Blood Lust: A Paranormal Vampire Romance: Shadows & Roses, #1

By Rose Knight

In the heart of New Orleans, Scarlett's once-ordinary life takes a thrilling twist with the arrival of Tristan, a powerful and enigmatic vampire who's as ancient as he is irresistible. Suddenly, her world isn't just quiet—it's electrifyingly supernatural.

 

Tristan insists Scarlett is his eternal soulmate and destined bride. Sounds romantic, right? Not for Scarlett. She's not buying into the whole dark and mysterious vampire thing. She's determined to keep her life normal, and Tristan is not part of the plan.

Yet fate has other ideas. The unbreakable bond between them is more than just intense—it's downright excruciating when they're apart. As Scarlett is pulled into the hidden world of vampires, she discovers Tristan's chilling role as the formidable vampire governor. Their connection is a rollercoaster ride of hurt and betrayal. A wild mix of desire and pain, and a dark, addictive lust that keeps pulling them together  They're drawn to each other like magnets, even though they know it's gonna hurt.

 

Things take a darker turn when Tristan's shady past comes back to haunt them. The mystery behind Scarlett's parents' death surfaces, and when Tristan keeps it from her, trust crumbles. And just when she's desperate to break free from Tristan's magnetic pull, along comes his twisted brother, Roman. Enter plot twist: Scarlett's life gets thrown into a dangerous showdown between the two brothers, hanging on the edge of danger.

 

As Scarlett's humanity starts to slip away and her world becomes infused with the supernatural, she's left wondering if her feelings for Tristan might change.

Can a vampire governor, known for his icy demeanor, ever allow love to melt his cold heart?

 

It's a wild ride of supernatural passion, ancient mysteries, and the quest for a future that's anything but ordinary.

 

¨Every step I took was watched by a vampire, hidden among the shadows, waiting for me. What I knew ceased to make sense; what I used to be no longer mattered. It was and would be his will always.

Or at least, that's what he thought.¨

• Language: English
• Publisher: Rose Knight
• Release date: Mar 17, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224231799

Book preview

PROLOGUE

Tristan

With my gaze lost in the darkness and my mind far away from my body, I found myself waiting for Morgan.

The sun had just disappeared into the infinite horizon; the reddish hues still lingered in parts of the night sky. Stars and galaxies were visible to my eyes, as if I were looking through a telescope. I admit I marveled at each constellation I could make out, yet I felt a certain vertigo in doing so. The universe was vast, dark, and brilliant all at once—a strange mixture. I felt as though it were collapsing onto me, so I chose not to look up too much.

I chose to look toward the treetops, watching the wind pass through their branches, shaking them violently. Every now and then, I observed the nocturnal animals hidden among the dense trunks, moving about in search of prey, much like me.

I moved among humans, blending in to look like one of them, observing them, stalking them like the predator I was, then attacking them, drinking their blood, and also the essence of their pitiful lives.

My dear, her soft voice echoed in the room. She was the only one I allowed to call me by that cheesy name.

With unruffled calm, I turned around, snapping back to reality at the sight of her, as beautiful as she had always been. Her hair was tied back, giving her a youthful appearance; the pale skin of her neck was exposed, igniting in me a desire to bite and kiss her, to press my lips slowly against her flesh down to her shoulder, to slide the strap of her discreet dress and continue tracing every part of her perfect body.

I halted my thoughts. No, I could no longer have her. I saw the pain in her eyes, the light shining upon them, illuminating her dark gaze.

You're going to leave, I stated. Her face inclined downward, and when she lifted it again, tears were welling up in her eyes.

In seconds, I was by her side. I hated seeing her cry, even though she rarely did so in front of me.

I could stop her, prevent Marius from taking her away, even though she was his soulmate.

I loved her, loved her so much, and I didn't want to lose her. I knew this day would come sooner or later. Morgan wasn't mine; half of my soul had died many years ago, and I should have died with her. Yet, I rebelled and took the beautiful vampire before me as my wife, my partner, my everything.

I love you, her voice trembled. But what binds me to him is stronger.

I know, I whispered. My hands cradled her face gently, touching her softly, as I had always done since we were together. Go, you have nothing left to do here, I added, containing the growing rage within me ever since I learned she had found him.

Don't hate me, she pleaded, sobbing.

I don't, I reassured her. Just go, Morgan, and please, don't cross my path again.

Tristan. Her astonishment was palpable. I let her go, dropping my arms to my sides. She tried to touch me, but I stepped back.

Goodbye, Morgan, I bid farewell.

I vanished from her sight, listening to her sobs flow freely.

I left the mansion I had shared with her, deliberately running through the dense forest that surrounded me like a massive dark mass of oaks and branches.

I had just lost the only woman who gave meaning to my empty eternity. She would now belong to someone else, and jealousy stirred within me. If I didn't control it, I would do something I'd regret later.

While running, my legs moved swiftly along the path my feet traced; reality hit me in the face. I was alone, and I would remain so until the end of time. When everything came to an end, as humanity gradually declined, I would be there, in the front row, an eternal spectator of its descent.

What sense would there be in continuing here?

I questioned myself again and again. However, the pain of losing Morgan began to dissipate as I ran aimlessly. I wasn't someone who lingered to lick his wounds, to wallow in self-pity and depression. I would never crawl or beg for a woman, never.

I suffered when I lost Anne; I cried for her death, not because I wanted to, but because the pain she felt was the same pain I experienced. I held her in my arms for a few minutes, then drained her, taking possession of the essence of her life.

She died instantly, and so did my soul.

From the moment I saw her, I condemned her, and her death condemned me to spend eternity alone, without my light, without my soulmate.

Nevertheless, I set aside my lamentations; I had suffered enough. There were more things in this world that could make me feel good, partially filling the void in my soul. Morgan was the only one I had truly loved; now I was losing her, realizing that love wasn't meant for someone like me.

I gave my heart, and it was shattered.

I promised myself I wouldn't make the same mistake twice. Never again.

CHAPTER 1

SCARLETT

That would be all, Miss Renner, you may leave, he said, satisfied with my work. I smiled.

See you on Monday, Mr. Adams, I bid farewell. He gave me a smile, and I turned around, leaving my boss's office.

Finally, it was the weekend, and even though I wasn't going anywhere, I enjoyed these days in the solitude of my home with Luna, a good book, or a good movie, along with loads of junk food.

I grabbed my bag from my desk and hurriedly left the room. I took the stairs since the building was only four stories tall, and I didn't want to waste my valuable time waiting for the elevator, which at this hour was usually crowded with employees who, like me, were eager to get home.

Outside, I took a deep breath, bringing in the smell of car engines, grease, and the dampness that filled the underground parking space.

I was the first to leave the company, and being alone in that desolate place gave me a slight shiver. I had an incessant feeling of being watched, a sensation that had been haunting me for days since I saw a man in my room. An incident I chose to ignore, blaming it solely on my imagination.

I got into my beautiful car, a red Mini Cooper that took a lot of effort to buy; I started the engine and set off toward my house.

At this hour, the streets of New Orleans were empty, which I appreciated even though no one was waiting for me at home since I lived alone. I had no family; I never knew my parents. I grew up with my aunt Margaret, but she disappeared when I turned twelve, leaving me with a legal guardian who provided me with everything I needed, from shelter to education and food.

I didn't bother asking about her; every time I did, I received a negative response. So, I focused on my studies, resigning myself to not knowing about her. I was completely alone, and I had grown accustomed to living that way. I had no friends, let alone a boyfriend; no man approached me, and I couldn't understand why.

I wasn't ugly; I was aware of that. I was short, had wavy blonde hair, a slim figure, and green eyes—nothing out of the ordinary, but also not someone who couldn't find a partner. Yet, I had never had a suitor, so maybe I wasn't what someone was looking for. It was strange to be twenty-one years old and never have kissed anyone, but that's how it was.

I reached my house sooner than expected. It wasn't big at all, with just one floor, enough to make me comfortable. I got out of the car, slung my bag over my shoulder, and kept my phone in my hand. I approached the door and opened it, and as I did, my little cat, Luna, came running to my feet. I smiled and picked her up in my arms.

She was my only company.

Suddenly, I stopped paying attention and froze as I realized the presence of two men inside my house a few meters away from me. They were tall, very tall. They both looked like the kind of men you'd hire as bodyguards, dressed in black and too pale for my taste. A reddish tone bordered their deep dark eyes, and this redness extended to their lips. They seemed like unreal creatures due to the beauty they radiated.

The first thing I thought was that they might be police officers, but there was no reason for the police to want to talk to me. Especially not for them to enter my house like this.

Who are you? What are you doing in my house? I bombarded them with questions while keeping my distance from the door, clutching my car keys in my hand. If they tried anything, I could run away.

It doesn't matter, one of them spoke. We're here for you, he said calmly, as if it were the most normal thing in the world.

What? I inquired, confused. Are you policemen or something?

A normal person would be running to get away from those people, yet something made me keep my feet rooted to the ground. They exuded an aura that prevented any movement; their eyes ensnared you, like a spider's web and me a simple fly falling into it.

We don't have authorization to provide information. We were tasked to come for you, the same man repeated. I let out a nervous laugh and retreated almost imperceptibly.

I'm not going anywhere with you. I don't know you, and if you don't leave right now, I'll call the police, I threatened confidently.

I broke eye contact with them, and it was as if the spell had been broken. I turned and opened the door to escape, but within seconds, one of them was blocking my way. I barely blinked, and he was already in front of me.

It was impossible for him to have covered that distance in so few seconds. What was happening here?

How...?

He didn't respond; he snatched my bag from me. I protested, but he didn't care. He took my phone and crushed it with his hand as if it were a mere sheet of paper. I stared in astonishment and fear, wondering if they were even human.

It's better if you decide to come with us willingly. You'll be better off, he advised.

Of course, because it's so easy to go with two strangers who seem like killers, possess super speed and super strength, I retorted, searching for a way to buy time to think.

One of them showed a hint of a smile, like a robot.

Please, go away. There's money in my bag if that's what you want, I tried to change my tactics, feeling more frightened as the seconds passed.

Something as vague as money doesn't matter to us. Now... are you coming, or do I have to force you? one of them warned me.

I narrowed my eyes and scrutinized their faces alternately.

They were too big, too strong, and I couldn't fight them, and they might even be armed.

I assure you we won't harm you, he tried to make me trust.

Fine, I said, giving in.

Both nodded and opened the door for me. I swallowed hard and walked slowly on the tiles. Then, as we passed my car, I sprinted towards it. However, my attempts were thwarted again; one of them grabbed me around the waist, not too forcefully, and without further ado, dragged me across the street to where a black car with tinted windows was parked. They made me get in as I screamed for help and struggled as much as I could while still holding onto Luna. But everything was in vain; if anyone heard me, they didn't come to help. So, unavoidably, I found myself inside the car within seconds.

Please let me go!, I cried desperately, pressing my back against the door. They remained calm.

The safest place for you is with us. Trust me, the one sitting with me in the backseat attempted to reassure me, while his partner drove.

Where are you taking me? I asked nervously, not believing a word they said.

To Transylvania, he replied simply. I shook my head, and panic surged again.

Why?

You'll know later, he simplified.

ABOUT HALF AN HOUR after landing in Transylvania, we were now in a car heading somewhere unknown. I saw mountains, trees, roads, few cars, no signs of civilization. After they put me on a plane, I lost track of myself and woke up in the car, still holding Luna. Thank goodness, none of these men harmed her.

We were gradually moving away from the city, one I didn't get a good look at since we were going so fast that everything outside appeared as blurry spots of colored lights and distorted letters. Then we turned onto a less-traveled road, with the same result—there was nothing to see but forest on both sides. Enormous, dark blotches that increased my terror. How could I escape this place? The nearest city was kilometers away... I would be in the middle of nowhere, being... God, I couldn't even think about what would happen to me or what they would do to me.

Minutes later, I saw lights that seemed to be from a mansion. And as we got closer with each passing second, I realized it wasn't just a mansion, it was a castle—a huge, majestic, imposing castle like the ones you see in fairy tales or on television.

My jaw dropped; despite the fear engulfing me, there was a certain excitement in knowing I was about to step into that place. I had never seen or visited one.

Is that where we're going? I spoke for the first time in hours.

Yes, the man who introduced himself as Ezequiel answered.

The car came to a stop minutes later. Everything fell silent; only the frantic beating of my heart was audible between us.

Evander, the other man, kindly opened my door. Resigned, I got out of the car, and they immediately signaled for me to follow. Luna was restless in my hands, moving and digging her claws into my skin, meowing as if she were scared. I didn't understand why.

I must mention that the castle was indeed huge, even bigger up close than it seemed from a distance. It was surrounded by more men dressed like Evander and Ezequiel, all with pale faces and deep black eyes that seemed lifeless, lacking any warmth.

Once inside, they guided me up immense stairs covered by a red carpet that muffled my steps. I followed them, marveling at everything around me. For a moment, my nerves disappeared, and the fear evaporated—perhaps my brain was blocking it to spare me from further torment, or it was the overwhelming feeling in my chest that made me feel at home.

This will be your room, Ezequiel announced, pulling me out of my thoughts. I realized I was standing in front of a wide white door.

He opened it for me and indicated for me to enter. I peeked in cautiously and, being careful, stepped into the spacious room. It was incredibly large—possibly the size of my entire house without any issue. It lacked decoration, though everything from the curtains to the floor was in dark colors, gloomy; that was the word to define it. I didn't like it.

We've brought you this far. Someone will come to talk to you in a little while, he said. I nodded, unsure of what else to do.

I had no option but to wait here. The door closed; I switched on the light and sat on the bed. Luna settled in the middle of the bed; she seemed quite comfortable.

Are you serious? Just moments ago, you were scared, and now, of course, you have a huge, comfortable bed—what could be wrong?, I grumbled at her. She ignored me, closed her eyes, and rested without a care.

Moments later, someone entered the room. I was paralyzed when I saw the person in front of me. I kept telling myself that it couldn't be true; I had imagined this moment many times, often rushing into their arms to feel safe as their image faded away. But this time, it wasn't like that. When I touched her, when my fingers grasped her, she was still standing there, returning that cold embrace I had missed every damn year.

Aunt Margaret, I whispered, not letting go of her as tears welled up, feeling immensely relieved and tranquil. If she was here, nothing bad could happen to me.

Scarlett, she murmured, letting her arms stay wrapped around me firmly. There was a lot of affection in her embrace.

With a smile, I observed her. She was wearing a simple, form-fitting black dress that covered her feet. Her wavy brown hair fell over her shoulders, highlighting her milky skin. However, what surprised me the most was that she looked exactly the same—there wasn't a single wrinkle on her flawless skin. Time hadn't touched her.

You've been looking for me, I said with a small smile, which she didn't return.

No, she replied simply. My eyebrows furrowed.

Then who did? I asked, confused. She shook her head.

Come, she requested, taking my hand with a delicate touch. Hers was cold, just like Evander's.

I sat beside her on the bed. She asked for both my hands, which she covered with hers gently. Her fingers caressed the back of my hands slowly.

First and foremost, you need to know what I am. The sooner you come to terms with what your new life will be, the better for you. I looked at her even more puzzled; what was she talking about?

I don't understand...

She let go of my hand and took a deep breath. In the blink of an eye, she stood up and came back to me, and I retreated on the bed, astonished at her speed and at the silver dagger she held in her hand—a large, sharp dagger.

She raised her arm and passed the dagger over her wrist, making a deep cut. I gasped; the blood flowed for a moment, thick and dark,

I quickly took her hand to examine it, but to my astonishment, I noticed that her skin slowly regenerated until there was nothing left of the wound, not even a small... Did I hear correctly? She said vampire? Vampire.

Images of dark bloodsucking creatures flooded my mind. Pale monsters transforming into bats like the famous Dracula... she explained slowly, as if she were talking to a five-year-old. And if you are here, it's because you will be the wife of the Governor of my kind.

I looked at her as if she had grown a second head. Marry a stranger? A stranger who was a vampire? Were we living in another century? Was I going crazy?

No. I refuse to do such a thing, I asserted firmly.

Why me? There are thousands of women in this world. Why me? I inquired with a voice filled with desperation. I wanted to get out of here quickly.

He has been observing you since you were a child. Your scent attracts him, fascinates him, and that's why he has decided to make you his wife. You both belong to each other, your souls...

No... no way.

She shook her head, closed the distance between us, and took my face in her hands, transmitting the coldness of her skin, so icy that if I closed my eyes, I could perfectly imagine that what... It also cleared a doubt I had in my head about what happened a few nights ago, as I could swear I had seen a man standing and watching me by the side of my bed. It must have been him, I hadn't imagined it.

My... funereal and dark, like the ones often seen in fantasy or horror movies; finally, she stopped in front of a wide antique wooden door that I could swear had more years of life in this place than I... fine, he won't harm you," she tried to calm me, kissing my forehead.

She had no idea how wrong she was with those words.

I didn't want to go in. I had a feeling that all of this would end badly, and I was also very afraid of what... I swallowed nervously. I definitely felt like I was walking towards the gallows.

I pushed those thoughts aside, took a look at the room, which seemed to be an office. However, I stopped paying attention to the details, as my... gaze fell upon the man standing by the window, facing away from me.

He was tall, with short brown hair, and a somewhat muscular body. He was dressed entirely in black. My breathing quickened when he turned... beautiful, but it sent shivers down my spine to look at him.

Scarlett, he whispered softly, caressing each syllable of my name.

In less than a second, he was standing in front of me. A gasp escaped my lips from the surprise, and I could barely observe him before, without warning, he kissed me..

Tristan

My free hand closed around her neck as my lips sought hers as if they had some kind of magnet that, no matter how much I resisted, would always make me give in.

I closed my eyes as I kissed her, moving my mouth against hers, which remained still, unlike her body, which became tense.

There was a great need within me; I kissed her urgently, exposing myself to her, letting her see how much I needed her lips, her. I stopped at that moment. I was annoyed with myself for giving in to my impulses. Scarlett looked at me, surprised and angry.

Do you know why you're here? I asked, pulling away from her slightly without letting go. Scarlett straightened up a bit and lifted her chin defiantly.

Yes, she replied. And I want you to know that I don't agree. I don't want to be your wife.

Well, I didn't like the idea of being bound to her either, but we had no choice.

It's a pity you have no choice, I said, smiling at her sideways.

I released my hands from her body, walked around her until I stood behind her, getting closer to her hair. I subtly buried my nose in it, sighing with satisfaction at the blessed scent it emitted.

I watched with satisfaction as her skin tingled and her pulse quickened even more.

Let me go, please... there are other women who would be delighted to be by your side. She knew that very well.

If she only knew that I had been with too many women, women whom I wouldn't even bother remembering, as they all perished under my hands, except for Andrea and Morgan.

I'm not interested in any other human besides you; none of them possess your scent, I said, moving away and returning to my position in front of her.

I took her chin in my fingers and looked into her eyes for a fraction of a second, noticing how she held her breath as I approached her neck, running my nose along it. I felt my fangs emerge, eager to sink into that porcelain skin she possessed.

You can't force me. I don't know you, she replied softly. I moved away from her a little.

You'll have time to get to know me, I murmured disdainfully.

People get married for love, and I don't love you, she retorted, looking defiantly at me. Scarlett was infuriating me with every word that came out of her mouth.

Love? Why even mention it? I wanted to laugh.

That word didn't exist for me; it was such a trivial feeling, without any meaning, something that broke easily, something that arrived and disappeared just as quickly.

Love has no place here, I said seriously. You will be my wife, and there's nothing you can do about it, I asserted firmly.

Hatred exploded in her gaze, which seemed to ignite with fury upon hearing me.

No, she affirmed harshly, sure of what she was saying.

I let out an exasperated growl and grabbed her by the neck, slamming her body against the wall. She let out a pitiful whimper that didn't stop me.

Don't disobey me, Scarlett. You will do my bidding... always, I declared.

And then I couldn't resist any longer. Fury mixed with my thirst, with the need to drink from her until satisfied, so I bit her, burying my fangs in her throat desperately, like someone who is thirsty and upon seeing a glass of water, grabs it without thinking about anything other than quenching that bothersome sensation, just as I was doing now.

I forcefully buried my fangs, wishing to bite her more and more so that her blood rushed quickly into my mouth, which eagerly sucked it. Deep down, in the midst of my madness, I knew that causing her so much harm was unnecessary. But I couldn't control myself; it had been too many years without tasting that liquid with such a unique flavor, and everything spiraled out of control.

Her blood flowed rapidly from my mouth to my throat, filling me with a satisfaction I hadn't felt in a long time. The feeling of fulfillment was intoxicating and made me experience an absolute ecstasy while she struggled and screamed until she no longer did.

Stop, Tristan!

Margaret's voice echoed in the room, and suddenly I found myself on the floor, looking at my father, who had been the one to strike me, pulling me away from Scarlett, who remained unconscious, her limp body in my sister's arms, her floral scent permeating the four walls around us. Part of her blood dripped from my mouth; I had been so desperate to drink from her that I didn't consider the consequences and unleashed my instincts.

You almost killed her, my father snapped, and then I realized the lethal mistake I had come close to making.

I was going to stop, I lied.

. Take her away from here, Margaret, my father said. My sister gave me a look of hatred, something she rarely did. And you, Tristan, you better control your temper and your thirst, because if she dies, you will die with her, and I refuse to lose one of my children, he warned, then he left and left me alone.

I had to admit that he was right.

If I lost Scarlett, this time I wouldn't be able to bear it. I would die, I would die with her.

CHAPTER 2

MY EYES OPENED WIDER than usual, as if they were about to pop out of their sockets. I didn't move. His cold lips brushed against mine as if he needed them, allowing urgency to flow in every touch of his mouth, desperate to cling more forcefully to mine, dominating with every subtle movement he made. However, moments later, he pulled away from me as if compelled to do so, his vibrant eyes still radiating an ardent desire to keep kissing me, while I didn't reciprocate his kiss, and apparently, that annoyed him a bit.

Do you know why you're here? he asked, moving a few inches away from me.

I absolutely refuse to be your wife, the corner of his mouth lifted in a hint of a sneer, a smirk both mean and mischievous.

It's a pity you have no choice, he stated nonchalantly.

He walked, positioning himself behind me, moving deliberately slowly, as if he were a predator observing his prey up close. I was curious to keep looking at his face, yet I didn't turn around, and moments later, I felt a breath on my neck that made me shiver. I closed my eyes for a moment and swallowed, feeling a tremor in every part of my being. His breath near my neck made my skin prickle.

Please let me go. There are other women who would be thrilled to be by your side, I replied with a feeble voice, trying to make him understand.

I'm not interested in any other human but you. None possess your scent, your skin, your beauty, he continued, returning to his position in front of me.

He took my chin with his fingers, and his eyes locked onto mine. I held my breath as he brought his nose to my neck, smoothly tracing it from top to bottom. I remained still, the coldness emanating from his skin left me frozen, yet it felt strangely good, and he seemed to feel it too, releasing a satisfied sound as his breath brushed against me like silk.

You can't force me. I don't know you, I argued, defiant; he abruptly pulled away from me, narrowing his eyes.

"You'll have time to get to know me, a lot of

Reviews for Blood Lust

[tzking288 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

loved it! so good, cant wait for book 2! glad its a duet