In a Stranger's Arms
Rune Tarot Series
By
Tianna Xander

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Callie is just like every other woman, if you disregard the dead bodies that keep turning up around her, the banshee wails that echo through the night, and the stranger she can't help but be drawn to.

Death has come calling, and he answers to the name of Gunther Andarton. While chasing a demon preying on the city's female population, he finds his mate in spunky Callie. But how do you tell the woman meant to be yours that she must die in order to live?

As the demon strikes, the one called Death learns what it is to love... and Callie must choose between a life of eternal solitude or love in a stranger's arms.

"Vampires? You have got to be kidding me." Callie Obermeyer stared at her best friend, Mandy as though she'd just told her the Earth was flat.

"I'm serious," Mandy said, taking another bite of her turkey sandwich. She tapped the tabloid on the table in front of her. The headline read, Vampire Killer Claims Fifth Victim in bold lettering. "It says right here, that there have been several women found with their blood drained. And they say there were puncture wounds somewhere on the bodies."

Callie shook her head. "Please, don't continue. I don't think I can take it." "You mean you don't want to have nightmares," her friend said with a smirk. "Whatever. I like to sleep, so sue me."

"So what's up with Joey?" Mandy asked, taking a bite of her salad. "Did you finally dump him?" "Yeah." Callie set down her fork and wiped her mouth with the paper napkin she'd pulled from the holder on the far end of the table. She pushed the dish of assorted sweeteners aside and grinned. "He took it rather badly." She shrugged. "I would have thought he'd be relieved. I know he's seeing that girl across town."

"How could you not? He paraded her around to everyone who knew you. Someone was bound to tattle." Mandy tossed her head, flipped her blonde hair over her shoulder, then looked toward the door and gave a low whistle. "Will you look at that?" Her gaze followed three men who had just entered the restaurant. "I got dibs on the tall blonde. You like 'em tall, dark and handsome anyway," she said with a shiver, completely ignoring her salad and sandwich.

Callie tried not to pay attention to the handsome men as they walked past the table. She would not acknowledge them, even though all of them were well over six-feet tall with broad shoulders, narrow hips, and rear ends to die for. She rested her chin in her hand and resolutely refused to turn her head their way.

"Maybe he just thought I'd forgive him because of the great sex. What he doesn't know is that most of the time I faked it." Mandy's eyes rounded. "You didn't!"

"Yes, I did." Callie giggled. "He couldn't imagine a woman who could resist his many charms." "I can," Mandy said, rolling her eyes.

"Don't look now, but I think Mr. Tall, Blonde and Handsome is looking your way." Mandy turned to give the man a once over and sighed. "He is fine." She waved. "Look, his friend is waving at you."

"No he's not." Callie shook her head. "He's waving his hand in front of your admirer's face to get his attention."

"Oh," she sighed. "I'm sure we could still double. They are all hotties." "You can go." She leveled her gaze on her friend, serious. "But please let someone know you are going out with him first." Casting a quick glance to the tabloid, she tapped her finger on the paper. "Just in case."