Copyright 2009
Out hunting for blood and a lover in the poorest part of Rome, Alypia comes to the rescue of Lucilla, a noblewoman seeking an escape from her arranged marriage. Lucilla longs for a woman's touch, yet society dictates she must wed the man of her father's choosing. Her bridegroom Fronto is not only corrupt, he's suspected of murdering his four previous wives for their wealth. When she realises her new lover is a strix - a vampire - Lucilla begs Alypia for help. Brought together by desire, tied by bonds deeper than passion, the two women must find a way to win Lucilla's freedom.
Alypia swung round to face the gang, looking at each man in turn. She let her smile warm, her lips stretching to show her fangs. "Thank the lady for your lives, boys. You may not be so fortunate next time."
The gang leader glared at her, his lips working on a curse. He had better sense than to challenge her, and so contented himself with insults to show his bravery. "That bitch is too skinny for me, but I hear you're less picky with your bedfellows. As long as it has a pussy, you'll go for it. Until next time, Lady Alypia!"
He gave a signal and the men stumbled backward, shoving at each other as they hurried away into the night.
Alypia felt the click as her fangs sheathed. She turned to the young woman and raised an eyebrow. "Jupiter's arse, girl, are you insane? The likes of you should never come into the Subura."
The girl paid her no heed, staring into the darkness at the fading glow of the men's pitch torches. "They just walked away." She looked at Alypia, astonishment on her narrow, cat-like face. "How did you do that?"
"I know how to deal with the men around here."
"Yet you are surely as patrician as I!" The girl gestured at Alypia's outfit.
Alypia gave a soft laugh. She knew she looked good in a gown of amethyst purple Coan silk with a filmy rose-pink mantle over her hair. Though the dreary sumptuary laws of the Lex Oppia had been repealed a century ago, it was still considered immodest for a respectable woman to wear purple. Alypia didn't care about respectability. Purple suited her honey-toned skin, gleaming black hair and dark eyes, just as the plain, sea-green gown of the young woman suited her fair, blonde colouring.
"My late husband was extremely rich." Alypia gave the girl a long look. "I am considered extremely eccentric. You would do well not to emulate me, and instead go back to your father's house. Or is it a husband you're trying to avoid?"
"A husband-to-be, actually." The girl hesitated, then a shy smile brightened her features. "I came here looking for someone."
Alypia narrowed her eyes. "A lover?"
A blush stained the girl's pale cheeks. "Yes. I mean, no. I don't have a lover yet. I wanted to find one here tonight. I've heard my father's clients talking, and the male slaves - they all say the place to find a lover is in the Subura."
Despite herself, Alypia felt amused. "They were talking about whores."
"I have money!" The girl dropped the cudgel and dipped into the folds of her gown, drawing out a kidskin purse. She untied the ribbons at the top and held it out in offering. "I don't know how much a whore costs, but I hope this would be enough."
Alypia pushed aside the purse after a glance at its contents. "That's good enough for a week of sex. Come with me, I'll show you the best house for boys. Most of them only serve men, but there's a couple who're sweet on women. They're handsome and clean, and talented with their tongues."
The girl fiddled with the purse, a small frown of distress between her perfectly arched eyebrows. "I'm sorry. I didn't make myself clear." She met Alypia's gaze. "I want a woman."
"I was pleasantly surprised by this anthology and must say; the writing shines. You'll be engaged, entertained and invested in these stories; will feel as if you're right there with these hotter than hot characters who deliver in spades. VAMPS is an eclectic mix of lesbian love that will have your heart racing while you squirm in the chair. [...] High recommendations, Ms. Cotoner."