Marcus' Mortal Embrace (Book 3) (The Supernatural Desire Series)

by Darlene Kuncytes

  Desmond and Abby had taught Avery to be kind and thoughtful, with a self-assured, yet gentle nature–whereas Luke and Kat had instilled in Jake a sense of independence and courage… not to mention his father’s mischievous side and his mother’s quick wit.

  The pair seemed so much older and wiser than their mere four years–but in a way that had the supernatural creatures around them completely drawn in and amazed. It was if they had cast a spell on the creatures of their world from the moment they were born–and it only continued to grow as they grew and showed everyone around them what unconditional love was.

  In the past four years, these children had begun to bring together the paranormal beings in a way that had surpassed everyone’s hopes. Witches, Weres, and vampires were learning to trust and accept each other–and it was a remarkable sight. Species that once hated and wished death upon the other–now could see the goodness in each other. There was even news of several inter-specie matings, and that was wonderful news to them all.

  Desmond had been appointed Ambassador… or President …or who knew what in the hell to call it exactly–but he governed the laws and grievances among their kind now. And he did it in his typical intimidating, yet fair and just way. He handled any problems that arose with Abby at his side, and it seemed as if peace was descending on them faster than they ever could have expected.

  Yes, there were still those darker forces that fought this whole change tooth and nail, but between Des, Luke, and Marcus–and the many others who had pledged their allegiance to the cause–their numbers were growing smaller. These three men had made it their mission to protect the supernatural beings with a vengeance–and that made this whole transition so much easier. The good ones out there knew that they were respected, protected, and accepted unconditionally. Desmond, who Harper jokingly called King of the Bloodsuckers, was a warrior by nature, as he had proven on many occasions.

  She knew that he hated being thought of as a king or a leader. He merely wanted to live his life with his family in peace. The same as they all did. Luke and Kat had made Harper feel so loved that the thought of leaving them was eating away at her…not to mention Marcus and Liz, and Abby and Desmond. This was her family, but she needed to do this. She needed to gain just a little independence from her family’s protection, and learn her craft.

  Harper leaned down when Avery lifted her arms up to her, thinking that she wanted to share one of their standard Eskimo kisses, and she was more than happy to oblige. Who didn’t love a good nose rub? But as Harper bent over so that she was face to face with her, Avery placed her delicate hands on her cheeks and stared into her eyes.

  “Why you leaving home, Hopper?” she asked softly, those damn Emerald depths of hers holding her prisoner.

  Harper gasped and pulled back slightly, completely thrown off guard. Avery had shown many different traits from both her parents, as had Jake–but this one? This was sure as hell new! How in Hades could this four year old read her thoughts?

  “You’re what?” she heard Luke growl from beside her, and inwardly groaned. Great! Just freaking great! She was so not ready to have them find out yet! Ugh!

  “Hopper wants to go away,” Avery informed him proudly.

  “Yeah!” Jake piped up, immediately agreeing blindly with his other half. If Harper hadn’t been so shocked, she would have found it quite cute.

  Harper rolled her eyes, and cleared her throat, trying to shoot Luke a quick smile. However, when she saw the mixture of hurt and fury in his expression, the smile immediately melted from her lips. Oh, shit!

  The last time she had seen such hurt in a Were’s eyes was four years before–when she had stupidly and immaturely hurt Caleb. She felt that familiar pang in her stomach at the thought of Caleb Storm. He had cared for her–and because of her damned temper–she had said things that she hadn’t meant and had chased him away. Now, four years later, he had started a new life with a new pack and never even asked about her when he and Luke spoke.

  “Harper Suzanne Bradford…” Luke growled between clenched teeth, his voice low and dangerously controlled, and she knew that he was angry as hell. She started slightly at being pulled from her musings of humiliation and regret.

  “Now…Luke,” Harper stammered softly–but he was having none of it.

  He stomped over and scooped up both Avery and Jake in one smooth, fluid motion, and turned toward the door. When he reached the entrance, he knelt down and set them on the ground. Kissing each of them on the forehead quickly, he eased them through the doorway. “Go and find your mom,” he instructed Jake softly, “your Aunt Harper and I need to have a little talk.”

  Jake nodded happily and took Avery’s hand, leading her away, and Harper found herself wishing that she could go with them.

  When the pair had disappeared from sight, Luke turned back toward Harper and studied her silently a moment, his amber eyes spitting fire.

  “I know that I couldn’t have heard Avery right,” he murmured, that predatory gaze of his holding her captive. Damn! Between Were’s and Vamps–she was a sitting duck! Who in the hell ever decided that these creatures should have piercing gazes that rooted you to the spot! Dumb-asses!

  Harper took a deep breath and regained some semblance of her courage. “I wanted to tell everyone together,” she stated quietly, yet her voice was firm and steady. She was not a child, for God’s sake. She was going to be a twenty-two year old woman in less than a month. It was high time she started acting like it.

  Luke seemed to consider this for a moment. Finally, after what seemed an eternity to Harper, he shook his head, his lips turning up into a smile. “Fine,” he replied, a moment before he trudged over to the bench and grabbed his cell. He hit a button and waited, tapping his foot impatiently. “Des, I need you to gather everyone together. Harper has an announcement to make.”

  Harper felt her heart sink to her feet. Oh, damn. This was so not going to be good. Shit up a pole!

  Please feel free to contact Darlene. She loves hearing from her readers! Here are her links:

  https://www.facebook.com/AVampiresSavingEmbrace?ref=bookmarks

  Amazon: http://t.co/crlnP5fvyH

  Goodreads:-http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7013486.Darlene_Kuncytes

  B & N:-

  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/Darlene-Kuncytes?store=allproducts&keyword=Darlene+Kuncytes

  Follow her on twitter@VampireEmbrace

  This book is dedicated to my wonderful brother, Den - who I miss so much every single day. He had a strength and love that touches me daily. His kind heart and gentle ways are terribly missed by everyone who knew him. The enthusiasm and love of life that he always had inspires me so much in so many ways. I love and miss you, Brother!

  There are so many people I want to thank for supporting me on this wonderful, crazy, amazing journey.

  First of all–my family: Deb, Sue, Nick, Chris, Erin, Audrey, and Sam, and our soon to be Norbert! You have encouraged me and loved me through all of this, and I could never thank you enough for that. I love you all so very much.

  To Sue, Angie, and Bobby–you guys are an amazing gift that I am grateful for every day. We are family, and I love you guys so much!

  Of course, Linda Boulanger who always knows exactly how I envision my covers, and goes above and beyond to get them perfect! She never fails to stun and thrill me! You are amazing! Such a talented, special lady and I am blessed to call you my friend!

  To my editor–Lisa Angel Miller, What can I say! You are amazing! Your energy and excitement rubs off on me when I need it most! You are my number one stalker and I love you for it! I am so lucky to have you as a friend and editor!

  To my assistant, Belinda Gallant, who always goes above and beyond for me and blows me away on a daily basis–all the while keeping me sane and laughing in the process! I am so blessed to have you in my life, and to call you my friend! You never feel as if you do enough, yet I can’t even begin to tell you how much you truly do, or how much I appreciate all tha
t you do! Your support and love means so much!

  To Crystal Clifton–my cheerleader, friend, and sounding board! You are always there when I need it!

  To Kelli Smith, for doing all that you do!!! And for making me laugh at all of your crazy antics! Who encourages me and supports me, and never lets me give up. You are my very own little ball of sunshine! You rock it sista! And I love your guts!

  To Julia Lake Mills, whose heart is enormous! You are a blessing and a friend that I am so, so grateful to be lucky enough to have in my life!

  To Theresa Johnson who taught me so very much-even when I frustrated the hell out of you! Thank you so much for everything!

  To Virginia McKevitt, who has done so very much for me from the very beginning. You have held my hand and helped me in more ways than I can count, and to consider you my friend is one of the best gifts I could ever receive. Thank you!

  To my Fey, who are an amazing group of sisters to me! My Queen Fey, Janna Ward… my God! You stepped up when I needed you most and have completely blown me away with your giving, loving, and amazing spirit! To Tess Quarles, who is there whenever I need you! To Crystal Clifton for always being ready to step up and be there for me. To, Belinda Gallant, Agnese Kohn, Charisse Hall, Sheila Isbell, Penny Brosze, Rene Mahood, Stacy Bradley, Jacklynn Sizemore, Lilian Jade, Kelli Smith, Karlin Green, Jennifer Prouse and Erin Kuncytes!!!!! Your selflessness and love is awe-inspiring. You girls are my backbone!!!! And, I would be so lost without you all! You girls keep me going when I feel as if I am running out of fuel – and you ALWAYS make me laugh! I adore you!!!!

  And, a special thank you to my nephew Chris–my “little bean” (Oh! He is going to kill me for that!) Chris, you are an amazing man, and I am so lucky to have you in my life! You are so strong and caring and I am so very proud of you!! Thank you for giving me the most amazing family! Erin, Audrey, Sam, and Norbert! (Yes! Norbert was all Christopher! We have a strange sense of humor in our family!!! But, trust me–he really won’t be named Norbert!!! LOL!) I know my wonderful niece Erin would never allow that!

  I hope that I haven’t forgotten anyone, although I am sure that I have. I have made so many wonderful friends on this journey, who I now consider family, and it means the world to me. You all are so special, and I adore you.

  Last, but definitely NOT least–to you, my readers. Thank you for falling in love with my crazy group of paranormals! Thank you for wanting more! And thank you for your love and support! Because of you–I am doing what I have always dreamed of doing, and I can’t thank you enough for letting me live my dream! Believe me, I know it is all because of you!!!

  Remember to always stay strong and rock it!

  ~Darlene