ShadowsofNight (29 page)
Authors: Erin Simone
“Tomorrow I’ll take you to see him. And you’ll move with me
to London?”
“What about Petrina? I can’t just leave her here. That
wouldn’t be right.”
“I’ve already asked her to come with us and she’s agreed.”
“Wait a minute.” She rolled in his arms. “You were awful
confident, having everything figured out before we even talked.”
“I was hoping is all and I asked her just in case you said
yes.” His gazed traveled over her face lovingly.
How could she be mad at him for having hope? All it proved
was that he really did love her. She ran her fingers along his jawline and down
to his chest, resting her hand over his heart.
“Do you want to feed again?” he asked, lifting her fingers
and kissing each one. “It’s probably good for you and the baby.”
“I’d like to but what about you? You haven’t had a chance to
feed from
me
yet. Shouldn’t I let you first?” She rested her head
against the crook of his arm.
“No, I won’t until after our child is born. I don’t want to
take a chance of weakening you in any way.” He brushed her hair back.
“Thank you, Christian.” She smiled up at him.
“What are you thanking me for?” He caressed her cheek.
“I’m thanking you for not giving up on us, for your love and
most of all for this little life that’s growing inside me now.”
“You don’t know what it means to hear you say that. I
worried you’d never want to carry my young inside your body.”
“Well, I’m happy to admit I was wrong. Look, I know our
journey together hasn’t been an easy one for either of us, and we’ve both done
and said things to each other that we regret. But I’m glad I took that
assignment…because it led me to you.”
“There is only one thing I’d change but we won’t discuss
that anymore. It’s done. But I do believe fate knew all along what it was doing,
even if we didn’t, and I’m glad it did.”
He leaned forward to capture her lips again.
London, England
Three months later
Emma lay on the bed out of breath and covered in sweat, Christian
crouched next to her, when they both heard the most beautiful sound in the
world.
His tiny cries filled the room and brought tears to both
their eyes. Christian kissed her cheek as she reached for the tiny infant.
“Let me hold him. Please.” Her voice waivered, choked with
emotion.
“Of course, here you go. Have you given any thought to names
for him yet?” Lena placed the baby in her arms.
Emma looked at Christian, who was staring at his son. “I
like Gabe. What do you think?” He turned to face her.
“It’s perfect.” She kissed Christian before returning her
attention back to her son, who had already latched on to her breast and begun
nursing.
“Does he have fangs?” Christian asked.
“He seems to be sucking. I didn’t feel him pierce my skin.
Maybe that happens later.” Emma shrugged.
Petrina came rushing into the room. “Sorry I’m late! What,
you couldn’t wait for me?” she teasingly scolded.
“Hey, I told you it could be any day. You decided to take a
trip with Conner. That’s not my fault.” Emma winked.
“He’s beautiful, Em, and it looks like he’s a healthy eater
too. What’s his name?”
“Christian wants to call him Gabe.” Emma stroked his cheek
as he contently fed.
“Nice name. I like it.” Petrina jabbed Christian in the
ribs.
“I’m glad you approve. Tell me, do you know when he might drink
blood?”
“In a few months, when he starts to cut teeth. He’ll still
need milk too. Emma can provide for both his needs, don’t worry, Christian.”
“Here, my love, would you like to hold your son?” She
offered the child to him.
His brows drew together nervously. “Okay.” He carefully took
the child from her, his heart thundering as he held the tiny infant in his
arms. He stood, staggered. He leaned forward and kissed his forehead.
The child was his future, erasing the shadows of pain from a
dark past.
His wife and son…they were his daylight.
With their love, Christian was confined by the night no
longer.
I have been writing for several years and truly enjoy it. I
work in the legal field during the day. To say my life is very full is an
understatement, but I would not change a thing because I am blessed. I am never
bored when I am sitting at the computer engrossed in the world I am creating
for others to enjoy. I don’t get much sleep, but I can sleep when I am dead.
Thank god for coffee and energy drinks. Writing is my passion. Everyone should
follow their dreams and live life to the fullest—this is my dream.
I love romance and believe in the fairy tale. I’m a sappy
romantic at heart, and addicted to putting my crazy romantic thoughts on paper.
When I was eleven, I read all of Judy Blume’s books. My favorite was her adult
book, Wifey; I had the good parts marked. I will never forget that book or the
impact it had on me. Needless to say, I love a juicy romance novel filled with
sizzling passion, a hunky powerful male and a happy ending. I enjoy being swept
away by it. I love fantasy romance: Laurann Dohner, Kresley Cole, Gina
Showalter, Jaid Black and Larissa Ione, to name a few. These authors are an
inspiration to me in this craft. Writing is a passion. As Laurann Dohner said
so eloquently, “There is nothing better than a really HOT book!” I agree.
Happy reading, everyone.
Erin welcomes comments from readers. You can find her
website and email addresses on her
author
bio page
at
www.ellorascave.com
.
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Erin
Simone
Ellora’s Cave Publishing
Shadows of Night
ISBN 9781419944444
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Shadows of Night Copyright © 2014 Erin Simone
Edited by Kelli Collins
Cover design and photography by Syneca
Additional cover photography by kneiane/Shutterstock.com
Model DeAngelo
Electronic book publication March 2014
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