Desire for Flesh

By Violet Heart

When a flesh-eating demi-goddess receives a bite from the prince she’s chosen as her next meal, everything changes. Rather than returning to the Underworld, Empusa accompanies him on his quest to win a throne. While they travel to Knossos where Prince Diolorius will compete to rule the kingdom of Crete, Empusa learns a new type of desire. He stirs in her a sexual appetite. She does what she can to help him survive and excel in the competition while losing her heart to a human unlike any she has encountered. Underlying this surprising and strong connection between them, however, is a fearful question. Can she deny her hunger, or will she succumb to her desire for flesh?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Laura Kitchell
• Release date: Feb 27, 2015
• ISBN: 9781310573330

Book preview

DESIRE FOR FLESH

by

Violet Heart

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or deceased, is entirely coincidental.

Ebook Version by Smashwords

A Greek Myth Erotic Romance

Desire for Flesh

Copyright© 2015 Violet Heart Books

ISBN: 9781310573330

Cover Artist: Laura Kitchell

Content Editor: Katherine Alexander

Line Editor: Lola Duval

Proofer: Karrie Carlsen

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced electronically or in print without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in reviews.

Violet Heart Books . All rights reserved.

Chapter One

Hoofbeats on packed earth echoed among towering trees in the night-enshrouded woods. Empusa smoothed a hand over her hair and took a step closer to the roadway. Moonlight cast a pale glow along the highway. She moved nearer.

When the hoofbeats grew louder, announcing the traveler’s imminent approach, she inhaled sharply. Her demigoddess breath infused a stiff breeze into the island’s heavy, sea-laden air. Her glowing red-as-flame locks danced on the slight wind. She smiled.

Empusa strode to the middle of the roadway and faced the human.

Rather than a crouched old man atop an ass, the usual traveler Hecate sent her to frighten, a strong, straight rider rode bareback upon a regal gray stallion. The man sat tall, his shoulders broad and his black, wavy hair flecked with moonlight.

The animal’s thick neck and muscular shoulders twitched. Its eyes widened to show white all around. It didn’t halt, however.

The man showed no fear and no sign of stopping. His lack of interest confused her. She shrieked, a shrill, piercing cry that made leaves shiver upon nearby trees. Still, he released no smell of fear. The horse screamed and shied, nearly tossing his rider.

Damn it, shouted the man, his eyes dark and piercing in his ire. Be quiet and move aside, woman.

Butterflies beat wings of delight in her stomach. Who was this human? Cower before Empusa!

He reined his horse to a halt and narrowed his eyes. Empusa, huh?

She’d never given much thought to her constant nudity, but this man made her very aware. She arched a bit, thrusting her breasts while her nipples went achingly hard. Scaring him was now out of the question. This man she would seduce then devour.

The goddess Hecate’s beautiful daughter? He took her in from head to toe. One ebony eyebrow arched. Meeting her gaze, he said, You’re beautiful, to be sure, but I doubt you are Empusa.

His impudence sent an unexpected rush of moisture through her suddenly throbbing crease. She issued an impatient blow, dissipating the breeze. Her hair settled onto her shoulders and down her back. Swaying her hips, she slowly approached him, wrapping a lock of hair around her finger in time with her seductive strides.

You find me beautiful?

Who wouldn’t?

A pebble bit into her heel, and she hesitated long enough to kick it off the road. Most find me frightful. I’m powerful. Dangerous.

He laughed. No. You’re bored and horny.

She wanted to be irritated, but this man was entirely too pleasing to behold. "I am the daughter of Hecate."

She stepped near the horse and waved her hand. The beast calmed. Its breath puffed noisily from its nostrils, and its eyelids drooped as if it would nap. Empusa sent the man a coy grin then initiated the tingling magic that transformed her into a donkey. She then became a bull. On a shiver, she shrank into the form of a dog. She heaved to her hind legs and took on her favorite shape – that of an irresistible temptress.

Impressive, he said. Since you’re a demigoddess, I have nothing to fear from you.

He didn’t appear to fear anything. Ever.

Why is that? she ran a fingertip along the striated muscles of his horse’s neck and slowly smiled as the animal trembled.

A slight smile relieved the disinterest in his visage. Because I think often about the good things the gods have promised.

She blinked. Yes. The gods had promised good things. It had been eons since she’d thought of that. Eons since she’d wanted to do good things. She’d consumed too much blood. Eaten too much flesh. Taken too many lives. All for the entertainment and fulfillment of her mother.

His exomis pale in the moonlight, he dismounted and took her hand. Have I injured you in some way? You look pained.

She did? Empusa straightened her shoulders. I’m not wounded or insulted. Only thinking.

He lifted her hand and studied her fingers on his palm. You’re a dainty one.

A jolt of need swelled the folds of her slit. She turned