Ari's story is here!
Cursed by a Vampire is book 7 in the Immortal Hearts of San Francisco series!
Living with the DeMarco vampires has been a lifesaver for Ari. However, as a human, he’s always felt inferior; has always wanted to be turned, while his vampire friends have refused his one wish.
And then he meets Abella, and suddenly he isn’t sure what he wants anymore.
Abella is also human, although she too is familiar with vampires. Her grandfather is one. The half-witch who cursed her is a vampire. She’s learned to live with both her grandfather and the curse; was content with her life.
Until she meets Ari.
Now she’s living a nightmare, because falling in love could lead to Ari’s death, thanks to her curse.
What will these two ill-fated humans do?
And then he meets Abella, and suddenly he isn’t sure what he wants anymore.
Abella is also human, although she too is familiar with vampires. Her grandfather is one. The half-witch who cursed her is a vampire. She’s learned to live with both her grandfather and the curse; was content with her life.
Until she meets Ari.
Now she’s living a nightmare, because falling in love could lead to Ari’s death, thanks to her curse.
What will these two ill-fated humans do?
Read the first Chapter!
Chapter 1
Ari
Some say vampires are monsters.
Ghastly creatures that can reach into the cavity of your chest and rip your heart out. They can suck your blood until there isn’t a drop left in your body and leave you in some dark alleyway to die. Or, if you’re lucky, they could make you drink their blood and turn you into one of them. A fate that most would shudder at.
Or …
They can be compassionate and amorous creatures who would do anything to save the life of someone they loved. They would give their own life to defend their lover, their mate, or their child. These are the vampires who put their heart and soul into saving an unfortunate boy from his potentially untimely death. A death that no doubt would have occurred from the beating and torture so horrible that his subconscious had wiped it from his memory.
These are the vampires this story is about.
*****
I placed two decks of cards in the center of the table and then added a stack of poker chips while mentally counting the chairs. There would be eight playing tonight.
I tilted my gaze toward the other side of the room. It was a huge contrast to the decadent area where I stood; a good portion had recently been converted to a playroom cluttered with toys and various toddler size slides and tricycles for the magical triplets that the vampires were graced with three years ago.
Playrooms and poker tables. Yeah. They went well together. In this house at least. And I was certain the decor would change over the years, as children seemed to grow up in the blink of an eye. Soon, no doubt, it would house a pool table where not only the triplets would play but the vampires also.
“There you are.” Lane’s cheery British accent had me turning away from the table I was setting. He wore long purple shorts that hit the tops of his knees, paired with a light green T-shirt and bright red flip-flops on his feet. His wardrobe ensemble had me wondering if all vampires were colorblind, or just him.
I smiled, trying to ignore the onslaught of mismatched color coming toward me. “We’re having a game tonight. You’re playing, right?” I pivoted back to the table to continue distributing stacks of chips.
“I can’t tonight. V has a girls’ night and they are going, as she put it, martini hopping. I promised a week ago that I’d be on dad duty.”
The room used to smell like stale cigar smoke but since the kids were born, it’s been redecorated, including new paint and carpet, eliminating the rancid smell. And no one is permitted to smoke cigars here anymore.
Vanessa and Lane’s triplets were three and were quite the challenge to watch, especially when Kaden conjured cartoon dragons that flew around the mansion, creating havoc wherever they went. Not to mention, all three kids screaming and giggling while chasing after them.
I didn’t know too much about kids, but those three sure seemed a lot smarter than other kids their age. Well above the average three-year-old, if you asked me.
Their comprehension, especially of magical things, was uncanny. And they loved music; learning words to songs was a fun game for all of them. Maybe because Vanessa and Lane sang to them all the time.
“But it’s been weeks since all of us were home together. Can’t the kiddies hang out down here while we play? We’ll lock the door so they can’t leave the room. We’ll keep an eye on them. They should be able to get along without daddy hovering over them.”
“Perhaps. But I promised them I would play games with them.”
“Is that why you’re dressed like a clown?”
“What?” He glanced down at himself, his forehead creased and his eyebrows pulled together.
“Are you colorblind?” I teased, realizing he was truly baffled by my question.
“No. Why?”
“Your clothes are all mismatched, as though you couldn’t see what colors they were.”
He studied his clothing choices again. “I was in a hurry.” He grimaced and picked up a poker chip, moving it over his knuckles like a poker pro or a magician. The sigh he expelled whooshed through the air and fluttered by my ear, reminding me of the strength the vampire had. The raw talent he possessed amazed me and the fact that he could do just about anything he wanted, things far beyond moving a poker chip across his knuckles, never escaped me. He could break me in half if he wanted to because, I, of course, was not a vampire.
Though I wasn’t worried.
I was never worried about my safety with him or any of the other vampires. I lived in a mansion full of vampires. To me, they were like brothers and sisters. I looked after them and in turn, they protected me if and when it was ever necessary. Summer nights meant that the vampires were out and about more, prowling the city or whatever they did to satisfy their needs, so poker nights were a hit or miss. That’s why we’d organized this game days ago.
I trusted the vampires I lived with and have always wanted to be like them. In fact, I’d lost count of the times I’d asked or suggested, even begged once after a battle with other supernatural beings, that it might just might be in my best interest if I became a vampire. But to no avail, not one of them have agreed to turn me.
It was never an all-out refusal, mind you; maybe someday was their usual response.
That answer reminded me of the proverbial mother telling her child that maybe they would go to the beach, park, or wherever the kid had asked they venture to for fun that day, while she sipped on her coffee, reading the news on her iPad, knowing full well they wouldn’t be going to either of those places because she had to go to work.
I hadn’t given up hope of becoming a vampire. And I still asked. Almost daily.
“I promised V I wouldn’t play poker so I could interact with them instead,” Lane went on. “They need to be outside romping around under the moonlight, soaking up as much vitamin D as possible, not sitting down here while we drink and play parlor games. The moon doesn’t supply as much as the sun, but it does help some. And it is full tonight.”
I studied him while he floated the poker chip between his fingers.
“What is it?” He raised his head and straightened and now he was an inch taller than me. He was intimidating, but I didn’t budge.
“Who are you? And what have you done with Lane?”
“I know. But this is what happens when you become a father. There are other beings more important than me now and they require my attention. Sunlight is important not only for light, but also for healthy little bones. I wish I could take them outside during the day myself. It’s one of the worst parts about being a vampire.”
“You’re right, of course.” I turned from him with my shoulders slumping. “The games aren’t as fun without you, that’s all.”
“Christ, Ari. Now you sound like Kaden.”
“Comparing me to a three-year-old won’t make the game better. Without you we’ll only have seven players. Grayson can’t make it either and eight or more is always better. And with the ladies all going out …” I shook my head.
He turned to go, then stopped. “Oh, I almost forgot. What is the name of the market where you buy the crab? I promised V I would get some for tomorrow night. We are having a ‘date night.’” He made air quotes as he said “date night.”
“It’s in Fisherman’s Wharf. They close at six, so I can pick some up for you tomorrow during the day.”
“Thanks, man.” He started again to leave but stopped and held up his hand. “Cash or tournament?”
“Cash.”
“Good. If you’re all still playing when the kids go down for their naps, I’ll join you.”
I nodded. “Bring lots of cash. You’ll need it.” I laughed.
He whistled. “Getting cocky in your old age, young man.”
“You realize that’s an oxymoron.”
“You’re the moron.” He turned the corner into the hallway, laughing at his own joke.
I finished setting up the game for seven, deciding that we’d add Lane in when—or if—he arrived. Even though those sweet little cherub-looking kids were only three, we all knew that they were very capable of outsmarting Lane, or any one of us, for that matter, when it came to trying to get them down for their naps.
****
The poker game ran into the early morning hours. For a vampire that was no big deal. They stayed up all night, every night, and slept most of the day away. But not yours truly.
I was now dragging my hungover human ass down to Fisherman’s Wharf to buy Lane some Dungeness crab. But I managed a smile, remembering the extra cash in my wallet that I’d won in the game, so not all was bad.
I’d decided to drive the new Tesla to fetch the crab. I liked the way it handled so smoothly through the hills of the city.
Vampires were all about preserving the planet. Hence, the Tesla. After all, they lived forever. That is, unless someone chopped off their head. My body involuntarily shuddered at the idea of such a barbaric deed.
I turned down Beach Street toward the parking structure and came to a sudden stop. Five cars were backed up, all waiting to enter the garage. I rubbed my achy eyelids, hoping we’d move quickly.
I steered the Tesla into the lot and scanned for a spot. I noticed a large, black truck backing out of a space and immediately flipped my blinker on. It seemed my good fortune from last night was still with me. The vehicle finished backing out and headed out and away from me. I geared up for the turn into my lucky space, only to pounce on the breaks just in time to avoid colliding with a red Chevy pickup truck that came from the other direction and cut me off, already halfway in my spot.
“That was my spot!” I yelled through the closed windows of my car as I slowly pulled up behind the truck.
I should have gotten up earlier for this. I’d promised Lane I’d get the crab and hated going back on a promise. The fish market would be closing soon and now I’d probably have to park five blocks away. I’ll have to hustle my ass to get there in time which would no doubt make my headache worse.
But instead of rushing away, I rolled down my window and watched black stiletto booties attached to long, beautiful legs covered in skin hugging, army green leggings flow out from the truck’s driver’s side door like they were floating in a dream—a dream where legs like those were wrapped around my neck. I shook my head to clear away the sensual image.
But I lost all sense of reason, and a tornado swirled in my stomach when the rest of the body exited the vehicle. The rotation of the earth hiccupped for a beat before tilting on its axis and my body jerked into submission.
She was an exquisite creature. The loveliest woman I’d ever seen. I swallowed the desire lodged in my throat and found the good sense to order my body to chill. With my elbow propped on the edge of the door, I leaned my head out my window and rested my overgrown five o’clock shadow on my knuckles, ready to give her a piece of my mind. But when I opened my mouth, nothing came out. As she started to walk away, I finally found my voice. “Hey, miss, didn’t you see my blinker?”
She looked up at me with the most startling blue eyes and pouty mouth with full luscious lips. “What?”
“My blinker.” I softened my tone, trying not to sound like a dick. “I had it on. I was waiting for that spot.”
She returned her gaze to her truck. “Oh. Well, I didn’t see it. I’m sure there are other parking spaces.”
“Have you seen how crowded it is in here?”
“Yes. I’m so glad you let me have this spot. Thank you.”
“Let you?” I was beyond words. She took my parking space, but there was nothing I could do now except let her have it. It wasn’t like I was going to get out of the car and fistfight her for it. That was such a stupid thought it didn’t even belong in my brain. Besides, I didn’t want to fight with her. I wanted to take her home and do all kinds of other things with her.
I shook my head and slowly cruised the Tesla down the aisle, searching for another place to park. “Be careful not to break a heel,” I mumbled, watching her through my rearview mirror as she sashayed toward the elevator like she was on a catwalk at Neiman Marcus. Her long, curly, reddish-brown locks swayed against her back with each step.
Each sexy step.
Too bad we hadn’t met under different circumstances. Oh well, I’d probably forget all about her once I found a better spot to park.
Ari
Some say vampires are monsters.
Ghastly creatures that can reach into the cavity of your chest and rip your heart out. They can suck your blood until there isn’t a drop left in your body and leave you in some dark alleyway to die. Or, if you’re lucky, they could make you drink their blood and turn you into one of them. A fate that most would shudder at.
Or …
They can be compassionate and amorous creatures who would do anything to save the life of someone they loved. They would give their own life to defend their lover, their mate, or their child. These are the vampires who put their heart and soul into saving an unfortunate boy from his potentially untimely death. A death that no doubt would have occurred from the beating and torture so horrible that his subconscious had wiped it from his memory.
These are the vampires this story is about.
*****
I placed two decks of cards in the center of the table and then added a stack of poker chips while mentally counting the chairs. There would be eight playing tonight.
I tilted my gaze toward the other side of the room. It was a huge contrast to the decadent area where I stood; a good portion had recently been converted to a playroom cluttered with toys and various toddler size slides and tricycles for the magical triplets that the vampires were graced with three years ago.
Playrooms and poker tables. Yeah. They went well together. In this house at least. And I was certain the decor would change over the years, as children seemed to grow up in the blink of an eye. Soon, no doubt, it would house a pool table where not only the triplets would play but the vampires also.
“There you are.” Lane’s cheery British accent had me turning away from the table I was setting. He wore long purple shorts that hit the tops of his knees, paired with a light green T-shirt and bright red flip-flops on his feet. His wardrobe ensemble had me wondering if all vampires were colorblind, or just him.
I smiled, trying to ignore the onslaught of mismatched color coming toward me. “We’re having a game tonight. You’re playing, right?” I pivoted back to the table to continue distributing stacks of chips.
“I can’t tonight. V has a girls’ night and they are going, as she put it, martini hopping. I promised a week ago that I’d be on dad duty.”
The room used to smell like stale cigar smoke but since the kids were born, it’s been redecorated, including new paint and carpet, eliminating the rancid smell. And no one is permitted to smoke cigars here anymore.
Vanessa and Lane’s triplets were three and were quite the challenge to watch, especially when Kaden conjured cartoon dragons that flew around the mansion, creating havoc wherever they went. Not to mention, all three kids screaming and giggling while chasing after them.
I didn’t know too much about kids, but those three sure seemed a lot smarter than other kids their age. Well above the average three-year-old, if you asked me.
Their comprehension, especially of magical things, was uncanny. And they loved music; learning words to songs was a fun game for all of them. Maybe because Vanessa and Lane sang to them all the time.
“But it’s been weeks since all of us were home together. Can’t the kiddies hang out down here while we play? We’ll lock the door so they can’t leave the room. We’ll keep an eye on them. They should be able to get along without daddy hovering over them.”
“Perhaps. But I promised them I would play games with them.”
“Is that why you’re dressed like a clown?”
“What?” He glanced down at himself, his forehead creased and his eyebrows pulled together.
“Are you colorblind?” I teased, realizing he was truly baffled by my question.
“No. Why?”
“Your clothes are all mismatched, as though you couldn’t see what colors they were.”
He studied his clothing choices again. “I was in a hurry.” He grimaced and picked up a poker chip, moving it over his knuckles like a poker pro or a magician. The sigh he expelled whooshed through the air and fluttered by my ear, reminding me of the strength the vampire had. The raw talent he possessed amazed me and the fact that he could do just about anything he wanted, things far beyond moving a poker chip across his knuckles, never escaped me. He could break me in half if he wanted to because, I, of course, was not a vampire.
Though I wasn’t worried.
I was never worried about my safety with him or any of the other vampires. I lived in a mansion full of vampires. To me, they were like brothers and sisters. I looked after them and in turn, they protected me if and when it was ever necessary. Summer nights meant that the vampires were out and about more, prowling the city or whatever they did to satisfy their needs, so poker nights were a hit or miss. That’s why we’d organized this game days ago.
I trusted the vampires I lived with and have always wanted to be like them. In fact, I’d lost count of the times I’d asked or suggested, even begged once after a battle with other supernatural beings, that it might just might be in my best interest if I became a vampire. But to no avail, not one of them have agreed to turn me.
It was never an all-out refusal, mind you; maybe someday was their usual response.
That answer reminded me of the proverbial mother telling her child that maybe they would go to the beach, park, or wherever the kid had asked they venture to for fun that day, while she sipped on her coffee, reading the news on her iPad, knowing full well they wouldn’t be going to either of those places because she had to go to work.
I hadn’t given up hope of becoming a vampire. And I still asked. Almost daily.
“I promised V I wouldn’t play poker so I could interact with them instead,” Lane went on. “They need to be outside romping around under the moonlight, soaking up as much vitamin D as possible, not sitting down here while we drink and play parlor games. The moon doesn’t supply as much as the sun, but it does help some. And it is full tonight.”
I studied him while he floated the poker chip between his fingers.
“What is it?” He raised his head and straightened and now he was an inch taller than me. He was intimidating, but I didn’t budge.
“Who are you? And what have you done with Lane?”
“I know. But this is what happens when you become a father. There are other beings more important than me now and they require my attention. Sunlight is important not only for light, but also for healthy little bones. I wish I could take them outside during the day myself. It’s one of the worst parts about being a vampire.”
“You’re right, of course.” I turned from him with my shoulders slumping. “The games aren’t as fun without you, that’s all.”
“Christ, Ari. Now you sound like Kaden.”
“Comparing me to a three-year-old won’t make the game better. Without you we’ll only have seven players. Grayson can’t make it either and eight or more is always better. And with the ladies all going out …” I shook my head.
He turned to go, then stopped. “Oh, I almost forgot. What is the name of the market where you buy the crab? I promised V I would get some for tomorrow night. We are having a ‘date night.’” He made air quotes as he said “date night.”
“It’s in Fisherman’s Wharf. They close at six, so I can pick some up for you tomorrow during the day.”
“Thanks, man.” He started again to leave but stopped and held up his hand. “Cash or tournament?”
“Cash.”
“Good. If you’re all still playing when the kids go down for their naps, I’ll join you.”
I nodded. “Bring lots of cash. You’ll need it.” I laughed.
He whistled. “Getting cocky in your old age, young man.”
“You realize that’s an oxymoron.”
“You’re the moron.” He turned the corner into the hallway, laughing at his own joke.
I finished setting up the game for seven, deciding that we’d add Lane in when—or if—he arrived. Even though those sweet little cherub-looking kids were only three, we all knew that they were very capable of outsmarting Lane, or any one of us, for that matter, when it came to trying to get them down for their naps.
****
The poker game ran into the early morning hours. For a vampire that was no big deal. They stayed up all night, every night, and slept most of the day away. But not yours truly.
I was now dragging my hungover human ass down to Fisherman’s Wharf to buy Lane some Dungeness crab. But I managed a smile, remembering the extra cash in my wallet that I’d won in the game, so not all was bad.
I’d decided to drive the new Tesla to fetch the crab. I liked the way it handled so smoothly through the hills of the city.
Vampires were all about preserving the planet. Hence, the Tesla. After all, they lived forever. That is, unless someone chopped off their head. My body involuntarily shuddered at the idea of such a barbaric deed.
I turned down Beach Street toward the parking structure and came to a sudden stop. Five cars were backed up, all waiting to enter the garage. I rubbed my achy eyelids, hoping we’d move quickly.
I steered the Tesla into the lot and scanned for a spot. I noticed a large, black truck backing out of a space and immediately flipped my blinker on. It seemed my good fortune from last night was still with me. The vehicle finished backing out and headed out and away from me. I geared up for the turn into my lucky space, only to pounce on the breaks just in time to avoid colliding with a red Chevy pickup truck that came from the other direction and cut me off, already halfway in my spot.
“That was my spot!” I yelled through the closed windows of my car as I slowly pulled up behind the truck.
I should have gotten up earlier for this. I’d promised Lane I’d get the crab and hated going back on a promise. The fish market would be closing soon and now I’d probably have to park five blocks away. I’ll have to hustle my ass to get there in time which would no doubt make my headache worse.
But instead of rushing away, I rolled down my window and watched black stiletto booties attached to long, beautiful legs covered in skin hugging, army green leggings flow out from the truck’s driver’s side door like they were floating in a dream—a dream where legs like those were wrapped around my neck. I shook my head to clear away the sensual image.
But I lost all sense of reason, and a tornado swirled in my stomach when the rest of the body exited the vehicle. The rotation of the earth hiccupped for a beat before tilting on its axis and my body jerked into submission.
She was an exquisite creature. The loveliest woman I’d ever seen. I swallowed the desire lodged in my throat and found the good sense to order my body to chill. With my elbow propped on the edge of the door, I leaned my head out my window and rested my overgrown five o’clock shadow on my knuckles, ready to give her a piece of my mind. But when I opened my mouth, nothing came out. As she started to walk away, I finally found my voice. “Hey, miss, didn’t you see my blinker?”
She looked up at me with the most startling blue eyes and pouty mouth with full luscious lips. “What?”
“My blinker.” I softened my tone, trying not to sound like a dick. “I had it on. I was waiting for that spot.”
She returned her gaze to her truck. “Oh. Well, I didn’t see it. I’m sure there are other parking spaces.”
“Have you seen how crowded it is in here?”
“Yes. I’m so glad you let me have this spot. Thank you.”
“Let you?” I was beyond words. She took my parking space, but there was nothing I could do now except let her have it. It wasn’t like I was going to get out of the car and fistfight her for it. That was such a stupid thought it didn’t even belong in my brain. Besides, I didn’t want to fight with her. I wanted to take her home and do all kinds of other things with her.
I shook my head and slowly cruised the Tesla down the aisle, searching for another place to park. “Be careful not to break a heel,” I mumbled, watching her through my rearview mirror as she sashayed toward the elevator like she was on a catwalk at Neiman Marcus. Her long, curly, reddish-brown locks swayed against her back with each step.
Each sexy step.
Too bad we hadn’t met under different circumstances. Oh well, I’d probably forget all about her once I found a better spot to park.
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©2023 Susan Griscom -- All Rights Reserved
*As an Apple Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Captivated by a Vampire is an independent publication and has not been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Apple Inc.”
*Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google LLC.
©2023 Susan Griscom -- All Rights Reserved
