Novels by Imprest Mayhem

I sighed with contentment as I ran my fingers through the lush grass. The afternoon sun shone across the castle gardens. The heat of the late summer day had reached its peak and bathed the area in a drowsy warmth. I rested against the rough bark of an apple tree. The blooms had given way to a multitude of fruit that was almost ready to harvest. I glanced up toward the main building to see if my absence had been noticed yet, The window’s as I left it, so I probably have at least an hour before anyone starts looking for me.It had been nearly two months since the ceremony where Lucas had formally introduced me as a blood slave to the Anerchmeno Astri pact. After that night Lucas moved me into his room. We were supposed to spend as much time as possible together to strengthen the bond between us. Eskal had said it had something to do with Lucas being of both vampire and werewolf descent. I had been shocked and relieved when Lucas continued to feed from the other girls in his harem, howev

I stood, the long cream dress swirled around my legs in the midnight breeze. The night air sent a chill down my spine that caused me to absently rub the spot where the choker usually sat. Lucas had told me I would wear it again after the ceremony, but it was traditional for me to enter without it since he hadn’t officially staked his claim on me. I watched as Lucas moved to face the crowded amphitheater. The platform on which he stood had been perfectly positioned so he was bathed in the pale summer moonlight. The torches that lit the space flickered and danced; his amber eyes caught the warm light and reflected it back as he glanced at me. He’d begun the address to inform all the werewolves and vampires present that he’d taken on a new blood slave. Soft murmurs passed through the crowd at his announcement. I shifted, self-conscious from my place in the shadows, at the number of people present. Emilia, come here, his call shocked me from my reverie. He stood, regal as any emperor from

I gasped as I lurched backward. My eyes wide as I regarded Lucas, I could have sworn I heard him as clearly as my own thoughts. Talk to me, Emilia. I heard again, though his lips didn’t move as he spoke. How? I stared at him from across the couch. His face lit up when the question flitted briefly across my mind.I’ve linked with you. It’s something vampires and werewolves naturally do within their roosts and packs, but I can link with you because you’re my mate. Lucas grinned and offered his hand as he spoke directly into my thoughts. Will you be able to see everything? I asked tentatively.“I’ll teach you how to create a wall around your mind to protect yourself, but for now, if I went looking, yes,” Lucas admitted. I felt the color drain from my face at his admission, even as he reassured me. “I won’t snoop, Emilia, I have no desire to wade through your memories.”Alright, I answered. I had no choice but to trust the vaewolf for now.“Though I must warn you,” He began, the more you

I felt my body relax as the warmth from the tea spread throughout my body. I didn’t try to fight the weightlessness that settled over me. It’ll be better this time. Now I know what to expect. I took a deep breath to calm the glazed-over edges of my nerves as I prepared myself for the sting of his fangs that would surely come. I watched Lucas though my eyes felt heavy. He regarded me in a similar manner as he refilled both our cups. “How do you feel now?” He asked as he passed me the steaming cup of tea. I accepted it from him and took another sip before I replied, “Better.” “I’m not surprised, this tea is brewed with medicinal herbs to help you relax.” He responded, then quietly requested, “Now, will you tell me about yourself?” “What would you like to know my lord?” I inquired, the tea had removed the vice from my chest and throat. I felt a small smile play across my face at the ease with which I was able to speak. Lucas tapped his chin thoughtfully before he answered my question.

A pained look crossed Lucas’ face when I asked the question. I couldn’t meet his eyes as he studied me. A thick silence hung in the air between us. After a moment he said softly, “No, Emilia, I told you, you’re my mate.” I glanced at him. Confusion wrote itself across my face as questions swirled behind my clamped teeth. I desperately wanted to ask him what that meant, I wasn’t a werewolf, and he was only half. What are mates supposed to be, exactly? Why did Darrien never explain this stuff to me? Lucas must have been able to read me like an open book because he offered, “I’ll explain everything to you if you’ll answer some questions for me.” “A-alright,” I nodded. I was eager to finally get some answers, even if it meant I made myself vulnerable in the process. I’m a captive here for the rest of my life anyways, besides, he could always torture me instead of asking nicely. “Do you know anything about the history between the vampires and werewolves?” He asked; wine sloshed in his gl

“I’ll meet you later after I finish with my work,” Lucas said quietly as he ran his fingers through my hair. “Eskal will take you to my chambers, wait for me there?” I nodded and shifted to move away. Before I could completely detangle myself from his grasp Lucas pulled me close once more to place a chaste kiss on my lips. My hand flew to my mouth as he released me and turned back to his work. His attention didn’t stray from his task as he said, “Eskal, take Emilia to my rooms and let our guests know we are ready to return to negotiations.” I obediently followed my escort as he lead me down several corridors. I quickly lost track of the twists and turns. I instead opted to take in the elegance of the building as we walked. My eyes ran up the tall stone walls littered with ornate drapes and portraits. A multitude of windows allowed the sun to light the hallway in place of the crystal chandeliers. “I thought vampires couldn’t go into the sun,” I uttered suddenly. I snapped my mouth sh