Kerrelyn Sparks: Vampire Mine

“She—she’s still immortal?” Connor asked.

“As much as you are.” Gabriel gave him a wry look. “You can still die, but I’m not in any hurry to see you again.”

“Thank you.” Marielle bowed.

Gabriel grinned. “Thank you. Our Father is greatly pleased.” He spread his wings and with a flash of light, disappeared.

“Congratulations!” Buniel ran forward to hug Marielle.

Zackriel approached her slowly. “I hope you can forgive me. I was told to take your wings. I didn’t want to hurt you, but I was hoping you would help bring about Casimir’s defeat.” He smiled at her. “Well done, Marielle.”

“Thank you, Zack.”

He inclined his head. “May your days be blessed.” His wings unfurled and he vanished.

“You’re married!” Buniel grinned at her.

She laughed. “I guess I am.” She glanced at Connor, who appeared stunned. “You’re all right with that, aren’t you?”

“Aye.” He ran a hand through his hair. “Holy Chri— Sorry.” He gave them an apologetic look. “I thought I was going to end up in hell tonight.”

“You are,” Buniel joked. “It’s called marriage.”

Marielle swatted Buniel on the shoulder. “How dare you. Marriage is a holy sacrament.”

Connor stared at her in amazement. “I thought I would go to hell, but I’m in heaven.”

Marielle hugged him. “We’re married, Connor!”

He grinned. “Aye, we are.”

Buniel laughed. “I’ll leave you with a final blessing.” He rested his hands on their heads, then stepped back. “There. You are completely healed. Go forth and multiply.” He gave Connor a pointed look. “Tonight.”

Then his wings unfurled and he disappeared.

“Bye, Bunny,” Marielle whispered.

“What did he mean by tonight?” Connor asked. “And he said I was completely healed?” He felt his fangs. “Nay, I’m still a Vamp.”

Marielle smiled. “I believe it was your sperm that was healed. At least until you fall into another death-sleep.”

Connor’s eyes widened. “Ye mean tonight? We could— Holy Christ!” He swung Marielle up in his arms and strode away from the henge.

She laughed. “That’s why he said, ‘Go forth and multiply.’ ”

“Aye.” Connor ran up the hill with her in his arms. “For once I think we should follow orders.”

She laughed again.

He reached the top of the hill. “That’s yer home down there. I hope ye like it.”

She glanced at the large stone house. “I love it.”

Connor started down the hill toward the house. “Bugger. I should have just teleported you straight to the bedroom.”

“I like being carried by my husband.”

“Aye, but we could be there already. I could have yer clothes off by now. And I could have you naked in bed.”

She nodded. “I see the Three-Step Rule is still in effect.”

“What is that?”

She laughed. “I’ll tell you later.” She kissed his cheek. “I love you, Connor Buchanan.”

He grinned. “I love you, Marielle . . . Buchanan.”

I risk sounding redundant in the acknowledgments of each book, for I keep thanking the same group, but I truly find it touching that these dear people continue to support me and watch my back. I am so grateful to them all! First of all, many thanks to my dear friend and agent, Michelle Grajkowski, who has been with me for ten books now and believed in me long before Roman lost a fang. My thanks also to Erika Tsang, who loved the fact that Roman lost a fang and has been my fabulous editor ever since. Thank you, all the folks at Avon/HarperCollins, from editorial, marketing, and sales, to publicity and the art department, where Tom creates the most beautiful covers in the business. My thanks to my critique partners—M.J., Sandy, and Vicky—who keep me sane (reasonably sane). To my husband and children—you are always there for me. And many, many thanks to all you readers! Thank you for the enthusiasm and support that has made the Love at Stake series continue for ten books. With readers like you, the Undead can live forever!

KERRELYN SPARKS is the New York Times and USA Toda y bestselling author of the Love at Stake series. Each book in the series has landed on the USA Today bestseller list, but when the fourth book, The Undead Next Door , jumped onto the New York Times list at #14, even the Undead sat up and took notice. That same book was nominated (not by the Undead) for the RITA® Award for best paranormal romance of 2008.

Please visit Kerrelyn (who is rumored not to be Undead since she pays taxes and eats chocolate) at her website, www.kerrelynsparks.com , or write to her at P.O. Box 5512, Katy, TX 77491-5512. She would love to hear from you!

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Vampire Mine

Eat Prey Love

The Vampire and the Virgin

Forbidden Nights With a Vampire

Secret Life of a Vampire

All I Want for Christmas Is a Vampire

The Undead Next Door

Be Still My Vampire Heart

Vamps and the City

How to Marry a Millionaire Vampire