My name is Meghann O'Neill. I am a psychologist who specializes in treating victims of abusive relationships—particularly women and children. I am also a vampire, and for years I suffered the cruelty of the man who seduced and turned me into this immortal creature.

His name was Simon Baldevar. Handsome and sophisticated, he claimed to love me, possessing me body and soul. In his arms I became enslaved in an endless cycle of pleasure and pain, receiving passionate ecstasy and vile punishment in equal measure, depending on his mood. Over thirty years ago I left him staked on a roof and let the dawn of a new day finish him off.

But Simon survived, and he's already begun his sadistic games by murdering the very humans I have sworn to help through my practice. If he expects me to bend under his will and beg forgiveness, he's sadly mistaken—and he'll be shocked to learn that his servant has become a master all her own…

THE KISS OF IMMORTALITY

Maggie could feel how weak she was; she knew she was dying. "I don't want to die."

"Look at me," Simon commanded. "What is your decision?"

I want to be with him, Maggie thought suddenly. Nothing eke matters. She managed to lift up her hand, and caress his face softly.

Simon put his arms around her, then kissed her fiercely. The sickness faded beneath the passion Maggie felt. I never wanted anything as much as I want him, she thought hazily.

"You're beautiful," he whispered. He ran his hands lightly across her body, fingertips barely touching her. Maggie moaned, aching with desire.

"Tell me who I am," he ordered while thrusting into her.

"My master."

"And you'll be mine forever?"

"Forever."

Simon sank his teeth deep within the wounds on her neck again. Maggie moaned, digging her nails into his back. The rapture she now felt made her prior ecstasy pale in comparison. She felt wave after wave of intense, unbearable pleasure as he drained the blood from her. Maggie felt him growing harder within her as he drank her blood. It seemed to go on forever, making love while he drank her blood. She didn't want it to ever stop…