Holiday Hearts

By SF Benson

Victor Duquette is a vampire living a cursed life.

 

After a chance encounter with Kelsie Martin, a teenage succubus, their lives quickly become intertwined. As Kelsie slowly loses her succubus side, Victor is faced with the impossible task of saving her. With an ancient curse looming over them, Victor must make a difficult decision that could save Kelsie, but cost him everything.

 

If you enjoyed Anne Rice's classic Vampire Chronicles, then you'll love this gripping, thrilling tale of love and sacrifice.

 

Don't miss out on this heart-wrenching paranormal romance!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Avanturine Press
• Release date: Nov 7, 2018
• ISBN: 9798223889113

SF Benson

SF Benson, a Michigan native, resides in Southern California with her husband, a human daughter, and a couple of miniature fur kids (two female short-haired guinea pigs). At one time, she wrangled a household which included three Samoyeds, saltwater fish, a hamster, and three guinea pigs. She’s an avid bookworm who appreciates a well-written book regardless of genre. SF prefers writing stories about strong, diverse protagonists set in dystopian, science fiction, or paranormal worlds. Connect with Author SF Benson: Be the first one to find out news about releases and giveaways! Email List https://bit.ly/3GnDYCk Facebook www.facebook.com/bensonsf Twitter @bensonshantella

Book preview

1

—Victor—

There’s a new dusting of snow outside the stained-glass window along with a cool breeze sneaking beneath the front door. Houses all over Falls Creek are decked out with red and green lights along with flocked wreaths and trees. Listen carefully, and you’ll hear the melodic sounds of carolers in the streets. All blatant reminders that the Christmas holiday is almost here—not my favorite time of year. I’m not a scrooge or anything. The cold air affects the blood supply—making it harder to get and keeping what is available too chilled—but I prefer a more hospitable climate like the French Riviera until the temps warm up. That’s where I went before Luc moved us to the States.

Before Kelsie.

I never thought it was possible to love someone as much as I love her. Life with Kelsie has kept me from letting Luc spike my heart and bury me in a wall. Before I met Kelsie, I had grown tired of being alone and was ready for someone—anyone—to end my existence. And then I met the most amazing female ever created.

One not-so-innocent bite, and I cursed Kelsie, turning her into a hybrid succubus slash vampire.

Despite it all, Kelsie’s beauty continues to shine through. The only time she shows any hint of vampirism is when it’s been a while between feedings. Then her silky skin loses its glow, and her smoky gray eyes stop shining and become hazy empty pools. I do everything in my power to prevent it, including stocking the basement wine cellar and the refrigerator with bottles of Crimson Ridge—Luc’s finest.

Her book snaps closed, grabbing my attention. Kelsie gazes up with tearful eyes and a slight, ingenuous smile on her slender face. She’s lost in a moment, and it’s up to me to help her through it.

Taking a seat beside her, I say, Kels, let’s go out for a bit? Maybe the Temptation Club for a few hours? I’ll take her anywhere to ease the burden on her mind. She’s been this way for weeks, and it’s getting worse. Not even helping Marcus Uraeleus decorate his new house eased her sorrow.

We’re not supposed to go into town, she mumbles.

"We’re not supposed to live in town, I correct. We can venture there anytime. Council members can’t complain anymore." It’s only been a few months since I took over as the leader. I wanted us to move, but Marc advised against it. Said it might upset the town’s supernatural community.

She shakes her beautiful, dark head and says, Going out isn’t necessary. Really, I just want to see my mom.

Not upsetting the masses is one thing, but the exile—forced upon us when Kelsie and I chose to be together, against Council’s rules—is affecting Kelsie’s health, and I don’t like it. It’s time to fix the problem Luc allowed to happen.

Honestly, the punishment hasn’t affected me. I’ve always been the outsider looking through a telescope on the living. But it’s different for Kelsie. She’s accustomed to seeing her family whenever she wants. Her mother, unfortunately, is too busy to come by while her brother got himself banished from town. If Cash had reported what he knew about the human murders to Council, he and the djinniyah wouldn’t have had to leave. They’re now married and living in New Orleans. Kelsie’s been depressed ever since we returned from the wedding.

Did you call your mother? I reach for the goblet on the side table and take a healthy sip.

She’s in New York again. Her latest suitor flew her there for the weekend. We’ll talk when she returns. Kelsie tosses the book to the floor and places her head on my shoulder. You know what I really miss with Mom?

No. What?

This time of year we’d put up decorations and wrap gifts. It feels strange not doing those things.

I could just kick myself. Just because I stopped recognizing the holiday doesn’t mean Kelsie should. We’ll fix this, love.

Kelsie gives me a thin smile and says, Don’t worry about it. As long as I have you, I’ll be fine.

Not good enough. Kelsie needs her family.

What about your aunt Lilith? Maybe she could go shopping with you? You could buy some decorations for this place.

We talked earlier. Kelsie pauses for a beat or two. She wants to take me shopping this weekend.

Good. You should go, I urge. It’s been a long time since I’ve put up a tree. Make sure you pick out a tree and whatever you need for decorating. Have it delivered. Kelsie has had access to my unlimited expense account—courtesy of Luc—since the day I proposed. If it would make her happy, she can empty the bank.

She sits up and kisses