Title: Perishable
Series: Sanguine Blood Seekers 4
Author: J. Hali Steele
Publisher: Changeling Press LLC
Release Date: January 27
Heat Level: 5 – Erotica
Pairing: Male/Male
Length: 79 pages
Genre: Erotica, Action Adventure, BDSM, Dark Fantasy, Paranormal, Age Gap (Older Man), Dark Desire, Gay, Vampires, Voyeurism and Exhibitionism
Synopsis
Snatched from his single mother by the wealthy family of the man he’s forced to call father, Rafe Gorman soon learns the greedy bastard has no desire to raise a child, which leaves Rafe bearing the brunt of his scorn. As soon as he comes of age to receive his trust, Rafe flaunts his disdain for his father’s regard by opening New Leaf, a gay club. It’s in New Leaf Rafe meets a being who haunts him day and night.
A vampire from the 17th century, Christopher Wren’s seen enough evil perpetrated by human men to last many lifetimes. Born a bastard below stairs, he’s witnessing nobility take what they fancied without a care — that made him a monster, not being turned. Now Wren makes sure those who flaunt such character pay for their misdeeds. Their day of reckoning is never without pain. Then he meets Rafe, and Wren swears no one will ever hurt his lover again.
Rafe vows to give Wren nothing of himself. Instead he finds he must give the vampire everything — including his life!
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Copyright ©2023 J. Hali Steele
“Nasty ass. What is wrong with you?” Liam had put his finger in Christopher’s mouth. “I can’t kill you but I’ll die trying.” Christopher seethed, sending his cold blood to a boil. Rafe’s blood soared through veins, scorched his soul until… “Aw, you motherfucker! Damn you, Liam, for causing him an instant of pain.” Making sure not a trace of Rafe’s blood remained beneath Liam’s fingernail, Christopher grabbed his hand and latched onto his finger. Even cleaned those on either side, licked his fucking palm in case a speck had landed there. Liam’s laughter had those nearby scrutinizing their behavior. What a picture they presented. “You’re sick, man. Absofuckinglutely sick.”
“Who doesn’t know that? Relax. I’ll take care of the looky-loos. You’ve got other things to handle, like cleaning up his mouth. Your lover’s irreverence is not going to be acceptable.” Liam flopped into the chair. “Thank me later.”
“He’s not my lover.” Yet.
Christopher zeroed in on the man across the room. With that taste of his blood, Rafe’s mind had become an open book. Any other time, the things Christopher discovered would have had him winging his way toward whoever had caused Rafe to feel worthless, berated him, or made him doubt himself. Now, though, Christopher pushed all that aside to concentrate on the fact that Rafe yearned to have Christopher. Just once, God. “Not used sacrilegiously. And you’re going to let that slide because, like an animal, you pawed him. If anyone hurts him again — I’ll be the death of them.”
“It won’t be me but look, he’s delivering our food himself. That says something.”
“Hope you find everything to your liking.” Unloading the tray, Rafe announced with a glint of steel in his eyes, “If you’re not satisfied, there’s another steakhouse two blocks over.”
Rafe had barely reached the next table before Liam spoke. “One of us is going to hit the jackpot tonight.”
Swiveling, Rafe returned and his jaw dropped. “What the heck!” Asparagus was green and crisp, blood pooled around steaks.
“Perfect.” Liam grinned. “My compliments to the chef.”
“Freaking zombie!”
Christopher jumped up and stopped Rafe’s hand from connecting with Liam’s face. “Rafe, there’s no reason to be jealous. Yes, those of us who work closely with the king have a bond but it’s not always sexual.”
Rafe shook his head. “This can’t happen.”
When Rafe’s gaze locked with Christopher’s the room became hushed. “I… I, oh, hell.” Wren rifled a hand through hair that was blonder today. Deep purple on the tips almost matched Rafe’s beautiful eyes.
“What are you going to do to me?” Rafe didn’t pull back.
Liam groaned as he bit into his steak. “Wren, you’ve got to taste this. Your barkeep outdid himself.”
“Shut the fuck up, Liam. And stop calling him barkeep.”
“Oops.” Liam licked his lips.
“I will never apologize for what I am.” Christopher took Rafe’s wrist, dragging him through the bar, and didn’t release him until they’d entered New Leaf’s office and the door banged shut behind them. “God chose you as my mate.”
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J. Hali Steele wishes she could grow fur, wings, or fangs, so she can stay warm, fly, or just plain bite the crap out of… Well, she can’t do those things but she wishes she could!
J. Hali’s a multi-published and Amazon bestselling author of Romance in Paranormal, Fantasy, and Contemporary worlds which include ReligErotica and LGBTQ stories where humans, vampyres, shapeshifters and angels collide — they collide a lot! When J. Hali’s not writing or reading, she can be found snuggled in front of the TV with a cat in her lap and a cup of coffee.
Growl and roar — it’s okay to let the beast out. — J. Hali Steele
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