As though her words unlocked something he’d hidden deep in his psyche, myriad memories solidifying in Alec’s mind. Josephine. His dear, sweet Josephine. He could see her so clearly now, with her short clipped blonde hair and soft, delicate features. “My fiancée, Josephine,” Alec said after a moment. “She drowned in the lake. She begged me to walk along the beach with her, but I was too busy. The hotel had only been open for a few days.” Alyssa reached out and took his hand in his. “I never forgave myself for allowing her to drown.”
“Oh, Alec,” Alyssa said, her voice so full of compassion that his chest grew tight. “It couldn’t have been your fault. I’m sure it was an accident and you can’t bear the burden of that guilt forever.” Her thumbs kneaded pleasant circles on his shoulders and Alec turned, taking her hands in his, uncertain he could endure the physical contact without breaking down. “Everyone deserves a second chance. Maybe this is yours.”
Her presence in his life became even more relevant with her words. The familiarity, the connection between them that seemed instant and so intense. And most importantly, his ability to leave the hotel grounds after so many years imprisoned within the gates. “Alyssa, do you believe in reincarnation?”
She tilted her head and studied him for a moment. “I think that maybe I do.” Her gaze bore into his, a smile playing on her beautiful lips when she said, “Sometimes I feel like I’m getting a second chance at life, too. Even more so since I’ve been here.”
“This definitely deserves an in-depth investigation, don’t you agree?” Alex asked, unable to suppress his smile.
“Oh, most definitely,” she agreed. “So, tell me, how long have you been dead?”
“Dead?” He pulled her close and wrapped his arms around her. “Because of you, for the first time in a century, I feel truly alive.”
“Funny,” she remarked as she threaded her fingers through his hair. “I was going to say the same thing.”
“Aly?” Jeff’s obnoxious shout echoed up the stairs. “Are you ready to go?”
“I have so much to say. Too much to explain, but it seems we’ve run out of time.”
“Seems to me you have all the time in the world,” Alyssa remarked.
Yes, all the time in the world. Nothing awaited him but endless, lonely days. “But you do not.”
“Maybe not quite the same,” she said with a laugh, “but I do have some well-deserved vacation time in my future. We do have a lot to talk about, Alec.” Alyssa raised upon her tip-toes and touched her lips to his. The kiss was soft, and too fleeting. “And you’re not getting rid of me that easy.”
Alec studied her for a long moment. “What do you mean?”
She pulled away from his embrace and crossed the room, opening the door wide. “You guys go without me!” she shouted down the stairs. “I’m not ready to leave.”
“You don’t have a car! And you have to work tomorrow!”
“No I don’t, because I quit, Jeff. Go find another production assistant.”
Alyssa stepped out into the hall as the sound of stomping footsteps grew louder on the stairs. “You can’t just quit with no notice, Aly. And if you do, I guarantee you I won’t recommend you to anyone.”
She sounded almost amused as she said, “I am quitting right now and you’re going to let me. And if you don’t give a glowing recommendation to anyone who calls, I’ll make sure your wife gets an earful, understand? I’m sure she’d like to know that you fuck Melinda like you mean it.”
A heavy silence descended and then the same angry footsteps faded down the stairs as Jeff barked at the rest of the crew, “Let’s go. I’m so over this place.”
When the door slammed and the very atmosphere seemed to still, Alyssa finally walked back into the room. “Demons, the tough girls who hunt them, emotional healers, and ghosts. Is there anything else about McCall that I need to know about?”
Alec couldn’t help the smile that spread on his face. Happiness was an emotion that he thought he’d never experience again. “Does that mean you’re planning to stay for a while?”
“I sort of like this place. The caretaker, too. And, well, you do have the best chocolate I’ve ever eaten.”
“Well, then.” Alec said, taking Alyssa’s hand in his. He had no idea where this relationship was going. She belonged to the living after all and he certainly did not. But right now, he wasn’t going to worry about the logistics. For now, he just wanted to soak up the happiness he felt in her presence. “Why don’t I escort to you the kitchen. I’ll feed you chocolate and we’ll have a nice, long talk.”
“That sounds like the perfect plan,” Alyssa said with a smile. “But seriously, are you going to tell me how long you’ve been dead? I mean, I’ve never met a ghost before.”
“Oh, I’ll tell you all about it.” He kissed her hand as they walked down the stairs together. “And I’m not the only ghost here, by the way.”
“Really?” she asked. “Sounds like I’m in store for an adventure.”
“As am I,” Alec replied. “I have a feeling you’ll be the greatest adventure of my entire existence.”
“Funny,” Alyssa said, her eyes shining with emotion. “I was thinking the same thing about you.”
Discover Amanda Bonilla
Sentry of Evil Series
Vengeance Borne
Haunted: A Sentry of Evil Short Story
Shaede Assassin Series
Shaedes of Gray
When Shadows Call
Blood Before Sunrise
Lost to the Gray
Crave the Darkness
Sexy Shifter Series
The Sweetest Torture
The Sweetest Temptation
The Sweetest Mercy
The Sexy Shifter Box Set
Praise for Amanda Bonilla
VENGEANCE BORNE (Sentry of Evil #1)
“Fans of dark urban fantasy have something new to look forward to…there is a gritty edge to this promising first installment that makes it a very compelling read.” –Romantic Times Book Reviews, 4 Stars
“Immersive world building and bags of action, Vengeance Borne is a fantastic start to this new urban fantasy series.” –Vampire Book Club Reviews
“Vengeance Borne hits all the right notes with great writing and promising new mythology; welcome to the Sentry of Evil series!” –Rabid Reads Reviews
“Amanda has a real talent for world building…the story is gripping.” –Yummy Men and Kick Ass Chicks Reviews, 4.5 Stars
SHAEDES OF GRAY (Shaede Assassins #1)
“It is always a pleasure to discover an excellent new author and series, and Bonilla qualifies on both counts. The debut of her Shaede Assassin series features a tough yet compelling heroine. Full of fascinating characters, high-stakes intrigue and fast-paced action, it’s a truly exhilarating adventure! Do not miss out!” –Romantic Times Book Reviews, TOP PICK 4.5 Stars
“SHAEDES OF GRAY is edgy, full of great paranormal moments and unexpected events that add just the right amount of anticipation to keep you captivated. For urban fantasy fans, Amanda Bonilla has created an extraordinary debut novel, which is sure to keep you glued to the pages until the end, as well as leave you desperate for the next book in this exciting new series.” –Romance Junkies Reviews, Blue Ribbon Rating: 5
“Truly transcendental as well as gritty…. an abundance of awesome action, as well as raw romance, all wrapped up in a fast-paced story that is fresh and unparalleled. Shaedes of Gray is going down as one of my favorite new series, and Darian as one of my new favorite heroines of 2011.” –Pamela Webb-Elliott, Heroes and Heartbreakers
“In Shaedes of Gray, the main character is stoic and somewhat grouchy and I loved everything about her. Amanda Bonilla has created a brand new series that absolutely wowed me!” –The Romance Readers Connection, 4-1/2 Stars
“Let me tell you, within two pages (and no, I am not exaggerating) …. I just KNEW I had started reading a great book by a really talented author… you will no doubt find i
t on my Favorites of 2011 list. Yes, people, it was that good.” – Yummy Men Kick Ass Chicks
“You NEED this book. Shaedes of Gray is a first rate read from cover-to-cover! Amanda Bonilla breaks-out on the writing scene at full throttle. I loved the cover art, all 336 pages and the back blurb. In short for me, Shades of Gray was pure love. I will (impatiently) await Blood Before Sunrise‘s release next summer. You can’t go wrong in buying this novel for the Urban Fantasy enthusiast on your Christmas shopping list.” – Rabid Reads, 5 Paws
Shaedes of Gray is full of compelling characters, exceptional world-building and a story that leaves you wanting more. The Shaede Assassin series is on my must buy list.” –The Qwillery, 5 Quills
“…this noir and Machiavellian Urban Fantasy will have you clinging to the edge of your seat as you follow Darian through the shadows that is her life. A fast paced storyline that keeps you on your toes as Ms. Bonilla uses Darian’s history to unfold and set up this engaging and suspicious world…This entire book is an emotional roller coaster ride of twists and turns that will keep you riding the edge to the end. –Tori Smexy Books
BLOOD BEFORE SUNRISE (Shaede Assassins #2)
“If you are a fan of Urban Fantasy and you have not tried the Shaede Assassin books, you are really missing out!” –Jen, Red Hot Books, 5 stars
“BLOOD BEFORE SUNRISE is a tightly written, edge-of-your-seat read! You do not want to miss out on this series.” –Under The Covers Book Blog, 4.5 stars
“Well-written, perfectly paced so not to overwhelm, outstanding character development, Shaede Assassin is definitely a new addition to my favorite UF series list.” –Smitten With Bad Boy Heroes, 5 stars
“Amanda Bonilla has done it again. Blood before Sunrise is a brilliant follow-up to the great Shaede Assassin series… Blood before sunrise is fast-paced read with a fantastic story line, full force action without losing the 'love' story-line that I like! Definitely a 5 star +!” –Paranormal Cravings, 5 stars
“All in all Blood Before Sunrise is a Great addition to a Great series and a book I recommend to all Urban Fantasy lovers. If you love this genre this book and this series are a Must Read for you.” –The Bookaholic Cat, 5 stars
CRAVE THE DARKNESS (Shaede Assassins #3)
“This third chapter in Bonilla’s thrilling, pull-no-punches series has old relationships and prior obligations colliding with a deadly force. The characters in her well-crafted world are complicated, dynamic and nuanced.” – Romantic Times, 4 Stars
“Well-wrought action sequences and high-stakes suspense.” Publishers Weekly
“I think Amanda Bonilla has written with this new Urban Fantasy installment the best one of the series. The tension was heavy. I felt it like a brick in my stomach. Such a strong emotions to strong for me to stop reading! I think this is becoming one of my favorite Urban Fantasy series. Can't wait what Amanda will bring us next!” –Paranormal Cravings, 5 Stars
“CRAVE THE DARKNESS is riveting and unexpected. The surprises just keep coming which makes this series absorbing and often times bone-chilling. Just when you think you have figured out what's happened in the past, another mind-bender is tossed into the mix! The unusual paranormal beings keep this series unpredictable. The twists and turns are relentless, keeping the reader wondering what could possibly happen next. … I don't know about craving the darkness after walking it with Darian, but I sure do crave the next book!”—4.5 Blue Ribbons –Romance Junkies
About the Author
Amanda Bonilla lives in rural Idaho with her family. She's a part-time pet wrangler, a full-time sun worshipper, and only goes out into the cold when coerced. She loves the outdoors, black clothes, pink appliances, and thinks junk food should be a recognized food group.
She is the author of the Shaede Assassin urban fantasy romance series, which was nominated for Best Urban Fantasy Protagonist by Romantic Times, and the Sexy Shifter Ebook Series. Amanda also writes contemporary romantic suspense for Kensington under the pseudonym, Mandy Baxter.
Amanda first fell in love with urban fantasy and paranormal romance when she read MOON CALLED and hasn't once looked back. She's an avid reader and firmly believes that nothing is better than new book smell!
For more information on Amanda's books, including chapter previews, reviews and publication dates, go to:
http://www.amandabonilla.com/
http://magicandmayhemwriters.com
http://www.facebook.com/AmandaBonillaAuthor
https://twitter.com/amandabonilla
Mandy Baxter
http://www.mandy-baxter.com
http://www.facebook.com/AuthorMandyBaxter
https://twitter.com/MandyJBaxter
Haunted: A Sentry of Evil Short Story Page 5