Merrick's Destiny

A short story set between Wilder's Mate and Hunter's Prey.Merrick Wood is a wild man--literally. For six decades he's stalked the Rocky Mountains as a bloodhound, fighting a losing battle against the vampires who have taken over most of the American frontier. He's sure he's seen it all, until an airship crash leaves him caught behind enemy lines with a concussion and a mate he doesn't remember taking.Paralee Colton is a wild woman. She enjoys her freedom and makes a good living flying over the Deadlands. Until, that is, bloodsuckers shoot down her ship, and she's forced to deal with an irritatingly attractive man who isn't a man at all.Trapped together in the wilderness, Merrick and Paralee must fight to find a safe camp before the new moon drags Merrick into three days of sexual madness. But as enticing as Paralee finds the bloodhound, she doesn't realize the stakes of their courtship game.Getting out of the Deadlands is only half of Merrick's battle for survival. If he can't convince Paralee to stay with him, he'll follow the footsteps of every bloodhound who's ever lost a mate--straight into the grave.