Nyx.”
“Mmmmm …” I moved my lips to his ear. “I love you, Colin,” I whispered. “I love you.”
WELCOME TO NEW YORK CITY’S UNDERWORLD
Present Day
Dark Elves/Drow: live belowground in Otherworld, never aboveground. Except for me. I’m unique—sometimes I wonder if that’s a good thing.
Demons: not a problem. We plan to keep it that way.
Dopplers: these shifters can transform into one specific animal form—unlike Shifters, who can choose whatever animal form they want.
Dragons: you think fire is hot?
Fae: you asked for it. Don’t blame me if you get a headache—Abatwa, Brownies, Dryads, Dwarves, Faerie, Gnomes, Goblins, Nymphs, Pixies, Sânziene, Sidhe, Sirens, Sprites, Tuatha, and Undines.
Gargoyles: there’s a reason birds poop on statues.
Light Elves: can we say “Divas of the Otherworlds”?
Mages: powerful male wizards.
Magi: young, precious, omniscient female beings whom Trackers are sworn to protect and keep hidden safely away.
Metamorphs: can shift into human form, mirroring any human they choose before practicing criminal activities against humans. These jerks have no redeeming qualities. None.
Necromancers: did you have to ask? They talk to and raise the dead.
Ogres: Kermit isn’t the only one who’s green and eats flies.
Seraphim: not your average Angels.
Shadow Shifter: in my opinion their ability to shift into shadow form is pretty cool. But you do not want to tick one of them off. Do. Not. Make. Them. Mad.
Shifters: like I said, these guys can choose any animal form they want.
Sorcerers/Sorceresses: I never knew some Sorcerers could be so sexy.
Specters: haven’t seen one and don’t plan to.
Succubae and Incubi: avoid them. Just stay away. That’s all I have to say.
Trolls: me, Troll. You, dinner.
Werewolves: some of the good guys. Until the full moon.
Witches: females born of norm parents but with strong magic.
Zombies: don’t even go there.
Vampires: Stay tuned and see for yourself … because they are dead ahead.
St. Martin’s Paperbacks Titles By CHEYENNE McCRAY
NIGHT TRACKER NOVELS
Demons Not Included
No Werewolves Allowed
Vampires Not Invited
Zombies Sold Separately
Vampires Dead Ahead
LEXI STEELE NOVELS
The First Sin
The Second Betrayal
THE MAGIC NOVELS
Dark Magic
Shadow Magic
Wicked Magic
Seduced By Magic
Forbidden Magic
ROMANTIC SUSPENSE
Moving Target
Chosen Prey
ANTHOLOGIES
No Rest for the Witches
Praise for these other novels from New York Times bestselling author CHEYENNE McCRAY
VAMPIRES NOT INVITED
“Something weird is going on, and it is up to half-human half-Drow Nyx to figure out what it all means. The versatile and talented McCray is slowly unveiling a supernatural society fraught with menace and plagued by prejudice and discord. Her Night Tracker series continues to be fast-paced and populated with intriguing characters. Hang on, for McCray is about to send things into overdrive.”
—RT Book Reviews
“Set in an intriguing new world, romance, adventure, and non-stop action fill the pages.”
—Romance Reviews Today
“If you enjoy a kick-ass heroine, a sexy romance, and a compelling story that leaves you begging for more, this is the series for you.”
—Nocturne Romance Reviews
“An excellent continuation of the compelling Night Tracker series.”
—Fresh Fiction
NO WEREWOLVES ALLOWED
“Nyx is back and ready to kick more butt in the second installment of the Night Tracker series … McCray introduces some interesting secondary characters that add depth to this developing world. As always, there is a seductive sensuality mixed in with the hair-raising adventures.”
—Romantic Times BOOKreviews
“McCray has written a wonderfully hot story that has characters we will love … beautifully fleshed-out, believable, and intelligent. The storyline is fascinating, intriguing, and fast-paced. This book is a fantastic page-turner that has great romance, lots of the paranormal, adventure, thrills, and chills.”
—Night Owl Romance
“Interesting characters, [a] fast-paced plot, and fascinating world-building make this a must-read.”
—Fresh Fiction
DEMONS NOT INCLUDED
“The hot new Night Tracker series promises plenty of thrills and chills. McCray does an excellent job establishing this world and its host of intriguing characters. The action is fast and furious, and the danger escalating. Add in some sexy sizzle and you have another patented McCray gem.”
—Romantic Times BOOKreviews
(Top Pick, 41/2 stars)
“McCray weaves a supernatural tale of mystery, murder, and blossoming romance. Demons Not Included has a well-rounded cast, a captivating storyline, and plenty of suspense to keep readers guessing.”
—Darque Reviews
DARK MAGIC
Winner, Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award for Best Paranormal Action Adventure of the Year
“McCray does a stellar job layering the danger, passion and betrayal. Awesome!”
—Romantic Times BOOKreviews (Top Pick, 41/2 stars)
“Action, romance, suspense, love, betrayal, sacrifice, magic, and sex appeal to the nth degree! [McCray’s] heroines kick butt and run the gamut from feminine to tomboy, and her heroes … well, they’re all 200% grade-A male. YUM! Her love scenes left me breathless … and I’m surprised I have any nails left after the suspense in this last book.”
—Queue My Review
“Vivid battles, deceit that digs deep into the coven, and a love that can’t be denied.”
—Night Owl Romance
“A fabulous finish to a great urban fantasy … Master magician Cheyenne McCray brings it all together in a superb ending to her stupendous saga.”
—Harriet Klausner
SHADOW MAGIC
“Erotic paranormal romance liberally laced with adventure and thrills.”
—Romantic Times BOOKreviews (Top Pick, 41/2 stars)
“A sensual tale full of danger and magic, Shadow Magic should not be missed.”
—Romance Reviews Today
“Cheyenne McCray has created a fabulous new world. You won’t be able to get enough!”
—Lori Handeland, USA Today bestselling author
WICKED MAGIC
“Blistering sex and riveting battles are plentiful as this series continues building toward its climax.”
—Romantic Times BOOKreviews
(4 stars)
“Has an even blend of action and romance … An exciting paranormal tale, don’t miss it.”
—Romance Reviews Today
“Sure to delight and captivate with each turn of the page.”
—Night Owl Romance
FOR CHEYENNE’S READERS
Be sure to go to CheyenneMcCray.com to sign up for her PRIVATE book announcement list. Please feel free to e-mail her at [email protected]. She would love to hear from you.
This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, organizations, and events portrayed in this novel are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.
VAMPIRES DEAD AHEAD
Copyright © 2011 by Cheyenne McCray.
All rights reserved.
For information address St. Martin’s Press, 175 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10010.
EAN: 978-0-312-53269-7
St. Martin’s Paperbacks are published by St. Martin’s Press, 175 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10010.
eISBN 9781429950701
First eBook Edition : October 2011
St. Martin’s Paperbacks edition / December 2011
Table of Contents
Title Page
PROLOGUE
ONE
TWO
THREE
FOUR
FIVE
SIX
SEVEN
EIGHT
NINE
TEN
ELEVEN
TWELVE
THIRTEEN
FOURTEEN
FIFTEEN
SIXTEEN
SEVENTEEN
EIGHTEEN
NINETEEN
TWENTY
TWENTY-ONE
TWENTY-TWO
TWENTY-THREE
TWENTY-FOUR
TWENTY-FIVE
TWENTY-SIX
TWENTY-SEVEN
TWENTY-EIGHT
TWENTY-NINE
THIRTY
THIRTY-ONE
THIRTY-TWO
THIRTY-THREE
THIRTY-FOUR
THIRTY-FIVE
THIRTY-SIX
THIRTY-SEVEN
THIRTY-EIGHT
THIRTY-NINE
FORTY
WELCOME TO NEW YORK CITY’S UNDERWORLD
St. Martin’s Paperbacks Titles By CHEYENNE McCRAY
Praise for these other novels from New York Times bestselling author CHEYENNE McCRAY
FOR CHEYENNE’S READERS
Copyright Page