Royal House of Shadows: Part 2 of 12
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Gena Showalter
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Originally published as Lord of the Vampires. It was the vampire Nicolai's call that transformed Jane from an Oklahoma scientist into a princess in the kingdom of Delfina. It's their shared desire that makes her his. When Jane is abducted, Nicolai's memories of his past and his birthright resurface. As does his desire for vengeance. But what if the magic that brought Nicolai and Jane together has run its course? Will their love and the blood bond between them be strong enough to bridge two worlds?
Chapter 1
Jane Parker has found herself in a situation her scientific mind can’t comprehend, but her heart understands completely: she’s traveled to a different realm, summoned by Nicolai, a vampire sex slave, who desperately needs her help to retake his throne from the Blood Sorcerer. As danger approaches, Jane and Nicolai are drawn closer with each passing hour. Jane knows she’s falling hard for the crown prince and can’t imagine her life without him, but is she still needed now that Nicolai has escaped? Everything could change with his simple answer...
“Have I covered everything that worried you?”
“Well.” Jane chewed at her lip until a tiny bead of blood formed. “I’ve been thinking. I could return home at any second. I mean, you’re free now, and stronger than before? Right?”
Nicolai reached out, collected the blood with the tip of his finger and licked it away. Her flavor, as sweet as her scent, fizzed and crackled over his taste buds, and he moaned.
Dark Abyss, nothing had ever tasted that good. The need for more grew...grew...until he was drenched in sweat, panting and fighting for control.
He would not fall on her. He would not.
He had known she would delight him in this way, but he had not expected this.
“I have already mentioned that you think far too much.” The roughness of his voice filled the tension-soaked air between them.
“You no longer need me,” she said. “It stands to reason that the magic you used to bring me here will soon begin to fade, whether you want it to or not.”
“No,” he practically roared, his hunger forgotten in the face of the terror of losing her.
Her eyes widened. “No?”
“I will not allow it.” Not now, not ever.
Ever? Yes, he would keep her forever. Would never let her go.
“Just like that?” She snapped her fingers. “You won’t allow it, so it won’t happen?”
“I am not safe yet. Therefore, you have not fulfilled all of your duties.” He would remain in perpetual danger, if need be. He’d lost so many loved ones already. He could not bear—
The pain! That damned pain, wiping his memory. “That subject is now closed.”
“Fine,” she grumbled. “Are you always this grouchy in the semimorning?”
Only when you talk of leaving me. “Would a grouchy vampire tell you that you are the most beautiful female he’s ever met?”
A luscious softening of her eyes, her mouth. “No.”
“Then I am not grouchy. Now close your eyes and relax.” If that ocher gaze met his, he would forget his purpose, lean down, kiss the breath out of her lungs, then work his way to her carotid. And if his teeth sank inside her, his erection would demand time between her legs. “This very sweet vampire is going to ease your hurts.”
