Courting the Wolf: Wolf Pack, #3

By Elizabeth Dunlap

In regency England, the vampire, Ella, has worked hard to maintain a life among humans, but all that ends when a pack of Lycans are invited over for dinner.

Nate is everything she despises, and everything she desires.

Forced together, will they give into their growing feelings, or let their differences ruin them forever?

Disclaimer: This story is a novella with a medium burn romance. If you want a book with plot, it's not this one. If you want an intense short read with high heat, please keep reading.

 

**Warning: For Adult Audiences 18+. Language and actions may be deemed offensive to some. Sexually explicit content. M/F**

• Language: English
• Publisher: Elizabeth Dunlap
• Release date: Apr 22, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224192335

Elizabeth Dunlap

Elizabeth Dunlap is the author of several fantasy books, including the Born Vampire series. She's never wanted to be anything else in her life, except maybe a vampire. She lives in Texas with her boyfriend, their daughter, and a very sleepy chihuahua named Deyna.

Book preview

Chapter One

Ella

It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a vampire in possession of fangs must be in want of blood.

However, it is a more universal truth, that a vampire in possession of a good fortune, and a close human companion, would never want for blood.

Lady Stewart! How lovely to see you today.

I turned in a twirl outside the dressmaker’s shop to see my good friend, Sarah Fitzjames. She had on a fine new bonnet, perfect for this fall weather. The way she clutched her shawl to her sides reminded me it was chilly outside for the humans.

Mrs. Fitzjames, I greeted, curtsying with a deep nod that she echoed. Once we’d straightened up, it was all smiles and pleasantries.

Oh, how I loved it.

Where is your sister? she asked, glancing around the square, but seeing no sign of Rosamund, my human companion. Rosamund was currently at home, resting after my morning feeding.

Oh, I am sorry to say she is feeling a bit poorly this morning. I bid her stay at home while I went out for a few things. I’m going to make her some soup to help her feel better.

Sarah tittered at me. I’ve never seen such a lady of means perform such menial tasks. Surely your servants can make soup for Rosamund.

They could. But it wouldn’t mean as much coming from them. It was my job to take care of Rosamund, a task I took very seriously.

I laughed, trying to hide my true feelings. You are correct, Mrs. Fitzjames. Sometimes I feel so idle, I just need something to occupy my hands.

Her eyes widened, and she reached out to grasp my arm. That reminds me! You remember my sister, Charlotte? She is having a house party at Parkwood Manor until the season begins, and she begged me to ask if you would consider coming.

Blood.

I could smell it.

My senses heightened, my eyes searching for the source. There. Across the street. Jane Worth at her flower stand. She pricked her finger on a rose thorn.

The aroma of her blood was hypnotic. So pungent. So rich. Like fruitcake that has soaked in spiced rum for a year.

If I were a less gentile vampire, I would’ve discarded propriety, and found a way to drink her dry behind the shops. I did not deny how thirsty I was, but I would never attack a human like that.

Lady Stewart? Sarah was still there in front of me, unaware of the hunger growing inside me. I suppressed it with a sniff and a smile.

I would be honored.

Dearest. Rosamund sat watching me from the divan in my room as I gathered up a few gowns for my trunk. You seem agitated. Perhaps you’re not drinking enough blood? You’ve been taking less as of late, don’t think I haven’t noticed.

I swiped my curls out of my face and looked around for a ribbon to tie them back with. You’ve been ill. I will not be making it worse. Besides, this trip to the country is just what we needed. You can rest under the fresh air, and I will have plenty of diversions from my thirst. I could kiss Charlotte Fitzjames, if it wouldn’t cause a scandal, that is.

Rosamund tittered as she sipped her tea. When will humans learn to accept all forms of love?

You say humans as if you are not also one of them, I chided with a grin.

Sometimes I forget, she retorted, nose deep in her tea.

Well, then it is all the better that we are about to spend time with humans before the season begins. It will do you some good.

Closing my trunk, I couldn’t help but feel some measure of guilt over her comments, but it all the more