by Megan Parker
Tiger Dynasty Publishing
Lions’ Pride Press (Imprint)
www.tigerdynastypublishing.com
©Text Copyright 2013 Megan J. Parker
Edited By: Kristina Gehring
All rights reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, or stored in a database or retrieval system, without the prior written permission of the publisher.
Cover Art by
Megan J. Parker for EmJay Art
This is a work of fiction. All characters and events portrayed in this novel are fictitious and are products of the author’s imagination and any resemblance to actual events, or locales or persons, living or dead are entirely coincidental.
“Serena, I’m here for you,” Devon whispered as his warmth filled my body and I sprawled across the bed.
I drifted into unconsciousness as Devon’s features washed over my vision one last time before I lost myself to the pleasure. His voice fell into the back of my mind as the warmth spread between my legs. My fingers clutched the sheets as his warmth turned into a blaze of passion and I knew I wouldn’t last much longer.
Then it ended.
I sat up, covered in sweat, and glanced around the empty cabin. My sheets were still damp with the essence of my dream and I sighed longingly, though no one was there to hear it. My chest ached as I reacquainted my mind with the memory of the last year. I glared at the glass of water next to me and lifted it, throwing it across the room. The shattered pieces glistened in the moonlight drifting through the window and I felt my chest tighten.
“Devon…”
~1 YEAR AGO~
I knew this was a mistake.
I could never go back.
“Serena, if you turn your back on us now. You are no longer welcome within these walls!” Gregori snarled at me.
He was nothing more than Gregori to me now. “Father” was meaningless to me.
“I don’t care! You killed Mom! You and your cursed clan are dead to me!” I growled, cursing the tugging emotions for trying to betray my anger for sadness.
“Serena, do you—“
“Don’t bother, Gregori!” I hissed out his name and I caught a glimpse of agony in his eyes before I turned away and left.
The city streets were empty around this time and I sighed. Sadly, even the clubs were dead. I could’ve used a dance or two; at that point I would’ve even left with one of the first guys that harassed me.
I felt warm tears fall down my face and I let my sadness overcome me as I fell into the cold arms of the alleyway. I fell against the brick building and cast my gaze upward as the tears flowed freely.
The shadows were my savior.
“You are beautiful,” a soft, male voice whispered from the depths.
I turned my face and quickly wiped my tears away, replacing them with a mask of confidence. My eyes adjusted to his features and I gaped for a moment. He was tall, lean…
…and hot.
His hair was brown and was tied behind his back, his bangs hung over the most gorgeous green eyes I had ever seen. I felt a blush creep up on my face and I growled at my carelessness.
“You looking for a show, big boy?” I smirked, running my tongue across my fang. Who cared if he saw what I was? Let The Council take me!
His eyes beckoned to me as I stepped forward without even realizing it. He smiled a moment as he watched me. I felt the heat rising and I smirked, licking my lips again habitually.
“Well? It’s not polite to make a lady wait,” I grinned.
“Indeed.” He stood up, his eyes looking determined as he stepped closer. “You don’t need to hide your emotions. I won’t judge you.” He smiled warmly, “I won’t hurt you either.”
Damn, his words struck a chord more than they should have. I fell forward and was embraced in his warmth. His arms wrapped tightly around my waist and I felt myself sinking further into this stranger.
He was the warmth I needed.
As we stood in the alleyway, time seemed to stop and I felt myself losing all my strength.
“I’ll take you to my place,” He whispered in my ear.
Even his words were warm.
I could only nod against his chest; I could barely find my own thoughts let alone words to respond. He began to carry me.
“H-hey! I can walk!” I grumbled, struggling a moment.
“I know.” He chuckled as he continued to carry me and I felt another blush creep up my face. He made me feel so much and I didn’t know how to react to it.
The city streets weren’t filled but as we walked down the sidewalk, I caught glances of people walking by who were staring at us. I looked at a group of girls who giggled and I realized they were staring at him.
“Are you always this popular with the girls? Or seeing you with a new plaything makes the other toys jealous?” I forced my usual banter, looking up at him.
“Maybe a bit of both.” He shrugged it off, his eyes focused only on me and I realized he hadn’t even noticed the others.
“You know what I am, yet...you don’t care?” I frowned, biting my lip.
“I should, shouldn’t I? Especially since I hunt your kind.”
I froze and glared, beginning to struggle more in his embrace and his arms only tightened around my body. The bastard! I hissed and continued to struggle from his grasp and finally I was freed. I rushed away from him, running through the streets as a flash of lightning pierced the sky.
The rain began to pad the streets as I continued forward; I couldn’t go into overdrive here.
As I found myself drenched and panting in another dark alleyway, I smirked at the irony. At that rate, I would more than likely end up living in one.
“There you are!” I heard heavy breathing and I glared over at him as my purple aura began to wrap around my hands.
“I won’t hurt you!” He stepped forward, glaring as he added, “I only wanted to help you.”
“Yeah! Like I’m supposed to believe that! You used my emotions to try and capture me! You are the worst!” I glared, hissing as my aura faded slightly.
Suddenly, the lightning struck and he moved forward, grabbing my waist and bringing me into his chest.
His lips found mine.
For a moment, I thought I had been struck by lightning. My lips began to move on their own, matching the pace he set in this uncomfortably passionate kiss. I grabbed onto his shirt for support. The rain came pouring down on our bodies as we continued. Even the cold rain could not squelch the inferno within his arms and I felt myself begin to succumb but for the first time, it wasn’t my hunger.
And in this stranger’s embrace, I succumbed.
“You don’t need to let the memories come, Serena. It’s not your fault.” Devon hovered by me and caressed my back with his warmth.
I sighed and looked over at him, his aura was so warm against my back and I desperately wished I could feel his touch. He smiled down at me and I felt comfort in just his gaze.
“I DON’T JUST—” I started to yell but forced myself to stop. Finally, certain that I could control my tone, I sighed heavily and went on, “I don’t just remember the pain,” I smile up at him, “There were a lot of happy times too, you know.”
I felt his gaze on me as I closed my eyes and exhaled as I fell back against the bed.
Continuing to focus on the memories and hoping I’d motivate them into dreams, I slipped back into sleep…
~6 MONTHS AGO~
“Devon! Let me go!” I laughed as he carried me from the club and out the backdoor.
“No way! You are going to pay for what you did in there!” He laughed and gestured to the bulge in his
pants.
“Not my fault!” I pouted, licking my lips as the moonlight illuminated his features. “He seemed lonely on the dance floor. I figured he deserved a little dance.”
He had let his hair down today and it was wild. Even as a human, his eyes seemed to glow as he watched me and I smiled. His lips caught mine and we were lost in our passionate frenzy once again. It was our six-month anniversary and since then we’d spent all our time together in his cabin outside the city.
Our relationship continued to soar to new heights. I was afraid to admit it, but he made me feel something I had never felt before.
“Devon! What are you doing?” A voice called out and I looked over, seeing two men and one woman step forward dressed in military-style gear.
I took a cautious step back and hissed, instinctively sensing the danger. I shot a glance at Devon, trying to see into his mind but he had already put a mental block up.
What the hell was going on?
“Why are you here? I quit months ago!” He glared, standing protectively in front of me.
“Yeah... We were wondering about that. Now, we see some fanged cunt is to blame,” one spat out.
I watched as his fists clenched and shook from the pressure, the calmness in his voice resounding with a greater energy than their curses.
“Did you come here just to die?”
There was a mutual shudder between the four and I could see why. I had never seen him like this. Despite the seriousness of the situation, I couldn’t help but smirk. His strong side was sexy. His posture was rigid but his eyes were filled with promises of exactly what he could do. I shivered instinctively and grinned.
I was so going to rock his world later that night.
"Run along now, bitches. Practice kissing your hands and maybe one day you fuckers will have some trim all your own" I zeroed in on one of the men with a face like a brick, "You might want to get used to your hand, though I'm guessing that's not a stretch.”
Devon gave me a quick glance that told me not to involve myself any further before glaring at the group that turned and started off. I watched as the woman stopped and turned.
“Is this really what you want?” she asked.
Sensing where this was going, I hissed and started moving forward. Devon’s arm shot out and stopped me.
“Yes, I choose her. I’m sorry, Kristine.”
I frowned as I watched the hunter step under a light by the exit to the club that we had walked through. Her dark hazel eyes burned with malice. She had black hair that just barely covered the nape of her neck and her skin was tan. It was like staring at my complete opposite; her desperate and serious eyes contradicting my smug and condescending own.
However, those serious eyes mirrored Devon’s perfectly. I suddenly questioned myself.
Was this jealousy?
I hated it.
She glared over at me, before turning back to Devon. “We could’ve had so much more. What sort of a future could you have with her?” she hissed.
“That’s enough, Kristine. I’ve made my decision,” he glared; his voice was deeper than usual.
I frowned and looked down, realizing she was right. I held my arms at my side and kept my eyes to my feet. What sort of a future indeed?
Eventually, the bitch must’ve left. Satisfied that we were alone, Devon turned to me and his arms wrapped around my waist as he tilted my face to his.
“I’m sorry about that. You don’t need to worry about them anymore. I promise.” He smiled, running his hand across my cheek.
I felt the tears in my eyes and I realized then how afraid I was. It terrified me knowing that when I was with him, I became so emotional and fragile.
The old me would have said I was becoming weak.
“Are you all right?” he asked.
“Yeah...I’m fine.”
He took me in his arms as we started back to the cabin. Walking in silence, I was thankful that he didn’t ask any more questions.
“Serena, are you all right?” Devon’s voice brought me back and I looked over at him.
I could feel the worry radiating from his aura as he floated beside me. He continued to watch me and I frowned, knowing he was hurting just as bad as me. I was being selfish. “I’ll be ok. We’ll find a body for you. I promise.” I forced a smile.
“Just not like before.” His ghostly features twisted into a frown. “Just not by force. You know I don’t like killing.”
I didn’t answer and looked away. He couldn’t get full control of a body without me killing the person.
“I promise.”
~3 MONTHS AGO~
“All right! I’ll go to your party...shindig-thing.” I sighed and looked over at Devon, laughing. “What exactly is this for?”
“You’ll see,” he smiled, shaking his head. “It’s a surprise.”
I sat and stared down at the long, purple dress he had laid in front of me. It was beautiful and looked expensive. I sighed and lingered on it before looking over at him.
“You sure this is okay to wear?” I asked, “I might ruin it.”
“It’ll be perfect on you. Now, meet me there at 7PM. I told them I’d be there a bit early to help out.” He leaned down and kissed me before heading out.
I sighed, looking back at the dress and smiled. “Be gentle, it’s my first time.”
As I prepared, I continued to wonder what this was for. He’d explained that his parents set this up for his birthday. I frowned, chewing my lip for a moment, would his parents like me?
It was the first time I’d ever cared about making an impression.
Though I’d never admit it, Devon had been right; the dress fit me perfectly.
I headed out of the cabin, seeing a limo waiting for me and I gasped.
“Living in a cabin all this time, I’d have expected a pumpkin.”
Spotting no fairy godmothers, I ducked into the limo and we set off; my nerves beginning to get the better of me.
His birthday must have been very important and I was worried that I wasn’t fit for the part.
We reached a massive, elaborately lit ballroom in the middle of the city and the limo eased to a stop. Wow, his parents spared no expense to this one. I was ready to turn and head back to the cabin as the door opened and I was lead out. The driver handed me a black-lace mask and I nervously nodded my thanks before slipping it on.
It made me feel more comfortable at least.
As I entered the ballroom, I couldn’t help but gape. It was lit up and an orchestra played up at the stage. In the center, a large chandelier dimmed as I walked through the room. The music slowed and the crowd parted before me and created a natural path to Devon under the chandelier. I saw Devon; his hair tied back and wearing a finely tailored suit that fit him like a second skin.
As I joined him by his side, the guests spread out for us as they watched him take my hand and lead me into a slow dance. I clumsily stepped on his foot.
“Sorry...” I pouted; maybe dance lessons should have been in order.
“Never waltzed before?” he asked.
“Does it show?” I blushed.
He smiled and pulled me in closer as he waltzed me around the dance floor, I felt like I was floating as he led me to the stage.
He stood in front of me, his dazzling smile making me feel that same warm comfort as we stood in front of the crowd. He pulled a small box out of his pocket and I held back the gasp as he dropped himself onto one knee in front of me and placed the ring on my finger.
“Serena, I love you. Will you—“
And then the room went bright.
The light overwhelmed me a moment before the sound knocked me back. The panicked survivors began to clamor out the door. I turned away from the exit to find Devon several feet away, sprawled on the floor, dazed from the chaos.
“Let’s go!” I cried out as a large, burning pillar began to collapse towards us.
Devon shot forward and shoved me off the stage as the pillar crashed down on him
and pinned him to the stage. The meticulous suit that I had been admiring a moment earlier quickly took to the flames and his body was engulfed in the fire.
I heard his cries and at that moment, I realized I was sobbing.
Somewhere between clutching my eyes from the horrific scene and daring to peak at the horror, I found myself outside.
Sirens and cries filled my ears as I froze, sensing something familiar. Kristine! I felt my rage match the building’s blaze and I tore the hem of my skirt to free my legs and rushed through the crowd in overdrive.
I caught up to her quickly and slammed her against the brick building, shaking a few of the weaker bricks loose.
“You!” I growled and drove my fist into her cheek, the shattering of her jaw and her pained shrieks fueling me further. “YOU KILLED HIM!”
“You will feel his pain!” I cried out as my aura wrapped around her body and squeezed her. She screamed and tried to struggle against my hold and I laughed through my tears. “And you will feel my pain!” I cried as my aura grew.
“Serena!” Devon’s voice called to me.
My eyes widened and I spun to meet his voice, hearing Kristine hit the ground as I released my grip. I cried out, watching as my aura warped and twisted against my will and began to take his shape.
He floated forward and the same warmth engulfed me as his hand reached out and stroked my cheek. “Rage is so unbecoming to you.”
Despite everything, I felt my body calm and I dropped to my knees.
“Serena, it’ll be okay.” Devon’s ghostly figure shifted to meet me at my level. His familiar warmth filled me. “Let’s go to the cabin...”
“B-b-but...how? What happened?” I whimpered, looking up at him.
“I don’t know,” he smiled his same reassuring smile and the calming warmth rippled through me once more, “I just knew I needed to be with you.”
I sighed and shook my head pushing away the memories and turned my attention to Devon donning the mask of confidence.
