GENRE: Gay Fantasy Spicy Romance
LENGTH: 23,237 words
RATING:

In the fog-shrouded town of Gladen Falls, centuries-old vampire Count Valerius has spent a lifetime guarding his secrets from the shadows. When he meets the fiery and quick-witted Ezra, a jeweler with a mysterious past, their connection ignites a passion that challenges everything Valerius thought he knew about love and redemption.

But Ezra’s uncanny resemblance to Valerius’ long-dead husband Zachariah stirs old wounds -- and new dangers. As a rogue vampire terrorizes the town and hidden truths unravel, Valerius and Ezra must confront their pasts to fight for a future together.

EXCERPT:
Note: may contain sexually explicit scenes of a homoerotic nature.

The warm, golden glow of Moonlit Adornments was a refuge from the chilly gray of Gladen Falls’ perpetual mist. Inside, Ezra stood behind the glass counter, carefully wrapping a delicate silver pendant in tissue paper. His customer, a middle-aged woman with a motherly air, was watching him intently, her face soft with satisfaction.

“This piece is exquisite,” she said, her voice warm. “You have a real talent, Ezra.”

Ezra smiled, glancing up as he folded the edges of the paper with practiced precision. “Flattery will get you everywhere, Mrs. Hastings. But don’t tell anyone, or I’ll have to start charging extra for compliments.”

The woman laughed softly, handing over her credit card. Ezra took it, his movements swift and efficient as he rang up the sale on the vintage cash register he’d lovingly restored.

As he handed her the neatly wrapped box, the bell above the door chimed. Ezra’s head instinctively turned toward the sound, his practiced smile already in place, but it faltered for half a second when he saw who had entered.

Valerius.

The count moved into the shop with an elegance that felt out of place in the small, intimate space. His long black coat swirled faintly at his ankles as he stepped inside, his sharp features illuminated by the soft light. He didn’t speak immediately, his dark eyes sweeping the room before settling, as they always did, on Ezra.

“Good evening, Ezra,” Valerius said, his voice smooth and deep.

Ezra raised an eyebrow, slipping into his usual sarcasm as he handed Mrs. Hastings her bag. “You know, most people say hello like regular human beings, but I guess you’re going for the Dracula chic vibe again.”

Mrs. Hastings chuckled politely, oblivious to the undercurrent of tension in the air. She thanked Ezra for the pendant and made her way to the door, giving Valerius a curious look as she left.

Once they were alone, Ezra leaned against the counter, arms crossed. “So, is this a shop jewelry, or scare the locals kind of visit? Because if it’s the latter, I should really start charging admission.”

Valerius’s lips quirked into a faint smile. “You wound me, Ezra. I am here merely to admire your work. And perhaps,” his gaze lingered on Ezra, dark and intent, “to see you.”

Ezra blinked, caught off guard for a moment. He quickly masked his surprise with a smirk. “Smooth. Do you rehearse these lines, or does the brooding just come naturally?”

Valerius chuckled softly, stepping closer to the counter. “It is all instinct, I assure you.”

Ezra rolled his eyes but couldn’t help the slight flush that crept into his cheeks. “Right. Well, if you’re here to browse, I suggest you try not to scare off the paying customers. I’ve got bills to pay.”

Valerius tilted his head, his expression thoughtful. “Perhaps I could contribute in another way.”

Ezra narrowed his eyes, suspicious. “What kind of contribution are we talking about? Because I don’t take checks.”

Valerius leaned slightly closer, his voice dropping just enough to make the air between them feel charged. “A dinner. With me.”

Ezra blinked again, utterly thrown this time. “A ... dinner?”