All Mariah Jordan wanted was to take a break from the grueling sceduale of signing books. What she got was a gorgeous--injured vampire. Risking all, she bargains with him to save his life--her blood for a kiss. What she gets is more than she bargained for. There is war raging between the Borne Vampires and the Damned and Mariah is the prize!
Trembling from terror and the mind-numbing cold, she jumped when the vampire reached for her arm again. She tried to fight him, but he shook his head and pressed a finger to his mouth, silencing her. Reluctant to be close to a real vampire, she saw the tremors he could no longer repress. Mariah scooted over to him and leaned against him, offering what warmth she could. When he drew her into the shelter of his arms, she was surprised when he gently rubbed her arms, to get feeling flowing through her own frozen limbs. Mariah felt small and defenseless compared to him, unsure of his motives. Freaked that his hot, sticky blood was soaking through the back of her coat and the fact a real vampire was holding her, she turned to her dogs. They remained strangely quiet as they lay, watching the woods. From the heavy loss of blood he suffered, she knew he was weakening, needing to replenish what continued to leak out of his untended wounds.
Wary, Mariah looked up at the vampire. The hunters would eventually backtrack when they failed to find their prey. Her only hope for survival was the vampire, and he was in dire need of blood. And she knew just how he could get what he so desperately needed--hers.
What if this was to be her last night? Sad, Mariah realized it had been years since she was kissed or had made love, or been in love for that fact. Looking up at the handsome visage of the vampire, she thought, what the hell, I’ve got nothing to lose.
“Stranger, we have a dilemma. I can’t carry you back to my cabin, but you can get us there safely.” Swallowing hard, she continued, “I will give you my blood...for a price.” The vampire’s dark, fathomless eyes widened.
“What do you want?” the vampire demanded suspiciously.
Before Mariah lost her nerve, she whispered, “a kiss.”
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| Reviewer: Valkyrie's Lady |
Mariah’s first-ever "link" with someone was not as nifty as she had imagined. It hurt. A lot. She was sure the man would die and she was also sure that he wouldn’t if she could help it. With the help of her wolf, Salish and a huge mixed-breed named Bear she goes out into the winter night in search of the voice she heard. She found him. A vampire with ten bullet holes included.
By giving Rathe shelter, Mariah puts herself in the middle of a bloody war between the Borne Vampires and the Damned. He had led the men away from his family and was shot for his troubles. Mariah saved his life through her blood, linking them forever. When they torch her home, Rathe manages to help her escape along with her dogs. They are now on the run: running from the Damned chasing Rathe and also from the growing attraction between themselves. Mariah is completely confused: "I know, I know! I'm supposed to be sensible. No men allowed. What in the hell am I suppose to do about a vampire then?" Rathe is not the only one interested in Mariah - Jarrod, his ex-friend and leader of the Damned has sensed her psychic abilities and wants her for himself.
Whisper to Me is a good novelette. I think it would have made a great full story and maybe that will happen. The tale was well told and includes good characters and plot. I would like to read more from this author!
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