Page 119 of The Guardian's Curse

Eventually, Shoshanna whispered, "I'm hungry. Break time." On their way back to a private corner, he gestured to one of the waitresses. After glancing at Shoshanna, the woman nodded eagerly. She promptly returned with a silver tray of neatly sliced fruit, crackers, and cheeses. Shoshanna smiled. "Thank you," she said. "Did you sneak food in for me?"

"Violette asked me for what you liked," he said. "A sure sign that you are someone of importance to the Court."

She chuckled. "And to you?"

"Oh, you are the person of the greatest importance to me," he replied earnestly. He stroked her arm. "Have you thought about what I asked yesterday?"

Her smile faded, sending a ripple of fear through him. "Yes."

Fool. He should have waited, when the turmoil of vampire politics was not fresh on her mind. He shook his head. "We don't have to—"

"Of course I'll turn to be with you," she said. "I can see that worry on your face, Mister Thorne. You stop that right now."

Relief bubbled through him. "I feared the worst."

"Because you're a worrier," she said, lightly touching his noise. "Not yet. A few more years, at least. I want to see a few more sunsets before I say goodbye to it forever. Hawaii and Fiji, for sure. But definitely before my hair starts turning gray."

He was struck with a pang of sorrow. "You would give up the sun for me?"

"If it means I get to be with you, then yes. What good is it to be soulmates if we don't get to enjoy it together?" she said. "You'll keep me warm and safe, won't you?"

He smiled and leaned in for a kiss. "I will be your light forever."

"Forever is a long time," she said, giving him a mock serious expression. "What if you get tired of me singing in the shower?"

"I would not," he said with earnest seriousness. "But if I did, I'm sure earplugs would suffice. What if you tire of my melancholy moods?"

She leaned in and kissed his cheek, letting her warm hand rest on his thigh. Warmth pulsed through their bond, making him feel like he'd submerged into warm water. "Good thing I know how to cure your melancholy moods."

He laughed. "You do, indeed." Furthermore, his melancholy moods were quite rare with her in his life.

"Are you going to make good on your promise? To spend our time making me happy?" she asked.

"It is all I want to do," he said.

"Then who needs the sun?" she said. "You are what I need and what I want."

"Then you will want for nothing for the rest of time."

* * *

CURSED BLOOD will continue with The Hunter’s Curse, featuring Nikko Baudelaire and a human woman determined to rescue her sister from the Casteron vampires. Keep reading for a sneak peek, or go ahead and preorder now!

The Hunter’s Curse

And if you can’t get enough of Alistair and Shoshanna, I’ve got an extra treat for you. Get a glimpse of life - and a well-spent night - with these destined mates in a special bonus scene only for subscribers!

Clearing Her Head - A Bonus Epilogue

The Hunter’s Curse: A Sneak Peek

A mournful jazz singer crooned a haunting lullaby as Olivia Pierce crossed the dance floor to a distinguished gentleman who sat alone. She offered her hand and said, “Mr. Boyd, may I have this dance?”

Eddie’s silver-blue eyes were partially obscured by bushy gray eyebrows that rose in surprise. Gripping his cane tightly, he stood up and grinned. “I thought you would never ask. As long as you don’t mind my assistant, Biltmore.” He shook his cane at her with a little laugh.

“Mr. Biltmore may join too,” she said.She let Eddie hold her arm for balance as she took him a few steps out to the dance floor, then placed her hand on his shoulder.

He cleared his throat. “Oh, Miss Pierce, is it all right? I don’t want to overstep.”

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