|
Infernal Night series: Book 2 (book 1)
CRAVING LADY STARR by Ruth D. Kerce copyright © 2011, all rights reserved Published by Ellora's Cave Book Cover Designed by Syneca Order this ebook : Ellora's Cave Kindle return to - electronic bookshelf or print bookshelf | |
|
|
THE BUZZ
Action, suspense and a touch of drama...kept me enthralled until the end... Those who enjoyed Viper are in for a treat - Scandalous Minx, Literary Nymphs |
|
Warning: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000.
France 1770 The full moon illuminated the night, aiding the battle that raged between the two warring factions just beyond the edge of the forest. But only the moon was welcome. The weather had turned as unkind as the hearts of the soldiers. The wind screamed across the land as if a victim itself of the melee. Shouts and cries of men, and the sound of horses’ hooves pounding the ground, filled the air. Death would call upon many this night. Afoot after being knocked from his steed earlier, Lord Aleron Toussaint pulled his sword from a soldier’s chest then spun to fend off another attack from a mounted enemy. He ducked barely in time to avoid his head being severed. Blood covered the field as his men killed vampire after vampire. A rival Of the Blood nest, armed and prepared for battle, had dared to cross over into the southern portion of their land. A grave mistake. Invaders learned that Toussaint defended their territories with swift and vicious intent. Another soldier attacked from the side. Aleron met him blow for blow. The clash of metal rang in his ears as they each searched for weakness in the other. His opponent sliced his arm, drawing blood through the sleeve of his uniform. Aleron winced only slightly before running the man through. As he pulled his sword from the fallen soldier’s stomach, a sudden and unexpected stab to the back of his leg sent pain shooting through him and he went down on one knee. Aleron twisted to look behind him and swiftly raised his sword, blocking a death blow. At a tactical disadvantage, he used his position to cut the attacker’s feet out from under him. Literally. Right above his boots. The man toppled and blood spurt from the severed stumps. Aleron pushed to his feet, favoring his wounded leg. He turned to survey the fight. A gruesome sight of limbs and disemboweled bodies. Only soldiers wearing the red and gray uniforms of Toussaint still stood. Bloodlust had overtaken many of his men and they fed on the near-dead. It was done. His second in command approached. “We are victorious, my lord!” “How many did we lose?” “Not a one. Injuries but nothing more.” The man smiled widely. Aleron nodded. No losses would bring great glory. “Collect their weapons and horses. And any coin they carry. Then burn the bodies. But take care. The wind is formidable.” He did not want to take a chance with those struck down but who remained in one piece. A mistake other commanders often made so they could display their victims as some sort of prize for other Underworlders to see and fear, only to have the stricken heal and attack again, even more viciously than before. “It shall be done, Lord Aleron.” Aleron turned his back on the macabre scene and looked out over Toussaint’s land and holdings. Castle Toussaint, ruled by his cousin, stood proudly in the distance. His own chateau topped a far off mountain. Across the land, he could make out the edge of L’Night territory. Another rival nest. They were not at war at present but their relationship remained strained after past transgressions. She was there. The woman he craved. One day she would be his. He had grown weary of spilling other’s blood and too much death…and lately even of his own self-imposed isolation. He wanted a mate. A woman of character and royal blood to soothe his soul. His fem-vamp of choice was more beautiful and desirable than any he had seen. And if she would not have him? A smile tugged at his lips. Then he would enslave her until she knew not how to live without him. He would remain vigilant for the perfect opportunity to claim his lady. A distant howl drew his attention. Of the Bane packs had moved into the area. If they ventured onto Toussaint land with ill-intent, they would be dealt with as well. His cousin ruled with an iron hand…and an equally iron heart. The stench of burning bodies reached his nose. The smell of another victory behind him. Few challenged him and his soldiers anymore. His reputation had grown so great on the battlefield. Only L’Night’s soldiers truly rivaled his own in skill and power. This was good, for he had grown weary of war. Certainly better ways existed for a man to live. He turned and strode over to his horse. He and his men mounted as one. “My first guard will accompany me to my chateau. The rest will escort the injured to Castle Toussaint and relay our victory.” His second in command maneuvered his horse closer. “You do not want to announce the victory yourself? We have acquired many weapons, coin and horses for Toussaint. There will certainly be a celebration.” “I no longer find glory in the killing, only satisfaction of a necessary duty carried out with success. Any in my first guard who prefer to attend the celebration may do so. I shall not look down upon them for such.” His second sat straighter in the saddle and spoke for all the men under him. “We ride with you, Aleron. Always.” A small smile crossed his face and he nodded. Loyal men. All of them. He had trained them well and instilled a sense of honor necessary to truly be respected among Of the Blood royalty. “Very well. Let us put this battle behind us then and find peace for a time. While we can.” |
|
INFERNAL NIGHT 2: CRAVING LADY STARR by Ruth D. Kerce copyright © 2011, all rights reserved Published by Ellora's Cave Book Cover Designed by Syneca Order this ebook : Ellora's Cave Kindle return to - electronic bookshelf or print bookshelf |
AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS 2011 P&E Readers Poll - 8th place, Best Erotic Novel |