Excerpt

The young hero is a newly made immortal named Izzorah, who's a Kin, a feline-human race with catlike eyes and ears, fangs, claws, and the ability to purr. He and his soon-to-be spouse, Luc, are standing at the door, saying what I call a never-good-bye. You know the type; someone's leaving and you keep trying to let them go but then they say this and you say that... Luc and Izzorah do not want to part even for a minute. This scene is from Luc's point of view.

---

Just inside the open door, Luc braced one hand against the wall, body to body with his lover. "You look like you need one more kiss."

"No, kahmay t'hahr, lord of my heart." A purr rumbled in Izzorah's chest, and he tilted his head. The late afternoon sun streamed through the door, lighting his glorious green eyes. His pupils altered, widening like a cat's, until only a rim of emerald remained. He focused on Luc's mouth, then shifted his gaze back up. "I need a lot of kisses."

Cupping a hand beneath Izzorah's chin, Luc leaned in. Lips almost touched lips. "Is that all you need?"

"Do we..." Color bloomed in Izzorah's cheeks. "Is there time?"

"I should have left an hour ago, but with you, I want one kiss after the other." And instead of walking through the door, he captured Izzorah's mouth once more.

His lover arched against him, arms around Luc's neck. When the kiss ended, Izzorah drew back, sliding gentle claws through Luc's hair, then down his chest.

Luc's skin tingled from the erotic touch, the raging heat of his inner beast eager for release. He refused to allow his fiery nature the control it craved. As much as he desired another hour with Izzorah, duty called.

After another quick kiss, Luc stood up straight. "I'd better go before you drag me back inside and make me do more than kiss you."

Izzorah sputtered a laugh. "Oh, make you, did you say? I don't know anyone who can make Luc Saint-Cyr do anything he doesn't want to. I think you want that without me doing a thing."

"That's too right for words." Luc caressed Izzorah's face. "I love you, Rah. And your cute little cat ears."

"You're trying to distract me, calling me a cat. I'm not a..."

Luc stroked one of Izzorah's ears between fingers and thumb.

"...um... I'm... Ooh, yes, like that..." He rubbed against Luc's hand.

Continuing to play with Izzorah's ear, Luc smiled. "Is it working?"

Izzorah arched his back, pushing that ear into Luc's touch. "What?"

With a chuckle, Luc released him. "Distracting you."

"No. I'm not a cat. I'm Kin." Izzorah rubbed his head beneath Luc's chin.

"Rah." Luc pulled back. "You just marked me, didn't you?"

Izzorah looked up at him through dark lashes. "I am yours, lord of my heart, but I want other Kin to know you are mine."