These violent delights have violent ends
And in their triumph die, like fire and powder,
Which, as they kiss, consume.
—William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet
Tristan Coleman has survived the change from Clann magic user to vampire, much to Savannah Colbert’s joy—and despair. By changing the Clann’s golden boy and newly elected leader, even to save him from death, she has unleashed a fury of hatred and fear that they cannot escape.
As the Clann and the vampire council go to war, Tristan and Sav face a new threat—a fracturing of the all-consuming bond they share. To fight for peace, they must forge a new trust and risk everything to take down their deadliest enemy, even as they must run for their lives. Soon they will learn that some bonds are stronger than love—and some battles cannot be won without sacrifice.
It should have been perfect—Tristan and me and a remote log cabin with a crackling fireplace nestled on a west Arkansas mountain in December. No Clann or vampire council members nearby to bother us. No more rules or secrets to keep us apart.
No more risk of accidentally killing Tristan with a kiss.
Instead, it was all wrong.
* * *
PRAISE FOR THE CLANN SERIES
Covet
“Covet is a fresh take on the paranormal genre. Darnell made it interesting, giving strong voices to defined characters. Overall, I enjoyed Covet, and I think you will also.”
—Michelle at Dark Fairie Tales
“Darnell has an excellent writing style that seamlessly brings the story together, allowing for the plot to develop at a natural pace, adding to the appeal of the story.”
—Devin E., reviewer at Kees2Create (www.kees2create.com.au)
“The sheer depth of the raw emotion in Covet was absolutely staggering as I felt like I was being torn apart right along with the characters. This was an absolutely brilliant follow-up to Crave, and I highly recommend it.”
—A Book Obsession
Crave
“An enticing mix of forbidden love, magic, betrayal, and heartache, this romance will leave you craving more.”
—Mundie Moms
“Melissa Darnell has written a beautiful love story centered around the supernatural world. There is nothing sweeter than forbidden love…”
—Realm of Fiction
“A spellbinding, compelling, and completely enjoyable debut, Crave had me flipping pages until there were none left to flip.”
—Electrifying Reviews
Consume
Melissa Darnell
This one’s dedicated to you, the readers of this series, for all your awesome continued support and love for the world and characters of The Clann series!
Contents
CHAPTER 1
SAVANNAH
I stared at the surrounding forest on Rich Mountain, one hand braced against the trunk of a leafless hardwood tree at my side, my too-quick breaths making puffs of fog in the afternoon air as the feeble sun edged beneath the winter-stripped branches of the tree line. The air was smoky, acrid with the false promise of comfort from the chimney of a cabin several yards behind me, which I was struggling to ignore during my few blessed minutes of solitude outside.
It should have been perfect.... Tristan and me and a remote log cabin with a crackling fireplace nestled on a west Arkansas mountain in December. No Clann or vampire council nearby to bother us. No more rules or secrets to keep us apart. No more risk of accidentally