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Blurb:
Diana has known for many years she's meant to be mate to a Darkling, but she refused to answer the summons. With the disappearance of her best friend, she now feels she has no choice. Once she makes the commitment, she wasn't sure what to expect, but the combination of rage and horrible grief wasn't it.
Now, she has to deal with her fear and his anger. He's a broken soul on the verge of betraying the God who made him a protector of men and only Diana's unconditional love can save him.
Excerpt:
Darkling Possession
Marteeka Karland
All rights reserved.
Copyright ©2010 Marteeka Karland
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Diana stared at the book in her hands. She'd looked at this same book every day for years. She hadn't opened it, hadn't dared touch it. Until today.
She'd seen her friend, Mary, whisked away by a Darkling not two days before. Mary hadn't been seen since, but Diana had no doubt she was safe.
The one who had taken her wasn't the one meant for Mary -- she knew that in her very soul -- but it was the nature of the Darkling to ensure the safety of his mate. It had angered her more than she cared to think about, and not for the reasons it should have. Because Diana was sure the Darkling that had whisked away her friend had been her Darkling. She worried about the other woman, but she knew that Mary was safe. From her grandmother's diary, she knew that Darklings were nothing if not possessive. Mary had admitted to opening a book just like the one Diana had in her possession. That meant she was marked for a Darkling. Whoever her Darkling was, he would make sure she was safe. Still, she was unwilling to chance it. At least that's what she told herself now.
For years, this book had called to Diana. Her grandmother had first told her the story of Darklings when Diana was a child. When she did, her grandmother got a faraway look in her eyes, and tears almost always followed. When Diana had asked, the only thing her grandmother would say was, "If your heart calls you... listen."
Those cryptic words had fueled her curiosity. She'd pilfered in her grandmother's things until she'd found her diary. Apparently, her grandmother had been given to a Darkling. They'd spent many years in bliss, but her Darkling had been called to help hunt a particularly nasty Drakonion. He'd died during the battle and his companions had brought his body home to her. She'd never stopped mourning. Though she still found joy in her children and grandchildren, she never seemed truly happy. Later in life, Diana's mother had remarked many times how she thought her mother would never truly be happy again.
Now, Diana's heart had nothing to do with it. She had been afraid of losing herself so completely in a man that she couldn't live her life without him. Still, the book beckoned her. Its pages seemed to haunt her, pleaded with her to open it to see what was inside. The promise of dark desire lingering in the scent of the leather binding stirred her. Her belly clenched in anticipation every time she saw it. Every day she came to it, not daring to touch it. She'd never wanted to chance losing herself so completely in another person. Especially not a Darkling.
Today, however, she knew she'd do more than touch.
Diana ran trembling fingers over the spine almost lovingly before she clenched them into a fist. She was doing this to find her best friend. Not for any other reason. Including finding a Darkling for her lover.
Taking a deep breath, Diana opened the book and let its pages fall where they would. Immediately, she felt something tugging at her very soul. It wasn't aggressive but it was persistent, as if something inside her called out to another being.
She narrowed her eyes and let out her breath in a slow hiss. It would happen soon. She could feel it. And when it did, the Darkling that came for her would not be gentle. She knew that. Accepted it. Realized on some level it was her reluctance to accept the path she was destined for that would make this encounter more difficult than it had to be.
The pull within her grew stronger, uncomfortable. Before long, she gasped with the intensity of it and clutched her chest as pain sliced through her. Diana fell to her knees and hunched her back, drawing into herself. She dropped the book and hugged her knees as if trying to keep inside whatever it was that threatened to burst free from deep within her. She screamed in agony, and tears streamed down her face. It was pain, but, more than that, it was heartache. Terrible grief.
For several agonizing minutes, she lay curled into a ball, sobbing uncontrollably. Then she was being picked up by strong arms and held against an equally powerful chest. The pain didn't lessen, nor did the despair. Even clinging to the man she knew was her Darkling didn't help. She knew he'd never accept her now. And it was her own damned fault.
You may not want me, human, but by the laws of God, you are mine. Mine to do with as I please, and I promise you, I will have as much regard for your wants and needs as you have had for mine.
Diana sobbed, knowing in her heart it was his right. He was the Darkling she'd seen whisking off with Mary. And she was right. He was hers. The one man she would want beyond all reason, and he would use that need against her. He'd take from her body what she freely gave, but he'd tear her heart to shreds. Even now, the thought he'd been with Mary cut her to shreds.
Don't be absurd! That one wasn't mine, and I no longer have her. You, however, will never leave me.
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