth. He growled, pulling me snug against him, and pressed his hips firmly against my belly.
Our tongues touched, drifted apart, and started circling. His hands were rough as he lifted me by that fleshy piece of leg, hip, and thigh. I wrapped my hands around his neck, using my arms to pull myself up. My legs snaked around his waist, ankles locking together just behind his back. He used his free hand to bring my face closer, tender fingers wrapping into the hair at my nape.
