Voracious Vixens, 13 Novels of Sexy Horror and Hot Paranormal Romance

by Travis Luedke

  ~* * * *~

  The Rayne Estate, San Francisco, California

  The Mesmer couple simply stared at her when she appeared.

  Valentine placed her hands on her hips. “You Mesmers are always so antsy to wipe and replace memories, so now you’ll fill me in on why he did this!”

  Alexander stood up. “Why are you here?”

  “He wiped!” she shouted at them.

  They blinked their eyes at her shout.

  “Well?”

  Penelope cleared her throat. “It was for the best. He was changed—”

  “Yes, I know; I saw him last year.” Remembering his hateful glare and his beast-like appearance, Valentine released an aggravated breath. “I need to know what happened.”

  The couple gave her impassive expressions.

  “Oh no, don't you do that.” She stepped closer. “You will tell me!” Her skin marbled to a rose color.

  Penelope sighed. “It was too dominant of a memory and his power is so strong we couldn’t wipe him, when he asked. Honestly, if any of us even tried it? We could be killed simply from the backlash of his power.”

  “What?” Valentine was the one to blink at them now.

  “This was private, just between the two of you,” Alexander sighed.

  “Oh, yeah? Well, then, I should be let in on it,” Valentine scoffed. “Don’t you think?”

  “He arrived with you in his arms out of nowhere and he—” Penelope halted as her eyes filled with tears.

  “When?”

  Alexander gazed into her eyes. “More than a year ago.”

  “Who can help me?”

  He lowered his eyes.

  “Well?” she shouted. “What the fuck happened?”

  “We didn’t do the wipe,” he explained.

  “Then how?” Valentine stomped her foot.

  Pen sighed heavily again.

  Alexander took a careful step toward her. “I can let you see what occurred when he arrived, but he wouldn’t let anyone touch him.”

  Valentine stepped close and he took her hand. She closed her eyes and felt a jolt when she heard Payne’s voice.

  ~* * * *~

  San Francisco, a Year and a half earlier

  “I killed her!” Payne shouted.

  “Now, try to calm,” Alexander soothed. “She’s chimera and she’ll live.”

  Payne shook his head. “I never should’ve let it go so far.”

  Alexander calmly looped his hands behind his back and listened.

  “I’m not allowed this.” Payne gazed up at the ceiling. “Not allowed to love.”

  “Malias, you cannot pay forever,” the old Mesmer sighed.

  “What about the new dues to be paid?” He turned away. “I will forget her and leave her be, if she lives.”

  “Making deals?” Alexander asked.

  Payne didn’t answer the question. “I vow she’ll be free of this particular beast.”

  ~* * * *~

  Valentine opened her eyes and stumbled back. “What was he talking about?”

  They stared silently back at her.

  “I wish I could remember, then I would know why he just up and left me.”

  “I do know he went to visit both of his brothers.” Alexander smiled at her.

  Valentine gasped as hope sprung in her constricted chest. “Do you think...?”

  He shook his head. “We don’t know what occurred before he came here, nor after he left. He wanted you returned to your family.”

  “I hope I can find them.” Valentine made her way to the door.

  Alexander glanced at Pen. “I can bring someone in?”

  She turned back. “Who?”

  “My daughter, Alex.”

  “Please?” Valentine pleaded.

  “Manners?” A voice came from behind her.

  She spun around.

  The woman shimmered as though she were just an image. “Hello, again.” Alex smiled at her.

  “Did you see Pay...” she faltered, “Malias?”

  “He came and talked to Damon about leaving, so we would know about it.”

  “Did he say why?” Valentine nervously wrung her hands.

  Alex shook her head. “Malias?” She laughed and rolled her eyes. “Explain his actions to someone?”

  Valentine lowered her head.

  The glimmering Mesmer tilted her head at her. “You do love him.”

  “Yes, and I hate him with all my soul.” Her eyes glowed.

  “That sums it up perfectly!” The image of the smiling woman flickered. “He went to see his twin. I wish I could help more...” She disappeared.

  “I can’t locate anyone but Payne.” She turned to face the quiet pair. “You say that you couldn’t wipe him?”

  They silently nodded their heads.

  “Well, who could?”

  Alexander seemed to flinch.

  “Well? Someone did it!” Valentine marbled with her frustration. “And I need to know who!”

  “Go home and...” Pen sighed.

  Valentine froze as something occurred to her. “Oh!” she gasped. “Yes, he helped to end the cold war, I know him! But will he help me?”

  Alexander titled his head. “What do you mean?”

  “Grigori!” she answered.

  Alexander nodded. “Yes, but what you said about him?”

  “He brought Sabrina to me and helped to convince Gio to accept...” Her voice cracked, “Payne and I. He brought peace to the clans.”

  “And what did you have to pay him for this service?” He crossed his arms over his chest.

  “Pay?” Her brow wrinkled with confusion at the word.

  He drew his head back while his arms dropped down.

  Penelope gazed over at him. “Alexander?”

  “I’ve met with many souls while the centuries passed and have known the worst and best of humankind, of beastkind.” Alexander shrugged his shoulders. “And still, I am surprised.” He laughed.

  “Well, I know of one dastardly beast who is gonna get the surprise of his existence, when I finally catch up with him.” Valentine gave them a dazzling smile. “I thank you for all your help.” She went out through the doorway.

  ~* * * *~

  Ballatori Villa, New York

  Valentine searched everywhere and no one had seen the elusive Mesmer. She sat down at her brother's desk. I’ll just go and confront Payne. She lowered her head. But he doesn't even know me.

  “It would not be wise, my dear.” Rasputin stood in front of the desk.

  “Please help me!” she pleaded.

  “It would be near impossible to reconcile with him and especially if he had his memories of you.”

  “Why, what did I do wrong?” She swiped away a tear.

  “It was what he thinks he did.” Grigori shook his head.

  She stood up. “You have to tell me!”

  “Normally?” He rolled his eyes. “As if what I do was normal.” He shook his head at her. “I would never divulge such a thing.”

  Her shoulders slumped.

  “However.” His cold voice reached right into her head. You are his queen of choice.

  The lord of Mesmers stood still, not even touching her and her mind opened, as a cold chill rolled over her body and she closed her eyes.

  Valentine could see herself and Payne together in the bungalow and her body flushed at the images. But I remember this and nothing—her mind lit up and she saw herself.

  Her body rose ramrod stiff as though hit by a mortal wound and her skin rippled to a coral red. She dropped forward, releasing a breathless gasp and fell from his body.

  He caught her as she hung upside down in midair.

  Her eyes remained closed while her long streaked hair touched the floor.

  Payne instantly fleshed as he gently lowered her to the bed. He placed his ear to her chest, as she laid motionless on the bed. He felt for a breath from her lifeless lips.

  Her skin became an ivory white and the white streaks disapp
eared from her raven hair. Payne shook his head. “No,” he whispered low as he embraced her limp body and drew her to his chest. “No!” he howled as his face went ashen, his eyes glowing bright with rage.

  Everything in the room began to fly around as clothing and her bags drew up into a wind-whipped swirling vortex. The rugs ripped from the quaking floors and chairs splintered apart, the wooden pieces flying sideways while the door yanked from its hinges. The nails of the wood from the walls glowed with heat and rattled away from the wood to join the whirlwind-like funnel of power. Glass shattered and smoke puffed out from the spiraling pieces of flaming wood.

  Valentine gasped at the images while a jolt of shock shook her to the core. Finally, she knew why he did what he did. Everything stopped in her mind she crumpled to the floor and stared up at Grigori.

  “He will never forgive himself,” the Mesmer’s voice sounded cold and final.

  “I caused it!” She swallowed the misery with a swollen lump in her throat. He gave me up because he thought he’d hurt me! Her chest constricted with grief over how she’d treated him.

  “For a proud chimera like him, when he has ruled as a king for a thousand years?” He shook his head. “He would feel he was responsible.”

  Valentine stood on her feet. “Oh.” Dizzy, she grabbed onto the desk. “What can I do?”

  “His intentions were for your best interests.” His smile appeared cold.

  “Well, his best intentions were fucking wrong!”

  He stepped closer. “This may be the hardest case you’ve ever undertaken, Detective Valentine.”

  “How can I do it?”

  “Well, if we send you in there, you have to be convincing in your persona. We’d be attempting to fool a powerful near God-like creature and he would pick up on any lies immediately.”

  “You mean like when someone goes undercover?”

  He laughed with genuine humor at her naive comparison. “Yes, but to be convincing?” Grigori raised a dark pencil-thin brow, while his long thin finger touched to his head. “You need to go all the way under.”

  “Wait a minute!” She stepped back. “You mean wiping!”

  Grigori shrugged.

  Valentine bit down on her lower lip. How many times have I been wiped now? When I’ve tried to avoid it at all costs? “Okay, we do it your way,” she sighed with resignation.

  “There is no other.” He gave her a frosty stare. “You won’t lose everything; it’s not a wipe in the usual sense, in any case.”

  Valentine shook her head. “Grigori, I left usual behind me, the day I met Payne.”

  The Monk gave his cold smile. “First, we must visit Lycian.”

  “You mean Jack?”

  “Yes.” He clicked his tongue with disapproval. “Jack Wagner.” He rolled his dark eyes. “What a silly name for such a fearsome beast-warrior.”

  Valentine stared at him and a smile nudged at her lips. “Just how human are you, anyway?”

  Rasputin wore an innocent expression. “Why, whoever said I wasn’t human?” He winked at her. “Shall we travel your way or mine?”

  Valentine furrowed her brows. “Now, just what all is involved with your way?”

  The Mesmer Monk stared at her puzzled expression and let out the first laugh he’d released in at least three hundred years. “Oh, my dear, have you ever ridden on cosmic magic carpet?” He reached out and touched her with one lone finger.

  ~* * * *~

  Paris, France

  Valentine opened her eyes. They stood in a posh room as French music drifted in from the balcony. She gazed over at Rasputin and he grinned back at her.

  “What the hell are you two doing in my salon?” Jack asked from the doorway.

  Grigori shut his eyes and sighed.

  Jack rippled to marble instantly as he closed his eyes. “No!” he stepped back as his glowing eyes popped open. “I don’t like mind fuckers!” He glared at Grigori and grew in size. “And you should know better than to stick yours into my business!”

  A tremor pulsed through Valentine at the sound of his familiar Payne-like voice.

  Constance looked over at her husband. “But, Jack, she...?”

  Payne’s twin turned away.

  “There will be no war, Lycian,” Grigori whispered.

  He flipped around and was human again. “What?”

  Valentine nodded. “Sabrina is with Luke and it turns out, that was what he really wanted.” She smiled with a tremble to her lips. “She and I convinced Giovanni that we’re all family now. He was relieved actually, as he wanted a life without clans.”

  “Yeah?” Jack looked surprised. “Mergers as in-laws?”

  She nodded. “Everyone is responsible for themselves.”

  He sighed and pulled a hand through his dark hair. “I’ve waited a long time for this.” Jack studied her. “But—I won’t betray my brother.”

  “Then, allow him to have...” Her eyes filled up with tears. “A chance finally, for a life of his own.”

  Constance stepped close to him. “Remember our chance at that, Jack?”

  His entire austere expression fell away. “Yes, the sexy lesbian gun toting tracker, tracking me down?” He rolled his eyes with humor.

  Constance beamed at him as she nodded. “If I can be that tough, Sere—I mean, Valentine, can do it even better.”

  “He’s a mercenary.” His smile disappeared as he turned to Valentine. “He hires out through an unscrupulous agent. And, he only picks the jobs where he can kill as many as possible while helping some unfortunate humans.” His Victor-like eyes gazed into hers. “So, what skills do you have?”

  “Police and combat training, three black belts, arms training—”

  “Okay, okay!” He laughed. “So, you are qualified.” He turned to look at the famous Mesmer. “When you do this, though?”

  Grigori raised a brow.

  “There’s a guy she’ll have to see first. I will instruct him of the situation.” Jack raised a brow as an amused expression appeared on his face. “An unscrupulous agent and you can find him...” He shot a meaningful look at Constance.

  “Nando in Orlando!” She giggled.

  “Yes, in Florida, USA. He’s the guy we need.” A humorous smile spread out on Jack’s lips.

  ~* * * *~

  Orlando, Florida, Warehouse district

  Nando twirled the end of his pencil-thin mustache and sighed as he propped his alligator boots up on his desk.

  His well-built secretary sashayed her way through the door.

  He raised his appreciative gaze to take in her lengthy, tan legs.

  She stopped at the desk and leaned over, her breasts barely held in by her thin blouse. “Mister R?” she breathed out.

  Licking his lips, his gaze locked onto the pair of sweet delights which seemed to beckon him. “Mmm?”

  “Your two o’clock is here,” she sighed with a throaty sound.

  “Yeah, two.” He seemed frozen to his desk chair while his eyes feasted on her breasts.

  She giggled and her chest shook with a jiggle.

  He blinked and his gaze rose. “Unh?”

  “A client?” She grinned at his startled expression. “Is here to see you.”

  “Mmm, yes, Tiffany, yes.” I need more pleasure, not more business.

  His smiling, busty secretary went out.

  Nando watched her derriere as she exited, beautifully encased in a silk skirt. “I do love being home.”

  The door opened.

  Whoa, wait a hot minute here! He smiled at the stunning woman who stood in the doorway. Raven hair glinted from her head with a long silky ponytail. She wore a plain white men’s style Arrow button-up shirt, but filled it out like no man would be able to do. His enthusiastic perusal dropped further down, appreciating the way her dark slacks hugged her shapely hips. “And, what can I do for you, babe?”

  She didn’t smile back at him.

  “Oh.” His delighted grin disappeared when he realized who she must be.


  With a smooth, but cold ease, she sat down on the chair across from him. “I was referred to you.”

  Nando tapped his fingers on the desk while he studied her. “Well, you are a chick and it might be a—”

  “I’m more than just a chick. I’m also ex-navy seal, ex-cop with combat training.” She held him around the neck a small knife at his throat.

  Nando gasped with shock, as she was already on him with a strangle hold. “And fucking fast, apparently!” He gurgled and smelled the delightful scent of her hair.

  Letting go of him, she swiftly sat back down.

  Yeah, these beasts were deadly for sure. He remembered Jack and all those bloody invisible jungle kills. “Okay, I got a crew ready right now.” He rubbed at his neck with a wince. “So, what name do you go by while hired out?”

  She stared at him her expression impassive.

  “You know? Like a nickname or a made up moniker?” He chuckled. “I’ve heard some doozies too! I was always Nando from Orlando.” He winked at her and leaned forward.

  The new recruit opened her mouth to answer.

  “No, no, let me guess!” He bit his lower lip and studied her face. “Razor?”

  Her expression remained blank and she didn’t even blink.

  “Switchblade?” He pointed at her with an excited glee.

  “Valentine,” she answered in a steady tone.

  “Well, they’ll ride you about that one.” He grinned with amusement.

  “Fuck ’em, it's my name.” Her eyes narrowed.

  Nando chuckled nervously. “And, fucking is another sensitive subject.” He laid emphasis on the word. “Um—guys?” He placed his hands in front of him. “Well, you know how they are.” His placating tone rang overly friendly.

  Valentine’s expression remained emotionless, and then she gave him a bright smile.

  The effect was as if the whole room just lit up with her dazzling smile and Nando reeled from the magnetic beauty who sat in front of him.

  She leaned in closer as though she were going to whisper a secret.