Blood Magic (After Dark Book 7) by Sarah Bailey (ereader for android txt) 📗

Blood Magic

 

After Dark

Book Seven

Sarah Bailey

Blood Magic Copyright © 2019 by Sarah Bailey

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means including information storage and retrieval systems, without permission in writing from the publisher. The only exception is by a reviewer, who may quote short excerpts in a review.

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Please note the spelling throughout is British English.

Cover Art by Christian Bentulan

Published by Twisted Tree Publications

www.twistedtreepublications.com

info@twistedtreepublications.com

Titles by Sarah Bailey

Dark Romance

Corrupt Empire

Betrayal

Sacrifice

Revenge

Benson Siblings

Provoked

Promises

Prohibit

Protect

Paranormal Romance

After Dark

Demon’s Destiny

Vampire’s Kiss

Witching Night

Cursed Heart

Death’s Angel

Lucifer’s Cage

Blood Magic

Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty One

Chapter Twenty Two

Acknowledgements

About the Author

To Corry

Thank you for being a huge support

Your enthusiasm for my characters inspires me

You’re a bright spark in my life

Chapter One

London.

Jamie breathed in the crisp air. He didn’t strictly need to breathe, but he loved the chill of winter and the pungent smell that permeated the city. It had been a couple of years since he’d set foot in England, having spent some time in Prague. He wasn’t old for a vampire having only been turned just over fifty years ago. His maker died in a turf war not long after he rose.

Whilst he was glad to be back, he didn’t appreciate being summoned by his sibling.

Typical really, just as I was settling into my new city and making a name for myself.

He didn’t have much choice in the matter being the youngest.

He made his way down the steps to the bar, smoothing down his blazer. Jamie didn’t look a day over twenty five, but he’d seen enough in his seventy six years. A whole human lifetime.

My brother won’t mind me being a tad late, sure he’s used to it.

He pushed open the door of the bar, spying Neave immediately. He grinned. She was a sight for sore eyes. She was busy with a customer. A girl with mousy brown hair and the lightest blue eyes he’d ever encountered. She flipped her hair and he spied her ears. Fae. They didn’t often spend time in Fright Night or near vampires for that matter.

The girl searched through her bag, talking animatedly to Neave.

“I’m really sorry, I thought I’d brought my card out with me. Now, where is it?”

“I don’t have all night,” Neave said, despite there not being any other customers.

Jamie slipped over to the bar and held out his own card to Neave.

“Allow me.”

The other vampire looked up, breaking into a grin when she spied his face.

“Well, what brings you back to the UK?” she asked.

“He summoned me,” he replied.

The girl looked between the two of them, eyes wide.

“You really don’t need to do that,” she said. “I swear I can pay for my own drink.”

“No need. Jack and coke for me and whatever it is she’s drinking.”

Neave nodded, taking his card.

“And he didn’t tell me you were coming home, typical.”

She quickly poured out his drink and swiped his card before returning it to him.

“You know what he’s like.”

“Hmm, yes, well, you’d think as his second he’d tell me these things, but never mind.”

She gave him a little wink before moving away to serve another customer leaving Jamie alone with the fae girl. She stared at him with unnerving intensity.

“Thank you,” she said.

“It’s my pleasure.”

He leant against the bar and sipped his drink. Vampires could drink alcohol, it just did nothing for them. Jamie liked the taste and it made him seem more human. That was good for hunting.

“So, what brings you to a bar like this?” he asked.

“Curiosity.”

He looked her over. She wasn’t tall for a fae, only coming up to his chest. Her mousy hair shimmered with auburn undertones. She didn’t have elongated teeth which signalled she wasn’t some common fae. His eyes roamed lower. She was perfectly proportioned with subtle curves beneath her conservative outfit of a pair of jeans, ballet flats and a knit jumper.

“Tell me, what is so curious about a vampire bar?”

“I haven’t met many creatures outside the fae.”

“No?”

She shook her head, picking up her glass.

“What’s your name?”

“It’s Dani.”

He raised an eyebrow.

“That’s not a very fae sounding name.”

Dani looked away, her cheeks staining red. Shit, that’s sort of cute.

“I don’t like my fae name,” she muttered.

“Does anyone?”

She rolled her eyes, turning back to him.

“No, but when you’re named after what most people assume is a weed, it’s kind of embarrassing.”

He snorted. A weed? That’s a little tragic.

“Go on, I’ll tell you my name if you enlighten me.”

She stared at him for a moment before sighing.

“Just don’t laugh. It’s Dandelion.”

He bit his lip, holding back a grin.

“It’s nice to meet you.” He put his hand out. “Jamie.”

She placed her hand in his, giving it a tentative shake. Her skin was incredibly soft and delicate. Another blush shot up her neck. He breathed in her scent. Lavender and honeysuckle. She smelt good. For a fae at least. Never