Cover

Dying for You

Synopsis

Victorija Dred, Principe of the Dred clan, is one of the most feared vampires to walk the earth, but since her unwanted blood bond with Daisy, she’s slowly losing herself to blood sickness. Her clan is dismayed by her reluctance to order Daisy brought to her. The old Victorija would have used her for her blood without a second thought. However no one knows of the age-old vow holding her back.

Daisy MacDougall is struggling to cope with the vampire bite that is urging her to seek out Victorija. Secrets and history bind them in unfathomable ways, and when she discovers her family’s past and a very different Victorija, she vows to find the truth even if she must force their meeting.

Victorija and Daisy travel a dark and seductive path even as Victorija fights every instinct to take Daisy’s blood, and love seems all but impossible. As if that wasn’t bad enough, neither expects the real threat to Daisy’s life to be hiding inside the Dred clan.

Praise for Jenny Frame

Longing for You

“Jenny Frame knocks it out of the park once again with this fantastic sequel to Hunger For You. She can keep the pages turning with a delicious mix of intrigue and romance.”—Rainbow Literary Society

Hunger for You

“I loved this book. Paranormal stuff like vampires and werewolves are my go-to sins. This book had literally everything I needed: chemistry between the leads, hot love scenes (phew), drama, angst, romance (oh my, the romance) and strong supporting characters.”—The Reading Doc

The Duchess and the Dreamer

“We thoroughly enjoyed the whole romance-the-disbelieving-duchess with gallantry, unwavering care, and grand gestures. Since this is very firmly in the butch-femme zone, it appealed to that part of our traditionally-conditioned-typecasting mindset that all the wooing and work is done by Evan without throwing even a small fit at any point. We liked the fact that Clementine has layers and depth. She has her own personal and personality hurdles that make her behaviour understandable and create the right opportunities for Evan to play the romantic knight convincingly…We definitely recommend this one to anyone looking for a feel-good mushy romance.”—Best Lesfic Reviews

“There are a whole range of things I like about Jenny Frame’s aristocratic heroines: they have plausible histories to account for them holding titles in their own right; they’re in touch with reality and not necessarily super-rich, certainly not through inheritance; and they find themselves paired with perfectly contrasting co-heroines…Clementine and Evan are excellently depicted, and I love the butch:femme dynamic they have going on, as well as their individual abilities to stick to their principles but also to compromise with each other when necessary.”—The Good, The Bad and The Unread

Still Not Over You

“Still Not Over You is a wonderful second-chance romance anthology that makes you believe in love again. And you would certainly be missing out if you have not read My Forever Girl, because it truly is everything.”—SymRoute

Someone to Love

“One of the author’s best works to date—both Trent and Wendy were so well developed they came alive. I could really picture them and they jumped off the pages. They had fantastic chemistry, and their sexual dynamic was deliciously well written. The supporting characters and the storyline about Alice’s trauma was also sensitively written and well handled.”—Melina Bickard, Librarian, Waterloo Library (UK)

Wooing the Farmer

“The chemistry between the two MCs had us hooked right away. We also absolutely loved the seemingly ditzy femme with an ambition of steel but really a vulnerable girl. The sex scenes are great. Definitely recommended.”—Reviewer@large

“This is the book we Axedale fanatics have been waiting for…Jenny Frame writes the most amazing characters and this whole series is a masterpiece. But where she excels is in writing butch lesbians. Every time I read a Jenny Frame book I think it’s the best ever, but time and again she surprises me. She has surpassed herself with Wooing the Farmer.”—Kitty Kat’s Book Review Blog

Royal Court

“The author creates two very relatable characters…Quincy’s quietude and mental torture are offset by Holly’s openness and lust for life. Holly’s determination and tenacity in trying to reach Quincy are total wish-fulfilment of a person like that. The chemistry and attraction is excellently built.”—Best Lesbian Erotica

“[A] butch/femme romance that packs a punch.”—Les Rêveur

“There were unbelievably hot sex scenes as I have come to expect and look forward to in Jenny Frame’s books. Passions slowly rise until you feel the characters may burst!…Royal Court is wonderful and I highly recommend it.”—Kitty Kat’s Book Review Blog

Royal Court “was a fun, light-hearted book with a very endearing romance.”—Leanne Chew, Librarian, Parnell Library (Auckland, NZ)

Charming the Vicar

“Chances are, you’ve never read or become captivated by a romance like Charming the Vicar. While books featuring people of the cloth aren’t unusual, Bridget is no ordinary vicar—a lesbian with a history of kink…Surrounded by mostly supportive villagers, Bridget and Finn balance love and faith in a story that affirms both can exist for anyone, regardless of sexual identity.”—RT Book Reviews

“The sex scenes were some of the sexiest, most intimate and quite frankly, sensual I have read in a while. Jenny Frame had me hooked and I reread a few scenes because I felt like I needed to experience the intense intimacy between Finn and Bridget again. The devotion they showed to one another during these sex scenes but also in the intimate moments was gripping and for lack of a better word, carnal.”—Les Rêveur

“The sexual chemistry between [Finn and Bridge] is unbelievably hot. It is sexy, lustful and with more than a hint of kink. The scenes between them are highly erotic—and not just the sex scenes. The tension is ramped up so well that I felt the characters would explode if they did not get relief!…An excellent book set in the most wonderful village—a place I hope to return to very soon!”—Kitty Kat’s Book Reviews

“This is Frame’s best character work to date. They are layered and flawed and yet relatable…Frame really pushed herself with Charming the Vicar and it totally paid off…I also appreciate that even though she regularly writes butch/femme characters, no two pairings are the same.”—The Lesbian Review

Unexpected

“If you enjoy contemporary romances, Unexpected is a great choice. The character work is excellent, the plotting and pacing are well done, and it’s just a sweet, warm read…Definitely pick this book up when you’re looking for your next comfort read, because it’s sure to put a smile on your face by the time you get to that happy ending.”—Curve

“Unexpected by Jenny Frame is a charming butch/femme romance that is perfect for anyone who wants to feel the magic of overcoming adversity and finding true love. I love the way Jenny Frame writes. I have yet to discover an author who writes like her. Her voice is strong and unique and gives a freshness to the lesbian fiction sector.”—The Lesbian Review

Royal Rebel

“Frame’s stories are easy to follow and really engaging. She stands head and shoulders above a number of the romance authors and it’s easy to see why she is quickly making a name for herself in lesfic romance.”—The Lesbian Review

Courting the Countess

“I love Frame’s romances. They are well paced, filled with beautiful character moments and a wonderful set of side characters who ultimately end up winning your heart…I love Jenny Frame’s butch/femme dynamic; she gets it so right for a romance.”—The Lesbian Review

“I loved, loved, loved this book. I didn’t expect to get so involved in the story but I couldn’t help but fall in love with Annie and Harry…The love scenes were beautifully written and very sexy. I found the whole book romantic and ultimately joyful and I had a lump in my throat on more than one occasion. A wonderful book that certainly stirred my emotions.”—Kitty Kat’s Book Reviews

“Courting The Countess has an historical feel in a present day world, a thought provoking tale filled with raw emotions throughout. [Frame] has a magical way of pulling you in, making you feel every emotion her characters experience.”—Lunar Rainbow Reviewz

“I didn’t want to put the book down and I didn’t. Harry and Annie are two amazingly written characters that bring life to the pages as they find love and adventures in Harry’s home. This is a great read, and you will enjoy it immensely if you give it a try!”—Fantastic Book Reviews

A Royal Romance

“A Royal Romance was a guilty pleasure read for me. It was just fun to see the relationship develop between George and Bea, to see George’s life as queen and Bea’s as a commoner. It was also refreshing to see that both of their families were encouraging, even when Bea doubted that things could work between them because of their class differences…A Royal Romance left me wanting a sequel, and romances don’t usually do that to me.”—Leeanna.ME Mostly a Book Blog

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Bold Strokes Books Newsletter

By the Author

A Royal Romance

Courting the Countess

Dapper

Royal Rebel

Unexpected

Charming the Vicar

Royal Court

Wooing the Farmer

Someone to Love

The Duchess and the Dreamer

Royal Family

Home Is Where the Heart Is

Sweet Surprise

Wild for You

Hunger for You

Longing for You

Dying for You

Wolfgang County Series

Heart of the Pack

Soul of the Pack

Blood of the Pack

Acknowledgments

Thank you to all the BSB staff for their tireless hard work. Thank you to Ruth for always helping my books be the best they can be, and thanks to my family for their support and encouragement.

Lou and Barney, I wish we could spend forever together. I know for certain I’d never get bored, and you two would make me laugh every day.

Dedication

To Lou, My Immortal Love.

Chapter One

Smoke billowed from the raging torches being held by the cloaked and hooded figures beneath the arches of the replica Acropolis. The heavy beat of the drums rang out like a heartbeat, a steady rhythm that coursed through the veins of all who gathered to take part in this ancient Beltane Fire Festival.

“Daisy?”

Daisy MacDougall moved through the dancing and singing crowds atop Calton Hill in Edinburgh to find the best spot to watch the players in the festival. The smell of the smoke from fires and the torches lit everywhere around gave her a sense of what the festival would have been like two thousand years ago.

It was only when she bumped into a group of teenagers who were waving glowing light sticks that she came back to the present day with a bang.

“Daisy? Can you hear me?”

She turned around and saw her friend Skye. “Sorry, what?” The shouts as well as the singing and drumming didn’t make communication easy.

“This looks like a good spot,” Skye said.

Daisy walked over to Skye and her other friends, Zane and Pierce. Together, Daisy and her friends were Monster Hunters, a team they formed at university to explore all things paranormal. Their vlogs and website were essential watching and reading for all those who were interested in finding out if the myths and legends of paranormal beings had some substance to them.

Of course, since meeting and befriending Amelia Debrek and Byron, the Principe of the Debrek vampire clan, she knew the truth about the paranormal world. It was all real, but she could tell no one, as she had promised Amelia and Byron.

But even though she knew the truth, Daisy still felt her friends’ goal to document different mythical legends and sightings was worthwhile—plus she liked spending time with her friends.

“Okay, let’s set up,” Daisy said. Zane, their camera guy, came up close and tried to take off the scarf she wore around her neck. She tensed and took a step back. “Don’t, Zane.”

“We need to see more of you. It’s a warm spring night.”

“Just get ready to record, Zane. It’s up to me what I wear,” Daisy said.

He pursed his lips in anger but then backed off. It was a warm May evening, but she had to wear this warm scarf to cover the bite she had received from Victorija Dred. Victorija was the leader and Principe of the Dred vampire clan—a clever and remorseless killer, and enemy to the Debrek clan.

Much to Daisy’s horror, she and Victorija Dred were now blood bonded. The night Victorija attacked Amelia Debrek at The Sanctuary, a club where paranormals and humans mingled, Daisy protected her friend, and Victorija had tried to drain her blood at her neck. But instead of killing her, Victorija recoiled at the first taste, and they’d shared a moment in time that Daisy still didn’t understand.

Afterwards, when the bite mark didn’t heal as it should have done, Daisy came to understand that her DNA was compatible with Victorija’s, and she had become blood bonded to her, just like Amelia was to Byron Debrek.

Byron explained that Victorija now needed Daisy’s blood to survive, just like Byron needed Amelia’s, or she would plunge into madness. Of course, Byron and Amelia loved each other and gladly accepted their bond.

Victorija was a homicidal killer and she would only use and abuse Daisy for blood. Daisy had been keeping a low profile at Byron’s insistence for a few months, but she couldn’t miss going to the Beltane Fire Festival in Edinburgh. It was one of the best nights for paranormal events in the calendar, and one where Monster Hunters had to be.

So together with her team and the two guards, Owen and Trista, whom Byron insisted watch over her, she travelled from London to Edinburgh yesterday. Pierce, their sound man, walked up to her and said, “Zane takes every opportunity, doesn’t he.”

“To touch me? To get too close? Yes,” Daisy said with frustration.

“I’ll talk to him. He’s besotted with you, has been ever since we met at uni.”

“Would you, please? When he’s filming me, I feel like he’s undressing me with the camera lens,” Daisy said.

“Don’t worry, honey. I will. Who are these weird Men in Black who’re following us?”

Owen and Trista stood behind Skye and Zane, to protect her from Victorija, because she would be out there somewhere, plotting to get Daisy and use her as a blood bank.

Daisy couldn’t tell Pierce the truth, so she said, “Byron got some threats from…some terrorist group, and she thought because I’m so close to Amelia, I should be protected”—she had to distract Pierce from her wafer-thin explanation—“and they’re not in the way, are they?”

Pierce looked back at them and grinned. “No, especially the big guy that looks like a rugby player, what’s his name?”

“Owen, and the woman is Trista. Maybe you could do your best to distract him so he’s not breathing down my neck all the bloody time.”

Pierce waggled his eyebrows. “I’ll gladly distract him anyway.”

Skye, the team’s director, said, “Let’s start filming now—the main players are just a minute away.”

“Okay.”

“Good luck, babe,” Pierce said.

Both Pierce and Zane were ready with their equipment. Daisy closed her eyes and let the beat of the drums get her into the right headspace. She ran over a few of the lines she had written for her piece to camera, but with her eyes still closed, she felt someone’s breath on her neck and in her ear.

She jumped and looked around for anyone who could have done it, but the groups of people around her hadn’t moved. The bite Victorija gave her started to tingle, and she felt the urge to give herself to her blood bond. It was a feeling that had dogged her ever since that night at The Sanctuary. Sometimes it was light like now, and sometimes overwhelming. Daisy assumed that it was the same for Victorija.

“Daisy? You okay?” Skye shouted.

“Yeah, let’s do it.” Daisy tried to shake off the feeling.

“In ten, then,” Skye said and started counting down.

Daisy put on her bright smiling face, and began, “Hi, monster hunters. We are lucky enough to be at the Beltane Fire Festival in Edinburgh. It’s April the thirtieth and a very important time of year on the Celtic calendar. It’s said that the veil between our world and the land of the gods, the dead, and the monsters is thin and allows them to visit our world.”

She turned around and indicated to the large crowds. “Adults and children all come to see this display, a reinterpretation of an ancient Iron Age Celtic festival. Beltane means bright fire, and the Celts would come together to celebrate the return of spring. It marked the turning of the wheel of the year, fertility, and hope.”

Daisy walked up close to the camera and beckoned their audience closer, then whispered, “And rumours are that the paranormal and monsters that we search for come out to play on Beltane night and mix unnoticed with the painted players and reenactors of this festival. Let me introduce you to some of the actors in this drama.”

“Cut,” Skye said. “Brill, Daisy. Perfect as usual. The actors will be here in a sec.”

Something made Daisy look around, and she caught a flash of blond hair, but then it was gone. Her heart beat faster, and her bite mark tingled.

Owen and Trista must have noticed because they came up to her, and Trista said, “Did you see something?”

Daisy felt something when she saw that flash of blond. Blond like the hair of her blood bond, Victorija.

“No, nothing. Just a loud bang of the drum.”

“Daisy, they’re here,” Skye shouted.

She looked and saw the entourages of the two main players coming towards them, dancing and singing. People covered in red or white body paint interacted with the crowd as they went.

“Okay, start filming, Skye.”

Zane brought the camera up closer, and Daisy began, “The red characters are creatures of chaos and misrule and represent the Horned God. The people in white dresses and white body paint are the court of the May Queen. Let’s follow them.”

The group followed the crowds and the procession down to a stage area. The May Queen, a woman in white with an elaborate headdress, got up on stage followed by a man in green body paint, the Horned God.

Daisy nodded to Zane to begin filming again. “The May Queen embodies purity, strength, and potential for growth. The Horned God sees the May Queen, and he realizes that to be with the woman he loves, he will need to undergo a huge change. He surrenders his life to her. Then the May Queen gives him life energy and brings about his new spring form, the Green Man. He represents the life that grows on earth. They cannot exist without each other.”

The shouts and chants were building up to a crescendo. Then the crowd surged, and Daisy found herself carried along by the crowd away from her friends. She began to panic as she felt crushed in the throng, but she managed to push her way into some space.

Daisy leaned over, putting her hands against her knees, and tried to get her breath back. She was claustrophobic at the best of times, but that was horrible. Then she felt someone brush past her, and they set her whole body tingling. This was what her friends lovingly called her spidey sense.

Whenever Monster Hunters were to meet someone claiming to be a paranormal being, in their quest for the truth, they knew if the person didn’t set off Daisy’s spidey sense, then they weren’t the real deal.

It was an intuition she’d had from birth, and she had been ridiculed mercilessly as a child for talking about it. She’d learned to keep it to herself until she met her Monster Hunter friends, because they were open to that kind of thing.

Daisy stood up quickly and saw another flash of blond hair, and someone in a gothic black jacket carrying a cane. “Victorija? It can’t be.” But her bite mark was telling a different story. She got a sharp pain and a longing, deep inside, to present herself to Victorija, if it was her. She looked around and saw none of her friends, and no Owen or Trista. They’d be furious with her for it, and Byron would be too, but she had to get to Victorija, had to understand this bond and if there was no way to break it.

Daisy saw the blond figure stop, but they kept their back to her. Daisy broke into a jog and made her way towards the blonde, pushing past the people who got in her way. But just as she got within ten yards, a group of drummers got in her way, and by the time they cleared the path, the figure was gone.

She jumped when she felt a hand on her shoulder and turned around. It was Trista, with Owen coming behind her.

“Are you okay?” Trista said.

“Yeah, yeah, I’m fine. Just got caught up with the crowd.”

“Follow us back to your friends,” Owen said.

As she walked back, the pain in her bite got fainter. Was that you, Victorija? Why didn’t Victorija grab her and run? She could have done.

* * *

The bedroom was dark, but the moon outside the window was glowing light through the open curtains. Victorija Dred sat in a basket chair across from Daisy’s bed.

It was insanity coming here. But Victorija just had to see Daisy in the flesh again, no matter how hard it was.

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