Darkened Desire: Book 3

By Isabel Rogan

Annika and Lucas are finally together, having survived the threat that almost destroyed what they shared. Follow them as they begin to live the life that nearly evaded them from the beginning.

Their love has survived the onslaught and now they revel in the overwhelming knowledge that nothing can tear them apart ever again. Death cannot stop true love; it can only delay it for a little while. Love can make you do things that you never thought possible. The best thing about loving and being hurt is that you get to know what true love really is. For as gold is tested in fire, and so will love be perfected in pain.

To love someone is to understand each other, to laugh together, to smile with your heart, and to trust one another. Annika and Lucas now have their happily ever after proving once and for all that true love can overcome any obstacle or challenge.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Sep 11, 2015
• ISBN: 9781326417628

Book preview

Darkened Desire – Book 3

There's nothing worse than waiting and not knowing what'll happen to you. Your own imagination can be crueler than any captor.

Written By

Isabel Rogan

Contents

Darkened Desire – Book 3……………………………………………………………

There's nothing worse than waiting and not knowing what'll happen to you. Your own imagination can be crueler than any captor………………………………………………………………………………………….

Contents………………………………………………………………………………………

Disclaimer……………………………………………………………………………………

Darkened Desire – Book 3……………………………………………………………

Disclaimer

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

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Although the author and publisher have made every effort to ensure that the information in this book was correct at press time. The author and publisher do not assume and at this moment disclaim any liability to any party for any loss, damage, or disruption caused by errors or omissions, whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident, or any other cause.

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Darkened Desire – Book 3

It's done.

Lucas arches one eyebrow at the arrival of Mark in his den, having sensed him well before the actual appearance.

Done?

Done, over, finito… Mark waves his hand in dismissal as he drops lightly into one of the chairs across from Lucas’ desk. The den is comfortable, spacious and lined with bookshelves and mementos accumulated over the centuries. Mark sinks into the chair, keeping his thoughts shielded his expression neutral.

I see. Wiped her thoughts completely this time, did you?

Mark nods. It's for the best – I know. Seriously, am I the type of vampire to be tied to one female? I'll leave that up to you and Alexei. One of us has to maintain the epitome of the sensual vampire. He smirks, lacing his fingers across his abdomen and stretching his legs out.

Lucas closes the paperwork he'd been perusing – architectural drawings and budgets for the renewal of Wyndhaven. It feels good to have a purpose – since there are no more Renegades to hunt, after all.

Well, I'm sure you made the right decision, Mark. He leans back in his own chair, arms crossed, giving Mark a long look.

I left her very well satisfied and took the last taste of her before dawn. She's a helluva woman. Mark's eyes seem distant, his voice a little regretful. But I know that Damian is acting in my best interest. It wouldn't work.

Very sensible of you. And quite a change from our last conversation, Lucas observes dryly.

Life still sucks.

Is that a general observation, or just a morbid comment on our vampire state?

Hell, Lucas, I couldn't reveal my true nature, and to stay and watch her age slowly…mortals are just so…unaware…

For a reason – we can't exist without them. You know that.

Oh yes, I know.

But there are ways around the aging process, as you know as well. Giving them some of our blood…

Yes, but there again, it means revealing the truth to her.

Well, if you're sure this is the best thing then stop feeling sorry for yourself.

Humor me, Mark sighs. It will pass.

Always has, old friend. I remember that other auburn beauty you fancied yourself in love with here in 1896 – Marietta, I believe? And the one in France at the end of WWII, Francesca…or the Irish lass…shall I continue? Lucas ticks the names off his fingers, intending to help Mark put his mortal lady into perspective.

Fine, so I have a hunger for auburn haired women with skin like porcelain, and a temper to match the hair.

Hmm…does that include Nathalie? Lucas smirks.

Mark shudders. No…not that one.

The sound of piano music suddenly fills the air, and Mark glances over at Lucas in surprise. I didn't know that Annika played…

She's been taking lessons the last while – she's quite a natural at it. Her teacher is impressed, and Annika claims she's inherited it from Kiera.

Lucas smiles indulgently, listening to the cadence of the sonata.

Has she found all the relevant proof of that?

Quite a bit. She can trace the lineage all the way back to Kiera's brother, Sebastian. Some of the family went over on the Mayflower, settling in New England, and eventually spreading along the Eastern shore, as far as New Orleans. She's been in contact with some cousins there, Amanda and Tabitha, twin sisters who have some psychic ability themselves it seems. The entire family there is gifted in many ways. Annika is quite excited to meet them someday.

I'm happy for her. Always good to know your roots, Mark muses, springing to his feet. I'll say hello to her and then I'm heading to the club. Will you be joining us there later?

Lucas gets up as well, thinking of his lovely wife, and her sweet body. Perhaps… he grins. He claps Mark on the shoulder. I'm glad you're all right with this – you had me worried before.

One mortal female won't haunt me forever, Mark vows, even though he can still recall with perfect clarity how she had looked when he left her, sleeping peacefully, the rich red hair spilling over the pure white sheets, her body with a fine sheen of sweat still clinging to her from their last round of lovemaking. And her scent still seems to linger in his memory, but he shakes his head firmly to clear it. Seriously, what was it about this mortal that consumed him so? Lucas was right, it wasn't the first time, and yet it wasn't as easy to let go as before.

They join Annika at the large piano, and she looks up happily from the keyboard. Mark! You're looking well, she comments, as he gives her a roguish smile.

Never better. You look lovely, as always, Mark says, taking her hand