A Loud and Dreamless Sleep

By Michelle Marquis

Four decades ago Raven Smyth left her two kids with a babysitter, got into her car, and left to buy a gallon of milk. She never returned. Everyone assumed the pressure of raising children alone just got to her. But what no one understood was Raven had experienced a sudden and life changing transformation.

She had been turned into a vampire.

Now, after decades of loneliness and solitude, Raven has a new chance at happiness. It comes in the form of a powerful, sexy Russian Master Vamp named Vadim. A man Raven suspects has been assigned to destroy her. Can Raven ever trust anyone again, and overcome the pain of her losses, after all this time?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Torrid Books
• Release date: Oct 18, 2016
• ISBN: 9781682992050

Book preview

Chapter 1

Raven Smyth sat on the hood as the Offering fidgeted in the backseat of her Yaris.

She took a flask from the inside front pocket of her leather jacket and sipped a mouthful of Tequila. It cleared her palate on the way down and delivered a nasty bite. She returned the flask and tried to remember exactly what the Offering looked like. Brown hair, she thought, or was it dirty blonde? She gave her memory a half-heated effort and gave up. All she could recall was he was movie-star handsome. She did remember he was big and muscular, broad like a linebacker, and of course—young. He was also very willing and that was a big plus. Physical details eluded her but she could summon up his scent; fresh, clean cotton from his new T-shirt and the woody remnant of his aftershave. The Overlords will be pleased.

She shifted to a better sitting position on the hood. The metal thumped and made a temporary depression from her weight. She thought about a diet and gave a short laugh. Old human thoughts seeping in, she guessed. Altering the look of her flesh now was beyond her ability and had been for over forty years. Once you were turned, you maintained your looks. The only thing that could change her was the second death, the final one.

A distant train whistle pierced the quiet night.

It wouldn’t be long now, the train was about due. The railroad tracks were so quiet you’d never think trains passed this way. Even in the moonlight the rails shone, battered silver from all the trips they had borne over the years. How many people had traveled these tracks before her? How many would after she was gone? A hint of sorrow threatened to dampen her mood but she chased it away. There was no use dwelling on the past, nothing that was lost could be reclaimed. She wanted to be happy tonight. Well, if not happy, at least content.

The car door opened and closed. The Offering joined her. He stood close and placed his hand on her fishnet covered thigh. His hand was soft and warm like a woman’s. He caressed her leg, unsure at first then bolder as he moved up. Her senses came to life. In an instant she was aware of everything about him: his blonde hair, the rush of his blood as his desire arced—the pharmaceutical spike of the Ecstasy he’d just taken—and the building strength of his erection. She wondered if he would have been attracted to her full figure in other circumstances. Raven decided she didn’t care. He wasn’t for her pleasure, only an Offering to the Overlords. He was currency, a debt to be paid. As long as they were delighted, nothing else mattered.

The Offering placed a kiss on her cheek, then another on her lips. She kissed him back once and pushed him away. Easy, lover boy. I don’t want to miss the train. You’ll get all the pleasure and sex you can handle soon enough.

He wrapped his arms around her and dragged fevered kisses along her neck. You’re so beautiful. I just want to touch you.

Raven let him massage her ample breasts and mumble his lust into her ear. Even though he was very good looking, he didn’t do much for her sex-wise. She liked her men a lot more masculine. The Offering had too many slightly effeminate qualities to get her all fired up. But he did amuse her. He pleased and annoyed her all at once and reminded her of a house cat in his demand for attention.

Raven heard the thunder of the train long before he did. Eager to be ready, she placed her hand on his chest and gently pushed him back. He grabbed her hand and kissed the wrist and then the palm. His arousal had gone from charming to pathetic in a single action. Raven let out a long, exasperated sigh. She pulled her hand back and jumped off the car. Then she took him by the hand and approached the tracks.

The Offering grew tense as the train approached. He squeezed her hand like a child entering a dark room. The chug of the train grew louder and drowned out everything around them. It was coming fast, probably around forty-five miles per hour. She’d have to be careful not to hurt the Offering when she climbed on. It wouldn’t do to