The Blood Doctor: Ancient Blood, #2.5

By Kate Hill

Dr. Matthew Winter and artist Dulcie Evans are opposites on the surface, but she's exactly what he needs to explore the vampiric nature he has fought all his life to restrain. They're meant for each other, but Dulcie's jealous ex-lover will stop at nothing to reclaim her. To protect himself and his beloved, Matthew must fully unleash the vampire inside him.

Note: The Blood Doctor was previously published. This is a re-edited version and contains an additional scene.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kate Hill
• Release date: May 1, 2024
• ISBN: 9798215213728

Kate Hill

Kate Hill is a vegetarian New Englander who started writing many years ago for pleasure. When she's not writing, she enjoys reading, watching horror and action movies, working out, and spending time with her family and pets. She also writes under the name Saloni Quinby.

Book preview

The Blood Doctor

By

Kate Hill

Copyright 2024 Kate Hill

Smashwords Edition

First Electronic Publication 2002 Ellora's Cave

Dr. Matthew Winter and artist Dulcie Evans are opposites on the surface, but she's exactly what he needs to explore the vampiric nature he has fought all his life to restrain. They're meant for each other, but Dulcie's jealous ex-lover will stop at nothing to reclaim her. To protect himself and his beloved, Matthew must fully unleash the vampire inside him.

Note: The Blood Doctor was previously published. This is a re-edited version and contains an additional scene.

Table of Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Extra Scene

Author's Note

About Kate

Also by Kate Hill

Chapter One

1987

Last but not least, this is my oldest brother Matthew. Lisa tugged Dulcie’s arm, causing droplets of wine to splash over the rim of her friend’s glass and onto her hands.

Ah, the oldest of the Winter clan. Dulcie smiled at Matthew. She deliberately licked the wine from between her thumb and forefinger before extending her hand in greeting. She thought for certain the tall, smooth-shaven, impeccably-dressed man would hesitate, but he surprised her with a firm handshake. Dulcie’s heartbeat quickened.

His presence had touched her the moment she’d stepped into the house to join Lisa’s father’s sixtieth birthday party. Dulcie had waded through introductions to several aunts, uncles, cousins, and Lisa’s other siblings before they finally reached Matthew.

He stood alone, gazing out the picture window in his father’s dark study. Everyone else mingled in the well-lit dining and living rooms, but Dulcie had seen Matthew’s silhouette through the half-open door. She’d caught his scent before entering the house. It was wild, sensual, buried too far beneath soap, shampoo, and expensive cologne.

Matthew, this is my friend Dulcie. We’re in the same photography class this semester.

Painting is really my thing, Dulcie explained, stretching her fingertips across his wrist as he released her hand, but I took photography to try something different. Have to keep life interesting. She grinned at him, as if sharing an inside joke.

He smiled politely.

Matthew is a hematologist and oncologist. Interesting isn’t in his vocabulary.

Dulcie’s brow furrowed. Unless you’re diagnosed with a serious disease. It’s important work compared to our dabbling in art, Lisa.

No kidding. I’m not smart enough to do what he does. He’s the family pride and joy. Our parents’ own professional egg-head. He’s a genius.

Give it a rest, Lisa, Matthew muttered.

It’s true. He was in med school at fourteen, got his M.D. at eighteen, and now here he is, not even thirty, and at the top of his field. The pride in Lisa’s eyes belied her teasing words. The rest of us are average, you know, but Matthew was adopted, so he’s really got nothing to do with our gene pool.

A half-smile played around Dulcie’s lips. So you’re in blood, Matthew?

I’ve never heard it put that way, but yes, I’m in blood.

Dulcie nodded, gazing at his full lower lip. He definitely had a mouth for kissing. The rest of his body was long and lean. She wondered exactly what it looked like beneath his black slacks and shirt that matched his dark blue eyes. He wore a tie of muted colors, the knot perfect at his throat. His neck above the collar looked strong. Dulcie gazed at the artery along the side of it. Concentrating, she focused on the rush of blood beneath his skin. His pulse quickened and his scent strengthened. Despite his easy smile and calm manner, he was attracted to her. He wanted her, and damn, she wanted him.