Feral Desires: Forever and a Night, #4

By Lana Campbell

Elizabeth Davenport loves a good time. She's a rich, twenty-one-year-old vampire embarking on a new career and living the high life in New York City. Her father, famous real-estate mogul Nathan Davenport, will do anything to protect Beth, who is the apple of his eye. One night at an art premiere, she meets Dr. Noah Langston, an OB/GYN for vampires. He's handsome, sexy, and two hundred and fifty years older than her. It isn't long after Beth begins to date Noah that she incurs a stalker. Their budding romance takes a backseat to this menace who is wreaking havoc in Beth's life. He abducts one of her friends and threatens to kill her if Beth won't agree to see him. Now everyone in Beth's life is working overtime to catch this killer who has a sick fantasy that Beth is his life mate. Can Beth catch this killer in time or will it be too late?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lana Campbell
• Release date: Sep 6, 2018
• ISBN: 9781386352280

Lana Campbell

Lana Campbell is the author of the Forever and a Night vampire romance series. The first book in her series is Forever and a Night. Her second book Dark Experiments came out 5/21/17. Her third book, Deadly Secrets, released 9/30/17. Book four Feral Desires was released on 3/3/18. She loves writing paranormal romance and is an avid reader of it too. From the time she was fourteen Lana always had a romance novel in her backpack and was reading it after school, at school, wherever she could find a few minutes to read. Reading enticed her to write. She wrote her first book in 1995, but never considered publishing anything until much later. She got serious about publishing in 2014 and Forever and a Night came out in 2016. The rest is history. Lana lives in Pea Ridge AR with her oldest daughter, Jessica and a cat named Jenna.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Dr. Noah Langston was a recluse. Not by design as much as by habit. He had no one to blame but himself for this fact. As a busy OB/GYN for vampires, he had made his practice his world—his god. He had no social life—another matter that was a fault of his own. The little free time he had he spent alone in his rambling, old Victorian home, either watching an intriguing documentary or brushing up on other forms of vampire medicine by reading current medical journals.

His partner, Dr. Christian La Mond, also a vampire and an OB/GYN but happily life mated, couldn’t seem to understand that Noah’s life was comfortable. Certainly, it would have been nice to have a life mate. Noah was a two-hundred-sixty-three-year-old unmated vampire. He assumed he’d been bypassed by God to find his one true mate. For years he’d searched, but as time passed, he’d simply given up. It would have been nice if Christian and others who sought to set him up in vampire social situations would give it a rest and let him grow old peacefully.

Tonight he’d agreed to go to Christian’s sister-in-law’s art gallery for the 2040 premiere of her new works, so here he was at the famous Danielle Chauvenski’s art gallery, decked out in a pristine tux for an event Christian promised would include a number of eligible vampire females. He’d never had much luck finding dates in situations such as this, but perhaps tonight would be a good distraction from the mundane lifestyle he led.

The eggshell walls of Danielle Chauvenski’s gallery were lined with all sizes of her works, the colors of the paintings ranging from muted pastels to brilliant, bold primary colors. All were very impressionistic—not really his cup of tea. For the sake of politeness, he was considering purchasing one of the pieces.

The place was packed. Hundreds of people, all dressed in elegant evening attire, milled about the ostentatious room, talking, drinking, and scanning the artist’s works. Servers filtered through the crowd bearing trays with glasses of wine and champagne as well as various appetizers. He sniffed at a nearby tray being offered by a young server girl to an elderly couple. With his heightened sense of smell, he could tell it was some sort of shrimp pastry with cumin and cilantro. He felt his stomach rumble and recalled he hadn’t eaten anything since lunch. He approached the mousey girl, who instantly extended her tray.

As he chewed, he studied the crowd, all of whom were mostly human, but his kind’s strongest scent—smell—picked up on a number of vampires. Across the room, he spied Nathan and Mia Davenport talking to their daughter, Danielle, and her life mate, Dominic Chauvenski. Asa and his life mate, Chelsie, who both worked at their Denver V clinic were with them. They smiled and waved as they made their way through the crowd toward him.

Noah met them halfway and extended his hand to Asa, who instantly grabbed it and gave him one of his sturdy Texas handshakes.

The big man’s emerald-green eyes flashed with merriment. Christian told me you might be here tonight. Glad you came, but I’m a bit surprised to see you out for an evening of socializing.

Well, Christian sort of twisted my arm. I’m surprised to see you both here. Did you fly in from Denver for this?

It was Chelsie who answered. Yes. This event is huge for Dannie. We wouldn’t have missed it for the world. I don’t know how much you know about her, but after Kane was born, she didn’t paint for a while. These last couple of years, she’s been making up for lost time.

Noah nodded his understanding. He’d known Chelsie’s younger sister had had another vampire child several years ago because Christian was her OB. How old is the boy now?

A young male server paused next to them with a tray of champagne. Noah handed off two glasses to Asa and Chelsie and grabbed one for himself. He took a sip. It was a nice, crisp brut. It had been a while, but he suspected it to be Dom Perignon, given the Davenport fortune backing this event.

Asa downed half his glass and said, Kane’s ten. Can you believe it?

Noah’s eyes widened at that news. Time truly was escaping him. The birth of that child seemed so recent to him, he would have thought him still a toddler.

His thoughts were interrupted when he scented Christian and his life mate, Tiffany. He turned his head, his gaze fixing on them as they made their way across the room to join their little gathering.

Christian was grinning as he approached, looking as sharp as Asa in his own tux. The two men, like all males of their kind, were larger and statistically taller than the average human. Asa was a bit taller than Christian, but they looked similar. Both had rugged, tanned features and blond hair. Christian’s was long and tied back into a ponytail. Asa’s was short and styled in a very modern way. They even spoke in the same thick Texas drawl.

Their life mates had gone all out for the event too. Chelsie’s dress was a sleeveless burgundy affair, Tiffany’s a full-length, teal one with skinny straps. She actually looked very nice. This was only the second or third time he’d seen her wearing something besides jeans and cowboy boots.

So what do you think, Noah? Christian asked and then nodded at one of the paintings displayed on the wall not far from them. See anything you like yet?

He turned and glanced around. I haven’t even had time to look. You know I think her works are lovely, but I’m not so sure how one would fit in my home.

Ah, yes, Christian mused, tapping his chin. Any of Dannie’s work would clash wildly with your Vlad the Impaler theme. He shot his wife a wink, and she started chuckling—as did Asa and Chelsie.

He frowned at the lot of them but had nothing to retort because, sadly, his home was in fact exceedingly dreary. His practice kept him so busy, he wasn’t there enough to care.

Hey, I have an idea, Chelsie said, smiling at her sister. Maybe we should introduce Noah to Beth.

Beth? he murmured, wondering to whom they referred. Then it dawned on him. They were talking about the youngest Davenport sibling, Elizabeth. But she was just a child. Wasn’t she?

Christian obviously noticed his confusion and explained. Elizabeth is an interior designer. A couple months ago she opened a design studio in her home.

Little Beth? That cute girl with raven locks, huge violet eyes and a face like a little cherub had graduated from college? Dear God, he had literally been living in a time warp. I had no idea. The last time I saw the child was at Asa and Chelsie’s wedding.

Chelsie laughed. Noah, that was before you started working here at the New York V clinic over twelve years ago. She grew up.

Oh, there she is now! Tiffany exclaimed and began to wave.

Noah followed her line of sight to the other side of the large gallery room, his gaze riveting on one of the most breathtaking females of their kind he’d ever laid eyes on. She had hair the color of a raven’s wings, and it cascaded in perfect ringlets down her back, almost to her waist. A second later, he noticed her scent them. She turned her head and locked gazes with Tiffany, flashed a brilliant smile, and then began to approach.

It was little Elizabeth!

Chelsie was right. She had definitely grown up, and she was a vision to behold. He couldn’t take his eyes off her. She was wearing a red cocktail dress that hit her mid-thigh. The matching high-heel sandals she wore had bands of red leather wrapped around her ankles. She was very tall and all legs. The little scrap of a dress she wore accentuated many of her other assets as well. She grew up nicely, Noah thought. Very nicely.

Hey, little sis. How’s it going? Tiffany asked as she joined their little group.

Wonderful, and what a turn out for Dannie, huh? She began to greet the rest of her family members.

Noah knew he was staring, but he couldn’t help himself. She was incredibly beautiful. Her scent was absolutely riveting—spicy and floral—and it had nothing to do with her perfume, because each vampire had his or her own unique scent. Hers literally sang to him.

When introductions came around to him, Tiffany said, This is Dr. Noah Langston. He’s Christian, Asa, and Chelsie’s partner.

Her violet eyes fixed on him, and she looked him over with what Noah could have sworn was female interest. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Dr. Langston. She held out her hand and gave him a demure smile.

Noah shook her hand and smiled back. Thank you. It’s nice to meet you, too, Elizabeth.

Noah wondered if he was imagining things, because she actually seemed intrigued by him. He couldn’t fathom why she would be. She had eyes. Couldn’t she see he was eons older than her?

Chelsie interrupted his musings. Beth, we were all just talking about Noah’s home needing some of your expertise. I know you’re still actively searching for clients.

I wouldn’t mind at all. What did you have in mind?

I’m really not certain.

Christian huffed. He needs an overhaul, Beth. I’ve only been there once, but I can tell you it makes a dungeon look inviting.

Tiffany flashed a devilish smile. Knowing Noah, he probably does have a dungeon where he stores small children for his evening snacks.

He shot his partner’s life mate a hot look.

Elizabeth giggled again. Oh, it can’t be that bad. Shame on you guys. You’re giving Noah such a hard time. Are they always picking on you like this? Beth asked in a sympathetic tone, her wide violet eyes blinking at him with both concern and mirth.

Ruthlessly. It was true. Especially Tiffany. They’d gotten off on the wrong foot when she started working for the V clinic. He tolerated her now for Christian’s sake.

Beth stepped forward and looped her arm around his. Let’s get you away from these meanies. Take a stroll with me and tell me about your place.

She was leading him away before anyone came up with a reply, and he was grateful for the reprieve. He was used to being teased and knew none of them meant it in a harmful fashion—not even Tiffany. It was typical for mated ones of their kind to tease an unmated male.

They hadn’t gone far when he scented an unfamiliar vampire male behind them. He instantly stopped and turned. He could tell by scent that the man was mated. Every vampire had a different scent, as did humans, but mated vampires had a slightly different note due to what occurred during the mating bond. He was also huge, with a good two to three inches on Noah and besting him by at least fifty pounds of pure bulk. He wore a very disapproving scowl directed squarely at Noah.

Noah was offended by the way the man glared at the two of them. He started to take a step toward him, but Elizabeth regained his arm and pulled him back.

That’s my bodyguard, Craig, she explained. He’s been with me since I was a teenager. He’s always trailing me except when I’m in a family setting. And don’t mind his scowl. He can be a bit of a curmudgeon.

Noah sighed with relief and gave the man a knowing nod. Obviously, he hadn’t noticed him before because his attention had been riveted on her. Of course it made sense. She was the only biological daughter of real estate mogul Nathan Davenport. The vampire was famous for his wealth and was always on TV or being featured in some newspaper or tabloid. How he kept what he was from the world, Noah didn’t know, but he obviously wanted to shield his daughter from nosy media and people enamored with her celebrity status. What better way to do that than to hire a mature vampire to enchant pesky people and cause them to forget what they wanted from Beth?

They started walking again, and Elizabeth said, Tell me about your home—the style, age, or just anything you’ve ever thought about doing with it.

Noah sighed. Christian was right. It really is dungeon-like. I’m never there, nor have I had time to contemplate a remodel. It’s a three-story Queen Anne style.

With a turret? she asked, hope in her tone.

Yes.

Excellent! She bounced up on her tiptoes and skipped a couple steps. How she managed the moves in those high heels, he didn’t know. I can’t wait to see it. It has to be magnificent.

It’s anything but magnificent, Beth. When I bought it, the place needed much, and I just let time get away from me. Now I just think it needs a wrecking ball.

She offered him a promising smile and said, You are very much in luck, Noah. I have a deep love for restoring historical buildings. I would love to see your home, and I would never judge you for its disrepair. My job is to take a home from such a state and turn it into a place of one’s own style and beauty where a person can take reprieve from the world and find peace.

She was gazing at him in such a sweet, excited way, it made his heart lurch in his chest. Noah didn’t know what to say. He was so damned attracted to her, and he felt sick about it. She was far too young for him, and the things she stirred in him embarrassed him, but it was unfortunately not enough to tell her he didn’t want her to see his house and give him a bid for a restoration. He wanted to see her again to discover if the interest he sensed from her was real.

I hope I don’t seem like I’m pressing you to do this. I didn’t hear the first part of your conversation with Chelsie and the others about your home. If you have no interest—

Oh, no, I do. He quickly assured her, taking one of her hands in his. You’re right, I am a bit embarrassed about the state I’ve allowed the place to get into."

She nodded and squeezed his hand. I suspected as much. No worries. Until I take a look at it, I can’t give you any time or price estimates, but I promise you I’ll work with you every step of the way to make it your dream home.

He considered her offer. His house was truly dreary, and he’d needed this sort of restoration for some time now. I’d love for you to take a look at it, Elizabeth. At your convenience, of course.

Her eyes lit up with excitement. Will one evening next week work for you? She pulled a business card out of the little black evening bag she’d been clutching and handed it to him.

Next week will be fine.

Awesome. Call me as soon as you can, and we’ll set up a time.

I will.

Enjoy the rest of your evening, Noah.

She gave his arm a final pat, then turned and headed across the gallery toward her parents, who were still in the company of their daughter Danielle, the artist. Her bodyguard followed, hot at Beth’s heels.

Noah sighed and looked at her business card, wondering about the wisdom in inviting the young girl into his home. He’d developed an instantaneous crush on the child. Foolish, he knew, but what vampire—age aside—wouldn’t be attracted to such a beauty?

Noah tucked her business card into the front pocket of his jacket and headed for the front entrance of the gallery. He’d be buying nothing tonight except maybe a drink at a local pub for himself and some human female intent upon a one-night stand. Obviously, his long stint of celibacy needed to end if a beautiful young vampire girl could mush up his head the way this one had tonight.

Chapter 2

Beth joined her sister Dannie and her parents, but her gaze was riveted on Dr. Langston. Presently, he was making a beeline for the front doors of the gallery. She sighed, wondering why he was in such a hurry to leave. Had she come on too strong? She’d only meant to get his business, but she had flirted a bit. Not just because she wanted his business. She really had taken a liking to him—a strong liking. When their hands had touched, she’d experienced a fissure of desire so potent it had taken her breath away.

So what if he was a little older? He was unmated and gorgeous. He had the most brilliant cobalt-blue eyes and a cute little dimple on his right cheek. His features were very masculine and completely sexy. He was very tall and well built. His chestnut hair was a bit unkempt, but it gave him this sort of absent-minded professor look. Add it all up and in Beth’s opinion he was probably the sexiest male vampire she’d ever met.

So what had him flying out of here like that? Perhaps he had a love interest already, and she’d made him uncomfortable flirting with him the way she had. She doubted it. If he had a female in his life, his house wouldn’t be in wrecking-ball mode.

Beth? Hello?

Beth gave a little start and jerked her head to the right where her sister Dannie stood. She was frowning at her, as were her mother and father. Sorry. What were you saying?

Her mother patted her arm. Nothing important. We were just talking about tonight’s wonderful turnout for Dannie. Are you all right?

I’m fine. Congratulations, Dannie. How are sales so far?

Before her sister could answer, her father asked, Who was that vampire who just left? The one you were strolling with so merrily a few moments ago? He seemed very familiar.

Beth barely refrained from rolling her eyes, because if it were up to her dad, she’d be living in a convent. A potential client, Daddy. Or at least I’d thought so.

Her mother’s brow knit. What do you mean you thought so? Did something happen?

Beth sighed. Nothing happened. Could we please just drop this?

Her father’s eyes narrowed on her with impatience. If he did something to upset you, I want to know. Was he coming on to you? He looked much too old for you.

Beth loved her parents dearly, but right now she wasn’t liking them so much. They treated her like a little girl. Case in point: Craig her bodyguard, who was standing behind her. She wasn’t allowed to go anywhere without him. She adored Craig—and his wife, Dixie, even more because she was Beth’s BFF and assistant—but Beth longed for autonomy, something she’d never known as a single, unmated female of their kind.

Daddy, back off. If anyone did anything upsetting, it was me. I was pushing him a little too hard to take me on as his design consultant.

She’d been flirting a bit also—maybe a bit too much—but she couldn’t help it. The doctor was absolutely drop-dead gorgeous. She shivered just thinking about his sexy blue eyes.

Dannie laughed. "Oh, Beth, you have to give your business some time. You’ve only been at it a mere six months. It takes time to build clientele.

Beth frowned at the lot of them. Yes, it does take time. It also takes networking, which is what I was doing.

Well, there’s nothing wrong with that, her mother said.

I know. So why is everyone drilling me about networking with Dr. Langston?

Her mother patted her arm. No one is drilling you, honey. We were just curious about him.

Well now that you know who he is, can we just drop this?

Dropped, Dannie said and rolled her eyes. Touchy this evening, she whispered under her breath, but Beth caught it.

Beth was done being interrogated. A subject change was needed. So how are sales, Dannie?

Dannie beamed. Awesome. I’ve sold twenty-one pieces so far.

Beth was thrilled that Dannie’s premiere was going so well, but not surprised. Her sister was a kick-ass artist. That’s remarkable. I’m happy for you. But if you’ll excuse me, I think I’m going to use your platform here to do a little more networking.

Her mother, Mia, laughed. Have fun, honey. Just don’t run off any more potential buyers for Dannie.

Dannie and her father both chuckled at that.

I’ll do my best. She poked her tongue out at her family members, then faced Craig and looped her arm through his. Shall we?

Lead the way, wild one. He grinned at her as she escorted him away and into the throng of people.

Beth was on the prowl for vampires. Their kind stuck together as a rule. So anyone needing a room makeover or a complete domicile overhaul like Dr. Langston would likely give her their business over a much more experienced human designer. That’s how it usually worked in their world anyway. Scent any potential clients for me, Craig?

He lifted his chin and sniffed. Scenting for others of their kind was far easier than picking them out of a crowd by sight. The only true physical attribute that distinguished a vampire from a human were the eyes, which sparkled in dim lighting or complete darkness. It was too bright within the confines of the gallery to use that method.

Any luck? she asked Craig.

He nodded and pointed. There. Those two gentlemen in the corner with the empty champagne flutes.

Beth sniffed and caught their scents, which told her both were unmated. She waved over a server bearing a tray of champagne glasses, snagged two, and then headed their direction. Craig followed. Good evening, she said in greeting, all smiles as she held out two full glasses of champagne. I saw your glasses were empty. Would you like another?

Both vampires’ mouths gaped, and for several seconds they merely stared at her with shocked expressions on their faces.

Beth extended the glasses, surmising that her boldness was what had them both so tongue-tied. She sized up the shorter one while waiting for one of them to make the next move. He seemed to be a young vampire, which could make him thirty to a hundred and thirty years or more. He was handsome in a boyish sort of way. His hair was short and blond and his eyes silver. At the moment they were focused on her cleavage. She frowned at him and said, Would you like this champagne or not?

He finally came to his senses and closed his mouth. Yes! Thank you, that’s very kind of you. My name is Will Heath. He took the glass from her hand and took a lengthy swallow, downing the entire contents of the flute. Now he had two empty glasses in his hands and was staring between them as if debating what to do with them.

Beth refrained from rolling her eyes. Human or vampire males—it didn’t matter—they were all alike: stymied in her presence. Beth knew she was pretty but tried to be ever so cautious not to let it go to her head.

I’m sorry, Miss. You just caught me by surprise.

Beth forced a brilliant smile as she wrangled a business card out of her evening bag. She handed it to him and said, I’m Elizabeth Davenport. My card. I hope I’m not being too forward, but when I saw the two of you standing here all by yourselves, I thought you might like some company.

Beth smiled at Will’s silent companion, but he didn’t seem to notice. His blue gaze was locked firmly on her chest. The creep. He stood several inches taller than Will and had extremely handsome, chiseled features. Although he was much bigger than Will, he bore a striking resemblance to him.

Yes! Thank you, Miss Davenport, Will said, gushing. Maybe you can help me choose a painting. I see here you’re an interior designer. He looked at her card and swallowed hard. I’m trying to remodel a fairly spacious loft into something that doesn’t look like an old abandoned warehouse. Would you be interested in taking me on as a client?

Beth smiled again, genuinely this time because she’d hit pay dirt. I’d be delighted to take a look at your place. Have you seen anything here yet tonight that might fit the theme you’re trying for?

He chuckled. It has no theme. Right now, it’s just a room full of cardboard boxes and some mismatched furniture.

A blank slate. Beth’s grin widened. The sky was the limit with a client who had no idea what they wanted, giving her a lot of creative freedom. Usually. Do you have some ideas in mind as to what you’d like the place to look like?

He shook his head. None. Your timing couldn’t be any more opportune. When could you take a look at my place?

The bigger of the two vamps cleared his throat and punched Will in the ribs with his elbow.

Ouch. He frowned at the man, then turned to Beth and said, This is my brother, Liam. Forgive me. I should have introduced him.

Beth extended the glass of champagne she still held toward him. Hi, Liam. Nice to meet you. Would you like this? I snagged it for you.

He flashed a broad smile, revealing nice, straight white teeth. Beth found him attractive physically, but not nearly as engaging as his brother.

He took the champagne, then glanced behind her at Craig and frowned. Thank you, Miss Davenport.

Beth dug inside her purse and handed him a business card. Just in case you ever need my services.

Of course. Thank you. He smiled at her again, then went back to eyeing Craig.

Beth wasn’t sweating their stares at Craig. They were obviously curious, a normal reaction from people. Craig and Dixie were her ever present companions. The only reason Dixie had bowed out on tonight’s event was because it was too upper-echelon for her. Dixie was a hardcore goth, heavy-metal aficionado, and art premieres were not her cup of tea. They weren’t Craig’s either, but Beth was Craig’s job. He was her shadow. It’s who he was and what he did, and he got paid exceedingly well for it.

Beth decided to attack the elephant in the room and introduced Craig. Will, Liam, this is Craig, my bodyguard.

Nice to meet you, Craig. Will extended his hand, and Craig stepped forward and shook it. Then he did the same with Liam, who greeted him in kind.

Will’s eyes suddenly widened like saucers. Wait a minute. You’re Elizabeth Davenport! The Elizabeth Davenport?"

She shrugged. None other. She was celebrity-famous like her father, which sucked for her career. People thought she was a spoiled little princess, a trust-fund brat, which was partially true—the trust-fund part anyway—but Beth wanted to make her own way in life without relying exclusively on her father’s money.

I can hardly believe my good fortune, meeting you this way. You’re really up for taking a look at my place?

It would be my pleasure, Will. Call me the first of the week, and we’ll set up a time to meet.

You have my word I will. It was a pleasure meeting you, he said and thrust out his right hand, which still held an empty flute. Sorry.

It’s fine. Will, Liam, it was a pleasure meeting you both. Until next week, Will.

Liam just continued to stare at her with a confounded look on his face.

She gave the two vamps a wink and a little wave. Then she took Craig’s arm again and led him back into the throng of people, who were chattering and enjoying appetizers and drinks.

Well, you’re two for two tonight, wild one, Craig said when they were out of earshot of Will and Liam.

Beth grinned. That she was. Will, though a little overzealous and starry-eyed with her celebrity status, was a shoe-in for a remodel. Dr. Langston was up in the air in Beth’s opinion. She didn’t know if she’d get a call from him to take a look at his place. She hoped he’d call her—and not just because she longed to get her hands on his Victorian gem. There was something mysterious about the devilishly handsome doctor. He’d piqued her interest on a personal level. She could tell he was refined, elegant, and cultured yet a bit reserved. Maybe the reserved part had something to do with being English. She just loved his English accent. And my God, he was handsome! Beth liked him. A lot. She couldn’t wait to see him again.

What’s going on in that head of yours? Craig asked.

Beth gave him a catlike smile. "Nothing you need to concern yourself with—yet anyway."

I don’t like the sound of that.

Beth gave him an innocent look. He probably wouldn’t like what was formulating in her head—a way to casually meet Dr. Langston again. She knew just the vampires to make that happen.

Come on, Craig. Let’s network. Beth went back to working the crowd. She ran across an older vampire couple and found out they were looking to remodel a summer home in Cape Cod. They spent a good thirty minutes telling her about the place, why they’d bought it, and about all its attributes. Beth was doing everything she could not to yawn. Eventually, she managed to put a card in both their hands, and they promised to call her next week.

Beth bid them good night and went back to milling about the gallery with Craig. She’d made good connections here tonight and was proud of herself for that accomplishment. Still, the connection she wanted to work out the most, Dr. Langston, stayed at the forefront of her mind. Why did he leave so abruptly? she wondered. Beth felt certain it had to do with her flirting. But why? She knew he’d found her attractive. He’d been gawking at her with astonishment when Tiffany introduced them, and he’d gasped when she’d taken his hand. He must have felt the electric current too. Beth had never experienced anything like it in her life.

Beth was so lost in thought, she nearly jumped out of her skin when a woman’s high-pitched scream pierced through the noise in the room. Beth’s gaze jerked to the back of the gallery. A server girl dressed in black pants and a long-sleeved, white button-up shirt ran into the crowd panting, eyes wide with terror. A human male in a tux