Shadows of my Past (Saint Louisville Vampire Serise Book 2)

By Leigh Savage

Visions of death, sorrow, and anguish are common for Desi while working with the St. Louisville Police Department as a consultant in tracking down kidnappers and murders. However, a single touch from Barcuilai and her visions were of another time and place. Why then was the man in her visions standing right in front of her in the present? Desi wasn't sure how to handle these visions of sorrow that she saw when she touched Barcuilai. They troubled her in a way that made her feel as if her very soul was being torn apart. She wanted to flee; just as much as she wanted to erase the pain from his golden eyes. Together Barcuilai and Desi could not deny the connection they felt for one another. Will Barcuilai find love once more only to lose it again when Desi becomes the target of the very serial killers she's helping the police track down or will Desi just become another shadow of his past?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Leigh Savage
• Release date: Jan 21, 2021
• ISBN: 9781005475611

Leigh Savage

AMR Author Promotions Top Erotic Author for 2020Best Menage Romance Author Nominee 2016 for Goldie's Three BearsIndie Romance Convention Readers Choice Award Nominee 2013 Leigh Savage for Author of the YearAngel of Death Nominee for Best First Indie Book, Best Indie Erotic Romance, and Best Indie Book CoverShadows of my Past for Nominee for Best Indie Paranormal Romance and Best Indie Erotic RomanceLeigh Savage lives in Saint Louis, MO, with her husband. Leigh is known for the Erotica for the Truly Wicked, with over 20 titles currently released.Leigh has recently gained new fans from her modeling and acting. Leigh has also picked up a love of photography. Leigh can accomplish these things with her husband's support, who often will be seen helping with events, taking behind the scenes photos, or just being her emotional support."I grew up loving to escape in the world of stories that my father would write just for me. So, it wasn't any wonder that as I got older, I too picked up the pen and started writing." Leigh.Hobbies Include Anime, Painting, Drawing, Netflix Streaming, Horror films, Gothic Metal/Rock Music, and More.

Book preview

Part 1

The Reunion

Chapter 1

2 Weeks Later

Saint Louisville, MO

Desi sat straight up in bed. Beads of sweat covered her body, the soft covers clinging to her skin. Her chest heaved, and her heart thudded in her ear drums. Desi raised trembling fingers to her throat, reassuring herself that nothing was wrapped around it to choke the life out of her. Once again, visions had invaded her sleep, turning her dreams into nightmares.

Desi looked at the clock on her bed stand. The red numbers showed that it was only 4 am. She kicked off the covers as she got out of bed, knowing that sleep would be impossible; she knew there was a good chance that in the next day or so, she would pick up the paper to find that someone had been strangled to death at the same time she had awakened; with that kind of knowledge, it made it hard to simply go back to sleep. She felt suffocated needed fresh air. She had to get out.

Desi went to the closet and quickly threw on some clothes. On her way out the door, she grabbed her gloves and headed out to walk a couple of blocks to the Arch café. Hopefully, by then, she could push the images from her mind, knowing she hadn’t seen anything that could help anyone. That was the problem with what few dreams she did get; she never got any usable information. She always saw herself as the one being assaulted. It wasn’t like when she touched things...

Pushing the memories of her nightmare aside, she tried to focus on the beauty of the city in the wee hours of the morning and how peaceful it would be to walk the sidewalks without the worry of bumping into people and being assaulted with their thoughts, unlike the daytime hours when it was so overwhelming for her to be out and about. Thinking about anything that might help her feel more like herself, she hurried down the stairs. She headed out to the city streets away from her apartment building.

She made sure to stay in the well-lit sidewalks, but she found herself walking faster and faster, the need to hurry to grow.

Usually, when she would walk this early in the morning, she would take her time and enjoy the peace and quiet. Desi loved the city most of the time. Everything she needed was within walking distance, and there was always something to do or some place to go, no matter what time of day or night it was. Only in the city could you find so many places open 24 hours a day. Which was great considering how often her sleep was interrupted or the times she’d spend the night working on a case into the wee hours of the morning.

It was on one such night that she had come across the Arch Café, and from the moment she had stepped into the place, she felt a calm wash over her. The employees were amicable, and they never made her feel out of place. Inside, there was beautiful artwork on the walls from a local artist. Soft music played in the background, creating a relaxing atmosphere. The coffee and tea blends were some of the best she’d ever had, and when you drank them, it made you feel all warm inside. A feeling she often longed for in her life, especially after working a case for the police, when she often felt lost, alone, and so cold inside.

She knew it wasn’t a substitute for a person to share her life with, but it was often too hard for her to be too close to anyone; sooner or later, she would see something that the person hadn’t wanted her to see about them and then they would leave her just the same as everyone else.

Just for a few moments, she could forget all the horrors she had witnessed, all the disappointment she’d had in her life, and just be a woman drinking a cup of coffee.

Before she knew it, Desi stood in front of the Arch Café; she took a deep breath and entered the café, and immediately a feeling of calm settled over her. She went to the counter to order her favorite Spice Chai Latte. Then went to find a table where she could simply be Desi and nothing more.

Chapter 2

Barcuilai took a seat at his favorite café. After leaving Mika’s house, he needed a moment to collect his thoughts before seeking his rest. He didn’t want to go to his big empty house feeling all alone. If only for a little while, he could sit and pretend to be a normal man. After seeing Mika and Domonic together, so happy, it only made him feel his loss all the more. So, he needed to be around humans, and at least for a few moments, he could live through their lives, wishing to be them. If only he could make this void go away. He’d give anything to feel once more the deep emotions of love. Not for a moment did he want to forget his beloved Desiree, but he wished that the pain would lessen.

Barcuilai sighed to himself, glancing out amongst the crowd, seeing a couple holding hands and whispering sweet nothings into each other’s ears; it only made him sadder. It seemed everywhere he went, people were in love, and he was still alone.

Then he noticed a young woman sitting in the corner by herself. She had luscious wavy black hair about shoulder length, but it was her eyes that captured his undivided attention. They were the most vivid green, like Mika’s, and exactly like his beloved Desiree’s and something more that he couldn’t quite place that made him want to comfort her. To replace that haunted look in her eyes with desire. Then he laughed at himself inwardly at the thoughts crossing his mind.

Desi could feel the presence of someone looking at her. Slowly she looked up from the paper she’d been reading, afraid that whoever it was would be standing right on top of her, but when she looked up, no one was there.

Then she saw him. His startling blue eyes gazed at her as if he could glimpse straight into her soul. She felt drawn to him as if they’d met some other time, some other place.

When she glanced up, he was struck by how similar she looked to Desiree. He wanted to talk to her, but he’d never dream about really approaching her; he had no right... and besides, he would never know what to say to her. He knew he should look away, but he couldn’t bring himself to break the contact of their eyes. The only intimate contact he’d had with another woman in centuries; how could he force himself to give it up so soon?

She fought the feeling, but she couldn’t force herself to look away from him. He was quite handsome. His skin was rather pale, which made his eyes and dark golden-brown hair all the more prominent. He appeared to belong in another time period. Back in a time with great lords and fine ladies and his appearance was that of a great lord. For the first time in a long time, she felt attracted to this man and actually wished to be closer to him. Without even realizing it, she’d gotten up from her table, and she began to walk over towards him. In the back of Desi’s mind, she realized that she’d forgotten to grab her gloves and that she should go back for them, but she couldn’t force herself to turn around. She had to go to him. Nothing else seemed to matter at present.

As Desi drew closer, she was struck by the depth of his eyes. They seemed somehow old and sad, while outwardly, he reflected the image of a young man in his prime. Somewhere deep inside her soul, she felt a profound longing for him, coming alive deep inside of her as if it had been lying dormant her whole life waiting for this one moment to be reunited to her soul. Before she knew it, she stood in front of him; her mouth opened, but no words would come. She started to turn away when she felt his hand touch her arm gently, his eyes silently asking her to stay. She looked away from those eyes that could imprison her soul and seize it forever; instead, she looked down at his hand. His fingers were long, slender, and very graceful in appearance. Yet, his touch seemed to possess strength far superior to most men.

Stay, Barcuilai said, and his hand came to rest on top of hers.

Yes, she answered as she pulled out the chair next to him and took a seat. She couldn’t bring herself to deny this man such a small request, and she couldn’t lie to herself; she wanted to experience closeness to someone.

No... not just someone; she wanted to feel close to him. She wanted to become familiar with him in the way a woman would become intimate with a man. Their hands were still lightly touching, and for once, she didn’t think about the danger of the slight contact, only the eminent pleasure the contact brought her.

Chapter 3

"I’m Barcuilai. He raised her hand to his lips and nonchalantly kissed her fingertips.

Desi. She replied softly, not understanding how she could feel this way about someone she didn’t even know but pushed the feelings aside.

Her fingertips tingled, the sensation running the length of her arm. Who would have thought that such a slight touch could cause that type of reaction? It seemed that a million butterflies had come to life in her tummy. Desi wondered what it would feel like if he kissed her on the lips; indeed, it would cause her to become ablaze, and at once, she banished the thoughts from her mind.

Desi? He asked in a question.

Yes. She said breathlessly, not understanding her body’s reaction to him.

You are magnificent, Desi. He said courteously.

He gently laid her hand back down on the table, but he still kept his hand over hers ever so lightly. He could not bring himself to break the contact, however small it was. It was more than he could ever hope or dream for.

I feel as if I know you, Desi said, shifting uncomfortably in her seat as she heard the words aloud. What a foolish thing to say, she thought.

As I you. He responded honestly. Is it possible? She asked.

I don’t see how because I could never forget a face as exquisite as yours.

Desi blushed from the compliment.

You are too kind. She leaned closer towards him. She wanted to touch her lips to his. Once again, she tried to thrust the thought out of her mind. After all, it was crazy. She’d only just met him. But somewhere deep down, she felt she already knew him. She closed her eyes, and a sudden vision came to her mind.

Chapter 4

Desi saw a woman who looked more or less like her.

The woman’s hair was the same shade of black, but this woman’s hair hung down past her shoulders. The same shade of green eyes as her own stared back at Desi from the vision. Their bodies were of similar build, but the woman’s abdomen was swollen with child. The woman was being pulled away from the man she loved by two other men.

One was an older man, and the other was younger. She wasn’t sure how she knew, but the older one was the woman’s father, and the younger one was her brother. Then Desi felt her body floating towards the woman’s until she found herself seeing through the woman's eyes and knowing her thoughts.

Father, no. I love him, and I’m going to have his baby.

You are going to marry Daron like I told you! Father, we’re married! Desiree cried.

Not anymore. Her father screamed hatefully. And you, Barcuilai, are to never see my daughter again or your bastard child. He yelled.

Her eyes were drawn to where Barcuilai stood, trying to fight free from the men restraining him. He struggled to break free so he could get to her, but to no avail. It tore her heart out, seeing the pain etched through his face as he tried in vain to reach out to her; while at the same time calling out to her.

Desiree, I love you. He yelled as she was being pulled away from him.

I love you, Barcuilai, and no one else. Always remember that. Desiree cried out as tears slipped down her cheeks. With the fight leaving her body, she could not risk hurting the child she carried inside her. That would only make her father all too happy. She had to save her child at all cost, even at losing her beloved. No matter what happens, I’ll love only you. She cried out once more.

Then as suddenly as the vision came, it faded.

Chapter 5

Desi opened her eyes to look at Barcuilai. She knew he was the same man from the vision she’d just seen. He had looked younger in her mind--lighter hair and different eyes—but it was unmistakably the same exact man. Desi didn’t know what to make of what she’d been shown. She’d always had this gift since a small child.

When she touched someone, she sometimes had visions. Most of the time, she avoided contact with others, or she wore her gloves to help. But this vision didn’t make since, because the time frame was too far back for it to possibly be the same man... and yet she knew that it was. Could it be possible that she’d seen into a past life? She shook herself mentally. When she saw the vision, she had become Desiree; that had never happened before. She always saw the visions as a spectator. Even when she was doing work for the police trying to track missing persons or murders, but this time she had become the woman. What in the world could that possibly represent?

Desi looked into Barcuilai’s eyes, and she understood the sadness and loneliness she saw reflected in their depths. For a moment, she’d forgotten that there was anyone else around and that his hand was still lightly touching hers.

Are you alright? Barcuilai asked, concern in his voice.

Sorry. I just spaced out for a moment. No big deal. She tried to make light of what had happened. What in the world would he think of her if he knew what she’d seen or what she could do? He would be scared off just the same as anyone else that had ever taken an interest in Desi.

Call her a freak, a snoop, and a spy, peeking into their private lives. She’d never been