Scarlet Night (Limited Edition)

Tiger Dynasty Publishing

Lions’ Pride Press
(Imprint)

www.tigerdynastypublishing.com

©Text Copyright 2013
Megan J. Parker

Edited By: Kristina Gehring

All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, or stored in a database or retrieval system, without the prior written permission of the publisher.

Cover Art by

Megan J. Parker for EmJay Art

“
S
erena, I’m here for you,” Devon whispered as his warmth filled my body and I sprawled across the bed.

I drifted
into unconsciousness as Devon’s features washed over my vision one last time before I lost myself to the pleasure. His voice fell into the back of my mind as the warmth spread between my legs. My fingers clutched the sheets as his warmth turned into a blaze of passion and I knew I wouldn’t last much longer.

Then it ended.

I sat up, covered in sweat, and glanced around the empty cabin. My sheets were still damp with the essence of my dream and I sighed longingly, though no one was there to hear it. My chest ached as I reacquainted my mind with the memory of the last year. I glared at the glass of water next to me and lifted it, throwing it across the room. The shattered pieces glistened in the moonlight drifting through the window and I felt my chest tighten.

“Devon…”

~1 YEAR AGO~

I knew this was a mistake.

I could never go back.

“Serena, if you turn your back on us now. You are no longer welcome within these walls!” Gregori snarled at me.

He was nothing more than Gregori to me now. “Father” was meaningless to me.

“I don’t care! You killed Mom! You and your cursed clan are dead to me!” I growled, cursing the tugging emotions for trying to betray my anger for sadness.

“Serena, do you—“

“Don’t bother, Gregori!” I hissed out his name and I caught a glimpse of agony in his eyes before I turned away and left.

The city streets were empty around this time and I sighed. Sadly, even the clubs were dead. I could’ve used a dance or two; at that point I would’ve even left with one of the first guys that harassed me.

I felt warm tears fall down my face and I let my sadness overcome me as I fell into the cold arms of the alleyway. I fell against the brick building and cast my gaze upward as the tears flowed freely.

The shadows were my savior.

“You are beautiful,” a soft, male voice whispered from the depths.

I turned my face and quickly wiped my tears away, replacing them with a mask of confidence. My eyes adjusted to his features and I gaped for a moment. He was tall, lean…

…and hot.

His hair was brown and was tied behind his back, his bangs hung over the most gorgeous green eyes I had ever seen. I felt a blush creep up on my face and I growled at my carelessness.

“You looking for a show, big boy?” I smirked, running my tongue across my fang. Who cared if he saw what I was? Let The Council take me!

His eyes beckoned to me as I stepped forward without even realizing it. He smiled a moment as he watched me. I felt the heat rising and I smirked, licking my lips again habitually.

“Well? It’s not polite to make a lady wait,” I grinned.

“Indeed.” He stood up, his eyes looking determined as he stepped closer. “You don’t need to hide your emotions. I won’t judge you.” He smiled warmly, “I won’t hurt you either.”

Damn, his words struck a chord more than they should have. I fell forward and was embraced in his warmth. His arms wrapped tightly around my waist and I felt myself sinking further into this stranger.

He was the warmth I needed.

As we stood in the alleyway, time seemed to stop and I felt myself losing all my strength.

“I’ll take you to my place,
” He whispered in my ear.

Even his words were warm.

I could only nod against his chest; I could barely find my own thoughts let alone words to respond. He began to carry me.

“H-hey! I can walk!” I grumbled, struggling a moment.

“I know.” He chuckled as he continued to carry me and I felt another blush creep up my face. He made me feel so much and I didn’t know how to react to it.

The city streets weren’t filled but as we walked down the sidewalk, I caught glances of people walking by who were staring at us. I looked at a group of girls who giggled and I realized they were staring at him.

“Are you always this popular with the girls? Or seeing you with a new plaything makes the other toys jealous?” I forced my usual banter, looking up at him.

“Maybe a bit of both.” He shrugged it off, his eyes focused only on me and I realized he hadn’t even noticed the others.

“You know what I am, yet...you don’t care?” I frowned, biting my lip.

“I should, shouldn’t I? Especially since I hunt your kind.”

I froze and glared, beginning to struggle more in his embrace and his arms only tightened around my body. The bastard! I hissed and continued to struggle from his grasp and finally I was freed. I rushed away from him, running through the streets as a flash of lightning pierced the sky.