Chapter 10 Rescue
After all they’d been through, why would the Indians would pick this particular night to show up. Ty cursed low as he shot another. The Indian slumped and fell. The fact they attacked after nightfall disturbed him most. He’d never encountered an Indian attack after the sun went down. Grateful Jeb had been able to locate the children and whisk them to safety, he struggled hand to hand with yet another Crow Indian.
Sheer terror filled him as the call of his name came to him on the smoke coated breeze. The sound drove the wolf to surface in record time. Snarling at the startled Indian, Ty lunged for his neck and tore at his airway. The Indian dissolved into dust.
Stunned, a couple of seconds passed before Ty realized the trouble all around them. Using his telepathic connection with Sonja, he could see the Indian vampire bit her neck. “No.”
Surging toward her, Ty berated himself for taking time to finish off the other bloodsucker. Using all his weight, he charged the attacker. Rolling with the Crow, he managed to pin him on the ground before he recognized the stench of Robert. “You.”
Robert’s mouth, coated liberally in Sonja’s blood, shown plainly in the glimmer of the full moon. “You’ll be sorry you were ever born, wolf.” He spit in Ty’s wolf face, the blood of Sonja’s mingled with his spit.
“You’re their leader, aren’t you?” Ty said as his eyes widened with the realization.
“Bravo, wolf, you’ve solved the puzzle of how I can still live.” He struggled to loosen Ty’s stance on his body. “You’ve got more sense than I gave you credit for. Too bad, you’re a Liken. I could use your intelligence.”
“What you could use is a long, slow death, you son-of-a bitch.” Flicking a glance in Sonja’s direction. She didn’t move. “If you’ve killed her, I’ll keep you alive for as long as I can to make sure you suffer as much as possible.”
The vampire’s eyes grew red. “Um, I can feel her life’s source coursing through my veins. Her gift is powerful. I knew she was the one. Even when Hortence’s spell didn’t bring me back to life, I waited patiently to reclaim her as mine. The vampire leader was an old one and couldn’t stop me from taking over the coven. I fought my way to the top and took him out as well. Perseverance and I managed to survive until I have her at last. No one will defeat me now!” With his words, the vampire knocked Ty off him as if he weighed nothing. Standing, he surveyed his condition. “Humans are so simple to kill. Don’t you agree, Liken?” He waged a finger at Ty. “Oh, I forgot, you still hold on to ‘right and wrong’, don’t you, wolf?”
A glimmer of something flew past Ty’s side. The werewolf-god stood nearby.
“Guardian, come to protect your protégé?” Robert licked his lips. “I’ll enjoy this for sure.”
Guardian tossed Ty a sword. Looking closer, the gleaming steel was his own weapon. He’d lost the sword the night of the battle. “Where—”
“I’ve been with you since the start, Tyler. You weren’t alone then and you aren’t alone now. Finish the hell bound scum so we can be on our way.” The Guardian flashed a wolfish grin at him.
Ty couldn’t contain the smile creasing his lips. Their blades sang out in unison and Robert’s head went flying off his shoulders. “Are you sure he’s dead this time?”
The Guardian nodded. Taking a vampire’s head is the surest way to rid those you’re protecting of his sorry ass. The werewolf-god smiled wickedly with the comment.
“Ty?” Sonja’s voice was nothing more than a whisper.
Rushing to her, Ty examined the wound, which had already started to heal. “Don’t worry. He’s gone. The others will run without their leader.”
Sonja smiled weakly and glanced behind him to see the Guardian standing there. “Thank you.”
“No need to thank me. Neither of you have needed my help. You’ve had each other from the start.
Sonja studied Ty. “He’s right you know. I’ve been such a fool, Ty, trying to protect you and attempting to do everything myself. Can you forgive me?”
Ty’s breath warmed her cheek as he lowered his head and kissed her soundly on the lips. “There’s nothing to forgive, Nymph. You’re my mate. I love you no matter what and I always will.”
Chapter 11 Celebration
Cheers rose up from the Rebels as they gathered around. “We’re so grateful to you.” The people on the wagon train crowded near and shook Ty’s hand with enthusiasm. “You did it. We weren’t sure what happened. Somehow you managed to save us.” Major Stevens and his wife gripped Ty in a hug. If you hadn’t taken that vampire out, I don’t know what would have happened.” Mrs. Stevens reached up and kissed him on the cheek.
“I didn’t do anything really.” Ty tried to downplay the whole attack. The less expanding on what had happened the better off for everyone.
Mrs. Stevens stepped toward General Stewart. “We’re grateful to you too, sir.” Mrs. Stevens reached out and took his hand in hers, pumping it in excited appreciation. “My but you’re cold. Are you coming down with something?”
Major Stevens took his wife’s hand. “That’s enough, Marie, the General’s had a long night. We should let him get some rest.”
Briann slipped an arm around Jeb and smiled up into his face. “You are my hero, General.”
He pulled her close as Ethan and Nathanial stood next to them.
Ty’s arms came around Sonja and drew her into his side. “How are you?”
“Better. The wound’s almost gone. The bandage is for the others.” She smiled hesitantly at him. “You saved all our lives, Ty. Thank you!” For the first time in over five hours, she could breathe without a weight on her chest. “You’re wonderful!”
With relief and joy, she flung her arms around Ty’s neck and hugged him hard. “I could kiss you!” Her arms looped around his neck and her mouth hovered under his so close she could feel his breath, all warm on uneven exhales. Did he feel that? The exquisite rush of fire up his neck and down his backbone had to be intense, it was for her. Sonja slowly released him and inched back. “I’m sorry. I’m so happy, I’m afraid I got carried away. Everyone’s watching.”
Ty reached out and snatched her back into his arms. “No, Nymph, you have every right to share in the victory. I couldn’t have done it without you.” With a wicked grin, he growled, “Let everyone watch.”
Their lips met in a coming home kind of kiss where body parts molded to familiar territory.
The End
Books by Catherine Wolffe
The Lady in the Mist (The Western Werewolf Legend #1)
The Civil War took Sonja Brooks' husband and left her alone. Unprotected and scared, she runs headlong into a life changing event when she's attacked by a pack of wolves. Her fate as a werewolf is sealed. When she stumbles upon Ty Loflin, a Rebel solider dying of his wounds, she nurses him back to health. He's the perfect mate, but will he want her once he knows the truth?
In Book 1 of this new series by Award-winning author Catherine Wolffe, the Western Werewolf Legend weaves a new blend of western romance with paranormal elements involving werewolves and vampires.
Buyers link: The Lady in the Mist http://tinyurl.com/bbm7ggk
The Lady in the Mist – Free Sample http://tinyurl.com/ammhgwg
Comanche Haven (The Loflin Legacy: Book 1)
From the moment Celia, the emerald-eyed, Comanche half-breed, gets off the stage in Tyler, Texas, Seth Loflin realizes he is on a collision course with the past. She was his first love and now the Shooter Creek's ranch boss can't allow her to succumb to the danger that stalks her. Someone wants to kidnap her and sell her as a slave, but now that she's in his protective arms, he intends to keep her safe.
Celia can't run back to the safety of her former life in South Carolina. And if she stays at Shooter Creek with Seth, she'll be putting the man she has always loved and his ranch in danger of harboring a Comanche. But Seth refuses to leave her side, and his vow to protect her gives Celia the hope and courage she needs. Now she'll fight for her ne
w life with Seth...or die trying.
Buyers link: Comanche Haven http://tinyurl.com/asbadal
Comanche Haven – Free Sample http://tinyurl.com/bps6rtp
A Dance in Time (J.T. Leighton, Time Traveler #1)
J.T. Leighton was a good Marine until one extraordinary night in Iraq. Now he’s a good Private Investigator with special skills. He’s on the trail of a woman who’s acquired a priceless necklace. His superiors want her killed, but J.T. wants her. Discovering why will put their lives in jeopardy.
Jessie Colter always wanted to be a dancer. Now, her life’s on hold until she can understand what the strange request left by her deceased parents means. She turns to J.T. Leighton, the only person who believes her, and in doing so, understands more than she’d ever imagined.
Buyer’s link: A Dance in Time http://tinyurl.com/c24lup9
Learn more at www.catherinewolffe.com
www.catherinewolffe.wordpress.com
https://www.facebook.com/AwardWinningAuthorCatherineWolffe
http://twitter.com/catherinewolffe/
http://www.freado.com/users/34241/Catherine-Wolffe
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Catherine Wolffe enjoys writing. She loves experimenting with the genres and her latest book reflects a blending of the traditional western romance with paranormal elements. Dabbling in time travel, fantasy, as well as witchcraft, she mixes elements of the fanciful or otherworldly with solid historical figures. Showcasing cowboys, Indians, strong-willed women and steamy romance is her passion. In her romances, her heroines will have a mind of their own, while her heroes will have hearts of gold. All her characters will follow their dreams, because without them, there wouldn't be a story.
Learn more at www.catherinewolffe.com
Book 5 – Tara Rose
A
Grave
Exchange
Tara Rose Copyright 2013
Table of Contents
Dedication
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Dedication
I would like to dedicate this book to my family—Joe, Jack, and Jemma Jane. You are my inspiration on a daily basis; I love you forever and always. Keep laughing and loving. You are everything to me.
I would like to thank my editor, Nicholas Denmon and Heidi Cormode's editing team for without your guidance; I would have drowned in a sea of confusion. You truly kept my head afloat and grounded me when I needed it. Forever obliged and totally recommend.
I would like to thank a few authors who have rocked my world time and time again with the stories they created, their characters making me laugh, cry, and shout for joy. I am forever indebted to you ladies: Tina Folsom, Tessa Dawn, Larissa Ione and Kresley Cole. Keep inspiring me; keep making me stay up all night just to scream in frustration when the book ends.
I would like to thank a very special muse of mine, a beautiful man, Jimmy Thomas, who happens to be the cover model on my book; your kindness and knowledge knows no bounds. Thank you for your time and unending ideas. Keep up the good work!
I would like to thank cover artist Angela Waters for her beautiful talent on creating the cover for my story.
I would also like to thank some beautiful friends of mine, without whom, this story would not have been told. Ladies, you are awesome. Keep believing in fairytales. I love you all. For Jamallah Bergman, Sharon Hamilton, Shannon Reads, Natalie Hancock, and Michelle Pillatzke.
Chapter One
Of course, I realized the folly of my ways as I crisscrossed my way over the old mounds in the cemetery, but to my credit, I felt I as if I was okay. The neighbors, after all, would not disturb me this quiet night. So what if it was after midnight? So what if a black cat haphazardly ran in front of me?
I felt certain I’d made a wise decision. And yet, my heart beat so hard, I felt as if it might jump out of my chest. My mouth was bone dry, and no doubt, the full moon played a part in this seduction of my nerves.
Quietly, I walked around an eighteenth-century tombstone, noting the name carved in its granite face: Lucius Roman Valentine. Goose bumps rose on my arms as I stood there, and I rolled my eyes. This is what you get for coming here after dark, dumb ass. But the route cut several minutes off the time it took for me to reach my apartment, and the graveyard was far safer than the alleyways.
Cursing my waning bravery, I pulled my jacket tighter around me. I hurried along the old cobbled pavement, trying not to let my overactive imagination cause me to die of a heart attack.
A branch cracked, and I stopped dead in my tracks.
“It’s just a squirrel,” I whispered into the sudden silence. “Um . . . right? I mean, they do make noise when they walk, don't they?”
Another crunch, this time obviously the sound of footsteps on the path behind me, had me spinning around. Violent shivers wracked my body. Don’t scream, I told myself. Not straight away. Perhaps someone else had chosen to take a shortcut this night. I squinted into the darkness, and my breath stuck in my lungs. Him! The man who’d haunted my dreams. He stood before me like a specter, and sweet, divine God's . . . Michael Angelo would weep were he to lay eyes on the man. He was perfection personified, and every pore in my body oozed pheromones in reaction to his beauty. I realized I was gawking and quickly shut my mouth. My breathing had turned to feeble pants. The stranger chose that moment to smile, and to my utter shame, I reacted as if this were my first time faced with a handsome man. My legs buckled, and I fell to my knees.
Who are you?
The man tilted his head, as if he were contemplating my question. No way. Absurd to think he could read my mind. Lord, I was fast losing my grip on reality.
His smile broadened, and although I would not have thought it a possibility, he grew even more beautiful, like an angel come to stand before me. Thinking clearly grew difficult, so affected was I by his exquisite form. I found myself longing to kiss him, and the shocking thought quickly led to another. Why, oh, why did I choose to walk through this cemetery tonight? I truly wished I had not.
"Why not, little one?"
My eyes grew wide. Holy—! Seriously! Had he really just read my mind, or had I unknowingly spoken aloud?
Again, he smiled. "My name is Lucius, but you know that already."
Dear God. My labored breathing worked up a hundred notches to reach crisis level. If I weren’t careful, I might well hyperventilate. This couldn’t be real. I couldn’t be kneeling here on the ground in the middle of a graveyard, gazing up at the very man I had dreamed of over and over again, night after night, for longer than I could remember. And every night, I’d hoped and prayed he would somehow become a reality—like that old song goes, “step out of my dream, and into my arms.” But how could this possibly be? Answer—it couldn’t. Women weren’t able to simply dream up a man and have him appear out of thin air. Right?
Strong, cool hands touched my shoulders, defying me to deny the man’s existence. He stood there—in the flesh; I didn't need to look to confirm he was still there. He’d given his name—the same name on the headstone I’d just passed.
“Breathe, little one,” he said, brushing my hair out of my face. “Deeply and slowly.”
I struggled to obey his command, but my breaths came out painfully quick, my heart exploding into a bloom of desire. He dropped to kneel in front of me, cupped my face with a strong yet tender touch.
Momentarily weakened by his presence, I could not speak. My mind fought to explain the impossible. Lucius Valentine—man of my dreams, literally—knelt before me, gazing into my eyes. My heart raced, bordering on a dangerous rhythm.
Captured by his gaze, I studied him intently. His eyes were a molten grey with emerald flecks, his face looked as if it were hand-sculpted by heavenly angels, and surely they wept when they let him go.
&nbs
p; As I pondered his unrivalled beauty, he moved forward. My breath hitched, my heart stopped it's frantic tango. Was he going to kiss me? Surely not! He stroked my cheek with his thumb, while gazing into my eyes. This has to be a dream, I thought, and Lucius smiled. I swore the clouds parted over the full moon, the animals stopped their nocturnal chorus, and we all waited silently in that suspended moment.
“Dear, sweet, beautiful Ivy, you are my guiding light, like the brightest star in the universe, shining down to show me the path I must take in this life. I would follow you anywhere, do anything to please you, be anything you need. Sweetest Ivy, there are not enough words in any language to convey what I feel for you.”
Focusing on all the delicious words falling from Lucius’ lips, I closed my eyes and drew a deep breath. What was happening, here? Had I tripped? Fallen to the ground, knocking myself out on a headstone on the way down? Was this all nothing more than a dream, brought on by my unconscious mind? But no . . . this felt too real. Perhaps, Lucius was my dream man’s dopple ganger. The spitting image of the handsome guy who’d haunted me forever, who just happened to stumble upon me here, in the middle of a graveyard. I shook my head. That didn’t make sense, either. And yet, to deny the man’s existence meant admitting the possibility I’d lost my mind. Gone crazy, for some reason, and now I was standing here having a conversation with a man I’d created out of thin air.
Darlings of Paranormal Romance (Anthology) Page 43