Marked for Darkness

by Raven Woodward

He rested his chin on his clasped hands, observing her with animal-like awareness.

  How good you’d taste as my dessert.

  Her face flamed, but she let her smile grow as she stood up, stark naked, and slowly prowled around the table. In front of him, she could see his pupils dilating, the swirling gold devouring the deep green.

  Carefully, she pushed away the plates in front of him before scooting her rear onto the space, ignoring the cold that bit at her ass cheeks.

  Arian’s lips pulled wide in a grin that made her heart pound. She leaned back, feet resting on each of his thighs, and spread her knees.

  “Are you comfortable, Mate?” he asked, a wicked gleam in his eyes. “Because once I’ve feasted on you until you beg me to stop, I’m going to fuck you right here.”

  “And after that,” Harlow said with a syrupy-sweet voice, “I’ll lick you clean and taste you on my tongue until you roar so loudly, every creature for a hundred miles flees.”

  Arian’s growl vibrated as his mouth came down on her eager pussy.

  They were both true to their word.

  For the next day, she was insatiable. Only at Arian’s insistence did they sleep, eat and bathe. Most of the time all of those things were broken up between their desperation to pleasure each other. She found herself eager to taste his sweet blood again, even though somewhere in the back of her mind she knew that thought should horrify her. But every time her teeth raked over his neck, she was left disappointed. Her canines did not lengthen. Arian could bite her, and each time he did her orgasms were harder and lasted longer. It had Harlow offering her wrists and neck to him often, and he obliged.

  Her own personal not-vampire—her mate.

  She felt closer to him than she ever had with anyone else. Whatever resistance she had felt before was long forgotten. She was his in all things, and he was hers.

  No visions came to her in sleep, or in waking.

  Harlow could sense Arian’s anxiety building every time he looked at the raised red scars on her collarbone.

  That night after slow, sweet lovemaking, he rose from the bed and dressed.

  “I have to go ensure all preparations for tomorrow are complete. Sleep. We’ll leave in the morning.”

  After the door clicked shut, Harlow stared into the darkness, mind going a hundred miles an hour. Everything was happening so fast, it was hard to grasp that she’d be holed up on another planet while her mate prowled around entirely as a beast.

  She hoped she’d get to see her sister and nephews while they were there. Just that hope that swelled in her chest made her smile.

  I want to see Maribelle, Harlow said down the bond.

  She felt the warmth of his presence even though he was nowhere near her. I will make it happen, Mate. Now sleep.

  Smiling into the pillow, she curled up and let sleep wash over her at last.

  Harlow held hands with Arian and Olivia. The rest of the clan, Arian had explained, would join them later.

  Excitement fluttered in her belly—she’d get to see her sister soon.

  With her eyes closed, New York faded from beneath her feet. When she opened them, they were in Arian’s childhood home.

  Arian smirked as he hefted their bags over his shoulder and started down the hall. Olivia followed suit with a small smile.

  “Har?”

  The breath kicked from her lungs in a whoosh. She spun and came face-to-face with her sister. With tinted light red hair tied in a knot on top of her head and wearing a loose-fitting blue dress that buttoned all the way up, her sister looked almost exactly as she did the last time Harlow had seen her—if a little thinner.

  Her arms flew around her older sister, and tears pricked her eyes. “Oh my god, you’re okay!”

  Maribelle squeezed her back. “Of course I’m okay,” she whispered into Harlow’s hair. When they parted, she said, “I’m just glad you’re okay.” Her eyes scanned Harlow from head to toe as though ascertaining that fact.

  Harlow nodded. “I’m great.”

  Her sister’s eyes shone with emotion. “Are you really?”

  Throat thickening, she nodded. “I mean, it’s been a crazy month, but I’m okay. Arian has been great and he’s so protective—”

  Maribelle’s gaze hardened to stone. She leaned in close, grabbing Harlow’s shoulders to keep her from pulling back. “Listen, I know he’s superhuman attractive, but you need to keep your distance from him. I don’t care if he hands you a million dollars; he’s a bad guy, Har.”

  Harlow’s smile faded. She shook her head. “It’s too late for any of that, Mary. I care about him, and he cares about me too.”

  Her sister sighed before rubbing her temples as though Harlow exhausted her. “Look, I’ll admit I don’t know the whole picture, only what he’s deigned to tell me. But that guy started sniffing around you when you were just a kid. And he doesn’t look a day older.” She lowered her voice to a hiss. “That’s unnatural!”

  Harlow fought the urge to giggle, and nodded. “I promise I’ll explain everything to you some other time, but I don’t want to waste another moment with you. Tell me everything. How are my nephews, how’s Robert?”

  Maribelle gave a reluctant smile as she pressed a hand to the small bump forming on her stomach. “Well I’m pregnant again, so there’s that.”

  Harlow squealed with delight as she threw her arms around her sister again. They laughed, and Harlow felt a flicker of powerful emotion down the bond.

  Thank you, she replied.

  You’re welcome, Arian answered.

  They spent the next several hours talking and sipping the iced tea Arian had left out. As well as eating scones from a basket on the coffee table with a delightful greenish jam that tasted like a cross between raspberry and kiwifruit. At some point, Olivia had materialized, joining them on the couch. Maribelle’s obvious mistrust soon faded as anyone’s would after spending only a few minutes in the charismatic woman’s company.

  Soon, the three of them were laughing and discussing everything from fashion to men, and Harlow’s entire face felt as though it’d burst into flames when Olivia mentioned Arian. Maribelle had smiled and congratulated her, but still she felt her sister’s reservations.

  With enough time, Harlow hoped that would fade. That she’d come to adore Arian as much as Harlow did.

  “When do you have to get back to Robert and the boys?”

  Maribelle sighed, clutching her empty glass with both hands as she stared down at her lap. “Soon, I imagine. I hate to leave them for any length of time.”

  “I’ll actually be escorting you back,” Olivia said with a smile. “I’m next on the watch roster.”

  Harlow’s eyes widened. “What about the—” She cast a nervous glance at her sister. Maribelle clearly didn’t know about the curse. All the talk of bloodlust and how their beast became mindless, slaughtering everything they came into contact with, filled Harlow with more than a little foreboding. Would her sister be left defenseless?

  Olivia smiled wryly. “The trip I have to take? Don’t worry, Har, someone I trust greatly will be there to keep them safe.” She sent Maribelle a reassuring glance. “And I’ll only be gone a few days. Have to visit my parents. I haven’t seen them in years.”

  Maribelle nodded her understanding before looking to Harlow. “You’ll come visit me, won’t you?”

  Harlow nodded vigorously. “I swear I will.”

  Swallowing hard, Maribelle wrapped her in another hug. “I miss you,” she whispered.

  Tears stung Harlow’s eyes. “I miss you to the sun and past the stars.”

  A choked sob came from her sister at the phrase. Their parents used to say “I love you to the sun and past the stars” every night before bed.

  They held each other, and suddenly Harlow wished she didn’t have to go.

  Arian materialized from the open corridor, watching silently.

  They should stay with us. Please?

&nbs
p; He inclined his head. Once we’re back in New York we’ll bring them to stay with us.

  She smiled before giving her sister another squeeze and letting her rise to her feet.

  Olivia rested her hand on Harlow’s leg. “I’ll make sure they all stay safe.”

  Harlow nodded, wiping away each tear as it fell.

  She and Maribelle walked to the door, embracing one last time before her sister followed Olivia out.

  Sadness buried itself deep in Harlow’s chest just as Arian came up behind her and wrapped an arm around her waist.

  “It’s nearly time.”

  She nodded, turning to face him. “What do you need?”

  “Just knowing you’re near is plenty.” He pressed a kiss to her healing mark and the two perfect teeth marks on her neck.

  Her eyes slid to his shoulder. Beneath his navy T-shirt was her Mark, fully healed but still visible. She smiled and he followed suit.

  “I want you to reinforce the wards around the house as soon as I leave. Check them regularly in case they weaken or fade. And before you go to sleep, ensure all the windows and doors are locked. Don’t answer for anyone.”

  “I know.” She lifted herself up on tip-toes and pressed a kiss to his scowling lips. “I’ll see you in three days.”

  “There’s plenty of food and there’s books. All your painting supplies were brought over, and you know how to run everything in the theater.”

  She wrinkled her nose. “You sound like a mother.”

  He nipped at her nose, then smiled, though it looked forced. “I’m just trying to make sure you won’t need anything. Three days all by yourself can get lonely.”

  “Don’t worry about me,” she said. Reluctantly, she pushed on his chest. “Go. I’ll be fine.”

  His Adam’s apple bobbed. “I have no choice but to trust those words.” At his sides, his fists clenched. “I’m not anticipating Oricus to show up, but even if he does, do not leave this house. You’re safe inside, and no matter what happens to me, just know that I’ll be fine.”

  She nodded, suddenly feeling a cord of dread unspool in her chest.

  His eyes flashed gold and he grabbed her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze. “Promise me you will not leave this house.”

  She hesitated for only a moment. Then she said, “I promise.”

  Harlow

  From the window she watched the clan begin to arrive. They talked for a few minutes, laughing and looking carefree—as if they weren’t all about to be trapped as bloodthirsty beasts for the next few days—before they began to undress. Arian was last to shed his clothing. She tried not to purr at the sight of his naked form, but she still must have, because she heard Arian chuckle through the bond.

  Once I turn, I won’t be able to communicate as well. I’ll be a little disorientated, but I’m pretty sure you’ll be able to feel some of my emotions.

  Okay. She paused, a set of words loaded in her mind, but at the last minute she chickened out. Be safe.

  You too.

  She’d almost said the three words she’d been wanting to say for several days, but every time she got close, she stopped herself. It wasn’t whether or not she loved him that was the question; it was whether or not she was ready to vocalize that feeling.

  Before she could dredge up the courage to say it, each of the men began to turn. The process looked painful and maybe a little terrifying. The way their bodies were thrown forward, trembling violently, their spines rounding and lengthening, then fur sprouting from every inch of their skin.

  When at last it was finished, Arian’s massive head swiveled, his golden gaze fixed on the window. Though he couldn’t see her, she could see him.

  A vibration of protectiveness ricocheted down the bond.

  Safe, she sent back.

  The beast seemed to visibly relax before they all started sprinting away, toward the tree line.

  With a sigh, she headed to the kitchen to fix herself a proper lunch. Without Arian or Maribelle or even Olivia to keep her company, already she felt the weight of loneliness beginning to settle on her.

  She carried her sandwich and bag of pre-popped popcorn to the theater, where she selected Breakfast at Tiffany’s from the extensive list of titles.

  The distraction worked for a while, but every so often she’d catch the briefest flicker of emotion that wasn’t hers. It was difficult to lose herself in one of her all-time favorite films when her mate was somewhere outside the walls doing who knows what.

  When the film finished, she searched through more movies and TV shows until she settled on one without looking. She was able to relax a bit more and even found herself enjoying episode after episode, stopping only to refill her popcorn and grab another beverage from the counter in the back of the theater.

  She mixed something that looked like rum into her soda as the main female character argued with her rich, judgmental, high-brow mother. Sitting back into the plush sofa, she sipped the fizzy drink. The burn of alcohol scorched her throat and she coughed, eyes watering.

  After a few more sips, her body had warmed from the strength of the liquor, and she felt her eyelids beginning to droop.

  She wasn’t sure what time it was, but she knew it was late. Forcing herself to turn off the show she’d been bingeing, she carried herself up to the room she and Arian shared. She tried not to linger at the window for a glimpse of a black beast. But all was still. Not a creature in sight.

  The bed was sprinkled with blood-red rose petals and Harlow smiled as she fell onto the mattress, their fragrance carrying her to sleep.

  She awoke to a thunderous boom that shook the house. She sat up, bleary-eyed, and struggled to see in the dark room. Another boom rattled the frames on the walls. As though something was pounding against the house.

  Arian!

  Her heart shot up in her throat as she tore off the duvet and leapt from bed. Running in nothing but her underwear, she tore through the dark until she reached the living room. Sunlight streamed in, despite the fact that Harlow knew it was still night. A glimmering light wrapped around the window, causing her to jump. It boomed as the floor trembled.

  Harlow’s blood chilled.

  It was magic.

  A surge of her own rose inside her, unbidden. She clenched her fists as they filled with tongues of cobalt blue and fiery orange.

  She scanned the grounds for Arian, thankful that whatever was outside could not see in through the wall of glass. To her left, she saw the darker part of the forest sway. The part that Arian had disappeared into. The rich green foliage shook, and she felt it beneath her feet.

  Something thundered close.

  A bang exploded on the glass directly in front of Harlow. She screamed as the ripple of light shot out in all directions. The glass was unaffected, but for how much longer, she wasn’t sure.

  There was no denying it now: they were under attack. She searched the forest again, hoping to see Arian.

  Her heart thundered wildly. She pressed her palm to the glass, letting her breath play across it as she leaned closer.

  A mighty, ear-splitting roar rent the eerily golden night.

  She leapt back with a small shriek as another explosion hit the wards, but still she couldn’t see who was trying to break through them.

  Arian, she screamed down the bond.

  Anger. No, fury.

  Kill.

  Protect.

  Her mouth fell open and tears pricked her eyes as several trees were ripped from the ground and thrown out into the open field. Two—no, four massive beasts tumbled out. Paws swiped and jaws clamped down on one beast that was heart-stoppingly familiar.

  Arian.

  She had to do something. Lure them away from him, distract them—or they would tear him apart before her eyes. To hell with her promise. She couldn’t watch this. Harlow started for the door in a rush, only vaguely remembering that she was barefoot and half naked. It didn’t matter.

 
Arian was in danger.

  Her mate.

  Another bang hit the walls, then another, and another. It shook the house. The attacks were more concentrated and faster. She felt the wards beginning to fray as though they were a part of her. The glass groaned and squealed as a small crack appeared in it. It spread slowly, eerie fingers reaching for her.

  She grabbed a long cardigan that was tossed over the back of the couch—Arian had taken it off her as they’d kissed before he left. Barely taking the time to shove her arms into the sleeves and tie it around her middle, she sprinted for the door. Another barrage rained down on the house, more violent and unrelenting than the last. Fear, thick and suffocating filled her throat.

  She knew who was outside the door. Knew that he was luring her outside, but she didn’t care. Her mate was in trouble and she had to help. The wards wouldn’t hold up forever either. She’d be easy prey if she didn’t try to fight.

  She lifted her hands, palms glowing a deep blue as she tried to reinforce the wards. Skidding to a stop outside the door, she reached for the handle. A loud crack sent her flying back, the air knocked from her lungs when she hit the floor.

  Arian!

  This time, no reply came.

  Harlow scrambled to her feet and tore the door open. The scene that unfolded before her stole the breath from her lungs. Less than a hundred meters from the house, snarls and growls rumbled like an engine. Arian was fighting off five beasts by himself, somehow.

  There wasn’t a lithe, matte grey beast, however.

  Wherever Oricus was, she couldn’t see him.

  All around Arian, chaos ensued as clusters of battling creatures filled the open space. She could sense Arian’s fatigue through their bond as well as from the way his chest heaved. He hadn’t seen her yet. No one had.

  Another beast clamped its jaw on the furry back of Arian’s neck. He howled in pain, and Harlow’s heart felt as though it would shatter from the wretched sound.

  Without thinking, she sprinted off the porch.

  “I’m right here!” she screamed, waving her arms. “Come get me!”

  All six beasts snapped their attention to her. Six pairs of glowing, furious eyes.