The Relic Broker by B.A. Stretke

Some treasures are worth dying for.

For nearly a century and a half, vampire guard Cal has waited patiently for Fate to deliver his beloved. Standing watch at the gates of Coven DuCane is usually a predictable duty. But peace shatters when a terrified stranger runs headlong toward the gates, clutching a hidden package and screaming for help. The fierce, undeniable need to protect swamps Cal instantly. One look at the frantic human, and Cal knows: this chaotic, beautiful man is his fated beloved.

Twenty-four-year-old Tarek Azar is a Relic Broker—a solitary, dangerous profession where trust is scarce. When a retrieval job unearths an ancient tome pulsing with dark, acrid energy, Tarek realizes his clients are a ruthless kindred of witches with forbidden plans. Tarek makes a desperate gamble and flees to Coven DuCane, hoping their formidable Master can lock the relic away. He expected a fight for his life. He never expected to crash straight into the arms of a fiercely devoted vampire who claims him as his own.

As an intense, irresistible bond ignites between them, Tarek finally finds the safety and belonging he’s craved his entire adult life, but the witches haven’t given up their prize. With an ancient evil whispering from the pages of the tome and a relentless enemy plotting their next move, Tarek must learn to trust his new protector before the darkness catches up to them both.

A steamy, high-stakes paranormal romance featuring a devoted vampire guard, a brave human who bites off more than he can chew, and a fated bond strong enough to defy the darkest magic.