TWICE CURSED

pulse pounde

erent? What

ce unsteady. "I am a werewolf. You are a v

ide Anastasia. The coldness she had expected from a vampire wasn't there.

ile, he stretched out his hand-s

aid, his smooth voice carry

as melting-slowly-under a strange, peaceful conviction. So

ut, placing h

oice softer than she intended, lace

ent, neit

ilence, their minds

oughts swirled

What are you thinking? He's a vampire-a sworn enemy. But

d, found himself lost in a

more. With her, I feel free, like I could trust her. It's strange-she's a

shake-both of them reluctant to let go

mething unspoken p

ither of them-not

ence, Valerian c

tting dark, and it wouldn't be safe for you to wander the fo

d, half-expectin

side-vampires don't feel the cold. You'll be safe inside, I promise. And f

her options. But that strange inner voice-the sa

ded. "A

and once more, helping her to her feet. Together, they made their way down

hered hut. Its wooden walls were covered in creeping

ushed open the door

and glass jars of herbs. A stone fireplace sat at the center, its embers still glowing

murmured, tracing her fingers ov

ftly. "The outside's

g her guard lower

d her. "You've been throug

a raised an eyebro

n eyes. "We don't have to. But I learned. Hel

ank into a cushioned chair,

ent of roasted pork filled the air. Valeri

s ready,

ple wooden plates on a low table. The moon cast a silver glow over the clear

he initial awk

ity gnawing at he

me?" she asked, cu

moment, then answered, hi

hat kind of a gentleman would I be if I didn't? If I see a lady-a damsel in distress-whet

erself smiling, d

a vampire? That'

. "I try to be fu

rlier fears easing under the soft glow of the moon

Anastasia asked, her voice soft, laced with genuine curiosity

The quiet between them stretched, fi

kill another vampire... and why you're so kind, so gentle. I don't feel like I'm in danger around you-even though you're a vampire. And then, last night...

u. As strange as it sounds, I feel I can trust you-though I barely know you. Ther

eatures. "But before I do... you need to know something. There's a re

ounded in her chest

is mouth to speak

echoed from the

ng the hilt of the blade resting by the door. His

d us," he

hear it too-another rustle, this one closer,

alerian ordered, hi

ndlelight flickered violently-as

oor r

asia

ack at her. "They're not