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Excerpt from BLOOD AND SOUL 2: VAMPIRE CRUSADER by Kate Hill
(Available now from Changeling Press in the Blood and Soul collection.)
Marie’s pulse raced as she walked to her door. Glancing out the nearby window, she noticed the full moon glowing in the otherwise black sky. Her breath came in nervous sips.
“I know you’re in there.” The deep voice outside echoed in the still night. “I can hear your footsteps.”
“And if I don’t let you in?”
“You know what I’ve come for, my lady. I’ll not leave without claiming what’s mine.”
Closing her eyes, Marie drew a steadying breath. She clenched her trembling hands into fists. On bare feet, she padded closer to the door. Her hand was on the lock.
She no sooner turned it than the door burst open.
Crying out in surprise, she backed away from the imposing, black-clad man striding towards her. Tall with broad shoulders, he exuded savage strength that sent chills down her spine. The muscles of his long, lean legs strained against his trousers. “You belong to me, Marie.”
“Never!” she snarled, planting her feet firmly and refusing to retreat another inch. “I belong only to myself. If there’s a shred of decency in your dark heart, you’ll leave this house. Leave my people in peace and return to your hellish fortress.”
Reaching out a long arm, he grasped her hair and wrapped it around his hand. Marie gasped, her neck arching as he dragged her so close to his chest that she felt the heat of his body. At one time she had imagined a vampire would feel cold. That was before she learned what they were really like. He was so warm. He breathed and his heart beat, slow and steady.
“My wrath has sent warriors fleeing in fear.” He spoke against her lips. “My sword and teeth alone have destroyed armies, yet I’m tempted to obey your wishes. Why?”
At the first stroke of his tongue against her throat, Marie shivered with need. He lapped slowly and gently, like an animal soothing its mate. How much she wanted him!
“Because in your heart you know what’s right.” She reached up and stroked his face. Beneath his blade sharp cheekbones, he wore a full beard. It was wiry and nearly black in color -- a startling contrast to his pale gray eyes. Those eyes were hard. They’d seen all the ugliness of life and death, yet somewhere in their depths was a spark of gentleness. It was that gentleness combined with his rugged exterior that had lured her from the first.
“Right. Wrong. It doesn’t matter anymore.” He used the tips of his fangs to caress her throat, careful not to break the skin. The sensation was nothing more than a tickle, yet it sent waves of desire crashing over her body. “I’ve never wanted a woman this badly.”
“I will not give myself to you.” She twisted in his grip and shoved him hard. Though his hold loosened, she knew it was not due to her attack. A mere mortal’s strength meant nothing to him. Not bothering to consider what his next action might be, she lashed out at his face. Before she reached her mark, he caught her wrist and dragged her to him again. Her breasts flattened against his rock hard chest. Marie’s libido sang. Never had she met such a man. This vampire lord was like no other and he belonged to her, if she wanted him.
Wrapping his arms around her, he lifted her so they were almost eye to eye.
“Marie.” His lips hovered close to hers. Trembling, she awaited his kiss. Suddenly he released her and turned to the door. “You’ve claimed my heart. I will not force you to mate with me and I cannot make you love me.”
“Wait!” She grasped his arm. Pausing, he gazed down at her. His magnificent eyes gleamed red with bloodlust. The sight of it inspired passion and a hint of fear. “I’ve -- I’ve changed my mind.”
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