Free B00528UTDS EBOK by Lorraine Kennedy Page A

but she could not utter a sound. The vampire’s eyes glowed with his poisonous hunger, and his growls shattered the silent night. The creature flew at her, but she held up her hand and willed all of the power of the universe to surround her, and protect her from his attack.
    The vampire seemed to hit a brick wall before he could get close to her. The impact stunned him, and he fell to the ground. When the creature’s features returned to normal, Caroline was startled to see a familiar face. The man lying there in the hay was no monster at all, but Lord Rousseau from the chateau near where she’d grownup in France.
    What was he doing in New Orleans? What had happened to him to bring him to such a horrible condition?
    As a girl, Caroline had been taken with the young man, but he’d barely noticed a poor village girl who was rumored to be the daughter of a witch, at least not at first. Then he did notice her, but soon disappeared. Eventually she had immigrated to the Americas, but over the years she’d never forgotten him. Now here he was, a vampire.
    At the moment, he was dazed and not moving. Caroline took the opportunity to go to Luis. When she kneeled next to his pale body, she knew he was gone. The creature had already drained his blood before she could stop him.
    Caroline glanced over at the vampire who was beginning to move. When he had recovered enough to sit up, he looked at her and she saw recognition enter his eyes.
    “Caroline!”
    Caroline said nothing. She continued to watch him, wary that he should make any sudden movements.
    He got to his feet and held out a hand to her. Still she didn’t move, making no attempt to take the offered hand.
    “I’m sorry Caroline. I would not have attacked you … if I’d been in my right mind.”
    “You are a creature of evil,” she spit out her words.
    “Alas you are right, but I won’t hurt you Caroline,” he smiled darkly.
    But he had hurt her, much worse than if he’d taken her life that night.
    Sarah came back to the present. She could hear the impatience in her aunt’s voice as she repeated her question.
    “Are you prepared to begin your life anew?”
    “Yes,” Sarah answered.
    “Rise up from the darkness of yesterday and become one with us.”
    Sarah rose to her feet and stood still, as two of the female members of the coven untied her robe, and let it slip from her body. She stood before the altar, naked for all to see. This was not something new for the coven, but it made her feel uncomfortable.
    Someone was removing the blindfold, and when Sarah opened her eyes, the bright light of the fire sent pain through her head.
    “You are born again into the grace of the god and goddess. Receive their protection.” Jeanie’s voice echoed through the dark forest.
    Someone was now placing a white robe over her body. The changing of the robes symbolized her emergence from darkness to light.
    Aunt Jeanie stepped from the altar, and carried a small golden dish of burning incense to where Sarah stood. She covered her niece with the purifying smoke of the incense, and when she was done, she stepped back to the altar. The rites of initiation were concluded.
    Now they would feast and celebrate throughout the night. Sarah waited patiently for the moment she could get Jeanie alone.
     
    * * * *
     
    The vision of the firelight dancing on the smooth skin of her firm breasts, nearly sent him into a frenzy of hunger. It took all his willpower to keep himself hidden. He could not take his eyes off of her, but at the same time, he felt rage that others were gazing upon her naked flesh.
    Darrien knew he should leave and never return, but how could he let her face the fury of Omar alone. He would watch her until the time was right to leave, but he could not let himself get too near her. If he were to make love to her, he would never be able to let her go. In the end, his love would only cause her more suffering.
    He closed his eyes so that he would be able to hold his desire