The Dead at Heart

By Susanne Leist

As Oasis falls under attack, Shana must choose between a vampire or a hybrid.

Late at night, werewolves swarm Gregg's home and kidnap her best friend, Linda. Gregg gathers his men and races after his fiancée Linda, leaving Shana alone in a mansion filled with vampires. Afraid William, her vampire boyfriend, has returned to his evil ways, Shana flees the estate.

Sheriff Sam locates Shana at her shop and asks her to help him track the rogue vampires and werewolves. She follows her ex-boyfriend to Florida's swampland, where The Watchers live in luxury. While proclaiming their innocence, the vampire leaders force them to board a plane to Quebec, capturing William along the way.

Once Gregg's men free Linda from the werewolves, she heads to Quebec in search of Shana. Meanwhile, trapped in a building sealed as tight as a tomb, Gregg outsmarts the computer-activated house and escapes.

Vampires and werewolves descend on Chateau Frontenac, and the boardwalk erupts in flames. As the battle for control begins, Shana must follow her heart and choose between William and Sam.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Susanne Leist
• Release date: Jul 30, 2020
• ISBN: 9781733782913

Susanne Leist

Hi, I am an author of paranormal suspense. In my first series, The Dead Game Series, the dead walk the night & into the day, leading our heroines on a dangerous adventure from Florida to Quebec.The Blue Harbor Series offers a new set of heroines who fight to save their town from an Indian curse. The first book, Meet Me In Maine, uncovers the perpetrator of the curse and the plight of the Penobscot culture at the hands of the white man.Meet Me In Maine's new edition contains two bonus chapters with Scarlett's and Elizabeth's stories, revealing why they chose to settle in Blue Harbor.Please sit back, put up your feet, and let me bring mystery and romance to your lives.

Book preview

Chapter One

Oasis, Florida

Sunday 2:00 p.m.

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Paradise cocooned Shana Logan in its warm arms. Azure painted the canvas overhead with nary a cloud in the sky as red roses lined the pebbled driveway. Birds chirped from bush to bush as the sea breeze ruffled her red hair. She stared into the distance, hoping to spot William's blue Maserati racing back to her. After opening her heart to him, he’d driven away, leaving her in the vampire-filled mansion. Day-walkers, vamps who walked in the sunlight, pushed past her. Her skin tingled from their icy stares. Her heart thudded a hollow sound as she wrapped her arms against the chills racing through her body. Vampires made her uncomfortable with their perfect faces and bodies. They knew how to charm humans with their flashing smiles, but this human didn’t trust them.

A faint cloud of smoke curled in the distance. Shana’s heart jumped. Was William returning? From the dust emerged a streak of blue. Headlights glowed in the late autumn sunshine. An engine roared, and the ground vibrated. A horn blasted. The car came to an abrupt stop at her feet. The driver's door flung open, and a man, wearing dark sunglasses, stepped onto the circular drive. He removed his glasses, revealing sapphire eyes focused on her.

William.

His muscular body stiffened as he watched her. I offered you my heart, but you spurned my love. A hurt expression crossed his chiseled features.

She walked to him, extending her hand. I didn't mean to reject your love. I wasn't ready to bond with you. You… you took me by surprise.

Do you love me? He trailed long fingers through his shoulder-length, blonde hair.

She froze in place, dropping her hand to her side. You know, I do.

You can't even say it.

I can.

William Randall quirked an eyebrow. 

Shana lowered her gaze to the white pebbles at her feet and whispered, I love you.

I can't hear you. William inched closer, bringing her into his shadow.

She lifted her head and met his direct stare. Vampires have perfect hearing.

We do. He chuckled. But this vampire is still recuperating from his many wounds. William bounded to her and pulled her into his arms. I need to hear it from your lips.

Wait, Shana said as his mouth tickled a wet trail on her neck. I can't think straight.

William stopped moving.

I love you. Shana's breathing quickened with each word she uttered. There, I said it.

With a grin, he offered his hand. I love you too.

Shana grabbed his hand, and they walked toward Gregg’s sprawling mansion, gravel crunching beneath their feet. Gregg Harris, a. k. a. Charles Wolf, a direct descendant of Dracula, had proposed to Linda, Shana’s best friend, and built this estate for her. Shana and William moved into the house after William’s near-fatal injury at the hand of Dean, Gregg’s right-hand man. Shana’s heart had broken at the sight of the proud vampire bleeding to death, and she pleaded with Dean to spare William’s life. William had promised to leave his violent past behind him. After Dean agreed to give the original vampire a second chance, William moved into the mansion to convalesce with Shana as his nurse. Shana hoped to soften the untamed vampire. She yearned for a love like the one Linda shared with Gregg, one based on love and respect. Shana glanced at William, who strode beside her. He turned to her and winked.

Beneath the flowered portico held aloft by white pillars, they ascended the marble steps to the brick mansion. The double doors opened to a hall where sunshine streamed through ceiling-to-floor windows onto the white marble floor. The crystal chandelier shot sparkling prisms of light across the modern art hanging on the walls and art deco statues showcased on marble pillars. Her heels clicking on the shiny floor, Shana kept pace with William’s long strides. The hum of raised voices vibrated through the closed door at the end of the hall. William strode ahead and pushed open the door. Shana followed him into a hectic scene of vampires milling around the kitchen table, hands clasping cups of coffees, mouths munching on donuts and sandwiches. She froze in the doorway. Conversation ceased as surprised faces turned to her.

Why are the men in the house? Shana asked William, who halted beside her. The sight of so many vampires in one place made her skin crawl. Shana took a deep breath. She must grow accustomed to them since William was one.

They’re supposed to patrol the grounds, he replied, his attention riveted on the men. William approached a tall man and asked, Is there trouble?

The dark-haired man stepped forward, gray eyes focused on Shana. I'm sorry for the intrusion.

That's okay, Dean, Shana replied. Linda feels safe with you nearby. The good-looking vampire had carried Linda through the swamp and saved not only William’s life but Linda’s. His soft-spoken voice even soothed Shana.

Dean nodded.

What happened? William asked as he eyed Shana and then Dean.

There are rumors of an unfamiliar presence in Oasis, Dean responded.

I'll be back. A growl escaped William's throat as he marched to the hallway.

Shana followed him. What’s wrong?

I don’t want you involved. He leaned against the wall and crossed his arms. And stay away from vampires.

Why? It's not like we haven't taken part in your ridiculous battles. She pointed a red-nail-polished finger at him. And you’re a vampire.

I’m worried about your safety. William straightened from the wall. I’ll let you know what I learn.

Fine. She cleared her throat. I'll check upstairs for Linda.

William hurried into the kitchen without a backward glance.

Her step slower than before, Shana strolled to the main staircase, less confident she could mend the broken trust between her and William. Their last misunderstanding had turned into a full-blown argument. His bite had bonded her to him, but he hadn’t asked her to mate with him for life. She wasn’t ready for a lifetime commitment. Now, William excluded her from the meeting in the kitchen. She understood he was an original vampire with immense powers. For them to be a couple, he had to treat as an equal partner. If William didn’t respect her, then what were their chances of finding happiness?

Chapter Two

Sunday 2:20 p.m.

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After knocking on the door to Linda's suite and hearing no answer, Shana paced the narrow hallway .  The bangles at her wrists jingled with each anxious step. Her maxi-length skirt twirled around her ankles in concentric circles of orange, green, and yellow. She didn't enjoy living in Gregg's mansion—under his strict control. He was Linda's fiancé and not hers. It was time for her to leave. William had recovered from the last battle and was strong enough to return to his former life. Whether it included her, she didn’t know.

The door flung open. A surprised expression on Linda's face, she said, Hi, and stepped back for Shana to enter. Come inside and join me. Behind Linda's petite frame, Shana glimpsed Gregg hunched behind a desk in the connecting bedroom.

The brooding look on Gregg's handsome face prompted Shana to grab Linda's hand and pull her to the hallway. I need to speak with you. With a puzzled expression, Linda followed to Shana’s bedroom. Shana sank into a flowered armchair while Linda sat on the canopied bed. She cleared her throat. I argued with William, and he drove away. At Linda's surprised gasp, she continued, No. Wait. William returned soon afterward, but he's still angry with me.

What happened? Linda leaned back against the array of lace-trimmed pillows and crossed jean-clad legs at her ankles.

The usual problem with vampires. Shana attempted a smile. William bonded with me without asking first. He bit my neck, and I fainted. According to him, bonding is a euphoric coupling between vampires, but it made me dizzy.

Oh, no. Linda covered her mouth with her hand. He should have learned a lesson from my experience with Gregg.

Well, he didn't. William acted hurt and asked me if I love him.

You told him, right?

Shana nodded as she twirled her long-chained necklaces and watched the green gems flow through her fingers.

You do. Don't you?

I think so.

What? Linda scrambled from the bed and leaped to her feet. Dean saved William because you loved him at first sight. I thought it was a crazy idea. But—

I love William. Her legs shaky, Shana stood and grasped the back of the chair for support. But I don't know if I trust him.

Linda sank at the edge of the bed. Okay. Her blue-eyed gaze fixed on Shana's face, she added, Trust takes time.

Do you trust Gregg?

It took time, but I do. Linda gathered her long brown hair into a ponytail as she watched Shana. It will happen for you too.

Shana shuffled to the window and stared at the graveled path snaking through the grass lawn rimmed with rose bushes and trees. The scene appeared perfect except for the group of vampires heading toward the house. I thought I’d come to terms with my trust issues. She glanced over her shoulder. But it's hard to trust a vampire who spent his life killing humans without a drop of remorse in his heart. Can I even soften him?

Linda came to her feet and joined her at the window. Vampires have hard edges, but he might learn the error of his ways from someone he loves. And William loves you. I can see it in the way he looks at you.

I hope so, Shana replied, eyeing Gregg's men as they dispersed across the yard, forty men traipsing through rose bushes with their hands full of supplies and weapons. Why are there so many men?

Gregg expects trouble. Linda crossed the room. Her hand on the doorknob, she turned. I need to get back to him. He's worried.

What trouble? From whom? Shana followed to the corridor.

Linda halted beside a narrow table and faced her. William didn’t tell you? She touched a long-stemmed red rose, standing tall in a crystal vase filled with colorful roses. Maybe he didn’t want to worry you. Ouch. Linda pricked her finger with a thorn and brought it to her mouth.

Tell me what? Shana's voice rose. I knew it. William keeps secrets from me.

It's not a secret. Linda stared at her finger as a drop of blood fell on a rose petal. We heard rumors just this morning.

Dean mentioned rumors. What are they?

News of a supernatural presence in Oasis. Linda stared at the rug as she used the toe of her sandal to trace the flower design. We don't know who or what.

Paradise is an illusion. Shana’s face grew heated as her frustration mounted. Oasis is a haven for vampires. I’m tired of their battles. The Watchers get rid of an evil group of vamps, and then a new group arrives and attacks. It’s a vicious cycle. Vampires are trouble.

We will have a happy ending. Linda lifted her head. Don't lose faith. The Watchers will protect us, and Gregg has an elite force of original vampires. She touched Shana’s arm. William loves you; he won’t let something happen to you.

The vampires keep secrets from us. Shana swallowed the lump in her throat. I don’t want to live with vamps anymore, and I need time to decide on my relationship with William. One minute, I’m suffocating, and then the next, I’m lost without him.

Did you tell William you wanted to leave? Linda wrung her hands.

No. Shana averted her face.

If he loves you—

William will set me free. Shana grimaced. I doubt that's true in this case.

It is. A romantic at heart, Linda sighed. I believe in true love. Her expression softened and became dreamy. William is your soulmate.

True love doesn't exist. Her parents didn't find love, and so far, Shana hadn't either.

You're upset. Linda watched her. Please, don't leave without speaking to William.

Okay. I'll talk to William. She lifted Linda's injured hand. Let's take care of your cut. We're in a house of vampires. They might smell blood.

Gregg’s men recognize our scent. Linda's eyes twinkled.

Shana frowned. I have band-aids. She marched into the white-tiled bathroom. And I don't want to tempt fate.

No. Linda trailed after her. They could never hurt us.

Shana grinned. I'm kidding. William upset me, and I'm venting my pain on you. I'm sorry. She sat Linda in front of the lighted mirror at the vanity.

You can vent on me anytime.

As Shana patted Linda's finger with a hydrogen-peroxide-coated cotton ball, she couldn’t find the puncture wound. You heal fast. I don’t even see the spot.

Linda's gaze met hers in the mirror. It doesn't hurt anymore. Linda tugged her hand free and rushed from the room, I'll see you later, sailing over her shoulder.

As Shana dragged a brush through her auburn waves, her green-eyed reflection stared back at her. So far, she'd attracted a human-vampire, and now, a vampire. Not the best track record. Her short fling with Sam had been a mistake—a disaster in the making. The hybrid had enticed her with his rugged cowboy-look. Still, Sheriff Sam Green irritated her with his snarky remarks and rough manner. It was safer to keep her distance from vamps and hybrids. She was more determined than ever to leave this mansion.

Chapter Three

Sunday 2:50 p.m.

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Shana descended the staircase to the main floor and peeked into the kitchen. The white cabinets, white-tiled walls, and gray floorboards sparkled in the afternoon sunshine. Her hand trailed the smooth surface of the marbleized gray-and-white counter before she opened the door and stepped onto the bricked deck. The smell of roses wafted through the humid air. Her elbows leaning on the railing, Shana watched the butterflies flutter across the lush lawn. Bees buzzed from one rose bush to the next. Puffy white cotton balls floated across the blue sky. Birds chirped. A squirrel danced around a tree before climbing the thick trunk to a low-hanging branch. Her heart thumped. Beside the old oak tree stood a white bench—the seat where Neva had kidnapped her. The witch had received what she deserved: death at the hand of William Randall.

I was searching for you. Shana spun to William’s voice. His thick mane of blonde hair shimmering like gold in the sunshine, he strode through the doorway. Whenever she thought of him, he appeared.

I found Linda. She sighed. She told me of the rumors.

His expression pensive, William halted beside her.

Why didn’t you tell me? Shana lifted her face.

There isn’t much to tell; we have little information. He shrugged massive shoulders. A few tourists at the Oasis Hotel heard strange noises last night. Hotel security investigated and found prints in the dirt.

That’s the big secret?

It isn’t a secret.

Were guests having a party?

No. William narrowed his eyes. Unless they have paws.

What? Her voice rose to a squeak.

They weren’t footprints, but large animal prints, leading from the pool deck to the beach.

Do wild animals roam northern Florida?

"The black bear had run free, but at present,