Prince of Twilight

Prince of Twilight
Maggie Shayne

Foretold centuries ago, it is a destiny they cannot escape…Far older than his legend, the immortal Vlad Dracul has wandered for centuries in search of the reincarnation of his wife, Elisabeta. Now he believes he has found the woman possessed by his beloved's soul and is prepared to make her his for all eternity. Tempest "Stormy" Jones is that mortal.She has long sensed the other, someone inside her fighting to take control, a feeling that becomes even stronger when the dark prince is near. But as Stormy denies the passion that burns between them, she also resists allowing Elisabeta to take over her mind and body to prevent her from claiming Vlad as her own.But when Elisabeta discovers Vlad's feelings for Stormy, her wrath knows no bounds. She demands that her destiny be fulfilled, and seeks to destroy her rival, leaving Vlad in anguish, tormented by what was…and what could be. Now only he can choose–who will live and who will die.

Praise for the novels of

MAGGIE SHAYNE

“The latest from bestselling Shayne is an interesting, inventive tale.”

—Publishers Weekly on Demon’s Kiss

“Suspense, mystery, danger and passion—no one does them better than Maggie Shayne.”

—Romance Reviews Today on Darker Than Midnight

“A tasty, tension-packed read.”

—Publishers Weekly on Thicker Than Water

“Maggie Shayne demonstrates an absolutely superb touch, blending fantasy and romance into an outstanding reading experience.”

—RT Book Reviews on Embrace the Twilight

“Maggie Shayne is better than chocolate. She satisfies every wicked craving.”

—New York Times bestselling author Suzanne Forster

“Maggie Shayne delivers sheer delight, and fans new and old of her vampire series can rejoice.”

—RT Book Reviews on Twilight Hunger

“Shayne’s haunting tale is intricately woven… A moving mix of high suspense and romance, this haunting Halloween thriller will propel readers to bolt their doors at night!”

—Publishers Weekly on The Gingerbread Man

“Shayne’s talent knows no bounds!”

—Rendezvous

“Maggie Shayne delivers romance with sweeping intensity and bewitching passion.”

—New York Times bestselling author Jayne Ann Krentz

Maggie Shayne

Prince of Twilight

Contents

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Prologue

Fifteenth Century

Romania

“We have to bury her, my son.”

Vlad stood in the small stone chapel beside his beloved new bride. Elisabeta’s skin was as cold as the stone bier on which she lay. She wore the pale green wedding gown the servants had found for her on the day their hasty vows had been exchanged. The skirt draped on either side of her, swathing the stone slab in beauty. Her hair, pale as spun silver and endlessly long, spread around her head, as if pillowing her in a cloud.

“My son—” This time the old priest’s words were accompanied by his hand, clasping Vlad’s shoulder.

Vlad whirled on the man. “No! She is not to be put in the ground. Not yet. I won’t allow it.”

A little fear joined the pity in the old man’s eyes. Not enough, not yet. “I know this is difficult—I do. But she deserves to be laid to rest.”