After Sundown: Salvation
Ellora's Cave/Cerridwen Press
Coming December 2006!

—From Beowulf

Death’s hand reached out to her. It was so close Sabrina Reyes could almost feel it squeezing the last breath from her body. It couldn't end this way, could it? After everything she had endured. After all the battles she fought and still had to fight, it just couldn't. She had too much to do, too much to learn, and too much to show the world about herself and her kind.

Due to the late hour, she and her attacker stood facing each other in the middle of an almost empty Arizona State University campus parking lot. They were engaged in some sort of macabre dance. His hands were wrapped tightly around her neck, while she jerked wildly and clawed desperately at his wrists. The world closed in around her and her knees started to give way. She fought the sense of falling at first, struggling to stand, then realized her mistake.

Energy suddenly filled her, and adrenaline pumped through her body as she realized this was her last chance for survival. Summoning the strength that was so familiar to her, she prepared herself. Her body quivered with the effort it took to control the power filling her. It was always like this, so overwhelming and somewhat scary, but at the same time exhilarating and freeing.

That was all suddenly shut off the minute her attacker tightened his hold on her neck and spoke.

"You power is my power, your will is mine."

His dark words were simple enough, yet in combination with his tightened grip on her air supply, they completely overpowered her. The energy that had filled her was suddenly leashed and that part of her that yearned to get free was caged.

What the hell was happening? Sabrina panicked. If she couldn't summon her power, if she couldn't use that, what would she do?

The man chuckled low in his throat. The sound of it was evil, sending tremors of dread down her spine.

"You are mine now. To do with as I wish."

Her attacker’s fingers tightened around her neck. She started to see stars.

No! She wouldn't let this happen. Not now, not ever! Tamping down her fear, Sabrina struggled to recall her self-defense training. She remembered how she should use the unexpected to her advantage. She let herself go limp. Her own weight brought her down to just where she needed to be. Her knees hit the pavement and her attacker’s hold around her neck loosened somewhat. She took her opportunity. Releasing his wrist, she curled her fingers into a fist, and punched the man between the legs as hard as she could.

He groaned and his fingers slipped from her neck. She took that moment to knock his hands from her and roll sideways. Jumping up, she didn't look back as she ran for her life. The anthropology building was the closest, and since that was where her office was located, she ran directly there. Locking herself in, she called security. They said they would be right over. Each minute she waited, huddled behind her desk, seemed like hours as she pictured her attacker pounding on her door, or worse, breaking it down and finishing what he had started.

The sound of approaching sirens left her flooded with relief. She would be okay. Help had arrived.

Eric Drache couldn't believe what he was hearing.

He stared incredulously at his boss, Vlad Maksimovitch.

"You're kidding, right?" he asked.

"No, I'm completely serious. Here’s her file. Look it over and go see her tomorrow. I have every confidence that you'll be able to handle this case with complete professionalism and competency, just as you always have in the past."

Vlad looked calm and collected like he always did, and Eric wondered briefly if the man ever showed any sort of emotion. It was almost like he was dead or something. Eric winced as he realized that his boss, the founder of Sundown Security Agency really was dead, or rather undead. He was a vampire. Just one of the many freaks that were part of the ragtag group of preternatural creatures working for Vlad. Hell, Eric was one of them. He was an immortal dragon slayer, destined to spend eternity hunting down and killing dragons. You couldn't get much weirder than that.

There was a short knock on his office door before it opened and his buddy Malcolm walked in. Okay, so maybe it could get weirder. Malcolm was a fairy, a real life, magical dust, paranormal powers, wings and all kind of fairy, who also happened to work as a security specialist for Vlad.

"What’s up guys? Is this a private party, or am I invited?"

"You're more than welcome to stay, Malcolm. Eric and I are done with our discussion. I was just leaving," Vlad said getting up from the chair he was sitting in. "Are we clear on everything, Eric?"

"Crystal, Vlad," he replied, barely holding back a snarl.

And that was that. Eric understood one thing, as he watched his boss walk out of his office. He had just been given one of the worst cases he could have been assigned. And at some level, he knew he was going to regret ever agreeing to do it.

"What was that all about?" Malcolm asked.

"It seems Ms. Sabrina Reyes and I are about to get reacquainted," Eric explained with a grimace.

"No frickin’ way," Malcolm said, his eyes widening in disbelief.

"Yes frickin’ way," Eric said, running his fingers through his hair in frustration.

"I don't envy you that, my friend. How are you going to handle it?" Malcolm asked. He knew all about Sabrina and Eric’s past together.

He shrugged.

"Like I always have. She’s a client, I'm her bodyguard. Period. End of story."

"You actually believe that bull you're spewing?" Malcolm asked with a taunting grin.

Eric gritted his teeth and glowered at his friend.

"I don't have much of a choice, now do I? You know how Vlad is. He picks each of us to handle cases on his perception of who would do the best job. He’s very particular about this and usually right on the money with it, but this time I'm really wondering about his sanity."

And Eric was wondering about his own sanity. How was he going to handle seeing Sabrina again? Would he lose it or be able to maintain control? When it came to her, he was never sure.

The knife twisted cruelly into Sabrina’s heart. Shards of pain shot throughout her body. Her legs felt like rubber, her stomach burned, and her head pounded from a thousand hammers beating at it. The ability to breathe suddenly became a mystery to her, yet the staccato rhythm of her thumping heart was a telltale sign that she was still very much alive.

Sorrow like she had felt only one time before filled her heart. It squeezed it until she thought her legs would give way beneath her. It was the kind of ache she never wanted to feel again. Once upon a time that grief had jerked and shoved her around like a puppet on a string, unable to focus, function, or rationalize. She had vowed to herself that she would never get hurt like that again. Never.

Yet it was all back in a flash.

Because of him.

All because of him.

The man standing in her office was the cause of her intense agony. Eric Drache had always been the cause of it. Old feelings crashed into her in one fell swoop. Maybe if their reunion had been gradual, through e-mail, text messaging, or even a phone call, she would have been able to handle it better. But it hadn't been. He was right here, right now, in the flesh without warning.

And as he closed the door and strode toward her, she wondered how it was possible that he could still make her feel this way. How he could so easily turn her sunny, carefree day into a cold, gray storm of pain just by his presence. She didn't like the fact that this man, who was in fact only a man, could have that kind of dark power over her.

He wasn't ugly. No, he was anything but that. As his long legs ate up the distance between them, her gaze was helplessly drawn to him. Devouring him with her eyes, she noticed that he looked exactly the same. Two years apart had done little to alter that. Tall, long legged, lean, and muscular with broad shoulders and narrow waist, he had the body of football quarterback.

His dark brown hair was spiky and tousled, topping a face that could send any woman’s heart spiraling into a pool of lust. It was his contradictions that made him so appealing, both inside and out. His face was a perfect example. His hard, square jaw ended in a dimpled chin, lips full and sensual underlined a strong nose. Yet these features were interrupted in an arresting way by a long scar that ran from the corner of one eye to the top of his mouth.

That scar would have given him an almost wicked appearance if not for his lushly full eyelashes that any woman would envy. They surrounded beautiful eyes the color of gold. And not just golden brown, or greenish gold, but pure, metallic, reflect-in-the-night kind of gold.

Eric had the most unusual eyes she had ever seen. From the beginning, that’s what had drawn her to him. When they first met, their gazes connected, and she had gotten lost in those amazing gold irises. Everything else had faded away. There was only he and she. That had been all that had mattered then-not the fact that they were meeting for business in an office full of her colleagues and his, nor the fact that they had never met before.

In those moments, looking into the fathomless depths of his golden stare, there had been nothing else. Sabrina couldn't have broken their gaze, even if she had wanted to. It wasn't until he had looked away that she came back to herself.

From that day forward, her life had changed.

Yanked back to the present as Eric drew closer, she folded her arms across her chest in an unconscious act of defense. She would never be vulnerable to him again. She would never leave herself open to the kind of torture he had put her through. Only a fool would allow someone like him back into her heart. And if nothing else, she was no fool.

Stopping a few feet from her, he smiled.

"Hello, Sabrina."

Shivers ran up and down her body. His voice was just as she remembered it. Like honey pouring over satin. It brought to mind the nights they shared. The intimate moments they had spent in each other’s arms. Though they had never actually made love, the time they spent together had been incredibly intense and overwhelmingly sensual.

They had connected on so many levels back then. But what had engaged her most of all had been his mind. She had cherished the many hours they spent talking, debating and laughing together. She would never forget the nights when they just held each other and whispered in the dark.

But that was over now. It was the past. She had moved on.

Raising her chin defiantly, she gazed warily at the man who had so thoroughly broken her heart two years ago.

"What do you want, Eric?"

His smile spread into a wide grin.

"You always were one to get to the point, weren't you Sabrina? Unabashedly open and honest. That was one of the many things I enjoyed about you."

What was he thinking by smiling at her in that sexy way of his after everything he had put her through? Sabrina wanted to stomp her foot in frustration, and yell at the top of her lungs, but she wouldn't give the bastard the satisfaction of seeing that.

"I'm so glad I'm here for your enjoyment, Eric," she said with a saccharine smile. "But you still haven't answered my question. What the hell do you want?"

Eric wanted to kiss her.

He wanted to gather Sabrina in his arms and kiss her so thoroughly that the fake smile was wiped from her mouth and she had no breath left to speak. He craved to feel her breath on his cheek as she whispered his name with a longing they had both shared. Just thinking about the nights they had spent in each other’s arms made his body spring to life, hardening with an intensity that was almost painful. He struggled to stop it, but knew it was a futile effort. Where she was concerned, he had little say in the matter. It shook him to know that she still held that power over him. No one had wielded that kind of control over him, ever.

But Sabrina was different. She had always been different. She was like no woman he had ever met. Their connection had been almost instantaneous. Like a rock hitting flint, their first contact had started a fire that roared with a life of its own. And if his body were any indicator, the two years they had been apart had done little to put out that flame.

He remembered how they had connected in so many ways. In the past he had met many beautiful women, but she had been so much more than that. She was tall, with long legs and a body that was lush and curved in all the ways a woman should be. Some men would call her plump, or more than a handful, but he found her soft roundness to be just to his liking. And he appreciated the dark, exotic beauty that her Latina heritage lent her. Shiny ebony waves of hair that rolled down her back, a smooth olive complexion, and large moss green eyes that slanted slightly upward at the corners, giving her an almost feline appearance.

Well-defined cheekbones, and a narrow pert nose sat above lips that were full and pouty. Their deep red color was natural, and brought to mind some juicy, sweet, fruit that had to be nibbled and savored. And when she smiled, it made him think of rainbows and summer days that never ended.

But Sabrina had engaged him in so many other ways. Her mind intrigued him. Her intelligence stimulated him, and he remembered how much he liked to just sit and talk to her, about anything. Her honest, open nature was refreshing. And she had a dry, sharp sense of humor that often left him laughing with surprise and delight. He liked being with her. It was as simple as that.

He never expected to see her again. That had been the plan.

His plan.

Funny how plans change. And now he had no other option but to stay by her side. He knew it wouldn't be an easy task. Among all the traits Sabrina possessed, stubbornness was right at the top of the list.

He ran his fingers through his hair in frustration. "I think you already know why I'm here, gatita."

Sabrina bristled and stiffened her spine.

Narrowing her eyes, she met his gaze head on. "Don't call me that. I asked you to never call me that again."

Eric sighed.

This wasn't going well. His nickname for her had slipped out of his mouth without thought. Two years apart hadn't made a difference. That was how he saw her. As his gatita, his little cat. Sabrina had taught him that word while they strolled hand in hand through the mall one day. She had stopped at a pet store to look at some kittens in the window.

"Hello, gatito," she had said in a soft, tender voice, running her fingers over the glass. One kitten looked up at her, meowed, then rubbed itself enthusiastically against the barrier.

As Eric had watched the encounter, he couldn't help but think of the way Sabrina was so like that cat. Her feline eyes bespoke the curiosity and enthusiasm she had for life. And the way the kitten craved her petting reminded him of how hungry Sabrina always was for his touch. She responded to him like no other woman ever had. As if she couldn't get enough of him. It was both intoxicating and overwhelming. And as he watched her, his body had responded to each stroke of her fingers over the glass, imagining the way she often stroked him.

"Isn't gatito the Spanish word for kitten?" he had asked after finally getting himself back under control.

Keeping her attention on the cat behind the glass, she smiled and nodded her head. From that moment on, Sabrina had been his gatita. It felt natural to call her that. It was just one of the many intimacies they had shared.

But it had been a mistake to use that endearment now.

He needed to change tactics.

Fast.

"Listen, Sabrina. I—"

"No. You need to call me Dr. Reyes. Just like everybody else. Because you are now like everybody else, remember? Not lovers, not friends, nothing. That’s how you wanted it, Eric. I hold my PHD in Anthropology, and as such I deserve the respect that accomplishment entails. I expect that courtesy from all but my family and closest friends. And you're neither."

Her words opened up a wound he thought healed. Two years had passed. Why the hell couldn't he get over her? But, as was his usual way, he showed none of the emotions he felt. His expression remained guarded and shuttered.

"Fine. Dr. Reyes, it is. But as much as your education, and the degrees you hold interest me, I'd really like to discuss the reason for my visit."

Sabrina didn't even bat an eye at his comment. Good. His little cat was learning not to be so soft and naïve. She would need that to get on in this world. So why did he suddenly feel sad about that bit of lost innocence?

"Of course, Eric," she said easily, smiling in a way that never reached her beautiful green eyes. "I was contacted by Dr. Dow, the head of the department. Edgar mentioned that they would be hiring extra security. But I don't see why that’s necessary. Arizona State University has a very capable security staff. I even have a security guard assigned to walk me around campus, as needed."

Eric raised an eyebrow arrogantly.

"And you're comfortable with campus security after your life has been threatened?"

Sabrina raised her chin stubbornly.

"The on campus security is very effective."

"Well, it’s obvious your boss disagrees," he said with a knowing grin. "And as you know, Sundown Security Agency specializes in just this type of case. Vlad talked to Dr. Dow and knew immediately we could help you."

"I understand that. But why did he choose you? Does he know our, uh, history?" Sabrina almost stammered, but seemed to catch herself.

Was she blushing?

Eric didn't want to think about it. Her blushes had always turned him on.

Struggling for control he snapped at her. "Of course he does. But he and I both agreed that would make no difference in this case. I can maintain professionalism as long as you can."

She nodded quickly, too quickly. "Of course I can. That’s not an issue for me any longer. However, the fact remains that I don't need this kind of extra security. Our campus staff will suit me fine."

Sabrina folded her arms across her chest, glared at him, and dared him to disagree.

He knew that stance as well as the look in her eyes. Her stubbornness had set in. She wouldn't budge on this. He would have to retreat for now, and try another tactic. Either way he would win.

He always won.

"I understand. I'll let Vlad know that you won't be using our services. Goodbye, Dr. Reyes." Turning around, he strode to the door and walked out.

Sabrina never said goodbye.

That bothered him.

It shouldn't have.

But it did.

The minute the door closed, Sabrina’s shoulder sagged. Tears welled in her eyes, despite her efforts to hold them back. Damn it, the man shouldn't still be able to affect her in this way. She had been too choked up to even say goodbye. She thought she was over him. She thought the hole in her heart was healed.

She thought wrong.

And she was scared. Scared in a way she hadn't been in a long time. Not only about her stalker, but also about Eric. He wouldn't give up that easily. It wasn't in his nature. He would be back, she was sure of it. And most likely, he'd have a new plan, and reinforcements.

Of course, she would refuse his help, again and again.

She was already trying to be more careful. Carrying mace on her keychain was only one of many precautions she was taking. She kept campus security close to her and she felt strongly that they would eventually catch the freak who tried to strangle her the other night. Since then, he had been calling her every day, leaving scary, threatening and sometimes obscene messages.

Sabrina had notified the police and they had tapped her phone. They put a trace on it as well, but so far, the psycho kept calling from pay phones around the Valley. The police said it was from a different one each time, so as of yet they weren't any closer to catching the guy. She spoke to a police detective, and he said he would keep her updated on any developments, and he also let her know that every night a squad car would drive by her house several times to check out the area.

It was enough. She didn't need more security. She certainly didn't need a full time body guard. And she knew, without a doubt, she didn't need Eric Drache. The painful, roller coaster ride she had experienced towards the end of their relationship had been one she never wanted to repeat.

She wasn't going to let him back into her life, no matter what.