Update: Demon Prince, Paranormal Nobles Book 3

Hello and happy New Year! For my first post of 2017, I wanted to give a quick update on how things are going with what will be my first release of the year, Demon Prince, Paranormal Nobles, Book 3. And the update is...it's finished!

Yep, the manuscript is completely finished at 64,000 words, the blurb is finished, the cover art request is finished, the synopsis is finished, and all of it has been sent off to my awesome editor at MLR Press and she'll work it into her editing schedule. No release date news yet, but I wanted to let everyone know, the Nobles gang are on their way to coming back very soon :-)

My gratitude for all the support, and best wishes to all in this shiny new year!

Now Available: Demon Duke, Paranormal Nobles Book 2

Hello, everyone! I'm so incredibly happy to announce that Demon Duke is now live at MLR Press! It dropped a day early over there! Yay! I'm almost in disbelief that it's really live and out there. What a road it's been, but now after so long of a wait, the sequel to Vampire Prince is available for everyone to read!

The book is up for pre-order at AllRomance eBooks, and it's scheduled to go live there on the 27th, I think. It'll also roll out to Amazon and other vendors very soon, too.

My gratitude goes out to everyone for their support. I know it was a long wait, but we made it! I couldn't be happier for this story to release :D Thank you again, everyone, and I hope you'll all enjoy returning to the Nobles' world and visiting these familiar friends.

Blurb:

A month ago, Calvin Blackwood found himself in the company of vampires, having been hired to use his talent as a witch to summon a demon. That demon ended up saving his life. In the time since, he hasn’t been able to forget about Sal. He knows entering a deal with a demon is dangerous, but to save his brother, binding himself to the beautiful demon might be worth the risk.

Sal is a duke among demons. An immortal being, more powerful than a vampire, but who has one admitted weakness, a fondness for humans. When Calvin offers to make a deal, he’s hesitant, but can’t deny his need to be closer to him. He also knows if he doesn’t help him, Calvin will summon another demon, and he knows all too well the treachery of his own kind.

Desire and trust builds between Calvin and Sal. Their relationship grows, but so does a hidden threat, and it might take power greater than a demon duke to save them. It might take that of a witch.

Sneak Peek: Demon Duke

As promised last week, I've returned with a sneak peek at my upcoming release, Demon Duke, Paranormal Nobles, Book 2 and the sequel to Vampire Prince. Not too much longer before it goes live! It's scheduled to release May 27th at MLR Press. But I know from my past releases, some have dropped the night before, so there's a chance it could go live on the 26th. After it releases at MLR Press, it'll roll out to Amazon, AllRomance eBooks, and other vendors. And I'm not sure if I've mentioned the length of the story, but it's just over 75,000 words, and the final e-file that I've been reviewing is about 240 pages. About the same length as Vampire Prince.

Now for the sneak peek, I thought I'd share Chapters One and Two. These two chapters will let everyone get reaquainted with Sal, Calvin, and the gang, and also set up what's to come.

I hope everyone will enjoy this glimpse at Demon Duke!

Blurb:

A month ago, Calvin Blackwood found himself in the company of vampires, having been hired to use his talent as a witch to summon a demon. That demon ended up saving his life. In the time since, he hasn’t been able to forget about Sal. He knows entering a deal with a demon is dangerous, but to save his brother, binding himself to the beautiful demon might be worth the risk.

Sal is a duke among demons. An immortal being, more powerful than a vampire, but who has one admitted weakness, a fondness for humans. When Calvin offers to make a deal, he’s hesitant, but can’t deny his need to be closer to him. He also knows if he doesn’t help him, Calvin will summon another demon, and he knows all too well the treachery of his own kind.

Desire and trust builds between Calvin and Sal. Their relationship grows, but so does a hidden threat, and it might take power greater than a demon duke to save them. It might take that of a witch.

Chapter One

“Someone you love is sick. Poor baby. I can fix that, you know.”

The words replayed through Calvin’s mind, as they had so many times in the past month. Were they true? Could the demon who’d spoken them heal his brother? And if Sallos could, how would he do it? And for what price? A demon never gave away anything for free.

Calvin sagged down on the bed, lying on his side, his gaze fixed on the bright, sunlit day beyond his bedroom window. A month ago, when he’d answered a request on a witchcraft forum, he had no idea what he was getting himself into. All he saw was the large sum of money being offered to anyone who could summon a specific demon and jumped at it, figuring he’d work out the details after he got the job.

He didn’t know the intention was to bind the demon. He didn’t know it was a trap to capture a young man, a former blood slave. He sure as hell didn’t know it was vampires behind the ad, not until he’d met them, and what a shock that was. Sure, he’d seen postings online by other witches who claimed to have run into vampires, but who knew what to believe online? With him still learning about his own power, he wasn’t about to disregard vampires could exist, but did he have some doubt? Absolutely. That doubt had gotten knocked out of him. And it was in learning vampires were behind it that his instincts blazed with warning and everything started to feel wrong.

It was stupid of him to take the deal. Wrong and insulting to his beliefs, his gifts, his power, but the money…he needed it so damn bad. Ten thousand dollars wouldn’t take care of all his brother’s medical expenses, but it knocked out a chunk. Except now, it seemed for nothing. Nathan was thinking about stopping his treatments.

His brother told him the day before, he didn’t know how much longer he could continue with dialysis, or really, what the point was in doing it. He’d argued with Nathan, telling him if he didn’t keep fighting and going to his treatments, his kidneys would fail and he would die. Nathan gave him a smile that told him more than the words he spoke; Nathan had accepted his fate. And as for Nathan’s words? “If God still has work for me here, then I’ll recover.”

But for all Nathan’s faith and devotion—even going to seminary school—God hadn’t helped his brother. Instead, Nathan became sick…and suffered.

Calvin closed his eyes against the burn of tears. He didn’t understand Nathan’s faith. It seemed it was something his brother had always possessed. Even as teens, when their father died from a sudden heart attack. Even two years ago, as they watched cancer steal the life from their mother. Each time, Nathan would pray and seem to come out of it with a greater sense of peace.

Since it seemed to comfort Nathan, he tried to follow him into that faith. It didn’t work for him. He’d recite prayers to the same God and he felt…nothing. No sense of peace or enlightenment. No calm or warmth or love. More than that, he felt odd, out of place, as if he was pretending to be someone he wasn’t. He came to the conclusion Nathan’s path of faith wasn’t meant for him, and maybe no path was.

Until he discovered the faith he was meant to follow, the Craft, the way of being a witch.

He’d been in a park near his home, a few days after his mother passed. He needed solace and comfort that he couldn’t find with anyone. As it always had, going to nature, sitting among the trees, cool earth beneath him, the wind whispering around him, he found peace. He found strength. A stick in his hand, he absentmindedly sketched in the dirt, and drew a five-pointed star. It was a symbol he’d drawn often, never knowing why, but thinking it was probably because it was easy to do and his artistic talent wasn’t exactly high. Only that day, he caught himself as he drew it. He stared at it, wondered about it, and from the shadows of his mind, a thought rose.

He carried that thought to the library, where he found a green volume in the New Age section with that five-pointed star on the cover. He checked out the book and what began as a pursuit to satisfy his curiosity, became a quest for greater knowledge and to understand himself. To be a witch was to live a spiritual life bonded with nature and those who shared the world, animal and human. Witches were healers and helpers, seekers of knowledge and truth. They could even be warriors, if their path called for them to be.

He still remembered the joy that shone through him when he opened himself up to learning the Craft. He felt uplifted, as if he’d discovered a hidden part of himself. He understood why it was in nature—being surrounded by trees, finding a quiet spot on the beach, gazing at the moon and stars—that he felt more peace than when he’d prayed in Nathan’s faith. Why when he touched gemstones, he felt more than the cool stone itself, but also a subtle hum of the power within. In his heart and soul, he’d always been a witch. All he’d needed was for his mind to make the discovery.

But in the two years since that discovery and for all the honing of his skills, he hadn’t found a way to save Nathan. Though, he knew and understood that being a witch was a lifelong pursuit in strengthening his skills and gaining knowledge. He just didn’t have that much time if he wanted to save his big brother.

Calvin rolled to his back on the bed and pulled in a long, slow breath. Not that Nathan was inclined to let him use spells, incantations, or magic to try and save him. His brother refused to take part in any pagan ritual. His being a witch was the one thing they continuously fought over. When he’d revealed to Nathan the path he was taking, Nathan had argued fiercely with him, to the point where he felt akin to those of old who’d suffered the Inquisition and persecution. It was only when he pointed out to Nathan that the same zealotry had led to the deaths of countless innocent people that Nathan backed off.

For that moment, at least.

They continued to argue about it from time to time, but not as heatedly. Despite each of them lacking faith in each other’s beliefs, they loved each other. And he was positive Nathan prayed daily for him to turn his back on the Craft, but same as his prayers hadn’t brought him the results he wanted when he’d tried to follow Nathan’s faith, Nathan’s weren’t changing him from being a witch.

He still managed to sneak a few healthy herbs into Nathan’s food when he cooked dinner, but it wasn’t enough. Nathan was growing weaker. Going in for dialysis three times a week was the only thing keeping Nathan’s kidney disease from total kidney failure. Hopes for getting a donated kidney were almost nonexistent, especially since he hadn’t been a match.

He couldn’t lose him. Nathan had always been there for him, and despite their differences, he knew there was nothing his brother wouldn’t do for him. And he was the same toward Nathan. Only, Nathan wouldn’t accept his kind of help. Regardless, he wasn’t going to let him slip away, not when there was the smallest of chances he could save him. His big brother was the only family he had left.

The tears Calvin had managed to hold back threatened again. He pulled off his silver rim glasses and set them on the nightstand by his bed. He closed his eyes and two tears escaped from the corners of them. They left warm trails over his temples and into his hair.

“I can fix that, you know.”

The voice played again through his mind, deep and seductive. Sallos…Sal…manifested behind his closed eyelids in such detail, he could be looking at him in reality. Whether in his human guise or his true form, the demon was beautiful. When in his human form, it seemed at this period in time Sal preferred to have flaming red hair that fell to the tops of his shoulders, layered, sharp angles to it. His body was slender and muscular, his fair skin flawless. Sal’s face held so much beauty, he seemed sculpted by a divine hand. And his eyes, the enchanting lavender hue, Calvin had become captivated when he’d looked into them.

He thought Sal couldn’t be any more stunning, until Sal shifted into his true form.

Calvin laid a hand over his chest. His heart started racing whenever he thought of him. Sal’s hair had grown longer to hang down his back. Horns, thick and curled like a ram’s, emerged from the sides of Sal’s head. His height increased, his body’s frame and muscle thickened. From two smoking slits that opened in Sallos’s back, great leathery red wings emerged. Fangs that put to shame any vampire dropped down from Sal’s canines. And Sal’s eyes…they glowed with that stunning lavender color, the round pupils becoming slits.

Calvin rolled from his back to his stomach, pinning his hardening cock between his body and the bed. Was it completely crazy of him to fantasize about having those wings wrap around him as Sal embraced him? If it was, then he was a certifiable lunatic because he’d thought of it daily since meeting the demon.

He knew, though, his lusting for Sal would never go beyond his thoughts. He couldn’t get human men interested in him. No way would a demon as gorgeous as Sal want him. And he wasn’t entirely sure he’d want Sal to want him.

On the witchcraft forums he hung out at, he’d seen more than one person post about summoning a demon, some even claiming to have had sex with them. It never worked out well. The demon always used the summoner to get a strong hold over their life and use them for their own benefit. While someone might think they had control over the demon, they never did. Ever. A demon would always find a way to get the upper hand and once they did, only pain came from it. It took a lot of powerful magic to banish a demon once they became deeply connected to a person.

In the month since everything went down at the blood house, he realized how much he had to learn about summoning, binding, and compelling demons. He studied his craft for hours each day. If he wasn’t working or helping Nathan get to and from his dialysis treatments, then he was striving to gain more knowledge and control with his power. Along with studying evocation, he’d searched for, gathered, and read everything he could on demons, working to not only learn about Sal, but others as well.

He understood their hierarchy now, how the titles weren’t a matter of bloodline or age, but power. The stronger the demon, the greater the title. The counts were at the bottom, followed by the marquises, then earls. Next in line came the dukes, then it moved up to the princes, followed by the kings, to the last and most powerful, the Emperor.

Sal was one of the great nobles. And his true form showed it in his powerful body and massive wings, in his strength and his beauty. Sal may have said his true form wasn’t as pretty as his human one, but he’d been awestruck by him.

All of it told him, though, despite how much studying he’d done, he didn’t know if he was strong enough to compel a noble demon like Sal. And really, he didn’t want to. He’d rather have Sal help him of his own free will than try to bend him to his. The only way that might happen would be to strike a deal with him. He never thought he would be one to consider a deal with a demon, but if Sal could help him, it might be worth any price the demon duke asked for.

Chapter Two

“Beezy, catch!” Sal tossed a red ball toward the little black crocodile.

The ball bounced lightly over the patio cobbles…and off the tip Beezle’s snout. The crocodile opened his yellow eyes to slits, peering at Sal with an unappreciative look. He closed his eyes again, returning to soaking up the sun.

A snort and a snicker came from behind Sal. “Do they have entity obedience classes in DemonLand? Because if they do, you should really consider signing Beezle up.”

Sal glanced over his shoulder at Sebastian floating in the in-ground pool, his arms folded over the edge as he watched him and Beezle. Sebastian was such a lovely young human. Brilliant blue eyes, golden blond hair, delicate and pretty facial features. It was no wonder Sebastian had broken down the barriers his dear vampy friend, Valentin, had built around himself. And though Sebastian didn’t know it, he was grateful to him for bringing Valentin back to his old self. After Malcolm’s betrayal, Valentin had become somber and guarded. Now, Valentin’s smiles came easily again.

Sal arched an eyebrow as he met Sebastian’s gaze. “DemonLand?”

“Since it’s not really Hell with all the brimstone and burning souls, what else would you call it?”

“We demons just call it our realm, same as we call this one the human realm.”

“I think DemonLand sounds better than Demon Realm.”

Sal sat on the patio, leaning back on his hands, his legs stretched out in front of him. “It does, actually. Kind of touristy.”

Sebastian laughed softly. “Yeah, but instead of people in cute cartoon character costumes running around, you’ve got little horned minions and flesh-eating entities.”

Sal pointed at him. “Don’t forget the orgies! Those would be our main attraction. Man, this is a billion dollar idea waiting to happen. Why didn’t I ever think of setting up a resort there?”

Laughter came from the mansion.

Sal tossed his head back to look through the open sliding door, where Valentin and Basil sat within the shadows.

Valentin stood and stepped close to the shadow’s edge, leaning a forearm up on the doorframe. Long, silken black hair fell past Valentin’s shoulders, and his eyes of light frosted blue were quite the lure themselves, especially combined with his face of flawless beauty. As he spoke, Valentin’s voice rolled with an elegant English accent. “I’m not so certain. I think there are quite a few humans who wouldn’t be too comfortable at the idea of having sex with a demon.”

Sal let a smirk rise to his lips. “None that I’ve ever fucked have complained.”

Basil moved to Valentin’s side. “But how many of them have known you were a demon?”

Sal focused on Basil. The two vampires were true blood cousins from their human life. They both had similarities in the slender builds and pretty features, but they were opposites in many other ways. Basil wore his wavy, dark blond hair shorter, often bound in a loose ponytail at the nape of his neck. And while Valentin’s eyes were icy and cool in color, Basil’s were warm, honey-brown.

“I’m sure they had to have some suspicions of me being an otherworldly being since I can fuck better than any human.”

“Hey!” Sebastian said. “Those are fighting words! Or fucking words. One or the other.”

Sal turned a smirk toward Sebastian. “Only one way to prove me wrong. You two will have to let me watch you at it, and I’ll tell you if you’re better than me.”

“I think you’d be a rather biased judge,” Valentin said. “And, no, we’re not letting you watch us fuck.”

Chuckling, Sebastian pushed out of the pool. He walked by Sal toward Valentin and stepped into the embrace of his vampire prince. “I’ll agree on that ‘no’.”

Valentin wrapped Sebastian in his arms, not the least deterred by Sebastian’s wet body pressing against his clothes. Sal couldn’t blame the vampire. He wouldn’t mind getting a little wet to have a hot human pressed against him either. With his final thought, a human, a name, floated to the front of Sal’s mind…one he’d been trying to forget about for the past month—Calvin.

Damn witch. If he didn’t know better, he’d swear Calvin had cast an enchantment on him. In fact, he would’ve preferred it if Calvin had. It would be a hell of a lot less disturbing of a reason as to why he couldn’t get the human out of his head.

If he had one admitted weakness, it was for humans. Their intoxicating energy. Their bodies so warm and delightful to touch, caress, have his dick buried deep inside. And Calvin was a very lovely human, though, he felt certain Calvin didn’t realize it. The witch was on the smaller side in build and height, but he imagined Calvin had quite the tight body beneath his clothes. Calvin’s black hair didn’t have any kind of style to it, seeming perpetually tousled, giving him a look like he was just getting out of bed…or ready to climb into it.

He liked that last thought, especially with adding himself to the bed. The innocence he sensed from the witch told him Calvin wasn’t the most experienced in the erotic arts, but his intuition sensed Calvin was a man filled with lust and passion waiting to be unleashed. And he would love to be the one doing the unleashing.

Behind the silver-rimmed glasses Calvin wore were intelligent, thoughtful, and sad blue eyes. The sadness was tied to Calvin’s sick loved one, whoever that was. When he’d viewed Calvin’s aura, he saw a man of deep compassion and love, things his little black heart were drawn to. But with those, he also saw power, raw and potent, not completely trained or even the depth of it realized. If Calvin fully honed his skills, he’d be a wicked force to reckon with.

But even if Calvin did reach his full potential, Sal doubted that the witch would ever use his magic to harm anyone. He’d seen the distress in Calvin when he’d learned of the vampires’ intention with him, to lock him away forever. And who was it that came to his rescue at the first opportunity? Why, none other than Witchy Poo. He could count the times a human had come to his aid on not only one hand, but on one finger. Well, two fingers. He’d give one to Sebastian, since he’d been part of the rescue too. Sure his life might not have been in true jeopardy, the vampires couldn’t kill him, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t trapped in a sticky situation until Calvin came through for him.

For that alone, he’d like to know the witch better…and get closer to him. Not that it mattered. Unless Calvin summoned him again, he’d never see him. After they’d left the burning remains of the blood house, Basil had taken Calvin close to Savannah and dropped him off, the sunlight and its toll on Basil not letting him take Calvin further. None of them knew where Calvin lived and they hadn’t pried enough to get any information on him. Now he wished they had.

It was really annoying that humans, with the right knowledge, could summon a demon at will, but a demon couldn’t track down a human unless they had a strong connection to the human or something personal of the human’s. Shit like that was one of many reasons why so many demons were bitter against mortals. So unless Witchy Poo wanted to see him, chances were they’d never meet again.

Sal let out a sigh at the thought and caught Basil speaking to him again.

“Aww, darling, there’s no need to pout that your pet won’t play with you. Shall I call the Savannah Humane Society and see if they’re open after dark? We could go get you a puppy.”

“Yes!” Sebastian blurted out. “Call them!”

Valentin startled back. “You can’t be serious.”

Sebastian gave him a sweet smile. “Wouldn’t it be fun to get a dog?”

Valentin slowly turned to Basil. “See what you’ve started?”

Basil clasped his hands behind his back, his posture far too innocent for the mischief in his eyes. “The only reason you’re opposed to it is because you don’t want dog hair to get on your suits.”

Valentin flung his hand out in the direction of Beezle. “And that’s why I like Beezle. He doesn’t shed.” He took Sebastian’s hand and walked backward, drawing Sebastian with him. “Let’s get you inside, out of that wet swimsuit, and see if I can’t redirect your thoughts elsewhere.”

Basil watched them disappear inside, then smiled at Sal. “Sorry. It doesn’t look as though you’ll be getting a puppy today.”

Sal chuckled. “That’s all right. Too much responsibility for me. It’s a damn good thing Beezy’s an entity or I probably would’ve accidentally killed him by now.”

“I’m not going to say responsibility isn’t exactly a strong suit of yours, but…well, yes, actually I am going to say that.”

Sal laughed and brandished a middle finger at Basil.

Grinning, Basil turned on his heel into the mansion. “And on that note, I’m going lie down for the day. It’s far too late in the morning for me.”

“Have a good sleep,” Sal called.

Basil lifted his hand in thanks before disappearing into the darkness inside.

Sal turned back to Beezle, stretching across the distance between them and picking up the ball. “Okay. Let’s try this again.”

A growl rumbled from the little croc. He swung around, waddling toward the pool.

“Hey! Don’t you go in that pool! You know how Baz and Valentin don’t like it when…” His voice trailed off as Beezle slipped into the water with hardly a ripple.

Sal tossed the ball into the air and caught it as it came down. “Maybe I should get a dog. I could get Sebastian do all the dirty work.”

He tossed the ball again…and it bounced to the ground. Sal gasped, one hand on his chest, one on his abdomen. The pull, it was as if someone had hooked him on the inside and was reeling him to them. He was being summoned. And the presence calling for him was familiar, but far more controlled, confident, and stronger than the last time the summoner had evoked him.

A grin slid onto Sal’s lips. Speak of the devil…or witch, in this case. He wouldn’t fight this summoning. This was what he’d been waiting for.

Sal took a breath, calling to Beezle. “I’ve got to go for a little while, Beezy. Be a good boy.”

Closing his eyes, Sal willed his body to dematerialize, using his power to do the same with his clothes. As he descended into the gray haze between dimensional planes, he felt happier than he had in ages at being summoned, and that itself troubled him.

Copyright 2016 by S.J. Frost and MLR Press

Only Two More Weeks!

It's hard to believe that in only two more weeks, Demon Duke, the sequel to Vampire Prince, will be released at MLR Press! Yay! You all know I'm always excited about each of my new books coming out, but for a lot of reasons, this one feels a little extra special. I can't wait to bring back Sal, Calvin, Valentin, Sebastian, Basil, and yes, Beezle too.

Since it's drawing close, I thought I'd share a little music inspiration with everyone. This song "Demons" by Imagine Dragons is one of Sal's and Calvin's favorites, and mine too :-) Every once in awhile, certain songs connect with my stories and guys for me. It doesn't always happen, but when it does, it's like it brings those guys in closer when the song is on. I loved this song before writing Demon Duke, but one day when listening to it, things snapped together and it connected with Sal and Calvin. Now when I listen to it, I always think of them <3





Next week, I'll share a sneak peek at the story! Demon Duke, Paranormal Nobles Book 2, releases at MLR Press on May 27th!

Blurb:

A month ago, Calvin Blackwood found himself in the company of vampires, having been hired to use his talent as a witch to summon a demon. That demon ended up saving his life. In the time since, he hasn’t been able to forget about Sal. He knows entering a deal with a demon is dangerous, but to save his brother, binding himself to the beautiful demon might be worth the risk.

Sal is a duke among demons. An immortal being, more powerful than a vampire, but who has one admitted weakness, a fondness for humans. When Calvin offers to make a deal, he’s hesitant, but can’t deny his need to be closer to him. He also knows if he doesn’t help him, Calvin will summon another demon, and he knows all too well the treachery of his own kind.

Desire and trust builds between Calvin and Sal. Their relationship grows, but so does a hidden threat, and it might take power greater than a demon duke to save them. It might take that of a witch.

New Cover Art: Demon Duke

I promised as soon as I had the cover art for Demon Duke, that I would share it and here it is! I'm absolutely thrilled about the cover and I'm sending out my gratitude to author and artist, Zathyn Priest, for putting his amazing skills to work in making this beautiful cover though Scarlet Tie Designs. I love it, and I know Sal would be very pleased with this representation of him :-)

Demon Duke, Paranormal Nobles Book 2 and the sequel to Vampire Prince, will release at MLR Press on May 27, 2016. I hope everyone will enjoy returning to the Nobles' world!

Blurb:

A month ago, Calvin Blackwood found himself in the company of vampires, having been hired to use his talent as a witch to summon a demon. That demon ended up saving his life. In the time since, he hasn’t been able to forget about Sal. He knows entering a deal with a demon is dangerous, but to save his brother, binding himself to the beautiful demon might be worth the risk.

Sal is a duke among demons. An immortal being, more powerful than a vampire, but who has one admitted weakness, a fondness for humans. When Calvin offers to make a deal, he’s hesitant, but can’t deny his need to be closer to him. He also knows if he doesn’t help him, Calvin will summon another demon, and he knows all too well the treachery of his own kind.

Desire and trust builds between Calvin and Sal. Their relationship grows, but so does a hidden threat, and it might take power greater than a demon duke to save them. It might take that of a witch.

Blurb: Demon Duke, Paranormal Nobles Book 2

Hey, everyone! All right, I know this book has a few folks who have been waiting on it, so I wanted to give an update. As of right now, things are looking fantastic for Demon Duke, Paranormal Nobles Book 2 and the sequel to Vampire Prince, to release on May 27, 2016 at MLR Press. Woo hoo!

The first round of edits on it are finished and it's moving into the second round as I write this. I don't have cover art to share yet, but I can say that the cover is being made by author extraordinaire, Zathyn Priest, through Scarlet Tie Designs. He also created the beautiful new cover of Vampire Prince and the cover for Song of Souls, Terra Book 3.

Now usually I share the blurb and cover art at the same time for a new release, but I thought I'd go ahead and give you all the blurb now :-) I'm incredibly, tremendously, absolutely excited for this book to come out! And I hope everyone will enjoy returning to Savannah, Georgia and visiting with the demon duke and his friends!

Demon Duke
Paranormal Nobles, Book 2

Blurb:

A month ago, Calvin Blackwood found himself in the company of vampires, having been hired to use his talent as a witch to summon a demon. That demon ended up saving his life. In the time since, he hasn’t been able to forget about Sal. He knows entering a deal with a demon is dangerous, but to save his brother, binding himself to the beautiful demon might be worth the risk.

Sal is a duke among demons. An immortal being, more powerful than a vampire, but who has one admitted weakness, a fondness for humans. When Calvin offers to make a deal, he’s hesitant, but can’t deny his need to be closer to him. He also knows if he doesn’t help him, Calvin will summon another demon, and he knows all too well the treachery of his own kind.

Desire and trust builds between Calvin and Sal. Their relationship grows, but so does a hidden threat, and it might take power greater than a demon duke to save them. It might take that of a witch.

Upcoming Releases

Hi there, all! 2016 launched into being a busy year in my writing world so far. It kicked off with the release of Song of Souls, Book 3 in the Terra series. I'm still excited, happy, and proud over that book. Now I've got a few more releases coming up and I thought it would be good to share :-)

First up is going to be the re-release of Kissing Cody Starr, slated to drop at MLR Press April 1st. The book has undergone revisions and is still going through a few more rounds of editing. As far as the characters and plot, nothing changes. But the book was in desperate need of thorough and quality editing that wasn't previously provided. It's getting it now! It'll also getting a shiny new cover and new blurb. I'll have the new cover art soon and when I do, I'll share it right away.

Next up will be the release of a book that I'm so damn happy about, the sequel to Vampire Prince. It's titled Demon Duke, Paranormal Nobles Book 2. The book is finished and has been turned in to my editor at MLR Press. It has a tentative release date in May this year, so not far away at all! The cover art is being worked on for it, and it won't be too long before I'll be sharing the cover and blurb for that one, as well.

Then July will bring about the last of my re-release titles, Model Love. I haven't begun work on revising that one yet, but it's coming up soon on my schedule. As of right now, I'm not anticipating much in the way of changes to the plot of that one, though, we'll see what happens once I actually get into it again.

Last, in September, will be another novella, Heart's Gamble. I've talked about this one a few times, and now it's really going to see the light of day at MLR Press. This is the story of a horse rescuer and a Thoroughbred trainer who come from opposite mindsets on many things, due to the horse rescuer having seen and rescued many abused and broken down racehorses, but they also have common ground in their passion to care for horses.

For projects I'm working on, I recently got sidetracked by a completely new story. Its working title is Soldier of Fortune (it looks like that might stick as the title) and it'll be about a 40k novella. And it's nearly finished! It's the story of a mercenary who is hired to protect a rising politician's son, and attraction sparks between them. This has been a fun one to work on because my mercenary is a bit of an anti-hero with lots of attitude. Those guys are always a blast. The story has a June deadline, so it looks like it'll release later in the year, but I don't have a prospective release date yet.

As for what I'll be working on later in the year, I'm leaning toward Terra 4. The book is started, and I'd really love to finish it. There's a certain elf prince who has been very patient throughout the series, and it's his turn now. Though, I also want to write Paranormal Nobles Book 3. And another Instincts book. And a story for Tanner from the band Lions Rampant and the book Heartstrings. And...well, some of it will have to wait until 2017. I don't think this year will be long enough to fit it all in!

And that's what the next few months of 2016 will be looking like for me. It's going to be busy, and I'm excited and looking forward to all of it! My thanks and gratitude, as always, to everyone for your kind support. I hope you'll continue to enjoy the stories that I bring to you!

Now Available: Vampire Prince

I'm very happy to announce that Vampire Prince is now live at MLR Press! It's also up at AllRomance eBooks and Amazon. I've been waiting for this moment, and I couldn't be happier to see it finally come. This story has been on quite the journey, but the hope of seeing this day is what kept me going through the long battle to get my publishing rights back on it. I'm grateful to MLR Press for giving this book a new home, and so incredibly appreciative to all my readers who've shown so much support. I hope everyone will enjoy the return of Vampire Prince!

Blurb:

Three years ago, Sebastian Beaumont, was starving and struggling on the streets. An offer for safety and shelter was nothing but the lies of a vampire. Since then, he’s been trapped, surrendering his blood and body as a blood slave to vampires, all for the hope of gaining one more day of life and maybe, someday, his freedom.

Having crossed more than three hundred years of life, Valentin Wyndham, is a prince among vampires. Memories of betrayal still haunt him and love isn’t something he seeks. When his need for blood becomes too strong, he breaks his usual habits and visits a blood house. Though he tries to resist, he can’t help but be captivated by the beautiful Sebastian.

Unable to deny the intensity between them, Valentin frees Sebastian from the blood house, but danger follows them both from those who don’t want to let Sebastian go.

Excerpt: Vampire Prince

This week, Vampire Prince is returning, and I couldn't be happier! On the 27th, Valentin, Sebastian, Basil, and Sal will make their debut at their new home, MLR Press. And I feel like they're exactly where they're meant to be. With them about to make their return, I wanted to post a little excerpt to let those who've read the book before get reacquainted with Valentin and Sebastian, and to introduce the guys to those who haven't met them before. I selected the first half of Chapter 3 from the book, because I thought this part did both of those things nicely. It shows Valentin and Sebastian interacting at the beginning of their first night together and hints at what's to come between them.

I hope everyone will enjoy this peek at Valentin and Sebastian :D

Blurb:

Three years ago, Sebastian Beaumont, was starving and struggling on the streets. An offer for safety and shelter was nothing but the lies of a vampire. Since then, he’s been trapped, surrendering his blood and body as a blood slave to vampires, all for the hope of gaining one more day of life and maybe, someday, his freedom.

Having crossed more than three hundred years of life, Valentin Wyndham, is a prince among vampires. Memories of betrayal still haunt him and love isn’t something he seeks. When his need for blood becomes too strong, he breaks his usual habits and visits a blood house. Though he tries to resist, he can’t help but be captivated by the beautiful Sebastian.

Unable to deny the intensity between them, Valentin frees Sebastian from the blood house, but danger follows them both from those who don’t want to let Sebastian go.

Excerpt: Part of Chapter Three

Sebastian closed the boudoir door. Unlike his bedroom, the boudoirs were finely furnished and comfortable, all draped in velvet, satin, and silk, and each held a large bed. And now, in the center of this room, was a vampire unlike any he’d ever met.

He slowly turned, putting his back to the door. Valentin gazed around the space, his posture casual, his hands clasped behind his back and his cane dangling between his fingers.

Was he really some kind of vampire royalty? From how Wesley was addressing him, he must be. He’d never heard of such a thing, but that wasn’t surprising. Vamps weren’t much for chitchat when they came in, and Wesley sure as hell never told him anything. The more ignorant the blood slaves were about vampires, the better, seemed to be the code here.

One thing he was sure of, it was the highlight of his past three years to see Wesley stumbling over himself to please this vampire prince. He’d give Valentin a small bit of respect for that and for standing up for him. He nearly fell over when Valentin addressed his question directly and spoke to him as if he was an intelligent being with feelings.

Of course, that was the second time he felt as though he could fall over. The first came when he saw Valentin. All the vampires that had come through here and never had any of them compared to this one in beauty. Black hair, straight and silken, fell past Valentin’s shoulders. He was dressed in a black three-piece suit, immaculate, cut to perfection for his slender form. His facial features were delicate with sweeping cheekbones. The ivory color of his skin seemed even more pronounced with his ebony hair. And the way he carried himself, with the sophistication and grace of a gentleman from a faded era bringing elegance into this age.

But what stood out to him the most were the vampire’s eyes, so light a blue they looked as though they were only frosted with color. And they’d looked as cold as ice when Valentin faced off against Wesley.

For the first time in longer than he could remember, arousal rose within him. True and genuine arousal, not just his body’s reaction to being touched.

Sebastian stomped it down. How much of a fucking idiot could he be, getting turned on by a vampire? Where the hell was his head? All this vampire wanted was to use him. One look at Valentin’s pretty face and suddenly he was humanizing him. Stupid. A monster wasn’t human.

His defenses reinforced by his thoughts—and reality—he walked toward the bed to set out the lube and anything else the vampire might want. All boudoirs were well stocked with sex toys and items.

“Well, this room is as garish as the rest of this place.”

Sebastian slowed in his steps. The sound of Valentin’s voice rattled his defenses. But how could it not? Deep and soothing, the vampire’s words rolled with an elegant English accent. He glanced toward him. “Yeah, Master Wesley’s not much of a decorator.”

“I don’t think Master Wesley is much of anything at all.”

Sebastian couldn’t hold back his grin. He looked at Valentin, who was smiling at him. A vampire who smiled? Actually good-humoredly and not with malicious intent? Seriously, who was this guy?

Sebastian turned away and continued toward the bed. Reaching the nightstand, he opened the top drawer, retrieving a bottle of lube and tossing it onto the bed. “So, your highness, this is going to be my first time with a vampire prince. I never knew vampires had a monarchy.”

“We don’t, not in the true sense of what a monarchy is. Prince is merely a title of formality. Among us, for every century of life, you’re given a title until your five hundredth year. When we vampires reach one hundred, we’re given the title of knight and that title goes to the female vampires as well. For the two hundredth year, the title changes to Duke or Duchess. The three hundredth year, we become a Prince or Princess. Four hundredth is marked by the title of King or Queen. Five hundred years is when one is referred to as being an Elder. We do have a ruling body of High Elders, but truth be told, they don’t do much. They’re only summoned together for matters of the highest importance.”

Sebastian stared at Valentin, stunned. He had answered. Valentin actually answered him, with a complete and thorough explanation.

Valentin tipped his head to the side in a contemplative look. “Did I give too much information too quickly?”

Sebastian shook his head. “No, not at all. I’m just shocked you answered. I don’t get many answers around here. I don’t get any, really.” 

“I see. I’m sorry to hear that. How long have you been here?”

“Three years and ten days, not that I’m keeping track.”

Valentin’s slender eyebrows rose. “Three years? That’s quite a long time for a blood slave.”

Sebastian looked away, their comfortable moment broken with the reminder of what he was and how his mortality loomed over him every night to preserve the immortality of vampires.

Valentin took a step toward him, extending a hand. “I’m sorry. That was ill-phrased.”

Sebastian focused on the open drawer and the sex toys inside. “You don’t have to apologize to me. Blood slave, remember? You can do whatever you want to me. Fuck me, beat me, kill me, and who’ll care? No one. So the last thing you have to do is say you’re sorry. And at least you’ve got the balls to call me what I am. Not trying to call me a donor.” He closed his eyes tight, mentally kicking himself. He really was going to get himself killed sooner rather than later talking to a vampire this way. He needed to try to smooth things over. “I’m sorry, Prince Valentin. I shouldn’t have been talking like that. Like Master Wesley said, I’ve got a shitty attitude.”

“Given your circumstances, I think it’s understandable. And all things considered, I’m rather enjoying your shitty attitude.”

Sebastian snapped around to look at him. Another smile rested on Valentin’s lips.

Gracefully turning, Valentin walked to a nearby armchair and propped his cane against one arm. He unbuttoned his suit jacket, slipped it off, and tossed it over the back of the chair. “Propriety is so dull. I far prefer honesty. So please, speak freely with me and also, feel welcomed to address me as Valentin. What’s your full name?”

“Sebastian Jonathon Beaumont.”

“Do you prefer Sebastian, or do you shorten your name to Bastian?”

“No one’s ever called me Bastian before.”

“Would you mind if I did? It has a charming sound to it.”

“Yeah, sure. That’d be fine.”

Valentin removed his vest and laid it over his jacket. He faced Sebastian, one index finger hooked over his black silk tie as he loosened the knot. “Tell me, how did a smart lad like you end up here?”

Sebastian continued to stare at him in silence. With Valentin now wearing only the black dress shirt, he could easily tell Valentin’s body was hard with muscle. The arousal he’d tried to stamp out earlier returned, stronger. He forced his mind away from it and on Valentin’s question. “By accident, on my part. I didn’t know where I was being brought. And if you want to know the truth, I still don’t know where this place is. I was blindfolded and—”

“Savannah, Georgia.”

Sebastian paused, his mouth dropping open slightly. “What?”

“You said you don’t know where this house is located. It’s about thirty minutes northeast of Savannah, which I think is the largest closest city. I’ve only recently moved here, so I’m still familiarizing myself with the area.”

Sebastian’s breath rushed from him. All these years of not knowing where he was and now he had a general idea. He wasn’t far from Savannah. His mind spun with the thought as if he’d been given information to one of the greatest secrets in the world. Knowing where he had lived all this time felt that amazing to him, and it was because of this strange and beautiful vampire who spoke so freely to him.

Sebastian nodded his gratitude to Valentin. “Thank you.”

Valentin stayed quiet for a moment, seeming to study him. “You’re welcome. I’m sorry I interrupted, but I thought you should know. What else were you going to say?”

Sebastian took a breath, trying to clear his mind from reeling with the revelation. “I, uh, was just saying I was blindfolded and didn’t see anything on my way here.”

“You said you’ve been here three years. How old are you now?”

“Twenty. Coming up on twenty-one next month. When I was seventeen, my mom went in my room to use my computer, because hers was broken, and she saw some gay porn sites in my browsing history. It was my own fault. I always deleted my history after going to those sites, but I’d been on a marathon masturbating streak the night before and after my last orgasm, I fell into bed and passed out.

“When I came home from school, my dad was waiting for me. He asked me to explain the sites. I told him I couldn’t explain them any other way than I liked watching them because I was gay. I always knew if he found out I was into guys, he’d either kill me or kick me out. I guess I should be glad he didn’t kill me, but then again, considering where I ended up, maybe not.

“I didn’t have anywhere to go. I was too embarrassed to go to any friends’ houses. I’d hid my sexuality from everyone, and I was afraid if I did go to someone else for help, they or their parents would do the same thing, kick me to the curb. I was running the streets in Atlanta for about three months before Wesley and a couple of his servants came across me. He offered me a roof over my head, food, a bed, and that was all I cared about. From what he said about this place, I had the impression it was some kind of underground sex club, and I was okay with that. I was tired and hungry and scared. I didn’t care who he was, I just wanted to feel safe and have a full stomach.

“The thought of him being a vampire never crossed my mind. I mean, seriously, of all the things, it would be my shitty luck to get picked up by freakin’ mythical creature. I never knew vampires were real. Never even thought you guys could be. You were supposed to be stories told to little kids in the old days to keep them from going out at night. And in this day and age, the things of horror movies.”

Valentin offered him a sympathetic smile. “I understand. Even for myself, it was a shock when I first learned about vampires’ existence. Even more of one when it was my best friend and cousin, Basil, informing me of the fact by showing me his fangs. But as I learned then and have learned many times over the years, all legends hold some truth.” He stepped closer to Sebastian. “I’m sorry for how you found out about us. I’m sure it couldn’t have been easy.”

Sebastian snorted. “Putting it mildly.” His throat tightened with anger rising in him, not at Valentin, but at Wesley and all the vampires he’d met. “Do you have any idea how terrified I was the first time a vampire took my blood? Can you even imagine? I was fully alert. No trance used on me. Wesley wanted me to know the whole experience, because that’s how things are done here. The blood slaves need to be obedient enough where vampires don’t have to use their power to make a blood slave submit. So good ol’ Master Wesley had me held down while a vampire stole my blood.

“In the three fucking years I’ve been a prisoner here, I’ve never once gotten to go outside. There’re no phones, no internet, and no TV, but I guess I can’t complain, because there’s a huge library and I know I’ve gotten smarter from reading so much. Not a bad thing, since I never got the chance to finish high school. Of course, all the books are Master Wesley approved, so nothing about vampires to help give us blood slaves a little more knowledge on our masters.

“And food, it’s regulated, too. Healthy shit to keep us recovering from being sucked on all the time. I’d give both my nuts for a piece of pizza with extra bacon and a Pepsi. So that’s been my life and that’s why I’ve got a shitty fucking attitude.”

Valentin opened his mouth to speak, but only a breath came out, as he seemed too shocked for words.

Sebastian turned away from him, leaning forward and bracing both hands on the nightstand. He closed his eyes tight. He was losing it, cracking deeper than he realized. With almost every word he spoke, he was bringing on his death. And he couldn’t even control himself. All he’d spoken to Valentin had poured out of him.

Maybe it’s what happened to all blood slaves. Eventually, if they lived this life long enough, they cracked. Still, he felt bad for talking so harshly to Valentin. None of what’d happened to him was Valentin’s fault.

Sebastian straightened his posture and took a deep breath, resting his hands on his hips. “Looks like now I’m the one who needs to say he’s sorry. I didn’t mean to dump all that shit on you.”

“You needn’t apologize to me. Besides, I was the one who asked.”

Sebastian let out a single, humorless laugh. “Regretting that yet?”

“Not at all.”

Sebastian turned around, giving him a curious look. “No offense, but you’re kind of an odd vampire.”

Valentin laughed softly. “Some would say I’m an odd individual all the way around.” He walked toward Sebastian. “I think, though, the problem here is you were taken in by the wrong kind of vampire. Certainly we can all have our beastly moments, but this group—and by that I mean Wesley—seems to be more uncouth than is usual. What I don’t understand is, if you hate it here so much, why have you renewed your blood contract each year?”

Sebastian shook his head in confusion. “What’re you talking about?”

“Blood contracts are usually for the duration of one year. After that, the blood slave can either renew with their patron or house, or they can leave.”

“That’s great if other blood slaves are given that option. Wesley’s never once asked me about renewing my contract and I don’t even know what the thing said. I never got the chance to read it. I was jacked in the cheek, held down, and had a pen shoved in my hand. I was too afraid to do anything except sign it. I really don’t even know what the point of a blood contract is. It’s not as if I could take him to court for any violations in it.”

“Not to human court, no. But among vampires, a blood contract marks who owns you and whom you serve so others can’t claim you.” Valentin stood quiet for a long moment. As he spoke, his voice was low, anger underlying his tone. “The fact you’ve been able to survive as long as you have is testament to what a strong will you have.”

Sebastian held his thoughts, stopping himself from saying his will was growing weaker by the day. That it wouldn’t be long before it burned out completely. What would it matter if he did make that confession? It wasn’t as if Valentin was a knight in shining armor come to rescue him. Or maybe prince charming was more fitting, given Valentin had surpassed knightly status to princehood among vampires. He’d done more than enough confessing for one night, anyway.

Sebastian glanced back to the drawer. “Yeah, I guess. Thanks. But I know you didn’t come here to waste your time talking to a blood slave. I already got the lube out, is there anything else you want? There’re dildos, vibes, plugs, paddles, restraints…”

His voice trailed off as Valentin stepped close to his side. His arm brushed Valentin’s chest, and that single accidental touch sent his heart racing. Sebastian took a deep breath to settle himself, only to have it backfire with pulling in Valentin’s alluring scent, a subtle intoxicating spice.

Valentin pushed the drawer closed. He leaned toward Sebastian, bringing his lips close to Sebastian’s ear. “What I want is, to know if you feel any desire toward me, and if you want to give me your blood of your own free will.”

Sebastian slowly faced him. With Valentin slightly taller than him, he tipped his head back to meet Valentin’s gaze. Those frosted blue eyes…it was as though they could look through him and know his thoughts. And actually, Valentin could. He hadn’t felt him try to touch his mind yet, but all vampires had that ability. But it was more than Valentin’s power, those beautiful eyes made him feel things he’d only dreamed of.

Feelings, though, were the last things that mattered here, and he wouldn’t let himself be swayed by them. “You can answer that for yourself.”

“If you’re referring to my ability to sense the arousal coming off you right now, then yes, that basic part of my question is answered. However…” An arrogant smirk tipped up one corner of Valentin’s lips. “I have that effect on nearly everyone I meet, so I wanted to ensure your mind and heart are in agreement with your body.”

Sebastian felt another smile rising to his lips. Goddamn it. Valentin might be a bloodsucking monster, but he was liking this vampire prince more by the minute. And growing more attracted to him. “Well, if you wanted to know if my mind was in agreement, all you’d have to do is take a look.”

“Are you giving me permission to do so?”

“You don’t need permission. Again, you can do what you want to me.”

Valentin curled his finger under Sebastian’s chin and tipped his head up. “How about we do without Master Wesley’s rules, hmm?”

Sebastian had no response. He’d lived so long not being given a choice in anything, now that he had one, he didn’t know what to do. He wasn’t even sure how to handle his arousal.

He wet his lips, catching Valentin’s gaze lowering to his tongue. As Valentin looked up again, lust warmed his eyes. There was no doubt Valentin wanted him. That was another thing he didn’t know how to deal with. He’d gotten picked off the streets for his looks, because Wesley knew others would want him, but the heat in Valentin’s gaze was more than he’d ever seen in anyone’s.

“And your answer is…?” Valentin prompted.

“You said you value the truth, right?”

Valentin nodded.

“Then no, my mind isn’t in harmony with my body. It’s confused. And I don’t listen to my heart. I don’t even give it a chance to feel what it wants. If I did, I would’ve been dead long ago.”

Valentin gazed into Sebastian’s eyes for a long moment. He bowed his head and took a step back. “That’s all the answer I need.” He moved away from him, walking toward the chair.

Panic rose in Sebastian. He didn’t understand it and it went along with all his other confusion, but he didn’t want Valentin to leave. He rushed a few steps after him. “You’re not going, are you?”

Valentin collected his vest and suit jacket, slinging both over his forearm. “Yes, I am. I only take blood and have sex with those who wholly desire me.”

“Bullshit.”

Valentin swung around to face him. “Excuse me?”

Glaring at him, Sebastian closed the distance between them. “I said, bullshit. You’re a vampire. You can’t tell me you don’t use your power, mind reading, entrancement, persuasion, to get what you want out of people. And I can’t believe you’re going to stand there and tell me you won’t take my blood because I’m feeling a little confused about you. I know for damn sure you never tell people you’re feeding from, unless they’re a blood slave, that you’re going to take their blood. It’d blow your whole human cover.”

Valentin tossed his vest and jacket over the chair again, folding his arms. “Your points do have some validity, however, I use my powers to ensure a person’s desire for me, hence, I rarely use persuasion. Entrancement is necessary, because as you pointed out, unless one is a blood slave, another vampire, a demon, or another who knows of us, it’s prudent to keep our existence unknown. With you being a blood slave, I was simply trying to show you respect by giving you a choice.”

“Being a blood slave isn’t about making choices. It’s about doing what you’re told. Just like how you told me to speak freely and now you’re using that against me by walking out the door.”

Valentin took the single step separating them. “I’m not using it against you.”

Sebastian forced himself to ignore his arousal and that it seemed connected to how close Valentin came to him. “No? Do you have any idea what’ll happen to me if you walk out of here and Wesley thinks I didn’t please you? That I mouthed off and drove you away? He’ll beat me and torture me until I’m dead. I know my time’s running out anyway, but I’d really rather it expire at the hands of some random vamp than give him the satisfaction of killing me.”

“I could explain I’d lost my desire.”

Sebastian snorted. “Like he’d buy that.”

Valentin gazed at him in silence for a long moment. As he spoke again, he voice was husky and low. “If you say you want me to stay and that you want to give me your blood and body, then I’ll stay.”

Sebastian clenched his jaw shut. He didn’t know if Valentin wanted him to admit those things for his own assurance or if this was some power game, trying to make him feel weak by saying he wanted him. What he said was true, if Valentin left, Wesley would beat him bloody. Maybe not to death, because that’d be an inconvenience, but the probability was high. Trying to avoid that really was part of him wanting Valentin to stay. The other parts…those were exactly what Valentin wanted him to confess.

Sebastian swallowed in an attempt to loosen his tight throat. He reached with a tentative hand toward Valentin, so unused to making the first move. He rested it on Valentin’s chest, the pectoral firm beneath his palm, the heat of Valentin’s body seeping through his shirt. That was one thing about vampires he hadn’t expected. He’d thought they would be cold since they were supposed to be dead, but as he found out, they weren’t dead. At least, he didn’t think so. Vampires had heartbeats and pulses, so they couldn’t be dead…probably.

It was just one of many things about vampires he didn’t understand and was sure he’d die without knowing. Just as he had no idea how they became vampires. All he knew about them was they fucked hard, drank blood, didn’t age, had special powers, and didn’t like the sun. Really, what else did he need to know?

Sebastian took Valentin’s hand and stepped backward toward the bed. “You said you could sense the arousal off me. Do you know how long it’s been since anyone’s turned me on?”

Valentin walked slowly with him. “No, I don’t.”

“Neither do I. It was before I came here, I know that much. That’s not to say I haven’t enjoyed some of the sex once it’s going. There’ve been a handful of vamps who’ve tried to make it okay for me. But as far as feeling as if I wanted them or was attracted to them, that hasn’t happened.”

The arrogant smirk with its wicked edge returned to Valentin’s lips. “So you’re saying you’re attracted to me?”

“If that’s how you want to take it.”

“It is, but is that how you mean it?”

Reaching the bedside, Sebastian put his back to him. “You’re really making this more difficult than it needs to be, trying to bring all these emotions into it. How do you want me? Standing and leaning over the bed? On my hands and knees?”

Valentin pressed against him, slipping an arm around Sebastian’s waist and pulling him back so Sebastian’s ass nestled against his crotch. “Let’s just see how we end up. And you’re very good at dodging questions, by the way.”

“Yeah, it’s a developed skill.” Sebastian’s concentration wavered as Valentin’s hard cock pressed against him. Even with the soft cloth of Valentin’s pants between them, his own cock responded, filling fast. Valentin caressed Sebastian’s chest, the touch so soft, so gentle. No one ever touched him in such a way.

Valentin brushed Sebastian’s hair back, exposing his neck. He placed a tender kiss on the curve. “Where do you like to have your blood taken from? Your neck? Your wrist? Your groin?”

More choices. Why was Valentin doing this? Did Valentin really want to treat him as if he was an equal? Give him respect? In a way, it was almost more cruel than how most vampires shoved him to the bed and did whatever they wanted to him. How Valentin was treating him fed his hope, and that hope would make him guard his life believing an escape from this hell could happen someday. Whatever Valentin was trying to do, he wasn’t going to let it affect him.

“Just do whatever you want.”

Valentin sighed against Sebastian’s neck. “You’re very difficult. If you want to continue to play by the house master’s rules and not express what you want, then I’ll follow my own and do what I’m certain you’ll enjoy.”

Valentin spun him around, sinking his fingers in Sebastian’s hair and closing them in a tight fist. He lowered his head, touching his lips to Sebastian’s.

Sebastian tensed. A high, startled noise sounded in his throat.

Valentin drew back, confusion in his eyes and expression. “What’s wrong?”

“I…it’s just, I don’t get kissed much. Like, at all. Ever.”

“I thought you said some vampires tried to make it good for you.”

“Yeah, by doing a little prep work instead of just shoving their dick in, using lots of lube, and stroking my cock. Kissing…it doesn’t even cross my mind as being part of it. Not anymore. When I was younger it did, but I lost all thoughts about that after being here.”

Valentin studied him for a moment. “Please tell me that wasn’t your first kiss.”

“Not technically. I dated a girl in high school for a while, to keep my cover of really wishing I could date a guy, and I kissed her a few times.”

“So then, you’ve never kissed a man?”

“Up until a moment ago? No.”

“Then we’ll have to remedy that. We won’t count those other kisses with the girl or the one I just gave you. I’ll give you a better one, with you prepared for it this time.”

Once more, Sebastian felt himself smiling. It’d become such a rare thing for him to smile in the past three years, he was now acutely aware each time he did it. In his short time with Valentin, he’d smiled more than he had in months combined. “I like that idea.”

“Then I’m glad for the honor of giving you your first kiss.”

Valentin brushed his thumb over Sebastian’s lips. He lifted his other hand, gently cupping Sebastian’s cheek. Angling his head, he brought his lips close to Sebastian’s.

Sebastian felt Valentin’s warm breath wash over his lips. His anticipation grew. He leaned, ever so slightly, toward him. A deep, hushed moan came to his ears, as though Valentin appreciated his moving closer, asking for the kiss. Sebastian rested his hand on Valentin’s chest, no hesitation this time. He wanted it. Valentin’s kiss, his body, all the things the vampire prince promised.

Valentin touched their lips together, soft, gentle, keeping the kiss chaste for several quick heartbeats. He sucked Sebastian’s bottom lip. Without thought, Sebastian opened his mouth wider for him. Valentin accepted the invitation, sliding his tongue over Sebastian’s, closing their mouths together.

As Valentin’s soft tongue massaged his, Sebastian let his defenses drop. He wrapped his arms around him, thrusting his tongue along Valentin’s. Valentin sucked Sebastian’s tongue, ended the kiss with a light nip to Sebastian’s bottom lip, then claimed his mouth again. He caressed down Sebastian’s back and slipped his arm around him, pulling Sebastian in…

Copyright 2015 by S.J. Frost and MLR Press