Chapter One
Mari
I’m not much for joining in, which isn’t the greatest attitude when I’d like to feel at home here in Harmony Glen. I’ve been looking for a home for a very long time. However, vampires are not welcome in most places, so hiding my nature has become a habit.
This town is different. There are dozens of monsters living here with humans. There’s no need to hide. Gabe, the fox man, who owns the local hardware store, told me that the giant in town is a mason who can help me with a little project.
I listened to the directions to Sam Reus’s house, but I already knew where he lived. I’ve seen him in the park at night. I’ve seen him around town, too. He’s hard to miss, and my canines ache whenever he’s near. I’ve lived a long time, and I’m always in total control of my vampire urges, but the giant makes me want to lose control.
It is strange to walk down the street in daylight and not worry about being stoned or worse. Maybe I’ll never get used to it.
His warm, earthy scent reaches me before I see him. The gate into his garden is open, but I stay on the sidewalk side of the threshold.
“I guess the stories about vampires burning up in sunlight are not true.” He crouches over a flower bed, delicately planting a begonia with bright red flowers.
The garden is a stunning array of plants and flowers, ornamental grasses, and trees. Every bed and path is perfectly organized yet organic. A table sits under a very high pergola. There are four chairs, one of which is giant-sized. Behind is a lattice covered in morning glory in full bloom.
The size of his shoulders takes my breath away. His biceps bulge in the cut-off shirt, and he makes my mouth water. “That is a myth. I can’t be burned by a crucifix either.” Even though he hasn’t turned, he knows it’s me, and I find that more than interesting.
Once the begonia is planted and the mulch around it is gently pushed around its base, Sam stands, wipes his hands on his jeans, and faces me. “Mari Shepherd, I’m happy to meet you.”
Keeping my place just outside his gate, I feel a flood of pleasure because he knows who I am. Stupid. “Sam Reus, it’s nice to meet you as well.”
“Will you come in?” He stretches his arm out, indicating that I should sit at the table.
I step into the garden. “Thank you.”
Once I sit, he does as well. It’s rare to meet a gentleman these days. “Is this a social call, or do you need something? Would you like something to drink? I have iced tea.” Pausing, he cocks his head. “I knew a vampire once in Belgium, and he liked wine. I have a few bottles of Merlot if you’d prefer that.”
“Thank you. Nothing right now, but I do like wine very much.” I tuck away the information that I’m not the first vampire he’s met.
“Too early?” His lips draw into a straight line, as if he’s thinking of what else he can offer me.
“Not at all. I can drink wine any time. I’m not affected by alcohol like most people. I’m just not in need of refreshment, though it’s very kind of you to offer.” My cheeks feel warm. It’s been over a hundred years since I’ve blushed or felt shy around a man. What is going on here?
He smiles.
My heart, which generally only beats once or twice a minute, thumps twice in succession.
For a long moment, we stare at each other and neither of us speaks. It’s oddly intimate.
Three young people ride their bicycles past the garden, laughing and talking. It snaps us out of our silence. I look at my hands in my lap and tug on the black lace cuff of my blouse. While the myth of burning up in the sun persists, my skin is very sensitive, and I generally keep it mostly covered when I go out on a sunny day like today.
“How can I help you, Mari?” His voice is soft and inviting.
A bit too inviting.
My canines ache, and I run my tongue over them. Getting myself under control takes a breath. “I need a stone wall built in my backyard. I want a flat part at one end where I can sit and meditate.” I pull a piece of paper out of my pocket and hand it to him. “I’m told you’re a mason. I’ve drawn the idea out.”
The drawing is on letter-size paper, but in his hand, it looks like a note card. Yet as big as he is, his fingers are deft and gentle as he unfolds my drawing. “This is interesting. I’ve never seen anything like it.”
“Can you do it? I mean, do you have time?” I don’t know why I feel as if I’m holding my breath. It’s silly to want him to agree to my project so vehemently. Yet, I do. I want Sam to come to my house and build something special for me.
Still studying my drawing, he nods. “May I see the space?” There’s a hint of an accent that finds its way into his voice. I hadn’t detected it before.
“Of course. When would you like to come over?” My hands tremble, and my body is awake in a way it hasn’t been in ages.
Handing me back my sketch, he stands. “I’m free now.” His blue eyes have a hint of green at the center, and his ginger hair falls over his eyes.
