Her Soul to Keep

Delilah Devlin

This eBook is not transferable.

It cannot be resold, shared or given away because that will be considered an infringement on the copyright for this work.

This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the Delilah’s imagination and should not be construed as real. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, actual events, locale or organizations is entirely coincidental.

Her Soul to Keep
Copyright © 2011 by Delilah Devlin
Edited by Layla Chase
Cover by April Martinez

All Rights Are Reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission by the author, except for brief quotations for review purposes.

Dedication

To anyone who thinks “the one” is out there, waiting…

He just might be.

Chapter One

Her hips swished beneath a short, flirty skirt, drawing his gaze like iron filings to a magnet. The splash of large pink flowers on white stood out like a beacon in the darkness. Beneath the hem stretched a pair of nude legs, toned, nicely curved at the ankles. Perfectly made to lightly clasp a man’s waist as he slid into moist heat…

He suppressed a low, rumbling growl from the beast rising inside. Something he rarely bothered to do in the squalid dens he roamed most nights. The creature lurking deep inside was a sexual animal, a lustful, ravenous host who found partners only too willing to let him feast. But this woman was different. Her soul was pure. Her mind unawakened to the darkness.

He followed her as she left her apartment, sticking to the shadows, ducking into stairwells when she looked behind her as though checking if someone followed. A frown marred her smooth brow, and her lips tightened. The clip of her heels on the pavement quickened.

Shoulder-length, fly-away brown hair bobbed across the tops of slender shoulders. The creamy skin of her exposed arms and legs swung in a rhythm that his heart picked up and matched, beat for stride.

Feeling more than ever like the true predator he was, he tamped down the shame that burned like battery acid in his stomach and continued stalking the woman who walked more briskly now along the darkened sidewalk.

When she turned onto a crowded walkway, her shoulders sank and her footsteps slowed as she relaxed.

She believed herself safe now as she mingled with others strolling along the promenade.

Little did she know, but her “spontaneous” decision to leave her apartment had been at his suggestion—a message telegraphed with tantalizing snippets of the smell of the fresh salt air, the caress of a soft breeze, and a glimpse of sensual pleasure.

She hadn’t heeded her own natural inhibition. Hadn’t paused to check the clock and note the waning evening hours.

Instead, she’d made her decision, wriggled into a sexy little skirt and snug pink tee, slid her feet into strapless sandals and bounded down the stairs, ready to kick off winter’s gloom in an unseasonably warm spring night.

He’d made sure she didn’t glance even once at the clock or the calendar resting on the bureau in her foyer. Nothing would trigger a fleeting memory.

And while he’d provided himself the opportunity to see her, he’d decided days ago he wouldn’t use his persuasive gifts to bring her straight into his arms.

Tonight, he wanted to savor a natural seduction.

She paused along the gangway that followed the curving street through a long, outdoor strip mall. At the bottom of one set of stairs leading into a seafood restaurant, she lifted one foot, planting it on the first paved step.

As he drew back the suggestion that had led her here, her brow furrowed, and she shook her head. Her foot slipped off the step and slowly settled beside the other.

In a blur of movement no human would detect, he slid in behind her. “Did you forget something?” he murmured, careful to keep his tone innocently inquiring.

A gasp escaped, and her head jerked to the side then tilted up to meet his gaze. Her eyes widened, and then slid over his shoulders before rising again. “You frightened me.”

The frown that bisected her brow amused him. She was annoyed and not bothering to hide it.

Her eyes narrowed. “I know who you are.”

Viper jerked imperceptibly. His heart tripped, and then thudded dully again. She couldn’t mean what he thought. “I doubt that. If we’d met, I would have remembered,” he lied, giving her a rueful twist of his lips. More of a smile than most ever saw.

Her head shook, sending her fine, dark hair shivering silkily across her cheeks.

The urge to tuck her hair behind her ears was almost irresistible. He curled his fingers and stuffed both hands into the pockets of his faded jeans. “Who do you think I am?”

Gaze narrowing, she hesitated. “I’ve seen you before. At one of those Goth clubs. You’re the manager.”

Viper suppressed a grin, relieved her clouded mind hadn’t jumped to the right conclusion. She was talking about Dylan’s club. “I’m just filling in for a friend at The Cavern until he returns home. I have no ambition to run his place permanently.”

“The Cavern,” she nodded. “That’s it. It’s a strange place. I did a piece there about young Goths and the rise of Sanguinarian blood rituals.”

“You’re a writer then? Or are you a television reporter?” he asked, knowing full well she wrote a column for the social section of the Seattle Times.

Her casual shrug belied the fact she was serious about her work. Ambitious even. The social section wouldn’t encompass her ambition long.

He’d always loved that about her. She kept her eyes on the prize and rushed headlong wherever her curiosity and drive led. An excellent quality for reporter, but one that had spelled disaster for him.

But then, she didn’t remember any of it. Hadn’t learned her lesson, because he’d needed her to remain safe.

“You know, they have a dress code here,” she murmured, eyeing his black leather jacket and T-shirt, and then letting her glance slide quickly down his legs before rising again. A faint blush tinged her pale cheeks.

Viper’s eyelids dipped. “I’m not planning on going inside. I was waiting for someone.”

“Lucky girl,” she said softly, then shook her head again. “It’s not like I have reservations or anything, and I’m not dressed for it either. I’m not really sure why I stopped…”

His glance panned the line of people waiting patiently for their numbers to be called by the restaurant hostess who roamed outside, jotting names on a clipboard. “Doesn’t look like my friend is planning to show. Would you like to go somewhere else?,” he said quickly, not wanting to let her go just yet, needing to milk the moment in order to convince her to stay long enough to build a little trust.

Time stretched between them. Her gaze flitted down the row of well-lit shops, still open with people walking leisurely along the covered walkway. A soft evening mist muted the glare of the streetlamps, as well as the sounds of the people passing them by as they stood at the bottom of the steps leading into the trendy restaurant.

“I promise I don’t bite,” he added, fighting the urgency building in his body to keep his words light and casual. “We can just take a walk. Find a cup of coffee, if you like.”

He wanted her to say yes without any of his extra “persuasion.” Wanted her to choose him of her own free will.

A long indrawn breath lifted her chest, and she gave him a small, tentative smile. “There’s a Starbucks at the end of the strip.”

Warmth seeped into his chest. And although he knew tomorrow he’d pay a heavy price, he needed this night with her, whether it ended in her bed, as he hoped, or not. Simply standing this close, feeling the warmth of her body and breathing in her fresh, sweet scent flooded his body with joy.

Viper tugged his hands from his pockets and crooked an elbow, feeling a little foolish for the old-fashioned gesture. These days he acted with reckless arrogance around the opposite sex. His manners felt a little rusty. Unnatural.

She didn’t seem to notice, as her hand slid around his forearm, her fingers lightly resting atop the distressed leather. Through the barrier he shouldn’t have noted the heat of her hands, but he did. His blood stirred with pleasure, and he fought to keep the muscle she touched from tensing.

“Shall we?” he asked, and then stepped out, shortening his natural stride to allow her to walk comfortably beside him.

She made a feminine sound as she cleared her throat. “You haven’t even asked my name.”

It’s Mariah, my love. “You haven’t asked mine,” he murmured.

Soft, rueful laughter floated around him. “True. I’m not like this. I don’t let strangers lead me around.” She ducked her head, perhaps to hide the new blush staining her cheeks. “I’m Mariah Cohen.”

To halt the automatic response, he pressed his lips tight. Tonight, he wasn’t Viper. “I’m Daniel Vacarro,” he said softly and held his breath. Would the name niggle at her memory?

“Daniel. Not Danny?”

He gave an exaggerated shudder.

She laughed again. “Not manly enough?”

He narrowed his glance and arched a brow.

“See?” she said, a smile curving her soft, plump mouth. “We’re already getting to know each other.”

His gaze darted upward to catch a hint of amusement in her sparkling eyes. He gave a gentle snort. “Are you always such a smart ass with complete strangers?”

Her head canted as she peered into his face. “We aren’t strangers, Daniel. I admit, tonight I feel just a little reckless, but I recognized you right off. We’re just taking a short walk in the middle of a crowd of people.” She flipped her hair off her cheek. “What’s the worst that can happen?”

Viper shook his head. The woman was crazy. But she was right. The only danger he posed tonight was to her sweet, curvy body. His fingers curled over hers, pressing them against his forearm. “This is the place.” He swept her into the coffee shop and halted at the end of a long line.

As the people waiting in front of them peeled away, one at a time, some patting pockets for “missing wallets,” some squinting at the menu board as though they suddenly couldn’t read it, Mariah stood quietly beside him, bewilderment rounding her eyes as the line melted completely away. “This never happens.”

“What would you like?” he deferred to her, hiding a smug smile. So, he’d worked a little of his magic on the other customers. Bite me.

She placed her order, and then lifted a brow.

“Nothing for me,” he murmured.

“You didn’t come for the coffee?”

“I’m not the addict.”

“Afraid you won’t be able to sleep tonight?”

“Who’s going to sleep?” he muttered under his breath.

Her tongue swept out to wet her lower lip as rosy color crept across her pale cheeks. She let him pull her aside to wait at the end of the barista’s counter. “But you didn’t pay.”

Viper shrugged. “I know them.”

“Right,” she said, her tone indicating she didn’t quite believe him. “Did you wink at the girl or something?”

“Why? Do you think my charm’s irresistible?”

Her soft feminine snort was followed by a slow, dazed shake of her head. “I’m here, aren’t I? And we just met ten minutes ago.”

Viper closed his eyes for a second, trying to keep his memories at bay and just enjoy the moment. She had no way of knowing how much her innocent comment ate at his resolve. They’d met a long time before this night.

Her name was called, and he opened his eyes, catching her gaze.

She gave him a concerned look then stepped forward to claim her cup. “Do you want to stay here?”

The press of warm-blooded bodies around him felt suffocating and far too tempting. “Let’s walk.” Outside again, he raised his face to the warm breeze and drank in the cleansing air. “Sorry about that. I don’t like crowds much.”

“I kind of figured that out. There are tables just down the way. Want to sit?”

He nodded, hoping his sudden melancholy would vanish. He had only a few hours to spend with her, if she let him, before he had to return to his world. He didn’t want to waste a moment thinking about things that could never be.

As she walked, she played with the plastic lid then took a quick sip. Her eyes drifted closed. “Mmmm…this was just what I needed.”

They reached the tables outside another café. Viper chose one at the outer edge of the extended courtyard and pulled out a chair, waiting as she settled before taking his own beside her, rather than across the table. His gaze swept the harbor, noting the glints of moonlight sparkling on the water. For a long moment, he kept his gaze there while he forced himself to relax once again.

She waited, just sipping her coffee quietly while eyeing him above the rim of her cup.

He wondered what she saw. He’d been careful with his appearance. Sure, he wore the same weathered jacket, a plain T-shirt, and jeans. But he’d polished his boots and used a brush instead of his fingers on his long, black hair. He knew women found him attractive, but Mariah wasn’t into dark, dangerous men with sharp-edged features and hungry eyes.

Or at least she hadn’t been.

She lowered her cup. “Are you always this talkative?”

Right. He should at least pretend to be polite, however out of practice he felt. “Does it bother you? My not talking.”

“It’s a little unnerving.” Her glance met his then slid away quickly, but her shoulders tilted toward him. “I expected you’d be hitting on me by now.”

The subtle body language, crossed messages of shy interest and trepidation, set his blood simmering. “Are you disappointed I’m not?”

“Just a little uncomfortable.” She placed her cup on the table and wrapped her hands around it.

“Why?”

“Because I’m tempted to hit on you.” She wrinkled her nose. “I did just say that, didn’t I?

His lips stretched. “Yeah, you did.”

Her head canted as she eyed his mouth. “Are you gay?”

His head jerked, and he nearly laughed. “Do I give off that vibe?”

“Not at all. But in my experience, a man doesn’t need more than a smile as encouragement to bust a move.”

He chuckled softly at her disgruntled tone. “And you think I might be gay because I’m trying to be a gentleman?”

An eyebrow arched. “You have to try?”

He nodded slowly.

“That’s a relief.” She blew out a breath between pursed lips. “Although I’d already guessed you’re a predator.”

Ah, here it came. He lifted both eyebrows. “Do I seem that sinister?”

She gave him a direct stare. “Not like a serial killer, but you could probably have any woman you want without even trying. So why haven’t you tried…with me…seeing as you’re not gay?”

He adjusted his legs, stretching them in front of him, parting them slightly to make room as blood began to fill his sex. “I wasn’t sure you were interested. Back there at the restaurant, you seemed to hesitate. I didn’t want to spook you.”

“So, you do…” She sucked her lower lip between her teeth.

His gaze speared her. “I do what?”

“Want me?” Her gaze rose slowly to his again. Her breath hitched, lifting her small breasts.

He swallowed, wondering if he’d subconsciously sent out the idea, making it impossible for her to choose of her own free will.

Her eyes blinked rapidly. “Don’t feel like you have to,” she blurted. “I didn’t mean to put you on the spot. I guess I’m just in a funny kind of mood. I don’t want to say goodbye. Not yet.”

Viper settled back in his chair. “If all you want is company, you don’t have to invite me to your bed,” he said gruffly.

Her glance slid away again as she studied the string of lights surrounding a toy shop across the courtyard. “But what if I want more?” she whispered.

Because he wanted to read her expression, he gave in to the urge to touch her hair and tucked a softly curling lock behind her ear.

Her gaze swung back, and her lips parted as she drew in a soft, shaky breath.

He cleared his throat, and leaned closer to whisper for her ears only. “I’d ask, why me? Why tonight?”

Again, her plump lips pressed together then parted. “Well, it’s not because you were the first man to say hello tonight, if that’s what you think. I wasn’t really prowling for sex.”

“Then what was it?”

“Fishing for compliments?” When he didn’t respond, she lifted her shoulders. “Guess you don’t need them.”

Viper held himself still, determined to wait her out.

Her finely arched brows drew together, and her jaw tightened for just a moment. “All right. I just feel…I don’t know…a little lonely tonight. I thought maybe you felt the same way.”

Viper felt a burning at the back of his eyes and looked away. Because he couldn’t speak past the lump lodged at the back of his throat, he only nodded.

Her hand reached out and smoothed over the top of his. Her large brown eyes looked at him with a sadness that mirrored his own. “Maybe we just need each other tonight. That’s all it has to be.”

She was reassuring him that there wouldn’t be any strings? “You should expect more,” he rasped.

Her small, tight smile made the sadness in her eyes more poignant. “Maybe tomorrow I will. But tonight, I’d just be satisfied to know you don’t want anyone but me.”

Viper forced a matching smile. “Would you like to fall in love with me tonight?”

“Does that sound so silly?”

His hand lifted and cupped the side of her face. “It sounds just about perfect.”

Mariah tilted her head to deepen his caress. “I don’t live very far from here.”

He couldn’t believe how quickly things had progressed. How naturally. “Sure you want to bring me back to your place?”

She wrinkled her nose then nodded. “I’m inviting you, aren’t I?”

“You’ll be safe with me. Tonight.”

Her eyes widened. “I just shivered.”

A genuine smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. “Call a friend. Knock on a neighbor’s door. Let them see my face; I’ll give them my ID. I don’t want you to worry about me.”

Her gaze locked with his for a long breathless moment, then the corners of her own lips lifted in a whimsical smile. “I’m not worried you’ll murder me or anything. And since I’ve already offered you my body—that pretty much rules out any molesting, unless it’s me doing you.”

Viper drew in a deep breath and began to relax, determined to enjoy her gentle aggression. “We haven’t even kissed. How do you know you’ll like being with me?”

“Are you kidding me?” One brow slipped upward. “Have you looked in a mirror lately? Maybe you don’t find me all that attractive.”

“Who hit on whom?”

Her smile deepened. “Ooh! A man who knows his grammar. I’m completely turned on now. Not the most elegant sentence, but there’s something to be said for brevity.”

“Are you nervous?”

“Why do you ask?”

“You’re beginning to ramble,” he murmured. His fingers tugged at the lock of hair that kept slipping from behind her ear. “Come closer.”

Her glance dropped to his lips. “You’re thinking about that kiss we haven’t shared?”

“I want a taste of that coffee you sighed over.”

She leaned closer. “Did I sound too orgasmic?”

“Is that even possible?” he said, his lips curving again. Lord, he’d missed their sexy bantering.

“Why do I get the feeling you don’t smile very much?”

“Because I don’t.”

Her dark eyes melted with a sheen of moisture. “You don’t have to be lonely, so why are you?”

Deflecting the question, he drew back a fraction of an inch. “You’re attractive enough a thousand men would want you. Why are you lonely?”

“I guess I just haven’t felt a connection. Do you know what I mean?”

Viper knew exactly what she meant. He sat across from the only woman he’d ever felt he belonged with...and lied. “I never gave it much thought.”

Her eyes narrowed. “That is such a man thing to say.”

Because he didn’t want to lie again, he raised his other hand slowly and slipped it behind her neck.

Her eyelids fluttered closed, and her head fell back, supported by the palm cupping her now.

He shifted toward the edge of his seat and leaned close, staring at her parted lips.

The first tentative touch almost made him come unglued. His body tightened against the urge to take her to the ground and cover her.

Instead, he breathed softly through his nose, pressed his lips against hers, and canted his head to deepen the pressure.

A low, breathy moan seeped into his mouth.

He circled his head slowly, dragging his lips over hers, suctioning softly until she gasped, and he gently thrust his tongue inside.

The taste of her—coffee, a lingering hint of mint from her toothpaste, her own sweet flavor—sent a fine tremor racing down his spine.

Her head drew back, and her tongue traced her bottom lip. “Are you reassured now that we’ve got that out of the way?” she asked, the glibness of her words betrayed by the breathless delivery.

Viper settled his forehead against hers. “How far did you say your place is?”

“We can be there in five.”

“Make it four,” he muttered, and then stood, holding out his hand to pull her up.

Chapter Two

Minutes later, they arrived hand-in-hand and winded at her front door.

Viper cut a quick glance around them, straining for the crunch of footsteps and the beat of a telltale heart. No one lingered in the shadows around them.

Specters from his other life hadn’t followed him here.

Earlier, before he’d stalked her, he’d been careful not to lead anyone else to her door. He’d scrubbed the scent of blood, booze, and cigarettes from his skin and hair, and dressed in freshly laundered clothing. He’d laid down a trail in the opposite direction from her house and backtracked.

No one would ever connect her to him. No one could ever know how precious she was. The seamy underbelly of the dark world he moved inside would never touch her.

He’d sacrificed everything to make sure of that.

Her keys jangled as she clumsily fit one into the lock. “Don’t be expecting too much. I didn’t know I’d bring company back with me tonight.”

The door swung open, and she stepped inside.

Viper followed on her heels, not letting her put space between them. His hands gripped the sides of her hips, and he pushed her deeper inside before kicking the door closed behind them.

Then he pulled her backward, wrapping both arms around her waist and gliding his lips along the top of her shoulder and up her neck, finding the pulse thrumming just beneath the skin.

Her head fell against his shoulder, and his teeth began the slow slide downward. He jerked back his head, trying to get control of himself.

She drew deep, rasping breaths into her lungs. “What’s wrong? Why did you stop?”

Knowing he’d lisp around his elongated teeth, he shook his head against hers and smoothed his hands over her firm belly, then upward to cup her breasts through her clothing.

She kicked off her sandals and slid down. Her clothing rustled. When her skirt dragged against his jeans on its downward journey, he rucked up her T-shirt and pulled it over her head. With a soft snick, she opened the front clasp of her bra, but before she could lean away to remove it, his palms enclosed her breasts, squeezing gently.

The feel of her warm, plump flesh filling his hands caused his entire body to tighten with excitement. He scraped thumbs over her hardening nipples, eliciting a gasp. Smiling, he plucked then twisted while her chest jerked with her excited little breaths.

He glided a hand down her belly, then stroked up again until she quivered and tensed. When he stroked downward again, her hand halted him just before he touched the soft hair atop her mound.

“It’s not fair,” she moaned, rubbing her back and shoulders against his chest. “You have on too many clothes.”

He twirled her in his arms, reached down to cup her bare bottom and lifted her.

Her legs wrapped around his waist, and her mouth landed on his cheek, his chin—

He turned his face to avoid her mouth. “Your bedroom?” he bit out, although he already knew.

Mariah lifted her arm to point and snuggled her cheek alongside his as he moved through her darkened living room and down the short corridor to her bedroom.

A single lamp beside the bed lit the room. He stepped toward the bed and climbed onto the mattress, taking her to the center before lowering his body to blanket hers.

“This isn’t going to work,” she murmured.

He ignored her complaint and trailed his mouth down her neck, shielding his teeth behind his lips until he reached her breasts.

A soft cry filled the air above him as he stroked her with his tongue, chancing gentle nibbles with his front teeth.

Her fingers thrust through his long hair, combing it, pulling it as he deepened the suctioning that drew her nipples into taut beads.

“Danny…”

Not Daniel, as he’d insisted. Did some small corner of her mind remember him after all? He pulled away and sat up to strip off his jacket and his T-shirt, which he tossed to the floor behind him.

Her hands reached for his belt and opened it. She thumbed open the waist of his pants then began to slide a hand inside.

Instead, he backed off the bed to remove his boots and jeans.

She came up on her elbows, her greedy gaze raking his body.

When he was nude, he stood still for a moment, letting her look at his body. “Do I pass?” he teased.

Her thighs closed then slowly parted again. A slick of moisture glazed her pale skin.

As he climbed back onto the bed, Viper noted her heightened arousal in the flare of her nostrils and quickening breaths.

Her legs widened at his first gentle nudge. He reached down to lift her knees and arrange them on either side of his hips.

Then he lowered himself, closing his eyes as his skin met hers. Pure heaven. He was gonna roast in Hell. “This too fast for you?” he gritted out.

Her hands slipped around his back and kneaded the muscles on either side of his spine. Her face was tightening, her eyes glittering with unashamed excitement. “I need you moving inside me. Now, please.”

Her tight, urgent words were exactly what he wanted to hear. He lifted his hips and slid a hand between their bodies. His fingers closed around himself, and he fitted the tip to her entrance and slowly thrust inside. The feel of her moist channel closing around him made him clench with sensual delight.

Her eyes closed tightly, and her thighs clasped him, her hips tilting to receive him.

He settled his cheek beside hers and stroked deep into her liquid heat. Surrounded by her creamy walls, he began to move, his body shuddering, already in the grip of his overwhelming arousal.

Planting his knees in the mattress, he slipped his arms beneath her thighs and lifted her hips off the bed, churning, thrusting, and circling his hips to tunnel deeper inside her sweet body.

She gasped and her arms wrapped around his back. Her fingertips scraped up and down, digging into his skin to urge him deeper, faster.

His motions increased in strength and intensity. He jerked against her, beginning a sweet pummeling that moved her up the slippery, silk comforter. He followed, not letting her escape, not giving her a moment to deepen the quivering breaths that gusted against his cheek.

Wrapped inside her arms, sliding into her deliciously wet channel, he fought the tension growing inside him, not wanting to surrender, not willing to allow the beast inside him to crawl out and take his pleasure and her blood.

The internal battle he fought made him sweat and tremble.

When her first shivers rippled along his shaft and her internal muscles clamped hard around him, he groaned and opened his mouth to suckle the salt and perfume from her neck, testing with his tongue until he felt the surge of blood beneath her skin, and he gave into the urge to taste.

His razor-sharp teeth slid into flesh, nicking the pulsing artery.

A sharp hiss sounded in his ear, and her hands came between them, shoving at his chest. Her body bucked, writhing under him.

But he didn’t let go, even knowing he’d hurt her. Wait, let it happen.

The next frightened roll of her hips brought him deeper and she groaned, her fingers now sinking in the hair on his chest to clutch him closer.

Her body spasmed, her back arched hard, a low agonized moan squeezing from her tight throat.

Still, he held back his own release, letting hers sweep through her, knowing the exact moment it happened because a keening cry rose around them.

When the quivering beneath him lessened, he withdrew his teeth, lapped at the tiny wounds to close them, and drew back his head to stare down into her pale, shocked face.

“I know who you are,” she said, her voice rasping painfully. Tears welled in her eyes, but didn’t spill over. Her lips trembled.

“Who do you think I am?” he asked, afraid she might have gleaned the truth.

“Husband,” she whispered, moisture finally leaking from her eyes to track down the sides of her cheeks and slip into her sweat-dampened hair.

A wave of possessive satisfaction swelled inside his chest. He dove down to cover her mouth, stroking his tongue inside, greeting hers, claiming the taste of her as he continued to plow deep inside her body.

“Let me see,” she said, tears thickening her voice.

Viper closed his eyes, and let the beast surface, welcoming the primal force that scratched its way through his consciousness to reveal itself.

His body stiffened, muscles hardened. Every part of him strained outward. Even his cock, lengthening, thickening, pressing relentlessly against her inner walls until her hips undulated helplessly beneath him.

Another wash of quivering release shook her body, shuddering through him, as she cried out, her nails scraping harder, drawing blood from his back.

A deep, rasping growl built at the back of his throat, and he drew back his hips and lunged forward, powering into her now, sliding through her tight channel, churning in the cream that slid around him, until at last, he threw back his head and roared.

Viper didn’t know how long he lay atop her, his body racked by fine tremors as the beast eased away, sliding back into its cavern. But he came to awareness with her hands gliding over his skin, cupping his shoulders, petting his hair, sliding along his slick back as she hiccupped beneath him.

She was crying.

Slipping his hands beneath her, he rolled to his back, bringing her over him. He cupped the back of her head and urged her face into the crook of his neck. His lips brushed her crown once, and then he settled beneath her, waiting for her tears to dry while he held her close.

“I remember everything,” she said, her voice hoarse.

“I wish you didn’t,” he said tonelessly although his gut knotted hard.

“How cruel is that?” she bit out, lifting her head to glare into his face. “You took everything from me.”

“I wanted you safe.”

The corners of her lips turned downward. “I understand why you did it, but how do you bear it? Knowing what we had.”

Viper swallowed and slipped his hands around her back to hug her closer. “I get through every single day,” he said, his voice roughening, “because I know you’re nearby. I know you live. And that’s enough.”

“I should never have looked for the truth about those dead boys.”

“Not so dead,” he muttered.

“I was so self-righteous. The world had to know…”

“They can’t handle the truth,” he quipped.

She gave a sharp laugh. “You do a terrible Nicholson.”

“I have no regrets.”

“You’re stronger than I am. If you feel an ounce of the pain I do now…” Her head shook slowly. “Will you leave me again without even a glimpse of our past?”

The rasp in her voice scraped him raw. “I…have to.”

She snorted, her mouth stretching into a sad jeer. “This is why I can’t move on, you know. Something inside me remembers you. No other man can compare.”

Move on? His chest clamped hard and he closed his eyes, praying for the strength. “If you want to find someone else, I can make it easier.” He opened his eyes to meet her steady gaze. “I can free you.”

“You’d let me take another lover? Another husband?”

While inside his psyche wailed and thrashed, he schooled his face into a mask. “I want you happy. Safe.”

She laid her head on his shoulder and rubbed her cheek against him. “It’s our anniversary today, isn’t it?”

Hoping she’d given up, decided not to rant as she had the last time he’d sought her out, he exhaled slowly. “I’m sorry, I didn’t get you anything.”

Her fingers plucked his chest hair hard. “There are other choices you know,” she said, her voice hardening. “Ones I should have the free will to make.”

“You can’t come with me.”

“Because it’s too dangerous? I remember that too. You shoved me out the door of that warehouse, out into the street, while you stayed inside.”

“I saved your life.” His fingers clenched the sheet then relaxed.

“You sacrificed our life together. You didn’t have the right to make that decision alone.”

“Well, it’s done now. No going back.”

“Except you do…keep coming back, that is.”

The knife twisted deeper in his chest. Was she really so eager to end it, once and for all? “So I’m weak.”

Her fingers relaxed, and she lifted her head. “You could let me come with you.”

The plea in her brown eyes nearly had him relenting. “You can’t come with me,” he repeated dully. “I don’t want you to see what I’ve become, how I live.”

“You’re a vampire.” She pressed her face into his chest. “God, they really do exist. I kept thinking there was something more…”

“That Goth club isn’t just a place for the wannabes. Vamps feed there. Not all of them are nice. You shouldn’t have gone there.”

“Why can’t you just make me one, too? Let me stay with you.”

“Turning is too dangerous. As many die as make the change. I won’t risk you.”

She shoved at his chest. “Don’t I even get a say?”

“Mariah…” He lifted her head, forcing her to meet his gaze. How could he make her understand? “Dying isn’t the worst thing that can happen.”

Her eyes and nose were red now, her face wet with smeared tears. “Then explain it. Make me understand how you could just abandon me.”

His thumbs wiped the moisture, then he slipped his hands beneath her arms and pulled her higher until her face hovered just above his. “Your soul could slip away, not make the journey. If that happened, I’d have to kill you.” He forced himself to finish it, despite the jagged edge entering his voice, despite the burning at the back of his throat. “I just…can’t.” Tears landed on his cheeks, each one stabbing his heart.

“I remember the day you disappeared. I thought I saw you outside. On the sidewalk.”

“I had been attacked and turned. Bloodlust overcame me. I had just enough sense left to know I couldn’t come to you. I would have devoured you.”

“Where did you go?” The edges of her mouth turned down.

“To a den. An orgy. Blood in buckets. I sated myself, then got sicker than a dog.”

“What about women? Has there been anyone else?”

Although he knew the answer would hurt her, he wouldn’t lie. “No one that mattered.”

A sudden gasp sounded, and her eyes closed.

His hands gripped her waist hard, pinching until she looked at him again. “Bloodlust, sexual lust. They’re both primal hungers and have to be fed or we get crazy. Even the most devoted lovers have to feed outside their relationship.”

She sniffed and wiped a hand across her face. “I don’t know if I could do that. Let you be with anyone else.”

Angry at having this conversation again, he gave her a little shake. “Do you see why I left? Why I didn’t seek you out?”

“You couldn’t have just broken it off? Left me something, if only my memories?”

“I was afraid you would try to find me. That you wouldn’t be able to resist.”

Her eyes narrowed. Then a small, tight smile curved her lips. “Again, you think you’re so irresistible?”

“Aren’t I?” He lifted one brow. “To you?”

Wry, sad humor gleamed in her eyes. “You had me here in this bed inside a half an hour. I guess you’re right.” She released a deep sigh. “Danny, what happens now?”

A hand caressed the hollow at the base of her neck. “We have a little time left before I have to get back.”

“How will you do it? Make me forget?”

“I’ll kiss you. When I leave, you won’t remember me at all.”

“Danny…” she said, her voice softer this time.

“Yes?”

“You’ve come to me before, haven’t you? Like this. I don’t want you to free me.” Her fingers ran over his chest. “If this is all we have, just these few hours of…connection…I accept it.”

Tears burned the backs of his eyes. “It’s not fair.”

“How would you feel, knowing I’m in this world, but not waiting for you?”

Astonishingly, she wasn’t thinking about herself. The thought nearly made him weep. “I’d be in Hell,” he muttered. “But I’m willing to let you go. I want you happy.”

“I’m not unhappy. Just…a-sexual. And I don’t miss it.” Her head shook. “I don’t even know I shouldn’t feel that way. I want this again. With you. Please.”

“All right,” he said gruffly, his throat tightening.

Her head canted. “Have you offered me this choice before?”

“Yes.”

Her eyebrows rose and a small grin stretched her lips. “It’s good to know I’m consistent. Are you still a cop?”

“I work undercover,” he hedged. How could he explain he ran one of those vampire dens, rolled around in bed most nights with willing blood hosts, and pretended to befriend the most vicious of the undead, even if it was for a just cause? “You done crying?” he growled.

“I don’t want to waste our time together crying, but I do have one more question. Where’s my wedding ring?”

Viper sighed and untangled himself from her body. He rolled off the bed and reached for his jeans. He drew out his wallet, slipped his fingers into a narrow pocket, and pulled out the gleaming circle of gold.

When he turned, she lifted her hand and waited while he slid it onto her finger. He curled her fingers and raised her hand to his lips, giving her soft fingers a lingering kiss.

Tears gleamed in her eyes, but she smiled and opened her arms.

He climbed over her, stretching his body to cover every part of her.

“Was it the bite? Is that how I remembered you?”

He nodded as he tenderly brushed the hair from her cheeks. “I can’t seem to resist that part.”

“Don’t ever come to me without letting me see.”

“I promise.”

Her eyelids lowered then slowly rose. “Make love to me again?”

“I can’t think of anything I’d rather do. But if you want, I can just hold you.”

Her nose wrinkled. “You were never a snuggler.”

“I’ve matured,” he scoffed, feigning a lightness of heart he just couldn’t feel. Not tonight, not now. “I’m content just touching you.”

“Well, I’m not.” She pulled him closer and opened her legs. “Leave me aching. I’ll wonder about it in the morning. I’ll think I dreamed it all.”

He bent down and kissed her, not wanting to think about leaving her again.

Chapter Three

This time, urgency didn’t drive him. Viper breathed deeply, forcing his body beneath his command. Relieved he didn’t have to pretend they were strangers anymore, he set about seducing his wife with savage intensity.

There wasn’t a part of her he wouldn’t touch, not a hair that wouldn’t be pulled, an orifice that wouldn’t be filled. He’d be methodical. Reduce her to a jumbled, quivering mess.

Actions he dreamed about every time he fucked some nameless blood whore. But he didn’t want to think about the countless dark-haired women he’d used to fill her place. Didn’t want to think about the hollow feeling they left when he was through.

This time, he’d revel in the joy of being with her. His wife. His Mariah.

She gave him a quavering smile. “You just going to look at me?”

Viper grunted. “You in a hurry?” He wasn’t. Not yet. His body half-covered hers. His cock was trapped against her belly, warm and just beginning to surge again.

Her smile deepened, committed. “It’s a funny thing—being with you. I always think I want to savor the journey…”

“And then something happens?”

“You happen.” She bracketed his face between both hands and leaned up to kiss his mouth. “The first night we met you had my pants around my ankles before I knew what had hit me.”

He remembered. She’d wanted to be coy and mysterious, but he’d destroyed her composure with just one kiss. “I was rather proud of myself.”

“I was never that fast with any other man. That should tell you something.”

He turned his face and bit her thumb. “Don’t.”

“Sorry.”

Now wasn’t the time for regrets. He resettled himself between her legs and leaned down to kiss her. He rubbed his mouth over hers, lightly at first, but she dug her fingers into his scalp.

He growled into her mouth and then thrust his tongue inside, deepening the kiss, tasting her, mingling his tongue with hers and reacquainting himself with the ridges inside the top of her mouth, the blunted sharpness of her teeth.

She in turn scraped her tongue on the points of his incisors, leaving behind a trace of blood that set his body on fire. He broke the kiss. “Witch!”

“Danny, I don’t want slow.”

“Baby, let me be in control.”

“You always are.”

He gave a violent shake of his head. “Let me be in control of myself.”

“I’m not afraid of you.”

“You should be,” he whispered harshly. But already he felt the change coming on. Felt his teeth descending. Felt his body hardening. “No!”

With a sharp tug, she pulled his hair. “Yes!”

He reared up to put space between their bodies. Then he thrust his hands beneath her bottom and lifted her up until only her head and shoulders lay on the mattress. She draped her legs over his shoulders and thrust a hand between her legs to spread her folds, inviting him to look.

Her scent, mixed with his, intensified, feeding the hunger growing inside him. Her eyes widened, and he knew she was staring at his eyes, at the animalistic glow reflected by the lamplight. He bent toward her sex, inhaled her fragrance, and then sank his mouth into her slick folds.

His tongue lavished her, licking clean the soft swollen folds. Her thighs tightened, trying to draw closed, but he swung his head side to side and sucked at her inner lips until she trembled and opened, inviting him deeper. He pointed his tongue and tunneled into her, licking at her inner walls, consuming her creamy arousal.

Her fingertips clutched at his hair, tugging rhythmically, stinging his scalp. A deep-throated growl vibrated through him. Her heels dug into his back, and she pumped her hips up and down as whimpers slipped from her mouth.

Viper latched his lips around her clitoris and suckled, drawing gently at first, then pulling stronger as the rounded knot hardened and protruded, stretching past its protective hood. He swirled his tongue atop it, over and over while her bottom wriggled and her tummy undulated.

Only when she gave a short, shrill scream did he relent, lowering her to the bed.

Once again, he lay over her, resting on his elbows while he watched her face as she recovered. Her lips were swollen and blurred, her cheeks a pretty, intense rose. Her eyelids fluttered then sprang open, catching him staring down at her.

“You are diabolical.”

He tapped the end of her nose. “Who even uses that word anymore?”

“Don’t change the subject,” she said, pausing to drag in a deep breath. “That nearly killed me.” She slid a hand between their bodies and cupped her sex. “I’m so hot.”

Viper ducked down and kissed her. “And wet. Running like a faucet.”

Mariah gave him a glare. “Are you looking for praise? Because you’re not endearing yourself to me at the moment.”

He laughed, the sound catching him by surprise.

“I love that sound.” Her expression softened. “I love you.”

Warmth filled his chest. “I’m not nearly through with you,” he said, a ragged texture to his voice.

Her eyelids dipped then lifted, spearing him. “Can I return the favor?”

Lord, he didn’t think his heart could take the sudden spike of adrenaline surging through his body.

Her hand turned between them and cupped his sex, gliding up and down his shaft.

He rolled to his side then tucked an arm beneath his head. Both their gazes turned to where her hand fisted around him.

Mariah came up on her knees, then pressed her hands on his shoulders to force him onto his back.

Not that he wanted to resist. So many times, he’d surrendered, just like this, giving her control to explore. Up to a point. They both knew he had a short fuse when her mouth was anywhere near his dick.

Her mouth trailed across his chest, pausing to torture his flat nipples with tentative licks followed by a more assured suckle. With her mouth busy, she thrust a knee between his legs to make room for herself, then she began to scoot downward, following the trail of dark hair that arrowed toward his groin.

His cock swelled, so tight he felt as though the skin should split. His balls hardened and drew closer to his groin. A hand cupped his sac.

Mariah ventured a glance at his face to gauge his comfort as she fondled and tugged.

He knew how he must look. His face a tight mask, color staining his cheeks. His eyes feral, frightening slits.

But she only smiled and ducked down again.

Viper had never seen a more erotic sight. Her flushed face bent over his cock. Her small hands engulfing his balls and sliding on his staff.

The first touch of her tongue against the tip of his cock had him drawing air in a harsh hiss between clenched teeth. That first caress was electric. He clenched his fists in the bedding, pulling up a wad of sheet and comforter to keep from reaching for her.

Her sweet lips formed a lush “O” then surrounded him, sinking slowly over the cap, lipping it, then tugging as she came off again. Again, her tongue shot out and feathered the sweet spot just beneath the cap, over and over until he growled a warning.

She smiled like a siren then sank over him again, taking him deeper. A long, hot caress that curled his toes.

“Mariah!”

Her muffled chuckle made him smile and he couldn’t resist flexing his hips to drive upward, sliding past her tongue to hit the back of her throat.

She gurgled, but her mouth tightened and she began to suck, bobbing on his cock in slow strokes that drove him crazy.

Just when he thought he’d be reduced to begging, she raised her head, leaving a thread of spit behind. She licked it away then bit her lower lip. “Danny? Please?”

Sometimes being a vampire was good. Viper had her turned and on her knees before she had time to draw another breath. Leaning over her back, he whispered in her ear, “You shouldn’t tease me.”

Struggling to catch her breath, she shook against him. “But it’s so much fun.”

Viper flexed and rubbed the length of his cock from her pussy to the crease of her shapely buttocks. “I wanted to go slow.”

“Why? That never worked for us.”

So right. He nipped her earlobe. “Whose fault is that?”

She laughed, but the sound was strained. Her bottom wriggled against him. “Are you going to do something with that ginormous cock of yours? I worked damn hard to, um, get you hard.”

Viper snorted, smiling even though his eyes were burning again. The teasing came so easily. Like they’d hadn’t been apart for a whole goddamn year. But being together was always like this. She was sweet and sassy—stronger than he was in ways she’d never understand.

He straightened, gliding his hands down her sides, then over her ass. “Did I even tell you how pretty your ass is?”

“A time or two, but always when you were horny.”

“It’s small,” he said, cupping the globes and squeezing, “but shaped like an upside-down heart.”

“You were never a talker.” She shot a glance over her shoulder. “Are you trying to make me scream?”

He arched a brow. “You think I have to try?”

She sucked her bottom lip between her teeth and faced forward again. But her back sank in the middle, lifting her bottom higher.

He didn’t mention it, but cupped her sex and thrust a finger inside her. Her pussy tightened, moisture spilled over his hand. He withdrew his finger and traced a wet path upward. As he neared her tiny hole, she inhaled sharply and held the breath.

With his finger poised to sink in her ass, he nudged her pussy with his cock, centered himself, then slowly pushed between her lips.

Mariah’s back shivered, her breath returned, but much shallower, nearly panting now. He knew what she waited for, even though he was also well aware she’d deny it to her death. Slowly, he pulled away and then began to press forward again. He pushed his finger inside her.

“Danny!” she gasped.

“What, sweetheart? Want me to stop?”

She nodded, making her fine hair shiver.

With his lips twitching, he began to pull his finger free.

“Jesus,” she whispered.

“Sure about this?” When she didn’t answer, he removed it. And his cock. Then sat back to massage her bottom while she pulled in deep breaths.

“I didn’t mean for you to stop…everything.”

“Really?”

“You’re a butthole.”

His eyebrows shot up. No one dissed him these days. Ever. He had a certain reputation—for ruthlessness and hair-trigger retribution. However, most of his adversaries weren’t hoping to be spanked. “I’m the one with a hard-on that won’t die. Really think you should be talking to me that way?”

She tossed back her head then aimed a killing glare over her shoulder. “Like I said before, I’m not afraid of you.”

He narrowed his gaze and smoothed a warning hand over her rump. Her eyes smoldered like hot-burning coals.

He whipped out a hand and smacked her butt. The slap rocked her forward, and shock registered on her face. Her mouth dropped, then clamped closed.

A hand against her pussy confirmed what he’d suspected. He slapped her again.

Mariah groaned and faced forward, lowering her head to the bed. Her fingers clenched the bedding, and her entire body tensed as she awaited the next sharp smack.

He was happy to do it. Knowing she wanted it for a couple of reasons. First, nothing made her hotter faster. Second, she hoped he’d leave marks on her ass that she wouldn’t be able to explain the next day.

However, he was careful not to raise a welt. Not to leave a single lasting visible sign. If her rump was tender in the morning, she’d not have a visual clue as to why.

One more slap, and then he bent quickly and tongued her pussy, spreading her lips with his fingers then diving inside to lap up the fresh hot fluids streaming from inside her. But he didn’t forget he had another agenda. He licked his way upward, teasing her sensitive perineum then sliding up again.

Her hand reached back to push him away. “Danny!”

He pressed a kiss against one side of her bottom. “I’d forgotten how nervous you are about anal—”

“La-la-la—”

“All right, so you won’t let me lick it. Can I fuck—”

“Hell, no!”

“Finger it?”

Her swift denial didn’t come. He smiled. They’d done this before, him working his way past her objections in a steady, but stealthy, assault.

“Just—just get on with it!”

“It’s sweet how you let me have my way. So giving.”

“Lord, I’ll kill him myself,” she muttered.

“No need to risk your soul on my account,” he murmured. Then he cupped her warm buttocks and slid a thumb between them.

“That’s bigger!”

“Yes, it is,” he said, pushing it inside. He didn’t give her time to complain again, thrusting his cock inside her pussy.

He gritted his teeth as her slick walls rippled along his shaft. She came up on her arms and shoved backward, forcing him deeper. And he was lost. With his thumb swirling inside her, he powered into her hot cunt, groaning every bit as loudly as she did.

Her orgasm was swift. She gave a keening cry and arched her back like a cat, holding as still as she could manage while he hammered faster and faster, until he too found sweet release, cum jetting in swift, scalding spurts.

When explosion waned, he removed his thumb and gathered her hips against him, to keep them locked, and brought them both to their sides on the mattress. He kissed her damp shoulder, the back of her neck.

She murmured sleepily and cuddled closer, resting her head on his arm, while he stared into a dark corner and began to count the minutes until this wonderful, terrifyingly bitter night ended.

· · ·

Just before dawn, Viper woke her, coming over her, quieting her sleepy murmurs with a forceful kiss. He took his time, at last, entering her so slowly she complained, lifting her hips to force him deeper.

Their loving was slow, savored, poignant, because this time, they both remembered the many times they’d been here, holding each other tightly at the end. Their kisses were all the sweeter because they knew they’d have to make each one matter.

He held back, thrusting faster, harder. Sliding a hand between their bodies, he caressed the tiny knot of nerves that shot her ahead of him, so that he could watch her come.

As her mouth opened around a quiet scream, he let go, joining her, groaning deeply as his body and heart emptied into hers.

Viper waited until her soft brown eyes fluttered open, and her gaze met his for the last time. Her smile said she forgave him, and she touched his cheek.

The kiss wasn’t needed, but he wanted her to close her eyes. He closed his as he stole one memory after another, letting them flicker through his mind…

Their first meeting at the station house where she tried to pry information from the precinct’s PR officer about a drug arrest. She’d spotted Viper and became distracted enough that the exasperated PR guy slipped away.

The first time they’d made love—that same night. A frenzied, delirious coupling in the front seat of his car when he’d tried to play the gentleman and drop her at her door after their first date.

Fishing in the sound on a borrowed boat. Only they hadn’t caught a single thing, except a raging sunburn in intimate places.

Their wedding. Mariah dressed in white and beaming as she’d stood in front of the Justice of the Peace and repeated her vows in an excited rush, eager for the pronouncement that would make her his forever.

When at last he’d finished, he sobbed once, kissed her closed eyes, and slipped from the bed.

· · ·

Lieutenant Moses Brown waited outside, his large frame leaning against his unmarked car. When he saw him, he straightened and flicked away his cigarette. “Thought I might find you here. Need a ride back?”

Viper slid into the passenger seat, keeping his face turned straight ahead, not allowing himself to look back as Moses pulled away from the curb.

“Did you let her go this time, buddy?”

Viper nodded.

“It’s for the best. Now, the girl can get on with her life.”

“I know.”

“We have work to do. With Navarro gone, the natives are gettin’ restless. They think the territory’s up for grabs.”

“Guess I’ll just have to make a play for it, won’t I?” Viper said, letting his bitter rage bleed through.

“Damn shame about the missus,” Moses said softly.

His jaw clenched tight before he spoke. “I don’t want to talk about it.”

“I understand.” Moses flicked the indicator to turn onto another street. “You sure you didn’t leave any clues? Nothing she might use to connect the dots this time?”

“I wiped her mind of everything. I’m sure.” Feeling drained, he leaned his head against the headrest and closed his eyes.

Then he remembered. The ring. He hadn’t removed it from her finger.

Chest tightened in a vise grip, he jerked upright.

Moses’s head swung his way. “You okay? You forget something?”

The words to tell his friend to turn around were on the tip of his tongue. Instead, he relaxed. Maybe she’d wake up, find the ring and wonder. Without the memories to accompany the golden band, could she really find him?

The tantalizing thought was just enough to ease him past the sadness he thought he couldn’t bear. Maybe, this time, she’d find him.

The possibility was enough. A wisp of hope to hold onto. Feeling lighter, he rolled down the window and let the soft, salt breeze whisk away his dour mood. “So, about these natives, Moses. We talking fangs?”

About the Author

Until recently, award-winning erotica and romance author Delilah Devlin lived in South Texas at the intersection of two dry creeks, surrounded by sexy cowboys in Wranglers. These days, she’s missing the wide-open skies and starry nights but loving her dark forest in Central Arkansas, with its eccentric characters and isolation—the better to feed her hungry muse! For Delilah, the greatest sin is driving between the lines, because it’s comfortable and safe. Her personal journey has taken her through one war and many countries, cultures, jobs, and relationships to bring her to the place where she is now—writing sexy adventures that hold more than a kernel of autobiography and often share a common thread of self-discovery and transformation.

To learn more about Delilah Devlin, please visit www.delilahdevlin.com. Send an email to delilah@delilahdevlin.com or join her Yahoo! group to enter in the fun with other readers as well as Delilah: DelilahsDiary@yahoogroups.com

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Moonstruck

An excerpt from She’s All That,
the second story in the Moonstruck collection

Moses Brown poured a cup of coffee, grimacing at the black tar slurping into his mug. Still, it might give him a jolt, and after the night he’d had, he could sure use it. He wrinkled his nose, smacked his lips and took a sip.

A hand slapped his shoulder and he took a bigger gulp than he intended, choking down the bitter brew. He aimed a glare over his shoulder.

Finny Boone, his partner, grinned. “That pot’s been brewin’ most of the night. You really must be desperate. Just get back?”

Moses grunted and lifted his cup again. “You get the statement from the liquor store owner?”

“All wrapped up. The DA’s got everything she needs for a B ‘n E charge. No thanks to you.” Finny’s green eyes narrowed, studying his expression. “Better I don’t ask?”

Moses hated being cagey with Finny, but some things were best kept on the down low. “Yeah. One of those nights.” The less Finny knew about his other, unsanctioned activities, the better. The last time he’d let a partner enter the dark world, he’d lost him to a vampire’s bite. “Does it look like we’ll get outta here on time?”

“Huh, are you kidding?” Finny waved a folder. “Tonight’s a goddamn full moon.”

Moses groaned inwardly. “What happened?”

“Don’t know exactly, but the victim’s pretty rattled. I put her in interrogation room one. Saved her just for you.” Finny’s red eyebrows waggled.

Which meant that not only was this a full moon case, but the woman was pretty. Finny had been trying to set him up with a girlfriend ever since Sidney Coffey, his former “friend with benefits”, left Seattle with her new lover.

Finny didn’t get the fact that Moses was okay now. Sure, he’d had a thing for Sidney for a long time, but she was happy with the vampire master Navarro. And Navarro was cool, even if he was a bloodsucker.

The truth was, not until after Sidney had been seduced away had Moses realized he didn’t really love her. Sidney was smart and funny, and a Molotov-fucking-cocktail in the sack, but he’d recovered way too fast for their relationship to be the real thing. He wished Finny would stop trying to cheer him up. Despite what his buddy thought, his dick wasn’t going to shrivel up and fall off just because he wasn’t getting any ass.

Eyeing the file, Moses blew out a breath. “The other guys hear any of the woman’s story?”

Finny winked. “Like always, I cut her off as soon as it got crazy. They were pretty damn disappointed when I herded her away. You know how much they get a good laugh every time one of your special cases walks in.”

Special cases. Nut jobs was what they really thought. Every one of them, including Finny, wondered what higher up he’d pissed off to get the full moon cases. However, there were a few well-placed people inside the force who knew what was really going on in Seattle after dark.

Moses had been handpicked—after his former partner was turned in front of his eyes. Stifling a sigh, Moses took another shot of high-octane sludge. The sooner he figured out if there was anything to the woman’s story, the sooner he could get some shut-eye.

“Need any help?” Finny asked, his eyes alight with curiosity.

Moses shook his head. “Just make sure no one comes in to watch from the other side of the mirror, buddy.”

Finny shrugged. “One of these days….”

“Believe me, Finn. You really don’t wanna know.”

Finny slapped the file folder against his chest and walked away.

Moses flipped it open, noted the woman’s name and not much more before he ambled down the hall to the room beside interrogation room one. He let himself inside and stood in the dark, gazing through the glass at the brunette with the chalky face, wanting to take her measure before he joined her, wanting to see whether she looked crazy, bored, or like an attention-seeker.

Eyeing her through the glass, Moses decided she didn’t need to create an elaborate story to get anyone to listen. And she was anything but bored, based on the way her gaze darted around the room. The woman was definitely spooked. And crazy? Well, he’d have to talk to her to figure that one out. Still, he stood on the other side of the mirror, giving her more than a professional perusal.

Despite her pallor and the pinched set of her mouth, she was a beauty. Melanie Bradshaw wasn’t model-pretty, and she wasn’t Sidney’s hard-edged cute. The woman seated at the ugly gray metal table, biting a fingernail, was delicate—small-boned with an oval face, shoulder-length hair, large brown eyes and lush lips.

Arousal stirred, and Moses cupped himself, rearranging his dick so that he didn’t scare the little woman half to death when he went inside. She wore dark jeans and a soft brown sweater that molded over her slight curves. As he watched, she pulled down the cuffs to her fingers as though her hands were cold, and then gripped the pendant that rested over her pretty little breasts, a large red stone framed in gold. Her bottom lip trembled.

No, she didn’t look like a nut job. She looked good and scared.

Again he opened the folder and flipped through the pages to her statement, scanning it quickly then cussed to himself.

No, she wasn’t crazy. Not even a little. Melanie Bradshaw had strayed straight into his “special case” zone. She’d had an encounter of the creepy kind.

And she’d met Viper.

Looked like he wasn’t going to get any rest until he figured out why.

· · ·

As the door whooshed open, Melanie jerked. Her gaze swung toward the person who entered, then widened. When she stood, her head tilted way back. Good lord, he looked like a linebacker—and she’d dated one once who wasn’t half as big.

The hard set of the man’s jaw had her steeling herself against his derision, for him to ask her why she was wasting everyone’s time with a story so absurd. Then she met his gaze. His dark chocolate eyes held a tinge of something softer, maybe even kindness. Her shoulders relaxed. Perhaps he’d listen. She needed someone to talk to who didn’t look at her like she’d grown two heads.

His large hand stretched across the table. “I’m Detective Brown, ma’am.”

“Of course, you are,” she murmured, then bit her lip. Damn, she didn’t mean her statement the way it no doubt sounded. Not the best way to greet a large black man.

But his mouth quirked up at one corner. Her hand disappeared inside his, and she stared at where their bodies joined. For the first time all night, she felt safe and warm.

He withdrew first, wiping his hand against his thigh. Was hers sweaty? She’d felt warmth and a little spark when their skin had touched.

“Ma’am, take a seat.”

Like a well-trained Chihuahua, she plopped into the chair. Not quite so eager now to get this over. She liked his voice—the deep bass, the gravelly texture. As he settled into the chair opposite hers, a metal one that groaned with his massive weight, she couldn’t help eyeing him.

Well over six feet tall with broad shoulders and a rock-hard chest and abs, he looked mean enough she didn’t think much would scare him. His face was hard too, his jaw square as a bulldog’s, his nose broad and slightly askew. His bald head gleamed beneath the harsh fluorescent lighting.

“Tell me what went down at the bar, Miss Bradshaw.”

She stifled a sigh. Again? Tonight had been really long, and she was ready to head home to sleep. “Didn’t you read my statement?”

“I did,” he said with a firm nod. “But I’d like to hear it from you.”

She lifted her chin to the mirror. “So your friends can have a good laugh?”

“There’s no one watching.” His gaze locked with hers. “Promise. Just you and me. Tell me about it.”

Melanie drew a deep, shaky breath. “All I want is to report a death. A murder.”

“But there’s a problem….”

“No body.” She nodded, wrapping her fingers around the amulet. “It’s surreal. Like… spontaneous combustion, but that’s a myth, right? Just an urban legend.”

He didn’t answer her, but he settled back in his chair, his head canting as he watched her, staring.

What did he see? Was he one of those people trained to read the truth in her body language? Was she giving him the right signals? Should she glance left or to the right?

Hell, why did she feel like she was the one in the wrong?

“The man who bought me a drink. He seemed nice.” In a sort of oily way, but she wasn’t going to speak ill of the dead. She hadn’t wanted to accept the drink, not trusting its contents since she hadn’t seen it poured. Her mama always harped about the perils of men.

“What were you doin’ in the bar?”

“It was a club, really.” Melanie blushed. She’d been looking for a hook-up. Desperate for one, actually. Too many lonely, battery-packed nights had finally led her to the snapping point. She wanted to be fucked to within an inch of her mind. Why hadn’t someone like Detective Brown been the one she’d met?

Taking a couple seconds, she ran a discreet second glance over him. He certainly looked like he could deliver.

She cleared her throat and hoped like hell he couldn’t tell what she was thinking. Now she wished she had a tack in her shoe to crunch down on. Or wasn’t that only good for polygraphs? “I, uh, was thirsty?” And hungry. And so sick and tired of being sick and tired, she’d been willing to see if the cure was sex with something other than the figments in her dreams.

“Thirsty,” he said, nodding, eyes narrowing. “Did you go there alone?”

“I told you a man bought me a drink.”

“But you entered the club alone. The Cavern. Why that place?” He leaned back in his chair.

Because she’d had dreams about it and wanted to prove to herself that the murky images weren’t based on reality. Only she’d scared herself the moment she’d entered the dance club. Everything had been exactly as she’d dreamed the night before. Or at least the décor was. No way could the rest of what had happened in her dream be true.

After all, vampires were fiction.

“I heard about it and was curious.”

“Doesn’t seem like your kind of place.”

His gaze swept her, and she felt a tightening in her core. Delicious, really, and completely out of context. “Why does the reason I chose that place matter?”

He shrugged. “Just tryin’ to get the details, ma’am.”

“To determine my state of mind?” she asked, lifting her chin.

His lips stretched, the full bottom thrusting forward. Her glance lingered there, wondering what that lush pout would feel like sucking on her nipple. She swallowed hard. Her gaze leapt to his face.

“All right.” His gaze sharpened. “So let’s skip to the drink and the guy.”

“He was just a stranger.” With a scarily intent stare. “He offered me a drink and motioned for me to take a seat at the bar. I was just beginning to slide onto the stool, when he leaned forward.”

“Did he touch you?”

“He pushed the hair off my neck. I jerked back. Then he pulled my hair, forcing me closer.” She shuddered. “The barman was looking away. Everyone around me was laughing. I stomped on his foot.”

“What did he look like? Did anything seem… off about his appearance?”

She blinked, remembering something she’d left out of the report on purpose. “Off?”

“Not natural?”

Melanie’s breaths shortened. “The club was Goth. It was just… makeup and tricks.”

“What was, Miss Bradshaw?”

“His eyes. They were like an animal’s eyes.” She shivered. “You know, when they catch the light in the dark. They reflected. And his teeth. I hadn’t noticed how sharp they were when he first offered me the drink or I’d have turned him down flat. I’m not into weird.”

“What about his teeth?”

She blushed, knowing how crazy it all sounded, and wishing this wasn’t the conversation she was having with this very large, very attractive man. “They were sharp. Jagged. The incisors looked like fangs.”

“Did he frighten you?” he asked softly.

“Yes!” she blurted, feeling relief because he’d given her unspoken permission to voice it, to let it go. She shivered at the memory. “He wouldn’t release me. And he was getting closer.”

“What happened then?”

“A man stepped between us. Kinda cute, actually, but he bared his teeth. They were jagged too. He pushed the man away from me, raised a pointy stick and slammed it into his chest.”

Detective Brown gave a little nod. “That’s when your date… combusted.”

“He wasn’t my date.” She jerked her head. “But yeah—in a flash. Nothing but dust and charred clothing left when the fire went out.”

Detective Brown held her gaze for a long moment, long enough Melanie stiffened her back in answer. This was when he’d give her the look. The one that said he thought she needed meds.

Instead, he looked down at the folder and flipped up a page. “The man with the pointy stick… what did he look like?”

Melanie shrugged. “Cute, but hard, ya know? Hispanic, with long black hair to his shoulders.”

“What happened then?”

She frowned, remembering her confusion and fear. “He kicked me out of the club. Told me to go home and lock my doors. Had me walked out to the cab stand. As soon as I got home, I called the police. They told me to come in to make a statement.” She shrugged again, pretending her stomach wasn’t still trembling in the aftermath of what had been a hellish night. “So now I’m here. What’re you gonna do?”

He sat so long, his dark gaze boring into hers, that she began to fidget, biting her nail again. Although she’d thought she’d kicked that habit in high school. Embarrassed, she slid her hands into her lap. “I’m not crazy.”

“Didn’t say you were,” he murmured quietly.

His dark gaze continuing to bore into her until her anxiety built to a crescendo. “Do you believe me?”

“You need rest.”

“But do you believe me?” Her fingers tightened on the table edge.

“I need rest.”

She blew out a breath in exasperation. “Yeah, it’s hours after freaking midnight. We both fucking need rest. Do you believe me?”

“I’m comin’ home with you.”

He said it so quietly, so calmly, that she blinked, wondering if she’d only dreamed the words. Like she dreamed so many unlikely things these days. “What’d you just say?”

“You might not be safe. And we both need rest. To wait out the day.” His head shook with a snap. “I’m not leavin’ your side ‘til we figure this out.”

Tears clouded her vision, but she wiped them away. He believed her. Or at least believed part of what she’d said. Relieved, she didn’t think before she blurted, “Do you want the left or the right side of the bed?”

Table of Contents

Her Soul to Keep

Dedication

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

About the Author

Latest Releases

Coming Soon

Moonstruck