The Masters
by Kate Hill
Series: Blood and Soul
Format(s): Ebook
Heat Level: Erotic
Pairing(s): (M/F) (M/M/F)
Genre/Themes: Paranormal, Vampires
Length: Collection
Cover Art: Zuri
Purchase Links: Changeling Press
The Intimates of Sunlight of the Soul are known for their carnal skills and ability to draw out the most exquisite sensations from their donors. Those who want to experience their brand of discipline offer themselves to a Master of Ecstasy and if chosen, they are rewarded with pleasure beyond their wildest dreams.
Rune – The first Master of Ecstasy to complete Ivan’s course at the vampire haven Sunlight of the Soul, Rune is among the most sought after guides for the sexual gantlet. While he has brought countless visitors unimaginable pleasure, he has never lost his heart to one, until he meets Doe.
Tarak – When Tarek’s marriage ends after a thousand years, he returns to his master at Sunlight of the Soul and becomes a Master of Ecstasy. Though he hasn’t lost his magnetism and skills in the ways of love, his heart is cold without Deva. To his surprise, she follows him to Sunlight of the Soul and asks him to guide her through the sexual gantlet. Knowing her, he realizes her point might not be to rekindle their love, but to prove that they should make their split permanent.
Samson – A scheduling error brings Cortez and Jendaya together at Sunlight of the Soul with appointments to endure the sexual gantlet with Master Samson as their guide. All three will experience the rigors of the gantlet and gain more pleasure than they ever dreamed possible. They don’t plan on falling in love, but can’t deny they are experiencing a joining of hearts.
Publishers Note: The Masters (Blood and Soul Box Set 5) contains the previously published novellas Rune, Tarak, and Samson.
Excerpt:
From outside, Sunlight of the Soul appeared like an ordinary brick building, but as she stepped through the doors, a barrage of scents and sounds struck her — incense, burning firewood, perfume and the aroma of lust. Soft music played from the club area and every now and then a moan of pleasure or strain of piano music drifted from the hotel rooms on the upper floors. Doe glanced at the spiral staircase and a thrill shot through her. She was here at Sunlight of the Soul.
“May I help you?” asked a tall, lean-muscled bouncer who stood in the foyer. Though he appeared no older than thirty, she guessed by the wizened look in his eyes he was probably centuries older.
“Yes, I’m Doe Featherhill. I have a reservation for a room and I’d like to make an appointment with a Master of Ecstasy.” She tried not to smile as she said it and prayed she wasn’t blushing, yet the heat in her face told her otherwise.
“Yes, we’ve been expecting you,” he said in a professional tone that for some reason made her feel even more self-conscious.
He used a buzzer on the wall to summon a bellhop.
“Please take this young lady’s luggage to Room 114,” the bouncer said, then turned back to Doe. “Once you’re settled, return here and I will direct you to the office where you can begin the request procedure.”
“Thank you,” Doe said and followed the bellhop to the elevator.
A short time later, she sat alone on her bed, scarcely believing she was here. She’d never done anything like this in her life. Hell, she was probably the world’s oldest virgin. Her life had been so dull that she’d never slept with anyone, even when taking blood. Now she was going straight into the arms of a Master of Ecstasy.
Nothing like baptism by fire.
The phone rang and she jumped, her heart pounding.
“Damn,” she muttered. “I’m more nervous than I thought.”
She reached for the phone. “Hello?”
“Ms. Featherhill, please report to the foyer. We’re ready to begin your request process.”
“I’ll be right there. Thank you.” She hung up and took a moment to calm her racing heart.
When she reached the foyer, a slender, dark-haired man dressed from neck to toe in black stood talking to the bouncer.
“You must be Doe.” The man offered her a smile and she noticed his rich brown eyes were rather warm. For the first time since leaving home, she began to relax. “I’m Gideon.” He extended his hand and she took it.
Gideon. Master Ivan’s companion of over eight hundred years. This was indeed an honor.
“I’m pleased to meet you.” Doe accepted his handshake, noting that his grip was firm but not painfully so.
“Please follow me.”
Gideon led the way down a dimly lit corridor and they stepped into a small room, bare except for two high-backed wooden chairs facing each other. Her host motioned for her to take one while he sat in the other.
“I’ll ask you several questions,” he said. “Some are strictly formality. Others will help determine which Masters, if any, you are best suited to. If you are found to be a good candidate for a donor, we’ll move on to step two.”
“All right,” Doe said, moistening her dry lips. Her heart pounded so hard she knew Gideon heard it and she didn’t doubt he smelled her apprehension — no, to be honest, her panic.
“Don’t be nervous,” he said. “You have no need to fear me. I’m merely here to see that your needs are fulfilled and the Masters’ time is not wasted.”
“I’m not afraid.”
His gaze met hers and the faintest smile touched his lips as he inclined his head slightly. “First question. For the record, why are you here?”
“To meet with a Master of Ecstasy.”
Reviews:
For Tarak
“Hot! There is no better word to describe this sexually charged story. If you enjoy vampire stories, especially those laced with dominance and submission, this is one book you need to read. Like me, you’ll probably become addicted to Ms. Hill’s sensual dominant vampires.”
— Jacquelyn R. Ward, The Romance Studio
For Samson
“What do you get when you throw together a very experienced sexual master vampire with a cocky overtly sexual vampire and a female vampire strong enough to handle both of them? A sensual feast for the senses is what you get…. This is one fast paced, sensual adventure that should not be missed.”
— Jacquelyn R. Ward, The Romance Studio
“I have no idea how Kate Hill does it but this series just gets better and better! Just when I think The Masters can’t get any more erotic, I’m proven wrong. This is a stellar series of books that I would recommend to anyone looking for a bite with their erotica.”
5 Blue Ribbons! — Amanda Haffery, Romance Junkies
