The mammoth book of paranormal romance pdf

Nov 07, Caitlin rated it really liked it. Sharon Ashwood's "Fragile Magic" was my favorite story. It is apart of Sharon's Dark Forgotten world but with different characters. Selina is a half-fey art dealing accountant who is finding her magic side but that goes up in smoke when she accidently adopts an adorable gargoyle, Gary. However, Gary needs a vet who happens to be a hottie Dr. Jake who has some wolfie tendencies. Ava Gray's "Princes of Dominion" was not my favorite. It was a ok novella.

An angel enters the human world to see a beau Sharon Ashwood's "Fragile Magic" was my favorite story. An angel enters the human world to see a beautiful girl. Lara Adrian's "NightDrake" was an interesting story of Nisha will do any job if the price is right, some call her Nisha the Heartless. She hates Strange and does trust them. Until she ends up picking up a crate for delivery with live cargo. What is inside changes Nisha's life. Helen Scott Taylor's "Sons of Ra" was a novella with a mix of Eygptian mythologies which was different.

Tricia need information on an art piece from her first love who broke her heart. Who knew she would find he is exactly the same, hasn't aged a day. Moira Roger's "Zola's Pride" is 2. It has new lion shifters in New Orleans. Alec shows up to be his normal pain in the ass but you love him anyway. This book was very good. It's worth the read. Admittedly it took me quite a while to read this. As much as I love paranormal romance, I think I just in general tend to prefer the full length versions.

There's just more time to connect to and love the characters and the relationship I enjoyed writing the reviews for each of these stories.

They were fun to write and read. Plus, I have a few new series to add to my wish list and shelves now I mean, will I stop when my house explodes? Probably not. This was a fun adventure to go on. I'd definitely pick up this collection again, but I might just take a while to make everything feel like new again Oct 13, Melindeeloo rated it really liked it Shelves: angels , demons , fae-fairy-faery-elves-pixies , futuristic-romance , mermaids-selkies-and-seafolk , paranormal-romance , shapeshifters , incubi-and-succubi , djinn-genie-jinni , magic.

Not too many vamps or were-folk in this second volume of The Mammoth Book of Paranormal romance. Instead - angels, witches, and demons share the spotlight with a few more unusual paranormal creatures. I was actually familiar with all but Not too many vamps or were-folk in this second volume of The Mammoth Book of Paranormal romance. I was actually familiar with all but two authors in this collection, but surprisingly my favorite story was by the new-to-me Moira Rodgers.

There's a good variety of stories here but not too many that really grabbed me this time 'round. This was my favorite story, I really liked Zola a great deal and since there was a preexisting relationship between the leads the romance worked in the short space. The short gives a good feel for Bateman's likable loser-no-more lead Donatti.

An enjoyable little short with an appealing lead, a hunky werewolf and cute baby gargoyle. This does wrap up the series, but I really wish this could have been a full length book. In this short Eve's genius doesn't really shine through but a loop hole does get her want she's always wanted, and I've liked the dilemma of choosing between the brothers and would have liked a bit more struggle with the decision. Jun 30, Amy rated it really liked it. The Mammoth Book Of Paranormal Romance 2 has some great stories for any paranormal geek, like myself.

All of the stories were entertaining, but my favorite was Fragile Magic by Sharon Ashwood. She writes about a werewolf vet and a half fey who now is the proud owner of a sweet little gargoyle.

Great story! Aug 29, DFZ rated it liked it. Some stories were quite good. Several of them were, however, very silly and not very good at all. A nice collection of supernatural character stories. Mar 15, Nina Campbell rated it it was amazing. This is an awesome collection book of paranormal tales by different authors on a variety of topics and creatures.

Each tale has its own plot and unforgettable characters. There's one story with an angel who signs! I'm guessing not ASL though because it's set in Canada. Jul 20, Trianna Hyde rated it it was amazing. With a book of this size i didnt think i would like as much of it as i did. Because there are so many stories im just gonna go story by story and do a lil blurb. To Hell With Love by Jackie Kessler: A gift from a woman's ex-husband goes to her sister trapping her in a memory, she must call on her ex-husband to help free her.

The former love between a witch and a warlock is reopen With a book of this size i didnt think i would like as much of it as i did.

The former love between a witch and a warlock is reopened as they try to save her sister. Princes of Dominion by Ava Gray: When an angel falls for a human woman, how far will he go to be with her. Forget her or give up everything he has ever known. The Demon's Secret by Natalie Gray: The legendary Cain is charged with collecting secrets from the dead in the hopes that one day he will gain his freedom back.

Will he risk punishment or complete his mission. Marine Biology by Gail Carriger: A gay werewolf finds new love in the form of a mermaid who is a former friend in high school.

Zola's Pride by Moira Rogers: a blast from the past as the remains of a lion shifters pride comes to seek a new life with the only one strong enough to lead them, an outcast. In Dreams by Elissa Wilds: story about how the deceased husband brings love to his heartbroken wife first in dreams then reality. The Gauntlet by Karen Chance: The passing of the torch of sorts for witches.

The Getaway by Sonya Bateman: When a couple is lost they have to survive the magic of a djinn to have a nice relaxing time. Sandman by Sherri Browning Erwin: what if the man of your dreams just washed up on the beach where you happened to draw his likeness? What if the man is not just a man but a god? How far would you go to keep him? The Sin-Eater's Promise by Michele Hauf: With the promise of a kiss will a sin-eater stop eating the sins from the dead. The Sons Of Ra by Helen Scott Taylor: An art enthusiast seeks help from someone who has knowledge of the subject, only to find that the one with the knowledge is a person from her past who has been around a long time.

Day: Cain and Abel battle for the same woman. While Able waits in the wings for his chance at love with Eve. The Majestic by Seressia Glass: A story of a second chance at love between two beings who feed of the adrenalin rushes of those around them. Another low point in the book. Answer the Wicked by Kim Lenox: Immortal warriors battle against an evil being desperate to enslave humans. Mar 08, Heather rated it liked it.

The stories were ok and I enjoyed most of them. A lot of them read like the start or part of a series. Not sure if this is right or not. My favorite was probably "Ma If love transcends all boundaries, paranormal romance is its natural conclusion. My favorite was probably "Marine Biology". Would definitely read more if it was a series.

Oct 17, Linda rated it really liked it. A big collection of Paranormal short stories. More good reads than bad. Worth the read. He seduces her and leaves, not knowing A big collection of Paranormal short stories. He seduces her and leaves, not knowing her troubles. A good read. J, a reporter doing a story about the opening of a cultural center falls for one of the Native Americans and learns more than she ever thought she could. Now Walker is returning to ask her for help. Love the short story.

A great story. Love the story. I read all of the stories but am too tired to sit down and write a review for every single one. So to summarize some Grace of Small Magics This shouldn't have been a short story. So to summarize some were good, some were mediocre and some were amazing. It was definitely worth reading.

Oct 04, Julie jjmachshev rated it it was amazing Shelves: reads. Twenty-four, that's right. Count 'em, twenty-four short stories from some of the big names in current paranormal romance I hadn't planned to include every author, but who on that list would you leave out? Now at pages divided by 24 authors None of the stories are long , but each is just enough to give you a quickie taste of your favorite, or give you an idea of whether or not you'd like the author.

Since I'd read at least one book by all the authors with the exception of Dina James, this was more of a 'quickie read before bed' book than a 'sit down and power read book'. Some of the stories are set in worlds I already knew from other books by that author with familiar characters. Others were something new and different. All but a couple left me wanting more and hoping that respective author would expand in a full-length novel soon.

Since there are so many stories, it would be difficult for any paranormal reader NOT to find some gems. The heroes and heroines run the gamut from human to vampire to gargoyle to shifters to witches and on and on. Dec 26, Kinga rated it liked it Shelves: pub I bought this book because it was on offer for 99p and I was under the impression I would like it. It was one hell of a summer. Then I realized paranormal was big these days and there was pretty much an unlimited supply of Sandemo-like things.

I was very excited, until, of course, I started reading those books. Sandemo wrote more tha I bought this book because it was on offer for 99p and I was under the impression I would like it. Sandemo wrote more than just erotic fantasies about getting it off with demons, devils and all sort of murky beings. All I know about Scandinavian history I know from her books and that seems to be weirdly a lot. Those 47 volumes, going from the year to modern times, were like a crash course in in the history of Northern Europe.

The worlds they create are inconsistent, full of contradictions and just have a general haphazard air about them. The writing is quite often atrocious and makes it seem like the authors have never read a serious book in their lives.

And of course, I am not saying Sandemo should be awarded a Nobel Prize — her novels stick clearly to the rules and conventions of writing romance but they are very readable and not really cringe-worthy. Her writing is good enough not to distract you from the story. Short stories are not mini-novels with all the descriptions of the weather cut out.

Most of the authors completely failed to understand what a short story should be and how you go about writing one. View all 13 comments. Oct 11, Blodeuedd Finland rated it it was ok Shelves: paranormal-romance , anthology. Ok how to review this, I will not talk about all those stories. So a few short lines about those I really enjoyed.

A story about a zoo with paranormal beings, and it was the selkie that got me. One hot hot scene too. Light through Fog by Holly Lisle This was a sort of ghost story but at the same time not. And it was heartbreaking, a wonderful little story she brought to l Ok how to review this, I will not talk about all those stories. And it was heartbreaking, a wonderful little story she brought to life.

Grace of Small Things by Ilona Andrews I guess it was set in that world she writes about, with magic clans and such, not sure. Anyway clans, a hunt, and I found myself liking this little story. Once a Demon by Dina James I think this was my fav, what a bittersweet story, heart wrenching about a demon and love. The lighthouse keeper and his wife by Sara Mckenzie Neptune, the sea, a lighthouse, lost love, a good history that evolved. The Princess and the peas by Alyssa Day Oh I liked this one, set in a lost country long ago, with fae and magic.

Even though I imagined another thing happening and was a bit disappointed when it didn't. At second Bite by Michelle Rowan This was my second fav. A girl, vampires, soulmates, and it was funny.

I loved her style, I really can see myself reading more Rowan. I liked what she begun. So some I liked, some I have forgotten, some were ok. These were the good ones. Though the Jeanine Frost was kind nice too. Still I am not a short story girl, I want more, a beginning, an end, more! I need a long story. It's a stand alone--nothing to do with either The Edge , or Kate Daniels or Kinsman if you're a true, die-hard Ilona Andrews fan , and it was amazing in a way that short stories and novellas seldom are.

It always surprises me though I should be used to it by now how in a few short pages, the Andrews can create a tangible world with characters you care about. Nov 20, Sarah Marie rated it it was amazing Shelves: standalones , faeries , tear-jerkers , ghosts , magic , ohhh-la-la , romance , witches , reincarnation , special-abilities. Cover Thoughts: I think the cover is sexy. View 2 comments.

Feb 08, Mojca rated it liked it Shelves: suspense-mystery-adventure-thriller , scottish-irish-celtic-hh-setting , bodyguard-military-merc-gov-cop-spy , romantic-comedy-lol , anthology , paranormal-romance-fantasy , shape-shifters , bitchslappable-heroine-and-or-hero , kenyon-macgregor , first-person-pov.

Nothing to write home about, that's for sure. There were a couple of good stories in here, but were unfortunate to share space with other not-so-good stories, and so seemed rushed and not long enough. The potential was there, though. Jul 22, Faye rated it really liked it Shelves: read-more-than-once , uf-anthology , re-read-in Mar 31, Rhianna rated it really liked it. Great variety Filled with short stories from some of the biggest names—and some little known—in paranormal romance and urban fantasy I highly recommend this for other readers who are seeking a taste of new authors or to try something from an old favorite.

To keep thing Great variety To keep things brief let me offer information on each short story Adams and Cathy Clamp, When a process server gets tangled up with a sexy vampire and his master things could get nasty. Snyder, Most of her life Sophia has hidden from those who would use her unusual gifts but perhaps putting them to use in the right ways could be a good thing. I dunno why this felt a little steampunk to me but it did. There was definitely a lot of variety in concepts fae, gargoyles, selkies but a sad lack of quality storytelling.

I think most fans of the paranormal romance genre won't find this to their taste. There are a few vampire stories, a couple of shapeshifter ones and lots of magic users but it was missing the really juicy sensuality and deeply heart-felt romance most of them us!

View 1 comment. I wasn't sure how effective shorts would be in this genre as believable romances tend to need a fair degree of fleshing out and, unfortunately, most of these stories were underwhelming. The best delicately wove in emotion, back story, and with it, credibility. The worst ones fell to tropes and instalove. A mini review for each follows: The Temptation of Robin Green by Carrie Vaughn 2 stars Selkies are a vastly untapped well of potential for this genre and I was glad to see one feature.

I disliked the military aspect and the decision to keep animals, humanoid or not, in cages but I was pleased at the open ending; that we never quite know whether the human or the selkie was really the instigator, whether it was lust or an elaborate escape plan or a bit of both. Succubus Seduction by Cheyenne McCray 2 stars I enjoyed the period of succubus learning to be human, although this was somewhat diminished by my inability to believe that the hero didn't phone the police on her several scenes before.

A sexy stalker is still a stalker. Considering how sexual both protagonists are in this story, I found it disturbing how dismissive the heroine is of sex workers, throw away comment or not.

The whole thing felt a bit as though she was saved from her horrible life of magic and casual sex by waiting for the right man. Umm, no thanks. I'll keep the magic. It takes the piss out of its own genre.

The heroine is over vampires who isn't? She's snarky and has largely inconvenient powers and I just loved her. John Doe by Anna Windsor 3 stars Fairly enjoyable.

A touch of humour and fairly believable for the most part although I can't help but wonder why you'd spend a week travelling by wing when you could just get a plane Some Armenian mythology seems to be woven in here and I would've loved a footnote or glossary or something to elaborate.

The characters are well developed and somehow just fit together. It's not instalove; it's connection and it's done really well. HATED it. I don't care for jealousy or catfights or the way this heroine thinks she's entitled to a man just because - wait for it - their boss rostered them together.

Get over yourself woman! And stop shaming another woman for being flirty. He isn't a possession you psycho! Adams and Cathy Clamp 2 stars A bit grungy. I'm over vampires, but it wasn't bad and I was amused by the holy water in squirt gun technique. I am a bit perplexed that a short story with only one voice needed two authors but perhaps that's simply their thing. The Notebook ending, kick in the chest, kind of a story. I was near to tears for much of the read.

I felt the family estrangement was a bit overdone, but other than that, a very romantic tale. The story was mildly humorous and I liked one of the secondary characters, Rajiv.

I could've done without the magical soulmates stuff though. Trinity Blue by Eve Silver 3. I loved the touch of the wallpaper - it's in these specific gestures that you feel a real connection between people. It's not generic instalove. It's someone who cared enough to do something kind and meaningful. The romance still seems to have moved a bit too fast but hey - let's just roll with it.

Grace of Small Magics by Ilona Andrews 4. I loved so much about it, but particularly that the hero makes it very clear that he won't start anything with the heroine until she is entirely free to choose. It's a powerful sentiment. Once a Demon by Dina James 1 star Hated it. A melodramatic tale that takes itself and its genre way too seriously. Also, vampires disguised as ennui-ridden, blood-drinking demons are still basically vampires and is anyone not over vampires?

The weird sort-of flirtation with a moronic secondary character seemed a bit misplaced too. Snyder 2 stars I've expressed in many many reviews that I'm over Maria V. Snyder and I'm sorry Snyder, but you haven't changed my mind. It should have been fascinating. Frankly, though, this felt more like a thriller than a romance because - even knowing the genre and having an idea of the concept - I couldn't shake the notion that someone was just fucking with the characters and it was creepy af.

Almost as creepy are the characters each waiting for someone they kissed once at ages 13 and 14 respectively. Because obviously that person you kissed at 13 is the love of your life, aren't they?

It's ridiculous. It would've been far more poignant to actually tell the story of the grandmother, collecting Pele's tears. Pack by Jeaniene Frost 2 stars I was intensely fucking creeped out by wolves speaking. In human words, whilst in wolf bodies, in case that wasn't obvious.

Then I started thinking about furries and, honestly, there was no coming back from there. The whole thing disintegrated into instalove and any opportunity to look at why a wolf who lost his mate to a hunter might want to hurt the hunters back was evaded. Disappointing, really. When Gargoyles Fly by Lori Devoti 2 stars Gargoyles are another under-explored creature and I was glad to see one featured. I liked the idea of a sculptor who could bring creatures to life but I found the heroine to be a bit of a drip.

She's all-in after a day or so of meeting this guy and her moping and sobbing and whatnot was more annoying than sympathetic. The Lighthouse Keeper and His Wife by Sara Mackenzie 3 stars I'm struggling to come up with much to say about this story so that, I suppose, says it all. Not bad but not particularly memorable either. I wish Izzy had a bit more personality and that I understood where the sorceress came from. Blood Song by Lynda Hilburn 1 star Another bloody vampire and a special snowflake heroine who apparently can cure cancer and revive the undead with the power of her song.

Are you kidding? No, thanks. This reminds me of something Patricia C. Wrede would write and that is high praise indeed! A funny fairytale - what more can you want? Also instalove again. But I did like that the heroine wasn't a total pushover and I did smile at the thought of a bitchy soulmate being reincarnated as a pit-bull - and that her soulmate still wanted to meet her! Blue Crush by Rachel Caine 2 stars Mildly enjoyed. I like a woman who can stand up for herself and I like the idea that someone who can manipulate an element might be seen as a threat by that element - in this case, the ocean - and that it might try to fight back.

This isn't crucial to the story, but is something I've never thought of or seen explored before. Ever wondered where Thomas Malory got his ideas? Then you don't know much about him. I kid, I kid! The Wager gives a fantastical version of events leading up to the authorship of Le Morte D'arthur. An interesting premise, with middle of the range execution. The romance actually works quite well here in that the characters have plenty of backstory to reinforce their relationship. Some major decisions are made pretty rashly; I would prefer the story had been left a little more open-ended.

I would like to see a book with Aunt Letty as heroine - she seems like a bit of a legend! The Dream Catcher by Allyson James 3. The premise is interesting and certainly something I'd like to see filled out into a full book.

There are two main types of people herein - the wealthy upperclass who are taught to shun any expression of emotion or sexuality - and the dream catchers - supernatural beings who live on emotion and are able to create fantastical dreams, spicing up the otherwise cold lives of the wealthy.

The heroine is an ostracised member of the upperclass, desperate for love. Ideally, I'd like to have seen more of a social shift towards it being ok to love and want sex and less of a swing towards instalove but I suppose that's probably beyond the scope of these few pages.

I enjoyed the tale nonetheless. Apr 02, Cyn Armistead rated it really liked it. I'm extremely surprised by how much I enjoyed this anthology! I had never heard of some of the other authors. A few names I remembered seeing in other anthologies and not enjoying their work. I did, however, deliberately put myself in a tolerant mindset: this is a book of romance stories. It wouldn't be fair to judge them as anyth I'm extremely surprised by how much I enjoyed this anthology!

It wouldn't be fair to judge them as anything else. If love transcends all boundaries then paranormal romance is its logical conclusion. From the biggest names around, here are 24 tales to take you to another time and place. The Mammoth Book of Ghost Romance. The Mammoth Book of Paranormal Romance 2. Inhermindshewastransportedbacktothenighttwoyearsago,thenightwhenfivevampires hadcaughtheraloneinthegardensoftheTuileriesPalace. Hecaughtherinafewstrides,spinningher aroundtofacehim.

Iwillnotsellmysoultoyou,notevenforthepromiseofthatbeautiful body. Shepushedhimback,punctuatingeachofherwordswith anothershovetohisverysolidchest. Didyouevenconsiderthatbeforeyousetoutonthis foolhardyventure?

Theywillnotletyoulive, theycannot. Youwillnothaveyouryouthforever, didyouthinkofthat? Theywillkillyoueventually,butfirstthey willhurtyou. Theycannotharmher onhallowedground.

Ifavampireweretoharmheron hallowedground,welllet? Yoursister, however,wouldstillbedead. She rememberedthetearingteethandclawingfingernailsandinthatmomentshehatedDevlinformaking herthinkofthesethings. Perhapsshewasnobetterthanthesilly,selfishcreatureswhopopulatedthecourtofthe SunKing. Therewasatime,beforetonight,whenshehadthoughtthatwhatshedidwasimportant,that shemadeadifference. FortwoweeksDevlindidhisbesttomakeherseereasonbuthispleasfellondeafears,andmoreoften thannottheseconversationsledtoaphysicalconfrontation.

Thetwoofthemfoughtacrossthelength andbreadthofParisandJustinelovedeverymomentofit. Devlinpresentedherwithafinesabre,even thoughtheswordwasnotpracticalforfightingvampires. Shelackedtheupperbodystrengthneededto takeaheadwithasword,preferringherrazorsharpaxeforsuchoccasions. Devlin,however,seemedto enjoywatchingherfightwithasword. Hecommentedmorethanonceonthebeautyofherlithe, gracefulmovements. Shewouldoftengoad himintoafightjusttoseewhatelsehecouldteachher. ItbecameagametothemandJustinecould thinknofurtherintothefuturethanwheretheywouldmeetthenextnightandforhowlongshewould lethimkissherwhentheygrewwearyofsparring.

UntilthedaytheMotherSuperioroftheUrsulinesarrivedonherdoorsteptotellherthattwomenina closedcarriagehadsnatchedSolangeoffthesideoftheRueSaintJacquesinbroaddaylight. Unsureofwherethevampireswouldhavetakenher sisterorwhattheywoulddotoher,therewasnothingshecoulddobutwaituntilnightfallandher scheduledmeetingwithDevlin. ShehopedthatDevlinwouldbeintheaudienceagain andthatwhenherealizedsomeoneelsewassingingtheroleofMediahewouldcomequicklytotheir meetingplace. Aftersunset,withnothingbutasmalllanterntolightherway,Justinewalkedpurposefullythroughthe LuxembourgGardens.

Thetreeswerelikedarkskeletonsagainsttheskyandthemoonlessnightcastthe watersoftheFontainedeMedicisaninkyblack. Settingherlanterndown,shepacedandfumeduntil onesharpturnsenthercrashingintoDevlin? Hereachedouttosteadyherandshegrabbedthe lapelsofhiscoat. DevlindrewhisswordandpushedJustinebehindhimasavampireshehadneverseenbeforestepped fromtheshadows. Hewasahandsomemanofaverageheightwithhoneybrownhairandintelligent, palegreeneyes.

ButfirstIhaveaquestiontoaskofyou, myfriend. ThosewhoenjoythekillsupportFrancoisand demandthedeathofyourslayer. Buttherearethose,suchasmyself,whowouldbecontenttofollow thelawsoftheHighKingandwhoconsidertheabductionofanUrsulinenovicetobeasinofthe greatestmagnitude.

MymenwouldfollowtherepresentativesoftheHighKingandthewomanwhobringsjusticetothose ofuswhobreakhislaws. AndIanassumingthatis theonlywayIwillgetmysisterback? Ihavetogether backandifthisistheonlywaytodoit,thenthatiswhatImustdo. Andnothavetospendmynightsfightingvampiresoverthebodiesofmyfellow Parisians? But,Justine,evenifIturnedyou nowyouwouldnotriseasavampireforthreenights. Noneofourvampireswilltouchherbecauseofthehabit andthecrucifixshewears.

Iwillseetoitthatsheiswellcaredfor andunharmeduntilyoucomeforher,butyoumustcome. Ifyoudo notcome,eventuallyhewillscrewupthecourageandkillher. Hewillhaveto,orrisklosingtherespect ofthoseloyaltohim. My menandIwillbewaiting. Heturnedandwithaflourishofhisplumedhat,bowedlowtoherandthendisappearedintothe darkness. Hewas oneofKingHenriII? Youmakemefeelalivefor thefirsttimesince Let mebeyourknight,mylady.

Thentakemehome,my knight,shesaidsoftly,andmakemeyours. Sheranherfingers throughthecrisphairofhischest,marvelingatthesolidmusclebeneathherhands. Heallowedherthis libertyonlybrieflyandthenheflippedherontoherbackandproceededtodothingswithhishandsand mouththatevenanexperiencedcourtesanwouldnotadmittoinlightofday.

Justinefeltasmallpangofregretthatthelightofdaywasnotsomethingshewouldenjoyagainafter thisnight. Ithadbeensolong,forboth ofthem,andwithinminutestheyexplodedtogetherlikefireworksoverthepalaceatVersailles. Atthe heightoftheirpleasurehesankhisteethintoherneckanddrankfromher. Therushofsensations Justinefeltashebitherhurledherovertheedgeoncemore,leavingherspentandquiveringinhis arms.

Whenshewasnearlyunconsciousfrombloodloss,he slicedopenhiswristandspilledhisbloodintohermouth,forcinghertodrink. Asthesunroseon anothergloriousspringday,Devlinheldherinhisarmsandwatchedherdie. Hishandcameupandcaughtherwristashiseyes flewopen.

Yes,he murmured,wedid. The HighKingpulledherdownintohisbed. KnowledgeofEvilRavenHart Iamascholar. Ihavelearnedmore aboutthenaturalworldthananyonealive,yetIamnotmyselfaliveandassuredlynotnatural.

Iama vampire. Ihavetravelledtheworldinsearchofknowledge,studiedwitheveryimportantintellectualfromda VincitoHawking. Andstillthequestionthathasburnedinsidemeforthousandsofyearsremains unanswered. Ihavehuntedthem almosttoextinctiononeverycontinent. Anewlymintedvampireissubhuman,a barleysentientcreaturewhosebloodlustoverwhelmsreason.

Asamanforwhomintellectisthemost prizedofallhumanattributes,Idespisetheprimalbasenessofmyownkind. SomuchsothatIcannot sufferthemtolive. It takesdecadesfortheimmaturevampiretoregaintheintellectheorshewasblessedwithasahuman being,iftheysurvivethatlong. Ifeedonhumans,butnevertothepointof exsanguination. Mybloodsuckingleavesthemweakandmyglamourleavesthemwithnomemoryof havingbeenpreyedupon. Youngervampirestendtoseekouttheanonymousunfortunatesinour culturethehomeless,theaddicted,thementallyillthosewhowon?

Fledglingblood drinkersareallaboutthekill. Thus,Ihavehaunted universitycampusesallovertheworld. AfterIcametotheNewWorld,IworkedmywaydownfromtheuniversitiesofthenortheastuntilI foundmyselfinthesouthernUnitedStates,wherethemildclimatesuitedmewell. Myfakeidentificationpapers,inadditiontocash,ofcourse, allowmetoauditanyclassesIchoose.

Idriftfromnightclasstonightclass,absorbingnewideason everythingfromphilosophytoveterinarymedicine. Fallsemesterwasabouttogetunderway,buttheoppressivesouthernheatstillsaturatedtheairwith humidityandemboldenedtheyoungwomentoclothethemselvesinshort,straplessdressesand. Theirbodieswereasripeforsexastheireager youngmindswereforhighereducation. OnthisparticularnightIseatedmyselfonawroughtironbenchnearthelibraryonnorthcampusand engagedinwhatthemodernscallpeoplewatching?.

Studentswalkedpurposefullytoandfro,besides theclothingandthemores,nottooverydifferentfromuniversitystudentsofdaysgoneby. Thebreezerustledthepagesofthecampusnewspaper,RedandBlack,whichsomeonehadleftonthe benchnexttome,andIidlypickeditup.

Accordingtothearticle,shehaddevotedheracademiccareertostudyingvampire folkloreinculturesallaroundtheglobe.

Aquickphonecalltothecollegeof anthropologyindicatedIwasinluck. ThefirstlecturebyProfessorLenoxwaslaterthatnight,andI attainedconsenttoaudittheclass. AsIenteredthehallIattractedthenoticeofapairof youngwomenstudentsafewrowsinfrontofme. Oneelbowedtheotherintheribsandinclinedher chininmydirection. In myyouthIwasadoredandwasevencalledupontomodelforCharioteerofDelphi,oneofthemost famousofthegreatsurvivingsculpturesofancientGreece.

Iwasmadeablooddrinkerasamanof35 years,soIwillalwaysbeinmyprime. Isaythesethingsnotoutof conceitbutbywayofexplanation. Youngwomen followmewillinglyintotheshadowsorwhereverelseIchoosetoleadthem. Her academiccredentialsandlistofpublicationcreditswereimpressive. Ipicturedtheanthropologistasa middleaged,bookishandbespectacledscholaralongthelinesofthelateMargaretMead.

Thescholarwhoturnedtofacethelecturehallwasnotafrumpy,middleagedmatronbutarare beauty. Asone,theyoungmeninthehallgatheredthemselvesfromtheirslouchingpostureandsatup straight. Theprofessorscannedheraudience,asiftakingtheirmeasure,pausedonlylongenoughto smoothherlongblackhairoveroneshoulder,andbeganherlecture. WhenshebegantospeakIwasasmesmerizedbyherwordsasIwasbytheperfectionofherfairskin, thefullnessofherlipsandthelovelyalmondshapeofherdarkeyes.

Theirpreternaturalstrengthandbeautymakethemthe stuffofournightmaresandsexualfantasiesalike. Andyetforalltheirpower,wealsofeelforthem, becausetheyarecutofffromthegraceofGodandcannotwalkinthesun. Asshespoke,shesteppedoutfrombehindthelecternandwalkedslowlybackandforth,herevery movementandgestureelegantandsylphlike. Watchingherwassuchafeastformyeyesitwasdifficult toconcentrateonherwords.

Iletthehoneyedtonesofhervoiceflowovermeasshelecturedabout theMayansandtheirpropensityforfilingtheirteethintopointedfangsandanointingtheirnobilitywith sacrificialhumanblood. Manyhandsshotupwards,andshecalledupona youngmanafewrowsinfrontofme. Acoquettishsmile playedoverherfaceandsheloweredhervoiceconspiratorially.

Whenshescannedfacesinthecrowdtopickthestudentforthenext question,hergazemetandheldmineforamoment. Withoutthinking,Iraisedmyhandandshe nodded. Iyearnforknowledgeaboveall things. Fourorfivepupils stayedtoaskadditionalquestionswhilesheputsomepapersintoherbriefcase,soItookmytime walkingtothefrontoftheclass. Areyouavampire enthusiast? Itwaswarmandherskin wassoft.

ThenyoumustcallmeVictoria,shesaidwithasmilethatmademefeellikeawarmbloodiedcreature again. Afteramomentinwhichshesearched mygazeasiftryingtogaugemymeasure,shesaid,Thatwouldbenice. The glancetookinmyexpensiveItalianshoes,my80dollarhaircutandeverythinginbetween.

AndIdo meaneverything. Igaveheraquickversionofmystandardcoverstory,whichactuallyhappenedtobetrueasfarasit went. WithnorelativesleftinGreeceIdecided totraveltheworld. Ithinkwe mightbekindredspirits,youandI. Whenwereachedthecoffeeshop,Iapproachedthestorefrontcarefully,makingsurethelightfrom thestreetlampscausednoreflectionsintheglass. Centuriesofexperiencemadesuchcautionary measuressecondnature. Ilookeddowntherowofrestaurantsandbarsontheoppositesideofthestreetfor analternative. Ithoughtitunusualthattheprofessorwouldinviteastrangerintoherhome,butmodernwomenwere anunpredictablelot.

Whydevoteyouracademiclifetotheirstudy whentherearesomany You admittedtobeingavampireenthusiast. IloveStoker, Rice,Nosferatu Whataboutthekilling,theviolence? Ifanyhumanweretoeverwitnessdeathbyvampireandlivetotell thetale,thehorrorwouldrenderthemaravinglunaticfortherestoftheirmiserablyshortlives. Isupposethatwastheseductionaspectyoumentioned before. Whenitgetsright downtoit,doesn? Bythelightofthestreetlamp herbeautylookedsuddenlyotherworldly,Shallwe?

Wehadjustreached herdoor. Ifollowed,feelinglikeanawkwardteenageronafirstdate, somethingIwasentirelyunaccustomedto. Weentereda roomwithamultitudeofbooksandpapersstrewnaboutandadesktopcomputerfacingawindow. The airheldthefaintscentofoldbooksoxidizedpaper,abitofmouldandIwasimmediately comfortable.

Asmall tableheldanumberofbeakers,amicroscope,glassslidesandafewambercoloredbottlesof chemicals. I pickeduponeofthebookswithinarm? Shetoedoffherheelsandjoinedme,drawingupher kneesontothecouch. IguessIshouldknowabout this,shouldn? Icouldhaveswornshehadputextra emphasisonthewordenthusiast?. NaturallyIwasaccustomedtothelicentiousnessof someyoungwomen,countedonit,infact. TheGirlsGoneWildeffect,asItermedit,hadsecuredme countlessnightsofgoodbloodandbettersex.

NosoonerhadIthoughtthisthanIderidedmyselfforthehypocrisyofmy doublestandard. Shemassagedmycockthroughthestrainingfabricofmytrousersforamomentmoreandthenturned tostraddlemythighs. Shebrokeoff thekissandarchedherbackagainstmyerection,allowingmetoremoveherdressinonequickmotion. Ifilledmypalmswithherfull,ripebreastsfora momentbeforetakinghernipplesinmymouthandurgingthemtothehardnessofgems.

Shereached downtofreemyswollencockandIrippedawaytheflimsyslipoffabricbetweenherlegs. Thenshemoanedandwrappedherarms aroundmyneck,ridingmeexperimentallyatfirstthenharderandfaster. Herpassionandzeal overwhelmedme,nottomentiontheperfectionofherbody. Theardoronherfacegaveherbeautya savageelegancethatIfoundbothwildlyexcitinganddisturbingatthesametime. Shethrustherselfontome,herbreastsrisingandfallinginaprimitiverhythmthatmademefearI wouldcomemuchsoonerthanIwishedto. AsIstruggledforcommandovermyrelease,shearchedherbackagain,exposingthetender,paleflesh ofherneck.

Icouldnotonlyseethepulsebeatingrapidlyinthedelicateveinatthehollowofherthroat, butIcouldsee,feelandsmellthebloodthere. Iwrappedmyarmsaroundherandgatheredhertowards me,myfangslengtheninginvoluntarily. Whenshebegantomoanandwrithe,Ibitdownonherneck, piercingherfragilefleshandbeganmyownclimax. Whenwewerethrough,I concentratedmypowersofglamourontohermindsoshewouldnotrememberthebite. Ifthetwo smallpuncturemarkswereevennoticedbeforetheyhealed,they?

Awickedsmilecurvedthecornersofherlusciousmouthasshetookmebythehandandledmetothe bedroom. She alsosaidshelikedalittlebondage. Somywristsweresecuredbyhandcuffstothethickironspindles runningthroughtheheadboardofherantiquebed, Whenwereachedourmutualclimax,Iclosedmyeyesandrelaxed,savoringtherest. Evenwithmy superhumanendurance,Iwasstillexhaustedanddawnwascoming. Ihadtoreturntomysecureresting placeformydaylightsleep.

Shekissedmeinthemiddleofmychestandmoveduptowardstheplacewheremywristsfixedtothe heavyiron. Itriedtolower myarms,butmywristswerestillheldfast.

Ilookedabovemyheadtoseethatmyarmswerenotonly stillboundbythemetalhandcuffsbutwerenowalsosecuredbythickstripsofplastic.

Itestedthe bonds,puttingmyfullstrengthbehindtheeffort. IfthemetalcuffswereallthatboundmeIcouldhavebrokenthem,buttheplasticonesthatreinforced themwereproblematic. And vampirepartsdonotregenerate.

Asuddenconvictionformedin mymind,onethatbothterrifiedandthrilledme. Icursedmyselfformycarelessnessandroaredinfrustrationnotbotheringtoshieldmyfangsmuchless denythetruth.

Istrained againstmybondsagain,butonlymanagedtobendtheheadboardwhiletheheavydutyplasticcutinto mywristsenoughtomakethembleed. Sheleanedagainstthefarwall withanexpressionoforgasmicecstasyonherface. IcannotbelievethatIhavea nakedvampirechainedtomybed! Sheopenedadresserdrawerwithtremblinghandsandwithdrewa handmirror.

Herpresentaspectputmeinmindofthefanaticalfollowersof ElvisortheBeatlesintheirheyday. Yourskinlookslike flawlesswhitemarble. Butthemissingshadowclinched it. Formypart,InowrealizedIshouldhavebeenmorealarmedbyherwillingnesstotakemehomeafter havingjustmetme.

Iissuedasnarltopunctuatemy words. IthoughtyouwantedsexandbloodwhichwasjustwhatI wantedtogiveyou. Would youclosethedrapes,please? Whatdo youplantodowithme? Irememberedherwordsfromearlierintheevening,nottomentionthemicroscopeandthecollection ofslidesandbeakers. AtfirstIdecidedthatIwouldgoallDoctor FrankensteinanddissecttheblooddrinkersoIcouldstudyitpiecebypieceunderthemicroscopeona cellularlevel. PerhapsifIconcentratedhard enoughIcouldthinkofatacticthatwouldinspirehertofreeme.

I amaseekerofunderstandingaswell,Isaid. Shelookeddeeplyintomyeyes,asifgauging mysincerity. The approachingdawnwasstartingtosmoulderinsideme. Afaintcrimsonglowwasbleedingoverthe horizon. Thesolarsensationthathadstartedasanitchwasburningmeinearnest now. Itwilltakeyou yearstoovercomeyourbloodlustenoughtoresumeyouracademicpursuitsifyouevensurvivethat long. Victoriastaredatmeevenly,asifwaitingformynarrativetoworsenuntilIdescribedaconditionshe couldn?

Ibeganspeakingmorerapidly, describingakillinthemostgruesomeandvividdetailIcouldimagine. Whatdoyouneedtoheartoturnyoufromthis path? Iwanttoknow howtheuniversewascreated.

Iwanttoknowifthereisaheaven andahell. Herbeautywas fierce. Ifeltmyfacecontortintothekilling maskthatwasthelastthingmyvictimssawuponthisearth. Shewasnotunaffected,howeverfar fromit. Istretchedtentativelytotestmyinjuries,andsensedher warmth. Ihadneverbeenasillusedinmylongexistence asablooddrinkerandbySatan,thisminxwouldpay. Your bloodwillhelpmetocompletemyhealing.

Littledidsheknowshewouldnevergettothesecondbitoftheprocessthe partinwhichshewouldinturndrinkofmyblood. Iwouldnotkillherbyrippingandconsumingher flesh. Bythetimeherdrainingwaspast thepointofnoreturn,shewouldbeunconsciousandhelplesstoprotest. Icanhardlybelieve thisishappening. Iencircledherwithmyarmsandgatheredhertome, positioningmymouthtoherthroat.

Herhotblood flowedacrossmylipsandIsavoreditssweetness. I canseeinthedark. She wantedtolearnfromme. Youmerelyhavetowishmetocome inside. And everything! Doyouthinkcosmologistswillhaveunraveledthemysteries oftheuniversebythen? Ibitdownagain,tryingtoconcentrateonthetaskathandevenasafantasywastakingshapeinmy mind. Someonewhosharedmyravenous hungerfortruth? Iwouldratherseeher dead,andthesoonerthebetter. Ipressedmyfangsdeeper intoherfleshanddrewdeeplyfromherveins. IwasbecomingintoxicatedthepointatwhichIwouldbeunabletostopdrinkingherblood evenifIwantedto;thepointatwhichifIweregoingtomakeheravampire,Iwouldhavetofeedher myownblood.

Sheralliedjustenoughtoliftherheadtostareblindlyatmeaswewere stillinthedark. Youthirstedforknowledgeeven then. Whataremarkableyoungwoman,I thought,myearlierangertowardsherforthepainshecausedmewasgone. Finally,awomanwho understoodme,andsoonshewouldbedeadatthepointofmyfangs. NotonlydoIfinallyfindareal,livevampire,but he? Isittimeformetodrinkyour bloodyet?

Iranmyhandthroughher silkyhair,lettingmythumbbrushhercheek,whichwasbynowaspaleasalabaster. Itwassuchashame shehadtodie. AcoldwindsentleavesandlitterswirlinginatinywhirlwindthatskitteredpastmewhileIwaitedformy nextclassatGeorgiaStateUniversity. GSUwasanurbanuniversity,situatedintheheartof downtownAtlanta.

Theinnercityenvironmentwithitsprofusionofdrugdealers,pimpsandother criminalswasarichhuntingground. She noddedanddrewhimbackobtotheconcretesurfacewhereshefinisheddraininghisblood.

Theman hadmadethemistakeofattemptingtocarjackourvehicleasweenteredthestructure. Killedhermortalbodyandmadeherintoablood drinkerasshe? Formypart,Iresolvedtosetasidemyprejudicesandtampdownmydisgustfor fledglings. Afterall,who amItoquestionthewaysofthevampire? Shall we? Shebeggedmetoletherjumpdowntostreetlevel,butIpointedoutthatsomeonewouldundoubtedly seeher.

HavingtoexplainherselftoapatrolmancomingoutofAtlantapoliceheadquartersacrossthe streetwouldputadamperonthefunofflying. WhatwouldIdowithoutyouto keepmeoutoftrouble? In time,shewouldceasetoneedtheexcitementofthekillandwewouldbothfeedtogetherdiscreetly andwithouttheneedtohidethebodiesofthemiscreantsshedrainedofblood. Ithadtakenmesome3,yearsto findthewomanmeantjustforme.

Thestudenthasbecome theteacher. Iamnowbeginningtobelieve thatmypurposeasablooddrinkeronthisearthwastosireVictoriathevampire. So,attheriskof waxingasromanticasasmittenschoolboy,pardonmeandmyladyVictoriawhilewerideoffintothe proverbialsunset.

Hesuppressedalow, rumblinggrowlfromthebeastrisinginsidehim. Thesplashoflargepinkflowersonthewhiteskirtstood outlikeabeaconinthedarkness. Hefollowedherassheleftherapartment,stickingtotheshadows,duckingintostairwellswhenshe lookedbehindherasthoughshesensedsomeonefollowed.

Thecreamy skinofherexposedarmsandlegsswunginarhythmthathisheartpickedupandmatched,beatfor stride. Feelingmorelikethetruepredatorhewasthanever,hesuppressedshamethatburnedlikebatteryacid inhisstomach,andcontinuedstalkingthewomanwhowalkedmorebrisklynowalongthedarkened sidewalk.

At thebottomofonesetofstairsleadingupintoaseafoodrestaurant,sheliftedonefoot,plantingiton thefirstpavedstep. Her footslippedoffthestepandslowlysettledbesidetheother. Hereyeswidened, andthenslidoverhisshouldersbeforerisingagain.

Hereyes narrowed.