Publisher · Loose Id Release Date · March 2006 eBook ISBN · 978-1-59632-229-5 Genre · Vampire paranormal Length · Novel Think all blood is the same? Think again. Copper has always been in her twin sister's shadow. But now her sister's been kidnapped, and only Copper can save her. Trouble is, she'll need help—from a domineering vampire who knows just how special Copper truly is. Bastian knows Copper is a rare woman, and not just because of the mind-bending passion she makes him feel. Copper is a Conduit—a rare human whose blood can magnify a vampire's powers. Now he has to protect her, claim her for his own... and somehow keep his vampire brethren from discovering her secret. Copper has what she's always wanted, to be unique and special. But being the Conduit isn't a bed of roses. She could be used by Bastian's vampire enemies for all eternity—or killed to prevent it. And how can Bastian himself resist the urge to taste blood so rare?

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5 Cups! "This story rocked! It exploded with action and to die for romance. With plenty of action, you are taken from the beginning and on the run to find Copper's sister, then you are thrown for a loop as things unfold and betrayals happen. Just when you think you have a chance to catch your breath, you are then in the fight of your life with the enemy. Heart pounding adventure, along with spicy romance, keeps you ensnared to the end. Vampire lovers do not want to miss this one."
—Wateena, Coffee Time Romance

"Conduit, this second book in the Bloodlines Series, met any and all expectations that were raised by the first book. The suspense, sexual tension, and love scenes are well-written and kept my attention from the first page to the last."
—Jo, Joyfully Reviewed

"Great mystery and scorching romance combine to create a terrific paranormal tale. Pick up your copy of CONDUIT today and see for yourself."
—Philippa Ann, Romance Reviews Today

FAR Recommended Read! "This story is as strong and powerful as the first and I am highly anticipating the third book of this series. I have to say that Mechele Armstrong's writing is only getting better and she is one author I cannot read enough of."
—Tammy, Fallen Angel Reviews

5 Magical Wands! "In truth, pretty much every character was given depth and motivation, including the baddy Evangeline, which really made some of the scenes crackle with tension."
—TeeBee, Enchanted Ramblings

3 Stars! "Copper and Bastian are strong characters who come across well in this story. The secondary characters are also engrossing and well developed."
—Cindy Himler, Romantic Times BOOKreviews Magazine

5 Hearts! "This is a fresh new creature in vampire lore. [...] I loved the characters, the story and the book."
—Karen H, The Romance Studio

4 ½ Stars! "Mechele Armstrong introduces the reader to a different kind of vampire. [...] This book is full of action and hot love scenes."
—Candy, Sensual Ecataromance

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Copyright © 2006 Mechele Armstrong

"Let me go!" She aimed a kick at his shins. He dodged it. Captured her hands before she could lift them to smack at him.

"Look, Copper." Another kick, another dodge.

"Let go."

Bastian pulled her against him. Her body slid, the contact making him moan. Such perfect breasts to suck and hold now rested against his chest. He put his thigh between her legs. The warmth surrounded him. He wanted her naked. She would arch toward him. Her hair would tickle. He rubbed his thigh across the seam of her pants.

She went slack. "Don't do this." Fear rushed off her in waves, in the scent of her sudden sweat. In the hair rising and goose pimples that erupted on her forearms. She thought he intended to take her by force.

He growled. Put reins on the beast he kept shackled most of the time. The beast that cried to claim what already belonged to it. His body shuddered with the effort. "I'm not going to rape you. I need to talk to you. But if I hold you like this... I may lose control. Promise me you won't go for the phone."

"I promise." She nodded. Every reaction triggered by her words told him she lied.

"Now promise me truthfully. If you fight me, I will not tell you anything more about your sister." He rubbed his leg against her again. The moisture that leaked almost undid him. Her arousal. Rip off her pants. Dive in with his fingers. Coat them in her scent. He groaned. "Not like this." Steadied his voice. "Promise me." He didn't want to scare her. But he'd never been closer to losing himself to his animal instincts than he was at that moment.

Copper swallowed. "OK. I promise I'll listen first."

He ran his fingertips one last time over the skin of her arms, and then released her. "Copper, some of this is going to sound ludicrous. I need for you to try and have an open mind." He took a deep breath. "I'm a vampire."

"You are crazy." Each word came in a measured clipped voice. "Listening time over."

"No. No, it's not." The letter opener sat on the end table by the couch. He picked it up and plunged it into his stomach. Reeled back from the pain.

Copper shrieked. "Oh, my god! What did you do that for?" Her eyes were wild and wide with a face full of horror.

"I've found..." He gritted against the pain, pulling out the opener. "...the more demonstrative the show is, the easier it is to get people to believe what I am."

He lifted his shirt, showing the pastel pink substance on his abdomen. She gasped. The wound had already started to knit itself and worked to do so more while they watched.

"I'm a vampire, Copper. A real one."