The Phoenix Decree
How far would you go to pursue your heart’s desire?
When Devon Phoenix, a nineteenth-century Englishman, becomes linked to his
soul mate through the discovery of a buried family secret, he must do
the impossible. His longing to pursue her demands he cross the
centuries to present day. But his world is shaken to its core when he
learns he must protect her from men he thought to be only myths.
Drawn by her lineage, these men will go to great lengths to have her.Out at a nightclub, Boston artist and history buff Elz Valli has no idea
her grounded life is about to be uprooted. She encounters Devon and
realizes this striking and intellectual warrior not only looks like the 12th Duke of Seton–he is. Consumed by the flames that engulf them, there is no turning back as Devon’s presence in today’s world ignites raging fires–both good and evil.Though Devon’s love is one that reaches through time, it is not without cost. Now he must decide if Elz is worth the price.
Excerpt from The Phoenix Decree
Wedlove Castle, Northern England
18 April 1829
Devon Phoenix
I tugged at Kyle’s arm, and he and my baby sister ceased their flirtations. She closed her door, and Kyle and I turned, continuing down the corridor toward our rooms.
I glanced at him sharply. “Flirt.”
“I’ll own that without any shame whatsoever,” Kyle said, laughing. “I’m sure I won’t be the only flirt. You, no doubt, will be a regular Adonis come these next few weeks when you get your Miss Valli in those mighty arms of yours.”
A thrill shot through me, and I couldn’t help but grin. I would soon be meeting Elz and bringing her home to be my wife.
The thrill was smothered by another thought—the thought of what Faramond warned would happen to her when we met.
I felt my cheerful expression sink into a grim smile. “Yes, well, with everything Faramond told us tonight about others wanting my Miss Valli for themselves, let us hope I don’t do as Adonis did and get myself killed by some angry god who’s turned himself into a wild boar.”
“No,” Kyle said, trying to bring back my joy. “You won’t do that—you’ll have me watching your back. And you know I’m cleverer than any ole boar, or any Greek god for that matter.”
He laughed, but my good mood was gone.
I felt sick to think of all that Faramond had told me. I wanted to give Elz a normal, happy life, but that wouldn’t be the tradeoff. Maybe she would be better off without me. If we never met, the flame would never burn bright enough for others to see it, and she wouldn’t need protection; therefore, she wouldn’t need me.
My heart sank, and I was bombarded with sadness at such a notion.
But maybe it would be for the best.
The thought made me miss her even more than I already did.
“Look, Kyle, I don’t mean to be rude with an abrupt departure, but I miss my girl. We’ll have to part ways here, old friend. I’ll see you at breakfast.”
Kyle offered a sympathetic smile, nodding his understanding, and we split up as I set into a fast jog toward my rooms.
I shrugged out of my topcoat and tossed it over a chair, doing the same with my cravat and waistcoat, then unfastened my trousers and sat to strip my feet bare. Unable to wait another moment, I rose, pulling my shirttail free as I headed barefoot across the carpet, striding toward the only thing that connected me to Elz—the mirror.
Stepping onto the platform of carved mountains at the base of the frame, I leaned in and breathed a fog over the glass, placing the fingertips of one hand there, and called Elz to me.
Her image became clear, and desire weaved its way around my gut like a choking vine. I exhaled slowly.
“Have mercy on me, my love—I can see you’ll be tormenting me tonight.”
Phoenix Unbound
Elz.
still loom. Elz needs answers. Devon, imprisoned by his vow to keep
quiet, must fight his desire to give them. All he can offer is his
protection and his love. Unfortunately, the shackles of silence could
leave Elz vulnerable to the enemy.
Phoenix Under Fire
Phoenix Under Siege
Phoenix Untamed
Phoenix Unanchored
for exclusive excerpts and a giveaway!
2 comments
Thanks for sharing! -Janet @ Silver Dagger Book Tours
You’re welcome!