My Immortal by Wendi Zwaduk Read Free Book Online

who needed ideal and plastic, when originality and a killer smile stoked his desire? Stevie suited him like no other.
    Like his mate.
    Maybe God had had a plan when she walked into his life. She could be his well-earned reward for going against vampire nature and that rat O’Toole. Joy bubbled in Storm’s heart. Maybe his life wasn’t wasted in order to appease the devil.
    Storm closed his eyes. The gentle sounds of Stevie rummaging through his cupboards made his heart swell. Each clunk and clang made him grin. The friendship and partnership wasn’t platonic any longer and he was damn proud. She sounded like she belonged and this was an average morning, well, late afternoon. The thought jarred him. She bought his lie when he said they’d slept all day. They had, of course, but he doubted he could be that smooth with a line the next time. She’d want to see the sunrise and stroll on the beach or something normal like that. How to answer that? Oh, honey. I'd love to wander the beach with you, but I can’t. I’m allergic to sunshine? Or how about, Ever see the witch in The Wizard of Oz? Yeah, the one that melts in the end. Well, if we venture out in the noonday sun, I’ll end up just like her.
    The scent of fresh-brewed coffee lingered in the air, crisp and homey. He groaned and his stomach growled. Food sounded very nice. Too bad it wasn’t enough to sustain him. He’d grab a bottle of his bloodwine a little later to tide him over—once he showed Stevie the contents of his heart and made her his mate. Her intelligence wouldn’t buy a line of malarkey. She’d want the truth. Could she understand and love him anyway? He paused. She was a long-haul type of woman. He knew her past. Hell, he lived it through her memories. Could she stick with him long enough to get beyond his fucked-up yesterdays?
    Mate.
    That voice. He wanted to curse it, but at the same time, it comforted him. Stevie respected him, but wasn’t afraid to stand up to him when he was wrong. She brought to light his every desire and sated them without a second glance. Then there was her body. If there was ever a woman who deserved praise for her natural beauty inside and out, it was Stevie.
    Mate.
    Who was he kidding? He loved her. Loved her enough to shop for a ring and make it legal. To have her forever in his undead life.
    Storm unfolded his arms and dug the heels of his palms into his eyes.
    Damn, he was so screwed until he told her the truth.
    He was screwed no matter what. If she didn’t turn from him, Storm risked losing her to O’Toole. Jamison killed other vampires in order to finagle himself a harem of wives and mates. Storm vowed Stevie would never end up as a part of any harem—including O’Toole’s. I can’t lose her.
    “I brought you a pick-me-up. Cream and sugar, just as you like.”
    Storm opened his eyes to see Stevie placing two cups of steaming coffee on the nightstand. She plopped down on to the bed and wrapped her arms around him. His heart swelled and beat against his ribcage. She knew how to take care of him.
    “I believe I owe you a thank you.” Storm kissed the top of her head.  
    “What did you have in mind?” Stevie looked up and smiled. Her nose crinkled.
    He wriggled his brows. “Why don’t you kiss me and find out?”
     

Chapter Six
     
     
     
    Stevie nestled into Storm as they drove across town. The glittering lights of the city sparkled on the black hood of Storm’s Chevy truck. She took a deep breath to admire the woodsy scent of a nearby barbeque joint. The spicy pepper smell whetted her appetite. She licked her lips and sighed. They should’ve met with Mrs. Davis at Pudgy’s BBQ instead of the diner.
    Her hometown of New Haven wasn’t exactly rolling in high fashion. The shops along the main drag showed their age, although the owners tried their best to maintain the pleasant facades.
    Many buildings still bore the names of the original builders in carved relief. Green and white striped awnings and