Embedded Files
A tumultuous relationship between a brooding, enigmatical male and an idealistic, innocent, stubbornly willful female leads a Vampire community to the brink of revolution. Centuries old Enforcer, Edwin Aldemeer has finally met his match in the beautiful, seductive Althea Adams. Edwin is in for the fight of his long, jaded life in the guise of the lovely woman as he tries to navigate and make some sort of sense to the flighty, irrational musings of the determined Fledgling.
Edwin Aldemeer is a member of the elite warrior sect, The Enforcers, who protect the top echelon of the Vampire community.
Some say, Aldemeer is the greatest warrior the underworld Kingdom has ever known. Undefeated, centuries old, the being has faced down countless threats and fought in bloodied fields of combat to ensure the Empire will continue to prevail.
Althea Adams is a recently turned daughter of Marcus Grigori Ignatius, the most powerful Master in existence. The blonde beauty is head-strong, impulsive and a hopeless romantic who most times, does not think before she acts.
Althea has championed a dangerous cause among her own kind: a young vampire who has fallen in love with...a human female.
The Council dispatches Aldemeer to put an end to the ones perpetrating the crime against the Realm.
Edwin finds Althea, for the most part, young and immature, and slightly deranged.
She is a nuisance, who irritates and manages to utterly disturb the hell out of his usually unflappable demeanor.
While he does not mind addressing the matter to the Council’s satisfaction, the Enforcer is more than reluctant to end Althea’s young, promising life.
Were he honest with himself, Edwin would admit a reluctant growing interest in the lovely creature who sets his teeth on edge with each and every encounter.
Manda Hayes. Five Star Review
I fell in love with Edwin right along side Althea. He is everything a male vampire should be. Brooding, illusive, masterful and downright mean when the occasion calls for it. A new breed of hero who is neither sweet, nurturing or affectionate, in the beginning. Edwin's journey to a perfect lover had me devouring this book. He could bite me any time he wants.
NiteReader Five Star Review
This is not your normal vampire story. I found myself laughing out loud at the fighting these two lovers did throughout the book. I didn't expect that from such a story, to be honest. But the things they said and did were hilarious sometimes. Witty dialog and fast moving story pace. This is a new writer we should look out for. She has a way with words. I loved this story to death.
DanielDavies78 Five Star Review
This book had me in stiches the entire read. These people, well, vampires, are funny. And the sex was off the charts. Hot and steamy, throw in a threesome with a couple of jaded vampires. It don't get any better than that. The surprise death shocked me in a good way. I am reading another book by this author even as I write this. Can't wait to read them all.
CHAPTER EXCERPT:
A lone figure walked along the paved path. The full moon shadowed his every graceful move. There was no haste to the purposeful gait. But that this being had a destination, it was clear. He moved through the night as if he were a part of its secret intricacies. As if he belonged there. Among the shadows and darkness.
Another watched his progression. A slender, almost ethereal shape. She watched and waited.
The room was lit with a cheerful ambiance. Although the lighting was soft, there was a festive feeling in the air. Annie Callahan could not stop admiring all the wondrous objects found in the many nooks and grannies of the ultra-modern motif.
“You have excellent taste, Christopher.” She smiled up into the dark brown eyes that watched her so disarmingly. Had now since her arrival a half hour ago.
“You should have known him a few centuries back.” Alex Wilder had leaned conspiratorially to the woman’s vicinity, his tone one of teasing affection. “He came from the lower end of–”
“That’s enough information.” Christopher Colton cut his friend short. “You know how nosey reporters are. Give them an inch.”
“Hey!” Annie felt at least a modest protest should be voiced. “Inquiring minds want to know.
It’s part of my charm.”
“It definitely is that.” Christopher bowed minutely, lifting his glass in a mock toast. “Speaking of which...” Annie felt a little of that reporter coming to the fore suddenly. “See?” Christopher shrugged well developed shoulders; his smile only just held.
“Is this really your birthday?” She asked, making it known; that was all she had intended to ask. “That wasn’t so nosey, now, was it?”
“Christopher celebrates anything and everything.” Alex found a chair, parking his ass in its comfortable contours. “Any chance to fabricate an occasion? He’ll take it.”
“How do you know this isn’t my birth date?” The question seemed viable to the older vampire. “You haven’t known me for all that long a period, you young whippersnapper, you!”
“But remember, you celebrated your birthday a couple of months ago. Around Halloween,
wasn’t it, which,” Alex made mention, “seemed somehow appropriate to me. I don’t see my gift displayed prominently either. Just to let you know.” The younger being glanced around the rooms aimlessly. “A little tacky, if you ask me.”
“A black lace teddy doesn’t fit into my recurring theme.” Christopher narrowed his eyes at the other being’s cheek. “I looked fabulous in it, though. You are right.”
“I posted the pics to the Net.” Alex grinned at Annie’s lifted brows. “But no, really, I got him a toaster.”
She laughed musically at the being’s wit.
“What are you complaining about? The celebration is on me. A toast then...” Christopher held up his glass, the red substance swirling elegantly in the crystal glass. Annie was growing accustomed to the reality that the substance was not wine. She was always very careful not to react or show emotions with these beings. “To good times and old friends.”
Alex inclined his head to his friend’s honorable mention, lifting his glass to salute such regard.
“And newfound ones.” Christopher included Annie Callahan in the moment.
“I feel honored.” The woman smiled brightly, unsure exactly what she was feeling these days, were she honest with herself. Her emotions were tangled and confused since she had learned these creatures actually existed...her thoughts jumbled and perplexed of late.
Her usual clear-headed, precise thought patterns were a thing of the past in most aspects of her life. Except work, of course.
Alex Wilder could sense her turmoil. It was a natural process, however. It had taken him several months to resign himself to what he was. To acclimate...to accept. He could respect her state of uncertainty.
“A night of merriment and frivolity!” Christopher continued, having bowed formally to Annie’s statement. “That is what we are promised. Dinner for the lady, in a most chic, not to mention overpriced, establishment.”
Annie giggled infectiously, trying hard not to be charmed by all the attention Christopher lavished upon her this evening, but try as she might, she found herself enjoying herself completely and liking the company immensely.
“Followed by tickets to the exclusive...” Christopher wanted to impress this woman. Not for his sake, but that of his friend, whom he knew was very fond of the human, in more ways than Alex Wilder would admit just yet.
“Not to mention sold out.” Annie’s mouth was agape, for she had read the event on the stubs
she had been handed. “How did you ever–”
“Child’s play, child.” Christopher waved such a rhetorical question aside, feigning boredom. “Where was I before she so rudely interrupted my eloquence?” He found he enjoyed making the female smile. Alex seemed to be in a good mood as well. The stress of the last few weeks finally melting away.
Cornelia had been one hell of a bitch of late. The least Christopher could do, he felt, was to offer a little light source of amusement for these two. If any two individuals ever needed it...
“He knows people who know people.” Alex crinkled his nose at Annie’s inquiring stare. He was enjoying her enjoyment just as much as she seemed to be. He was fishing for another giggle. His reward came, and he was hard pressed not to chuckle with the woman.
His senses tingled, and he seemed to vibrate to her very being, despite a stern warning to himself to be more circumvent in his reaction to her. He could smell her essence, her scent. It surrounded him and he felt great!
“The must see show of the year!” Her eyes were wide with wonder and delight. “The decade...easily.” Christopher corrected with tainted modesty.
“Oh yeah, decade!” Alex agreed wholeheartedly, feigning amazement. “Well, it is!” Annie could find no fault in Christopher’s statement.
“A female after my own heart.” He glanced at Annie Callahan. “Although, you might be hard pressed to find that particular organ after so long a period of inactivity. My other organs are in perfect working conditi–”
“Christopher.” Alex scolded superficially, uncertain that was a place to go so early into the evening’s celebration.
“Ah.” Christopher took the veiled hint gracefully. “He says I have to be on my very best behavior tonight. Bummer, huh?”
Annie laughed throatily. “So out of character. Alex, why torture the poor man?” ”Oh, I like her.” Christopher walked away, searching for more refreshment.
Annie grinned over at Alex Wilder.
“I am truly impressed, not to mention a little intrigued.” She told the truth, sensing the rapport between the two beings. “Not to look a gift horse in the mouth...”
“Does she mean me?” Christopher asked pleasantly from across the room.
Alex shrugged playfully. “Had she said, horse’s ass...”
“One for the whippersnapper.” Christopher poured his beverage delicately so as not to bruise its flavor.
“Why me?” Annie asked. “Why was I chosen to accompany two such handsome, urbane gentlemen on such an auspicious occasion? Not that I am complaining, not at all!”
“Oh, this is merely the prelude.” Alex arose, stretching his lanky frame out to its full height. “He likes to start slow and build. This all ends days from now in an orgy type scenario with cops and call girls, and a really good video release on YouTube.”
“I’ll be famous!” Annie quipped. “Get my good side.”
“All sides look good to me,” Christopher mentioned, sauntering across the ridiculously expensive carpet. “My toga party days ended in...” An attractive scowl touched the intelligent forehead. “Well, the Sixties, actually. I am much more refined now. My tastes have matured.”
“Which means a weekend at the Playboy Mansion as opposed to the Chicken Ranch?” Alex questioned innocently.
Annie bit her lip to keep the smile from her full lips. She cut amused eyes to her host. “How you paint me, Alexander.”
Both beings’ smiles faded instantly as a feeling swept through their psyches. Christopher’s body stiffened as the scent carried on the night air. Alex hastily sat his drink aside, his entire person poised and alert. For what? He could not have said.
Christopher’s dark eyes scanned the area, his manner quietly intent. He sat his glass aside more slowly, moving closer to the human, his senses strained...attuned.
Annie watched the two individuals, uncertain of what was coming down, but she knew something was terribly amiss.
“What the hell,” Alex had no clue as to what he was feeling. He only knew his entire nervous system was overloaded, “...is it?”
He looked to his friend for answers.
The tension in Christopher’s already defensive posture increased as the seconds ticked by.
Suddenly, his guarded eyes snapped upward, his focus on the balcony overhead.
Alex had not heard a sound but followed the being’s stare.
Annie’s eyes widened in shock.
Christopher stepped around the female, placing himself between the newly arrived menace and the frail human. Alex noted the uncharacteristic gesture, his senses reeling with dread suddenly. He forced his attention back to the balcony.
It had dropped silently onto the terrace, landing on its haunches, then arose gracefully... eloquently molding into a dark silhouette complete with billowing cape and a dark, penetrating stare.
It was taller in stature than Alex, with a stockier build. A suppressed power emanated from the being.
“Why are you here?” Christopher seemed more tense than usual, but other than that, his demeanor stayed calm and collected. Alex took hope from the fact, the being had broken the eerie silence.
“You know the why of it.” The deep, chilling baritone was almost soothing to Annie’s ears. It sent a tingle down her spine, causing her to catch her breath in her throat. There was an ominous threat to the sentence.
The creature moved forward slowly.
Alex instinctively retreated a step to better access the situation before he reacted. He took in the opponent’s size and steely manner. Alex sense danger. There was a dark quality about this being. An unmistakable foreboding. The hair on the back of his neck stood up as the empty, brooding stare was transferred to...
Annie drew in a hasty breath, a feeling of terror washing over her. The look had made her blood run cold, her heart beat wildly in her chest cavity. She moved closer to Christopher and was happy when Alex moved closer to her.
“She has known for months.” Christopher snapped his waning patience. “The Masters are not so stupid to think... she could have revealed our existence many times over, had she wished.”
“Masters?” Alex had heard the rumors. These things did not truly exist, surely. And what could they want with his Annie if they did? He sought the older Vampire for instruction and information.
“I do not question. I only obey.” The cold gaze shifted to Alex Wilder. “The blame lies with this one! The fault is his!”
“He did not divulge his identity.” Christopher ignored the younger Vampire’s entreaty. “It was discovered by accident, and as I said...”
“Then he,” it was spoken lowly, “should have eliminated the threat immediately. It is the
Code.”
“What are you talking about?” Alex demanded answers. He disliked the fear in Annie Callahan’s eyes. The eyes that had moments before been dancing with mischief and joy. “Who are you? What is it you want? If someone has a problem with me, let them face me directly!”
The being remained silent, uncommunicative.
“If they, or you, are concerned that Annie will reveal facts about our Society...” Alex tried again.
“I am not concerned.” The icy emptiness swept over the female. “She will tell no one.”
Alex felt Annie’s terror, reaching his hand back, his fingers intertwining with her suddenly chilled ones. “I don’t know what the hell is going on, but if you want her?” Alex motioned with his free hand. “You’re going to have to go through me first.” He set his mind. “Bring it on!”
“...Excellent.” The being nodded imperceptibly. “I had hoped as much.” A rather loud, undignified clunk disturbed the brittleness of the moment. All present turned their attention to the source of the disturbance.
The blonde female groaned loudly, having fallen heavily from the upper portion of the ledge that surrounded the building. She rolled about the imported marble stones for a second then lay back heavily, her body stretched out comically. She stared at the night sky for a goodly while, moaning softly.
At length, she struggled to a half sitting position. Her long blonde hair was in complete disarray, messy tendrils falling from the carefully arranged top knot. Dirt smudged her lovely porcelain skin. Lots of it.
“Oh, don’t be so stuffy, Hans!” the female snapped peevishly, glaring at the burly being who stood directly before her. “Why must you be so fucking melodramatic?”
Alex blinked, his senses getting a workout this night. He watched as the woman rose. She tugged at some unseen material under the long black dress she wore. Had the man not known better, he would have sworn she had pulled on her panties to situate them better.
“What the hell?” The large being’s tone held a genuine annoyance now, Alex noted, where before nothing had seemed to unsettle it, “are you doing here?”
“I can be wherever I want. You aren’t my boss!” The woman had stepped right up to the gigantic being, for he seemed to dwarf her size. It was almost a good head and a half taller, after all. He glared down at the petite person with ill-concealed hostility. “And how did you get down off that damned roof top! Look at my clothes!” She held the dusty fabric up for inspection.
“They’re ruined, and it’s all your fault!” The immaculately kept finger nail pushed into the stout chest area of the being. “You’re replacing these shoes! They are my very all-time favorite ones...so...” she sought the correct word, “so...there! And for God’s sake! Use the door, can’t you? Why must you always make such a Grand entrance?”
Alex was dumbfounded, clear and simple. He stood, trying to make heads or tails of what had just transpired, but came up empty. He glanced over to Christopher Colton. The other Vampire seemed somehow relieved, of all things.
“I am so telling Dad!” The apparition turned up her nose and stalked away from the It. She smiled amicably, her arms spreading wide as she approached. “Christopher! How delightful to see you again! I have missed you terribly! Have you missed me?”
Christopher welcomed her into his embrace, smiling genuinely upon the pretty, if smudged features. “You have dirt on your nose.”
“I have dirt in places you would not wish to know about.” She philosophized, moving from his embrace slightly. “You’re looking older.” She scrutinized the Vampire critically.
“I’m looking just fine, thank you,” Christopher corrected. “You liar.”
She cut light grey eyes to... “Old Hans giving you hell?” She made a face at the one in question who stood now, seething and silent, his eyes dark sparks of icy disdain. “It’s what he does best, besides murdering things. I bet he could kill a plastic plant. What d’ya think, Hans? Could you? Are you that good? Or is it all boast and brag with you, like most males?”
She smiled brightly at the being. “He can be so uncivilized at times, but then...” her eyes swept the being’s form appreciatively, “I so enjoy uncivilized, do I not, Hans.”
“It’s good to see you, Althea.” Christopher grinned at the exchange, even if the one it was directed at obviously found nothing whatsoever amusing about it, were his features any criteria by which to judge.
“I know it is, Christopher. Has your one and only stirred from that nasty little coma you put her into as yet?” She blinked innocent eyes up to his slightly scolding ones. “That was so tacky on your part, wasn’t it? Still, she will probably forgive you eventually. I know I would.”
“Nice to see you, too.” Christopher had narrowed his gaze a tad at the not so veiled insult. “Have I missed the party?” Althea queried those gathered. Her gaze landed on Annie
Callahan. “Apparently not.” She mused. “You’re still in one piece. Hans can be so physical at times.”
"Althea!” Hans grated his growing fury.
Christopher noted the long ‘A’ sound at the end of the name. He thought it sounded rather lyrical when said so, well, harshly.
The woman turned an inoffensive look. “Yes, Hans?” She answered obediently, her own tone inoffensively sweet and demure.
“Return to your Sire! This instant!”
“It’s boring there.” Althea crinkled her nose. “And you left without even saying goodbye. I was deeply hurt, beloved, deeply!”
"Obey me!”
Althea closed her eyes, sighing happily. ”Oh, I love that tone! Say something else... something provocative!”
“You bitch!” Hans grated; his emotions just barely contained. “Must I throw you off the balcony myself?”
The woman shook her head woefully, explaining to the others who had stood by, blatantly listening in on what was transpiring. “He loves to throw me off things. Last time? It was a gloomy cliff off the edge of some Spanish town.” Althea glanced at the object of her report, her expression a fond one. “The old grump. I emphasize the word old.”
"Leave!”
The humor died in the grey eyes, and the young female vampire turned slowly to face her demon. “...No.” She stated quietly.
Han’s face masked with genuine anger. “Then stay.” He hissed venomously. “The outcome will be the same. If you truly wish to witness it, so be it!”
“Move carefully, my pet.” The teasing quality was absent from the woman’s tone. And her manner had chilled decidedly. “Do you truly wish to test Papa’s power? I am nothing but ...he?"
The silence was devastating.
“Do you like this female?” Althea inquired politely, never taking her eyes from the real danger.
Christopher prompted Alex to reply. Nudging him sharply in the side.
“Who...eh, yes! Yes, of course I like her. She’s my friend, and means no harm to–”
“I mean...” The woman sighed heavily, “do you like her in the Biblical sense, because if you do? I shall champion you.”
“Are you fucking insane?” Hans moved a threatening step.
Althea held up her hand. “It is your Code... not mine! It is allowed, yes?” She questioned airily. “Nor do I delude myself that you cannot best me, but then you would have dear old Papa to consider, wouldn’t you. He will avenge my untimely, not to mention tragic demise.”
She smiled wistfully. “He might even shed a tear or two. He did for Olivia, but he always liked her best, truth told. Don’t you think?”
"Papa would be the first to throw you off the fucking balcony! Do you seriously think he will approve of this farce?” Hans did not frighten so easily, apparently.
“How you paint him. Nevertheless, I think they make a cute couple, and I am a hopeless romantic. You would know that if you ever bothered to actually listen to anything I say.” Althea waved the matter aside. “I absolutely forbid you to harm them. Go away now. Go back to whatever rock you slithered from beneath.”
"You?” Hans was more than livid. ”You... forbid!”
“Are you raising your voice to me?” The thought seemed an incredulous one to Althea, her eyes wide with wonder and amazement. “How dare you!”
“You would be surprised at what I dare.” The being managed between clenched teeth.
“Now you are simply being unreasonable.” Althea sighed heavily. “I know the rules and you must obey them. So, go off somewhere and obey them. I shall see you back here at sunset, Eastern Standard Time, please. I’m a late riser.”
"Fuck you!” The being turned with a swirl of the heavy cape, stalking to the balcony, vaulting onto the railing, stepping off into the silence of the night.
Annie cried out her alarm, rushing to Alex’s side. “Oh, my god! He jumped!”
“If only.” Althea practically snorted. She turned about, spreading her hands open. “Christopher? Do you see a drink in my hands?”
Christopher smiled tightly, crossing to prepare the concoction she enjoyed. “Thank you, Thea.” He looked up, halting his actions of dropping an ice cube into the frosted glass. “For what you did.”
The female looked at the other two occupants of the room. “This is another fine mess you’ve gotten me into, Christopher. Don’t think old Hans will be waylaid for long, either.” She predicted.
“I trust you have a plan to appease the Council. I can annoy him for just so long before he stakes my ass...or worse, knowing him.”
She crossed to Annie, lifting a lock of blonde curls, examining the texture of the fragrant tresses absently. “I bought you some time, but an Enforcer cannot be deterred. Like your infamous Mounties, they always get their man...or woman.” Althea smiled pleasantly at Annie.
“Don’t be morbid. I thought you outgrew your Goth period.” Christopher teased in open affection, having noted her attire.
“Black is slimming.” Althea frowned over at Christopher. “You know you adore me in black.” “I adore you out of it more. Talk to your father.”
“You know how he feels about humans, and... us.” She rolled her eyes. “The only thing he ever truly cared for was taken from him by a human. I can talk to him until I’m blue in the face. I would be a freakin’ Smurf before he would lift a finger to help. No offense, lady.”
“Then tell me who I can talk to.” Alex demanded. “There has to be a way to deal with this.
I’m not going to just stand here and let them hurt Annie.”
“Okay, good luck with that.” Althea nodded. “I’m off then.” She brightened, turning to Christopher. “See you guys on the morrow, as old Hans would say.”
“You owe me.” Christopher stated quietly, his stare an intently quiet one. “You would put it on those terms?” Althea was indignant.
“Decidedly.”
“Well, that’s not very gentlemanly!”
“Ain’t no gentleman, if you will recall?” Christopher lifted a noble brow.
Althea smiled happily. “...I remember.”
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