Gathering Darkness: A Paranormal Romance Collection

by Anna Zaires

  “What?”

  “You told me that you don’t worry about him because you know he can take care of himself. And right now, you really need to hold on to that.”

  He smiled down at her, “You really are something special, you know that?”

  “Of course, I am,” she laughed. “I have to be to fit into your world.”

  He cupped her face and kissed her thoroughly, “And what a perfect fit you are.”

  To Be Continued…

  Note from the Author

  Thank you for taking the time to read Torben and Aspen’s story. I know there was a HUGE question left unanswered… What happened to Berend? I promise you’ll get the answer to that question in the next book… Seducing His Bear.

  Happy Reading!

  Charlie

  About the Author

  Charlie Daye began writing at the age of thirteen. With an obsession for romance, happy endings and the supernatural she delves into your greatest fantasies and worst nightmares. She will always give you a HEA but getting there is the journey worth taking.

  Charlie Daye was born in Lynwood, California. Her greatest passions are music and writing. Her first short story was written at the age of thirteen. At the time her entire class was asked to write a short story for Halloween as part of a homework assignment. Most of the kids in the class wrote one to two page stories... Charlie wrote eight. The short story titled The Haunted House went on to win her district wide awards and was published locally. From their she began writing poetry as means of expression.

  Since her writing career began she's has published several titles... The House, The Colonial, The Reservation, The Portrait, The Gypsy's Dance, Mistaken for a Call Girl, Her Last Request and Breeders. Four of which have been nominated for the 2012 RONE Award.

  For updates on her books or just to spend some time in her fun and crazy world check out her webpage at charliedaye.com or find her on Facebook!

  Bitten By Choice

  by Izzy Szyn

  Sold to Her Stepbrother’s Billionaire Vampire Bosses.

  Out of all the stepsiblings Becky has had over the years, the one that she always felt closest to was Bryan. They remained friends long after their parents’ brief marriage ended.

  When Bryan asks her out to dinner to meet with her stepbrother’s new bosses, she discovers that he is a male escort for vampires. Not only that they are recruiting more escorts for their business Dark Cravings and want to hire Becky as their newest escort.

  ONE

  “Would you quit adjusting yourself?” Bryan Green said to his stepsister Becky Summers. “You look great.”

  “My boobs keep feeling like they are going to fall out.” She complained. Why on earth she let him convince her to put on a dress is beyond her. Not only did she wear a dress, something she hadn’t done in years, but heels, makeup and she had her hair styled. Which he paid for. She had a feeling he was up to something, but wasn’t sure what.

  “You look amazing.” He held the door open for her. They were attending a function for his mysterious new bosses Hawke and Stefani McQueen. He never seemed happier. He worked for a company named Carsicyle. The company was known for the way they were changing the way people got around urban areas. They created a hybrid between a car and a bicycle. The vehicle ran on either human power or solar power. Rumor had it that they paid their employees very well. Including bonuses.

  She followed Bryan into the room that his employers had rented for the night. The place was packed with employees and their spouses or dates. Bryan retrieved two glasses of champagne from a passing waiter, handing her a glass.

  “You know that I don’t drink.” Becky told him.

  “Come on Becky this is a party.” Bryan coaxed. “This will help you loosen up.”

  “I don’t care if it’s if it is a frigging inauguration. I don’t want any.” Becky replied. “Why do I need to be loosened up? This is a party your bosses are hosting. You don’t want them to see your guest drunk and falling down. Bryan? What is the real reason you brought me here?”

  “This is not just a business dinner. My bosses are looking to add more people to their payroll. I thought of you.” Bryan replied.

  “I have a job.” She protested. Granted the job didn’t pay much, but she loved the job. She worked for an independent bookstore. Even though the business had slowed down, she loved working there.”

  Bryan became her best friend when their parents married. The marriage ended, but their friendship did not. They often shared war stories about their parents’ love lives. “Bryan you never told me what you do at your new job.”

  “I am an escort.”

  “What? I think I just hallucinated.”

  “You heard me. I am an escort. People pay me to have sex.” Bryan confessed.

  “Wait. Carsicle is an escort service?” Becky asked. “I thought they made eco-friendly vehicles.”

  “Carsicle is their legitimate business.” Bryan explained. “Hawke and Stefani also own an escort service called Dark Cravings. I work for them as an escort. I had to do something after Dad fired me, no one would hire me without any references.”

  Bryan’s father had been married more times than they could count. Bryan was fired by his father when he objected to his newest stepmom, a fresh out of high school graduate. His father told him that he could have his job back when he was ready to apologize.

  Becky’s mom was the same way. She was on her sixth or was it seventh husband? The latest was ten years younger and had two daughters who acted as if they were entitled to things without having to work for them. They barely went to school and only read what was required.

  “That doesn’t explain why you brought me.” Becky started to get a suspicious feeling. He wasn’t trying to get her a job as an escort? Was he?”

  “Bryan who is this lovely creature?”

  Becky turned to the voice and drowned in vivid blue eyes and wanted to drop her panties. “This is my stepsister Becky Summers. Becky this is Stefani McQueen.”

  “Well I do believe that Bryan is our winner tonight.” The woman said. “I am Stefani. I am his boss. I do believe our clients will love you.”

  “I am not here for a job.” Becky replied “I have a job in a bookstore. I am just here as Bryan’s guest.”

  “Bryan?” Stephanie said. “Didn’t you tell your stepsister the reason for this gathering?”

  “No he didn’t. He was about to tell me when you walked up.” There was something about the woman’s voice that spoke to her inner core. Visions of Stefani’s head between her thighs danced through her head.

  “We are looking for people to join Dark Cravings.” Stefani answered. “As an escort you will be well paid. We provide excellent benefits and every three months you get an increase in pay. All you have to do is be available to whatever your client wants. Although we just might keep you for ourselves.”

  Becky turned to Bryan. “Please tell me she is kidding. Did you really bring me here to work as a hooker?”

  “We prefer escort.” Stefani replied. “Believe me you will be well paid for your services. You will be paid even more if you are flexible about who you have sex with.”

  “Give me one good reason why I shouldn’t kick your ass.” Becky told Bryan. “I never thought you would do this to me.”

  “Becky I brought you here because I know money is tight for you and it doesn’t have to be. You know it is a matter of time before the bookstore is gone. What are you going to do for money? At least working for Stefani she will pay you a more than decent pay. If you have to fuck a person or two, what’s the harm?” Bryan defended himself.

  “Take me home.” Becky ordered.

  “Becky I wish you would reconsider. Stefani told her. “I think you would be very popular.”

  “Is there a problem?” said a male voice.

  “Hawke, meet Bryan's stepsister Becky. She just found out why she was brought here.” Stefani explained. “Becky, this is my husband Hawke McQueen.”

&nb
sp; Stefani started to get the feeling that there was more than just sex involved. Stefani and Hawke McQueen were the stuff that erotic fantasies were made of. But there was something about them that made them seem not quite human.

  “Nice job Bryan. You are going to get a big bonus.” Hawke said.

  “Bonus?” Becky asked.

  “Yes. Every person that brings in someone that is recruited gets a bonus. If we choose you, the bonus is even bigger.” Hawke confirmed.

  “Wait, let me get this straight? You are selling me to your bosses?” She turned on Bryan.

  “Becky, it isn’t as bad as it sounds.” Bryan protested. “I was going to give you half of the bonus.”

  “Is that supposed to make me feel better?” Becky’s head started to throb. Damn, the last thing she needed was a headache. “Is there anything else I need to be aware of?”

  “You are very perceptive.” Stefani traced a path from Becky’s lips to the upper swell of her breast, sending shivers throughout Becky’s nervous system. “You have very kissable lips.”

  “Thanks. What else is there?” Becky’s heart started to beat faster. She was getting more turned on by the second. It was getting hard to concentrate with Stefani touching her.

  “We are also vampires.” Stefani's hand squeezed Becky’s breast through the fabric of her dress.

  “Wait did you say vampires? What kind of drugs are you people on anyway?” Becky grabbed her purse. “Bryan if you are not going to take me home than I am going to get myself a cab.”

  “Wait Becky, don’t go.” Bryan protested. “I know it sounds bad. Let them explain.”

  Becky looked in her purse for something for her head. Damn, her meds were at home. “I thought you wanted to take me out to have fun. But no, you bring me here so that I could possibly sleep with your bosses who think they are vampires. Vampires? What kind of drugs are they on? What kind are you on to buy this shit?”

  The man named Hawke said. “I know it is hard to believe. But we are really vampires. We created Dark Cravings as a way for vampires to find people willing to not only sleep with them, but allow them to drink their blood.”

  “I know this sounds crazy but we are vampires. Tonight is I guess you would call recruiting night. We have to be careful on who we recruit.” Stefani explained.

  “Why can’t you just hire a hooker off the street? Or pick up someone in a bar?” Becky asked. “Isn’t that how it is done in books and movies?”

  “Yes, that is how it was commonly done. And some vampires still go that route. There is a bar called Harvey’s in Quail Springs that caters to that crowd. But a lot of the people at those places are looking for what they see in movies or read about in books.” Stefani explained. “A lot of them are what most of society considers normal. But there are a lot more of us that embraces our sexuality. We love sex in all forms. Dark Cravings caters to those who are flexible about their sexuality.”

  “It isn’t like it is portrayed in the movies. Hunting people in dark alleys and ripping their throats out.” Hawke continued. “Yes back in the early ages prostitutes were easy because they were o every street corner. But nowadays a lot of those hookers are addicted to some form of drug or alcohol.’

  “So you created your own escort service? What do you do with the bodies once you are done with them?” Becky had no idea why she was here. She wanted to go home. Take her meds, take a shower, go in a dark room before her migraine gets worse. But she was drawn to listening to them talk. For some reason when they talk her head stops hurting.

  “We do not dump bodies.” Hawke answered. “If we did that there would be a lot of missing people, including your stepbrother. Yes, we created an escort service. Yes it is a more elegant form of prostitution but you are paid way beyond what anyone on the streets would get. Not only that we also include benefits and you get paid vacations.”

  “How much?” Becky was curious.

  “I earn five grand,” Bryan said. “I double it if I it is a male. If it is a ménage it could be as much as twenty thousand dollars.”

  “What? Just to let them drink your blood?” Becky asked.

  “We don’t just drink your blood.” Stefani said. “We fuck you all night long. Yes, we need blood but that is just to sustain us. We like sex. We like it a lot. The fluids that come from sex with a human acts much in the same way your vitamins.”

  Becky said. “I just can’t do this. I am sorry Bryan.”

  “We understand. It is a big decision.” Stefani sounded disappointed. “Tell you what, think about it. If you change your mind call Bryan and he will contact us. I really hope that you do change your mind. I really want you.”

  “Why not stay?” Hawke suggested. “We won’t mention you working for us anymore tonight. Eat, drink. Have fun.”

  “I appreciate the offer, but I need to go home.” Becky declined.

  “Becky, are you ok?” Bryan looked concerned. “Shit you have a headache don’t you?”

  “Just a little.” Becky answered. “I just need to go home and take my meds.”

  “You suffer from headaches?” Stefani asked. “I can help.”

  “No one can help.” Becky replied. “I have some anti-migraine medication at home.” She just hated the side effects.

  “This will not require any form of narcotic.” Stefani promised. “Will you let me help you?”

  “What are you going to do?” Becky asked.

  “Massage.” Stefani answered.

  “Stefani is very good at massages.” Hawke assured her. “I promise it will feel much better than any drug that the doctors can prescribe.”

  Becky was tempted. “I don’t know.”

  “We are not going to attack you.” Stefani told her. “Look around this room. There are a lot of people here willing to let us do whatever we want with them. Why go home and take something when I can help you here and now?”

  “She does have a point Becky.” Bryan spoke up. “Why not let her help?”

  “Ok,” Becky agreed. “Thank you. I appreciate the offer.”

  “Will you go with us to our private room?” Hawke asked her. “I promise you will be as safe as you want to be.”

  Nodding her head, Becky followed Hawke and Stefani out of the room. She looked around the room and saw men and women watching them as they walked out.

  “Bitch snagged the bosses.”

  Becky looked around to see who said it. She met the eyes of a tall skinny blonde. She knew without a doubt that she said it. “Stefani, Hawke, this is a great party.”

  “Thanks. Mercedes. Have you met Becky?” Stefani asked.

  “No. I'm sure that I would be more fun than her though.” Mercedes licked her lips in an attempt to make her look sexy.

  “But they want me.” Something about the way Mercedes eyed Hawke irritated her. She also saw that Mercedes acted as if Stefani was not there.

  “Feisty.” Mercedes said. “Just don’t get to comfortable. You can have him for the night. But be assured that sooner or later I am going to be the only one he will ever need.”

  “Him? What about Stefani?” Becky’s eyes met Stefani’s who smiled at her. Becky had never thought about being with women before, but Stefani made her wonder what she was missing.

  “Well of course Stefani too.” Mercedes replied. “You look like a bit of a prude. How are you going to have the kind of sex that vampires like to have? Have you ever been with another woman? Or more than one guy at a time?”

  “Put your claws away, Mercedes.” Hawke ordered. “Either go and make yourself available to the other vampires or go home.”

  With one evil glance at Becky, Mercedes walked away and headed towards the bar. “Bitch.” Stefani said. “Thanks for the backup with Mercedes. She doesn’t have to know that you aren’t attracted to us.”

  The longer that Becky was with them, the more attracted she became. If she had met them under any other circumstances, she would be shedding her clothes off and letting them do whatever they wanted. She was bec
oming more and more curious about what it would be like to be with Stefani and Hawke.

  “Let’s go take care of your headache.” Hawke cupped her elbow and escorted her outside.

  Once outside Becky shivered. The temperature had dropped considerably. “Where are we going?”

  “To our penthouse suite.” Stefani held her hand as they followed Hawke into the lobby of the hotel.

  TWO

  “Go in the bathroom and take a warm shower. Wrap a towel around you and meet me in the bedroom.” Stefani instructed.

  Walking into the bathroom, Becky leaned against the door and sighed. How the hell was she going to get through a massage without wanting more? The longer she was with them, the more she wanted them. She hoped the massage would be quick, so she could leave before anything happened.

  She grabbed the bottle of complimentary body wash and set it on the ledge of the tub and turned on the shower. Once it was at the right temperature she stepped in and let the water beat down on her neck, easing the pain somewhat. Realizing she couldn’t stay in the shower much longer without them getting worried, she grabbed a towel and wrapped it around her as instructed. Stepping into the bedroom she saw that light was off and candles were lit.

  “Lay down on the bed.” Stefani no longer being seductive. Her tone being one that people would automatically obey, including Becky.

  Becky stretched out on the bed on her stomach. Her head resting on her arms. The smell of peppermint filled the air, before Stefani’s firm touch started to massage around her neck muscles. There was something almost hypnotic about Stefani’s fingers. Becky felt her body sinking into the mattress, her eyelids getting heavy.

  She sighed as Stefani moved downward. Becky was becoming more and more relaxed. The air cool against her back, made her realize that the towel had been peeled away. She almost protested when Stefani removed her hands, but realized it was to pour some more of the lotion in her hands.