Nightshade's Bite (Blood Wars)

by Zoe Forward

  She gasped and arched her body into him. The bite detonated both of them into climax.

  The moment was clear to him. He couldn’t remember anything being so vivid and real as the knowledge of his love for her. He kissed over the mark, which designated her as his mate and the only female he wanted to be with. He wondered if her skin would heal overnight. With another werewolf, it was a magical mark that would remain for all of his kind to see, should she have her shoulders bared.

  If it disappeared, he’d take pleasure in renewing it on a nightly basis.

  He said, “There, it’s done. Now you’re mine. We’re mated…married.”

  “Oh, Michael…” She burst into laughter. “You’re not getting away with an alpha declaration of you’re mine and that’s it.”

  “I marked you. Means we’re married or whatever label you prefer to put on it.”

  She hugged him. “There’s going to be a party and a ceremony where you admit you love me, a vampire, a member of the species you hunted for centuries.” She compressed her lips as if stifling a grin. “We’re going to have to work on you hiding your oh shit face before the ceremony.”

  “It won’t be an easy road for either of us.” He traced the delicate lines of her chin down to her collarbones.

  “Seems neither of us have ever taken the easy path in life.” Her fingers tangled in his hair and combed it outward. “Thank God you didn’t cut it.”

  “There’s a lot we need to work on before any sort of ceremony. First, I’m going to carry you down this mountain and not let you out of bed for a week.”

  Epilogue

  Two months later

  Michael’s skin itched with excitement as he opened the doors to his library, into which he’d invited Lexan, Blay, and Finn. None yet knew Kiera survived, except Finn. No way they could convince the irritable shifter or his son to attend without knowing. The rest…hell, this whole thing was melodramatic. Part of it was done out of safety just in case there were spies in Lexan’s or Blay’s household. The other part was because he planned to enjoy shocking the hell out of Blay and Lexan.

  The room was dim with the veranda doors were closed. Light came from a fireplace and a few wall-mounted lamps. He could increase the wattage in the bulbs. With his vision in decline, he’d considered it, but he liked the dim light that reminded him of candlelit times of bygone days.

  He shifted his weight back and forth on his feet, uncomfortable in the fancy traditional mating ceremonial dress of a black silk robe and accompanying black pants with heavy gold sash around his waist. But for her, he wore it. She’d demanded this fiasco. Although he didn’t need it, he got that it was important to her and for both of them to force the world to recognize change.

  “All is on schedule,” Bryan reported. He nodded before he exited and shut the ornately carved doors to the library. He would stand guard on the other side to prevent visitors. Not once had Bryan brought up her as a vampire as a reason not to be with her. Instead, he had discussed many times how to best protect her and what special considerations she might need. Damn, he was so proud of the kid.

  There’d been more than a few of his people skeptical of her, but they followed his lead. Once wolves overcame suspicion and took the time to know her, they accepted her. It helped once they learned she’d led the Nightshade League.

  Lexan strolled over to one of the button leather chairs and fell into it. “Enjoyed the tour of the estate. Like the security upgrades. So when do we get to meet this mysterious female who’s got your jellies in a twist?”

  Blay walked to the sideboard, poured himself a full snifter of scotch, and chugged it. He poured himself another. “Got anything to smoke?”

  Michael waved at the box on the sideboard.

  Blay grabbed one of the kicked-up cigars and lit up.

  “Where the hell is she?” Finn crossed his arms and slunk into a corner. He was pissed at her for keeping the fact she survived secret. He’d been the toughest to get here. When presented with the initial invitation a few weeks ago, he’d been defensive and downright hostile until they told him she lived.

  Finn stomped toward the exit but paused when the veranda doors opened. The blinding daylight had everyone shielding their eyes.

  In strolled Kiera on Isaac’s arm. For an instant, he cringed at her in daylight, but the horror passed. Apparently, druid magic gave her resistance to its power to kill vampires. But then he took in the dress.

  Oh sweet Jesus.

  His mind blanked. He was pretty sure his heart still beat since he remained standing, but other than that, he was lost.

  Kiera stood in a breathtaking white lacy gown. The daylight lit her like an angel. Layers of satin went to the floor, draping her curves to perfection.

  She’d warned him that the dress, which had been designed by some Italian he’d never heard of, cost an insane amount, so much that he shouldn’t ask. He wouldn’t. It was worth every penny.

  When she met his gaze, she fidgeted with one of the sleeves.

  He moved forward, took her hand, and knelt before her. And placed a kiss on her hand. He whispered, “I love you.”

  The smile she gave him started small but spread until she was beaming and exposed her fangs. She mouthed back, I love you.

  Isaac wore black. His expression remained the same pinched and distant scowl as when he’d portaled there a few hours ago. He released her to Michael and disappeared to a corner. As in literally disappeared. One minute all could see him and then he was absorbed by the shadows.

  Isaac had negotiated with Michael two months ago to allow her to remain here and mate Michael in exchange for her continued training in magic, which, according to Kiera, amounted to her helping Isaac on an as-needed basis with some sort of higher-level calling all druids had to participate in. At first, Michael was furious. He wasn’t sure how he felt about her out there fighting without him or doing magic or whatever madness druids “had” to do in the world.

  Okay. Scratch that. He knew exactly how he felt about it.

  He hated it. He wasn’t about to tell her that, not when it made her happy. Not when her happy made him happy. She was who she was, and he was mated to a thrill-seeking do-gooder.

  Michael didn’t like her in danger, but he had no choice. He’d compromised by making her promise if whatever she did with the druid involved weapons, he had to be there.

  Besides, the daredevil in Kiera needed an outlet. He figured the safest bet was for her to participate in shenanigans with Isaac. At least the druid could heal her before she came home.

  Home.

  That’s what this was now. Here had transformed into a complete home with a full family that included her, his daughter, his best friends, and his people.

  “You twisty motherfucker,” Blay muttered. “I thought you came up with the cure to escape the insanity of losing your mate.”

  “It’s true?” Finn reversed until his back smacked into the wall. He smoothed a hand over his face. “I never thought I’d see you again. I half thought they were lying to get me here. Bloody hell.”

  Kiera moved to Finn and pulled him into hug. “I missed you and the kids so much.”

  He clung to her. “It was my fault. I shouldn’t have let you go to that stupid gala.”

  “Shh. None of it was your fault. I’m butt-ass stubborn. I wish it could’ve gone in a way where none of you had to deal with me dying. But there wasn’t another way to get you out, get Carol free, and free Michael. I wish I could’ve finagled something different for Andrew, but the tricky bugger tried to take my place. Did he tell you that? Then he ended up in the crosshairs of the Foundry as well. Glad to know he managed to live, even though I know he’s in hell.” She pulled away from him.

  “He’s doing okay. He reached out a few months ago to say it in so many words.”

  “I’m sorry I couldn’t tell you I lived until now.�
��

  He glared. “All it would’ve taken was one phone call or one email or a text, one of anything to let me know you weren’t dead.”

  “You know I couldn’t leave an electronic trail. They watch you. They’d have used you to get me back.”

  He opened his mouth to reply.

  She held up a hand. “I would’ve come to save you. Don’t ever doubt it. But I didn’t want to start that unwinnable scenario a second time.”

  “They searched our place over and over. I thought they’d take one of the kids, but they seemed to figure as long as we were there, you might show up. It’s been hell. Pure hell. On all fronts.”

  “I’m sorry. As far as the vampire world is concerned, Kiera did die.”

  “The hair…is it a new look?” Finn asked.

  “Side effect of how I escaped.” She glanced at Isaac, who shook his head as if in warning. Michael couldn’t quite figure out the bond between the two of them. It seemed antagonistic sometimes and familial other times.

  “Are you staying hidden?” Finn asked.

  She seesawed her head back and forth. “Here, I’m me. I’m mating Michael. And we live in one of the most heavily fortified estates on the planet. I’m not going to re-enter the vampire world because I have other interests now. If I have to go out there, I’m in character. Nothing new to you. I want you to consider moving in with us here. Your whole family, that is, because I suspect I’ll need your help in the future.”

  Finn’s lips twitched into a half smile. They were kindred souls when it came to plotting, rescuing, and doing the insane. “A new mission?”

  She nodded. “There are people to save and bad guys to fight and daring feats to plan.”

  “Probability of success shitty? Likelihood to die high?” He grinned.

  She nodded.

  “I’m in.”

  “Who’re you?” Lexan scrutinized Isaac’s raised tattoos. “A druid?” His eyebrows shot upward. “Kiera, how did you befriend a druid?”

  “I don’t like any of this,” Isaac muttered before disappearing to the edge of the room again where the shadows swallowed him into darkness.

  “That, Lexan, is not a story for today.” Kiera watched Isaac as if seeking permission to say more, a consent which mustn’t have come.

  The doors opened as Bryan admitted Vee, who didn’t see Kiera right away. She greeted Michael, congratulating him. When she saw Kiera, she double blinked and wavered.

  “Lexan, would you be a darling and catch Vee?” Kiera asked.

  Lexan swung her up into his arms.

  “She’s not dead, Lexan. Am I seeing things?” Vee asked.

  The normally dour-faced werewolf king gentled. “She survived. Don’t look at me like that. I swear I didn’t know until a few minutes ago. I’d never have kept something like that from you, especially if it meant I could get off the sofa every night. I was going to text you.”

  She playfully hit him on the arm. “As if you spent more than five minutes out there pouting before you kissed your way back into the bedroom. Put me down.”

  Michael passed out champagne-filled glasses.

  Bryan came in with Grace in his arms and Adric at his side.

  Kiera raised her glass, “Let us toast. Finn and I saved a half-crazed werewolf in Paris who stole my heart. I have arisen from the dead to thwart our enemies. Let us toast to family. May there be no greater loyalty.”

  “Here. Here,” rang out many voices.

  Michael kissed her. This was his future. Her. Them. Together. Whatever fate decided for them, he’d fight tooth and nail to keep her. He’d never choose anyone or anything over her again.

  She raised her glass again. “To the future. Whatever danger it may bring, all of us here are on the same side.”

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  Acknowledgments

  Writing a sequel to a novel is an incredible privilege, but also a daunting task. It was important to keep the world the same as The Way You Bite, but give life to new characters so this story could stand by itself. The moment I mentioned Michael Durand, he demanded his own story.

  Fortunately, I wasn’t alone to complete this book. I did have help. Lots of it. I could never have written this novel if it wasn’t for the steady supply of love and advice from my family. I’m grateful to the young people in my family and life who electrify my imaginative light when it burns low. I’m talking to you Z & H.

  I owe a huge debt of gratitude first to Candace Havens for championing this story to be published and providing initial editing guidance. Second thank you must go to Tracy Montoya’s brilliant editing guidance that carried this story to the finish line.

  Thank you to the entire Entangled team, but most especially Meredith Johnson, Curtis Svehlak, and Heather Riccio. There are so many talented people behind the scenes who helped make this book happen.

  Another huge thanks goes to Avery Reid who lent her incredible acting talent to the audiobook version of this novel and its predecessor, The Way You Bite. Thank you for such an incredible read.

  For her friendship and advice, support and encouragement, I also want to thank Nichole Severn who provided feedback on this story when in its infancy and encouraged I write it.

  Finally, I want to thank you, Dear Reader, for coming along on another paranormal adventure with me.

  About the Author

  Award winning author Zoe Forward is a hopeless romantic who can’t decide between paranormal and contemporary romance. So, she writes both. Her novels have won numerous awards including the Readers’ Choice Heart of Excellence, Golden Quill, Carolyn Readers Choice Award, and the Booksellers’ Best Award.

  When she’s not typing at her laptop, she’s cheering her son on at baseball, chasing the littlest, or cleaning up the newest pet mess from the menagerie that occupies her house. She’s a small animal veterinarian caring for a wide range of furry creatures, although there has been the occasional hermit crab.

  She’s madly in love with her globe trotting conservation ecologist husband who plans to save all the big cats on the planet, and she’s happiest when he returns to their home.

  Don’t miss the rest of the series…

  The Way You Bite

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  His Witch to Keep

  Playing the Witch’s Game

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