INSATIABLE BREATH OF DARKNESS

by Candice Stauffer

“We begin again.”

  “That’s right.” He placed his hand on Gabe’s shoulder. “We begin again.”

  ****

  Hanna walked over to the window. The view was absolutely amazing. She looked down at the street. Cars and people were coming and going. So many people had no idea how dark and dangerous the world was and has always been. They didn’t know about the monsters secretly living all around them.

  You’re upset, babe. Despite his physical absence, she felt his arm wrap around her from behind and pull her close. She closed her eyes and breathed in his addictive scent. Do you need me?

  No. I’m fine, Adam. I know you need to take care of some business.

  Nothing is more important than you. If you need me, if you want me, I can come back to the suite.

  She laughed. I will always need and want you, but I am fine. I was just planning to take a shower.

  Say no more. I’ll be right there to lather you up.

  What makes you think you’re welcome to join me? I didn’t say anything about taking a shower with you.

  I’m an optimist.

  I’m showering alone.

  You’re never alone. I am always with you, babe. She felt his body hot and hard against her back side and the warmth of his breath on her ear, and then his teeth nipping, moving from her ear to her jaw and then down her neck to her shoulder.

  You’re driving me nuts, Adam. Go take care of your business.

  Only if you promise to miss me.

  I already miss you.

  And I miss you.

  ****

  Larissa knew something was wrong. She clearly remembered planning to go to the locker room to check out the damage and go for a swim. She remembered hoping to entice Gabe to go with her. She had a vague memory of being in the elevator with Gabe. She had an even vaguer memory of being in the pool with him, kissing him, feeling his body against hers. But she didn’t have any memory of leaving the pool and returning to her room. It was as if she’d blacked out.

  She picked up her phone to call Gabe and question him. But then, remembering the pool was under constant video surveillance, she put her phone down on her desk and logged onto her computer. Within seconds, she was watching them in the pool. All at once, her memory returned. She remembered every kiss. Every touch. Every desire. Every sensation. She remembered inviting him to her room.

  In disbelief, in shock, she watched as a blueish white flame surrounded them and swallowed them up. They were gone. They flame was gone. The pool was empty.

  She picked her phone up and called Joseph.

  “Good morning, Larissa.”

  “I need to meet with you, Joseph.”

  “Problems?”

  “No. I need to take a few weeks off.”

  “Is this about what happened in the locker room?”

  “Among other things.”

  “If you’re in trouble, I…”

  “I just want to get away. I need some personal time.”

  “That’s fine. Take all the time you need. Does Gabe plan to tag along with you?”

  “What the hell are you talking about? Why would he go anywhere with me?”

  “I’m just asking. I sort of got the impression that you had something going on with him.”

  “He’s a friend. That’s all. Nothing more.”

  “Does he know you’re leaving?”

  “Is there a reason I need to inform him about what I am doing?”

  “No. I was just wondering.”

  “And you’d better not tell him.” She paused. “I have hired a young woman from the shelter. I’ve place her in a permanent room. I’m working out a schedule for her to get back into school. Can you keep an eye out for her while I’m gone?”

  “Sure thing.”

  “She’s important to me.”

  “I got it. You can trust me.”

  “She’s pregnant. She has a restraining order against the father of her baby. He’s trouble. He has been extremely violent with her.”

  “I’ll take good care of her. Just leave a file on my desk with all the information.”

  “I actually want to introduce her to you before I leave. She’s a bit timid. I don’t want her to feel uncomfortable around you.”

  “What time?”

  “I’m heading to her room right now. I’ll bring her up to your office in a few minutes.”

  “Sounds great.”

  “Thanks, Joseph. Someone is at the door. I’ll see you in a few minutes.” She hesitated by the door for a second, hoping like hell it wasn’t Gabe. She wasn’t ready to deal with him. She wasn’t sure if she would ever be ready. Holding her breath, she opened her door. “Oh, good morning, Anne. I was just planning to head to your room.”

  “Good morning.”

  “Walk with me.” She motioned for her to follow. “After I take you to the doctor’s appointment today, I’m taking some personal time off and heading out of town. I’ll be gone for two weeks, but I don’t want you to worry about anything. You’ll be safe here.”

  “It feels safe here.”

  “That’s wonderful. I am taking you to meet my partner, Joseph Payne. You can go to him for anything while I’m away. He’s a very good man. He’s more than a partner to me. He’s like a brother. I don’t want you to worry about going to him. And, just in case you need or want to talk to me, I’ll leave you with my phone number. You can call me anytime.”

  “I don’t know how to thank you for all you’re doing for me.”

  “You don’t need to thank me.” Larissa turned to face Anne. “I’ve been where you’re at. Like I said, we all have our starting points. This is yours. And I truly believe in you. You’re going to be fine here.”

  Larissa led Anne into Joseph’s office. “Hello, Joseph. Do you have a minute or two?”

  “I sure do.” He got up from his desk and walked over to them.

  She handed him a large file. He set it on his desk.

  “This is Anne Lockhart. She’s going to be staying here. We’re working on a schedule for her.”

  Joseph held out his hand. “It’s nice to meet you, Anne.”

  She took his hand. “It’s good to meet you. Mr. Payne.”

  “Joseph is fine.”

  She nodded.

  Mia walked in. “I’m sorry.” Joseph, as always, was instantly at her side with his arm around her. “I’ll come back later.”

  Larissa turned to Mia. “Actually, I was going to ask if you plan to go to your boutique today.”

  “I’m heading there now.”

  “I wanted to send Anne in today to get a few things.”

  “What about now?” Mia smiled at Anne. “You can walk over with me.”

  “I don’t…”

  “I’m giving her an advance.” Larissa handed Mia a credit card. “Do you mind charging whatever she wants to purchase on my card?”

  Mia laughed. “I have a habit of losing things. You don’t want to send me off with your card.”

  “It’s true. She loses everything.” Joseph laughed.

  “Stop it.” Mia elbowed him. “We’ll square up later, Larissa.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “It’s no problem.” Mia motioned for Anne to follow her to the door. “Let’s go shopping.”

  After they left, Larissa pointed at the file. “Everything is in there. You might want to let Mia know about her ex-boyfriend. He’s no good. I’m sure he’s looking for her.”

  “I’ll call her. And don’t worry, we’ll keep an eye on her while you’re away.”

  “Thank you, Joseph. I know you will. And try not to burn the hotel down while I am gone.”

  He laughed. “I will work really hard at making sure it is still standing when you return from your vacation. When are you leaving?”

  “In the morning.”

  “Give me a call if you need anything while your away.”

  “Will do. And thanks again for looking out for her.”

  “You’re welcome. I am happy to help. I
t’s good for the soul.”

  “I agree,” she said, turning to leave and finding Gabe and Adam standing in the doorway. “Excuse me.” She walked past them and out the door.

  “Larissa,” Gabe said from behind.

  She kept walking away as if she didn’t hear him.

  He grabbed her arm and spun her around. “You’re leaving town?”

  “No. I’m not really going anywhere. I’m just taking some personal time off.”

  “I need to talk to you.”

  “I’m sorry, Gabe. I don’t have time to talk right now. Can we get together later?”

  She sensed his heart beating too fast, hers jumped as if trying to join his. Despite telling herself it was a trick of her imagination, she knew it really happened.

  “Is something bothering you?”

  She gave him what she hoped was a convincing smile. “I just have a hundred things to do this morning.” Without thought, she moved closer to him, placing her palm on his chest over his heart.

  He placed one hand over hers and wrapped his other arm around her. “I know you’re upset, Larissa.” He frowned, looking at her as if searching for something. “When can we get together to talk?”

  She licked her suddenly dry lips. “Later this evening.”

  “I know your planning to leave. You’re running from me, from us.” He bent his head, brushed his lips over hers. “Run if you must, but I will follow you. I will find you.”

  “Why?” She shook her head. “Never mind. I really need to get back to work.” She pushed herself out of his arms. The loss of his touch, his warmth hit her hard, nearly causing her to double over. “What have you done to me?”

  “What are you talking about?” he asked.

  “This isn’t me. This isn’t me, Gabe. What I feel for you is too…” she trailed off.

  “Let’s go away.”

  “Where?”

  “Anywhere.”

  “No. I can’t do this. Not with you. You made me believe in more. More doesn’t exist. I am ending this before it’s too late.”

  “We need to talk.”

  “About last night?”

  “About us.”

  “Not now.” She was a wreck. How did she let herself fall in love with him? It was insane. She was insane. Nothing would ever be the same. She’d allowed herself to need him. She didn’t want to leave him. She wanted to be with him. And that was sick. How could she still want him after he took her memory away? He didn’t want her to remember being intimate with him. That hurt. Really hurt. It cut too damn deep.

  “I love you, Larissa. I never meant to hurt you.”

  “Love?” She shook her head. “How the hell do you love someone you don’t know. I was wrong to blame you. You didn’t do this to me. I did it to myself. I let myself get carried away.”

  “You’re panicking.”

  “No. I’ve come to my senses.” She turned and walked away from him.

  She felt him watching her. She got onto the elevator and took one last look at him as he stood alone in the hall. His pain. Her pain. She felt it all. She’d never felt so alone. She knew he felt the same. When the door closed, she started to cry.

  He didn’t love her. He couldn’t. If he loved her he would’ve stayed with her. He wouldn’t have wanted her to forget his kiss, his touch. He wouldn’t have wanted her to forget the fire that spread between them. The desire. The ache. The need. He regretted it. Why else had he opted to take her memory and leave her?

  She’d wanted to spend the night with him. She’d been unable to think of much of anything other than him since the night they met. It was only days ago, but it felt like an eternity.

  Maybe he was scared of commitment. Not that she’d expected it. Or maybe it was something deeper. No. It wasn’t a fear of commitment. He feared losing his life. A life he’d lived for a long time. A life of danger. He told her he’d never given the danger a second thought until he met her. He’d chosen a life a danger. He didn’t want her enough to walk away from it, but he cared too much to place her in a life of danger.

  ~ EIGHTTEEN ~

  Folding his arms behind his head, Joseph leaned back in his chair and put his feet on his desk. “Looks like Sparky got himself into trouble with Larissa.”

  “What are you talking about?”

  “She’s fixing to take off and leave him behind.”

  “Why?”

  “Beats the hell out of me. She wouldn’t say. You’ll have to ask him. But first tell me what the hell happened yesterday. Why were your heathens dragging Hanna across the street?”

  “I’m sorting it out.”

  “Killing them.”

  “It needs to be done.”

  “How many in all?”

  “Half a dozen so far.”

  “Are they associated with Evolved?”

  “No.”

  “Kazimir?”

  “Not all. Apparently, a few felt I failed to understand their usefulness to me.”

  “Were they trying to prove it by harassing your mate?”

  “They didn’t plan to get caught.”

  “You surround yourself with some of the shadiest as fuck individuals I’ve ever encountered.”

  “I’m weeding the shady ones out.”

  “Gabe has taken an interest in Larissa.”

  “He’s looking out for her. You don’t need to worry about his intentions.”

  “I’m not worried about his intentions anymore. Believe it or not, I actually like him. With everything going on it’s a relief to know he’s looking out for her. Until we take Kazimir out I would appreciate it if you would encourage him to continue to protect her. I don’t want her to take off alone for a few weeks right now.”

  “You don’t need to worry about her taking off on her own. He’ll follow her. He knows she has been targeted and he feels responsible for it.”

  “I think there’s more to it.”

  Adam decided he didn’t want to discuss the possibility of Larissa being Gabe’s mate with him. He was pretty damn sure she was his mate, but he didn’t want to start an argument with Joseph over it. “You know how his mother died. He will always rise to defend the defenseless.”

  “When I warned him that she was under my protection, he made it clear that she was under his protection. He basically told me to fuck off.”

  “That doesn’t sound like him. He’s protective but he wouldn’t make such a strong declaration. I’ll talk to him.”

  “No. Let it be.”

  “We need to draw Kazimir out.”

  “He will show up.”

  “I don’t want to wait for the son of a bitch to show up.”

  “We’ll be ready when he does.”

  “I want you to make damn sure you have the shady fucks weeded out from your heathens before he strikes again.”

  “We’re good now. No one left would dare to use Kazimir to fuck with me.”

  “You better hope you’re right.”

  “I know what I’m doing.”

  “Isn’t Hanna in your suite?”

  “Yeah.” Adam turned away from the window to face him. “Why?”

  Joseph sat up straight, motioning for Adam to come behind the desk. “I don’t think we need to wait anymore. Take a look at this guy. Is he one of your misfits?”

  Adam stared at the man on the computer screen. “No. That’s Robert. The little prick is a watcher for Evolved.”

  “A what?”

  “A watcher.”

  “You encountered him before?”

  “He showed up at the shelter. He had something to do with the bomb.”

  “He had a face to face with you after trying to blow your mate up and he’s still breathing? I thought you knew what the hell you’re doing.”

  “He was supposed to get a message to Evolved. Hanna called him a human watcher, but he’s not fully human. I’m not really sure what’s in him.”

  “You must’ve been on your best behavior since he’s showing up here after having a cha
t with you. He has walked past your room a few times. He’s either waiting for her to leave or trying to come with a plan to get in the room.” Joseph stood up. “I guess I’d better get rid of him.”

  “What the fuck are you doing?” Adam picked up his suit jacket from the chair and put it on. “Sit your ass back down and play with your computer. She’s my responsibility. I’ll take care of him.”

  “No killing humans, no matter how shady, in or around my hotel.”

  “He’s not fully human.”

  “Bring him to my office for some quality time.”

  “He’s a threat to her.”

  “So?”

  “I will kill him.”

  “That’s fine. But you’ll wait until you bring him to my office or take his ass off my property. And you’re not taking him anywhere until I’ve questioned him.”

  “Why?”

  “He shouldn’t be able to sneak past my safeguards.”

  “I suppose that’s an acceptable arrangement.”

  “And you’ll have to take the elevator. No shifting in the halls right now.”

  “Stop nagging. I know your rules.”

  “I know you break them.”

  “Only when it’s unavoidable.”

  He walked out the office and made his way down the hall. Once in the elevator, he looked at his reflection in the mirrored door. He adjusted his tie and jacket and then fixed his hair a bit.

  That’s cute. You’re getting all pretty for Robert.

  You’re an asshole, Joseph.

  You need to call off Gabe. He’s spooking him.

  Adam reached for the link he shared with Gabe. Back off a bit but stay close. I want to question him. I’m heading back to the suite now.

  Back off what?

  Are you near my suite?

  No.

  Get there. Now. Be careful. You have a double.

  I’m on my way. And you be careful. Don’t fuck up and kill me.

  It’s not Gabe. Adam explained to Joseph.

  It’s a damn good illusion. Too good. It has to be the same demon that led Hanna out. Joseph replied. He’s definitely acting like Erebus.

  He’s using Robert to draw me out.

  I’m coming up. He just vanished. Joseph said.

  Shifted?

  That’s what it looked like. And your watcher Robert is still in the building. He’s heading toward the stairs. Joseph explained.