Skye’s Trail

For Skye Delano, the hunt and the kill are sometimes inexorably tied together.

Her origins shrouded behind an impenetrable wall of mental pain, Skye has survived and evolved into a tracker, a hunter who metes out justice to those who prey on the helpless. Alone, but not lonely, she’s been content with her life. But now her body is changing, making demands that her mind argues will be dangerous to her survival. Now there’s an underlying craving that’s left her restless. She needs to take a mate-or rather, two mates…

His captain may have warned him off of Skye, but that hasn’t stopped Detective Rico Santana from wanting her, and now he needs her-for himself, and to track a couple of kids who have gone missing.

In all the centuries that Giovanni Banderali has been alive, he’s never desired any woman enough to bind her to him as a companion. That changed the moment he saw Skye. She’s a threat to the fledgling vampires he’s searching for, but nothing will stop him from claiming her-not even the Angelini blood that flows through her veins.

Adversaries, natural enemies-dangerous allies-the bond that links them is stronger than lust, more powerful than love. When an Angelini chooses a mate, no man can resist.

Please note: A previous edition of this story was published by Ellora’s Cave.

Connected Books: The Angelini

Old magic is returning to a world where vampires and Weres exist—and the Angelini, who always take at least two mates, guard humans against the predators hidden among them. While the stories in The Angelini world can be read as stand-alones, they are best enjoyed in order.


Book 2

Book 3
Vampire's Companion
connected

Book 4

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Read an Excerpt

Detective Rico Santana knew there was going to be hell to pay. One way or the other, there always was when she was involved. If not from Rivera, his captain, then from the unrelenting ache in his cock and the lack of sleep that always followed any encounter with Skye Delano.

Fuck! He lusted after her. Maybe if he went to bed with her, it would get her out of his system.

Rico gritted his teeth against the need he could already feel building, the anticipation. Now he was sorry he’d brought along backup. If he just had some time alone with her he’d—

Shit. He needed saving, from himself. Fucking Skye would be professional suicide, maybe even personal suicide. He had a feeling that once would never be enough with her.

He hit the turn signal and eased the unmarked police car toward an empty parking space. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Cia Caldwell’s tight disapproving frown. She was the newest member of the department, and as far as he knew, she’d never had any personal contact with Skye. She’d heard the stories though, and read the captain’s file.

His mistake was calling Skye from the bullpen. When he’d looked up, Detective Caldwell was standing next to his cubicle. “Rivera is going to ream you,” she’d said before the phone had even hit its cradle.

“It’ll be dark soon. They’re not going to find those kids without Skye’s help.”

Cia squared her shoulders. “I’m going with you.”

Anger shot through Rico. He didn’t need a babysitter.

A flash of sanity followed. Yeah, maybe it’d be better.

The captain was going to be pissed enough. At least this way Rivera would see it was all about finding the kids and not about finding an excuse to see Skye again.

Fuck! How could he be so hard when right now the only thing he should be thinking about was two missing kids?

Rico parked the sedan in front of Skye’s apartment complex. Caldwell had her door open before he could even turn off the engine. He grimaced and looked down at the bulge in the front of his pants. “Wait here,” he said.

Caldwell’s mutinous expression let him know what she thought of his order. But he was the senior detective and she was new.

He got out of the car, heart double-tapping and cock throbbing. Every time he saw Skye the lust that rolled through his system made him think of standing in front of a wave of molten lava.

Rico braced himself as he took the stairs up to her apartment and rang the bell. It was going to be worse this time. He knew that. Always before he’d seen her at a crime scene or the station. He’d never been alone with her in a place that might lead to something physical.

The cop in him said he was crazy to go into this situation without backup. The man said he was a fool not to try and fuck her.

When the door swung open, Rico knew he couldn’t keep denying what his body was telling him. Shit. Everything about Skye whispered of sex and dark mystery, danger. She was beautiful temptation, silver-blonde hair and jet-black lashes framing hypnotic pale blue eyes.

In that second he didn’t care whether the rumors about her were true or not. She was a fantasy. His fantasy.

Rivera had warned him off her after the last search, when the perps responsible for kidnapping a couple of kids had turned up dead. The captain had told him more as a friend than as a commanding officer that a personal relationship with Skye could be the end of his career.

Rico was a cop first. Came from a family of cops. Above everything else, that’s what he was, what he’d always wanted to be. A cop.

So he’d kept his distance. Avoided her. Until now.

Now the only thing he could think about was pressing her back into the apartment and taking her against the wall. On the floor. Eventually in the bed.

Fuck! The things he wanted to do to her, the things he wanted to let her do to him, actually shocked him.

She half-smiled and it was like a fist around his dick, the ache was so bad. “You came quick,” she said and his heart jumped at her choice of words. He wondered if she’d guessed how badly he wanted her. Fuck, he’d be lucky if he lasted one stroke before shooting his load into her.

For a minute all he could do was stare into her eyes. He thought he saw desire in them but he wasn’t sure if it was real or imagined. All his cop instincts failed him when he was around her.

He tried to focus on the reason he was here. The kids.

It helped—some. “Are you ready?” he asked.

Skye studied the raven-haired cop standing in front of her. She could feel the lust pouring off of him, could read the fantasies even without delving into his mind.

Her body craved his, had from the first moment they’d met.

It’d be so easy to get involved with him.

So easy but so dangerous.

So very, very dangerous.

She stepped out of the apartment and locked the door behind her. “Ready.”

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Read the Reviews

“Filled with dark, sexual imagery as well as submissive and menage a trois fantasies, this is a story that will leave you marked by its eroticism.”

— Sarah Paige, Romantic Times Book Club

“This is a well plotted, smooth flowing, action packed story from the first page. I could not stop reading and gave up a few hours of sleep to finish it! Can’t wait for the next installment in this series. I highly recommend this one to anyone who enjoys a well-written vampire/werewolf read. This one’s a keeper !”

— Luisa, Cupid’s Library Reviews

“THE ANGELINI – SKYE’S TRAIL is the first book in another exciting series by Jory Strong. This book was delicious and sensually erotic. The relationship and consequent friction between these three characters was spine tingling. I was riveted and could not put the book down until I had finished reading it. Ms. Strong has once again exhibited her creativity by creating an absolutely fabulous new series…If you, like me have fallen in LOVE with Ms. Strong’s wonderfully creative stories then this book is a must read, you will not be disappointed.”

— Dianne Nogueras, eCata Romance

“Skye, Rico and Gian are all terrific characters with complex personalities. It is fascinating to watch the relationship development between the three of them. The sex scenes are hotter than a whole box of firecrackers and left me searching for a glass of ice water. The supporting characters are well rounded and assist in balancing out the story. The plotline is intriguing with twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat. Ms. Strong is a talented author with a very creative imagination. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys tales of vampires and magic. SKYE’S TRAIL is the first book in THE ANGELINI series and I hope there are many more to come.”

— Susan White, Just Erotic Romance Reviews

“Once again, Jory Strong crafts a strong paranormal romance with a leading heroine who can kick some serious butt. Skye is not a woman to mess with. Her abilities, her instincts, and her need to help those in peril all make her a very admirable protagonist. Though this story has a thrilling plot and an equally thrilling romance with two alpha males, it is Skye who is the heart and soul of this story. Kudos to Ms. Strong for creating such an unforgettable story! SKYE’S TRAIL is not to be missed by fans of the paranormal genre.”

— Sarah, A Romance Review

“SKYE’S TRAIL is the first book in THE ANGELINI series and Ms. Strong has hooked this reader so much so that I can’t wait until the next book is out. From the first page until the last, you won’t be able to put this book down.”

— Donna, Fallen Angel Reviews

“SKYE’S TRAIL by Jory Strong is a mystifying story that’s jammed packed with blazing hot passion, action and adventure. This page turner had me quickly flipping page after page eagerly reading to see what will happen next within the captivating story. I applaud Ms. Strong on a brilliant job of taking me on a great erotic roller coaster ride with Skye, Rico and Gian. This three-person couple left me breathless with desire. Their sexual encounters were frequent and blazing hot! This novel is extremely erotic and definitely not for the faint of heart. If you are in the mood for a great mystery novel filled with hot sex, then this novel is just what the doctor ordered!”

— Contessa, Romance Junkies

“I was spellbound by this intensely written vibrant story by Ms. Strong. The characters are vivid and I was riveted to the story line until I reached the last page. Ms. Strong has a tremendous gift in her writing and she brings out the deepest responses from the reader. A superb piece of writing I hope to read more of in the future.”

— Laura, Enchanted In Romance

“This book was a great new type of vampire story for me. I really can say I loved this book. I could not put it down. Of course this is a great read as this author follows through with another great and hot sexual story that will knock your socks off.”

— Nicole, Enchanted In Romance

“THE ANGELINI 1: SKYE’S TRAIL starts out with a rather twisted plot. I was never quite sure how it would end. This was a bit darker than the last book I read by Ms. Strong. But it wasn’t the plot which was dark, but rather the overall tone. I found that difference rather interesting, and it fit the story incredibly well. The romance wasn’t given a lot of attention, as the mystery plot, the paranormal things Skye was discovering, and all the hot sex take center stage, but there was genuine affection and caring between the characters, and in this story, it was enough.”

“Now…back to the hot sex I mentioned. The scenes were short but packed a punch. They were decidedly on the carnal side, whether with one man or both. I think I still enjoyed the action and dark tone of the story the most. I wished there had been more, but only because a few questions went deliberately unanswered. However, I’m very glad I picked THE ANGELINI 1: SKYE’S TRAIL.”

— Dani Jacquel, Just Erotic Romance Reviews

“The sex scenes are so incredibly hot in this book, I actually had to take breaks reading this one for cold showers. Skye was such an amazingly mysterious character that I caught myself trying to read ahead to find out what was going to happen next. The men in the story were incredibly hot, so this is one to keep.”

— Sue F., Coffee Time Romance

“Ms. Strong has penned a wonderful novel of self-discovery and suspense. All of the main characters have a lot to learn and accept about themselves and each other before they will be able to accept the magic of their Bond.

“SKYE’S TRAIL will have the reader squirming in their seats from both the highly suspenseful plot and the heat that jumps of the pages between Rico, Skye and Gian… It is one of the best erotic paranormal suspense that this reviewer has read in quite a long time.”

— Shaiha, Love Romances!

“Skye, Rico, and Gian are charming characters, all with their own little quirks. The sex is sizzling, but it doesn’t overpower the suspenseful storyline that is woven throughout. All in all, SKYE’S TRAIL is a perfect way to start THE ANGELINI series, and this reviewer can’t wait for the next installment.”

— Sinclair Reid, Romance Reviews Today

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