When Awakens the Heart

October 1st.

Declan wakes from a deep slumber, the same as he does each year. Upon rising, he is hollow and ravenous, and only one thing can satisfy his hunger. Blood is the cost of his immortality. He has to fight to maintain control. If he doesn't, he could lose himself and leave a trail of bodies in his wake.

He meets a man in a club who seems to live in the moment and encourages Declan to do the same. With only a month to live each year, every second is precious, but too many are lost to his hunger, so he follows Skyler's lead. After a wonderful night together, Declan reluctantly leaves the beautiful blond behind. It can never last, not for Declan. Being with him is too risky.

When their paths cross again, Skyler insists that he knows the kind of man Declan is, but he couldn't or he would run away in fear. Declan has had centuries to imagine finding someone, but now that he has, he's afraid he'll hurt him. The only way to protect Skyler is to push him away.

Will Skyler still want him, fangs and all, or will it be the end of whatever they could be, leaving Declan alone eternally?

When Awakens the Heart is a stand-alone novella.