“Hush.” He wrapped her in his arms again. He kissed her head, her forehead, her nose, her lips. “Come on. Let me take care of you.”
* * *
Evaine stood in the middle of her room, her mind playing and replaying the events of the evening. Luca walked into her bathroom, turned on her shower and then returned and sat her down on the desk chair. She let him slip off her sneakers. His hands hovered at her waist and he looked up at her with his bright orange eyes. She nodded mutely and lifted her arms. He tugged her blouse over her head. He pulled her to her feet gently. She stared blankly at the wall as he stripped off her leggings. Her mind couldn’t let go of the images from the arena.
Luca kissed her forehead and went back into the bathroom. He returned with her towel and wrapped it around her before leading her to the shower. Without thinking she dropped her bra and panties to the floor and stepped into the shower.
The water ran over her skin, warming her. She let it slide down her limbs, waking her up. A moment later the shower door opened and Luca stepped in. His body was hard and glorious. Her eyes met his, and he smiled at her. He lifted a puff and squirted body wash on it. He moved close to her and gently swirled the puff over her arms. She closed her eyes as he ran it down her breasts and over her stomach. Evaine let her mind drift away from the pain of the night and reveled in the feel of his touch. Sparks lit her skin and heat pooled between her thighs.
Kneeling he swirled down her legs to her feet. Lifting them one at a time he cleaned her feet and then moved back up her legs. He stood before her, and their eyes locked.
She wanted him.
Pushing him against the shower wall she attacked him. She plunged her tongue deep into his mouth, her slick skin sliding against his. The taste of him in her mouth excited her. The scent of human blood and his cologne mingled in her nose setting her on fire. His hands travelled down to her rear, and he pulled her against him. She knew what he wanted, and she wanted it too, and not because of the human feeding. She wanted it because, she loved him.
He lifted her off the floor and she wrapped her legs around his waist. He pressed her back into the cool tile. The pain of her experience drifted away with ever kiss, every caress. She let herself be consumed by his thoughts and emotions. Their bodies heated like flames.
“Take me,” she said as he trailed kisses down her throat. “I’m yours.”
He pulled away and gazed deep into her eyes. “Are you sure?”
She told him silently what she wanted from him. To love her and pleasure her until everything that had happened was washed away with their passion. She didn’t need to tell him twice. She shuddered as they became one. His shudder came minutes later.
Evaine awoke the next day completely sore. She stared at the ceiling. Memories of killing Karen and Simone beset her mind. The feeling of holding Simone’s life in her hands and then choosing to end it had poisoned her. She had a feeling she had turned a corner that she could never come back from.
A soothing presence invaded her, and she smiled. She rolled over to find Luca lying beside her. His eyes were closed, and he looked as if he was still deeply asleep. He was her saving grace. So tender, so loving, she knew she’d made the right decision. He was her one. A piece of paper from the government could never create the kind of bond they shared. She ran her hand across his firm chest, loving the feel of him. He stirred and pulled her close. Their skin brushed against each other, sending sparks of energy between them. Without opening his eyes he kissed her mouth. She smiled as his thoughts invaded her.
“Morning,” he said sleepily.
“Morning.”
He ran his hand down her body and pulled her leg up over him. Her body hummed with desire. His body was alert and awake, and she responded, kissing him again.
He rolled her over in a flash, pinning her underneath him. He pressed his lips into her skin, roaming his hands over her till she couldn’t think.
“Stop, stop.” She was breathless.
“Say, ‘Luca is the king,’” he murmured against her shoulder.
“Luca is the king.”
“Say, ‘Luca is the most gorgeous man on Earth.’” He kissed her belly button.
“Luca is the most gorgeous man on Earth.” She gasped and then moaned.
“Say, ‘I will never love another man as long as my body lives.’” He looked up at her.
Evaine looked into his eyes and laid her hand gently on his cheek. “I will never love another man, ever.”
He kissed her mouth, his need running over her in waves of delight. She gave him a mental shove and flipped him on his back with her on top, her legs straddling him.
He let out a piqued, “Hey!”
She smiled at him. “My turn.” She kissed down his stomach, causing him to moan beneath her touch.
Evaine sat up and pushed her hair down on her head, trying to flatten the tangles. Luca lay next to her watching. He pulled her close and hugged her, nuzzling her neck.
“I think we need to decide where we are going to live,” he said.
She pushed away from him. “What do you mean? You don’t want to move to one of the other Haven Houses do you?”
“No, no.” He laughed. “I mean, we can’t just live with you in this room and me next door.”
“Why not?” She produced a wry smile. “I like my space.”
“Well, as much as I like your small bed, I’m afraid we need somewhere bigger to…uhm…love each other.”
“What about your room?”
“It isn’t really female friendly.”
“Then what do you suggest?”
“There are a few larger rooms at the end of the hall. They’re about twice the size of this one. We could decorate it anyway you want. That would free up these two rooms for the new Feeders. Or should I say, the new family members.”
Evaine shivered.
“They’ll take some getting used to. I know it’s hard, but it’s our way. To allow anyone to have a place to go.”
“It’s the way they stare at me. Like I am a box of chocolates that slipped out of their fingers.”
“Well if they look at you like that, give them a mental push and they’ll back away. And try to remember how they’ve been living for the last several years, possibly even more than several. When Cami got here, she was worse than they are now. We have to give them a chance.”
Images of Simone and Karen bombarded her again. She took a deep breath trying to clear her thoughts. “I think that maybe a bigger room would be better. It would be nice to have more room for the both of us.”
“Great. I already had a bed put in the room.”
“You what?”
“I knew that sooner or later you would say yes, so I took the lead on this one.”
Evaine mentally pushed a pillow and it hit him in the face. Luca laughed.
“Oh, really?”
He picked it up and threw it back before jumping on top of her. She flipped him off with a mental shove. He lost his balance and fell to the floor, dragging her down with him. They laughed as they rolled on the ground.
“You are so beautiful.” He leaned in to kiss her again.
She pressed on his chest with her hand, stopping him. “Nope. I want to see this new room of ours. That room needs to be christened too.”
He laughed and got to his feet, pulling her up with him. “Well, by all means, my lady. Let us christen another room.” A large smile spread over his face. It was the most beautiful thing Evaine had ever seen.
The note arrived two weeks later. Evaine recognized Tristan’s writing immediately. When she opened it up, her stomach lurched.
Dearest Evaine,
I am sorry about how we left things. I would like to wish you the best in your new life, and hopefully someday I can be a part of it again, forever.
I want you to know that I am continuing to look for my father and my sister. A lead may have presented itself. I’m looking into it now. If I hear anything, I’ll let you know. Please rememb
er I’m here for you if you need me and that you are ever in my heart.
Love always,
Tristan
She sat frozen, staring at the card. Luca rushed in from their bathroom, drawn by her emotional turmoil.
“What it is? What’s wrong?” His hair dripped from his shower, a towel clutched hastily around his waist. He knelt beside her and pulled her into his arms.
She turned the envelope over and looked at the postmark. “They’re in London.”
~ About the Author ~
Rebekah R. Ganiere has loved stories since she was young. In college she studied theater and went on to perform in community theater before starting a family. A member of Romance Writers of America, Rebekah spends her time reading and writing, when she isn't chasing around her four children or rounding up the two bearded dragons, three tortoises, dog, and rabbit. The snake still has yet to be found.
Discover more about Rebekah R. Ganiere here
Website: http://www.RebekahGaniere.com
Facebook: http://www.Facebook.com/VampiresWerewolvesZombies
Twitter: http://www.Twitter.com/VampWereZombie
Linked In: Rebekah Ganiere
More Fantasy from Etopia Press
Blood of Isis
Elizabeth Otto
Passion isn’t the only thing that burns…
When a designer drug rocks the small town of New Brighton and makes junkies spontaneously combust, Paramedic Jayda Swenson suspects the worst. The super-methamphetamine her husband created before his death has resurfaced. She’s worked hard to create a safe, tidy life and put her meth-ravaged past—and her secrets—behind her. But when tourists start disappearing and charred body remains crop up, Jayda learns the hard way that this drug doesn’t just fry people’s minds—it also fuels demons.
Sexy new medic Ben Tierney is a demon-hunter in disguise, but his demon-busting powers don’t work so well anymore…until he realizes Jayda’s touch can refuel the energy he’s lost—a touch she’s not so willing to dish out. Now Jayda finds herself wedged between an ancient demon that knows her past and her secret, and Ben, who has plenty of secrets of his own. He’s willing to help—for a price—but Jayda’s not sure if it’s a price she’s willing to pay…
Buy Blood of Isis here
http://www.amazon.com/Blood-Isis-Elizabeth-Otto-ebook/dp/B00C7CB7GA/
Symphony of Light and Winter
Renea Mason
Symphony of Light Book One
One woman. Seven men. All bound by one man’s undying devotion.
Fundraiser Linden Hill has a knack for reading people. She always knows which conversations will put a prospect at ease, which drink will loosen a patron’s lips—or his wallet, and how cleavage will make a donor sweeten the deal. She’s even foreseen her dateless weekends four hundred and sixty-four times in a row.
But ten years after watching life drain from her former mentor’s and first love’s eyes, her skills for divining the predictable are lost. When Cyril returns, he’s still gorgeous, but this time he’s beyond human, far less dead, and pissed. His lack of memory drives him to desperate acts, and his turbulent re-acquaintance with Linden pulls her into his war with a creature hell-bent on his destruction. His group of six supernatural men share a tantalizing secret, but despite the hunger, it’s love that leads her to sacrifice everything to save him…
Buy Symphony of Light and Winter here
http://www.amazon.com/Symphony-Light-Winter-Renea-Mason-ebook/dp/B00DI9DMN2/
Awakening the Fire
Ally Shields
Guardian Witch Book One
Arianna Calin has sworn to keep the peace in Riverdale. Most of the Otherworlders prefer to haunt the Olde Town district--partying at vampire strip clubs, dining in elegant supper clubs, and inhabiting the cliffside caverns along the Mississippi. Being a cop is a tough job, but someone's gotta do it, and Ari's got her derringer, a sharp stiletto, and a few handy charms against things that hunt in the night. She's also a fire witch--a pedigree that comes in handy, since her partner's only human.
When a virtual reality drug hits the streets, people start to die, and an elusive pack of werewolves threatens the status quo. Ari and Ryan are drawn into a web of murder and evil that will lead sworn enemies to a confrontation. While the city simmers around them, Ari struggles to prevent an all-out supernatural war...
Buy Awakening the Fire here
http://www.amazon.com/Awakening-Fire-Guardian-Witch-Shields-ebook/dp/B0099ZDHO8/
Trust and Betrayal
Dani-Lyn Alexander
Realm of Light Book One
Trust is the ultimate weapon in the battle against evil.
Single mother Shay McKeon is no dummy—she’s intelligent as well as street-smart. But when she receives a phone call threatening her children, she rushes headlong into the hands of evil.
Saved from certain death by Mason Constanza, who calls himself a Guardian, Shay is taken to the Realm of Light, where she learns her husband never abandoned her as she’d thought, and that good and evil are nothing like she’d imagined. Learning to deal with her own existence as a Guardian, Shay’s attraction to Mason grows. But she has her own demons to battle, and when her daughter is abducted, she’ll have to trust Mason and his team. But Mason has his own ancient battles to fight…
Buy Trust and Betrayal here
http://www.amazon.com/Trust-Betrayal-Realm-Dani-Lyn-Alexander-ebook/dp/B009PA8JUE/
Affairs of the Dead
A.J. Locke
Help ghosts, stop a thief, and try not to die…
Necromancer Selene Vanream helps ghosts settle their affairs so they can move on. But when breaking the rules gets her in trouble, she’s bumped down to tracking ghosts trying to avoid the afterlife. Ghosts like Ethan Lance, who claims he was kicked out of his body when someone else jumped in. Which might be plausible—if such a thing were possible. And if Micah, Selene’s partner, didn’t pull her into an investigation of brutal murders that lead directly back to Ethan.
But when the whole mess puts Selene’s life in danger, she suddenly has very personal reasons to get Ethan’s body back. Between her uncomfortable relationship with Micah, and problems with her boss, Selene learns just how much trouble it can be when you don’t follow the rules…
Buy Affairs of the Dead here
http://www.amazon.com/Affairs-Dead-J-Locke-ebook/dp/B00CF0OWAW/
Table of Contents
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-One
Chapter Twenty-Two
Chapter Twenty-Three
Chapter Twenty-Four
Chapter Twenty-Five
Chapter Twenty-Six
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Dead Awakenings Page 29