by Stephanie Burkhart
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
BLURB:
It's 1865 and Moldavia is a country nestled against the shores of the Black Sea. Lady Theresa travels from Austria to this country that's haunted by tales of vampires and werewolves. She's going to marry the Crown Prince, but she harbors her own unspoken secrets.
Prince Mihai has just returned to Moldavia to discover he's a witch. He's intent on being a good husband and modernizing his country, but he must find a balance with his supernatural heritage. His best friend, Viktor, accompanies Mihai and marries Mihai's sister. In an unfortunate twist of fate, a werewolf bites Viktor.
Viktor's transformation threatens everyone around him, including his wife's safety and Mihai's happiness, but he's especially dangerous when he's near Theresa. Can Mihai save his family from Viktor's lies and deceptions?
Mihai led Theresa out to the dance floor. They performed a waltz and he discovered Theresa had a natural grace, following his lead impeccably.
He flashed her a smile. Theresa was a perfect fit in his arms, and the suddenness of that realization drove two conflicting emotions through him -- awkwardness because he wasn't expecting to enjoy her company and delight because he did. His father had chosen his bride well.
An aggressive tap on the shoulder stopped him mid-waltz.
"Shouldn't you introduce me?" asked Viktor.
Mihai fought against a frown. He would have liked to have had the dance with Theresa alone. Instead, he thought to mind his manners for now.
"Theresa, this is my best friend, Viktor Bacau."
She politely nodded.
"Do you mind finishing the dance with me?" asked Viktor. Theresa looked at Mihai. Reluctantly, he gave her a slight nod. "I'd be honored to," she said.
Mihai left her side and walked off the dance floor. Sonia was there as well, her gaze fixed on Viktor. Was she experiencing the same thing he was? Reluctance? A God-awful feeling watching him with someone else? Was that the stirrings of jealousy?
He leaned over. "Why are you frowning?" "Why are you?"
"I'm not."
"You are."
Why was his sister so stubborn? "I suppose I'd rather be dancing with Theresa."
"Viktor's just being polite."
"I suspect you'd rather be dancing with him."
Sonia pursed her lips and gently rocked back and forth on her feet. She always did that when Mihai had struck a nerve.
"You and Viktor have spent a lot of time together recently," Mihai continued.
Sonia stopped rocking, surprise in her eyes. "Well, I enjoy his company."
"And I suspect he enjoys yours."
No comments :
Post a Comment