This Same Earth: An Elemental Vampire Fantasy Novel

Beatrice De Novo thought she had left the supernatural world behind, but when a love from the past returns to her, she’s forced to abandon her peaceful life to solve a puzzle that could change the immortal world forever. Giovanni Vecchio has returned, and this time, nothing will stop him from claiming the woman who has captured his attention and stoked the fire within his heart.

THIS SAME EARTH is the second book in the Elemental Mysteries. It is a paranormal romance and mystery by ten-time USA Today bestselling author, Elizabeth Hunter.

One

Los Angeles, California October 2009 “B?” “Hmph.” “Baby, the alarm already went off.” She looked over her shoulder at Mano, who appeared to be wearing nothing more than a lazy grin. “It went off already?” she croaked, shutting her eyes against the morning sun. He nodded. “Yep. I let you sleep in a little, but I knew you’d kick me if I let you miss work.” The morning sun streamed through the small window in the bedroom. Mano must have propped it open the night before, and she could smell the Meyer lemon tree blossoming on the patio. “Why am I so tired?” “Apparently, it was a scotch night last night,” he snickered. “I came over and let myself in, but you were already asleep.” Beatrice rolled over and blinked at her gorgeous boyfriend. “You came over and crawled in my bed looking like that, and I missed it?” “Your loss.” She groaned and burrowed into his warm chest. “Why did I drink the Laphroaig? It was not my friend last night. And I have to work late because Dr. Stevens asked me to help her close.” His low voice rumbled in her ear as she pressed her cheek to his chest. “How late? You want me to come over and cook dinner?” She sighed and rubbed her eyes. “We’ve got that group visiting from USC right now and they’ve been staying as late as she’ll let them, so… I don’t know, probably not till eight-thirty or so.” “Leaving from work? So you won’t be home till after nine.” She cuddled closer to him and reached up to brush the long, black hair out of his eyes. “Probably not. Can you come over anyway?” “I can tonight, but not tomorrow night. We’ve got a group leaving early for an all-day dive, so I’ll have to be at the boat by six.” She moved to lay kisses along his stubbled chin. “You know, we should be environmentally conscious this morning. There’s a water shortage.” “Oh yeah?” he asked with a cocked eyebrow. He pulled her closer and hooked her leg over his hip. “Shower together, huh? You up for being environmentally responsible after last night?” “Yes.” She smiled. “Are you?” Mano hugged her to his chest and rolled them out of bed before he stood and walked to the bathroom, his strong arms supporting her as she clung to him. “I’m always up for you, baby.” Beatrice giggled as he carried her to the bathroom, glancing at the bottle of scotch and the small book bound in red leather that lay on her desk in the corner. She hugged Mano closer and breathed in the scent of sun and ocean that clung to him.