Splendor and Darkness

by Cyndi Friberg

  “Are you always such a vixen?” He straightened, a smile curving his lips.

  “You have no idea.” She tugged against the belt. It held firm.

  “Would you really kill to protect your children?” Mockery left his tone. He sounded merely curious.

  “I aimed for your shoulder, not your heart. But the answer to your question is aye. I will do anything to protect my children.”

  “Anything?” He grinned.

  Her heart leapt within her breast, and heat erupted between her thighs. What was wrong with her? “Only a bastard would suggest—”

  “I made no suggestion.” His eyes widened with feigned innocence. “If you’re in need of fulfillment, I’d be happy to oblige, but I don’t barter my favors.”

  “You flatter yourself.” She averted her face.

  “Do I?” He moved closer, turning her face until their gazes locked. “I wasn’t satisfied with the outcome of our last meeting.”

  “How unfortunate for you.”

  He brushed her lower lip with his thumb, his gaze lowered to her mouth. “Did your conversation with Nate displease you?”

  She gasped. “Were you spying on us?”

  “You were gathering your clothing.” He nodded toward the mound behind her on the bed. “That generally indicates some level of discontent.”

  He used her attraction with ruthless skill, distracting her, diverting her focus. It had been many long months since she’d been…satisfied.

  It doesn’t matter! I have to get Will and Anna to safety. Something is wrong with these people. He continued to touch her, featherlight caresses against her cheek, down her neck, across the upper swell of her breasts.

  “We mean you no harm.” Sincerity deepened his tone, made her want to believe him. “You are safer here in the castle. Promise me you will not flee.”

  Seduction, temptation—they were his weapons and he wielded them masterfully. “How can I trust you over my own instincts? You have me tied to the bed.”

  He shrugged, his smile turning roguish. “I only bound your hands after you threw a knife at me.”

  “Untie me now. I’ve no more knives to throw.”

  “There’s only one way to be certain.” Starting at her shoulders, he ran his hands down her arms.

  “Stop it. You’re just…”

  His mouth hovered over hers. “Just what?” He loosened the laces of her gown, revealing her chemise. “My life could be at risk. Look at this deep, dark valley. Who’s to say what’s hiding here.”

  Judith closed her eyes as his fingers traced the neckline of her chemise. Her nipples gathered against the thin fabric, begging for attention. Her treacherous flesh ached and released a liquid welcome in anticipation of his entry.

  He slipped his hand inside her chemise and cupped her, stroking her nipple before moving to her other breast. “Many hidden treasures, but nothing sharp.” He rolled her nipple, pinched and tugged. “There’s something hard and pointed, but it doesn’t feel like a knife.”

  She released her breath in a ragged hiss. “Stop toying with me!”

  “Does that mean stop touching you or stop teasing you?”

  “Untie me.” She gritted out the words between clenched teeth, opening her eyes to glare at him.

  “I always err on the side of caution.” He tugged the lace free and tossed it aside, folding back the front her gown. “These deserve a closer look.”

  Her chemise still covered her breasts, her nipples erect against the thin material. Bending toward her, he sucked right through the cloth barrier. Judith fought back a moan. Warm, wet, evocative, his mouth drew upon her, demanding a response she didn’t want to surrender.

  “Lovely.” He breathed against the clingy material, sending shivers down her spine. His fingers rolled her nipple as he moved his mouth to her other breast. He licked and sucked, tugged and pinched. Catching her nipple between his teeth, he flicked the very tip with his tongue.

  She pressed her thighs together, determined to ignore the demand throbbing between. The pressure intensified. Moisture seeped onto her inner thighs. Mortified, Judith twisted, dragging her nipple from his mouth. “Leave off and turn me loose.”

  “But I haven’t finished my search.” He knelt before her, his dark eyes gleaming, a smile curving the corners of his mouth.

  His hands slid along her calves, first one and then the other. Judith squirmed. If he touched between her legs, he’d know how much she wanted him. “Please!” The word escaped on a panicked sob. “Don’t humiliate me like this.”

  He paused, his hands just above her knees. “You’re not humiliated.” All playfulness left his tone. “If you really want me to stop, I will, but be honest with yourself.”

  In her mind she told him to stop. She told him she didn’t want him. But the only sound that passed her lips was a breathless moan. He continued his ascent, caressing and squeezing. His fingers brushed her upper thighs and her legs parted of their own volition.

  Ignoring the silent invitation, he explored her hips and her rounded behind. He traced the crease between her bottom cheeks and Judith gasped.

  “I’ve always found it amusing that women wear so many layers of clothing, yet leave themselves completely vulnerable.”

  “Do you enjoy making others feel vulnerable?”

  “Say the word and I’ll stop.” His voice was tight with challenge, but longing gleamed in his eyes.

  He cupped her ass with both hands, his long fingers exploring. Judith arched away from his questing touch, which only brought her body closer to his face. Grinning, he pressed his nose against the apex of her thighs and inhaled her scent. All the while his fingers squeezed, slid, teased.

  Trailing his fingers down the back of her legs, Daniel gathered her skirts and bunched the heavy material about her waist. He kissed her gently rounded belly and she trembled. His lips trailed from one hip to the other then descended to the juncture of her thighs.

  Her core contracted, protesting its emptiness. Judith bit her bottom lip to keep from crying out. She needed him there, filling her, moving over and in her. Using just his tongue, he delved between her folds, circling and flicking her nub.

  She rested her head against the bedpost. Stars above, it felt so good. He moved one of his hands between her thighs and pushed two fingers into her throbbing passage.

  “Aye, oh aye!” She rocked her hips, taking his fingers deeper. He thrust twice then stopped, his fingers still buried inside her. She groaned, needing his touch, desperate for release.

  Judith bit back a scream. Tension gripped her abdomen and her head spun. She clutched the bedpost, grateful for the support. He flicked his tongue against her, pushing deeper. His fingers filled her core and his tongue…oh his tongue! Her inner muscles squeezed greedily as pleasure spiraled up her spine.

  Melting, soaring, she felt boneless and exhilarated. Her inner muscles contracted in rhythmic waves. Her body shook as spasm after spasm washed over her.

  He continued his tender caresses until the last echo of pleasure passed. Then he lowered her skirt and stood. He rubbed his chest against her sensitized breasts as he untied her arms. His hands lingered on her waist, his big body close. She clutched her gown together over her breasts, unable to meet his gaze.

  “Judith.”

  She took a deep breath and dragged her gaze to his. “I have two children to think about. I can’t…share my favors indiscriminately.”

  “Has anyone touched you since the tragedy?”

  “Just you.”

  “That’s pretty damn discriminating.”

  “That’s not the point.”

  He curved his thumb and forefinger around her chin and looked deep into her eyes. “I didn’t come here to seduce you. Still, I refuse to regret what just happened.” His smile sent fresh tingles speeding through her body. “I will do everything in my power to protect you and your children, but you must not leave the castle compound.”

  Unable to speak around the lump in her throat, Judith m
erely nodded.

  * * * * *

  Enos stared at his handiwork, his smile growing broader as his ravenous gaze swept Tess’ lithe body. With Byleth’s vibrant energy augmenting his own, he’d been unable to suppress his true nature. As Tess opened the door to her cottage, her eyes had widened with horror. Enos had cast her into a deep sleep before the first scream passed her lips.

  Tearing her garments from her body, he’d bound her to the bed. It had pained him to gag her. He would have relished each plea for mercy, savored each scream, but she lived in the village proper. He couldn’t risk a concerned neighbor responding to her cries.

  He had “fornicated” with her all night. Makatiel’s word made Enos grin. Only this time, Tess had been aware of what fornicated with her. Repulsed and terrified, she’d writhed and struggled until her wrists and ankles bruised. It had never been so sweet!

  Tess murmured something behind her gag, and Enos looked at her tear-streaked face. A curious flash of blue ignited within her wide, dark brown eyes. Had his little fledgling finally arrived?

  “What’s your name?”

  Distorted and muffled by the gag, her response was barely comprehensible. He lowered the scrap of cloth binding her mouth, hovering over her in case she screamed.

  “If you’d told me what you planned, I wouldn’t have fought you in the forest.” It was Tess’ voice, but obviously Byleth had taken control.

  Relaxing with a smile, he sat beside her on the bed. He didn’t release her. He wasn’t finished with her yet. “You would have fought. Every living creature resists being devoured. It’s inevitable.”

  “You intentionally terrified me. You enjoy the conquest.”

  He chuckled. “Don’t let my manners fool you, Byleth. I am a demon. How are you feeling?”

  “Exhausted.”

  She would feel far worse once she realized the full import of what he’d done. She was bonded with her human host, destined to perish when the human died.

  “Sleep then.” He brushed a stray lock of hair from her damp cheek. “We’ve plenty of time to test your control. I sent a message to the castle saying you’d been beset by a nasty ailment of the bowels.”

  “How charming.” She relaxed in her bonds, unconcerned by her nudity or her utter helplessness. Her eyes drifted shut then flew open. “Tess can’t read or write. How did you send a message?”

  “I spotted Hamill, Nate’s squire, leaving the blacksmith’s shop and asked him to tell Lady Judith that you were feeling poorly.”

  “All right.”

  “This will give you several days to regain your strength and increase your control before you approach the angelic guard.”

  She merely nodded, already half asleep.

  Chapter Six

  “Do you need a demonstration or have you been able to accept what I’ve told you so far?”

  Daniel’s gaze moved from Lailah to Judith and back. Judith had been subtly antagonistic ever since Lailah had begun her explanation nearly an hour before. Lailah sat in a chair on his right, the humans across the table from them. Nate had suggested they retire to the counting room as servants milled about, preparing for the day. Dank and windowless, the private chamber was tucked in the back corner of the great hall. Nate sat quietly, asking questions from time to time. For the most part, Lailah hadn’t revealed anything he didn’t already know—yet.

  “I understand all you’ve said,” Judith began, her tone especially sharp, “I even think you believe this rubbish, but what does it have to do with Nate and why are you able to see my daughter?”

  A smile quirked the corners of Daniel’s mouth. With her raven-black hair concealed beneath an elaborate headdress and her voluptuous body adorned in a lavish gown, Judith appeared almost civilized. Still, the image of her writhing and moaning, her scent and evocative taste… Now that he’d sampled her passion, he was determined to enjoy the feast.

  “I don’t know when or how Gadrayel became an amusing legend to the people of Monthamn Castle,” Lailah was saying, “but he is real.”

  “In what sense?” Judith persisted.

  “In the literal sense,” a deep, authoritative voice replied from directly behind Daniel. Judith’s eyes widened and her hand flew to her throat. Golden light illuminated the humans, accenting their shocked expressions. Daniel glanced over his shoulder in time to see Gadrayel furl his wings. He inclined his head in greeting. His golden hair brushed his shoulders as he took the seat on Daniel’s left.

  “You are… You look…” Judith tugged on Nate’s sleeve. “He looks just like the angel on the Monthamn standard.”

  Gadrayel flashed an indolent grin. “I’ve always thought the likeness barely adequate.”

  “Do we have your attention now?” Lailah asked with the hint of a smile.

  “You said the Rebel Angels and the Monthamn family are connected.” Nate’s comment seemed to be directed at Lailah, but he’d yet to drag his gaze from Gadrayel. Daniel felt a pang of envy. He and Lailah had spent so much time in the human realm that their angelic radiance didn’t shine half as bright as Gadrayel’s. They no longer inspired this sort of awe.

  “Have you ever heard of a Nephilim?” Lailah asked.

  “Children begotten by angels at the dawn of time?” Judith’s dark gaze narrowed on Gadrayel, alight with fascination and mistrust. “Aye, I’ve heard the tale. Some believe my mother’s people remain prosperous and fruitful by offering their daughters to Beng, the evil spirit you Gadje call the devil.”

  “Your mother is Roma?” Lailah asked.

  Daniel watched Judith carefully. Had she expected Lailah to call her a Gypsy? No one could spend centuries in the human realm and not witness racial injustice. No wonder Judith seemed defiant. The Romani were frequently persecuted and cast out of “civilized” societies.

  “Aye.” Judith said nothing more.

  “Unlike the legends surrounding your mother’s people,” Lailah continued, “there really are Nephilim.”

  “There has actually been more than one angel in your ancestry.” Gadrayel’s warm green gaze settled on Nate. “The Monthamns contain a unique combination of human, angelic and Fallen natures.”

  “Are you saying I’m part demon?” Nate stood, his chair slamming into the wall behind him. “Even if this tale is true—”

  “You know it’s true, Nathaniel.” Much to Daniel’s surprise, Judith provided the defense. “Your family has always been aware of things no one else can see. You won’t talk about it, but William did. I know you have prophetic dreams and apparently you see spirits,” she swept her hand toward the three beings seated across from them, “even when they don’t want to be seen.”

  “How long have you had dreams?” Gadrayel asked.

  “Since I was a child.” Nate pulled his chair away from the wall and stood behind it, resting his hands on the tall, wooden back. “It was only in the last few years I realized they had any import. I saw a cart collapse and crush a child. Two days later I was in the village and heard the axel snap. I knew exactly what was going to happen.”

  “Were you able to save the child?”

  He nodded in response to Lailah’s question.

  Why wasn’t Gadrayel aware of Nate’s prophetic dreams? It was the angel’s responsibility to assess his progeny and report his findings to the Council of Ancients. Daniel shook away the speculation. Enough reminiscing. They needed to figure out a strategy. Daniel scooted closer to the table, drawing Nate’s attention. “A demon horde is hunting you.”

  “What interest have demons in me?”

  Daniel crossed his arms over his chest, focusing on Nate’s defiant face. “That’s what we’re here to figure out. How long after the incident with the cart were you ambushed in the forest?”

  “A fortnight.” Nate didn’t elaborate.

  “Who knew when you intended to depart and the route you would take through the forest?”

  “They were brigands, common thieves. Don’t think my mind hasn’t wandered down this path a h
undred times. It was a senseless act of violence, not some grand conspiracy.”

  “Were your possessions disturbed, any valuables taken?”

  Nate glared and Daniel had his answer. The human didn’t want to delve deeper. Was he protecting someone or did he simply not want to know? “If the brigands were not after valuables, then what motivated the attack?”

  Returning to his chair with rigid movements, Nate folded his hands on the tabletop. “Why would someone try to murder my entire family? It doesn’t make sense. We’ve made no political enemies and there are estates far richer than Monthamn.”

  “Who would have benefited most from your death?” Daniel shrugged. “It’s often as simple as that.”

  Judith gasped. “Are you accusing me of this atrocity, sirrah?”

  “I’m accusing no one. I simply asked a question.”

  Her full lips pressed into a thin, angry line and fury spewed from her dark gaze. During the course of his investigation, Daniel had wondered about Judith. Her devotion to Nate and her contentment with her role within the Monthamn household had seemed genuine. Had he exonerated her too quickly? He couldn’t let his attraction to her sway his judgment.

  “Word had been sent ahead to notify the castle of our arrival. Anyone could have intercepted the message.” Nate’s deep voice cut through the tension. “Hamill informed half of London his training was about to begin. Our arrangements were hardly a secret.”

  “You have no enemies, no one who would want you dead?” Daniel tried to keep his tone casual, but Nate’s anxiety mounted with each exchange.

  “You mentioned demons.” Nate’s gaze narrowed and the lines bracketing his mouth deepened with his frown. “Is it possible whoever is hunting me arranged the ambush?”

  “Anything is possible. We know the brigands were human, but we’ve been unable to learn who hired them. Demons tend to take the path of least resistance. It’s more like a demon to incite antipathy than directly orchestrate an ambush.”