Dark Before Dawn
by Saloni Quinby
Format(s): Ebook
Heat Level: Erotic
Pairing(s): M/M
Genre/Themes: Paranormal
Length: Novella
Publisher: Changeling Press
Cover art: Bryan Keller
Purchase Link: All Romance Ebooks
This story by Saloni Quinby is a fascinating read that combines horror, magic, and passion into a very compelling tale that I loved.
– Pat, Top 2 Bottom Reviews
Blurb:
A lifetime of passion in a single night. . .
Aaron’s car breaks down on a rural road. Tired from traveling and with his cell phone dead, he decides to wait until morning before searching for help.
When a man wakes him, banging on his car window, Aaron thinks he’s crazy until they’re attacked by forces of evil that defy logic and usher Aaron into a world of horrors he never dreamed existed.
Once a year, evil haunts the woods on Sam’s ancestral land. Sam uses his magic to keep it under control, but this year he’s recovering from an accident and his magic is weak. It can be strengthened through sex, but his partner, fearing the sinister forces in the woods, has abandoned Sam. Only with Aaron’s help can Sam control an ancient evil and allow them to survive the dark before dawn.
The following excerpt from DARK BEFORE DAWN is for readers 18 and over.
“And where’s your power source?”
Sam lowered his gaze. A muscle twitched in his cheek. Then he lifted his head to stare into Aaron’s eyes with a defiant look. “He broke up with me after our first battle with these things. That was last year.”
Aaron snorted. “Nice guy. What was his name?”
“Dirk. And I can’t blame him entirely. This is a crazy life. A dangerous one.”
“But you can keep up the spell without his help? You passed out earlier and excuse me for saying, but you don’t look like you could go another round right now.”
“You’re right,” Sam said. “The car accident took a lot out of me. Technically, I should still be resting, but for the Greene Guardian, that’s not an option.”
“The Greene Guardian. You sound like the poster boy for environmentalists.”
“Excuse me if I’m not in the mood for jokes.”
Tilting his head slightly to the side, Aaron said, “Why don’t you ask me?”
“For what?”
Aaron lifted an eyebrow.
“You mean for sex?” Sam asked.
“Makes sense, doesn’t it? Unless I turn you off or something.”
“You believe me?”
Aaron sighed. “I don’t know what I believe, but if this is a trip, I’m already on it so I might as well enjoy the ride.”
This brought a genuine smile to Sam’s lips. “Aaron, you’re one strange guy, you know that?”
“I’m strange? You’re the one who has a vacation home in zombieville.”
“True. Would you? Help me refuel?”
Leaning back in the chair, Aaron stretched out his legs. One foot tapped a bit anxiously as he studied Sam.
Almost since the moment he’d set eyes on Sam he’d thought about fucking him. Now was his chance, but was any of this real? Was he drugged? Was he taking advantage of a crazy person?
Sam stood, placed the blanket aside and approached. He was naked and so beautiful that Aaron’s heart skipped a beat. Aaron spread his legs a bit wider and Sam stepped between them. He leaned down and braced his hands on the chair arms. His full, delectable lips hovered close to Aaron’s and Aaron’s cock swelled.
“We don’t need actual penetration,” Sam said. “Even a kiss would help.”
“Just a kiss?”
Sam nodded, his lovely green eyes strong yet soft.
“How do you absorb the energy? It seems to defy science and reason.”
“When you’re aroused, your soul is energized. Mine reaches out to it and shares what you’re feeling.”
It sounded like bullshit to Aaron, but if this guy wanted to kiss him, Aaron wouldn’t stop him.
“All right,” Aaron said in a husky whisper. “Kiss me.”
Sam’s lips touched Aaron’s tentatively at first. They were warm and firm yet at the same time pliable.
Aaron closed his eyes and cupped the back of Sam’s head. His short, dark hair was thick and soft. It felt wonderful against Aaron’s fingers, but not as wonderful as Sam’s lips against his.
Groaning, Aaron deepened the kiss. He slid his tongue between Sam’s lips. Sam’s tongue met Aaron’s and they caressed each other.
Sam wove his fingers through Aaron’s hair and moaned, a sexy sound that aroused Aaron even more. He grasped Sam’s waist and tugged him closer. Sam straddled Aaron on the chair. His hard cock pushed against Aaron’s.
Sam tugged Aaron’s shirt from his jeans and unzipped him, freeing his semi-erect cock. Sam curled his fist around it. His smooth, strong hand stroked Aaron with just the right pressure.
Aaron’s hips moved in time with Sam’s stroking. A wonderful, tingling sensation filled Aaron. It was the familiar feeling of sexual desire combined with a foreign sensation–one that heightened Aaron’s arousal but also touched his heart. He was wrapped in something intangible but strong and beautiful, comforting and arousing.
“I can feel it. Your energy,” Sam panted. His hips rocked in time with Aaron’s. “It’s so beautiful. It feels so good.”
“As good as with. . .what’s his name? Dirk?”
“Better.” Sam moaned. He kissed Aaron again, thrusting his tongue into his mouth. Then he said against his lips, “Much better.”
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