paranormal shapeshifter romance book

WARNING
Some of the books on this site contain material of a sexual nature or graphic violence and are only suitable for adults. By reading the excerpt below you release me as the author of any responsibility.

“That sign said residents only.” Kim looked over her shoulder in the passenger seat of the black Aston Martin, trying to see the pale stone pillar of the black wrought iron gates they had just passed through. She hadn’t imagined it. It had definitely said residents only.

The wide road ahead was empty save a few cars parked along the sides. Kim’s gaze drifted over the elegant cream Georgian townhouses to her left with their black doors and black iron fences, and then shifted across to her right where a similar fence surrounded the large park. Tall bare trees blocked her view of the park but she caught glimpses of it through the entrances. Regent’s Park. They were in the heart of London and Erik still hadn’t told her where they were going.

She finally looked at him and he smiled, his eyes not leaving the road. She knew he could sense when her gaze was on him, just as she could feel when he was watching her.

Kim turned the gold wedding band on her finger, moving it slowly around in a full circle. Erik had placed it there almost a year ago, and that had been the anniversary of her turning. It was still incredible to think that she was different now. A black panther shape-shifter just like Erik. The gift of long-life he had given her was better than any present she’d ever had before. The best one he could have got her. Even better than her wedding present from him—an Aston Martin just like his beautiful one.

She couldn’t stop staring at him. Sometimes he captivated her. It wasn’t just how good he looked, but something else, something primal and masculine about him that took her breath away. She wanted to look at him forever, to take in all over again the fact that he really was hers. In all her life, she had never thought she would end up with someone so handsome.

His amber gaze darted to hers for a moment and then away. A sure smile tugged at his lips and she smiled too, sensing that he was enjoying her eyes on him and what he was going to say.

“Would you like a picture?” He grinned then, full of masculine pride, and she playfully pushed his arm.

“I already have plenty.” It wasn’t a lie. Her wallet had at least three pictures of them together in it. He looked handsome in every one. She showed them off whenever she got the chance, along with her wedding band. A lot of the older set of shape-shifter society had frowned upon their wedding. Shape-shifters didn’t marry. They merely changed their names in private. Erik had given her the ceremony of her dreams at his country house.

Kim looked out of the window again at the Georgian buildings. They were beautiful but they couldn’t compare to the country house. She loved being there, but recently Erik had been so busy with work that they hadn’t been seeing each other much. The house had started to feel lonely and empty, even with the housekeeper, and she missed seeing Erik every day.

“What is it?” Erik said with a frown.

She reached over and stroked his short black hair, smoothing it back and sighing. “I love you.”

“I love you too, but that’s not it, is it?” He glanced at her and then turned the car down a smaller road and around the back of the tall four storey Georgian townhouses that faced the large parkland.

Kim sighed again and leaned back into the seat, trying to think of where to start. There had been countless times that she’d wanted to tell him to stay home with her, to come and see her when she’d been working in his office building, to just spend a little time with her. It seemed so selfish though when he was working hard to build his company and secure their future so they could live in comfort forever. When he had mentioned expanding his business six months ago, she had been all for it, because she had thought she would be at the office all day too.

Erik pulled the car into a parking space and switched off the engine. He turned in the black leather seat, resting his arm on the steering wheel, and looked at her. “Kim?”

“It’s just nice to spend some time with you and now we seem to be visiting someone.”

He smiled, his frown melting in an instant. He was devastating when he smiled. It had been that charming grin that had made her fall for him in the flesh in the first place. The visions had only given her a sense of hunger and lust around him. His beautiful smile had won her heart.

“We’re not visiting someone. Today is just about us.” He took her hand, pressed a kiss to it, and then got out of the car.

Kim opened the door, still confused about what was happening. Before she could set foot outside, Erik was around her side of the car, his strong hand in hers again, helping her. She rolled her eyes and let him have his way. He had been like this for the past few weeks and she still wasn’t getting used to it. When she was out, he pulled her closer, luring her in with the tender look in his amber eyes.

She went willingly into his arms, tilting her head back in invitation and knowing he wouldn’t refuse. His lips brushed hers and he held her gently, close, as though he was afraid of breaking her. She was still strong, even in her current condition.

The cold crisp air sent a shiver down her spine and she huddled up into Erik’s embrace, seeking his warmth. He broke away and pressed a kiss to her forehead.

“Let’s get you inside before you freeze,” he murmured against her hair and pressed another kiss to it before taking hold of her hand and leading her towards one of the black doors on the Georgian buildings.

The path and stone steps were slippery with ice but Erik’s grip on her hand was firm, steadying her. She knew he wouldn’t let her fall. He wouldn’t let anything happen to her, especially now. When they reached the top of the steps, she stood to one side, looking out over the quiet cul-de-sac that acted as a car park for the houses around it. Erik’s car didn’t look out of place at all. The rest were mostly black or silver sports cars or Bentleys. Just why were they here?