Longfellow Series: Books 1-4 (4-Book Bundle)
Smashwords Edition
Copyright © 2014 by Melissa F. Hart. All rights reserved worldwide.
No part of this book may be replicated, redistributed, or given away in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, without the prior written consent of the author/publisher.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.
http://www.melissafhart.com/
Books in the series
The Secrets of Longfellow Castle - Volume 1
Lessons at Longfellow Castle - Volume 2
The Eye of Longfellow - Volume 3
Longfellow’s Legacy - Volume 4
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Synopsis
Book One: The Secrets of Longfellow Castle
University student Sophia Marshall has always been fascinated with Longfellow Castle and the rumors that it was once the home of vampires. A shy and innocent virgin, she decides to make the historic old building the subject of her thesis paper and dares to ask the current resident for an interview. Logan Longfellow is handsome and charming, and invites Sophia in for a guided tour and possibly a bite. Passion, love, and lust abound as Sophia discovers the dark secrets that Logan has been hiding behind the walls of Longfellow Castle and he shows her a part of herself she never knew existed.
Book Two: Lessons at Longfellow Castle
Logan Longfellow was able to keep the secret that he was a vampire by living as a recluse and living a peaceful existence. Everything changed however, when he fell in love with Sophia Marshall, a student at the university, and now he can’t imagine being without her. When her best friend Michelle Greene was attacked by Logan’s enemy and turned into a vampire herself, Logan realized it would threaten everything he held dear, unless he could teach Michelle how to control the impulses and powers of being a vampire. He takes the young vampire under his wing and provides her with the lessons she needs, but a new set of problems arises as Sophia grows jealous of the time he spends with her. Will these lessons save them all, or ruin them?
Book Three: The Eye of Longfellow
Michelle Greene feels powerful and alive now that she’s become a vampire and is eager to teach what she has learned to her boyfriend, Clyde Mason, as they become apprentices for the evil Peter Longfellow. They are being watched however, by the Eye of Longfellow; a powerful jewel owned by the good and noble vampire, Logan Longfellow. Alongside his girlfriend, Sophia, Logan will do what he can to turn the young vampires from the side of evil to the side of good in this erotic adventure, filled with action, suspense and passion.
Book Four: Longfellow’s Legacy
The great battle between the good and noble vampire, Logan Longfellow, and his evil cousin Peter comes to a head in this exciting tale of erotic passion and suspenseful action. Will Sophia Marshall be the innocent victim of their fight, or will she succeed in helping Logan save the home of his ancestors, not to mention the lives of their friends and the entire town where they all live? Everything depends on the outcome of this family fight and who will be the winner of Longfellow’s Legacy.
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Table of Contents
The Secrets of Longfellow Castle
1 - Chapter One
1 - Chapter Two
1 - Chapter Three
1 - Chapter Four
1 - Chapter Five
1 - Chapter Six
Lessons at Longfellow Castle
2 - Chapter One
2 - Chapter Two
2 - Chapter Three
2 - Chapter Four
2 - Chapter Five
2 - Chapter Six
The Eye of Longfellow
3 - Chapter One
3 - Chapter Two
3 - Chapter Three
3 - Chapter Four
3 - Chapter Five
3 - Chapter Six
Longfellow's Legacy
4 - Chapter One
4 - Chapter Two
4 - Chapter Three
4 - Chapter Four
4 - Chapter Five
4 - Chapter Six
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The Secrets of Longfellow Castle
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Chapter One
Sophia Marshall’s hands were trembling as she reached out for the ornate brass knocker on the heavy front door. Embarrassed by the foolishness of her anxiety, she shoved her hands deep into the pockets of her jacket and forced herself to take deep calming breaths.
Get a hold of yourself! It’s just an ordinary house with ordinary people. She recognized that her fear was just an automatic reaction brought on by a lifetime of hearing rumors. Ever since she was a little girl, she’d heard the scary stories about Longfellow Castle and how the people who lived there were vampires. It was a silly superstition passed around by school children and told at campfires for a thrill. The stories were nothing more than that, and Sophia knew that more than anybody.
She’d spent her entire senior year at the university researching the history of Longfellow Castle. She knew everything there was to know about the architecture of the magnificent building, the genealogy of the family who owned it, and the social history of how the rumors of vampires and fears of the townspeople had grown into the legend it was today. She had decided to write her thesis paper on the subject. With any luck, it would earn her an “A” from her professor and allow her to graduate with a degree in Societal History. She’d been working on the project for months, and the only thing Sophia had left to do to make her thesis paper complete was to interview the residents of Longfellow Castle.
Sophia realized that her trembling wasn’t because she feared the house, as much as it was fear of not being let inside. No one had seen or talked to anyone in the castle in years, and the owners were notorious for keeping their privacy. If she could get an interview with someone who lived in the castle, it would practically guarantee her an “A” on her paper, and an internship at the Institute of Societal History, which had been her dream career for as long as she could remember. If they turned her down, she would be heartbroken.
What if they tell me to leave? What if they won’t even open the door? Sophia took a quick inventory of herself to make sure she was presentable, hoping that would help convince them to talk to her. Her school uniform looked proper, with black tights covering her long legs, oxford heels on her feet, a pleated light-gray skirt grazing her knees, her white cotton blouse neatly pressed, and finally her black school blazer with the university crest emblazoned on the front. Her auburn hair hung to her shoulders in soft waves, her creamy skin was clean and fresh, and her blue eyes sparkled with intelligence and excitement. A notebook, pen, and recorder were tucked under her left arm. Sophia realized she was as ready as she could be; now she just had to go for it!
Taking a deep breath for courage, she reached out a second time for the knocker on the front door and sounded it firmly against the solid wood. It echoed through the walls as loudly as her heart beat in her chest.
Long moments passed without any movement within the stately castle, and her excitement began to fade. Sophia sounded the knocker again and heard it vibrating through the walls once more, but that was all. No footsteps could be heard coming to the door.
She waited for several long minutes, then finally turned away from the door with a disappointed sigh and started down the steps to go back ho
me. The sun had just set over the hills in the distance, and it was a brisk evening. She pulled her blazer more tightly around herself as a sudden gust of wind hit her, and the movement made her accidentally drop the items she’d been holding under her arm. They fell down the front steps, scattering papers from her notebook everywhere and shattering her recorder.
“Damn it!” Sophia cried, and tears of frustration welled in her eyes.
“That is a pity. Let me help you,” a deep male voice said softly from behind her.
Sophia stifled a scream of surprise and turned to see an incredibly handsome man standing in the doorway of the castle. He was very tall, with a lean yet muscular build, and appeared to be about thirty years old. He had blond hair that hung to his shoulders and pale blue eyes. The moonlight made his skin appear so pale it was practically luminescent.
No wonder people think the Longfellows are vampires.
The man saw her smile and took it as consent of his offer to help. He quickly joined her on the front steps, grabbing her papers before they could all blow completely away.
“Thank you,” Sophia said, as the handsome stranger handed her the pile he’d retrieved. A frown creased his brow as he noticed the documents included articles about the castle. Sophia knew she’d better explain quickly. She extended her hand and put a warm smile on her face. “I’m Sophia Marshall, a student at the university. I’m writing a thesis paper on the history of Longfellow Castle. I was wondering if I could interview you about the house and perhaps take some photographs.”
“No pictures! No interviews! I did not suspect you were another vampire groupie, or I wouldn’t have helped you! Now get off my property!” The man was suddenly enraged. He swept toward the door, preparing to slam it shut in her face.
Impulsively, Sophia shoved her notebook into the crack of door, just in time to block him from being able to shut it completely.
“Wait!” she cried. “This isn’t some article for the gossip magazines about vampires. This is a legitimate thesis paper on the architecture and social history of this castle! It’s beautiful! It’s the most unique and long-standing home in this entire town and I’ve always loved it! I wanted to study its history, know about the people who built it, and let people come to appreciate it and know that it’s not something to be feared and rumored about. Please, don’t lock me out!”
The man paused and widened the crack in the door enough to look at her. His gaze was penetrating and Sophia felt awkward under his unblinking stare, but she held her head high and let him appraise her. She had no hidden motive, and she wanted him to know that. After a moment, he opened the door fully, stepped back and indicated for her to enter with a sweep of his hand. “Okay, I’ll consent to an interview, but no photographs. I’m Logan Longfellow, the last surviving heir of this castle. I’ll tell you everything I know. Please come in and have a bite.”
Sophia’s heart was pounding in her chest as she crossed the threshold and the door latched shut behind her. She knew this moment was going to change her life, but she had no idea just how much.
Chapter Two
Logan Longfellow was intelligent, witty, and charming. He led Sophia through the castle, room by room, telling her about each one as they went. The rooms were even more beautiful than she had imagined they would be, but it was the rich memories that Logan shared with her that had her utterly enthralled. His stories made her laugh and cry and gave her an even deeper appreciation for the castle and newfound respect for the people who lived there.
Logan was impressed by Sophia’s knowledge of his home and the intelligence of her questions. It was obvious she’d spent a lot of time researching the subject, and he wondered if she didn’t know more about his childhood home than he did. At first, she scribbled notes on her pad as quickly as her fingers could write, but soon her research was forgotten and they talked as two friends would when both were deeply passionate about the subject they were discussing. It had been such a long time since Logan had talked intimately with someone; he hadn’t realized how hungry he had become for companionship. He drew his stories out, wanting her to stay as long as possible.
“Is the fireplace functional?” Sophia asked, admiring the brickwork of the large fireplace in the upstairs library, but noticing that it was cold and barren of any ashes. She could imagine residents from long ago warming themselves by the fire on cold winter days as they read the books that lined the walls.
Logan shook his head sadly. “No. One year a little girl was found dead and drained of her blood in the woods near the castle. The police never found any cause to suspect my family, but the rumors that we were vampires were well established by then and without any true suspects in the case, my family was blamed by many of the townspeople. The girl’s father swore vengeance and one night he climbed onto the roof and collapsed several of the chimneys in an attempt to smoke us out. They were never restored and haven’t worked since.”
Sophia had read about the incident in her research, but seeing one of the actual fireplaces from the event brought it to life for her in a whole new way. The brickwork was beautiful and intricate. It was a pity to see it cold and unused. “I bet your family was relieved that the girl’s father was arrested for destruction of property.”
Logan shook his head. “You would think so, but Mr. Murray had been a beloved man in this town, and the death of his daughter made him even more so. The townspeople hated us more than ever after he was arrested, even though we’d asked the police not to press charges. When he was sentenced to jail, we feared a lynch mob would try and kill us all.”
“You talk as if you were actually there.” Sophia giggled, knowing the event had taken place half a century before Logan had been born.
He smiled at the sound of her laughter, and they were both relieved to have the serious mood in the air lightened.
Logan leaned in close, wanting to kiss her soft rosy lips, but suddenly caught himself and crossed quickly to the window where the curtains were drawn tightly closed. “That’s when the original fence was removed and a new, taller security fence installed. It wasn’t as pretty, but it worked wonders at keeping out unwanted guests.”
Sophia joined him at the window, disappointed that he hadn’t kissed her, and pulled open the drapes so she could peer at the fence with him. As they curtains opened, they were both startled to discover the night sky was just beginning to lighten with the coming dawn. The black sky was morphing into a deep purple, and lowest on the horizon, the first hues of fuchsia heralded the rising sun.
Sophia gasped. “Have we really been talking all night long? I can’t believe the time went so fast!”
“Me neither.” Logan looked alarmed. He quickly pulled the drapes closed and turned to Sophia with a look of terror in his eyes. “I’m afraid I must ask you to leave.”
“I know; I’ve got class in just a few hours!” Sophia said, rushing down the long staircase to the entrance hall. “Thank you so much for the interview! Is there any way we can continue it tomorrow night? There was so much more I wanted to ask you and your stories are so amazing. I’ve always known this was an incredible building, but talking to you has shown me that it’s much more than that. You’ve shown me that this castle is a home.”
Logan flushed inside. He had never intended to let this girl into his house or his heart, but he’d been impressed by her enthusiasm and drawn by her passion. He’d meant to give her a fast tour, maybe answer a few questions, then kick her out the door; but each question she’d asked was more intelligent and inspiring than the last. He’d felt moved to tell her in-depth stories about each room, which somehow turned into a heartfelt talk that had lasted all night long. Even now, he didn’t want to see her go, but circumstances dictated that he must.
Logan knew he should shut the door on her and never let her in again, but it was already too late. Just looking at her bright blue eyes, sparkling with hope, he couldn’t bear the thought of turning her down. She was so full of life and enthusiasm, that it was contagious. Being w
ith her made him feel, young, vibrant and alive in a way he hadn’t felt in a very long time. He wanted to see her again, desperately, even though he knew he shouldn’t. The risks to both of them would be too great, and yet he couldn’t resist the longing he felt to see her again.
Thinking only with his heart and not his common sense, Logan caressed Sophia’s cheek as he opened the door to let her out. “Be here right after sunset tomorrow night. I’ll cook you dinner and tell you enough stories to fill ten thesis papers.”
“Deal!” Sophia said with a happy squeal as she bounded out the door.
She met him again the following night, and the night after that, and then every night that week, staying from sunset to sunrise every time.
They couldn’t get enough of each other’s company, and quickly gave up the pretense that she was still gathering research for her paper. They had fallen in love and wanted to be together as much as possible, although that proved difficult at times.
Sophia had classes during the day, so it was fine that Logan only wanted to meet at night, but she wasn’t getting enough sleep and it was beginning to take a toll on her.
“Don’t go yet, the night is young.” Logan held her softly in his arms on the antique loveseat in his sitting room. They had been kissing, and her lips tasted so sweet and delicious, he wanted more. He knew she was still a virgin, so he took things slow with her, satisfied to just make-out and let her set the pace.
When she slid her hands up under his shirt to feel his hard pectoral muscles, he followed suit and gently moved his hands under her blouse to cup her breasts. They were firm and round, and she gasped with surprise at the sensation of feeling a man’s hands upon them for the first time.
Longfellow Series: Books 1-4 (4-Book Bundle) (Erotic Romance - Vampire Romance) Page 1
