Joleene Naylor is the author of the glitter-less Amaranthine vampire universe, a world where vampires aren't for children. Comprised of a main series, a standalone prequel, and several short story collections, she has plans to continue expanding with a trilogy and standalone novels. 
In her spare time, Joleene is a freelance book cover designer and for-fun photographer. She maintains several blogs, full of odd ramblings, and occasionally updates her website at JoleeneNaylor.com. In what little time is left, she watches anime, plays PokemonGo, and works on her crooked Victorian house in Villisca, Iowa. Between her husband, family, and pets, she is never lonely, in fact, quite the opposite. Should she disappear, one might look for her on a beach in Tahiti, sipping a tropical drink and wearing a disguise. 

Pulled into a world of darkness, Katelina's fate becomes intertwined with that of Jorick, a dark, enigmatic vampire. To stay by his side, she must navigate intrigue, terror and bloodshed as they are drawn from one battle to another. Dreams of peace seem elusive, and are complicated by mysterious vampires, old relics, and an ancient master. Join Katelina and Jorick in a world where vampires don't sparkle and night is eternal.

Amaranthine

The door barely shut, and Jamie scarcely gone, when Katelina stood and demanded to know what was going on.


Jorick sighed and dropped to the couch. "It doesn't concern you, little one. It's boring Guild business." He patted the couch next to him. "Come."


"If it concerns you, then it concerns me. I know you think you're shielding me, but I don't want to be shielded. I don't need to be protected like Velnya was."


He asked coldly, "Did it occur to you that I might be protecting myself?"


"From your disdain. What makes you think I want to regale you with stories of Executioners' deeds, especially when I'm the one doing them? I know how disgusted you are with those things."


Her anger dissipated. Deflated, she sank next to him on the couch. "I wouldn't be disgusted with you, and even if I was, why would you care?"


He ran frustrated fingers through his hair. "You're just fishing for a compliment." 


Chapter 245