Kram released a shaky breath, holding her tighter. “No.” It was hard for Marlena to get a full answer from him, and she would have to fight it out of him.
“You scout out the ones who will destroy the woods?”
He shook his head, and his body shivered as she scooted even closer to his naked form.
“But I saw it.” Her long fingers tapped against her leg. “The human girl came into the woods and killed me.”
“That’s right.”
“And then…”
“No and then.” He paused and stared up at the ceiling. “I go after the ones who call to me first, who I know will destroy you.”
Marlena’s lips parted and for the first time in her life, she was at a loss for words. “But you don’t even like me.”
“I’ve always liked you, Marlena.” He smiled, almost sadly. “You’re the one who thinks I’m dirt beneath the snow.”
“I do think that.” She had always thought that.
He nodded and let out a heavy breath as if he had said too much. “Do you still?”
“No, not as much.” Her tone was gentle and she looked at him, for the first time truly looked at him. His blue horns were shorter in this form, his lips pursed together, his large pointed ears tipped out from his long white hair. They were all only features, but his dark eyes that she always believed to be ones of a demon, didn’t feel that way any longer. The glassiness of the color reflected everything she needed to see.
“Perhaps,” Kram asked, “one day you might like me?”
Before she fully stood, Marlena knelt in front of him, placing her hands on his shoulders. She pressed her lips against his and held them there for a long moment, feeling the warmth that she didn’t know was possible.
“Perhaps,” Marlena said and pulled away. She walked to her nest with a smile on her face and a vengeance in her heart to not only protect the woods, but also to protect Kram.
Marlena would wait for him to come to her in her nest, where she would look forward to discovering what new and magical warmth they could create together next.
Dearest Clementine,
I’m piecing this book together for you now. I didn’t know if I would be able to give it to you or not. Truly, I did not. But I found you, and it wasn’t me who saved you, was it? You had already done it alone—defeated Bogdi. You reached within yourself and produced the fiery flames that had always been there, burning his demonic soul to ash. All I had to do was unlock the door to let you out. Last night was one of the most profound moments of my life, not because of your kisses and touches but because in the end, we figured out a way to beat Bogdi while being apart. Your heart may be a bit darkened now, and I may be missing a part of myself, but our love is stronger than ever. These stories were all for you, and one day, I hope to read the tale that you plan to write me.
Always Yours,
Dorin
Did you enjoy Dearest Clementine: Dark and Romantic Monstrous Tales?
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Be sure to check out Clementine’s story to Dorin in Dearest Dorin: A Romantic Ghostly Tale!
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Check out Candace’s other books!
Glass Vault Duology
Quinsey Wolfe’s Glass Vault
The Bride of Glass
The Laith Trilogy
Clouded By Envy
Veiled By Desire
Shadowed By Despair
Faeries of Oz Trilogy
Lion (Short story prequel)
Tin
Cursed Hearts Duology
Lyrics & Curses
Dearest Dorin: A Romantic Ghostly Tale
Lullaby of Flames
A Layer Hidden
Hearts Are Like Balloons
Bacon Pie
Acknowledgments
I’ve always wanted to do a collection of stories that involved aspects of horror entangled with romance. They are just two of my favorite things ever!
As always, I’d love to thank all the readers who read this book. Hopefully you guys found as much enjoyment reading it as I did writing it!
I’d also like to thank Alexa Whitewolf with her awesome editing skills and K.M. Robinson for putting a beautiful cover together that matches these stories perfectly!
Donna Weiss, Gerardo Delgadillo, Amber R. Duell, Amber Hodges, Victoria Robinson, Patricia Thibodeaux, Kattie Sivley, Erica Burden, S.G.D. Singh and Elle Beaumont. Thank you guys so much for taking the time to read my story early and helping to make it better!
What would a world be like without those we love? So Nate and Arwen, always remember that you two share my heart! Mom, you’re always there when I need you, and I love you!
To everyone else who thinks horror romance should be a thing, then I crown you with multiple cool points for believing that monsters can love too!
About the Author
Candace Robinson spends her days consumed by words and hoping to one day find her own DeLorean time machine. Her life consists of avoiding migraines, admiring Bonsai trees, watching classic movies, and living with her husband and daughter in Texas—where it can be forty degrees one day and eighty the next.
Connect with Candace:
Website: https://authorcandacerobinson.wordpress.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/literarydust
Twitter: https://twitter.com/literarydust
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/literarydust/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16541001.Candace_Robinson or ignore that and just try searching for Candace Robinson!
Dearest Clementine: Dark and Romantic Monstrous Tales (Letters Book 1) Page 14
