by Anthology
They halted their kiss, but he’d be damned if he’d let her go just yet. Instead, he held her close and glanced toward the doorframe where Jake stood, grinning, with Bobbi at his side.
“Someone is going to have to tell Mom and Dad,” he said, and then he turned on his heel and walked away.
* * *
As it turned out, breaking the news to Mr. and Mrs. Marley was the least daunting part of his day. They both took him in their arms in turn, kissed his cheek, and joked about how they knew it would only be a matter of time until they’d truly become a family by love and law.
Caroline cut in, complaining that they’d scare him away, but for the life of him he couldn’t think of a time when he’d been more relaxed, happy, or whole. Jake, too, seemed more than a little pleased with the situation, and as the night went on, Eric only felt more and more foolish for putting off his decision.
Over dinner, they drank and laughed, no one more than Jake and Bobbi, who seemed to make short work of catching up. When it came time to exchange gifts, Eric looked down at the little bag in his lap with renewed hope.
For Jake, he handed over a small, leather-bound planner.
“For whatever you plan to do now,” Eric explained and Jake grinned back at him.
For Mrs. Marley, a CD of Christmas songs to learn for the next year’s party.
For Mr. Marley, a headset with a microphone.
“What’s this for?” he said when he’d pulled it from its makeshift, plastic bag wrapping.
“I thought it would be nice for you to record the story of how you and Mrs. Marley fell in love. That way, we’ll have it for every Christmas to come.”
Mrs. Marley grinned, her eyes slightly misty as she stared down at the package in her husband’s lap. “How thoughtful.”
“Looks like the only one left is Caroline.” Jake waggled his eyebrows at his sister and she rolled her eyes.
For a moment, Eric did nothing. He only sat there; staring at the holly now perched in her curls, the light pink glow on the apples of her cheeks. He could have looked at her forever.
“I’m not sure if you’ll like it,” Eric said at last.
She smiled. “No way to know until we find out.”
He handed her the bag, and then she pulled out a headset identical to her father’s. She glanced up at him, her eyebrows furrowed.
“You don’t have to use it just yet, but I thought it might be nice to record the way we fell in love, too. To continue the tradition.”
In that moment, it felt as though his heart had forgotten how to beat. And then, all at once, it thrummed on harder and faster than ever before.
A silent tear slid down Caroline’s cheek, and then she bounded toward him, landing in his lap so hard that she nearly knocked the breath out of him.
But when she kissed him? That was when the world well and truly stopped. He closed his eyes, forgetting about the people and the place. Because in that moment, there was only him and Caroline – and the promise of all their Christmases to come.
The End
About Allison Gatta
Allison Gatta is an avid writer of steamy contemporary romance, an obsessive viewer of bad television, and an occasional player of overly-complex board games. She lives in Austin, Texas with her husband and their snuggly pup, Sophie. Allison is fueled by coffee and feedback, so feel free to get to know her though Twitter (@Allison_Gatta), Facebook (Allison Gatta Author), or her website, www.AllisonGatta.com.
Frostbitten Hearts by Arial Burnz
A Bonded By Blood Novella
Her ability to wield fire didn’t give Aideen the power to make Jack stay…
Jack was Aideen’s very breath. As a cusper Elemental, he was the air that fed her fire and the waters that cooled her soul. Born and bred in captivity by vampires for their magic, they sought shelter and love in each other’s arms. But when Jack’s family escapes the “nursery”, Aideen is ripped from her young lover’s arms. Her family refuses to risk the wrath of their captors, and she is forced to stay behind. Though Jack vows to return and free her, his promise is not easily kept. He and his grove liberate several nurseries in retaliation and, still, she cannot be found.
Ten years later, Aideen unexpectedly stumbles into the grove’s compound and back into Jack’s arms with news they have a child…and she is the bait for a trap. Time is of the essence. If they don’t return by sunset, their son will fall victim to the vampires.
Jack must return to the prison he risked his life to escape, but he will do anything to save his son and he is not about to lose the only woman who has possessed his soul and can melt his frozen heart.
To my husband, my cusper mage
From your fire witch
Together forever…eternally yours
Prologue
A Remote Location in the Welsh Countryside—March, 1759
“Oh, Jack…”
Jack winced as the slimy sing-song voice of the vampire drizzled down his spine. He had hoped to avoid Rasheed tonight. The vampire stalked the Elemental nursery like a rat creeping along the shadows searching for scraps. Jack clenched his jaw and slowly rotated on his heel to face the Vamsyrian, cooling his rapid pulse to a calmer pace.
Jack flexed his hands and absently rubbed under the smooth steel shackles at his wrists. The vampires—breeding Jack and his nursery mates for their magic—needed the Elementals’ wrists bound to keep their powers under control. Jack tugged at the band around his neck, connected to steel chains snaking down his sleeves and welded to the bracelets. They effectively connected both of his wrists without impairing his daily activities, and were annoying as hell.
At least Jack had his magic available internally where, right now, it mattered most.
Rasheed’s glowing eyes pierced the darkened hallway, the lamps turned down for the coming day of sleeping. The silver glow in the pupils of the vampire’s eyes made it obvious he had unleashed the Hunger and was eager to feed.
“How may I be of service, Master Rasheed?” Jack nodded respectfully, but kept eye contact with the predator.
Rasheed grinned. “So good at schooling your emotions when you deal with me,” he complimented. “I should caution you, however, to watch the blocking of your thoughts. You’re skills are improving in that area, my little cusper, and it’s causing some concern amongst my colleagues.” He crooked a long, thin finger. “Come to me, my mage.”
Jack forced a sigh to feign frustration and mask his fear, marched forward and turned his head to the side. Though he presented obedience by baring his neck for the feeding, he froze selected thoughts to keep them from the elder Vamsyrian…he hoped. With the element of air, Jack let his annoyance flow freely to give something for Rasheed to sense. The vampires held tight to their brood of Elementals and didn’t like any secrets. If Jack was hiding all his thoughts, they assumed he had something to hide.
But freezing thoughts were one thing. What translated through blood was another. Whenever a Vamsyrian fed from their victims, they would learn everything about their prey…from the moment they were born until the moment of the feeding. Lives were at stake, but resisting Rasheed was useless and would cause suspicion. Willing or not, Jack could not keep his blood from the vampire. This was the moment of truth.
Rasheed moaned as he ran delicate fingertips over Jack’s skin—from his earlobe, down to the smooth steel collar. The vampire clutched the connecting chain and dragged Jack forward. Rasheed chuckled, his breath feathering against Jack’s artery. “Such a tease not to resist me. You know I enjoy the predatory role.”
Jack clenched his fists as the vampire licked the length of his neck, fluttering over the place he would feed. Jack placed a steadying palm on the wall to be ready when the euphoria hit him. The fangs tore at his flesh and he hissed, then stumbled as Rasheed’s mouth closed around the wound and the intoxicating effects surged through Jack’s bloodstream. The Vamsyrian slipped his arms around Jack to keep him from falling. In such a state, Jack was helpless to reposition himse
lf, and inwardly cringed as the vampire’s thigh nestled between his legs.
Rasheed finished feeding and healed the wound by applying a small amount of his immortal blood to the gash. He pushed his palms to Jack’s chest, holding him against the wall while Jack recovered from the drug-like encounter.
“You may not enjoy your time here with us, my little cusper,” the vampire whispered. “But I’m glad to know you are at least faithful to your job.” He caressed Jack’s cheek with the back of his hand, his black eyes searching Jack’s face and the silver glow fading. “You are right to worry about whose bed in which you lie. Your time with the fiery Aideen is drawing to a close. Impregnate her and you will receive special treatment. If she produces the spirit Elemental we want, she can be your life mate.” The vampire brushed his thumb over Jack’s lips, a longing in his eyes. Then the Vamsyrian vanished in a blur, and Jack stumbled, having to unexpectedly rely on his own support.
He glanced left and right down the hall. He was alone.
Either Rasheed had lied by omission when he didn’t mention the plans of the rebellion Jack had overheard, or Jack’s experiment at freezing his memories through his blood had worked. He sank to the floor with staggering relief and raked rigid fingers through his black hair. Perhaps their secret was still safe and Jack did indeed succeeded.
However, his ability to use his powers internally explained why he had not been able to get any of the witches in the nursery pregnant. Jack didn’t want to bear children in this place, so his intentions froze his ability to procreate, too. Either that or he was sterile, which was much worse. The vampires’ whole purpose for Jack was to breed. And if he couldn’t, his Vamsyrian captors would have no use for him. Elementals who could not breed were disposed of like rubbish in a bin.
Since the age of fourteen, he’d been forced to bed each female in the nursery who was of child-bearing years—five women total—and once he had been with them all with no success, his captors commanded him to cycle through them again.
All but Aideen…the lovely fire witch who’d caught his eye the moment he’d transferred to this prison. Her rich auburn hair and hazel eyes matched the fiery sign under which she’d been born. Shortly after turning sixteen, when her powers finally fully manifested, she still had not started her menses. Five months before her seventeenth year, when Jack was eighteen, Rasheed had told him to breed with her anyway.
So far, Jack had spent seven glorious months in her arms but, as the Vamsyrian had said, if Jack wanted more time with her, he had to get her with child. Knowing she would be taken from him was more than enough motivation.
Just as Jack rose from the floor, Rasheed marched into the hall, hard lines of fierce determination creasing his face. Jack held his breath and backed against the wall. Perhaps the vampire had gleaned the memories from his blood. His wide eyes followed the angry vampire, but Rasheed stomped past him without a single glance.
Elwin, one of the other vampires managing the nursery, followed close behind. His thin, blond hair fanned outward from his jaw as he scampered after his elder, complaining. “But it is so close to dawn, my master.”
Rasheed whirled and stood nose to nose with his stunned companion. “If you wish to make snide remarks about my skills as a battle mage, then you shall suffer the consequences of a duel.” He sneered. “Besides, I will win quickly and you will limp back into your crypt. None of you are a proper challenge for me, so I hardly have the opportunity to increase my skills to finally beat Prince Jesse. How dare you insinuate—”
“It was not my intention—” Elwin tried to explain, but Rasheed headed toward the dueling arena…a place reserved only for the vampires to practice using the magic they stole from the Elementals.
Jack dropped his head back against the wall and sighed.
“Jack?”
He lifted his head and smiled as Aideen strode down the hall to his side, worry rimpling her brow.
“I’m well, Spark.” He used the nickname he’d given her, hoping it would ease her fears.
She pursed her lips and shoved his shoulder in protest. “You look far from being well. Don’t lie to me.”
He chuckled.
She glanced over her shoulder. “Sounds as if Rasheed is determined to prove his worth as a battle mage again. I suppose the prince is still undefeated, much to Rasheed’s disappointment?”
“I guess so.” Jack pulled her into his arms, reveling at the heat of her body pressed to his. “Rasheed’s competitive streak is none of my concern, and neither is the vampire prince’s dueling record.” He sampled her lips. “Come,” he whispered against her mouth. “Take me to bed and help me to forget all else but you.”
Her hazel eyes sparked and she leaned in for an open-mouthed kiss. Jack groaned and lifted her into his arms. She muffled her laughter against his neck and held tight. As he set her down before their door, Gerard—one of the elder Elementals—caught his eye. The older man’s gaze was flooded with worry, his brows turned down with an intense, unvoiced question.
He must have seen Rasheed approach Jack. Jack shook his head, a subtle gesture to let the man know the overheard rebellion was still a secret.
Gerard’s brow softened and he sighed, nodding his dark head before disappearing into his own sleeping chamber for the day.
Aideen yanked Jack into their room and, as he closed the door behind them, she pushed him against the heavy oak and covered his mouth with hers. He laughed through their kisses then inched her toward their bed as he divested his fire witch of her clothing.
She laid back on their mattress, clad only in her bracelets and chains. His eyes devoured her creamy flesh, indulging in her lithe curves.
Jack caressed her cheek and bent forward to cover her lips with a deep kiss as he joined her on the bed. Using his knees to nudge her thighs open, he plunged deep into the heaven of her warmth. He slowed his pace, prolonging their lovemaking, not wanting to climax just yet, reveling in the sweetness of her arms and the hopes they could endure the next few hours. They would soon be free.
Thrust after thrust, he drove into her and Aideen tossed her head back, whimpering his name through her climax. Shuddering and bucking as he came, Jack willed his seed to fill and claim her.
The resounding thud of the iron door to the underground vampire lair was a confirmation of the time. Dawn would break in just a few moments. Though he was tired, he didn’t want to leave her warmth. “One more time and I will let you rest,” he whispered.
She smiled and ground her hips against him. Jack groaned.
They climaxed in each other’s arms once more, then settled together under the covers.
The soft steady breathing of Aideen sleeping teased him to join her. He fought the temptation. Jack’s eyes drooped. He smirked. “Soon, Spark.”
* * *
Aideen started and sat upright in bed, bleary-eyed and squinting to see what the commotion was about. The door nearly rattled off its hinges by whomever pounded so frantically on the other side. Didn’t they just lie down to sleep for the day? It couldn’t possibly be sunset already.
“Jack, get up!” The mini-door to the viewing window opened, but no face appeared. “It’s time. Prepare for travel.” That sounded like Shep, but a cacophony of voices echoed in the hallway, making it difficult to be sure.
“We’ll be right out.” The small door closed and Jack turned worried eyes toward her. “I haven’t told you because I didn’t want to take any chances the vampires would feed from you and find out. Gerard and a few others are planning an escape.”
“A what?” Aideen caught her chemise as Jack tossed it her way and she began dressing. “How is anyone going to escape?”
Jack stepped into his trousers. “With the help of the werewolf guards.”
“But the werewolves will never get the cure if they do that!” She pulled a blouse over her head.
“Gerard said Marlon heard pieces of the cure on the wind when the vampires were talking about the ingredients. He promised to give the
guards the cure in exchange for freedom.”
Aideen dragged her skirt over her hips and fumbled with the ties at her waist.
“More importantly, Marlon heard there was a grove of free Elementals not far from here.”
Aideen plopped onto the bed in shock. “Free Elementals. I almost believed we were the only ones left.”
“The vampires certainly want us to believe none of our kind remain outside of these nurseries.” Jack knelt before her. “This is our chance to finally be together, Spark. Just you and me.”
She smiled and framed his face with her hands, allowing the excitement in her breast to bloom. “Just you and me,” she whispered.
He kissed her palms, then rose and planted a hard kiss on her lips. The voices outside their room escalated to a chorus of shouts. Jack strode to the door and wrenched it open, only to leap back and dodge someone running down the hall. “Come on! There’s trouble.”
Aideen slipped on her shoes and Jack grabbed her by the hand. They rushed down the hall toward the gathering room. She squinted at the bright sun streaming in through the narrow windows bordering the top of the large octagonal space. Gasping, she clutched Jack’s hand tighter as the crowd parted enough to reveal who stood at the center of the commotion—Gerard and Caedric, her father. Tugging at the mages holding them back, spit flew from their mouths as they yelled obscenities, but their words were lost in the din of everyone else joining the argument. As far as Aideen could surmise, every single Elemental in the nursery crammed into the room, which was clearly divided into two groups supporting the arguing elders. All four of Aideen’s siblings stood behind their father.
“That is enough!” Dooley, the head werewolf guard, shoved his giant frame past Aideen and Jack and marched between Gerard and Caedric. Covering their chests with his large hands, he pushed them apart and hollered at the crowd to settle down. Three of the other guards stomped into the room to help.