Whispers of Night: 1 (Immortal Embrace)

Erin Simone

Immortal Embrace, Book One

A businessman by day, by night Dane stalks the streets, fighting against a rising tide of vampire-related homicides. As a member of the Order of the Dragon, he vows to fight other vampires, ones who have given in to their bloodlust. He doesn’t do it for humans—he seeks revenge, to destroy the bastards who turned him into a monster. But then he rescues a woman who calls to him like no other. As their passion ignites and his desire for her threatens to consume him, he starts to wonder what, exactly, is worth fighting for.

Jenny’s old life ends in a parking garage. She’s reborn into a world of fantastic creatures—and unimaginable pleasures. The fierce warrior who saved her makes her feel love and lust as she’s never felt before, and she soon discovers her dark prince is not what he seems. Love, jealousy and betrayal collide and neither Jenny nor Dane will ever be the same.

Inside Scoop:
This steamy vampire romance features an alpha hero who indulges in taboo pleasures with his mate…you’ve been warned.

A Romantica®
paranormal erotic romance
from Ellora’s Cave

Dedication

To my four beautiful children—you are my heart…

Acknowledgements

This story is dedicated to Jaid Black. Thank you for believing in me and for giving me an opportunity to write for the Cave. You are an inspiration and a wonderful friend. I would also like to acknowledge Angela Havel Barton for her contributions to this story and for being a big support in helping fine-tune this novel.

Hugs,

Erin Simone

The Port of London, 1707

“’Tis nice to finally be home,” Dane Voss commented to his helmsman as they entered the Pool of London. Its port stretched as far as the eye could see along the River Thames. Longshoremen were busy unloading cargo for inspection, while others meandered along its docks, waiting for the chance to board one of the many ships that lined the harbor.

“You’re right, Captain. We’ve been away quite a spell,” the sailor replied.

“Yes, we have. Lower the sails,” he ordered as the helmsman steered Dane’s trade ship, the
Alexandria
, into port. A biting wind, refreshing and cool, swept across his face. He lifted his chin, inhaling deeply as the sights and sounds evoked memories of a youth cut short by events outside of his control. These unwanted contemplations always came without warning, like an approaching storm on a troubled sea.

As the ship neared the dock, Dane noticed a lifeless form swaying in the breeze. The sailor’s head hung to the left at an awkward angle, his neck broken, eyes bulging as they stared back at him without seeing. It was a grisly reminder for those considering the path of piracy. He watched as seagulls swooped down, picking at the battered remains.

Poor bastard.
He recoiled from the gruesome scene. His father’s death had been a very similar event. Accused of piracy, he’d hung from that same dock. Father had shown no remorse or regret for his crimes, defiant even as they placed the noose around his neck. The shame of having to watch his father’s execution left a gaping hole inside him. No son should have to endure such pain.

Dane pushed away the bad memories. Dwelling on the past only darkened his mood, especially when he should be celebrating a successful voyage.

Their travels through Asia, Portugal and Spain had been well worth the time spent at sea. He smiled as he thought of the cargo hold filled with fine silks, spices, teas, gold and silver and other commodities to sell at market.

Dane and his brother Christian had amassed quite a fortune in the shipping business, which meant traveling with their crew on these long crossings wasn’t necessary. But the sea drew them back like a siren’s call.

And why not travel the world? No one waited at home for him and he liked it that way. Women were complicated creatures, emotional and full of needs he wasn’t prepared to fulfill. Females of worth wanted the finer things—to feel safe, cherished, loved. Money, he could offer. But love? Not on the table.

No, tonight he would indulge in his favorite ale, a fine bonny maid and a warm bed for a few hours of rest. Tomorrow he’d go to his countryside estate in Gloucestershire to attend to some affairs he’d neglected while away.

“You seem troubled. What ails you, brother?” Christian slapped him on the shoulder.

“I’m fine,” he sighed. There was no point in dwelling on the past.

“Come, I’ll buy you a drink at the Anchor.”

“I’d like that,” Dane said, glad his brother had been a wee babe when their father passed. He glanced at the shore. It would be strange walking on dry land after so many months at sea. He gave his brother a playful shove as he followed him down the gangplank, ready to unwind and have a good time.

“Are ya cold tonight, love? Shall I keep you warm?” a stout woman with large breasts offered as they passed. Prostitutes were on every corner, offering a three-penny upright if one were willing. Most of these women carried disease from peddling their bodies to anyone offering to pay.

“Not tonight,” he whispered.

“Do you see her?” Christian asked.

“See who?” He wasn’t sure whom his brother was referring to.

“Not the ladies, our favorite inn.” Christian pointed at the familiar anchor over its doors. The Anchor Tavern on the South Bank of the Thames was a favorite stop for sailors. “Never was there a merrier sight than she.”

“You act as though she’s a living thing.” The corners of his mouth twitched as he tried to keep from smiling, his brother’s cheery proclamation drawing him back from his dark musings.

“She is.” Christian pushed open the door.

Sailors making merry filled the place to capacity. Barmaids milled about serving food and more drink, while others straddled the laps of drunken males who groped them openly. Sweat, smoke and the smell of cooked meat filled the air. It was a place where one could have a good time without worrying about titles or status.

“Whata ya have, sailors?” the bartender asked as they approached the bar.

“Two tankards of ale,” Christian replied.

“That will be two shillings, mate.”

Dane paid and the bartender gave them their drinks.

“I wager that lass over there would taste even better than this drink.” Christian pointed to a pretty blonde barmaid with plump breasts spilling out the top of her dress.

“Indeed.” Dane took a sip as he admired the view.

“Here she comes now.” Christian grinned. “I think I’ll be bedding that tasty little tart this eve.”

“Ahoy, sailors,” she purred, gazing toward Christian.

“My lady.” He bowed.

“Oh, stop it now.” She wrapped her arms around his neck with a grin. “You know I’m no lady. You’ve been away far too long, sailor. I’ve missed you.” She seized his hand, dragging him to a corner booth.

“Then I shall endeavor to make it up to you,” he laughed.

Dane smiled as he watched his brother being led away. It wasn’t much of a surprise that the barmaid remembered him. Women naturally gravitated to Christian because of his fine looks and warm disposition. Dane didn’t have trouble with the ladies but it was clear who they favored. He placed the backs of his elbows against the bar and settled in to enjoy his ale but something caught his attention.

Hmm…
He watched the slender figure standing near the other end of the bar, her form concealed beneath a long black cloak. Suddenly, she faced him. Soft amber eyes glowed in the firelight like pools of liquid gold staring back at him. The woman lowered the hood of her cloak, revealing flawless skin and ruby-red lips. Soft and sensuous flaming-red hair hung loose around her delicate shoulders. Dane’s mouth went dry.

He watched as her eyes traveled over him appreciatively before flickering away. Apparently he wasn’t the only one admiring the view.

Dane peered around the bar to see if any of the males had noticed her presence. Strangely it appeared no one had.

His smile broadened. Perhaps his brother wouldn’t be the only one to fare well this night.

Where did she come from, and most importantly, what possessed her to venture into a place like this? She didn’t act like a barmaid.

A courtesan perhaps?

She beckoned him over with a wave.

This should be interesting.
He approached the attractive young woman.

“My lady.” Dane bowed slightly.

“Your manners are a surprise, given this place.” She raised an eyebrow.

“Looks can be deceiving, I wager.” He brushed a brief kiss on her knuckle and something dark flared in her eyes.

“That would depend on one’s intent.”

My intent might be to bed you this eve.
“Surely you don’t believe mine is to impose upon one so lovely.” He pursed his lips, staring pointedly at her.

“I meant no disrespect, sailor.”

“May I inquire why a fine woman would dally in a place like this?”

“You make it sound like having a drink in a public establishment is a crime, sir.” She lifted her glass and took a sip.

She must be daft or unbelievably reckless.
“Not in the least. Enjoy your drink.” He decided to leave, annoyed by her curt response.

“Do you have a name?” She grabbed his arm, her warmth seeping into his flesh like a soft caress that drew him back.

He cleared his throat. “Dane Voss.”

“You’re a captain? I’ve heard of you, Mr. Voss.”

I’m sure you have.
“I own a trade ship called the
Alexandria
.” Several of the women who traveled in his social circle would like nothing better than to lay claim to him. But he stayed away from bedding those who could trap him.

“Sounds like you’re a man who enjoys adventure.” Her voice became seductive.

“It seems you enjoy it as well.” He gestured at the tables full of drunken sailors and the lower class of London society.

“I’m not worried.” She placed her delicate fingers on his chest and trailed them down lower, burning a path to his stomach, slowly, torturously making his muscles clench and quiver beneath her touch.

He stared down at her, clearing his throat. “What are you doing?” Her touch sent an electrical charge through him, awakening his desire.
Definitely a courtesan.

“What does it look like I’m doing?” She brushed her lips against the base of his throat, shocking him with her boldness. Dane’s pulse increased as sensations exploded through him in waves.

He braced both arms on either side of the bar, trapping her in between. “You play with fire.”

“Then I am but a moth to the flame.” She rubbed her feminine curves against his front.

“You might get burned if you’re not careful,” he warned.

“I like a little danger now and again. It makes life interesting.”

Women were all the same, they liked to toy with a male, and this one was no exception. But he’d play along. “What’s your name?” He held her gaze.

“M-my name is Lucia,” she gasped as he tickled her throat with his heat.

“You’re not going to tell me your last name?” He smirked.

“It’s not important.”

Uneasiness swept over him. Something wasn’t right…but he quickly dismissed any misgivings as more of the past trying to invade the present.

“You could bring a man to his knees.” He pressed a kiss to those full lips, leaning his body into hers.

“It seems I’m not the only one seduced by the flame. Shall we take this someplace more private?” She raised her hood.

“Where do you have in mind?” He couldn’t believe his good fortune.

“I’m taking you to my place.”

“Your place?” Uneasiness began to gnaw at him again.

“It’s not far.”

He decided to ignore his reservations. “Lead the way.”

* * * * *

“Hey, Dane, wait.”

He glanced over his shoulder and saw his brother coming toward him with the barmaid in tow.

“Leaving so soon?”

“I’ve been asked to entertain elsewhere,” Dane replied.

“Really?” Christian looked around. “With whom?”

“My dalliance need not concern you. Go back inside and enjoy yourself. I’ll see you in the morning.”

“Listen to your brother. It’s cold out here, love,” the barmaid whined.

“Very well, I’ll see you later.” Christian snatched the girl around the waist and threw her over his shoulder as he walked back inside.

Dane watched the door swing closed. A dense fog began to swirl around him, obscuring his view. He shivered slightly, realizing the young woman had disappeared.
Maybe she decided to heed my warning.
He shrugged.

The sound of hooves gave him pause. A black carriage with a side window pulled up next to him. Slender fingers gripped the edge of the window’s frame. “Are you coming, Dane?” Lucia asked.

“I assumed you’d left.” His gaze strayed to the coachman sitting on the dickey box. He couldn’t see much in the darkness. Something still didn’t feel right. Maybe he should call it a night.

“Don’t be silly. What are you waiting for? Get in.”

She’s right, what am I waiting for?
He yanked open the door, ignoring the impulse to go back inside the tavern, and climbed into the back of the carriage.

“Where are we going?” He gazed at the enchanting woman with the enchanting amber eyes who was seated across from him.

“I’m taking you home with me, remember?” She slipped off her seat and placed her hands on his knees.

“What about your virtue?” Dane seized her upper arm and dragged her against him. A dark hunger swept over him, triggered by her boldness. He couldn’t control the intake of breath. The force of his attraction astounded him.

“I can assure you that I have none.” She leaned into him and caressed his manhood.

“You have plenty of attributes that more than make up for it.” He pressed a light kiss to her jaw as he nibbled along its edge. When her hips moved against him, he groaned low in his throat.

“And why not use them to get what I need? Do you believe it sinful of me?”

“That depends.” One of Dane’s fingers slipped down her stomach to the juncture of her thighs. He wanted Lucia naked beneath him.

She grabbed the ties on her cloak and pulled the knot loose. He watched as the garment slipped off her shoulders, revealing a low-cut dress made of raw silk. It exposed firm breasts and ivory skin that begged to be touched.

She placed her hands back on his knees, sliding them forward with a maddening slowness. He let out a hiss when she traced the outline of his erection still trapped inside the confines of his trousers. His arousal pulsed as she moved over him.