Immortal Trust
The Curse of the Templars,
Book III
When archaeologist Chloe Broussard accepts the contract to lead a dig in Ornes, France, she has no idea she will uncover Veronica's Veil. When she does, she discovers a danger far greater than the demons that stalk her in the night. Azazel wants her, as well as the Veronica, and his chosen minion is her brother. Her hope lies with immortal Templar Knight, Lucan. Her life depends on oaths she knows nothing about.
For countless centuries, Lucan of Seacourt has lived with the knowledge that his brother killed their family. Now, as Azazel's darkness eats away at his soul, old betrayal stirs suspicion. He trusts no one. Not even the seraph who can heal his dying spirit.
With the fate of the Almighty hanging in the balance, Lucan must find faith in something more terrifying than the dark lord's creations. He must learn to believe his heart.
EXCERPT
Her stubborn pride returned as she hefted the trunk off the table and carried it to the bath. “I can handle it.”
Lucan rolled his eyes skyward and muttered a prayer for patience. He joined her at the fiberglass tub. “I am aware you are perfectly capable on your own. I wish to aid you.”
“So you can supervise? Make sure I don’t break it?”
His temper sparked, and he narrowed his eyes. “Saint’s blood, did we not just cover this? ’Tis naught you can do to harm the reliquary, and I am unconcerned with your intentions.” Taking a deep breath to calm his rising ire, he expelled it in one heavy sigh and lowered his voice. “’Tis time with you I desire, Chloe Broussard.”
He heard the catch of her breath. Observed the tremor in her hand as she reached for the sprayer. “I’m afraid that’s not possible, Lucan.”
Pressing in closer to her side, he challenged the invisible boundary she set between them. His hip brushed hers. “Do you find my company so disagreeable?” Lowering his chin, he gave in to the desire to touch his lips to her shoulder. The light feminine scent of roses engulfed him, the effect one of dizzying pleasantness. He could not help but wonder if that heady scent would cling to her skin as it did to her hair. If ’twould gather between the soft valley of her breasts. His throat tightened at the forbidden thought, and his voice hoarsened. “Do your hands shake because you find me so unpleasant?”
A shiver rolled down her spine and into him. “No,” she whispered.
“Then why?” Pushing her further, Lucan boldly pressed a lingering chaste kiss to the side of her neck. He near groaned at the warmth of her silken skin, the vibration of her pulse beneath his lips. God’s teeth, she was no more immune to him than he to her. Their shared energies arced between them like a live current, inflaming his senses. ’Twas all he could do to resist setting his hands on her hips, turning her into his arms, and sampling the sweet flavor of her mouth. She belonged to him. He possessed that right . . .
Nay. Though she might come to accept him in time, if he pushed her too far now, she would fight him all the more. This joining of their lives must come at her choosing.
“Because.” Her voice caught and she swallowed. When she spoke again, the tremor that had lingered in her hands revealed itself in her words. “Because Andy is about to walk through the door.”
Christ’s toes! Lucan swore beneath his breath as he backed up several paces and cleared his throat. “Aye.” He chose a respectful, professional distance and leaned his hip against the washing tub. “Indeed.”
About the Author:
Building on a background of fantasy game design, a fascination with history, and a lifetime love of books, Award-Winning Author Claire Ashgrove brings to life action-filled, passionate journeys of the heart. Her first contemporary novel, Seduction's Stakes, sold to The Wild Rose Press in 2008, where she continues to write for the Champagne and Black Rose lines. Adding to these critically acclaimed romances, Claire's paranormal series, The Curse of the Templars (Tor), marries the history of the Knights Templar with the chilling aspirations of the most unholy--a must-read for speculative fiction fans. Her books have received multiple nominations for "Best Romance of the Year" awards as well as placements within a variety of contests, including the rigorous, Reader's Crown Awards, where Immortal Hope was named Best Paranormal Romance of 2011. For those who prefer the more erotic side of life, she also writes darkly arousing espionage novels for Berkley as the National Bestselling Author Tori St. Claire.
She is an active member of Romance Writers of America, and her local RWA chapters, Heartland Romance Authors, Midwest Romance Writers, and North Texas Romance Writers of America.
Claire lives in Missouri with her two young sons and too-many horses, cats, and dogs. In her "free" time, she enjoys cooking, studying Ancient Civilizations, and spending downtime with her children and the critters. She credits her success to her family's constant support and endless patience.
