Sample Chapter - The Dragon's Vamp

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What does a Dragon shifter do when she’s told her soul mate has been chosen for her? Fight like hell!
Mariwen Gawain, dragon shifter and protector of Alston, trusts very few people, but when she comes back to protect her home and territory from the darkness, her body ignites with passion for Rhys Beven, the powerful vampire coven leader of Alston.
Fighting her passions and the threats to the town, Mari breaks down and gives the hot-blooded Vamp a chance. 
Trust is a necessity as they combat the darkness for their town, their lives, and their love, especially when Mari charges into battle, using her dragon’s breath full force at their enemy, with Rhys right in the line of fire.

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Sample For THE DRAGON'S VAMP [OTHER KIN BOOK 2] by C. A. Salo

“God you’re such a jerk!” Mari snapped as she turned, coming up short when he appeared in front of her. “Stop that flash-step crap.”

“ I’m a vampire, we quick-step. Lykens flash-step.”

“ What the hell ever, just get out of my way, I’ve had it with you!” Turning, she bumped into his chest when he did it again. She lifted her hand, slapping him hard. “Damn it, Rhys, just leave me alone.”

Rhys grabbed her hand, holding it to his chest. “You know what Drake said, what he scented. You’re a seer right? You tell me what you’ve seen.”

“ I’m a witch, you hate witches.”

Rhys chuckled. “No you’re not; you even said so in the clearing when the Golem attacked Olivia Roven months ago. I’m the one who should be running, yet you’re the one backing away, and I want to know why.”

Mari sighed, turning. How to tell him what she was and why she was here was something she did not want to deal with. Finding out she had a life mate here just made it worse—and her wanting to flee. But with the darkness still out there hovering at the edges of Alston somewhere, fleeing was not an option. “Why can’t you just let it go?” The warmth of his hand settled on her shoulder.

“ Because you’re not the only seer around here. I want to hear the words from your own mouth.”

“ Well you’re not going to and I’m not a seer.” Turning, she tossed his hand off. “Don’t get used to the idea. I’m out of here the minute the darkness is dealt with, and I’m heading some place warm and sunny. Key West sounds good.” Her eyes narrowed as laughter erupted from his lips.

“ I’m a high blood vamp remember? The sunlight doesn’t bother me woman.”

“ Will you just—shut-up?” She turned and ran for the woods. Relief washed over her when he didn’t follow, but she could hear his words behind her warning that he wouldn’t drop it until she explained herself. Damn man, why couldn’t he be like others and run when she got pissy? No, he gave her attitude right back and laughed. Why did the powers-that-be have to do this? Why did they choose him to be her life mate, why here and why now? Why did they decide it was time for her to settle down again? She’d tried that once and she wasn’t doing it again. The pain still burned heavily in her heart and soul…even after so long.

“ It’s what must be.”

Mari whipped her head around to see one of the ancients. “Why now? Why him?”

“ I don’t have all the answers, Mari. Like you I only know what is shown to me. He is your life mate and I have a feeling you know it and have sensed the bond with Rhys. Is it because he’s a vampire?”

“ No,” she sighed. Sitting down on a rock she met Darina’s gaze. “I’m afraid.” Her whisper was barely heard.

Darina sat beside her, taking Mari’s hand within her own. “Mariwen Gawain, I know there are very few instances that frighten you. We go through trials for a reason. Most times, we don’t know why the powers set us on a path, especially if there is pain and sorrow, but there is a reason and sometimes it’s just the time for them to happen. The balance must be kept.”

“ I know,” Mari groaned. “But seriously, have you checked the attitude of that vamp? By the gods he’s arrogant and self-assured.”

Darina chuckled. “Several good qualities for a coven leader, wouldn’t you say.”

“ I suppose.”

“ How’s your training with young Olivia going?”

“ Good. She’s a smart child when she’s not getting into trouble.”

“ Do you think she’ll be ready when she’s needed?”

Mari’s forehead crinkled. “She’s young and still has much to learn, but yes, when she needs to step up as guardian she’ll be ready.”

“ Keeping her away from Tommy has given her focus. I realize she’s hurting over not being able to see her friend, but make sure Drake and Kalana ensure their separation until this is over.”

“ I’ll speak with them. May I tell Kalana why Livi’s taking it so hard?”

“ If you’d like. I think if Drake and Kalana know, it may help them understand why we’re doing what we’re doing for her training.”

Mari lifted her gaze as Darina rose. “So soon?”

“ Sorry, sweet one, but I have responsibilities I must see to.”

“ I know, but you come around less and less and you’re the only one I can really talk to who knows me.”

“ I apologize, but there is one who you need to have faith in right now. I will always be here for you, Mari, never forget that.”

Mari rolled her eyes as she rose. “Yes, Mother.” She snorted.

“ I’m gonna slap you.”

“ Oh that sounds real wise and ancient-like,” she chuckled.

Darina smiled as she started fading. “On the back of the head when you least expect it, just so you know I’m watching.”

“ Just not while I’m getting all hot and bothered with the vamp.” She grinned, chuckling. The mist sparked bright for a moment before disappearing entirely. “Ah, crap,” she exclaimed as she turned and headed back to the Roven’s manor. She’d stayed with Rhys for a while until he started getting all touchy feely and bugging her about what Drake Roven had scented about them on their first meeting at the edge of Alston. “Damn Lykens, always sticking their noses where they don’t belong.”

“ Not true and you know it,” Darina’s disembodied voice replied.

Mari whipped around when she felt the slap to the back of the head. “Damn it, Mom, cut it out.” Turning back around, Mari took off at a run, heading for her secret place. She could have flown, but knowing her luck someone would see her, and then she’d be answering a bevy of questions about what she was and she wasn’t ready for that just yet. Climbing the rock face to stand on a ledge, she lifted her hand to the rock in front of her and walked through it. She’d erected a magical charm years ago to hide and cloak the entrance so no one would find it or bother her while she was here. Sighing loudly, Mari headed over to her wooden chest and withdrew four stones, placing them at the four points of a circle to represent the directions and elements. She then sat down on the skin in the middle of the cave, crossed her legs, closed her eyes and rested her hands on her legs. Her chest rose with a deep breath. As she blew it out slowly, Mari connected with the land of her birth.

* * * *

“ Where in the hell have you been?” Rhys yelled.

Mari glanced behind her to see if there was someone there before turning and meeting his gaze. “Are you talking to me?”

“ Who in the hell else am I talking to? You take off for three days without telling anyone and stroll back in here like nothing’s happened?”

Mari’s eye twitched as Drake and Kalana Roven stood in the middle of the Roven Manor foyer with several others and one pissed off vamp. “The last time I checked I’m pretty sure I’m old enough to take off without a chaperone. And I did tell someone. I spoke with Olivia telepathically. I’m taking it she didn’t let anyone know.”

“ No she didn’t, but that’s what happens when you tell a child what’s going on! We didn’t know if someone had gotten past our borders and taken you or worse. Forces have been out searching every inch of Alston for you!”

Mari’s head tilted. He was worried for her and not just a causal fear. The emotions she sensed coming off him were something she’d never felt before, even from her first husband. Calmly she replied, “I connected with Olivia because she’s the only one I can connect with as she is the next guardian. I apologize for any inconvenience, but I needed some time alone.”

“ Where in the hell were you?”

“ Within the boundaries of Alston.”

“ Bullshit! If you were here, we would have found you!”

Ok, now he was starting to piss her off. Breathing deeply, she kept Rhys’ gaze as he stepped forward. “First off, vamp, I don’t lie, so you’d better get that through your thick skull right now. Second, just because you think you know all of these lands, I’m here to tell you, you don’t. Third, if you don’t stop yelling at me, so help me by the ancients, I’m going to give you something to yell about,” she growled through her teeth. Mari clenched her fists tightly to keep the rising heat of rage at bay. Damn it, she didn’t need this. She’d just spent three days getting herself in balance again and what’s he do the minute she walks through the door? He jumps all over her. Well, she wasn’t taking any of his shit. Worried or not, he needed to understand he couldn’t treat her like she was one of his coven.

“ Oh really,” Rhys gripped her by the arms bringing her closer. “And just what the hell are you going to do?” he snapped.

Mari’s eyes narrowed, nostrils flaring as her body heated.

“ Gods!” Rhys yelled as he jumped back looking at his hands.

“ Don’t you ever put your hands on me in anger again,” she growled. She stamped her foot and watched everyone sway as the ground under them moved. “You just wasted the three days it took me to bring my balance back, you selfish, over-bearing vampire! Kalana, I’m going back to sanctuary!” Turning, she stormed out of the manor, hitting the field at a run. She waved her hand, casting an invisibility cloak. The minute the veil engaged, her wings came out and she took off at an incredible speed, soaring over the land. As the scent of seawater became stronger, Mari angled up and landed on the ledge of her safe haven. Drawing her wings back, she stepped foot inside the warm cavern.

The tears trailed down her cheeks as she lay on the skin in the center of her sanctuary. Not up to meditating, Mari closed her eyes for some well-needed sleep.

* * * *

“ He was worried.”

Mari opened her eyes to see her mother standing over her with the bright morning sunshine behind her form. “I know, I sensed his emotions, but he shouldn’t have gone off on me like that, especially grabbing me in anger.” Sitting up, she moved her hair away from her face.

“ True, but how would you have reacted if you’d been in his shoes?”

“ Fine, Mom, point taken,” she whispered. “I haven’t been that mad in centuries and that worries me.”

“ Because you like being in control.”

“ Don’t we all?”

“ Mariwen, there are times when we all lose control in one form or another. How we learn from our actions is what’s important. No one was harmed, although you did shock the crap out of them all and raised the eyebrows of the ancients with that little stomp of yours.”

“ They felt that?” Mari’s eyes widened as her mother nodded. “Ah, crap, sorry about that. Dad felt it too and contacted me while I was sleeping.”

“ The ancients knew something must have upset you beyond normal to feel your anger, so they sent me to see how you are.”

“ I’m fine, I just…” sighing heavily she looked out the entrance of the cave. “I don’t know how to deal with Rhys. He always has something to say when it comes to me and he thinks he knows it all. Rhys Beven frustrates the hell out of me, Mom, and I’m at a loss as to how I’m supposed to react.”

“ Just be yourself.”

Mari snorted. “Oh, easy for you to say.” Meeting her mom’s gaze, she barely caught the twinkle in her eye. “Are you telling me I can tell him who I am?”

“ As I’ve said, Mari, he is to be your life mate. Now, how you tell him is up to you and I’m pretty sure he’ll want some sort of explanation when you reappear again. I can’t tell you how to deal with him or him with you; that is something you both have to figure out. I will say this, if you stop being so hard-headed on some issues, you may find speaking to him a lot easier.”

“ Oh, so I’m the one being hard-headed?”

Darina smiled. “Just like your father. But to ease your mind, from what I’ve witnessed, Rhys is hard-headed as well.”

* * * *

Mari sighed as she walked into the Beven manor house. She knew he’d scented her the moment she stepped onto Beven Coven lands as the house keeper opened the door for her before she’d even knocked. She informed her that Lord Rhys was in his study. Heading that way she lifted her hand to knock when the door opened and she met his bright blue gaze. “If you’re going to yell at me I’ll leave,” she said softly.

“ No yelling, come on in,” he said, opening the door wider.

Mari stepped past him and waited until he shut the door before turning to face him. She gasped as his mouth settled over hers roughly. Her hands lifted to lie on his chest as she kissed him back, breathing heavily when he lifted his head.

“ Don’t you ever take off on me without telling me what’s going on.”

“ Don’t you ever yell at me like that again or put your hands on me in anger.” Leaning back, she met his gaze. “Don’t let it go to your head, but yes, I should have told someone besides Livi what I planned on doing. But after we talked that day I was confused, no not confused, upset.”

“ Why?”

“ There’s so much you don’t know, Rhys. And when you wouldn’t stop dogging me it pissed me off and scared me, and then my mother got on my case about you and well, I just…I needed some time alone.” Laying her forehead on his chest, Mari closed her eyes as his hands caressed her back. “Drake Roven is correct with what he scented about us. The ancients have…hinted…that we are to be life mates.” The last was whispered.

“ And you’re not happy with their decision?”

Mari sighed as she moved away, her back to him. “It’s not that I’m not happy. I like you, and we seem to have a mutual attraction, although you are as hard-headed as I am. I wasn’t expecting it; the wave of emotions that hit me the moment we met. I’d decided a long time ago I wouldn’t get involved in a serious relationship again. The ancients knew how I felt, what I’ve gone through. I was mad at them for so long.” Drawing in a deep breath she turned to meet his gaze. “I thought that because so much time had passed, and I’d started speaking to them again with no incidents, they’d accepted my wishes. Then you came out of the forest that night and I sensed what Drake Roven scented.”

“ I felt it too.”

“ And it pissed you off because you thought I was a witch,” she said with a soft smile.

“ Something like that.”

“ So, like me, you’ve had a bad experience, but with a witch.”

“ Yes, who was yours?”

“ Human, but he didn’t do anything wrong toward me.” Her gaze lowered to the wooden floor. “He died because of who I am. The ancients saw fit to give him to me and take him away without blinking an eye. He would have died eventually with his life span, I knew that. He knew who I was, but the ancients brought the fight to our door and they didn’t protect him like they promised. Telling me ‘it’s as it has to be’.”

“ What was his name?”

The corner of her mouth lifted slightly. “Saul. He was my husband.” Lifting her head, she met his gaze. “While I loved him and he’ll always hold a special place in my heart, I never had my senses react to him the way they do with you.”

“ And that scares the hell out of you.”

“ Huh-yes, I never want to go through that again. I’m afraid that if I let you too close they’ll take you away.”

Rhys took her into his arms, his chin resting on top of her head. “Like everyone else, we have to live in the moment, Mari. Things will happen, but we can’t let it rule our lives. Like you, I’ve never had such an overwhelming sense of belonging to someone as I do to you. And, sweetheart, I’ve been around a lot of women.” He smiled when she thumped him on the back.

“ You always have to toss a smart-ass comment in somewhere don’t you?”

“ Yeah,” he chuckled.

“ Tell me about what happened with the witch.”

Rhys was silent for a few moments. “She showed up while I was visiting my parents in Spain. I thought I was in love for the first time, besides the puppy crush I had on my best friends’ sister when we were growing up. She became an everyday visitor at my parents’ house and they were as duped as I. No one had any idea that she’d been stalking my parents for months, waiting for the chance to get to them. Then I showed up, and like a love sick pup, I fell right into her hands.”

Mari tightened her arms around his waist.

“ Apparently one of my fathers’ men had killed her father in a drunken brawl. I’ve never seen such hatred in anyone until that thing showed up at the borders of Alston the night you arrived. Anyway, during a party my parents were having she made her move and went for my father. I don’t know what made me look up at that moment but I did, and I jumped in front of her, taking her blade in my shoulder. It was a poisoned dagger, made from something she’d collected from my father. I actually pleaded with her to stop, declaring my love as she ripped the blade out of my flesh. It was then she told me how she’d used me to get to my father, that she had no intention of being with me in any way. She told me she held her shudders in when I touched her. Her plan was to kill every vamp she could, starting with my father and me.”

“ Oh gods,” Mari breathed, running her fingers over his lower back.

“ Yeah,” he snorted. “Tell me about it. Well she tried going after my father again and I shoved her away as she hit me with the dagger again. I started feeling the effects of the poison and when she came at me again, I transformed to kill her…”

“ Rhys…” Mari whispered lifting her head to meet his eyes.

“ My father delivered the death blow. After the medics cleared the poison from my system I asked him why he did it. He said I’d have a hard enough time getting over her betrayal, I didn’t need to have her death on my hands as well.”

“ Instilling a hate for all witches.”

“ I know they’re not all bad, it’s just like Vampires, Lykens, and every Other Kin out there, there’s good and bad in all species. We have a coven of witches living in Alston and I’ve always gotten along with them quite well.”

“ It’s just the ones you don’t know that you’re leery about?”

“ Yeah. Roven assumed you were a witch because Kalana was vague about who you were.”

“ He was wrong.” She smiled.

“ I know, but that didn’t stop the unease and mistrust of having an unknown witch at my door.”

“ Which you directed so well.”

Rhys smiled. “You stood up to me instead of backing down. You stood toe to toe with me.”

“ I don’t scare easily.”

“ So I’ve noticed.” He grinned as he lowered his lips to hers gently.

Mari sighed as she lifted up on her toes, her arms wrapping around his mid-section as his went around her.

Rhys chuckled as he leaned back. “What are you doing?” he asked as she kept going back and forth on her toes.

“ I’m short. It’s not easy to kiss you without being on my tippy toes. You’re at least a foot taller than me.”

“ Wrap your legs around me.” Lifting her up, Rhys held onto her ass as she wrapped her strong legs around his waist. “Better?”

“ Yes,” she breathed, her body reacting to the press of his cock against her pussy, and the seam of her jeans rubbing her clit. Lowering her mouth to his, her fingers ran up into his short, dark blond hair, gripping it as best she could.

Rhys growled. “If you’re still afraid of us, you better stop now or I won’t be able to.”

“ I don’t want to stop,” she whispered, shaking her head.

“ Then we need to get to my bedroom. I am not taking you on the floor our first time.” Heading to the door, he opened it, getting ready to quick-step until he saw his head of security running his way. “What’s going on?”

“ We’ve had an encounter down by the sea,” Hoag explained.

Mari released her legs, sliding down Rhys’ lean form. “What kind of encounter?” Her eyes widened when he ignored her, not even looking at her in acknowledgement as he answered to Rhys.

“ A Kelpie came ashore and attacked the guards.”

“ Attacked? It didn’t try to lure or shape shift?” Rhys asked.

“ No, sir, just straight out attacked.”

“ That’s not right. Kelpies don’t just attack out of nowhere,” Mari stated, her nostrils flaring as Hoag continued to ignore her presence.

“ My lord, the guards are holding it for you. We’ve also sent a message to Roven Manor’s security force.”

Rhys nodded, his arm slipping around Mari’s waist. “All right then, let’s go.”

“ Sir, this is coven business.”

Mari’s eyes widened again as Hoag glanced her way. “Excuse me?” Moving in front of Rhys she stood in front of the young vamp and poked him with her finger, letting heat scorch through his clothing to his skin. “Let’s get one thing straight here, junior. Anything that happens in Alston is my business as I’m guardian, so don’t you think to cut me out or I’ll take you to your knees so fast you won’t know what hit you,” she growled.

“ Mari, he’s seven hundred years old,” Rhys stated as he laid his hand on her shoulder.

“ Like I said, junior,” she snarled before stomping away.

Rhys motioned for Hoag to follow. “She is my life mate, Hoag, it’s been decreed by the ancients. Why don’t you like Mari?”

“ I can’t put my finger on it, sir. It’s like she’s hiding something, something important, and I don’t like that.”

Rhys lifted his eyes to the petite woman in front of them. “Mari would never do anything to hurt Alston or its people. If you trust my word on anything, trust me on this.”

“ Yes, my lord.”

Mari listened to their conversation, her lips furled, until Rhys stood up for her. She smiled as she turned. “Are we going to flash-step or what?”

“ Quick-step love, quick-step,” Rhys chuckled as he grabbed her around the waist and took off.

“ Oh gods, whatever,” she groaned, grabbing her stomach as they stopped. Rhys’ hand caught her as she wobbled. “I don’t think I’ll ever get used to that,” she mumbled as Rhys helped her over to where Drake Roven was standing. Mari moved her gaze to the horse-like creature held by Lyken and Vampire warriors off the beach area up by the grass and rocks.

“ Any idea why it attacked?”

“ No,” Drake replied as he turned to look at them and smiled. “You don’t look so good, Mari.”

“ No kidding. Tell me something I don’t know,” Mari grumbled.

“ Do you need Kalana?”

“ No, I’ll be fine in a moment.” Straightening up, she glanced over as the Kelpie tried fighting. Rhys’ arm went around her waist. Her eyes narrowed when she noticed the closeness of her sanctuary. “Just where did it come ashore?”

“ Over there by those rocks,” Drake replied.

Mari followed his pointing finger and drew in a large breath when she noticed it was directly under her entrance, way above the rocky slope. Stepping forward she glanced out over the sea. “Was there anything else there? Did your scouts say they saw anything out of the norm?”

“ No, nothing. All reports from both our teams indicate everything was as it should be: calm, serene and peaceful. They said it came up out of the sea as if it was crazed and it just went for them. Palidies on team one is a water nymph, he said he’d never seen anything like it. The Kelpie wouldn’t even acknowledge his presence or communicate. We have no idea what the hell happened or why.”

Mari turned to face them. “I know someone who will. Damn I hate to do this, but I want solid answers on why they’re attacking my town.”

Rhys’ gaze narrowed, arms crossing over his chest. “Your town?”

“ Damn right. Clear everyone another hundred yards back, I have a call to make.” Striding for the beach she listened as everyone fell back. Mari stood right on the edge of the crest, the water lapping the toes of her shoes, and closed her eyes. Breathing deeply, arms up, elbows by her side, palms up, Mari called forth the energies of the land. Her skin tingled, brain numbed as energies flowed freely through her system. Her eyes fluttered as she took a step forward, right hand raised. She knelt and brought her hand down, slapping it on the surface of the water as she yelled, “Triton, I call for you!” The energy wave reverberated over the top of the water like a pulse, sending a sonic boom type of sound to the ears of everyone within hearing distance. Stepping back she stumbled a bit before arms went around her waist.

“ That was something.” Rhys smiled.

“ Takes a lot of energy.”

“ I guess the hell so,” Drake replied as he stepped up. “Did I hear things or did you just call a mythical creature?”

Mari chuckled. “Don’t you know by now that all mythical beings are real, Roven?”

“ You’re telling me Triton, King of the seas and oceans, exists?”

“ Of course Triton exists, and he’s a prince. His father, Poseidon, is king.”

“ I thought Gods like them were myths,” Rhys stated.

Mari chuckled. “They are not Gods, they are Other Kin, very old Other Kin.”

“ And they just come when you call?” Drake asked.

Mari’s lips lifted as her brow hiked up. “Only the ones I’ve played with.”

“ What’s that supposed to mean?” Rhys asked as he turned her to face him.

“ It means that I have some very old friends.”

“ Just how old are you?”

Her smile grew as she kept his gaze. “Don’t you know you never ask a lady her age? Besides, that’s something for us to discuss later.” Turning her gaze to the Kelpie when it started fidgeting, her smile widened. “I’d say Triton’s coming.” Moving out of Rhys’ arms, she turned toward the sea as a water spiral shot straight up to the sky and a man emerged from within its center, smiling when he caught her gaze.

“ Triton, is here!” he called out, arms tossed out to his sides.