Lydia's Secret (The Secret Series Book 1) Read Online Free Page B

bloodlust rose from the depths of his soul.
    No other man’s scent had been on Lydia’s skin. His mouth curved into a smile. He wouldn’t stop until she belonged to him.
    The door he’d been watching abruptly opened, and he melted into the shadows.
    Lydia’s hair was dark with blonde streaks, and light shone behind her head in a halo. My destiny.
    Another figure caught his attention. She was slight with long black hair partially tucked under a winter cap, her face half hidden behind a scarf. He watched as she made her way precariously down the icy driveway to a compact car.
    The dark-haired woman opened the door and jumped inside. Pale yellow spilled out onto the snow from the ancient headlights as she fired up the engine.
    He grinned and stood on the roof, letting the wind batter against him before dropping silently to the ground.
    A dog whimpered in the night as he lightly jumped a nearby fence.
    She had just put the car in gear when he reached her and knocked softly on the window. The door opened an inch, and scents of jasmine and peaches touched his nose.
    “Yes?”
    “Looks like you may need some help digging the car out.”
    She blinked and shoved the door open with her foot. He stepped lightly out of the way. “Thank you, I can take care of it.”
    He shrugged. “Okay, but the storm is picking up strength.”
    “What are you doing out in it?” Her dark eyes were filled with suspicion. It was a challenge, and he liked it.
    The barking grew louder from across the street, giving him an excuse. “I’d just finished taking my dog out to do his business and noticed you getting into your vehicle.”
    She sighed, put the car back in park, and climbed out. “I have a shovel—”
    Simon had her against the vehicle in a heartbeat with his hands cupping her head. She opened her mouth to scream, and he pressed into her mind, stifling her fear. Her eyes glazed over, and he tugged the scarf loose from her neck. “What’s your name?”
    “Jeanie.”
    “Jeanie. It’s cold out here, isn’t it?”
    “Cold.” She repeated the word in a monotone voice. He noticed her pretty face and full lips, but nothing stirred to life as he gazed at her. It had been years since a woman had affected him sexually. He shook off the thoughts and concentrated on what she could do for him.
    Her pulse slammed against his hand as some part of her rebelled against his control. Bloodlust surged, and his fangs ached to bury into her skin.
    Simon nuzzled her throat. “I need something warm tonight, Jeanie.”
    She murmured a weak response, but he was focused on the way her heart thrummed and the delicious scent of her body. Centuries had taught him how to savor his food.
    Her mind fought back when he pulled her against him, her slight body struggling as he raked his incisors over her skin, tearing open just enough. Warm blood rushed into his mouth, and he groaned deep in his throat. She grew pliant in his arms, and he buried his fangs deep, allowing the demon within to feed.
    “Come home with me,” her voice whispered against his temple.
    He fisted her hair and tugged her head back, savoring her taste. “ You’re not going home, Jeanie. Ever again. ”

 
    Chapter Four
     
    There were far worse things in life than being stuck inside the house with a beautiful woman during a blizzard. For a moment, Roman wanted to forget why he was there, forget who she was.
    He wandered to the mantle of an ancient fireplace where pictures were scattered along the top. There weren’t many of Lydia, he noticed, studying the photos. A face full of mischief and bright blue eyes seemed to be the star of the show.
    Roman clenched his jaw. He hadn’t known Lydia had a daughter. Six weeks should have been enough time for his team to know everything about her. There was no husband or divorce certificate. She’d never changed her name for any reason. He’d be willing to bet Simon knew, which was why he hadn’t killed her in that alley. Simon would consider