Wonder
Heart of Captivation
A Thief of Life Novel
This is a second edition still in editing. All comments and suggestions are given great consideration by me and I thank you for taking the time to read! Christi Watson
This is a work of fiction. All the characters, organizations, products and events portrayed in this novel are either products of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously.
Author Rated T+
Contains some sensuality, mild language and mild violence.
Lulu.com ID 8643692
Copyright © 2010 by Christi Watson.
All rights reserved
Second Edition 2010
Summary: A Paranormal Romance Novel
ISBN 978-0-557-42428-3
Soon to come
By Christi Watson
Book Two- Jealousy – Legacy of Love
Book Three- Torn – The Crystal of Despair
Book Four- Betrayal – Masquerade of Seduction
Book Five- Yearning – True Loves Ever After
Prologue
“Where should I begin? Where does one begin with a story such as this? The beginning? No, I’ll get to that in a minute. How about the end…no, that’s no good either. I know! I will start with what I have learned from it all.”
I scribbled away, biting nervously at my pencil. “Okay, listen up and let me know what you think,” I said, clearing my throat.
“What is life if not lived? Is it life at all? There was a time I considered breathing enough to constitute living. However, life sometimes has a way of grasping your shoulders and giving you a brutal shake. In my case it was a shake, slap, more than my fair share of torment and a serious case of munchies.
I have suffered more than anyone should, been braver than I thought possible and endured more pain, more heartbreak than any normal human could ever have lived through.
Though it seems a gruesome tale, there’s not a single experience I would change, not even when I lay in a pool of my own blood, awaiting certain death. Without such experience, I would never have learned who I was or what love felt like in its purest form— I would never have learned to live.
The irony of it all is how inevitably the very thing I wanted no part of, (that which struck fear in my heart,) changed my way of thinking. It would lead to a journey few people would dare travel, but one I refused to abandon. After all, the only thing I had to lose—was my life.”
Taken
Exotic and spicy, she oozed an array of emotion enticing to his senses; confidence, hate, anger—desire! The flaxen beauty was likely a divorcee on the rebound or perhaps too intimidating for other men, but not him. She was exactly the type he craved, like a fantastic mixed drink; he was the alcoholic longing to consume her. The club was crowded, noisy, smelling of thick cigarette smoke. Huddling close together at the bar, they talked flirtatiously; him coming closer to quenching his thirst with each passing moment, her completely unaware the fight for her life was about to begin.
Laughing at something she said, he reached out, slowly stroking a finger down the arch of her knuckle. With that small seductive gesture, he tasted her, felt her—and yearned for more! This minute sample was not enough to extinguish his desire, only enough to cause an uncontrollable craving for her energy.
Hands trembling with the excitement of his impending meal, he fought hard to maintain control, needing to wait until she propositioned him; moving too fast would spook her, costing the hunt. Though his famine was almost unbearable, he couldn’t afford the risk of being hasty. Instead, he concentrated, continuing to caress her hand, projecting suggestions of wanting, filling her with fire, lust, passion—and irrepressible desire.
As her blood heated with obsession, she became addicted to his beauty, unable to look away, coveting him more with each passing moment. His breath was warm and sweet, eyes green, tempting, deep, making her feel dangerous! The small sizzling touch of his skin sent her body into a flurry of pleasure! She wanted more, wanted him… and could wait no longer. At last, her bloodstream was so inundated with arousal, her chest labored heavily from quickened breath. Unable to push the thoughts of yearning from her mind, leaning in, her eyes flashed, lips parted; from them came the question he’d been waiting all night to hear.
“Do you want to go back to my place?”
“Yes.”
His answer was simple, yet dark and seductive. He was pleased with his cunning, relishing in the mastery of this sport, believing himself a king among mere peasants, a god among humans, none of them worthy being no more than entertainment and a meal.
It was always the same…he would venture into underground clubs, seek out a woman full of emotions he craved most, introduce himself and then begin his game of sexual persuasion. Once their offer was made, luring them away from the club was all too easy. Then he could torment them, the more frightened they were, the better they tasted! She would only last a few days; a drawback, but one he was accustomed to.
“Let me run to the ladies room and I’ll meet you out front,” she said in his ear, giving it a light nibble.
“I’ll be waiting,” he replied, stroking her cheek, sending a heated shiver through her body. Quickly she turned, disappearing into the crowd.
Turning back to the bar, he finished his drink with one quick gulp, and then throwing the bartender some cash, headed for the car.
Outside, it was cold and rainy with the damp smell of midnight, perfect cover for a killer he thought. Pulling up to the curb, he waited, apprehension growing with each passing minute. Had she changed her mind? Perhaps met someone else and was planning to leave with him. Thoughts and paranoia consumed him. On the verge of going back in to seek her out, at last she came through the door glancing around.
Immediately he reached over, pushing open the passenger door. Nervous, she hesitated only a moment and then climbed in quickly. Staring at her half exposed breasts now wet from the rain, he smelled the moist fragrance of her shampoo and buttery schnapps remaining on her lips.
She gazed longingly at him, awaiting his eyes to rise up and meet hers. When they did, her mouth spread into a wide smile at their stark beauty. Green like jewels, beautiful in every way, there was a mysteriousness about them, deeply penetrating to her soul, causing her body to quiver and ache for his touch. Eyes locked and heavy tension filled the small interior of the car, until suddenly they attacked one another, embracing passionately in a frenzy of dark delight!
Immediately a warm sensation spread across her tongue, heat ran through her blood intensifying every action. Pushing against him, she fumbled with the buttons of his shirt. Then slowly she weakened, arms tired and too heavy to hold on any longer, they dropped to her side. Feeling as though all energy was being drained away, she tried to pull back, lightly struggling, having neither will nor strength to break his kiss.
Mind pleading to stop, her body urged on. Thoughts raced as fear set in, yet she felt incredibly calm. Finally giving up all futile attempts to resist, she became limp in his firm grasp. Fever exploded through her veins until she was sure to burn up in the great inferno of seduction.
Eyes closed, she basked in the sultry fire of his lips. Abruptly the heat dissipated, a cold chill seeped into her veins, body becoming frigid as his mouth pulled all warmth from her core. Completely enveloped in a state of darkness, she opened her eyes one last time, a single tear rolled down the soft pale skin of her cheek. She didn’t struggle, made no sound, as everything faded—until at last she was unconscious.
Withdrawing his mouth, gently propping her limp body against the door, he sat back, wiping the bright red lipstick from his face, shaking and sweating from the erotic high that still surged through his body. He sat quietly for several minutes, staring at her nearly bare breasts. Then as if some kind of gentleman, reaching over, he buttoned her shirt. Glancing around quickly but spying no one, he put the car in drive, disappearing into the dark.