He went harder, his hands digging into her butt. The ripples were fast, the tide strong. She broke, the room flashing hot, the orgasm stealing her thoughts.
Dropping his head to her neck, he shuddered with his own release. “I love you, too.” Then he lifted his head, his gaze bright. “That’s fast, right?”
She laughed, happy and not alone. Not even close. “That’s immortality, Detective.” The faded mark on her palm tingled. “Or maybe it’s fate. Does it matter?”
“No.” He kissed her deep. “So long as it’s forever.”
Chapter 16
Epilogue
Tabi snuggled into Evan’s side as Dr. Mariana Lopez handed out cake. She took a piece and then handed one to her mate. Her stubborn, sexy, more than she could’ve ever imagined, mate.
“You took the one that has more frosting,” he said, his lips at her ear.
She laughed. He’d given her video to her earlier, and they’d smashed it together. She smiled at Abby sitting next to Noah, trying to steal a frosting flower from him. Cocking her head, she watched Raine Maxwell refuse a piece of cake, his gaze on the shrink.
Mariana sat and smiled. “You’ve all graduated, and I’m so proud of you.”
Tabi took another bite of cake. “You’re a good counselor.”
“Thanks, but I’m heading back to working with kids. No offense, but adults are too much work.” Mariana took a sip of the punch and then frowned. “Who spiked this?”
“I did,” Raine said. “Thought we could use something fun.” His gaze heated on the woman.
Tabi looked around. “The sheriff’s moronic kid hasn’t been back in weeks. He doesn’t graduate, does he?”
“No,” Mariana said, crossing her legs. “I already let the court know, but we’ll see what happens.”
Evan set his cake aside and reached for the punch. Obviously the alcohol interested him.
Tabi finished her extra frosting, her heart warm. “Evan’s running for sheriff. We need a committee, if you’re interested.”
Raine’s eyebrows rose. “You’re staying in town?”
“For a while,” Tabi confirmed. At least fifty years, but then they’d have to go. “We’re rebuilding my factory that somehow caught on fire, and Evan wants to clean up the town. So we’re here for now. You?”
“I have a mission and am leaving tonight,” Raine affirmed.
Well. So much for Raine and the shrink. The woman was enhanced, somehow, but Tabi didn’t know with what. Probably empathy since she had become a psychiatrist. She could’ve sworn Raine had seemed interested. Too bad.
Mariana looked up at Raine, her expression inscrutable. “There’s still an open homicide case, and I think all the witnesses, meaning everyone in this room, has to stay available.”
He smiled then, and the sight looked like a warning. “Oh, I’ll be back, Mariana. Probably sooner than you’d like.”
Tabi swallowed. All righty, then.
Noah finally gave his frosted flower to Abby. “We’re staying a while as well. Abby wants to help rebuild the factory, and she likes working with Tabi.” He grinned. “If you become sheriff, you’ll need a deputy. I’d like to help clean up this town, too. I guess doing it by running for office isn’t a bad way.”
Tabi smiled. No doubt, Noah had just planned to rip off the sheriff’s head, since he’d threatened Abby. This was a better way to go. Two immortals in small town law enforcement. Life was weird. “That’s true.”
Evan nodded. “I’d like that.” He leaned down and kissed her cheek. “See? That’s a good plan.”
Yeah, probably better than what she’d had in mind for the sheriff. “All right, handsome. We’ll try it your way.” She leaned up and kissed him, sighing when he took over. So long as they were together.
He leaned back and smiled. “Forever.”
* * * *
Also from 1001 Dark Nights and Rebecca Zanetti, discover Vengeance, Blaze Erupting, Tangled, Teased, and Tricked.
* * * *
Coming April 13, 2021 from 1001 Dark Nights and Rebecca Zanetti, a new novella in her Dark Protectors/Rebels series…
Vampire
Click here to purchase.
Dr. Mariana Lopez has finally stopped bailing friends out of difficult situations. Well, except for substituting as the leader for another anger management group, pitching in as a campaign strategist for a prospective sheriff, and babysitting three dogs. Even with such a full life, she can feel the danger around her—a sense that something isn’t right. Nightmares harass her, until the real thing comes to life, and only the dark and sexy male sitting in her group can save her. However, with safety comes a price she might not be willing to pay.
Raine Maxwell is one of the Maxwells out of Montana, which means he's not only one of the most deadly vampires alive, but his path is set and his mate has been chosen for him. To save him—to continue his line. Unfortunately, his mate is an enhanced human female who has no idea of her abilities, of his species, or of her future. He’d like to lead her gently into this new world, but his people aren’t the only ones who’ve found her, which puts her into more danger than she can imagine. Plus, in order to follow his laws, he only has one week to convince her that immortality with him is what she wants—and needs.
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THE BISHOP by Skye Warren
A Tanglewood Novella
TAKEN WITH YOU by Carrie Ann Ryan
A Fractured Connections Novella
DRAGON LOST by Donna Grant
A Dark Kings Novella
SEXY LOVE by Carly Phillips
A Sexy Series Novella
PROVOKE by Rachel Van Dyken
A Seaside Pictures Novella
RAFE by Sawyer Bennett
An Arizona Vengeance Novella
THE NAUGHTY PRINCESS by Claire Contreras
A Sexy Royals Novella
THE GRAVEYARD SHIFT by Darynda Jones
A Charley Davidson Novella
CHARMED by Lexi Blake
A Masters and Mercenaries Novella
SACRIFICE OF DARKNESS by Alexandra Ivy
A Guardians of Eternity Novella
THE QUEEN by Jen Armentrout
A Wicked Novella
BEGIN AGAIN by Jennifer Probst
A Stay Novella
VIXEN by Rebecca Zanetti
A Dark Protectors/Rebels Novella
SLASH by Laurelin Paige
A Slay Series Novella
THE DEAD HEAT OF SUMMER by Heather Graham
A Krewe of Hunters Novella
WILD FIRE by Kristen Ashley
A Chaos Novella
MORE THAN PROTECT YOU by Shayla Black
A More Than Words Novella
LOVE SONG by Kylie Scott
A Stage Dive Novella
CHERISH ME by J. Kenner
A Stark Ever After Novella
SHINE WITH ME by Kristen Proby
A With Me in Seattle Novella
And new from Blue Box Press:
TEASE ME by J. Kenner
A Stark International Novel
FROM BLOOD AND ASH by Jennifer L. Armentrout
A Blood and Ash Novel
QUEEN MOVE by Kennedy Ryan
THE HOUSE OF LONG AGO by Steve Berry and MJ Rose
A Cassiopeia Vitt Adventure
THE BUTTERFLY ROOM by Lucinda Riley
A KINGDOM OF FLESH AND FIRE by Jennifer L. Armentrout
A Blood and Ash Novel
Discover More Rebecca Zanetti
Vengeance
A Dark Protectors/Rebels Novella
Click here to purchase.
Vengeance and revenge are the on
ly forces driving vampire soldier Noah Siosal since losing his brother to an enemy he’s been unable to find. He’s searched every corner of the globe, going through adversaries and piling up bodies until finally getting a lead. The last place he wants to be is in a ridiculous anger management group with people expressing feelings instead of taking action. Until one fragile human, a green-eyed sweetheart being stalked by danger, catches his eye. One touch, and he realizes vengeance can’t be anywhere near her.
Anger and self-preservation are the only motivations Abby Miller needs or wants right now. Falsely accused of attacking the man who’s terrorized her for years, she’s forced as a plea bargain to attend an anger management counseling group with people with some serious rage issues, while learning true self defense on the side. Yet a man, one more primal than any she’s ever met, draws her in a way and into a world deadlier than she’s ever imagined. He offers her protection, but she finds the fight is really for his heart, and she’s ready to battle.
* * * *
Blaze Erupting
Scorpius Syndrome/A Brigade Novella
Click here to purchase.
Hugh Johnson is nobody’s hero, and the idea of being in the limelight makes him want to growl. He takes care of his brothers, does his job, and enjoys a mellow evening hanging with his hound dog and watching the sports channel. So when sweet and sexy Ellie Smithers from his college chemistry class asks him to save millions of people from a nuclear meltdown, he doggedly steps forward while telling himself that the world hasn’t changed and he can go back to his relaxing life. One look at Ellie and excitement doesn’t seem so bad.
Eleanor Smithers knows that the Scorpius bacteria has and will change life as we know it, but that’s a concern for another day. She’s been hand-picked as the computer guru for The Brigade, which is the USA’s first line of defense against all things Scorpius, including homegrown terrorists who’ve just been waiting for a chance to strike. Their target is a nuclear power plant in the east, and the only person who can help her is Hugh, the sexy, laconic, dangerous man she had a crush on so long ago.
* * * *
Tangled
A Dark Protectors—Reece Family Novella
Click here to purchase
Now that her mask has finally slipped…
Ginny O’Toole has spent a lifetime repaying her family’s debt, and she’s finally at the end of her servitude with one last job. Of course, it couldn’t be easy. After stealing the computer files that will free her once and for all, she finds herself on the run from a pissed off vampire who has never fallen for her helpless act. A deadly predator too sexy for his own good. If he doesn’t knock it off, he’s going to see just how powerful she can really be.
He won’t be satisfied until she’s completely bare.
Theo Reese had been more than irritated at the beautiful yet helpless witch he’d known a century ago, thinking she was just useless fluff who enjoyed messing with men’s heads. The second he discovers she’s a ruthless thief determined to bring down his family, his blood burns and his interest peaks, sending his true nature into hunting mode. When he finds her, and he will, she’ll understand the real meaning of helpless.
* * * *
Tricked
A Dark Protectors—Reese Family Novella
Click here to purchase
He Might Save Her
Former police psychologist Ronni Alexander had it all before a poison attacked her heart and gave her a death sentence. Now, on her last leg, she has an opportunity to live if she mates a vampire. A real vampire. One night of sex and a good bite, and she’d live forever with no more weaknesses. Well, except for the vampire whose dominance is over the top, and who has no clue how to deal with a modern woman who can take care of herself.
She Might Kill Him
Jared Reese, who has no intention of ever mating for anything other than convenience, agrees to help out his new sister in law by saving her friend’s life with a quick tussle in bed. The plan seems so simple. They’d mate, and he move on with his life and take risks as a modern pirate should. Except after one night with Ronni, one moment of her sighing his name, and he wants more than a mating of convenience. Now all he has to do is convince Ronni she wants the same thing. Good thing he’s up for a good battle.
* * * *
Teased
A Dark Protectors—Reece Family Novella
Click here to purchase
The Hunter
For almost a century, the Realm’s most deadly assassin, Chalton Reese, has left war and death in the past, turning instead to strategy, reason, and technology. His fingers, still stained with blood, now protect with a keyboard instead of a weapon. Until the vampire king sends him on one more mission; to hunt down a human female with the knowledge to destroy the Realm. A woman with eyes like emeralds, a brain to match his own, and a passion that might destroy them both—if the enemy on their heels doesn’t do so first.
The Hunted
Olivia Roberts has foregone relationships with wimpy metro-sexuals in favor of pursuing a good story, bound and determined to uncover the truth, any truth. When her instincts start humming about missing proprietary information, she has no idea her search for a story will lead her to a ripped, sexy, and dangerous male beyond any human man. Setting aside the unbelievable fact that he’s a vampire and she’s his prey, she discovers that trusting him is the only chance they have to survive the danger stalking them both.
Disorderly Conduct
The Anna Albertini Files Book 1
By Rebecca Zanetti
Click here to purchase.
A fun, sexy, suspenseful new series from New York Times Bestselling Author Rebecca Zanetti! Meet Anna Albertini!
Bullets and Kisses Can Burn
The last person Anna Albertini expects to see in an orange jumpsuit in District Court—a place she SO doesn't belong as a new prosecuting attorney—is Aiden Devlin, the man who’d saved her life when they were kids. For years, she has dreamed about him. Now here he is—his eyes blue, his chest wide, and his hands in cuffs.
Sure, Aiden says he doesn’t want her help, and his ties to a deadly motorcycle club should give her warning. Yes, her new boss is a sexy Italian bad boy who might be using the case to climb to the top. Plus, the detective assigned to the case, with his green eyes and broad shoulders, wants her to stay out of his way.
With so much testosterone surrounding her all of a sudden, most women would find it hard to concentrate. This might be why the case leads Anna to yelp during a spa appointment, fall out of a tree, and chase a naked old man around the courtroom. It’s a good thing Anna learned a long time ago to be her own hero, no matter how fast the bullets fly or the kisses consume.
* * * *
Excerpt:
Ducking my head, I took a sharp right, hit the end of the street, and turned for the courthouse. The building had been erected when the timber companies and the mines had been prosperous in the area and was made of deep mahogany and real marble brought in from Italy. Instead of walking downstairs like I had the last two weeks, I climbed up a floor to the district court level. It even smelled different than the lower floors. More like lemon polish and something serious. Oh yeah. Life and death and felonies. My knees wobbled, so I straightened my blue pencil skirt and did a quick check of my white blouse to make sure I hadn’t pitted out.
Nope. Good. I shouldn’t be too scared, because the pseudo-metropolis of Timber City had only 49,000 residents, roughly the same as a large state college. But compared to my hometown of Silverville, which was about fifty miles east through a mountain pass, this was the big city.
My wedges squeaked on the gleaming floor. I pushed open the heavy door and made my way past the pews to the desk to the right, facing the judge’s tall bench. My temples started to thrum. I remained standing at the table and set down the case files before flipping open the first one.
A commotion sounded, and two men strode in from the back, both wearing fancy gray suits. I recognized the first man, an
d an odd relief took me again, even though he was clearly there as the defendant’s attorney and on the opposite side of the aisle as me. “Mr. O’Malley,” I murmured.
He held out his hand. “Call me Chuck, Anna.” He was a fishing buddy of my dad’s and had been for years. “They’ve thrown you into District Court already?”
I shifted my feet. “It’s a long story.” That would be public shortly. “The DEA took Scot away in handcuffs,” I said.
Chuck straightened, his gray eyebrows shooting up. “Charges?”
“The warrant said something about narcotics.” We were on different sides right now, and Chuck was a phenomenal criminal defense attorney, but the truth was the truth and would be out anyway. “He probably needs a good lawyer.”
“I’ll check it out after this hearing.” Chuck’s eyes gleamed the same way they did when my Nonna Albertini brought her apple pie to a community picnic. He nodded at his client, a guy in his late twenties with a trimmed goatee and thinning hair. “This is Ralph Ceranio. He’s pleading not guilty today.”
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