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Category: Erotica/Paranormal Erotica/Romance
Description: Book two in the Into the Shadows Series After walking away from him years ago, will she have the strength do it again - and will he let her? As an operative for the Triumvirate, Jaecar was used to hunting Rogues and investigating crimes against his kind. When a murder of one of the Three rocks the entire community, he finds himself face to face with Verina, the woman who'd chosen her ambitions over him years before. Rina had worked her entire life for one thing, to become a member of the Triumvirate. Now, the very event that secured her position within the Three brought the man she'd loved - and left - back into her life. When it becomes clear that Rina, and the other members of the Triumvirate, are in danger, Jaecar's mission is to keep Rina safe and catch a murderer. He is determined not to fall under her spell again, knowing she will always choose her career, but can he deny the feelings he still has for her? Is being in the Triumvirate enough to fill the emptiness Rina has felt ever since walking away from Jaecar? Especially after being in his arms again?
eBook Publisher: Total-e-bound, 2010
eBookwise Release Date: November 2010

Available eBook Formats: OEBFF Format (IMP) [108 KB]
Words: 22321
Reading time: 63-89 min.

"Have Me, Hold Me is the first story by Jessica Jarman that I've read, and I'm so glad I did!...a short story, but Ms. Jarman was able to sufficiently develop the story and characters and they drew me in from the very opening." -Fallen Angel Reviews

They will all die.

Jaecar stared at the crimson words on the wall. The scent of blood hung heavy in the air, and he struggled against the nausea swamping his system. Add the cold prickle of...unease?...and he was surprised he was still on his feet. Who could have done this? Killed Callus--one of the Triumvirate?

"Who's with the others?" His friend and partner, Fen, asked as he squatted next to the body.

"I assigned teams to each remaining Tri member--Cayden and Brielle are with Lachlan, and Sionn and Lee with Nola. They went with them and their normal security details to their residences. Were ordered to stay put until we arrive to question them."

Fen stood and met Jae's gaze. "And won't that be fun?"

Jae snorted. Yeah, questioning the Three wasn't normally in the job description. He and Fen had been operatives for the Triumvirate--the governing body of their kind--for more years than he cared to remember. They tracked Rogue vampires, dealt with Hunters, and kept the existence of vampires a secret. Jae and Fen were essentially the heads of all operatives--being the oldest and most experienced. It was the reason they were here, in charge of this investigation. No other team would do with a case like this, the murder of one of the Three. Though, having to question the other Tri members, those who wrote their pay cheques, as it were, wasn't going to be easy, but it was necessary. He glanced back at the bloody message on the wall. Especially when it looked like they were potential targets.

"It wouldn't have been easy to get in here," Fen mused.

Jae nodded. The Triumvirate's headquarters, and their residences, were under massive security. To get into headquarters while all three members were there would have been a difficult task. Unless someone on the inside...

"Someone slacked on the job or, worse, was involved. Gonna have to question all of them--from the Tri all the way down to the cleaning crew. The makings of a long night, my friend. A long-ass night." Jae clapped Fen on the back. "Better call Sarah and tell her not to wait up."

His friend chuckled. "Yeah, what else is new?"

Jae sobered. "So, who was on Callus' security detail? Do we have a list?" Though he already knew the answer. Fen would have had that printed out before they set foot in the room.

Fen patted his jacket pocket. "Got it. They've been separated and escorted home. All are under surveillance."

Jae looked at the team at door and nodded. They'd do a thorough search, take photos, and gather any evidence from the crime scene. Another team was going through security footage.

He and Fen left the room and headed down the hallway towards the exit. Neither spoke as they walked through the night and got into Jae's car. He started the vehicle and sat back with a sigh as the engine purred.

"So," he drawled, "Tri members first, then Callus' security?"

"We also need to question the next in line," Fen said, his voice low and edged with sympathy. "Security has already been sent to her home."

Jae's stomach dropped and he tightened his grip on the steering wheel. As if this day wasn't horrific enough. Coming face to face with the cold bitch who would soon sit on the Triumvirate was just the cherry on top. Jae inhaled deeply. Fen was right, though. The person who inherited Callus' seat on the Triumvirate needed to be on their list of interviews...right up on top of it.