Eternal Breath of Darkness Read online

  After a breathless moment of silence, she made the connection.

  A burst of energy rushed past Caylee. Then, bolt after bolt of bluish white lightning arced across the sky, lighting the meadow and casting shadows in the trees surrounding it. The sound of thunder was so loud it caused the ground to shake. She would’ve fallen to her knees if Haden hadn’t been standing behind her, holding her in his strong arms and anchoring her against his solid body. She blinked to focus on a pitch-black cloud of smoke forming several feet in front of her.

  Holding her breath, she watched as the smoke dissipated and a huge, shadowy image appeared. Squinting, she struggled to make sense of what she was seeing. It was an animal. A very large animal.

  A colorful series of explosions, similar to fireworks, started at the top of the animal’s head and continued all the way to the tip of its tail until brilliant shades of red, gold, silver, and purple shimmering streaks illuminated what appeared to be a black dragon.

  To Caylee’s horror, the dragon turned and fixed its gaze onto hers. It slowly moved toward her. With each step it took the ground rumbled beneath its weight. Stopping directly in front of her, it bowed its massive head reverently at her feet.

  Seeking Haden’s protection, Caylee took a step back, only to realize he was no longer behind her. How could he just abandon her? She would’ve screamed, but she couldn’t even breathe.

  “Breathe, little love. I would never abandon you.”

  “Huh?” She blinked. Did the dragon just smile at her? She shook her head. Did it just talk to her? She tilted her head to the side, studying its eyes. It didn’t make sense. Its eyes were so familiar, so comforting. After a breathless moment of silence, she made the connection.

  “Oh, oh my God.” She swallowed hard. “Haden?” It had to be an illusion. “No.” It was a magic trick of some sort. She’d seen him do many strange, impossible things. She’d seen him appear from out of nowhere and disappear several times. The dragon wasn’t real. Hoping to prove it, she reached out to touch it. Her fingers felt warm, hard scales. “It really is you.”

  What reviewers are saying about Candice’s books

  Eternal Breath of Darkness

  4 of 5 stars

  If you love romance novels for the hawt adult scenes, do not worry—there are plenty of those

  I am so glad that I read this book. In fact, I had a very hard time putting it down. The para elements were both familiar (vampire and witch and weres) and new (hot dragon/immortals). The minor characters were amazing. I am so excited this is going to be a series so I can learn more about them.

  Overall, I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be reading the next book when it is released.

  ~ Delphina Zmom Miyares, Delphina Reads Too Much

  5 of 5 Hearts

  Awesome Book!

  OMGosh this book takes you from the pits of a living hell on a journey of love, lust, passion, action-packed fight sequences, not mention very vivid, HOT, and Steamy Sex scenes! I am honored to have been able to Read~n~Review this book!

  The characters are personable, detailed and so realistic, that I found myself yelling at Caylee for being so stubborn by not making better choices, laughing when she teasingly shows Hayden her naught, and being terrified when her past is revealed or when she comes face to face with a very, lustful and twisted vampire!

  The world building is consistent, passionate, and spell-binding as Candice Stauffer creates a storyline with a powerful punch to entertain and intrigue the reader with the hope of more to come.

  I highly recommend this book! This is the first book of her series and what an introduction it is!

  ~ Wendy Lovetiggi Nielson, Lovetiggi’s Book Reviews

  5/5 stars

  I highly recommend this new series from Candice Stauffer

  I loved this book so much. I was hooked from the start and loved the ride Candice took me on while reading. This book is for adults as the sex scenes are HOT!!! And the lead male Haden is even HOTTER!!!

  I love the spin Candice puts in this book with the demons. She has them as savers of our world instead of wanting to destroy it and everyone in their path. The characters are flawed but that is what makes them perfect. I was drawn into Caylee and Haden’s world … I love the side characters just as much and cannot wait for their stories to be told. We get just enough about them that leaves you wanting more of this amazing world Candice has written. I highly recommend this new series from Candice Stauffer. She is a Must watch author.

  ~ Sabrina Ford, Paranormal Reads

  Sweet, Decadent Fire

  What a wonderful short read!

  I loved Candice's first book, so when I saw she had released this vampire tale, I had to buy it immediately. The story flowed beautifully and brought me back to the world of her novel. The beautiful thing about this piece is that you did not need to read her novel to have background for the story. It is a complete work, in and of itself. Also, my favorite character (Mia) from her novel made an appearance which filled my desire to learn more about Mia, as I desperately away the release of her next book, which I believe will feature Mia :). This is a great choice if you want a short vampire read, want to read more from Candice, or want to see if Candice's style is one that you would enjoy.

  ~ Delphina Zmom Miyares, Delphina Reads Too Much

  ETERNAL BREATH OF DARKNESS

  By

  Candice Stauffer

  Edited by: Karen Babcock

  Cover Artist: Rae Monet

  All rights reserved

  Names, characters, and events depicted in this book are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, places, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental and beyond the intent of the author.

  No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the author.

  Candice Stauffer

  www.candicestaufferparanormalromanceauthor.com

  Copyright © 2011 by Candice Stauffer

  Published in the United States of America

  October 2011

  Dedication

  I would like to dedicate this to a wonderful friend and fabulous author, Claudy Conn.

  Contents

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Exquisite Breath of Darkness Sneak Peek

  ~ One ~

  TAKING A DEEP breath, savoring the sweetness of her lingering scent, Haden Drake watched Caylee Adams walk toward Mia’s Clothing Boutique. He shifted, repositioning the seam of his pants, attempting to lessen the terrible ache that was becoming his most loyal, frustrating as hell companion. There was a small chance his attempt to get a little more comfortable would’ve worked if she hadn’t dropped her phone and bent over to pick it up. Shuddering, he uttered a curse, his cock swelling until it was impossibly hard, nearly bursting out of his pants. She was sexy in anything, but nothing compared to the way
the worn fabric of those tight, low-rise jeans hugged her ass at that moment.

  He, a demon, was the furthest thing from a saint, and pretending to be one was no longer an option. For a year he’d battled against his powerful, volatile sex drive, but day after day the torment of wanting her and not having her had been building into a fierce, unstoppable storm of raw lust. Every night he dreamed of her writhing beneath him, calling out his name in sheer ecstasy as he plunged deep inside the tight, silky heat of her body. She wasn’t ready for him to stake his claim on her, but the season for moving slowly, seducing her gently, was long gone. Despite his great power, he was utterly powerless to deny his insatiable hunger for her any longer.

  Just before entering the boutique, she glanced over her shoulder and smiled at him. It was a naughty, wickedly sexy smile. If he didn’t know her better, he would’ve thought she’d purposely bent over to torment him. Had she? Rejecting the thought, he shook his head. “Nah.” Teasing wasn’t her style. Once she was out of sight, he wasn’t unable to shake the feeling something wasn’t quite right. Every second that went by the feeling of uneasiness increased in him so much that his centuries-learned ability to remain absolutely calm under pressure failed. It was her smile. Something about it was raising a red flag. He would never admit it, but the moment she turned to smile at him, chasing after her was inevitable.

  While getting out of the car he tried to merge his mind with hers, but she was blocking him. He could easily use more force to penetrate the barrier, but he wouldn’t do it. Not yet anyways. He would if it proved necessary, but for now, knowing it would cause her pain, he decided to wait.

  A terrible, should’ve known better feeling churning in his gut, he approached the boutique, hoping she was inside. He really wished she wasn’t so skilled at blocking him. She was uncomfortable with his ability to touch her mind at will so he permitted her to build a wall to keep him out. Hindsight was a particularly brutal thorn in his ass. He was an idiot for allowing her wall to become so solid the only way to get through it was to cause her pain.

  Taking a deep breath, he released it with a frustrated groan as he entered the building.

  “Well, Mr. Slick, it definitely took you long enough to figure it out.” Mia approached from behind.

  Her sharp voice slicing deep gouges into Haden’s skull, he cringed as he slowly turned toward her. His eyebrows drawn together, he flashed an uneasy smile. “Hello, Mia.” The instant he saw the wicked look in her eyes, his heart stopped. “Where’s Caylee?”

  “Oh, I get it.” Hands on her hips, Mia narrowed her gaze on him. “It’s a man thing. You couldn’t possibly comprehend what has just happened without further explanation. Oh my, you poor, miserable boy. There’s no reason to pout. It’s your lucky day. I just happen to be feeling quite charitable.”

  He suppressed the urge to growl. She was smiling too sweetly, showing way too many teeth for any demon’s liking. The woman was a wolf. Literally. She was lycan, though she didn’t know it. She had been orphaned at a young age and raised in foster homes and eventually group homes. He wasn’t sure why, but the true essence of her wolf remained dormant. However, when she was riled, the temperament of the wolf was always present. She never hesitated to follow through with a bite after baring her teeth.

  “She ditched your pathetic ass,” she whispered.

  “What?” Things like this didn’t happen to him. “No.” He was a powerful, immortal warrior. “No.” He was a demon, a master of deception. “No.” He’d live too many lifetimes, acquired too much knowledge to be so easily duped. “Where’s Caylee?” It was a joke. She was hiding somewhere, having a good laugh at his expense. Laughing was good. It was great. But enough was enough. Feeling uncharacteristically bewildered, he glanced around. Spotting the dressing room area, deciding it was a perfect hiding place, he walked toward it.

  “Just what the hell do you think you’re doing? Don’t you dare open that door.” Mia followed him. “You’re going to scare the hell out of my customers.” She grabbed his arm and yanked it as hard as she could. “She isn’t here.”

  Turning, he glared at her. “Where is she?”

  Mia glared right back at him. “She … ditched … your … pathetic … ass.” She said, then smiled, lifting her chin defiantly, obviously enjoying the moment. “Was that clear enough for you? If not, I’m sure that I could look around and find some crayons to draw you a picture.”

  “Why?” Nah. It was much more than enjoying the moment. She was clearly savoring it.

  “Why do you think?” Snorting indignantly, she glanced down at his groin. “You haven’t even tried to make it worth the aggravation you put her through day and night. Try using the most valuable tool God gave your gender.” Smirking, she shrugged. “Maybe, and, yes, I know it’s a highly unlikely maybe, if you manage to use it correctly she’ll learn to look beyond the fact you’re a seriously flawed, arrogant bastard.”

  Fists clenched at his sides, Haden nodded. Yep. The woman was a wolf. Rather than bite and release, she clamped down to bury teeth bone-deep to rip and devour. She clearly had some really messed-up, unresolved issues with men. He wanted to strangle her, but unfortunately, no matter how infuriating women happened to be, he never strangled them. He was a demon of great strength, integrity and valor. A warrior. A guardian. Demons like him didn’t strangle women. Not even if they were lycan. Grumbling, because it was the only thing he could do, he turned to walk away.

  “Leave her alone, Haden.” She managed to get in front of him, using her body to prevent him from leaving. “I’m serious. You can’t continue whatever sick game you’re playing with her. It’s wrong, and you know it is.”

  He stared down at her. “What are you talking about?” Wonderful. She was willing to take him on to protect Caylee. Now, despite the fact she irritated the hell out of him, he actually respected the woman.

  “Look, Haden, it’s totally cool if you’re gay. It’s not a big deal. Really, it isn’t. I swear. Just be honest with Caylee. Introduce her to your lover. You can still be her friend.” She shrugged. “Unless—” She tilted her head to the side. “—your lover boy is the controlling, jealous type and he doesn’t allow you to engage in other relationships.”

  “Huh?” His jaw dropped. “Caylee thinks I’m gay?”

  “No,” she lied. Smiling, she softened her expression, attempting to use kindness to manipulate him into continuing the conversation. “That’s my assumption,” she lied again. “You’re a very wealthy man. You’re not all that hard on the eyes. You’re always clinging to Caylee. I’ve never seen you give any other woman a second glance. And, here’s the big one—you’ve never tried to get down her pants. Oh, and don’t try to lie to me about it—she would’ve told me. She always shares her greatest disappointments with me.” She waited for a few seconds, but he didn’t respond. “Look, I don’t have all day to play games with you. Just tell me the truth, are you gay or not?”

  Haden really wished he didn’t know Mia was lying. He didn’t even want to consider the possibility Caylee believed he was gay. For the first time ever, he truly regretted having the ability to hear the thoughts of another person. A few women, peeking at them from behind a manikin, giggled and whispered to each other. He glanced over at them and then, shaking his head, he looked down at Mia. “No.”

  “Oh crap. It figures. She won another one.” She waved a twenty-dollar bill in his face. “You know, I’m starting to think it’s time to take that girl to Vegas. Well anyways, give this to her when you catch up to her.” Dismissing him, she turned and walked away.

  The moment Haden stepped out of the boutique he tried to call Caylee, but her phone was turned off. Driving to the secluded trails where she jogged, he reviewed everything that had happened. Fearing for her safety, he’d told her to stay out of forest. As expected, she refused to listen. She loved using the scenic trails to jog in the afternoon. He was ready for the argument, ready to win. He’d offered to jog with her. How could she refuse? And, she didn’t.
She looked up at him with the mysterious, sexy smile that always heated his blood and wreaked havoc in his body, and she agreed.

  Caylee smirked at him, Haden suddenly realized. She wasn’t teasing him. Opening the door to the boutique, she’d glanced over her shoulder to smirk at him. She was flipping him the bird in her own special way. He would’ve known it if he hadn’t been obsessing over her ass. Accelerating through the last curve, pushing the car to its limits, he punched the dash with so much force he left an impression of his fist in it. If she were anyone else, he would’ve happily abandoned her. He sure as hell wouldn’t be chasing after her to protect her, completely helpless to do anything else.

  Throwing gravel, he sped into the parking lot and slammed on the brakes. Sliding sideways, the car abruptly stopped when the rear end crashed against a boulder. From time to time, she accused him of being a control freak. To be fair, he was a bit overly protective of her, but he wasn’t a control freak. His behavior wasn’t due to a lack of respect for her. It was his responsibility, his right to ensure her survival. If she would just be honest with herself, she would accept the fact she didn’t always make the best decisions. It wasn’t her fault. Not really. She was a woman. Women needed men to lead them. Women commonly made bad decisions based on overly sensitive emotions. It was a hormone thing. Hopefully she would eventually learn to rely solely on his flawless wisdom. It would sure as hell make life a whole lot easier.

  He opened the car door and stepped out. Hoping to find her more quickly, he checked his phone, just in case she’d left a message. “Of course not,” he growled, clenching his fist, crushing the phone. “Why make anything easier?” The woman was stubborn as hell. He had until the end of time to train her, but deep down in his heart he knew it wouldn’t be long enough for him to teach her to submit.