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Reference Guide
Blood Druid – A druid whose connection to their own magic is unraveling. They now require blood rituals to boost their magics, and to survive.
Bond – Faerie’s can form a bond with another. It is similar to werewolves mating. The two faeries’ magic mingles, strengthening each other. It is a slower process but once it forms it can’t be broken.
Compulsion – Necromancers can force a suggestion on the dead. Pisons can force a suggestion on the living. Vampires can force one on most humanoids. Spells can be cast to have the same effect without sex.
Dark Mages – Usually rogue mages who have lost their connection to their magic and now draw power from other magical beings. Also used as a slur toward any mage who leans toward darker or misunderstood magics such as necromancy, or blood magic.
Druids - Humans who possess mostly nature magic. They aren’t as common as mages. Most tend to stick with other druids. They cast primarily earth and air spells, though many can manipulate fire and water. Druids can shift into most animals with practice.
Faerie – Both the physical realm on the other side of the veil, and the people who come from there. There are many different forms of fae.
Ghoul – Type of undead. Walking corpse, generally coherent, yet dangerous.
Mages – Humans who possess elemental magic. They can either sling spells like weapons or heal, though it is rare for a mage to be a healer.
Mate – Fae, and some other creatures, sometimes create a supernatural bond with their soul mate. The bond is nearly impossible to break unless one party dies. The bound couple will sometimes feel what the other is feeling, or sense danger the other is in.
Magistrate - Somewhat like the Silver Council’s Sheriff for the world.
Necromancer - A mage whose magic revolves around the dead. They are usually mediums, and often have other forms of magic.
Others – Any being that isn’t quite human. Werewolves, vampires, shaman, druid, mages, witches, warlocks, fae are some examples.
Psion – An Other whose talents are mental. Telepathy, telekinesis, even mind control.
Shield – A protection spell. Forms a wall usually of one or two elements.
Silver Council – Organization of mages. They are the governing force of most Others. Not everyone recognizes their authority, but they try to police all Others. The Silver Council is mostly made up of formally trained mages. They occasionally will employ other casters.
Silver Council Enforcer – The mages who police Others.
Shaman – Humans who possess nature magic. Similar to druids, but not the same. Most shaman can shift into a specific animal.
Translocation – Some mages can vanish and reappear in another area. It is a rare talent.
Ward - A spell that protects, sometimes keeps people from entering.
Werewolves – Specific type of wereanimal. A werewolf is created when a werewolf in either its beast form, or half-man form, bites and in rare cases scratches a human. They are incredibly strong, and faster than a normal human. Powerful werewolves can not only shift into their wolf form but also a physical presence larger than human, covered in fur with enormous claws and bestial head. Their sense of smell and sight are very strong, especially in their beast forms.
Witch – A human who is highly sensitive to magic, and can cast a limited amount of magic. Abilities vary from clairvoyance, empath, telekinesis, or various other psychic abilities. Most are adept at potions which combine natural ingredients with magic.
Acknowledgments
Mom, you’re the best. I love you. Thank you for always being there.
Alan, love you too, and thank you for all the support. My munchkins too, because I love.
Rebecca Brooke, your feedback is always awesome, thank you for beta reading and cheering me on. Now hurry up and finish writing those twins. I want to read them.
Kristin Mayer, as always, you’re an amazing beta reader. You consistently make my stories stronger.
Tara Shaner, I can actually say my editor rocks, and you’re a pleasure to work with. Luckily you don’t shy away from my crazy.
Dauntless Indies, you ladies are full of awesome.
Rivers Others, you women are brilliant. Thank you for all you do.
My beta team, love you girls, you always help clean up my little goofs.
And last, but not least, my readers. Without you, writing wouldn’t be as much fun. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking this journey with me.
Preview: Light in Darkness
Others of Edenton: Book 6
Chapter 1
Desire coursed through Victoria’s veins as she found herself moving silently toward Lincoln’s open bathroom window. The call of the running shower was impossible to resist. She pulled the shadows around herself as she stepped behind a tree and peered through the darkness. Water cascaded over Lincoln’s hard body in fascinating rivulets.
He’d been a work of art before he started training at Jamie’s gym. Now, he was a masterpiece. His lean body had filled in, coffee and cream skin an exotic contrast to pale green eyes and splash of freckles. He’d transformed from beautiful boy to masculine perfection in recent months.
His big hands caressed over muscled chest, spreading tantalizing suds. Victoria wanted to stand under the spray and take over washing the man she craved.
One hand smoothed down his ribbed abdomen as he leaned back against the tiled wall. His fingers wrapped around his thick, hardened length.
What a gorgeous sight he made, stroking his mouthwatering erection. His head fell back as his eyes slid closed, his stomach and hips worked in carnal synchrony with his powerful strokes.
Need pounded through Victoria, urging her to slip into the window and take over the slippery dance. Such pleasure she wanted to bring Lincoln.
Her name left his lips as he spilled his seed. Guilt tempered her desire and she turned to slip over the wall separating her property from his.
Sitting by the fire, Declan looked up from his book as she stepped inside her home.
“Watching him again?” he asked lightly.
“I know I shouldn’t.”
“No. Might I suggest actually talking to him?”
“So I can corrupt him? No, he’s innocent, Dec. And I’m sin incarnate. He’s pure light and I’m all shadows and evil.”
“Evil? Victoria, I’ve seen evil. You may not be a saint, but you’re a generous woman who deserves happiness as much as anyone else.”
“You don’t know my past. I haven’t always been this… civilized.”
“Yet, somehow I doubt you were ever as horrible as you try to claim. You want him, go after him.”
Her laugh was bitter. “I won’t ruin the boy. He’s innocent, and I can’t even begin to count the men I’ve been with over my long life. He deserves love, not a woman who would ruin the good in his soul.”
Declan shifted, sitting forward to give her a stern look. “Sex won’t ruin that young man. Even from a woman with your experience. You clearly feel more than lust. I’ve seen you on the prowl for sex. What you desire from him is far more.”
“He’s a child.”
“No, inexperienced perhaps. He’s a man. I’ve seen him watch you. Let him decide what he wants.”
“He doesn’t know better. Besides, he doesn’t have the confidence to approach me. I certainly won’t prey on his misguided desire.” She sighed. “I don’t want to discuss Lincoln. How are Fallon and her babes?”
A genuine smile spread on Declan’s face. “My daughter is healthy and happy. She’s growing round with two perfect babies. She found an amazing man who wants nothing more than to take care of her. And my son has finally found something real that makes him happy. It’s all I can ask for.”
Victoria nodded. “They’re luc
ky to have you.” She felt the pull of hunger and considered going out to drink. There was one person’s company she craved, one she could never set her fangs into. “Have a good evening, Declan. Don’t concern yourself with me.”
* * * *
Lincoln was coming down from his climax when he felt Victoria creep away. Disappointed once again, he slid down the wall and let the warm water wash over him.
She loved to watch, but never stayed. Was moving next door not enough to signal his interest? Maybe he needed to suck it up and confront her.
It had been a month and he had yet to come face-to-face with the one woman guaranteed to get his blood pumping. Clearly she liked what she saw, but all it had gained him was a familiarity with his body that he previously lacked.
With a groan, he climbed to his feet and shut off the shower, then stepped out to towel off. He felt foolish for the game he insisted on playing.
Every time he tried to approach her, his feet froze and his words dried up. With Victoria being the one exception, starting conversations was no longer a problem for him. Lately, he was comfortable and found himself gaining true friends.
He’d hoped to invite her to dinner at his house that night. Not that she could eat. As a vampire, she lived off blood. Still, she went out often, and he was going to invite her to join him and his friends.
Dacia flat out told him she wouldn’t do it for him. That he was the host, and so he should be the one to call. Or better yet, show up at her door and ask.
He checked the clock. It was barely five, and he had two hours to prepare dinner. His phone buzzed and he jumped. Rushing to his room he glanced at the display and smiled.
He took a breath and answered on the next ring. “Evening, Dacia. Tell me you aren’t cancelling.”
“Definitely not. Though I was calling to see if you managed to invite you-know-who over?”
Sighing, he sat on the bed and stared out the window. “Afraid not. Haven’t figured out what to say.”
“Hey, Victoria, I’m having a dinner party. Come join me so I’m not the odd man out.”
“Really think that has a chance of working?”
“Maybe bring one of those roses from your yard. The ones that have no business living in this cold, and yet they thrive,” Dacia offered.
“Thank you.”
“For?” she asked in confusion.
“Giving me an idea, and hope. I’ll see you two when you get here.”
Lincoln hurried into slacks and a button down shirt that he rolled up his forearms. He grabbed the kitchen shears on his way out the door and cut a dozen of the roses he’d brought back to life.
* * * *
Victoria sat at her desk writing in her current journal. It was an old habit she found cathartic. Though she rarely read what she wrote. So many regrets hidden in her past.
As she pushed her pen along the paper, the doorbell rang. Looking up, her head cocked to the side. Perhaps it’s one of Declan’s children.
“Victoria, you have a visitor,” Declan called.
A visitor? No one ever came for her unannounced, unless there was trouble.
Concerned, she set aside the pen and walked back to the foyer. She found Lincoln standing beside the door with a shy smile and a dozen beautiful red roses. Their earthy-sweet scent a shameful reminder of her illicit trips through his garden.
Her knees felt weak. “To what do I owe the pleasure, Lincoln?”
He wet his upper lip before answering. “I’m having a dinner party tonight, and hoped I could persuade you to join us.” His gaze slid to the floor before making eye contact again. “Dacia and Preston are coming over.”
Declan stood slightly behind and to the side of Lincoln. He gave the boy a meaningful nod.
One corner of her mouth tipped up. She was nervous, something she hadn’t felt in so very long. “Dinner party?” Even her voice sounded breathless.
He nodded and took a hesitant step forward. “I brought these for you.”
“I’ll tend to those,” Declan offered, taking them from Lincoln’s hands.
“They’re beautiful, thank you. And yes, I’d like that. As long as you won’t be offended if I don’t eat?”
“It’s your company I crave.” His Adam’s apple bobbed, but he didn’t break eye contact. “I still need to prepare dinner. You’re welcome to walk over with me now, or come at seven. Whichever you prefer.”
She smoothed her hands down the scarlet satin dress and considered joining him right then. “I’ll be there early, but I’m not yet ready. I’ll allow you to walk me home though.”
“Then I look forward to seeing you.” He ducked his head and let himself out the door.
“Don’t you dare chicken out,” Declan warned. “He took a step he was terrified to make. Give him a chance.”
“He showed the courage to approach me, and so I owe it to him to go tonight.” She looked into Declan’s eyes and shrugged. “It’s a start, but I’m afraid to hope he’ll see me as anything other than a monster.”
“Even if you were a monster when you were first changed, you certainly aren’t one now. Go get ready. Though you already look lovely.”
“Oh, I’m dressed well-enough for the party. But it would be awfully rude if I didn’t bring a housewarming gift. The boy doesn’t have many worldly possessions, though I know he loves music, which gives me the perfect idea.”
“Enjoy your evening, Victoria.” Declan waved as she stepped out the door.
* * * *
From the shadowy grove across the street, Byron watched a man walk from seemingly nowhere to approach Victoria’s house. Another poor sap falling under the bewitching vixen’s spell. He carried a huge bouquet of flowers that likely cost a pretty penny too.
He felt sorry for the young man. Likely couldn’t help himself. Same story, new victim. Poor guy probably thought he was in love.
What would the cold beauty possibly do with flowers? The way to her bed was blood, but the bitch didn’t have a heart. Which was precisely why Byron had made it his mission to stop her from preying on unsuspecting humans.
She would argue she made it clear what her prey were in for. That she gave them every opportunity to back out. No love was ever promised. But how could anyone not fall under her spell when she was every man’s fantasy?
He’d almost worked up the courage to go in there, guns blazing, and stop her from ruining yet another person’s life. Then out came the man, without the flowers, and a smile on his face. He walked into the dark night without looking back.
That’s not right. Why isn’t he in there being seduced right now? Maybe there’s more going on.
Minutes later, she drove away in her Bugatti Delahyde. Byron hunkered down, planning to wait for her to come back. He hadn’t come prepared to follow.
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