Total pages in book: 51
Estimated words: 47359 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 237(@200wpm)___ 189(@250wpm)___ 158(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 47359 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 237(@200wpm)___ 189(@250wpm)___ 158(@300wpm)
“Don’t humans take what they want? There are good and evil in all races and creatures, though vampires continue to be portrayed far differently than they truly are. But then it’s not likely that a vampire will scream discrimination.”
He spoke with such conviction that it was hard to imagine that he was simply making fun of her. If he wasn’t that would mean he was insane. What the hell had she gotten herself into? A chill so deep ran through her that her whole body quivered.
Michael was out of his chair in an instant, his hands reaching out around her to grab her jacket behind her and drape it over her shoulders. Then his long fingers went to her scarf and gently adjusted it around her neck.
His potent scent hit her when he leaned over her and stole her breath for a moment. When she was able to breathe again, she thought she would have been wiser not to. His scent was so richly sexual that she felt herself grow moist between her legs.
She almost jumped when his finger grazed her chin. Had she expected it to be cold like a vampire’s touch? It was warm like any human’s touch, though it did leave a tingle in its wake.
“Do I make you nervous, Lara?” he asked after returning to his seat.
She slipped her jacket on, letting him know she was ready to leave. “Should I be? Do you intend to bite me?”
“Only if you want me to,” he said with a sly smile.
Lara stood. “I think I got what I came for. Again, I am sorry for arriving unannounced—”
“But you didn’t.”
She was startled for a minute and then realized what he meant. “Yes, Molly did call and let you know that I would be arriving.”
“No. Last night when I caught your scent—a most intoxicating one—I followed you. I knew then you would come to see me.”
Her eyes turned wide, and she stepped behind the chair. Had he been the shadow last night? Her stalker? A vampire? She seriously needed to leave, and right away. “Well, I have, and now it’s time for me to leave.”
“But I haven’t even begun to touch on sexual appetites of vampires.”
He knew the title of her chapter. No one knew it except Vera Duluth, and she had sworn Lara to secrecy. This was just too creepy even for her. She had met plenty of people who believed themselves creatures of the night. Some were just plain nuts while others played at it. She wasn’t sure if Michael Valaine fell into either category. And that was even more frightening.
“The need for sex can border on complete madness when a vampire is in need of it.”
Madness. Now there was something she could agree with. Michael Valaine was stark raving mad.
“But that type of aching hunger, a need to devour, is what vampires try to keep at bay for it comes with consequences. So, we keep ourselves well satisfied with sex with willing human women of which there is an abundant supply.”
Lara finally had it. “You’ve got to be kidding me. You really expect me to believe this bullshit. I get it. You’re annoyed with me for showing up unexpectedly, and so you decide to play a little game with me. See if I frighten easily. Well, you chose the wrong woman, buddy. But I do have to thank you for giving me some great material for the book. Now I’m leaving and will never darken your already dark doorstep again.”
“What were you expecting to find when you came here?” he asked accusingly.
His dark eyes grew so intense that Lara thought they glowed black. “Certainly not a grown man who claims he’s a vampire.”
“So you’re upset because you meet a vampire who can answer your questions about sex?”
Lara rolled her eyes. “Really? You’re going to continue to claim that you’re a vampire. A blood-sucking, unearthly creature that is ravenous when it comes to sex.”
“I thought you came for the truth.”
“The truth would be nice, but it seems that you are intent on continuing your little game. I, however, do not wish to play.”
That sly smile of his surfaced again. “I guarantee that you would enjoy playing with me, Lara.”
“That’s it, I’m leaving.”
Michael stood. “I’ll see you to the door.”
“Not necessary, I know the way out,” she said, buttoning up her jacket.
“Just because I am a vampire doesn’t mean I’m not a gentleman,” he said and stepped aside for her to pass.
“A gentlemen vampire, now there’s an oxymoron if ever I heard one,” Lara said as she scooted past him, eager to get out of the house and as far away from Michael Alexandru Valaine as she could get.
A phone’s jarring ring startled Lara as she entered the foyer and made her way to the front door.
Michael picked up the phone on the side table behind the vase of a beautiful winter floral arrangement. “Michael Valaine. I see. No, not to worry I will see to the matter. Thank you for calling and see that you take care in this storm. I hear that it is to last at least two days. Good. I’m glad to hear that. My regards to your family.”