Shadow's Claim

He brushed her hair from her neck. “Already it fades.”

“I guess you’ll just have to give me another one.” She felt his shaft pulse at her words.

“Delightedly,” he said in a husky tone. “But first, I meant what I said, Bett. I want to wed you as soon as possible. Today.”

“Okay! It counts as two boons. . . .” Yet then her excitement dimmed somewhat.

“What is it?”

She bit her bottom lip. “Do you recall the woman who was with me in the bar? She’s my patroness, Sabine. She’s been searching for you.” At his quizzical glance, Bettina said, “Her sister has been taken by Vrekeners, and she’s very interested to learn how you reached Skye Hall.”

“I see. Do you want me to help her find her sister?”

“I . . . maybe? In any event, I feel like I should warn you—the more I look at my life, the more complicated it seems. Are you sure you want to sign on?”

Looking very fierce, he grated, “Try and stop me, Bett.” He drew her down against him, her cheek resting against his strong heart.

He squeezed her tighter with a brawny, possessive arm, nuzzling her hair.

“I’m serious, vampire,” she said, tracing nervous patterns over his skin. “Can you handle my assembled ragtag family, a snarky peeping phanTom, life among deathly demons, and potentially a hell-plane intervention for a friend? Oh, and possibly leaving within the hour to plot a Sorceri rescue?”

She felt Daciano grin against her hair and knew what he was about to say. And she knew she’d believe him.

“Yes,” her vampire said simply. “My love, yes.”

© DEANNA MEREDITH STUDIOS

KRESLEY COLE is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Immortals After Dark paranormal series and the electrifying new Dacians series. Her Immortals After Dark books have been translated into seventeen foreign languages, garnered two RITA Awards, and consistently appear on the bestseller lists in the United States and abroad. She has also written five award-winning historical romances. Visit her website at www.KresleyCole.com.

BOOKS BY KRESLEY COLE

The Immortals After Dark Series

The Warlord Wants Forever

A Hunger Like No Other

No Rest for the Wicked

Wicked Deeds on a Winter’s Night

Dark Needs at Night’s Edge

Dark Desires After Dusk

Kiss of a Demon King

Deep Kiss of Winter

Pleasure of a Dark Prince

Demon from the Dark

Dreams of a Dark Warrior

Lothaire

The Sutherland Series

The Captain of All Pleasures

The Price of Pleasure

The MacCarrick Brothers Series

If You Dare

If You Desire

If You Deceive

The Arcana Chronicles

Poison Princess