To Tempt an Angel

To Tempt an Angel
Romance / Vampire
Cerridwen Press [buy]
Novella
ISBN 1-4199-0649-6

Angelina met a mysterious man as a child, and he has lived in her memory ever since. Now a young woman in her sixth season on the London marriage mart, Angelina is looking for the man who haunts her dream with his striking aqua eyes and mesmerizing touch.

Count Roman has longed for years to take Angelina as his mate, her blood calling to him as he waited for her to grow into a beautiful woman. Now the time has come. Despite the restraints of English society, he must tempt an angel, a heavenly ray of light, into his world of darkness.

This book was previously published elsewhere as Moonlight Rendezvous with a Vampire.


EXCERPT FROM TO TEMPT AN ANGEL

March, 1815

Angelina heard portions of the multiple conversations going on around her as she made her way through the crowded ballroom. The music playing could hardly be enjoyed over the loud buzz of talking and frequent bursts of laughter. The overwhelming smells of expensive French perfumes, exotic flowers and pungent sweat stifled her as she picked up her pace, fighting back a hint of nausea.

As the bits of conversation floated up to her ears, she continued past the clusters of finely dressed ladies and elegant gentleman without pause. Only one topic was being discussed this night—the arrival of an unmarried Russian nobleman into the midst of the ton. Mothers buzzed at the possibility of marrying their charges to the count, and eligible young ladies chattered about the foreigner’s rumored good looks. Fathers wondered about any hunting stories from faraway lands that the count might have, while young bucks hoped they’d have some chance with the ladies after he arrived.

The mystery man had yet to turn up at this latest social event. So the speculations continued to swirl about society like a whirlpool.

For the moment Angelina had little care for the latest rumors of the count. All she wanted was a few moments out on the balcony for some fresh air. After months of balls and tea parties, she’d grown tired of the same people and the same conversations.

At least some of them had eased up on pressuring her to marry. This being her sixth season, many of her relations had already given up hope. She’d only had a few offers in the past, but none of the gentlemen could touch her heart. Angelina believed there had to be more to life than an existence with a man she didn’t love. She was determined to only marry for love.

Finally she reached the French doors leading out to the balcony. Once outside, she took a deep breath in the chilly night air, moving away from the noise and suffocation of the crowd inside.

Making her way to the railing, she peered out over the neatly manicured gardens below. Moonlight washed a soft creamy glow on the trimmed hedges surrounding a beautifully elaborate gazebo, a favorite meeting place for young lovers.

Oddly enough, the gazebo was empty.

Angelina had started to shiver as the cool March breeze caressed her skin, when a peculiar uneasiness washed over her senses. She felt something near, yet she could not see anything. It was a feeling she had not felt in a very long time.

Memories of the past flashed into her mind. She couldn’t forget the hypnotic eyes of the man she had met that night so long ago. His image had filled her dreams for months after the encounter.

Recently, she’d thought about him again for the first time in many years. Why did a man from so long ago continue to haunt her thoughts? Dreams of him had been the reason why she had turned down all of her past suitors. None could match the stirrings her handsome fantasy man caused. He alone made her feel alive in the dark shadows of the night. No other man could ever match or surpass her dream man. She was in love with the memory of a stranger she had met as a child.

It pained her to think she had never seen him again after that night. He moved away from the small town almost immediately afterward. The house had been abandoned for years before it was eventually torn down.

Angelina pulled her thin shawl tighter about her shoulders to ward against the chill, even though it was a heavenly relief compared to the heavy atmosphere inside. She bent back her head and deeply inhaled the crisp air. As she enjoyed her momentary reprieve, she felt the oddest sensation against her neck. A warm breath caressed her tender skin. Lost in the unbelievable feeling, she leaned her head more to one side to allow the warmth to continue its magic.

As she stood there captive to the moment, a strange voice whispered, low and seductive, “Angelina, it is time for us.”