Caris Roane - Born in Chains

He released a deep sigh, one that came from so far down in his body he actually quivered. The sensation brought her partially awake.

“Happy?” she asked, a slight foggy sound to her voice.

She couldn’t even open her eyes, and before he could say anything she drifted off once more.

Was he happy? More than she would ever know.

The vision came to him, a roll of sensation first, then clarity, a perfect image of Lily and Josh, but in the future, though how far forward he couldn’t tell. Josh was a man, fully grown, human-perfect. He held a woman’s hand and she was a vampire.

Lily, forever siphoning his power, hadn’t aged at all. She beamed her smile, all her goodness radiating over her son and his fiancée.

Adrien’s heart pounded because he was in the vision as well, his arms wrapped around Lily much as they were now, and Lily’s stomach was very swollen with child, his child.

The vision faded.

“What’s the matter?” she asked. He’d awakened her again. Of course she would sense that something was wrong.

“Nothing.”

“You’re shaking.”

She turned in his arms to face him, and there she was in the glow of his vampire vision, his Lily, the woman who meant the world to him. He smoothed her hair away from her face and kissed her. “I love you so much.”

Her fingers went to the chain around her neck. His vibrated heavily. No doubt hers did as well. “Me, too.”

“Do you want more children?” he asked, suddenly afraid of the answer because of all that she’d been through.

“I didn’t think it was an option, or not much of one.”

“But if you could have your heart’s desire, would you bear another child?”

Her lips curved. “If we are speaking only of what we wish and not what we expect, then yes, of course, especially if I could have your child.”

“Why my child?” He could feel how far his brows rose.

This time she laughed and smoothed her fingers over his brow. “Because I love you, Adrien, more than words can express, and because you deserve to be a father, to have that joy in your life.”

That was all he needed to hear. He kissed her hard, to which she responded by whimpering and easing her arms around his neck.

“We should practice, then,” he said. “A lot. Just in case it could help our genetics kick in and we can make a baby together.”

“I’d love nothing more.”

Despite his earlier conviction that she needed her rest, Adrien rolled Lily onto her back and made love to her again, but she didn’t seem to mind as she cooed against his lips.

He didn’t tell her about the vision. Those images were meant just for him, in the same way his initial vision of her in a burgundy gown had been the start of all this goodness way back in the cavern.

How long ago that seemed, even though only a few nights had passed. But that was now his former life, a life that had ended when Lily arrived, when she came to him bearing her bonding chains and set them both down this impossible, miraculous, and ultimately love-filled journey.

“Caris Roane powers into the paranormal romance genre with a sexy, cool, edgy romantic fantasy that gleams like the dark wings and lethal allure of her Guardians of Ascension vampires. Prepare to be enthralled!”

— New York Times bestselling author Lara Adrian

“Roane’s world-building is complex and intriguing, and in addition to her compelling protagonists, she serves up a slew of secondary characters begging to be explored further. The Guardians of Ascension is a series with epic potential!”

— Romantic Times (4½ stars)

“A super urban romantic fantasy in which the audience will believe in the vampires and the Ascension … fast-paced … thrilling.”

— Alternative Worlds

“A great story with a really different take on vampires. This is one book that is sure to be a hit with readers who love paranormals. Fans of J.R. Ward’s Black Dagger Brotherhood series are sure to love this one, too.”

— Red Roses for Authors Blog

“ Ascension is like wandering in a field of a creative and colorful dream. There are many interesting, formidable, terrifying, beautiful, and unique images. They surround and envelop you in a story as old as time.”

—Barnes and Noble’s Heart to Heart Romance Blog

“Incredibly creative, Ascension takes readers to another level as you learn about two earths, vampires, ancient warriors, and a new twist on love. I felt like I was on a roller-coaster ride, climbing until I hit the very top only to come crashing down at lightning speed. Once you pick this book up, clear off your calendar because you won’t be able to put it down. Best book I have read all year.”

—SingleTitles.com

Caris Roane has authored over fifty published Regency romance novels and novellas under the pseudonym Valerie King. In 2005, the Romantic Times honored her with a Career Achievement award for her Regency work.

Caris lives in Phoenix with her two cats, one of which is named Sebastian, after a favorite vampire. When she gets a third, he’ll be called Jean-Claude. Visit Caris at www.carisroane.com.

Also by Caris Roane

ASCENSION

BURNING SKIES

WINGS OF FIRE

BORN OF ASHES

OBSIDIAN FLAME

GATES OF RAPTURE

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, organizations, and events portrayed in this novel are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously..