In an alternate version of Earth, vampires, ghosts, were creatures, mummies and a great deal more exist. In 1970, vampires were declared legal citizens of the United States. In the U.S. vampires vote, Congress debates the rights of ghosts, and vampires are given the death penalty for killing. Adrian Debrett finds himself in over his head with creatures far more powerful than any nightmare can produce. Even as the power of his own blood strengthens, he must stay one step ahead of those who would use him as a pawn in their own desire for power. As the complications grow around him, Adrian struggles with mounting attention from the mortal and vampire world, and his own blood lust as a ghoul. Political intrigue forces him to side with Prince Gabriel to protect his territory of San Diego against the encroachment of the 1st formula vampire, Nikolai. Coerced by blackmail to attend Nikolai's opulent court, debauchery is the accepted standard and betrayal only a heart beat away. Drawn deeper and deeper into the world of vampires against his will, Adrian's life changes with each new development. The mortal world slowly begins to close itself off from him, leaving him stranded in a world he has yet to accept. Only a few mortals remain close to his side, and Adrian knows if it ever becomes known that he is Gabriel's ghoul, he may lose the little that is left to him. As the lines blur, he finds himself changing with them. Everything that happens to Adrian has a cost, but how far is he willing to go to pay the price? And how much of himself will be left when it’s all over? "Being a guide and helping the restless dead on their way to the great beyond isn't a bad job. It has its moments. Gaining the interest of the Prince of San Diego, and being tricked into being his ghoul, sucks. Any kind of life only goes down from there. At least from my viewpoint. It's just another day in the life. Between hosting a mummy's soul, playing pack leader to a bunch of were cats, walking the landmine of vampire political intrigue, and working a full night, there's never a moment of peace. Life's a bitch, then you die. The first part is true, the second part is now up for debate."
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| Blood Ties |
The full force of a half-lidded gaze from his warm translucent eyes made Adrian feel like they had done something naughty already. "It seems we have a problem, Adrian."
Why do I feel like I’m drowning? Adrian shifted in his seat, clearing his throat. "Problem? What problem?"
"You resisted my control last night, Adrian. That would be the problem. Most of my court want you dead." Garland lightened the sensual tone enough for Adrian to understand the issue at hand.
Fear crashed down on Adrian’s head, instantly clearing the cobwebs away, but he managed to keep it from showing in his face. What can I say? Not too damn much.
"I can smell your fear. No reason to hide it." His smile quirked slightly wider, and the effect of his voice raised goose bumps on Adrian’s arms.
"So why I am here and not dead?" Adrian finally found the question to ask; sometimes it took him a while.
"Because I have another option for you. It would be a pity to see your body drained." The weight of Garland's stare drifting downward had Adrian squirming slightly in his seat with the feeling he sat naked in front of Garland.
"What other option?" Good, I can still talk. Options are good, it beats being dead.
"You will be my ghoul, it's that simple, Adrian."
Adrian stared at him, aghast; Garland reacted by raising his brow. "The position of my Favored One is not given lightly."
Ghoul? Suck his blood? That’s not an option; it’s a nightmare. A ghoul was someone who drank a vamp's blood, something Adrian didn't want to be. He wasn't up enough on vampire politics to know what a Favored One meant, but the rest didn't appeal to him. To be at Garland’s beck and call wasn't his notion of a fun date, and vampire blood was more addictive than any street drug could ever be. Adrian opened his mouth to say no thank you.
Garland must have known what the answer would be because he held up his hand for silence. "You would gain a portion of my power, Adrian, along with strength and speed. You will not even age as long as I continue to feed you every week. It's not a bad bargain."
Rating:Fantasy Romance While there is romance and chemistry sizzling between Adrian, Gabriel and Xander. There be no sex in the first book.
CREDITS AND ALL THAT GOOD STUFF
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