Sunshine is Overrated

By Bailey Bradford

Life with vamps is never easy.

Abernathy Meyers is already mated to a vamp, Zebulon. It's just too bad that Zebulon doesn't give a darn about him. Abbie's stuck with the man for eternity—or until they die. Some days, Abbie thinks that can't happen soon enough. He's tired of being treated badly, yet he doesn't really want to make his earthly exit yet.

Because he's longed for another man—another vampire—for years. Forbidden love—is anything more compelling, or more heart-breaking?

There's a twisted past, a hidden story linking Abbie, Zebulon and the coven leader, Claude.

Claude lives with a fear of turning to dust at any moment. It isn't reasonable, but he can't shake it. He's let his own fears impede his potential happiness, and instead he puts the needs of his coven first, ignoring his own. But if he's deliberately blind to one particular human's needs because that human is a mate to another vampire, then is Claude truly leading to the best of his ability?

It's a tough question for him to answer and soon, he'll have to make a choice that will affect him and Abbie, forever.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Pride Publishing
• Release date: Oct 20, 2015
• ISBN: 9781784308025

Bailey Bradford

A native Texan, Bailey spends her days spinning stories around in her head, which has contributed to more than one incident of tripping over her own feet. Evenings are reserved for pounding away at the keyboard, as are early morning hours. Sleep? Doesn't happen much. Writing is too much fun, and there are too many characters bouncing about, tapping on Bailey's brain demanding to be let out. Caffeine and chocolate are permanent fixtures in Bailey's office and are never far from hand at any given time. Removing either of those necessities from Bailey's presence can result in what is known as A Very, Very Scary Bailey and is not advised under any circumstances.

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Sunshine is Overrated

ISBN # 978-1-78430-802-5

©Copyright Bailey Bradford 2015

Cover Art by Posh Gosh ©Copyright September 2015

Edited by Rebecca Scott

Pride Publishing

This is a work of fiction. All characters, places and events are from the author’s imagination and should not be confused with fact. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, events or places is purely coincidental.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any material form, whether by printing, photocopying, scanning or otherwise without the written permission of the publisher, Pride Publishing.

Applications should be addressed in the first instance, in writing, to Pride Publishing. Unauthorised or restricted acts in relation to this publication may result in civil proceedings and/or criminal prosecution.

The author and illustrator have asserted their respective rights under the Copyright Designs and Patents Acts 1988 (as amended) to be identified as the author of this book and illustrator of the artwork.

Published in 2015 by Pride Publishing, Newland House, The Point, Weaver Road, Lincoln, LN6 3QN

Pride Publishing is a subsidiary of Totally Entwined Group Limited.

The Vamp for Me

SUNSHINE IS OVERRATED

Bailey Bradford

Book three in The Vamp for Me series

Life with vamps is never easy.

Abernathy Meyers is already mated to a vamp, Zebulon. It’s just too bad that Zebulon doesn’t give a darn about him. Abbie’s stuck with the man for eternity—or until they die. Some days, Abbie thinks that can’t happen soon enough. He’s tired of being treated badly, yet he doesn’t really want to make his earthly exit yet.

Because he’s longed for another man—another vampire—for years. Forbidden love—is anything more compelling, or more heart-breaking?

There’s a twisted past, a hidden story linking Abbie, Zebulon and the coven leader, Claude.

Claude lives with a fear of turning to dust at any moment. It isn’t reasonable, but he can’t shake it. He’s let his own fears impede his potential happiness, and instead he puts the needs of his coven first, ignoring his own. But if he’s deliberately blind to one particular human’s needs because that human is a mate to another vampire, then is Claude truly leading to the best of his ability?

It’s a tough question for him to answer and soon, he’ll have to make a choice that will affect him and Abbie, forever.

Dedication

Never settle for anything less than what you deserve, and you deserve the best.

Trademarks Acknowledgment

The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of the following wordmarks mentioned in this work of fiction:

Jon Green: Jon Green Bespoke

Hermès: Hermès

Correctol: Bayer

Google: Google, Inc.

Batman: DC Comics

Crocs: Crocs Retail, LLC

iPad: Apple, Inc.

The Amityville Horror: Jay Anson

Prologue

The thing about life—well, one of the things about life—you just don’t know what’s going to happen from one day to the next. Or sometimes from one minute or second to the next.

For instance, I’d never figured to find myself in a loveless relationship for eternity. I can get out of it if I want to be turned, but…that’s just not something I want. See the picture of me? I like the sunlight, thank you very much. I like to feel it warming my skin, and I can’t imagine giving that up.

I could die. That would get me out of this relationship, too. Seems kind of harsh, doesn’t it? I’m not that miserable. Most of the time. 

Now, my mate, Zebulon? He’s tired of the rut he’s stuck in. We’re stuck in. Maybe next time he decides to latch onto a mate, he’ll make sure it’s what he—and that poor dumb fucker who’s about to become a regular meal—wants. Call me untrusting, but I have the feeling Zebulon will survive long past me. Shouldn’t be possible, since we’re mates… Unless. 

There’s always an ‘unless’ in unpleasant situations, isn’t there? 

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have breakfast to make for everyone. 

Chapter One

Abernathy Meyers left his bedroom, relieved that darkness had faded and morning was up to bat. With Zebulon conked out in the coffin, Abbie could relax and not dwell on his personal situation.

He scratched at the bite mark on his neck. Abbie hated that Zeb always marked him in places where hiding the bite only served to make the damn thing more noticeable. He’d have to wear a turtleneck that went three-quarters of the way up his neck to cover it. Living in the desert wasn’t conducive to turtlenecks, and anyway, Abbie didn’t have any.

When he reached the kitchen, Abbie was already feeling a lot happier. There was a familiar voice that had him rushing through the doorway.

Augustin!

Abbie! Augustin leaped up and almost toppled them both with the fierce hug he gave Abbie.

Abbie slapped Augustin on the butt after giving him a hug in return.

Ouch! Augustin wiggled that voluptuous backside and fluttered his lashes at Abbie. I’m not into that kinda thing, sweets.

Abbie snorted. Too bad. Tony could use a few good spankings.

Ha! Augustin cackled and hugged him again. I am so glad you’re up!

I’m glad you’re back. They released each other. Abbie couldn’t stop grinning. Sure, he was friendly with the other human mates here, but Augustin and he had really hit it off. So, you got in last night? I thought you’d make Tony court you for another month or so. Damn, I lost the bet.

Augustin scowled. You bet on us? He turned and glared at the other people gathered in the kitchen. Seriously?

Every one of them nodded.

Well, who won? Augustin demanded to know. I want a cut.

Billie waved. I won, and no, you don’t get a cut, you dork.

Augustin huffed and started bickering with her.

Abbie couldn’t help but feel like things were going to get better. In the rational part of his mind, he knew that wasn’t true. Zeb wanted him as a mate as much as he wanted Zeb. The only thing keeping Zeb from turning him against his will was the certainty that Claude would kill Zeb for doing such a thing.

But Abbie knew, if he ever got the chance, Zeb would either kill him outright or turn him. Then they wouldn’t need each other anymore.

Both of them were unwanted parasites.

You look awful serious.

Abbie hummed and glanced at Augustin. I didn’t even realize the arguing was over.

Augustin rolled his eyes. Yeah, see? You’re obviously distracted. He studied Abbie.

Abbie tried not to twitch or poke at his nose to see if he had something unpleasant dangling from it. Instead he carefully splashed oil over the pair of eggs he was frying while leaving the yolks intact. Sunny side up, right?

You do love me, Augustin sang, doing the lashes thing again.

Abbie burst out laughing. Man, you must have had a great night. You’re full of it this morning.

Oh, baby, I was definitely full of something all night long, Augustin crooned.

Abbie ignored the pang of envy. I’m really glad you’re back. And I’m happy for you and Tony. He used the spatula to remove the eggs from the pan. After he’d set them on a plate, he looked at Augustin. You’re positive he’s who you want? Abbie asked quietly, his cheeks heating with embarrassment. Surely the question gave too much of his own situation away.

Something that could have been sympathy, or pity, flitted over Augustin’s expression, but it was gone in a flash. Yeah, I’m am.

Abbie nodded and ignored the weird silence between them. Augustin was waiting for him to confess or explain, and Abbie wasn’t going to do either. I don’t know how anyone eats runny eggs. I like mine scrambled and not the least bit gooey.

You like yours burned and rubbery, Porter called out. That’s why you have to drown them in that hot sauce shit.

Abbie turned and waved the spatula at Porter. Just cuz you’re a wuss about having some spice doesn’t mean I am. Oh, he felt like a big ol’ liar for that one. It’s true enough for food, for God’s sake. Nothing else was being discussed at that moment.

But Abbie would swear Augustin knew.

It wasn’t possible. As far as all the mates there were concerned, Abbie and Zeb were happy and having sex like mates were supposed to—in other words, often.

There was no need to tell anyone otherwise, but he sure wished Augustin wasn’t looking at him like that.

Abbie crossed his eyes at Augustin and stuck out his tongue, then went back to cooking.

I am not a wuss, Porter muttered.

Why don’t you try a dab of pepper on your eggs today, then? Mark asked.

It gives me gas, Porter complained.

No one wants that, Billie said as she whapped Porter’s hand. And mind your manners at the table, or I’ll mind them for you. There are some things not meant to be discussed over meals…or anywhere I happen to be.

Oddly enough, I’ve missed this, Augustin mused.

Abbie understood that perfectly. This was his family now—the people gathered in the kitchen, the vampires sleeping like the dead in their coffins. Abbie cooked for the humans and took care of them all. He was the mother hen. It was another reason he’d never agree to be changed.

So what if his life wasn’t perfect? There were plenty of people in worse relationships, worse situations. Abbie had his family here, and he was needed.

He fixed his own plate last and was surprised to find that Augustin had waited to eat until he could sit down, too.

Isn’t your food cold? Abbie asked.

Augustin poked the eggs with his fork. I just zapped it, so no. Now it’s hot and extra-chewy.

Abbie clicked his tongue. Tomorrow I’ll fix your breakfast last. You’re on your own for lunch. There’s sandwich makings in the fridge. Dinner will be pasta carbonara and homemade garlic bread.

Oh, man. Are you making the wine yourself, too? Augustin asked.

Smart ass. There was absolutely no way Abbie was admitting to the casks he had stored in the room off the basement.

Tell me what’s been going on, Augustin urged. I’ve been here for visits but just in case you doubted it, this is a permanent residence for me now.

Abbie swallowed the bite of bacon and took a swig of orange juice before speaking. A permanent residence?

Anywhere Tony goes and all that mushy shit, Augustin answered, twirling his fork around. His heart is my home. He’s all I need—

Although Augustin was trying to play it off as a joke, Abbie knew he also meant it. The love Augustin had for Tony was impossible to miss. It showed in the sparkle of his eyes and the broad smile he wore, and all in all, in his entire appearance.

You’re so whipped, Billie said as she passed by them on the way to the sink.

Oh, and you aren’t? That evil jackass you’re mated to has you by the shorthairs, Augustin informed her.

Billie stopped walking and turned to him. Short hairs?

Augustin’s