Sometimes a monster really is hiding under the bed.
Welcome to another offering for Frisky Friday, where we hope you're getting as excited about the weekend as we are. This week, I'm sharing an excerpt from my 1st book, Mortal Illusions. A vampire romance published by New Concepts Publishing, Mortal Illusions is currently the first in a series of 3 books. Its sequel, Fatal Desire, is currently under production.
This snippet occurs at the beginning of Chapter 6. Germaine St. Justine and Claire Daniels are both attending the opening night festivities of Germaine's newest musical "Dracula." Claire's mother died the day before, and Germaine dedicated their opening night performance to her. Though Claire is grateful for Germaine's support, she has grown more and more convinced he is really a vampire and was once her mother's lover. So, when she begins making wild accusations Germaine is really a vampire, he suggests their backstage doctor sedate her enough to calm her down so she can complete her performance. Claire is furious with him for avoiding her questions and overriding her wishes in the matter, but attends the party anyway, since she doesn't want to do anything that might ruin the night her mother had most wanted to see. Claire's Broadway debut. However, the man who seeks to marry her, Harry Collins, is worried about her stability, and seeks out St. Justine for help.
.
.
“I don't like you, St. Justine,”
Harry said without preamble, “but for Clarissa's sake I think you'd
best talk to her--tonight.”
“Why?” Germaine asked, instinctively
wary of the other man's motives.
Harry's belligerence softened as his
expression grew more uncertain.
“Truthfully? I think Marguerite's
death has affected her more than even Dr. Willis realizes. She's making accusations that are so absurd
I'm concerned for her sanity. She
rejects any attempts at reasonable discourse, and she refuses to see a
doctor. Frankly, I'm at a loss.” His
normally florid complexion flushing bright red, Harry leaned closer as though he
found his next statement embarrassing to admit.
“She's even accused you of being a vampire.”
Germaine arched an eyebrow with well-practiced
skepticism. “Really.”
Avoiding Germaine's gaze, Harry
tugged at the sleeves of his Armani tuxedo.
“I no longer know how to talk to her.
If I even suggest she's mistaken, she practically bites my head
off. Since you and Marguerite were
close, I thought perhaps you could get through to her--convince her to see
reason. If not that, then maybe a
doctor. Something. I never imagined she could be
so--emotional.”
“Grief often has that effect on
people.”
“Exactly,” Harry concurred, his
relief over Germaine's statement as obvious as it was misplaced.
Though Germaine is concerned about Claire, he makes no effort to disguise his dislike of Harry Collins, but Harry remains unsuspecting of Germaine's true nature.
M/F, Contemporary vampire romance in a society based on D/s.
Read the first three chapters at: Mortal Illusions
Buy the book at NCP, Amazon, Barnes & Noble or ARe.
Thanks for visiting. I hope you enjoyed this brief excerpt and wish you and yours a very Frisky Friday.
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