Night's Surrender by Amanda Ashley Page A

“I barely remember her.”
    Overcome with guilt for her sarcastic remark, Abbey laid her hand on his arm. “I’m sorry.”
    â€œLike I said, I barely remember her.”
    His fingers stroked the back of her hand. Warmth flowed in the wake of his touch.
    â€œI’m sorry I scared you earlier,” he said quietly. “As for taking your blood . . . it was a temptation I couldn’t resist. I should have asked you first.”
    â€œApology accepted.”
    His smile went straight to her heart. When he reached for her, it seemed the most natural thing in the world to settle into his embrace. For a time he simply held her, one hand lightly stroking her hair. And that quickly, all her doubts faded away. His gentle touch, the tender expression in his eyes, assured her that he would never hurt her. It no longer mattered what anyone else thought. If her Uncle Roshan could fall in love with a photograph of a witch, then she could fall in love with Nick.
    â€œWhat are you smiling at?” he asked.
    â€œNothing. I’m just happy you’re here.”
    He stroked her cheek with his knuckles, ran his fingertips over her lower lip. “Women,” he muttered with a shake of his head. “I’ll never understand them. Aren’t you the same girl who told me to get lost just a short time ago?”
    â€œIt’s my prerogative to change my mind. Didn’t you know?”
    He laughed softly, then swooped down to claim her lips in a long, slow kiss. She wrapped her arms around his neck, holding him tightly as he ravaged her mouth. He nipped her lower lip, his tongue slipping inside to duel with hers, sending frissons of heat spearing through every fiber of her being.
    â€œWhat the hell is going on here!”
    At the sound of her father’s voice, Abbey pushed Nick away and scrambled to her feet, her cheeks burning. “Dad!”
    Nick rose slowly to stand beside her.
    Rane glared at him. “Get off my land. Now!”
    A muscle throbbed in Nick’s jaw. He was taller than Rane Cordova. Older. Stronger. But Rane was Abbey’s father. There was nothing to be gained—and much to be lost—by fighting with the man.
    Nick gave Abbey’s hand a squeeze and then, in a move too quick for her to follow, he was gone.
    â€œDo you want to tell me what you’re doing rolling around out here in the grass with a perfect stranger?” Rane demanded, his voice tight.
    Abbey lifted her head, hands clenched at her sides. “He’s not a stranger. And I have every right to ‘roll around in the grass’ with him if I want to. I’m not a little girl anymore. I’m twenty-six. Old enough to do whatever I please.”
    â€œAbbey . . .” He took a deep breath, knowing that he had to be careful. Saying the wrong thing now could damage their relationship, send her back to the city where she was liable to do something stupid just to spite him.
    â€œI never believed in love at first sight,” she whispered, “but I do now.”
    Her declaration left him speechless. Not knowing what else to do, he drew her into his arms.
    The situation was even worse than he had feared.

    Mara, Logan, and Savanah were waiting for Rane and Abbey at the main house.
    â€œWhat’s happened?” Abbey asked, glancing anxiously from one sober expression to the next. “Did someone die?”
    â€œNot yet.” Mara shook her head. “Why is it bad things always happen in threes? First Nick shows up, and now this.”
    At the mention of Nick’s name, Rane and Abbey exchanged glances.
    Savanah looked at Mara. “What’s happened?”
    â€œI just got a message from an informant of mine,” Mara said, closing her phone. “Were any of you aware that a coalition of hunters has posted a reward for the capture and/or heads of the persons or vampires who killed Lou McDonald and her sister?”
    Logan grunted. “No shit. I guess