Destined Desire: A COLONY World Paranormal Romance Vampire Series

Chapter 1

Alexander glared at the lovely Isabella, who sat nobly on a jeweled, wooden throne, her graceful hand gently embracing that of her husband, Salvador. Rich or not, Alexander’s mother had a lot to learn about living in the modern world.

For one thing, they weren’t royalty.

But she played the part beautifully. Silk gowns, expensive jewelry, and even a turned–up nose, finding everyone and everything beneath her. In truth, she ranked as one of the world’s wealthiest vampires, but land and money were only meant for one thing—to pass down to your children. At least, that is what her only child firmly believed.

An arranged marriage? Alexander spat. Surely, we’re not about to go down that grim road again, Mother. His gaze wandered over to his father, who sat quietly but nodded in agreement with his wife’s demands.

It's time, son, Salvador said, his voice even and flat, spoken in a familiar tone. It meant:do what your mother is asking.

Since my accident last year, we would like you to stay closer to home. Settle down. Salvador looked sheepishly at his only child. A second marriage, to a woman willing to live in Italy this time, is the only way to ensure you’ll stay with us. Have this union stick, and allow it to make you happy.

Marriage, stick? Yeah, his last try at marital bliss had proven sticky all right. Rich heiress, snooty family, and a nasty divorce after fulfilling his marriage contract to produce an heir—a spoiled son placed on his ex–wife’s family tree. A child who didn’t even speak to him.

His son was now in his fifties, still a young vampire, and off whoring around the world.

Ah, youth.

Alexander, my dear, his mother said, her eyes filled with concern and a hint of worry. We want only what’s best for you. But we want you to come home.

He raised his arms in an effort to stop his mother. I do come home. He glanced around the villa, a world of its own, and a family estate they’d purchased centuries ago. Human servants, if they were about, quietly fulfilled their duties and left him undisturbed in the hell he found himself in.

I’m home now.

Every twenty–five years… his mother stated, her eyes narrowing in on him like she felt up to the challenge of changing his mind. We’re grateful you honor our request to spend the quarter–century holidays with us, but we want to see you more often.

Every quarter century, he stayed for Thanksgiving and Christmas, and sometimes remained until Valentine’s Day or into the summer. He didn’t hate being with his parents. They were wealthy, living in the most elegant homes across the world, and moving every seventy or eighty years to ensure that no one suspected their true nature.

Overall, not a bad way to live. But it wasn’t his way.

Many vampires sated themselves with blood to retain a youthful outward appearance. Then they’d slowly adjust their blood intake so they could age gracefully, fake their deaths, and move somewhere else. It was an excellent idea, but he hated blending into the human world. Staying young. Drinking his fair share of blood and enjoying even more than his fair share of college girls who were impressed by not only his looks but also his stamina and huge wallet were more to his liking.

Alexander pointed to his father, a vampire appearing in his late twenties with raven–black hair, porcelain–white skin, and green eyes. He actually looked like Alexander’s doppelganger. Due to Father’s accident, I’m home now. And it has only been three years since my last visit. Alexander glared at his father. Knowing he’d be throwing the man under the bus, but hopefully changing the subject, he asked, Exactly how fast was your Lamborghini going?

A wide–eyed look from Salvador to his wife, and then a stern gaze cast toward Alexander, told Alexander to change the topic—to one that would not cast Salvador in a bad light.

Alexander’s mother—also looking to be in her late twenties—cleared her throat as though the car’s speed had already been covered in length. We nearly lost your father a year ago, and it took you this long to come home. Her voice sounded sincere and tired as if the accident had taken its toll on her, as well.

Alexander stared at his parents and forced his hands to relax from the fists they were balled into. Anger would not solve anything. His parents were over two hundred years old, living in Venice, Italy and doing their best to recapture their glory days in the family’s villa. If his mother weren’t wearing a Victorian silk gown and a Rolex watch, and his father dressed in regal attire, sporting the latest Nike shoes, the entire scene would be archaic.

Let me guess, Alexander said in a spiteful tone. There’s another family debt that you need me to repay by marrying someone else’s horrible daughter.

His mother’s face pinched with pain, for she knew how much he had suffered in his last marriage. This time, we have no one specific in mind.

We have placed your name on the Verheirates Schlange list with the European Vampire Council, his father said. We want you to select from whomever they choose for you.

Not the damn list again. Alexander inwardly groaned. He should have known that his parents would do something like this. His ex–wife and nine others had been presented to him as prospective brides all those years ago, with his parents directing him to pick Bianca. He’d spent ten years in marital hell with her.

I’m sorry, son, Salvador said. We’ve made up our minds. Salvador’s hand still rested within Isabella’s, and his father gave his mother a sideways smile that told Alexander the two were bonded in this. We want you here. Married, settled. Salvador took a deep breath, his chest puffing out in authority the way it always did when Alexander’s father meant business. Or you’ll be financially cut off.

Chapter 2

Dionora stared at the clock on the wall and frowned. Thirty minutes until she could leave. Working at the Verheirates Schlange was not a challenging job, but it was one that could consume the day and leave you feeling hollow inside.

Finding mates for lonely vampires. Potentially a great career, but she had placed herself—for not just the first or second time—on the damn list. This was now her third attempt. Eight years had already passed since the last placement, and still, there was no mate for her. Of course, her family wasn’t wealthy. She held no land or title. And she didn’t even have any special ability like some vampires did. She remained a plain Jane.

Dionora stared at the computer on her desk, which showed all her completed tasks. She had personally arranged for twenty couples to meet this week—to perhaps fall in love. Not bad for it only being a Wednesday. Some of the pairings were a great fit, while others probably wouldn’t make it down the aisle. The result wasn’t up to her. She only made the matches.

Even the calendar and whiteboard along the wall showed nothing left for her to do today. But she needed to run down the clock for another half hour before she could leave. She smelled the freshly brewed dark roast from the outer office, so she walked to the coffee bar with her new Christmas mug, given to her at the most recent holiday party, and poured herself a cup. Other than alcohol, coffee was the only human drink she enjoyed.

She noticed the lit Christmas tree, and since she and her officemate were the only two left in the office, she unplugged the fake six–foot Douglas Fir. She also turned off the soft Christmas music that played in the background.

She then walked back to her desk and took a seat. The old chair gave way and creaked as she leaned back. The office wasn’t grand, and the job didn’t have prestige, but being home for the holidays felt wonderful, especially since she temporarily stayed with her parents.

Her officemate, Margo, stood from her desk and walked to the large, third–story picture window that overlooked the town. It's snowing. Margo’s voice sounded excessively enthusiastic, but then Dionora had recently moved to France from Canada and snow had lost its appeal a long time ago.

I love tracking people in the fresh snow. A guttural sound escaped from the back of Margo’s throat in what Dionora assumed was anticipation of the vampire’s next meal. Too bad you’re manning the fort and can’t take off for the holidays. Margo’s voice sounded sarcastic, and Dionora knew the woman didn’t care that Dionora had to work while everyone else had time off.

Dionora ignored the comment and focused on shutting down her computer. Her new job meant new responsibilities and a new learning curve. Margo had worked here for years and knew all the insandouts of the Verheirates Schlangelist. Grateful for the job, and more importantly the money and blood bank she enjoyed, Dionora still wished she had some vacation time during the holidays. A husband and kids would be even nicer.

The humans never see you coming, Margo continued as she licked her lips in anticipation of the hunt.

Dionora never should have shared with Margo that she didn’t enjoy biting people for food. Now, it was the butt of every office joke.

She suddenly felt a pang of hunger herself. Being a poor vampire, living paycheck to paycheck just to get by, and working with a surly co–worker hadn’t been part of Dionora’s childhood dream, but fate had a way of messing with you. At the very least, staying with her parents was helping her out financially until she could get a place of her own.

I love this time of year, Margo said, glancing out the window to the Eiffel tower in the distance. Vacationers and drunk partygoers. Margo licked her lips, her fangs showing slightly.

Dionora didn’t consider herself a prude, but hunting humans had never sat well with her. She felt guilty drinking from them directly, and to be honest, she’d never been that great at compelling them to forget their mealtime donation to her. The Vampire Council gives us plenty of bagged blood, Margo.

Bagged. Margo’s face creased as if she tasted something bad. Easy, but not as delicious.

The hunting rules in Europe and Asia were far more relaxed than in other countries, so Dionora allowed the remark to pass. She was new to this office and this continent, having lived in North America for the last fifteen years.

Dionora’s computer beeped as she was about to close down her email, causing her to stare down at the flashing screen. What does a priority code one mean?

Margo turned, her gaze now upon the computer, her eyes wide. Priority one? She crossed the tiny space of the office and stood behind Dionora to read the screen. It means drop everything and find this desperate soul a mate ASAP. She leaned in to get a better view of the screen. It’s usually some lame–ass vampire who has money to burn and thinks expediting things will yield better results.

Margo rolled her eyes. Like they’ll get extra–special treatment when they’re a loser themselves.

The sounds of Dionora clicking on the keyboard filled the room as she ignored Margo’s jaded comments. She opened the client file attached to the email and saw the surname Marino in large letters across the top.

It can’t be, she thought, her chest tightening. Her fingers trembled as she opened the claim and read the name Alexander.

No, no, no.

The air escaped her lungs, and she felt the sting of her fangs as they descended and poked her tongue. She knew this family, especially Alexander. Mutual friends had told her that he had last been seen in Spain and seemed determined to run amok without a care in the world. Evidently, her friends had been misinformed. The rotten bastard was actually trying for a second chance at marital bliss. A guilty pleasure tugged at Dionora’sheart. I hope his ex–wife tore out his heart, she thought.

Nice! Margo said, the excitement spilling from her voice as she continued to read over Dionora’s shoulder. Respectable family, old lineage. Dionora saw Margo’seyes widen in the reflection of her computer screen before Margo’s lips curled upward into