Nocturnal Surrender (The Nocturnal Surrender Series)

by Pearl, Lorraine

  Nocturnal Surrender

  by

  Lorraine Pearl

  The Nocturnal Surrender Series

  Book 2

  For other books in this series, please visit:

  http://nocturnalsurrenderseries.weebly.com/books.html

  Nocturnal Surrender

  by Lorraine Pearl

  After two hundred years in exile, vampire Bastian Evanko has come back to earn his brother’s respect and plot revenge against the vampire who murdered his fiancée, Elise. In Lansford, PA, the Sin City of the East, Bastian must fight his rebellious nature and learn to control his impulsiveness so he is no longer considered a scourge on the Evanko name. When he asks for a private dance, and a bite, from stripper Darling Nikki, he gets far more than he bargains for—including another chance at love. But even the love of a beautiful woman isn’t enough to sate his need for retribution.

  Nicole French simply wants to learn how to live in her new town, come to terms with stripping to pay the bills, and make it through law school without having a breakdown over the painful memories she hides. Having a man in her life is the last thing she needs, but when Bastian Evanko asks for a private dance, and to drink her blood, she ends up with more than just a freaky customer. Things heat up quickly in the private room with the sexy stranger. Only problem is, he likes to pretend he’s a vampire and suck down human blood.

  To make matters worse, a war is brewing between vampires and Hunters. And after losing Elise because of her vampire Hunter brother, can Bastian take the risk of bringing Nicole into his life? But, on the other hand, can he pass up another chance at love?

  Nocturnal Surrender

  by Lorraine Pearl

  All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights reserved under copyright, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the publisher of this book.

  eBooks are not transferable. They cannot be sold, shared or given away as it is an infringement on the copyright of this work. The scanning, uploading, and distribution of this book via the internet, or via any other means, including those not yet invented, without the permission of the copyright owner, is illegal and punishable by law. Criminal copyright infringement (including infringement without monetary gain) is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000.

  This book is a work of fiction. All names, characters, locations, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination, or have been used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, locales, or events is entirely coincidental.

  Nocturnal Surrender

  by Lorraine Pearl

  Warning

  This book contains sexually explicit scenes, adult language, vampire violence, and may be considered offensive to some readers. It is intended for adults only.

  Published by D.L. Wilhelm

  Copyright © 2012 by Lorraine Pearl / D.L. Wilhelm

  Edited by Holly D. Atkinson

  Cover art Copyright © 2012 by D.L. Wilhelm

  Cover image background © rabbit75can canstockphoto.com

  Cover image emblem © Sergey Galushko dreamstime.com

  Cover image © Stryjek dreamstime.com

  Acknowledgements

  I’d like to thank my husband, Gordon, for sacrificing time with me so I could pursue my writing dream. Without you, none of this would have been possible. Debi, thank you for being such a great BFF, for giving me that little kick in the ass when I need it to help me believe in myself, and for beta reading for me. Nicole, thank you for beta reading and listening to me babble on about plot ideas and scenes. I hope our friendship continues to grow. Holly, thank you for your friendship and amazing editing skills. You have taught me so much and brought my writing so far. Here’s to many more years of friendship and working together, and to many more books to come.

  Table of Contents

  One

  Two

  Three

  Four

  Five

  Six

  Seven

  Eight

  Nine

  Ten

  Eleven

  Twelve

  Thirteen

  Fourteen

  Fifteen

  Epilogue

  One

  This wasn’t the homecoming Bastian Evanko had hoped for after two hundred years in exile. Getting berated by his brother served as a reminder of how strained their relationship had always been. Apparently the time apart had done nothing to mend old wounds.

  So much for a starting over.

  Donovan paced behind his mahogany desk, blond hair falling perfectly down the back of his expensive suit. “You shouldn’t be here. You know better. This city is no good for you, not with your past.”

  Bastian gripped the wooden armrests of the pretentious-looking chair where Donovan had commanded him to sit. “My sentence is over. I will come and go as I please now. Spending the last two centuries in isolation was almost more than I could take.” He loosened his hold when the wood cracked. If he turned the chair into kindling, he’d never hear the end of it.

  A point Donovan confirmed when he stopped and glared. “You’d better not destroy my office, little brother. The last thing we need is a repeat of what happened—”

  “Oh, please. How long are you going to keep bringing that up?” Bastian clenched his fists and stood, nearly knocking the fucking chair backward. “And stop calling me little brother. Two years makes no difference after nearly a millennia.”

  In an instant, Donovan moved to face Bastian. His eyes turned silver and his fangs extended. “Do not think to challenge me, little brother. As long as I have to keep cleaning up your messes, I’ll call you whatever I damn well please.” He waved a dismissive hand and returned to his desk, eyes reverting to their usual pale blue as his fangs receded. The monster within was hidden behind his baby face once more. No one would ever suspect a murderous creature lurked beneath that innocent façade.

  With a deep breath, Bastian sucked in the amped-up vampiric testosterone saturating the air. The tension between them was suffocating, and the next move rested on his shoulders. He could take the all-too-familiar road of trying to prove himself with a physical display and allow the powder keg to explode, or…

  “You’re right. I have made many mistakes, but you also know I’ve done nothing wrong since you stood up for me with the Elders and convinced them to spare my life.” Hand extended, Bastian crossed the room and stopped a respectable distance away. “Please, Donovan, let’s put the past behind us and move forward. How can I make amends if you won’t give me the opportunity?”

  There was silence except for the ticking of the large antique clock on the bookcase. Soundproof walls allowed in nothing from the nightclub beyond the office door, or from the bustling city outside.

  Donovan glanced at the proffered hand then locked gazes with Bastian, his expression unreadable.

  For a moment, Bastian wished vampires weren’t able to shield their thoughts from each other. His shoulders stiffened. A few more seconds of being ignored and he’d lose the tenuous grasp he had on his temper.

  In the past, he would have blown by now—verbally and physically—without regard for the consequences. His poor impulse control had created a rift between him and Donovan long ago. He never did anything right in his brother’s eyes, resulting in far too many years of Donovan’s condescending attitude. But he wanted his brother to see he was dif
ferent now, and the only way for that to happen was to fight the anger.

  Pressure built under his gums. His fangs ached to descend. Swallowing hard, he licked his teeth.

  Still normal, but not for long.

  With a nod, Donovan finally accepted his hand. “Okay, I concede. Looks like you might have really changed this time.” He immediately stood and pulled Bastian in for a hug, landing a hard smack on his back. “It’s good to have you here, little brother.”

  Jaw clenched at those words, Bastian returned the show of affection with an equally powerful blow.

  A few blood-infused drinks and a half hour later, Donovan gave Bastian a tour of his club.

  Nocturnal Surrender sat in the middle of the Lansford Strip, flanked by a casino and a hotel. The Sin City of the East truly lived up to its name, and just as they had in Las Vegas, vampires capitalized on the sin aspect.

  Bastian surveyed the club and its patrons. Every vamp in the room had silver eyes and extended fangs—no need to hide since it was supposed to be fake. Unsuspecting humans, including timid tourists who looked out of place, became meals for immortals. He held in a chuckle when he noticed a few mortals wearing various shades of vampire contacts. Some even had artificial fangs.

  Hard rock music blared from hidden speakers. Candles flickered on tables and shelves, adding contrasting old-world ambiance. Gothic arches framed the doorways.

  He inhaled deeply, drawing in the wondrous scent that permeated the open room. Blood.

  When Donovan finished showing him around, they sat in one of the many crimson-colored booths.

  The Nightclub with a Bite. Bastian had to laugh at the sign behind the bar, its dramatic lettering exaggerated by fang-like projections. He looked to Donovan and raised his glass. “I’ve got to commend you. Opening a sanguinarian nightclub was a stroke of genius.”

  “Amazing, isn’t it? Just like the blood houses of old, but with all the modern conveniences.” Donovan rested a hand on his brother’s back.

  Warmth spread through Bastian at the loving touch. It had been many centuries since Donovan yielded any real compassion. Could this be the new beginning Bastian had hoped for all these years? Would he finally be deemed worthy, good enough, and not a screw up? Would he no longer be considered a scourge on the Evanko name?

  When Donovan pulled away, a cold and empty spot remained where his palm had been—not unlike the one that had been left in Bastian’s heart long ago. The first time, after Donovan turned his back on him when it became clear he would live by his own rules and not the Elders’ Code. The second, when that bastard of an Enforcer, Christof Rosenbaum, murdered the woman he loved.

  He had tried to save Elise after she’d been sentenced to death for revealing vampires’ existence. That had made him a traitor to his kind, and the Elders’ wrath landed squarely on his shoulders.

  Two hundred years.

  If Bastian hadn’t released his glass, he would have pulverized it. His body tensed. With his focus on the anger, the ability to conceal his thoughts slipped.

  Concern came through in Donovan’s voice. “What’s wrong? Are you all right?”

  No, he wasn’t. He hadn’t been all right for too many years, but he needed to regain his composure if he wanted Donovan’s trust. He closed his eyes and took another extended breath, pulling in the comforting mortal scents that dragged away the anger, even if it kicked and screamed to stay. Now was not the time. Revenge on the asshole who had denied him a life with Elise could come later. It would come later.

  “What are you thinking? You cannot go after him. He owns half of this city, and he is one of my best friends.” Donovan’s words were a stake to the heart.

  Bastian’s eyes snapped open. He glared at the vampire beside him. “How could you, after what he did to Elise? I watched him behead her. I was too weak from the silver he’d pumped into me to save her.” His gut knotted and a wave of nausea rolled over him at the image that had been burned into his memory for eternity.

  He leaned forward, placed his elbows on the table, and cradled his aching head in his hands, fighting the tears he swore he wouldn’t shed until Rosenbaum paid for her death.

  Donovan’s gentle touch returned. Bastian flinched, unable to allow himself to be soothed when he’d been betrayed by his own blood.

  “Bastian, I know you were devastated, but it wasn’t Christof’s fault. He had to follow orders. And as much as it pains you, the blame lies with Elise. If she wouldn’t have broken the Code, she might still be with you today.” Donovan moved his hand away and sighed. “Besides, Christof retired from the Enforcers long ago. He passed his post on to his friend, Alexander Mitchell. If you’re planning on staying in town for any length of time you will run into them. They are both regulars here.”

  A cold chill swept over Bastian. How could his brother be so cavalier about Elise’s death? Vampire or not, he had to have some emotion left.

  The urge to get up, toss the table across the room, knock Donovan to the floor, and pound his face overtook Bastian. Bones crushing under the onslaught would be a relief, just as it had in the past, no matter how temporary the wounds.

  Donovan may have been the older brother, but Bastian was larger and stronger. The only reason Donovan ever prevailed was his ability to control his temper. Bastian had always been a loose cannon, which had been his downfall many times. But no longer. He’d vowed to take back his life, and if that meant playing civil with the Enforcers, so be it…at least for now.

  He sat up and took one last deep breath in an attempt to release his anger and shield his emotions. It only half worked. “You’re right. I meant it when I said I wanted to leave the past behind and move forward.” At least partially. “I can’t hold onto this forever. It’s been eating me alive far too long. But I will never be friendly with Rosenbaum, or any Enforcer.”

  “I’m not asking for friendly, only a truce, even if it is an uneasy one. The Elders won’t hesitate to reinstate your original punishment if you break their laws again, and I don’t want to lose you.” Donovan took a long drink of bourbon before looking back to his brother. “I have an idea of how we can blow off some steam and lighten the mood. You game?”

  “Depends on what it is.” Bastian finished his beer in one swig.

  A huge grin played along Donovan’s baby face. “You just have to trust me, little brother. I promise it will be worth it.”

  Two

  Club Delacroix couldn’t have been more different than Nocturnal Surrender. Dance music blasted while bright lights illuminated scantily clad waiters and waitresses. Instead of a dark and brooding atmosphere, the room exuded cheer, accented with shouts from the patrons watching strippers glide provocatively across the stage.

  Bastian’s head bobbed in time with the nearest dancer’s breasts. “This was a great idea. I think I’m in love.”

  Donovan’s voice tensed. “Not with that one. She belongs to Kade. One wrong move and you’ll be on the chopping block again.”

  “Telling me she belonged to Kade was warning enough.”

  Kade Delacroix was not a vampire to cross. Even in isolated exile Bastian had heard of the club owner’s reputation. Kade would surely turn him over to the Elders for even the slightest infraction.

  Bastian’s attention quickly shifted back to the women, and their lack of wardrobe. “I’m not crazy about redheads anyway. Maybe I’ll go for a brunette instead.”

  He scanned the stage, targeting a coy little thing at the far end with his preternatural vision. Long dark curls cascaded down to caress her ample cleavage, her breasts clad in black lace. He inspected lower to find the same delicate treatment covering her delicious pussy. When she turned to make love to one of the poles, her tight ass flexed around the floss of the G-string. His cock stirred instantly.

  She spun and raised her arms over her head, grasping the metal between her slender hands, stroking it. Her nerves didn’t show, but he sensed her fear. He couldn’t help delving into her mind to find out more.

&nb
sp; Though she worked the stage like a pro, she was actually new to the job and the city. To Bastian’s surprise, she believed she wasn’t attractive enough to make a living this way. She radiated pain, but he couldn’t put his finger on its source.

  Always a sucker for a damsel in distress, he had to find out more. “Do you think you can get Kade to introduce me to that one?” He pointed just as she released her sumptuous tits from the restriction of the lacey bra. If he’d been sitting in front of her, the garment might have landed on him instead of the geek with the glasses.

  “I wouldn’t have picked her to be your type. She seems too tame for you. You are different now.” Donovan knocked back his bourbon. “Give me a minute and I’ll see what I can do.”

  Nicole French sat in front of the long vanity mirror in the dressing room of Club Delacroix, trying to summon the courage for her next routine. Many of the dancers carried on conversations as they primped and changed, but their words didn’t register. The whole thing was surreal and—

  Kade’s voice boomed, cutting through the din. “Nikki, darling, I have a customer who would like a private dance. He asked for you specifically. You must have made quite an impression.”

  Nicole jumped back in her seat. Her heart stammered, her breath catching in her chest. Hesitantly, she turned to face her boss.

  Tall and fit, but not overly muscular, he emanated power. He was an alpha male if she’d ever seen one. People normally cowered when he came near, and now she had the urge to do so herself.

  His Gothic appearance had freaked her out from day one…which was only last week. With that long black hair and goatee, not to mention those glowing amber eyes and pale skin, he could pass for a vampire.

  She trembled, but somehow held it together. “Yes, Mr. Delacroix. Is there anything in particular he asked for?”

  “Do you remember what I told you during training, that sometimes customers from Nocturnal Surrender may come here and want special services?”

  Swallowing hard, she forced herself to speak. “Yes, but—” She bit back the hesitation. This was her job. If she refused, if she had to find another place to work, she might end up in the seedier side of town, doing even worse things to make ends meet. For what she was paid, she could let someone bite her and drink her blood, couldn’t she? A shudder tore through her, still she smiled. “Okay, I’ll escort him to a room and…entertain him.”