Lovebite

By Nicole Willard

Becca Bowdler is a normal girl. Well, as normal as she can be (albeit she prefers playing game consoles to clothes shopping). She leads a normal life; goes to college, holds down a part-time waitressing job, and hangs out with her best friend, Jason.

Jason Leveraux is a Vampire, a very old Vampire in fact, and one that has desired her blood for years. When he saves her life one day, using abilities that just aren't human, she sets about discovering what he really is.

Before she does, she is bitten by a man, one she finds out later is actually a werewolf. Then it is a race against time as she is forced to decide how to continue. To be turned by Jason, whom she has come to love, be bitten again by the wolf and hope to survive, or let herself die. Which will she choose?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Nicole Willard
• Release date: Oct 26, 2013
• ISBN: 9781311165787

Nicole Willard

"A Whole Load of Trouble" in 2006, whilst studying for her end of school exams."Blackmail" was written nearly a year later in 2007."Trials and Tribulations" was written 6 months later."War" was written approximately 8 months later and completed by 2008."Once Bitten..." was finally completed in 2009."Lovebite" appeared somewhere in between finishing "Once Bitten..." and starting "Twice Shy...", being completed by 2010."Twice Shy" was then completed shortly after in the same year.Recent Additions:"The Temptress" (January 2016) follows Sarah Lawson, a Succubus with a life-threatening problem, and Nikolai, a Vampire who can solve that problem."The Wolf" (May 2016) follows the short story of a female Werewolf, Sarabella Johnston, as she is haunted by the past of her father in the form of a spirit determined to bring about her own demise. Along the way, she gains a Mate, a gorgeous Dhampir - half-Werewolf, half-Vampire hybrid - named Fury, a name that fits him like a glove."The Demon" (2017) follows Anastasia Liseux, a She-Demon recruited to aid in the solving of a number of murders, along with the assistance of Cole, a devilishly handsome Vampire."The Dragon" (July 2016) follows Helena Lukasinski, a nice normal human woman who happens to get lost in the Amazon rainforest at the wrong time. During that little adventure, she discovers a compelling man in the ruins of an Aztec temple by the name of Drakantos, a man with eyes of gold and a body to die for...who also has suspiciously reptilian tendencies...Upcoming Books (waiting on book covers) :. “Merlise" - (Ilaeden series) An adventure by one of Cole's daughters.. “The Albino” - (Sinner’s Paradise series) Following the story of Luna, a rare albino werewolf fighting to be accepted.. “The Ashes” - (Sinner’s Paradise series) Following the story of Aurora, in the search for someone who wants an abandoned baby dead.. “The Dancer” - (Sinner’s Paradise series) - Following the story of Raelyn, a human with unusual abilities.. “The Shadow” - (Sinner’s Paradise series) Following the story of Eleanor, whose family is murdered in the middle of the night.. “The Waitress” - (Sinner’s Paradise series) Following the story of Serenity, who finds herself being hunted by supernatural creatures.. “The Mortician” - (Sinner’s Paradise series) Following the story of Rayne, a mortician who has a body stand up on the autopsy table.. “The Book” - (Sinner’s Paradise series) Following the story of Jane, who fights to keep a book out of the clutches of dragons.P.S. All reviews are welcome and wanted. After all, how can I improve writing books to cater to all readers if nobody leaves feedback on what they thought of the books? ?Shurz Yaz - Facebook review7 August 2016 at 23:46"The Temptress" I have recently finished reading this amazing book! The storyline is jaw-droppingly good! Very visually descriptive where it's lead me to create a fantastic scene in my head - one of the first signs of a good writer. I couldn't put this book down as it was an addictive read. I'm eager to read the next book! If you're into supernatural/fantasy/adult/romance, this is the book for you! Nicole, you rocks! :)

Book preview

Chapter 1

I won, Becca Bowdler sang triumphantly, holding the games controller in the air like a trophy as the screen flashed her victory. Jason, her best friend of seven years, rolled his eyes as he tossed his own controller onto the bedcovers, a small smile playing on his lips.

They were at his house, hanging out as they usually did every weekend and pretty much most of the week too. They pigged out on snacks, flicked through television channels until they got bored or found a show they liked, played his games consoles, and mock wrestled.

However, this particular Saturday, their fun had been rudely interrupted. Jason’s most recent girlfriend had shown up and he had had no choice but to let her in. She now sat beside him, admiring her beautifully polished fingernails.

Her eyes flicked to Becca every few minutes, boring holes into the back of her head. Becca simply raised an eyebrow before proceeding to ignore the other girl throughout the rest of the day, much to the other girl’s annoyance.

Becca finally glanced at the other girl and snorted, nothing but contempt in her eyes.

Beach blonde hair that flowed to her waist, cornflower blue eyes set innocently wide, and a figure that drew men like bees to honey, Rachael was perfect enough to be a Barbie doll.

Becca thought back to when she had been younger, and been given a Barbie doll for Christmas. There had only ever been the one occurrence. She had hacked off all the golden locks with scissors, tattooing the plastic body in messily drawn skulls with black felt tip marker, before biting the head off. Wisely, no more dolls had been given, as either gifts or toys to play with.

Becca cocked her head thoughtfully; imagining what Rachael would look like with her hair reduced to stubble like the unfortunate Barbie, and gave an evil grin.

Rachael caught the smile and looked reasonably worried, moving closer to Jason. Becca only shrugged in response. She wasn’t jealous. She knew she got her own share of lingering gazes.

Thick dark hair fell in soft waves to her shoulders, her eyes a deep brown that lightened or darkened depending on her mood at the time. Her body was nothing to scorn at either, toned from self-defence classes and Mother Nature herself had blessed her with an hourglass figure.

At her derisive snort, Jason’s dark eyes met Becca’s. He knew exactly what she thought of his girlfriend, since she told him repeatedly whenever she got the chance. As his gaze moved to the other girl when she fidgeted against him, Becca took a closer look at him, noticing the deepening shadows beneath his eyes.

He would be leaving soon, she thought to herself sadly and bit back her sigh before studying him again.

His thick dark hair was cut to just below his ears, curling slightly at the nape of his neck. His heart-stopping eyes appeared black at the moment, his handsome face chiselled to perfection, his jaw clean-shaven. His nose was straight and unbroken, tanned skin now pale, drawn taut over his cheekbones, his lips firm. His body was every girl’s dream, toned skin over defined muscle and very little body hair. Altogether, he seemed to have been sculpted by an artist.

A female artist, Becca decided, a small smile playing on her lips.

As though sensing her direction of thought, his eyes flickered back to hers, dark and brooding. She blinked at his sudden attention, glad she didn’t blush easily and simply raised an eyebrow. He didn’t speak, only continued to watch her expressionlessly.

Oh, Jase, let’s go out, Rachael pleaded, pouting up at him.

Annoyance flashed in her eyes when she found him looking at Becca, but he looked back at her when she spoke. She widened her eyes, her bottom lip jutting out slightly. She put a hand on his chest possessively, unable to resist stealing a glance in Becca’s direction.

Becca snorted quietly, rolling her eyes. Jason raised a single sculpted eyebrow at his girlfriend, shaking his head calmly.

Today is Bec’s day, he murmured. His voice oozed sex appeal, the kind that sent shivers down spines. Impatience flashed across Rachael’s face, but she hid it in her eyes as she stood, looking at Jason with an endearing smile.

Can I use your bathroom, Jase? He nodded, watching her through half-closed eyes as he leant his head back against the wall.

Sure thing, babe. Becca curled her lip as Rachael left the room, swaying her hips seductively, her long legs catching Jason’s eye as she left.

Jason waited until he heard the bathroom door click shut before opening his eyes fully, once more keen and alert. They fixed on Becca as she watched him over the end of his bed, a raised eyebrow and faint smile directed at him.

Babe? He shrugged.

She said it makes her feel sexy. She snorted.

As sexy as the pig? He rolled his eyes. Oh, c’mon, that is one good lookin’ pig. Apparently she agrees wholeheartedly with the statement if she wants to be named after it. I wonder if she knows that ‘Babe’ is a male pig though… His eyes laughed.

You jealous, Bec? She looked offended at the mere suggestion.

Of a girl that wants to be called a pig? Hardly.

Mhmm…

Besides, Mark asked me out today. He suddenly sobered, his eyes piercing. "Now he is good looking."

What was your answer? She tapped her nose with a grin.

It’s a secret.

A secret, hmm? He moved forward to lie on his stomach so that they were on the same eye-level. Is that so? She nodded.

You won’t tell me why you choose such pathetic girlfriends so I don’t have to tell you my answer. He smiled, the action sending butterflies into her stomach.

I’ve told you before. She rolled her eyes.

Being bored is not a valid excuse.

Well, it’s the only one I have.

Uh huh.

She stood casually, lifting her hands above her head as she stretched, her t-shirt rising to reveal her flat stomach. She suddenly moved quickly, jumping on him. He rolled out of the way with a laugh, flipping her onto her back with surprising ease.

As soon as she landed on the bed, he sat astride her stomach. She wriggled under him, trying to push him off, but he caught her wrists easily. He pinned them above her head, her hair fanning out on his pillow. Her quiet laughter faded as he leant over her, his dark eyes meeting hers. Her stomach clenched as some expression in his eyes made her heart pound and she swallowed.

Are you going to tell me now? he asked.

Uh… He raised an eyebrow.

Did you tell him yes or no? She fidgeted under his gaze.

Um…yes. He scowled, displeasure flickering in his eyes. He is a nice enough guy, Jay…

Say no.

Huh?

Tell him you changed your mind. Or come to your senses. She stared at him.

Why the hell would I do that? I know I complain about your girlfriends, but that doesn’t mean you stop me from…

Without warning, he pressed his lips to hers, cutting her short. She tried to speak, but he kept his lips pressed against hers, kissing her softly but with his usual determination. He tilted his head to kiss her deeply and she felt herself become dizzy. Then she remembered to breathe through her nose and the fog cleared, becoming acutely aware of the pressure of his cool lips on hers.

Becca swallowed when he drew back slowly and licked her lips, her eyes dark in confusion. His black gaze went straight to her mouth and her breath caught.

Tell him no, he repeated quietly. Be mine instead.

Be…yours? she croaked. He nodded. But…

He leant down to kiss her again, but someone cleared their throat. Someone they had both forgotten about. They looked up to find Rachael standing there, her arms folded across her chest. She glared at them accusingly, her eyes shooting daggers at Becca.

Becca tried to sit up but Jason refused to release her, something Rachael didn’t fail to notice. She sighed, giving up. He could be as moveable as a mountain sometimes and he didn’t seem to be moving any time soon. He had probably already forgotten that he still held onto her.

What are you doing? Rachael asked icily. Becca grimaced. If looks could kill, she would be a pile of ash right now.

Jason shrugged, his unworried gaze barely focusing on her.

Kissing Bec. He made it sound perfectly obvious and the girl paled angrily. Becca sighed. Make that Jason being killed first for his amazing tact.

Jason, I’m not a toy to be played around with when you feel like it, Rachael hissed. You will not kiss other girls.

Jason cocked an eyebrow as Becca sighed again wearily. This girl was obviously new. She clearly didn’t know a thing. Nobody told Jason what to do.

I’ll kiss whoever I damn well want to kiss, he informed his girlfriend coolly. Which I know you’ve been doing.

I haven’t…

I spoke to Liam. She clamped her mouth shut then spun on her heel and stalked from the room.

Jason shrugged, rolling his eyes at her theatrical departure before turning back to Becca. He gave her a boyish smile but she gazed up at him steadily.

She didn’t deserve that, Jay. He stared at her then rolled his eyes again as he stood. He released her wrists with seeming reluctance as he pointed a warning finger at her.

Don’t move. He left and she grimaced. If she did move even an inch from how he had left her, he would know and put her back there without even giving her chance to speak.

~*~

As she lay waiting for him to return, her thoughts drifted back to when he had kissed her. Her brow creased as she tried to work out what had been going through his mind at the time. The most he had ever done before was kiss her forehead at Christmas.

And now he wanted more? He must have done it to give Rachael an excuse to finish him, she decided then frowned. He had never needed an excuse before…

Her thoughts were interrupted by a murmur of voices coming from downstairs. Rachael’s voice was clearly audible, her words growing louder, her tone seething.

"…Or me, Jase…" There was a murmur as Jason answered, then he was cut off by a ringing slap of flesh on flesh. It was closely followed by the door slamming shut as Rachael left. Becca sighed.

Why did he always choose the clingy ones? she wondered to herself idly, wriggling to make herself more comfortable on the rumpled bed.

She listened to one of the stairs creak then followed Jason’s near silent progress back to the room. He appeared in the doorway and she twisted her head to look at him. He checked her position sharply then smiled.

Comfortable?

She shrugged, putting her hands under head as she bent her knees, throwing one leg over the other. He stopped at the edge of the bed with a disapproving expression then moved to correct her position.

His hands slid over her legs slowly, separating them once more and his eyes gleamed as he heard her breathing quicken. He tugged her hands out from under her head, manacling her wrists gently as he resumed his former position above her.

He made himself comfortable, deliberately making her grumble in protest. His weight pressed down on her firmly but not enough that she couldn’t move. She groused a bit more before quietening.

Your competition is finally gone so you can rest easy, he murmured. She snorted.

You’ve only been dating for three weeks and she’s acting like it was years, she pointed out. Besides, who said I wanted you for myself? He chuckled.

How could you not want me? he teased. I’m young and handsome, I have an awesome personality…

And you’re oh-so-modest, she drawled. He only grinned. Besides, I’m not the one with competition. Remember? His expression darkened slightly.

I meant what I said, Bec. Say no.

What, to him or you? His eyes narrowed.

Him.

Hmm…I’ll think about it. He made a sound in the back of his throat that sounded suspiciously like a growl. She ignored it. And next time, tell me what you’re going to do instead of just springing surprises on me like that. A girl likes a bit of warning beforehand.

You want me to tell you what I’m going to do? he repeated softly, his face suddenly very close to hers.

She swallowed, keenly aware of how much of an advantage he had over her. He gave a small wicked smile, his dark eyes gleaming.

Firstly, I’m going to kiss you, he said in a low, dark tone. Then I’m going to remove your clothes, piece-by-piece.

She trembled, not in fear, but with excitement. His eyes glowed as he gazed down