May 14, 2010 - Day Five

Dear Readers,

This is our last day for our Special Edition Romance Previews of THE DEMON IN ME by Michelle Rowen. We are glad you enjoyed it! Now...time to get the book and find out what happens next!

THE DEMON IN ME (Living in Eden – Book #1) Hell hath no fury… Fate has led Eden Riley to become a “psychic consultant” to the police, even though her abilities are unreliable at best. Those paranormal powers are about to get her into a jam she couldn’t have predicted. After her hunky police detective partner guns down a serial killer in front of her, Eden realizes that she’s quite literally no longer alone. A voice in her head introduces himself as Darrak. He’s a demon. But not in a bad way!  …like a woman possessed.  Darrak lost his original body 300 years ago thanks to a witch’s curse. This is the first time he’s ever been able to speak directly to a host, plus there’s a bonus. Eden’s psychic energy helps him to take form during daylight hours. He wants to use this chance to find a way to break his curse — finally. Otherwise, Eden’s going to have to learn to live with this sexy demon…like it or not.   And she thinks she might like it.

Excerpt 5

This is from Chapter 10. Darrak’s just come in contact with a nasty exorcist and he needs a bit of help from Eden…. “Darrak!” Eden undid her seatbelt so she could take him by his shoulders and shake him. “Are you okay?” He wasn’t talking. His blue eyes rolled back into his head. “What did he do to you?” Malcolm had already started the exorcism last night. Had he been trying to continue it, even at a distance? How was that even possible? Whatever he’d been doing, it was enough to hurt Darrak. Darrak blinked after a moment and his eyes slowly came back into focus. But he was still pale. “Eden…” “What can I do?” “I didn’t realize how weak I am.” “It takes a real man to admit something like that.” She tried to sound light. “I’m stronger when I’m possessing you. When I have my own body I’m more susceptible. I can draw from your strength when I’m inside.” “So turn to smoke and possess me again.” She couldn’t believe she was actually suggesting it. “I can’t control that. Not when it’s daylight. But I…I do need some of your energy.” “What?” “The fairy…she hates demons because she knows how similar she is to us. Unseelie fae must drain the energy from humans to survive and grow more powerful. They have to. They have no choice. A demon can survive just fine without this, but we can skim a little off the top if necessary.” “So skim, already.” He snorted softly. “So willing? And here I thought you hated me.” “I do. But you can take a little energy if it’ll make you feel better. After all, I was the one to introduce you to Malcolm in the first place.” “Guilt is a powerful emotion.” His dark brows drew together. “This wouldn’t be enough to hurt you.” “Stop talking and do what you have to do. Just don’t break the skin.” “That won’t be necessary. I simply need an opening to that bright, shiny soul of yours.” He brought his hands up to either side of her face and drew her closer to him. She braced herself. “That sounds very—” He kissed her. And not just any kiss. Open mouthed and, if she hadn’t already been sitting down, completely knee-weakening. After a moment it started to make the rest of her feel weak as well. 

But, she supposed, that was because he was purposefully draining her energy. She moaned a little against his lips because the kiss felt surprisingly, well, amazing. If this is what being drained by a demon felt like, then she was seriously considering signing up as a regular donor.

(excerpt concluded)