Shadow Lover (Siren Publishing Allure) Read Free Page B

feeling a little peculiar, and wondered if she was coming down with something. When she felt an unusual heaviness in her head, she finally clicked the TV off and lay back on her bed, a lighter-than-air sensation closing about her.
    She drifted on a witch's spell .
    Higher and higher she floated until she entered into a cool darkness. The night wind swirled around her, wrapping her in a lonely cocoon, its amorous hand lifting her thin nightgown and mussing her hair sensuously. As she drifted, she passed through several shades of darkness that draped mysteriously over the earth, then passed out of this world and into another. When her eyes finally opened she saw herself surrounded by a cool, blue beauty that was breathtaking. Within only seconds she felt a solid surface beneath her feet that was smooth and cool. She glanced around, wondering where she was. The further she walked, the darker it became, until she saw dancing flames in the distance.
    Suddenly she was part of a scene that filled her with fear.
    As she shifted her gaze and looked around, she saw an extremely cavernous room with a wide, flowing staircase. The flames she'd seen came from a grotesque stone fireplace that filled one whole wall. She felt small and insignificant as she looked up at the beamed ceiling, and a sudden dizziness came upon her making her reel as if drunk. The towering walls had giant panels of glass looking out into a black night.
    "My God," she muttered as she heard the sound of gnarled tree limbs scratching at the glass. "I've stepped into the Frankenstein movie."
    Her gaze darted around, almost expecting to see a big, hulking monster coming toward her with outstretched arms and bolts on his neck. She didn't know where she was, or how she had gotten there, but didn’t intend to stay. Turning, she ran toward the front door, and had just reached for the large antiquated door knob when something moved. The sound made her jump, and she turned quickly, slamming her back against the door.
    Her eyes darted to a pool of shadows where she saw a pair of glowing blue eyes watching her. Seconds passed with her breath caught in her throat. As she watched, slowly the shadow heaved with life, and one darkness slowly separated from the other. What emerged was an incredible face. The stranger’s eyes glittered like broken pieces of glass, and a dimple pierced his chin. His lips, although not excessively full, were appealingly curled. His black hair fell in thick waves, reaching his shoulders. His sideburns extended to the tips of his lobes, and he had just the slightest shadow of a mustache. He was tall, dressed in dark clothes—even a cape.
    “Oh, God,” she mumbled. She finds herself trapped in a Frankenstein movie, then enters—Dracula!
    He slowly moved toward her.
    In desperation she whirled around and pulled on the doorknob, but it wouldn't budge.
    "It's locked," he said, his deep voice resonating through the spacious room.
    She turned back slowly, fear making her heart pound and thrash. Her gaze darted wildly, looking for a way of escape, but could find none, so she inched along the wall, watching as he followed her.
    She was trapped in a corner.
    She began to feel uncomfortable when she saw his eyes move slowly along her body, lingering on her breasts. She followed his gaze to see what was so fascination, and saw her cleavage revealed seductively. Her hands flew up to the lacy top of her nightgown, trying to somehow close it. From the hungry way he looked at her she wasn't quite sure whether he wanted to kiss her or bite her.
    His heavy-lidded eyes watched her discomfort with amusement.
    "W-Where am I," she asked when she found her voice, "and, who are you?"
    "My name is Quinn Grayson, and this mansion is my home, Moon Amber."
    "Moon Amber?" she whispered, her eyes darting about. "Strange name," she muttered, "but why should that surprise me?"
    "It’s foolish to be afraid. I’m not going to hurt you."
    "Why am I here?"
    "You were