Finding Flesh

By JL McCale

Conrad lost his love once. Ever since, he has waited for her to be reincarnated so he can have a second chance. A hundred years has passed since he held Elaine. He only has one more month before he can make her his bride. Unfortunately, renegade vampires hope to cripple the elders by killing their mates before they can be turned. Now that Conrad is so close, will he finally have his chance at love or will it be ripped away from him a second time?

• Language: English
• Publisher: eXtasy Books Inc
• Release date: Feb 8, 2012
• ISBN: 9781554878826

Book preview

Conrad lost his love once. Ever since, he has waited for her to be reincarnated so he can have a second chance. A hundred years has passed since he held Elaine. He only has one more month before he can make her his bride. Unfortunately, renegade vampires hope to cripple the elders by killing their mates before they can be turned. Now that Conrad is so close, will he finally have his chance at love or will it be ripped away from him a second time?

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Finding Flesh

Copyright © 2011 J.L. McCale

ISBN: 978-1-55487-882-6

Cover art by Angela Waters

All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or hereafter invented, is forbidden without the written permission of the publisher.

Published by eXtasy Books

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Smashwords Edition

Finding Flesh

By

J.L. McCale

Chapter One

Conrad watched the couple sitting in the red Mustang. He knew what they were here to do. This was a notorious place for couples to indulge in their desires. His Elaine didn’t seem like the type, but then again, she had wants like anyone. He would not fault her them.

He pouted from his hiding spot in the woods. He was so close, but couldn’t yet claim his prize. His love was only twenty-four. It would be another month before she’d reached maturity at twenty-five when he could have her for his own. Unfortunately, she seemed to be very serious about this latest suitor.

The shadows were the best place for him. He breathed in the frosty air and tried to ignore the way the Mustang’s windows had fogged. None of this was healthy. He’d waited years for this woman. He could wait another month.

It was torture to watch them. He had to keep an eye on her though. Strange things had been happening with mates. Several had been found dead and he didn’t believe in coincidence.

The deaths had also been very brutal. These weren’t normal murders by a decaying society. These women had been tortured, their hearts cut out and strange symbols burned into their foreheads. Each attack had happened in the south and not near his location. It didn’t ease his mind though. He still liked to check on his beloved.

Conrad cut back through the woods, heading to the side road where his Jaguar was parked. He touched the door handle when he heard a scream. The hairs on his neck rose. He’d never heard his love’s voice, but everything in him said that she was the one in danger.

Moving with his unnatural speed, he reached the Mustang. Their forms were only shadows through the fog, but he could see far more details than the average man. He saw her through the window. Her shirt torn. That man pulling at her pants. She hit him. Tears streamed her face. She hit him twice more, but he wouldn’t be deterred. That’s when the man hit her back. That’s when Conrad jerked open the door.

What the hell? the man screamed. This is none of your business.

Conrad pulled Elaine from the vehicle. He then grabbed the man. It was true that Conrad had hundreds of years of experience in practicing patience. He was coldblooded, a predator used to stalking for days if necessary. His calm demeanor faded when his love was in danger. Conrad landed two punches. The man groaned. That was all. Conrad stopped before he struck a third time for fear he would kill the man. He didn’t want Elaine to see him in this violent state. There were too many other things she would have to learn to accept about him.

Behind him, he felt Elaine’s stare. He touched his own face, making sure his more monstrous side was in check before turning to face her. No fangs. Eyes seemed fine.

Are you okay? Conrad looked at her. She had her pants back in place, but her shirt was a ruined mess of cloth.

I think so. She was crying, a silent, sad sort of sob that broke Conrad’s heart.

Conrad removed his coat and handed it to her. Here. Cover up. My car is parked nearby. I’ll give you a ride home.

I didn’t think he would do that. He’d always stopped before. She had her arms crossed over her chest, hardly hiding the black bra she wore.

It’s okay. I won’t let him hurt you. He walked around her, wrapping his coat over her shoulders. My name is Conrad.

Thank you. She gripped the coat tightly, hiding herself in the old black leather trench coat. I’m Elaine.

It is my pleasure to be of service to you.

He put his hand at the small of her back and directed her toward the woods. His flesh made no contact with hers, yet he felt a spark so strong that his breath caught in his throat. She was so close. He was so wrapped in his own emotions he hardly noticed her hesitate. She stared into the dark woods, then looked up at him.

There is a side road fifty yards in. He couldn’t very well explain that he’d gone to the woods to watch her. She would