by Victoria Zak
The front door busted open and startled her. RC rushed in. “Charlee, you had me worried sick.” He hugged her tightly.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you.” Stepping out of his embrace, she wiped her wet cheeks with the back of her hand.
His big strong hands framed her face. His eyes darkened with worry. “What’s wrong? And don’t tell me nothing.”
“I needed to come home.”
“Darlin’, we’ve talked about this. I was going to bring you here.”
“I know, but this is something I needed to do on my own.”
“Charlie, you can’t just go topside by yourself. It’s too dangerous.”
And there he was, coddling her like she was helpless. Since she’d turned, he’d been shielding her from danger, things that didn’t even exist. She wasn’t allowed to leave the compound unless he was with her. Some days, it felt like she couldn’t breathe. She needed her own space and purpose in this new life.
She took a step back. “For the past two weeks I’ve been cooped up in your bedroom. I’ve waited like a puppy for you to come home day after day. I’m not allowed to go anywhere on my own. I feel like a caged bird, RC. I have new wings and I need to fly and explore.”
She waited for his response. He stood with his hands on his hips, his jaw tight.
“You can’t protect me all the time.”
“Don’t you think I know that? Hell, Charlee, it kills me that I couldn’t save you.” He pinned her with a hard glare. “I did whatever it took to keep you, and I’d do it all over again if it meant you staying in my life. I can’t live without you.” His voice cracked.
She watched him walk out the front door.
That didn’t go well at all. Looking up, she exhaled, calming her frazzled nerves. All she was asking for was space. Time to figure this shit out.
Charlee walked outside and onto the front porch, where RC was sitting on the swing. Her heart dropped as soon as their eyes met.
“I’m sorry. What I was trying to say didn’t come out like I wanted it to.”
RC reclined in the swing and motioned for her to sit down next to him. He wrapped his arm around her and she nuzzled against his warmth. “I had dreams before all of this happened. And now I’ve lost them all.”
“Not all. I have something in my pocket for you.”
“Oh, you do?” Charlee raised a brow.
RC reached into his front shirt pocket and pulled out a white envelope, then handed it to her.
“What’s this?”
“Open it.”
Peeling open the envelope, she took out the tri-folded paper and began reading. Her mouth dropped open. “Are you serious?”
RC smiled. “Yep.”
“You bought me a bakery?”
“Well, it needs a little elbow grease, but the building is solid and spacious. I thought we could whip it into shape, together. I know it’s not the ranch, but—”
“I can’t believe it.” A tear slid down her cheek.
RC turned and faced her, concerned. “Baby, I didn’t mean to make you cry.”
She shook her head. “RC, you’ve made my dream come true.” She wrapped her arms around his neck. “Thank you.”
“I’d give you the world if you wanted it.”
Charlee slid back and gave him a suspicious glare. “This building wouldn’t happen to be located in the area you patrol. Would it?”
RC scratched the back of his neck, avoiding her question.
“Good, because I expect you to come by and see me on break. I’ll make sure I have those strawberry cupcakes you like.”
RC slid his hand behind her neck and pulled her close. “I love you, Charlee Brysen. I’ll make this work for us.”
“No, we’ll make it work, together.” She claimed his lips, kissing him passionately.
Even though she’d been through hell and back, her life felt complete. She had her cowboy, with extra benefits, forever, a bakery, and a new life.
A chill snaked down her spine. She wished her skin pricked for RC, but the twinge was pure evil. He’d always be there, hunting her through the shadows.
20
Mace watched from his limo as the happy couple kissed under the moonlight. It wouldn’t be long before Charlee would feel his wicked presence, which was exactly what he wanted, to strike fear, forever making her look over her shoulder wondering when he’d come for her. The problem was he grew impatient. That one taste of her lingered on his tongue and left him craving more.
He pulled out his cell phone and punched in a number. It was time to settle a long overdue score. Did she really think he’d forget about her and what she’d done to him?
“Yeah.”
Years had passed and her voice was still as smooth as silk, enticing like a fine wine, and sunk in straight to his soul.
“Selene.”
There was a pause. He heard her suck in a deep breath and hold it.
“How did you get my number?” Selene asked.
“It doesn’t matter. You knew I would find you eventually.”
“Mace, I’m in no mood for bullshit. What do you want?”
“Did you really think I wouldn’t find out?”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“The girl you turned. Ms. Brysen?”
There was silence.
“I wanted to thank you for that. I regret not turning her myself. She’s divine.”
“You leave her out of this. It’s me you want and I won’t allow Charlee to become one of your pawns. I made her. She’s mine.”
Mace laughed. “She’s yours? Well, I’m sitting in my limo right outside her ranch. She’s with her cowboy. It’s a shame I’ll have to crash the party. She’s coming home with me tonight.”
“Bullshit.”
“Have you forgotten? My blood runs through your veins; the same blood now runs through hers. You knew I would find her. Maybe you wanted me to find you. Is that true?”
“Fuck you!”
“Aw, love, it’s time you came home.”
“I should have put a bullet in your heart when I had a chance to.”
“Regrets are a bitch.” Mace ended the call with satisfaction. He’d gotten under her skin. Now the fun begins. He smirked.
Mace opened the car door and silently made his way to the front porch where Charlee and RC were sitting on the swing. He clapped his hands, congratulating the couple. “Bravo, I’ve always loved a happy ending.”
RC bolted from the swing, sneering at Mace. Before RC could make a wrong move, Charlee stopped him by grabbing his arm. “What do you want?” RC seethed.
Looking surprised, Mace held his hand over his chest. “Ms. Brysen, you haven’t told your cowboy the news.”
RC looked at Charlee. “What is this asshole talking about?”
“RC, I should have told you sooner, but I couldn’t.”
“Tell me what?”
“Oh, this is good, really good.” Mace grinned.
Charlee glared at him and his cock hardened. He couldn’t wait to get his icy hands on her.
“RC—” Charlee began to tell him, but their attention was drawn to the front yard as Selene materialized.
She approached Mace and his breath caught in his chest as she stood in front of him with her hands on her hips. “Selene.”
There was an awkward silence.
“Will somebody please tell me what the hell is going on?” RC called out.
“RC,” Selene drawled. “Meet my maker.”
“What the…?” RC stepped down off the porch and approached Selene and Mace. “That means this asshole will forever be tied to Charlee.”
“RC, calm down and take Charlee home. And don’t you dare be mad at her about this. I’ll take care of it.”
“We’re not leaving here without you,” Charlee said as she joined RC.
Selene shot her a glare. “Leave now. I command it.”
RC and Charlee reluctantly walked to his truck and left.
“As for you,” Selene tipped her chin to Mace. “I want you to leave that girl alone.”
Mace took a step closer until he could feel her breath on his skin. “I’ll leave her alone on one condition. Leave Roman and his half-breed fuck-ups and come home to me.” He ran his finger down Selene’s neck, feeling her swallow. “Because I’m such a nice guy, I’ll give you time to think about my offer.” He grabbed her chin. “Don’t make me wait long.”
He walked back to his limo, adjusting his suit jacket. He loved playing these cat and mouse games. In the end he’d get what he wanted; he always did.
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About the Author
Victoria Zak is an internationally bestselling author in Paranormal Romance and Scottish Historical Romance. Her first book, Highland Burn was runner-up for the InD’tale 2015 RONE award for best paranormal romance.
Victoria Zak lives in the sunshine state with her husband, two beautiful children, and three furry friends. Living in paradise, being a stay at home mom, and to be able to share her stories has been a blessing.
Victoria loves to hear from her readers. You can connect with her through the links below:
@VictoriaZak2
VictoriaZakAuthor
www.victoriazakromance.com
[email protected]
Books by Victoria Zak
Guardians of Scotland Series:
Highland Burn
Highland Storm
Highland Fate
Highland Destiny
Hell’s Cowboys Series:
My Immortal Cowboy
Kindle Worlds - Kathryn Le Veque’s World of De Wolfe Pack:
De Wolfe’s Honor
Highland Burn
Will Love’s Flame Quench the Dragon’s Fire?...
The past never stays in the past, it rears its ugly head eventually. James the Black Douglas knows this all too well. With a past that has left him vengeful and his dragon blood thirsty, his reputation as a ruthless warrior haunts his enemies in their sleep. As his allegiance stands with Robert Bruce, the King of Scotland, he must now repay a debt to the king and agrees to marry his daughter, Abigale Bruce. The problem is he doesn’t want a wife. When flames start to burn out of control between him and the auburn-haired lass, he must decide to either kindle the flames of passion or shelter her from the truth and set her free.
It’s What Shines in the Dark That Brings Forth Your True Light...
Determined to keep his daughter safe and out of the hands of the English, Robert hides Abigale behind the safe walls of a nunnery. After eight long years of living her life in seclusion, Abigale is finally set free. But her new found freedom comes to an abrupt halt when she learns of her betrothal to the infamous Bogeyman – James the Black Douglas. She soon finds herself falling in love with the uncontainable and haunted man. Is her love enough to soften his hardened heart?
Highland Storm
Can passion weather the dragon’s storm?
The only true pleasures in life Conall Hamilton yearned for were to marry a good woman, raise a family, and hide away into seclusion to live a normal life away from battle and war, not an easy task for the Dragonkine warrior and Clan Douglas’s second in command. Assigned to investigate an allied clan, he vows upon his return to marry his love, Effie. That’s until the Dragonkine warrior finds himself accused of a crime he did not commit, murder. Imprisoned, he must find a way to escape not only to save his own life but to save the life of the woman he loves.
In time the past will catch up with you…
Effie Douglas is a survivor. Though not born a Douglas, Effie leaves her old life behind to seek safety within Clan Douglas. For five years Conall Hamilton has been her secret lover and savior, helping her pick up the pieces of her damaged past. Hiding the true nature of their relationship from their clan had become a burden for the red-headed lass and now she desires more. She wants Conall’s name. When Effie is summoned home, she is plagued with unwanted memories, treachery, and new found information that will change her life forever. Will Effie have the courage and strength to weather the storm that rages around her?
Highland Fate
She was his saving grace.
The Red Hawk, warrior chieftain of Helmfirth, is an overbearing, dominating dragon who strikes fear in his enemies, until one day a nemesis dares to test his limits and attacks Hawk and all that he holds dear. With one foot in the grave, Hawk finds himself inside the walls of Dunfermline Abbey and his life at the mercy of Sister Kate. In repaying a debt for saving his life, Hawk accepts Kate’s proposal. Will her proposal be the death of him or save him from a terrible mistake?
He was her fall from grace.
Growing up in Dunfermline Abbey, boundaries and vows have kept Sister Kate safe until a wounded red-headed Highlander in desperate need of her help turns her guarded life upside down. The lure of this man brings out a side of Kate long suppressed, and she yearns to leave the Abbey in search of her true self. There’s one problem; she can’t make the daunting journey through the Highlands alone. She needs a Highlander with exceptional skills and she has her eyes set on one—Hawk.
Highland Destiny
Rory Cameron, an alluring Dragonkine Highlander, has enjoyed his days as a womanizing beast. But lately his sexual appetite has been unfulfilled and he must have the mate he has not yet discovered. When he finds himself in the arms of Kenna Mackenzie, his hope is fulfilled. Can he contain the flames of love until his mate realizes he is the one for her, or will one mistake cost him his whole world?
Kenna Mackenzie must protect her future son at all costs—Scotland depends on it. Running in fear from her betrothed, she finds herself secluded deep within the great glen, far away from the likes of men. When she least expects it, a dragon swoops into her life. Feeling the burn of the seductive flames, will Kenna embrace the fire between Rory and her—or will she flee again?
My Immortal Cowboy
Will you be ready to serve when Hell’s Cowboys come for you?
There’s a new sheriff in town. With his coven torn apart by corruption, vampire Roman McCoy leads a posse deep underground to prepare for the battle of their lives. His newest recruit, cowboy RC Reid dies after a bull ride and awakens to a new world with vampire benefits. He now could be the key to taking down the vampire king of Diablo, Texas. Torn between the fanged advantages of his new life and the memories of his old one, there’s one thing RC can’t leave behind, Charlee.
Charlee Brysen lost everything the day a bull killed the only man she’ll ever love. But that’s not the only thing that vanished, so did her dreams for college. Now she’s about to lose her family ranch and will do anything to save it. Stripping for cash, her life is flipped upside down when RC waltzes into her club and demands a lap dance. Besides being dead, there’s another little problem; he has fangs!
As the King of Diablo tightens his icy grip on the coven, Charlee’s life hangs in the balance. RC must save her, but will their love be stronger than blood?
DeWolfe’s Honor – A World of De Wolfe Pack Novella
Honor knows no bounds when it comes to love.
The youngest son of the de Wolfe pack, Thomas de Wolfe, is an honorable knight, who prides himself in sustaining his family’s courageous, legendary name, but in wolf fashion. After a tragic pilgrimage to the Holy Land, Thomas returns home to England a changed man and ready to fulfill his beloved Tacey’s dying wish; to protect her daughter, JewelAna’s, true identity. In order to keep his honor, he must sacrifice his own happiness and deny the alluring pull between him and JewelAna. How long can Thomas keep his oath before the tether that hol
ds him back breaks, unleashing his wolf and his desire to claim his mate?
Destined to become a princess.
Pure-blood Welsh princess, JewelAna de Shera, grew up believing that she was born into the legendary English house of de Wolfe, until one day a jaunt into the marshlands of Wales awakens a sleeping malice that reveals a different story. Her true identity is laid bare when a persistent dragon, Fáfnir Wend Draki, comes to collect what is rightfully his; JewelAna. Can she convince Thomas to break his oath and claim her as his own before his wolf is destroyed by the dragon’s flame?
