This Magic Moment

by Susan Squires

  Table of Contents

  CHAPTER ONE

  CHAPTER TWO

  CHAPTER THREE

  CHAPTER FOUR

  CHAPTER FIVE

  CHAPTER SIX

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  CHAPTER NINE

  CHAPTER TEN

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

  CHAPTER NINETEEN

  CHAPTER TWENTY

  CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

  CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

  CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

  CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

  CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

  CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

  CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

  CHAPTER THIRTY

  This Magic

  Moment

  By

  Susan Squires

  This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, organizations, and events portrayed in this novel are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

  THIS MAGIC MOMENT

  Copyright © 2017 by Susan Squires.

  Kindle Edition, 2017

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.

  Critical Acclaim for New York Times Bestselling Author Susan Squires

  Time for Eternity

  “The heroine’s dual nature is exquisitely executed, and Squires’s lush writing skillfully entwines the dramatic story of an aristocratic smuggler’s resistance to corrupt revolution with the romantic tale of lovers drawn together across time.”

  —Publishers Weekly (starred review)

  “A romance for all romance lovers, the novel eloquently combines time travel, vampirism, and a bygone era into a compelling and original tale…Squires has created one of the most mysterious and appealing vampires since LeStat.”

  —Romantic Times

  One with the Darkness

  “Superb writing, vivid narrative combined with complex plotting, and intricate characterization make each novel by Ms. Squires an absolute winner. Don’t miss this exciting chapter in this unique and captivating vampire series.”

  —Romantic Times BOOKreviews

  One with the Shadows

  “Full of colorful characters, romantic locales and vivid details of 1820s life, [One with the Shadows] has a delicious pace and plenty of thrills, and her vampire mythos is both mannered—almost Victorian—and intriguingly offbeat. Bound to net a wide audience of paranormal fans, this one may even convert devotees of traditional historicals.”

  —Publishers Weekly (A Best Book of the Year)

  “Superb…captivating…With her usual skill and creativity, Ms. Squires has crafted a novel that is passionate, heartbreaking, suspenseful, and completely riveting.”

  —Romance Reviews Today

  “Few writers combine a sensual romance within a supernatural thriller as well as Susan Squires consistently does. Her latest is a terrific Regency vampire romantic suspense starring two courageous heroes battling one hell of a meanie.”

  —Midwest Book Review

  “This is an incredibly unusual take on historical vampire stories. Susan Squires delivers an exciting story.”

  —Fallen Angel Reviews

  The Burning

  “A terrific tale…the story line is action-packed.”

  —Midwest Book Review

  “Blazingly hot and erotic.”

  —Romantic Times BOOKreviews

  “Marvelously rich, emotionally charged, imaginative, and beautifully written.”

  —BookLoons

  “A fantastic erotic vampire thriller.”

  —Fresh Fiction

  The Companion

  “A darkly compelling vampire romance…the plot keeps the reader turning the pages long into the night.”

  —Affaire de Coeur

  “Bestseller Squires charts a new direction with this exotic, extremely erotic, and darkly dangerous Regency-set paranormal tale. With her ability to create powerful and tormented characters, Squires has developed a novel that is graphic, gripping, and unforgettable.”

  —Romantic Times (4 1/2 starred review)

  “Travel through Egypt’s deserts and London’s society with two of the most intriguing characters you will ever read about. You will encounter a dark world that is intense, scary, and sexy, and a love that will brighten it…powerful and passionate…captivating…Squires has a wonderful ability to keep her readers glued to the edge of their seats.”

  —Romance Junkies

  “A vibrant, riveting, and sometimes just plain scary novel that should satisfy anyone—including the man in your life—who enjoys paranormal tales…Squires’s saga is off to an intriguing start.”

  —All About Romance

  “Squires does a fantastic job of taking an old tale of vampirism, and spinning it into a new and fresh tale with characters who intrigue and captivate.”

  —Fallen Angel Reviews

  “An unforgettable, sensual, and erotic novel that takes you places you’ve never gone before…will make you believe in the power of true love.”

  —Romance Reader at Heart

  “[The Companion] delivers sensual love scenes, an intriguing plot fraught with danger, adventure, and the unexpected which will leave readers anxiously awaiting the next enthralling tale from this immensely talented author.”

  —Rendezvous

  Also by Susan Squires

  Companion Series:

  Sacrament (stand alone related novel)

  The Companion

  The Hunger (prequel to The Companion)

  The Burning

  One with the Night

  One with the Shadows

  One with the Darkness (bridge to the DaVinci series)

  Sacrilege (novella)

  DaVinci Time Travel Series:

  Time for Eternity

  Twist in Time

  Mists of Time

  Magic Series:

  Do You Believe in Magic?

  He’s a Magic Man

  Waiting for Magic

  Night Magic

  The Magic’s in the Music

  Your Magic Touch (novella)

  This Magic Moment

  Also:

  Body Electric

  Danegeld

  Danelaw

  No More Lies

  Table of Contents

  Title Page

  Copyright Page

  Critical Acclaim for Susan Squires

  Also by Susan Squires

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  Chapter Twenty-Nine


  Chapter Thirty

  About Susan Squires

  This Magic

  Moment

  CHAPTER ONE

  ‡

  This was the last place Tammy Tremaine wanted to be, but she had no choice. The night sky was lit with green and gold neon, the desert heat of September cooling rapidly. The odors of the oil that stained the cement of the loading dock and the smell of rancid food emanating from broken wooden crates overwhelmed her search for calm.

  A limousine pulled up about a hundred feet down from the family’s innocent-looking delivery truck. Morgan emerged from the limo. Everything started to slow down for Tammy. She stepped out from behind the truck like she was being pulled.

  Then a young guy got out, dressed in jeans and boots and a long-sleeved work shirt or something. He had wavy brown hair down to his broad shoulders. His face was all cheekbones, full lips and light-colored eyes, his complexion pale. He gazed around him, blinking in wonder.

  Tammy’s stomach dropped to the vicinity of her feet. She couldn’t breathe. She couldn’t even blink. A tidal wave of emotions crashed over her. Fear for sure. Horror? Probably. And most dangerous of all, exhilaration. Tammy struggled to focus. The family was here to rescue her brother Lan and his chosen, Greta. But all she could think about was…him.

  “Morgan,” Tris hissed to the others crouching behind the van. “Wand.”

  Morgan carried the weapon that had put her father in a coma. The ground rolled suddenly. Tammy instinctively hit the ground. Las Vegas wasn’t exactly a hotspot for earthquakes. Explosion? Sharp cracks sounded as fissures appeared in the concrete loading dock of the Luxor’s conference center. Metal railings groaned as they twisted. Two men from the limo stumbled to grab the young man and scrambled up the concrete steps. He pulled back, searching for something, or someone. Tammy was so afraid he was looking for her. Or so hopeful.

  As she got to her feet, her brother called to her to get back behind the van. Another rolling quake hit. She rocked with it but she didn’t give ground. Tris clutched at her. Morgan whirled and pointed the Wand. A channel of light and force slashed the van. Beside her Tris held up his hands, calling the power of the earth to heat the Wand before Morgan’s aim improved. Morgan ducked into the doorway at the top of the stairs for protection. But the young man slowly turned in the doorway and stared straight at Tammy. His eyes widened.

  Oh, God. He feels it too. Her bones were realigned inside her. Her muscles screamed. Her head felt like it would burst. And she knew.

  The warehouse behind the beautiful guy burst into flame. Tongues of orange and red haloed him.

  Tammy Tremaine, you are so screwed.

  *

  “Get out. Hurry up,” his mentor ordered. He’d learned only recently that her name was Morgan Le Fay, and even that she was a woman.

  “Yes, ma’am,” Thomas murmured, scooting over to the open door in the automobile. His senses were on overload. Seventeen years in a monastery without running water hadn’t prepared him for the press of humanity in the Athens airport, the lights, the noise, the plane ride. His mentor was the keeper of his purpose. And now the purpose she had been grooming him for since he was eight or nine was at hand.

  He put out a hand to the car door to steady himself. The colored lights and the huge monolith buildings made his head reel. What place was this? A pyramid shot a beam of pure white light from its golden apex. A golden sphinx glowed just beyond. He looked around, seeking something that would anchor him. But all he saw was a huge tower striped with green lights, and behind him the gleaming turrets of a medieval castle.

  The earth shook and heaved under his feet. They all staggered. He gripped the stair rail.

  “What the fuck is that?” his mentor yelled.

  “Explosion,” the driver shouted as the ground heaved again.

  “Tremaines,” she hissed. “Get him inside.”

  Thomas felt a premonition fill him. Everything seemed to slow down. He felt the driver’s grip on his biceps. The building rolled with another upheaval. The metal railing of the stairs twisted and broke. Dust from crumbling concrete rose around him. But all these sensations receded like waves into the Mediterranean, leaving no mark.

  The only thing important was behind him.

  He twisted out of the men’s grip in slow motion, craning to see her.

  Shock shuddered through his body. The light from the high pole above the concrete made her hair a flaming nimbus around her head. He had never seen anyone with hair that color. Her eyes—what color were her eyes? Something light, but very intense—blue or green. She wore a dress with bright magenta flowers that did not even reach her knees. It fitted her torso tightly but flared out over her hips. The straps left creamy white shoulders and chest visible above the fabric across her breasts. Her legs were long and graceful. She was the most enchanting creature he had ever seen.

  The girl stared at him as though struck as much as he was. The impact of her gaze hit him harder than Brother Theodosius’s scourge. The moment stretched, tense, as their eyes locked. This, this was what he was meant for, who he was meant for.

  His mentor raised her walking stick. He sucked in a breath as a channel of light burst from her staff and slashed at the vehicle parked next to the beautiful creature. It split and smoked. A walking stick that spat destruction?

  A man came out from behind the large vehicle and held up his palms toward them. The staff began to glow dull red like coals, and his mentor threw it inside the building with a curse. “Get him inside,” she ordered. The driver grabbed Thomas and dragged him back.

  He felt his insides lurch. From the corners of his eyes he saw flames lick at the walls inside the building. They seemed to echo the fire in his belly. He burned both inside and outside. It didn’t matter. None of it mattered.

  She mattered.

  The man who had made the staff glow yelled, “Tammy, what do you think you’re doing?” He grabbed Tammy’s attention and hauled her rudely behind the vehicle. Her gaze didn’t leave Thomas’s until the very last moment. When finally their connection ripped, Thomas felt bereft. Worse than when his parents died, worse than during the long cold nights in his hut on Mt. Athos.

  “Get these flames out,” his mentor yelled to the two men with them. Several more people appeared. A skinny kid, a woman with lank hair and eyes lined with dark smudges. “Where are the Tremaines being held?”

  “They were in the kitchen,” the kid said.

  “Were?” his mentor shrieked. The building rocked again. The flames leaped higher. Part of the ceiling collapsed ahead of them. His world was falling apart.

  No. This was not his world. His world had flaming red hair and creamy white skin and she was outside. He could feel her moving. Confused, he turned to his mentor. “Who was that?” he shouted over the din.

  “My enemies, Thomas,” she yelled. “Don’t worry. They’ll soon be dead.”

  But he didn’t want them dead. At least, not one of them.

  CHAPTER TWO

  ‡

  His mentor dragged Thomas into a strange metal building through fire and gushing water and collapsing beams. The girl and the skinny guy dashed up the crumbling stairs behind them. Thomas felt disconnected, dazed.

  “I have to go back,” he shouted, struggling away.

  “God damn it,” his mentor blasphemed. “Charles, Blake, manage him.” She shoved Thomas toward the two men who had met them at the airport. One grabbed Thomas by both arms from the back.

  “Let me go,” he gasped, panicking. He had to get back to the red-haired girl, out of this nightmare world of shaking and fire and dust and water. When had he ever been so disobedient? The other man punched Thomas in the stomach. He bent over, gagging.

  “Don’t damage him, you idiots,” his mentor said. “Just bring him.”

  The men grabbed each arm and pulled the hunched Thomas forward as the floor rolled under them.

  “The place is collapsing,” one of the men yelled.

  “Wha
t, afraid you’ll die?” his mentor shouted back, laughing.

  “Afraid you’ll die,” the man muttered into the sudden quiet. All they heard was the crackle of flames. Thomas got his feet under himself. There was no time to vomit now.

  They all followed his mentor down a metal staircase that twisted and groaned. His guards apparently decided he could stumble down the stairs on his own. They were busy keeping their own balance. The flames had followed them into the stairwell. He hurried after his mentor. Morgan had discarded her hooded cape, revealing sharp features, her dark hair braided and knotted over her head and the glow of her golden eyes. Thomas had never seen yellow eyes.

  The flickering light of flames was the only illumination as they hopped from stair to stair across broken gaps. The stairs took another roll. The stairway leaned away from the wall like Brother Yanos when he’d been into the sacramental wine. His mentor increased the pace, tapping on the metal stairs with her deadly walking stick. They wound down into the earth.

  When they came to the bottom, his mentor thrust at the door. Nothing happened. It must be blocked on the other side. The girl started to wail. Fire cascaded down the stairwell in big dripping globs. Would they be burnt alive, their backs to a door that wouldn’t open?

  “Rusty, you’re up,” his mentor barked. The girl stopped crying.

  The skinny young man with bad skin pushed up to the front. “Stand back,” he said as he held up his hands. The girders turned rust-colored. Even as Thomas watched, they crumbled into red flakes. He had never seen anything like it.

  “Good work,” his mentor muttered.

  The two bigger men pushed, scraping debris to the side with the opening door. Flakes of rust drifted in the smoke-filled air. Thomas choked and coughed. His mentor strode into the wreckage. The flames were closing in. The world outside the monastery contained things he’d never dreamed of.

  He stumbled behind his mentor through the dust and crumbled walls. Doors had been wrenched out of their frames. Big tubes of metal had fallen from the ceiling. Charles, Blake and Rusty, along with the girl, were moving as fast as they could without running, glancing behind them to the flames that pursued them still.