Blood Magic: After Dark, #7

By Sarah Bailey

A forbidden friendship. Two worlds colliding. Blood and magic.

When Jamie returns to London at the behest of his older sibling, he does not expect to run into a princess, let alone the youngest daughter of the newly crowned King of the Fae. The innocent Dani is looking for excitement, fun and a little darkness. The sinful Jamie cannot resist the call. The problem? Gavin doesn't want him anywhere near Dani. Not when there is unrest in both the vampire and the fae communities.

As Jamie and Dani form a fast friendship, one fateful night changes everything. Dani is caught between loyalty to her people and her relationship with the playful, flirtatious vampire. And Jamie isn't about to let the fae girl who sets his world ablaze out of his sights.

How far are they willing to go for each other? And what happens when Gavin and King Mitah discover the forbidden friendship between the princess and the vampire?

If you like steamy supernatural romances with sultry vampires and the ethereal fae, you'll love Blood Magic, the gripping seventh installment to the paranormal romance series, After Dark.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Twisted Tree Publications
• Release date: Oct 18, 2019
• ISBN: 9798201844691

Sarah Bailey

Sarah writes dark, reverse harem, contemporary, erotic and paranormal romances. She adores all forms of steamy romance and can always be found with a book or ten on her Kindle. She loves anti-heroes, alpha males and flawed characters with a little bit of darkness lurking within. Her writing buddies nicknamed her ‘The Queen of Steam’ for her pulse racing sex scenes which will leave you a little hot under the collar. Born and raised in Sussex, UK near the Ashdown Forest where she grew up climbing trees and building Lego towns with her younger brother. Sarah fell in love with novels when she was a teenager reading her aunt’s historical regency romances. She has always loved the supernatural and exploring the darker side of romance and fantasy novels. Sarah currently resides in the Scottish Highlands with her husband. Music is one of her biggest inspirations and she always has something on in the background whilst writing. She is an avid gamer and is often found hogging her husband’s Xbox.

Book preview

Blood Magic

After Dark

Book Seven

SARAH BAILEY

Blood Magic Copyright © 2019 by Sarah Bailey

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means including information storage and retrieval systems, without permission in writing from the publisher. The only exception is by a reviewer, who may quote short excerpts in a review. 

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

Please note the spelling throughout is British English.

Cover Art by Christian Bentulan

Published by Twisted Tree Publications

www.twistedtreepublications.com

[e-mail]

Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty One

Chapter Twenty Two

Acknowledgements

About The Author

Books by Sarah Bailey

To Corry

Thank you for being a huge support

Your enthusiasm for my characters inspires me

You’re a bright spark in my life

Chapter One

London.

Jamie breathed in the crisp air. He didn’t strictly need to breathe, but he loved the chill of winter and the pungent smell that permeated the city. It had been a couple of years since he’d set foot in England, having spent some time in Prague. He wasn’t old for a vampire having only been turned just over fifty years ago. His maker died in a turf war not long after he rose.

Whilst he was glad to be back, he didn’t appreciate being summoned by his sibling.

Typical really, just as I was settling into my new city and making a name for myself.

He didn’t have much choice in the matter being the youngest.

He made his way down the steps to the bar, smoothing down his blazer. Jamie didn’t look a day over twenty five, but he’d seen enough in his seventy six years. A whole human lifetime.

My brother won’t mind me being a tad late, sure he’s used to it.

He pushed open the door of the bar, spying Neave immediately. He grinned. She was a sight for sore eyes. She was busy with a customer. A girl with mousy brown hair and the lightest blue eyes he’d ever encountered. She flipped her hair and he spied her ears. Fae. They didn’t often spend time in Fright Night or near vampires for that matter.

The girl searched through her bag, talking animatedly to Neave.

I’m really sorry, I thought I’d brought my card out with me. Now, where is it?

I don’t have all night, Neave said, despite there not being any other customers.

Jamie slipped over to the bar and held out his own card to Neave.

Allow me.

The other vampire looked up, breaking into a grin when she spied his face.

Well, what brings you back to the UK? she asked.

He summoned me, he replied.

The girl looked between the two of them, eyes wide.

You really don’t need to do that, she said. I swear I can pay for my own drink.

No need. Jack and coke for me and whatever it is she’s drinking.

Neave nodded, taking his card.

And he didn’t tell me you were coming home, typical.

She quickly poured out his drink and swiped his card before returning it to him.

You know what he’s like.

Hmm, yes, well, you’d think as his second he’d tell me these things, but never mind.

She gave him a little wink before moving away to serve another customer leaving Jamie alone with the fae girl. She stared at him with unnerving intensity.

Thank you, she said.

It’s my pleasure.

He leant against the bar and sipped his drink. Vampires could drink alcohol, it just did nothing for them. Jamie liked the taste and it made him seem more human. That was good for hunting.

So, what brings you to a bar like this? he asked.

Curiosity.

He looked her over. She wasn’t tall for a fae, only coming up to his chest. Her mousy hair shimmered with auburn undertones. She didn’t have elongated teeth which signalled she wasn’t some common fae. His eyes roamed lower. She was perfectly proportioned with subtle curves beneath her conservative outfit of a pair of jeans, ballet flats and a knit jumper.

Tell me, what is so curious about a vampire bar?

I haven’t met many creatures outside the fae.

No?

She shook her head, picking up her glass.

What’s your name?

It’s Dani.

He raised an eyebrow.

That’s not a very fae sounding name.

Dani looked away, her cheeks staining red. Shit, that’s sort of cute.

I don’t like my fae name, she muttered.

Does anyone?

She rolled her eyes, turning back to him.

No, but when you’re named after what most people assume is a weed, it’s kind of embarrassing.

He snorted. A weed? That’s a little tragic.

Go on, I’ll tell you my name if you enlighten me.

She stared at him for a moment before sighing.

Just don’t laugh. It’s Dandelion.

He bit his lip, holding back a grin.

It’s nice to meet you. He put his hand out. Jamie.

She placed her hand in his, giving it a tentative shake. Her skin was incredibly soft and delicate. Another blush shot up her neck. He breathed in her scent. Lavender and honeysuckle. She smelt good. For a fae at least. Never had the opportunity to feed from one. He shook himself, letting go of her hand. That line of thought was dangerous.

See, you have a normal name. Everyone but my father calls me Dani.

Then I shall endeavour to do the same.

A slight chill ran up his back. He turned his head, spying his brother eying him from the staff door. His gaze fell on Dani and his eyes narrowed to slits leaving Jamie wondering who she really was.

It seems duty calls, Jamie said, indicating his head towards the door. You running off anywhere?

Dani looked over at the door, eyes widening a little.

No.

Then I’ll be back.

She gave him a small smile and a nod. He downed his drink, placed the empty glass on the bar and strode towards where his brother had disappeared. He caught up with him in the Manager’s Office.

I thought I told you to come straight into the back, Gavin said with a frown.

Nice to see you too, Jamie replied, flopping down into a chair in front of the desk.

What were you doing with that girl?

Who? Dani?

Gavin’s green eyes darkened.

Princess Dandelion Farlane, yes.

Wait? She’s a princess? Typical, Gav always seems to know everyone. Guess it’s in his interests what with ruling the city and all.

I merely paid for her drink. So, spill, Gav, who are the Farlanes?

Gavin furrowed his brow again, fist clenching on the desk.

I told you not to call me that. I thought you’d have learnt some fucking manners whilst you were abroad, but clearly not.

Jamie grinned, giving his brother a wink. His sibling never had any patience for him. They weren’t true brothers but a shared maker meant they were bonded on some level. It was the way of their species.

You give me far too much credit, Gav.

Gavin pinched his brow between his fingers.

And now I’m beginning to wish I never summoned you here.

You still haven’t told me why that is, but first, I want to know about Dani’s family.

Jamie leant forward in his chair. The girl intrigued him, more than any other fae he’d ever encountered. And Gavin would know all about her considering who he was.

Two months ago, the Queen of the fae died without an heir. Her only living child, a half fae, half witch gave up her claim and considering her mother died at her hand, not really surprising. Besides, she’s Lucifer’s lover and resides in Hell now. He declared her queen.

Jamie’s eyebrow raised. For a vampire, he was quite expressive. More so than his brother, but he tried to retain some of his humanity unlike most vampires he knew.

Wait, what? The Devil as a lover? And Hell has a queen? Shit. Nothing this exciting happened in Prague. Should’ve come back to London sooner.

Gavin slammed his hand down on the desk.

Don’t interrupt. The Farlane clan has taken the crown. Dandelion is the youngest daughter of King Mitah. And you will stay away from her. I don’t want you stirring up trouble with the fae. Don’t forget how close you came to being banished when Raquel was still alive.

Jamie rolled his eyes. Yes, well, that was hardly my fault, but as usual, I get blamed for everything.

More like you won’t let me forget, he muttered.

Gavin narrowed his eyes.

I’m serious, Jamie. Don’t touch her, don’t mess around with her and do not under any circumstances get into bed with her. I know what you’re like.

Jamie leant back, putting his hands up.

I have no interest in sleeping with any of the fae, Gav.

Even if Dani is kind of cute.

Gavin raised his eyebrow.

You say that now.

His brother had no faith, although perhaps Jamie didn’t quite blame Gavin for that. He did have a reputation with women. Leaving them high and dry most of the time.

Why are you so insistent anyway? What’s wrong with her?

Nothing as far as I’m aware, but she’s not often seen at court according to my sources.

Perhaps King Mitah kept his daughter away from the public eye for a reason. Jamie was intrigued. He wanted to know more.

So you just want me to keep my hands to myself because it might ruin relations between vamps and the fae?

Precisely.

He should’ve known that would be his brother’s reasoning. Well, screw him. I can hang out with whoever I want. He might rule London, but I don’t answer to anyone.

Dani wasn’t why he was here though. Gavin had been very vague in his summons.

Why am I here?

Neave needs help running the bar. Considering you were languishing away in Prague with little to do, I thought you’d be the perfect candidate.

Seriously? I’m not your fucking lapdog. You can’t just summon me here for that shit. Bartending is not my forte.

Gavin pressed his fingers together, eying Jamie with a neutral expression.

I said running, Jamie, that means dealing with the accounts and staff. I need Neave to be at my disposal and she can’t when she’s chained to this place.

Jamie sat back. His human father had been grooming him to take over the family business before he turned. He knew how things worked.

I suppose I can help with that. Would it take up all my evenings?

No, you can work that out with Neave.

She didn’t even know I was coming.

Gavin looked away, his expression a little regretful.

She’s been harassing me to hire help for a while, as has my wife.

He’d been interested in the girl who’d captured his brother’s attention since he’d learnt of her existence.

Do I get to meet her?

Daisy? At some point. It’s been just over a year since she was turned. The transition has not been easy on her.

Never is for the first couple of years. Especially when your sire gets staked six months after she turned you.

Gavin looked pained for a moment. Talking about their maker, Yvonne, was a sore subject. The less said about that incident, the better. I never want to think about it again.

Neave is Daisy’s sire, although she’s given up all claim as her master.

Jamie sat back, wondering how the hell that has happened.

Wait, Neave sired your wife? After what happened to her, I thought she’d never turn anyone.

Do you think I asked her on a whim? It was a life or death situation.

Gavin looked a little rattled. It made Jamie hold back a grin. He did quite enjoy getting under his brother’s skin. It had always been a game to him.

Well, now he’s told me why I’m here, perhaps I can get back to Dani. I want to know why she’s been kept hidden away.

Who’d have thought a little human would get you all worked up?

Gavin’s lip twitched.

You won’t be saying that when you meet her, I assure you.

Well, she must be a force of nature if she puts up with you all the time.

You really do know how to try my patience. Go and send Neave in here.

Jamie jumped to his feet, grinning.

And remember what I said. The fae princess is not a new toy for you.

He waved a hand at Gavin.

I heard you the first time.

Jamie…

I’m not going to do anything.

He slunk away before Gavin could get another word in. The door closed quietly behind him.

He really is a dog with a bone. I just want a conversation with her.

He strolled back out into the bar, spying Neave immediately. He waited whilst she finished serving a customer.

So, how long did it take for him to lose his temper with you this time? she asked, leaning against the backbar.

Hmm… Gav? He was relatively calm. Probably because he wanted something from me.

Neave cocked an eyebrow, grinning.

And that is?

Oh, you’ll know soon enough. He wants a word.

Neave’s face fell. She straightened, walking around the bar and coming to a halt next to him.

Are you sure you don’t want to give me a clue?

He folded his arms across his chest.

What will you give me in return?

You really have no shame.

His lips curved up into a smile.

None whatsoever.

She flipped her hair and walked away towards the staff door, pausing and giving him a wink before she disappeared. He shook his head. Neave was like a big sister to him. He’d missed the cheeky vampire’s company.

Looking around the bar, he spied Dani nursing her drink in a corner booth. Fright Night wasn’t too busy, but there were a few shifters, vampires and humans dotted around. He purposely made a beeline for her. Her eyes were on her phone. She didn’t hear his approach. He slid into the booth next to her silently.

You said curiosity brought you here. I’m curious why you didn’t tell me you’re a princess.

§

Dani jumped at the sound of his voice, phone clattering on the table. She put a hand on her heart.

You scared me.

Jamie leant back, smiling at her. She eyed the vampire warily. His steel grey eyes glinted with mischief in the low light of the bar.

I shouldn’t be talking to him. Not really. If my father knew I was here, he’d kill me. And how on earth did he know who she was?

My apologies.

Who told you I’m a princess?

Dani didn’t need that piece of information becoming public knowledge.

My brother. It’s his business to know who’s who, he does run London after all.

Oh… Wait, my father told me about him. Gavin, right? He’s your brother?

I didn’t know vampires had siblings.

We shared a maker. I was her last and youngest child, but never mind that. You are the king’s daughter, are you not?

Dani sat back. She hadn’t wanted to reveal her identity to anyone.

Yes.

What really brings you to a vampire bar?

Could she trust someone she’d only just met with the truth? Jamie seemed like the type who didn’t take much seriously. Perhaps he’d be the perfect candidate. He ran a hand through his chestnut hair. She sighed, looking down at her fingers.

The fae court is still in chaos after Queen Gwilliana’s death. My father doesn’t know I’m here nor will he. Since my mother died, he’s been overprotective, but I’m of age now. I want to know what I’ve been missing.

The fae came of age at twenty five. It’d been her birthday three months ago. Her father had promised he’d loosen her apron strings, but Gwilliana’s death had scuppered those plans. She was fed up with waiting.

The vampire smiled at her, his white teeth gleaming.

So, you’ve been rather sheltered?

You could say that.

Well, you could do worse than hang out in here.

I’m sure there’s more to our world than this.

She waved her hand around at the bar. She wanted excitement, to be free to do as she pleased. She wanted to know what really went on in the supernatural underworld.

There is, why? Did you want to see it all?

Yes, but I wouldn’t know where to start.

The mischievous glint in his silver eyes made her blood pound. The subtle smile on his face made her aware he could hear it.

I have only just returned after a spell in Prague. It was my plan to reacquaint myself with the city, so you’re welcome to tag along. Although, I shouldn’t be offering, Gav did tell me to stay away from you.

Why would he do that? Unless it’s because of who I am and who my father is.

It seemed like a logical explanation.

"Why? Does he think