Vampire's Playground: Bloodhaven Manor Series, #2

By K. L. Bordeaux and Ezra DiMarco

In a world where ancient traditions clash with modern ideals, join Ethan, a daring young renegade hybrid vampire, and his charismatic friend, a full-blooded vampire named Lucas, as they challenge the age-old norms of vampire society to usher in a new era.

As these two unlikely friends navigate the treacherous terrain of vampire politics, they find themselves at the heart of a Romeo and Juliet saga. Ethan becomes entranced with Emily, the daughter of the most powerful vampire in North America. 
Into the shadows of "Vampire's Playground," the age-old feud between two formidable vampire bloodlines vie for supremacy. As passion ignites and forbidden love blossoms, the protagonists must navigate treacherous waters where loyalty is tested, and ancient vendettas threaten to engulf them.

Bordeaux & DiMarco weave a world where the line between love and war is as thin as a vampire's fang. With every turn of the page, "Vampire's Playground" captivates readers. Lose yourself in the dark allure of this timeless tale that explores the price of immortality and the enduring power of love amidst the eternal clash of bloodlines.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Equestrian Basics
• Release date: Jan 28, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224218110

Book preview

Chapter One

Ethan sat at the head of the long, makeshift table in the center of the work camp's courtyard. The night sky cast a muted glow on the celebration below, as vampires from e corner gathered to pay their respects and partake in the feast. It was no ordinary birthday; Ethan was turning eighteen, a significant milestone for any young vampire, but especially for him.

Happy birthday, Ethan! his fellow vampire friends cheered, raising glasses full of red liquid all smacking with a metallic tang. A hybrid of human and vampire, he possessed traits of both species, making him an anomaly among his kind.

Thanks, eone, he said, feeling the weight of their gazes upon him.

Eighteen years old, mused Dominic, the elder trans vampire who had taken Ethan under their wing. You've come a long way, my boy. Dominic was a graduate of the work camp themselves. She/he was a rare transvestite vampire who now served as the quasi-den-mother for the entire cave operation located in the deep woods of Tennessee. Often Dominic wore sil bling and diamonds. Even their wings were lined with silver veins.

I couldn't have done it without you, Ethan replied sincerely. Deep down, he knew this birthday marked his physical growth and the beginning of a new journey.

Speaking of which, Dominic continued, their made up eyes narrowing slightly as they leaned closer, Your application was approved.

Application? Ethan asked, feigning ignorance.

Dominic grinned, revealing sharp fangs. To work among the humans, of course. You'll be part of the new educational initiative.

Really? Ethan tried to hide his surprise, though he had secretly hoped for this opportunity. What does that mean? Ethan suspected he'd be chosen to work among the general population since he was only a hybrid. Many at the work camp were full-lineage vampires who hadn't made the cut. The work fortress, named Twilight Forge Camp but nicknamed Camp Fang by its inhabitants, specialized in manufacturing specialized vampire products. Those were: a pheromone spray used by vampires to soothe humans and ease any discomfort they may feel when confronted by a vampire; a special battery pack most vampires wore on their sternums called a Twilight Badge that gave them supernatural powers, an immortality booster shake, and a potion allowing vampires to withstand the sun.

Basically, you'll be living with your human Aunt Natalie in New Orleans, alongside humans during the day, and working at night to broaden your understanding of the outside world, Dominic explained. The goal is to bridge the gap between our two species so we can coexist peacefully and learn from one another.

Ethan's mind raced, the implications of his new assignment sinking in. Living among humans was an enticing prospect, but it also meant leaving behind the only life he had ever known.

Take some time to think about it, Dominic suggested, sensing Ethan's hesitation. It's a big step, but I believe you're ready.

Ethan nodded, trying to focus on the joyous atmosphere of his birthday celebration as classical music played and laughter filled the air. He knew that whatever decision he made, nothing would ever be the same again.

Ethan retreated to a quiet corner of the work camp, the sounds of his birthday celebration fading into the background. The weight of the decision before him settled heavily on him. Shadows cast by the towering wooden fences seemed to close in around him, as if attempting to keep him tethered to this place.

Leaving everything I've ever known, he muttered under his breath. The thought exhilarated and terrified him. Twilight Forge had been his home, his refuge, but also his cage. Here, he was unique—a hybrid, born of a vampire father and a human mother, but never truly belonging to either world. He glanced at his hands, the veins beneath his pale skin faintly pulsing with each heartbeat and that strange dark blue-purple blood.

Hey, are you all right? Dominic's voice broke through Ethan's thoughts. The older vampire's eyes held genuine concern as they approached.

Uh, yeah, Ethan replied, trying to mask his anxiety. I'm ...thinking about the assignment.

Understandable, Dominic said, nodding. It's not an easy decision to make.

Have you done something like this before? Ethan asked, desperate for some insight.

Not exactly, Dominic admitted. But I've often acted as a liaison between our kind and the humans. It can be challenging, but it's also incredibly rewarding.

Rewarding how? Ethan pressed, curious.

You'll learn so much about yourself and others, and you may even change opinions on both sides, Dominic explained. It's a chance to grow, to evolve.

Ethan considered Dominic's words, feeling a spark of excitement ignite within him. But doubts clouded his mind. What if I don't fit in? What if they find out what I am and reject me?

Then you adapt, learn from the experience, and move forward, Dominic said firmly. You won't know until you try, Ethan.

Right, Ethan sighed, running a hand through his hair. He looked up at the night sky, the stars twinkling like tiny beacons of hope. I don't want to let anyone down.

Hey, Dominic said gently, placing a reassuring hand on Ethan's shoulder. You're one of the strongest people I know, and I have no doubt that you'll succeed in this assignment. Remember, I'll still be your supervisor back here, so if you ever need guidance or support, I'm a text away.

Thanks, Dominic.

New Orleans, Ethan whispered, trying the words out on his tongue. A world filled with humans and the unknown awaited him—terrifying, exciting, and full of possibilities. And perhaps, perhaps, he could find his place within it.

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