Darkness Undone

by Georgia Lyn Hunter

  “She can’t hurt you.” Light fingers smoothed back his hair. “It’s over—she’s dead. You killed her.”

  Yes, I killed her…killed her…

  “Come back to me, please…” her gentle voice pleaded. Reynner forced his eyelids open and stared into beautiful dark green eyes damp with tears. “She can’t hurt you anymore.”

  Eve sat on the living room floor, stroking his hair. Hers appeared like a dark, tangled halo around her shoulders. The soft sounds of her voice soothed him.

  She’d come to him, pulled him out of his nightmares, even when he’d been an utter bastard.

  Eve. Her name stuck in his throat. He knew he’d warned her never to touch him when nightmares took him under. He couldn’t bear it if he hurt her. A pang of regret settled in his chest that all she did was stroke his hair.

  He reached out to touch her face, needing the contact, and stroked her petal-soft skin with his fingers. She leaned into his touch, her eyes squeezing shut. Then she eased away from him, rose to her feet and walked back to her room. Her door closed with a soft click, shutting him out.

  Reynner pushed off the couch, agitation knotting his belly. He headed in the direction of her bedroom. But the closed door brought him to an abrupt halt.

  His hand rested on the wood, the other rubbing his chest at the pain there. He wasn’t even sure what the hell it was any longer. The nightmares that followed him like a shadow, or the star that would soon throb again, reminding him what a crapfest his life was. Or the sheer torture cutting through him to have finally found his mate and that everything was falling apart.

  His fist crashed into the wall. Rubble rained down to the floor. Pain exploded as skin split and bones shattered. He stared at his ruined hand. It didn’t compare to the agony strangling him.

  If he didn't find a way out of this mess, then Eve would do as she threatened, move on and find a life without him…

  ***

  Her numbed emotions were the only thing that got Eve through the day as she dressed the following evening for her art debut. Pulling up the zipper on the side, she turned to the mirror and studied herself, grateful she’d let Kataya pick out her dress several weeks ago.

  When she’d protested having to dress so formally, Kataya had insisted. Just because you’re an artist, doesn’t mean you have to dress like a hobo.

  The dark blue strapless number with a dull sheen hugged her from her chest to her hips, ending with a swirly flare above her knees. Okay, so the color did look good against her tanned skin. But the hue reminded her too much of Reynner’s eyes.

  Instantly, she shut off the thought as unhappiness threatened to invade again, but she pushed it all back and concentrated on the evening ahead. Focusing on the show was the key to survival.

  “One day at a time,” she murmured. “One day at a time, Eve.”

  Slipping on ice-pick heels that matched her dress, she picked up her black elbow-length gloves and walked out of her bedroom, tugging the bodice up so the inch-long scar on her left breast wouldn’t show. She ignored the gaping hole in the passage wall.

  Last night, she’d heard the thud of something hitting the wall and it had shocked her to see the damages this morning. But she didn’t ask. She’d seen the light scabs on Reynner’s knuckles.

  Eve slowed to a standstill near the kitchen counter as Reynner turned from the living room window. No matter how broken she felt, he still took her breath away.

  He wore the deep burgundy coat she’d first seen him in. The color offset his golden skin and pale hair. Her reaction to him then, too, had been instantaneous, not realizing just how deeply their paths interconnected.

  There was no sign of the destroyed man she’d comforted last night, whose pain had awakened her and drew her to him. But if one looked closely, beneath all that male beauty, one would see the killer held on a tight leash.

  Avoiding his gaze, she picked up her cell from the counter and slipped it into her purse.

  “Ready?” he asked.

  She nodded.

  But she felt his eyes skim over her like a physical caress. Blood heated and buzzed in her veins, her stomach dipped. The butterflies in there took flight, making her woozy. She sucked in a deep breath, struggling to steady her nerves.

  He was instantly at her side, his warm hand curving around her arm, brow furrowed in concern. “What’s wrong?”

  She stepped away from him and pulled on her gloves. “Nothing.” With her head lowered, she saw his fingers curling into fists at her terse response.

  As they walked out of her apartment, a strange sense of foreboding took hold of her. It made the tiny hairs on her arms stand on end. She rarely prayed because nothing good ever came out of it. But…

  Lord, please don’t let anything go wrong tonight.

  ***

  The scent of perfume and liquor masked the acrid smell of metal. Soft chatter filled the gallery, the tinkling glasses added to the light dissonance. Eve’s head ached from the harshness of the bright lights and her mouth ached from smiling as the night wore on.

  She longed to yank off her gloves from her throbbing palms. The numbness she’d hidden behind the entire day was starting to wear off. She and Reynner hadn’t spoken since they left her apartment. Not like she’d given him a chance, but she had to keep him at a distance. How else was she to start living again if she gave in every time he looked at her?

  “The shows a brilliant success, Eve,” David said, stopping beside her. “I knew it from the moment I saw that first sculpture you sent Eric.”

  “Yes, I remember.” She smiled and took in his appearance. He’d dressed tonight…in a fashion of sorts. Black jeans, neon green shirt teamed with a narrow green and blue tie and a blue coat. And sneakers.

  Eve accepted the elegant flute of champagne he held out and took a sip. The bubbly liquid tickled her nose and slid down her throat, easing nerves that had been stretched too taut.

  She’d called and apologized to him before she left to Exilum, explaining she had to take a rain check, something urgent had cropped up at the last minute. David, thinking it was work related, had been okay with it.

  “You look lovely, Eve.” His warm blue eyes drifted over her in pleasure. His hand settled on her lower back.

  “Thank you,” she murmured and wondered why his touch didn’t make her blood soar like Reynner’s did.

  “Who’s that guy you came with?” he asked then, sounding a little disconcerted.

  Her heart banged in her chest, her stricken gaze dropping to her glass. She had no idea what to say. I’m his mate, but he doesn’t want me?

  “He’s…I er—”

  “Eve?” Eric appeared at her side. “Can I see you for a sec? Sorry Dave, business.”

  David groaned, dropped his hand from her waist. “Darn, just not my night to spend any time with you, is it?”

  “Make a date,” Eric advised.

  David laughed. “Yeah, working on that one.” He winked at Eve and strolled off into the crowd.

  “You looked like the world collapsed around you for a second there—thought you needed rescuing,” Eric said, slipping his arm around her shoulder. She leaned against him, seeking comfort.

  “All’s well in Reynner-land, hmmn?” He rubbed her arm.

  “Yes,” she lied. “I’m just tired. It’s been a difficult couple of months.”

  “I know, Eve. It will be over soon. You did exceptional tonight. You can take a few days off and rest, but not too long, you’re going to be busy,” he said, smiling. “Duke Summers said he hadn't seen anything this compelling in a long time.”

  Her eyes widened. She wheeled around. “The art critic? Really?”

  “Yes.”

  Pleasure warmed her, coating her bruised heart. Her lips curved into a smile.

  “Here comes Reynner. Damn guy will give the rest of us men a complex—does he take time out of his day to look this good?”

  She had to force herself not to stare as Reynner wove his way through the cr
owd towards her.

  She knew what everyone was reacting to. That allure Reynner’s kind seemed to possess, the untouchable angelic handsomeness all too noticeable. As it was, she had to suffer the baffled looks from more than one woman when they saw Reynner with her. He rarely left her side, unless she was talking to people; only then did he give her space.

  Eric drew Reynner into a conversation the moment he stopped beside them.

  Brenna cornered her. Her silky black hair skimmed the shoulders of her deep green, sleeveless dress.

  “Wow, Evie,” she said, draping an arm around Eve’s waist, her gaze darting around the packed, buzzing gallery. “So hard to get a moment with you, but great show.”

  “Yeah, well done,” Kataya added, coming to stand beside her. A long, bronze column of a dress hugged her slender body. Her curly hair was piled on her head.

  Eve noticed Kataya studying her. “What?”

  “Okay. The deed’s done. I want deets.” She took a sip of her champagne.

  Heat flared across Eve’s face. She barely stopped herself from groaning.

  Brenna’s crystal blue eyes darted to her in surprise. She scanned Eve, up and down as if looking for evidence. “How can you tell? She looks the same to me.”

  Eve cringed. “Jesus—would you guys stop it?”

  “Seriously, Bren, you need to get laid more often. If you watch their body language, it’s all there. Reynner’s not taken his eyes off Eve once. Poor David is on tenterhooks, worrying if he still has a chance.”

  Eve stole a glance at Reynner and found that Kataya was right. He may have been speaking to Eric, but his gaze remained on her.

  “Is that true?” Brenna at least had the decency to whisper because Reynner must have heard Kataya’s comments.

  “I’m not talking about this.” A touch on her elbow, and Eve turned to a man who interrupted them with some queries about her work. She followed him to the sculpture in question.

  The moment Eve finished with the guest, she excused herself, only to find David appearing in front of her like an apparition.

  “You look like a man on a mission,” she teased.

  “I sure am.” He brushed the hair flopping over his brow, his face flushed from whatever liquor he’d consumed. “That piece you did on nature?”

  “Trees in a Storm?” She gave him a curious look. “What about it?”

  “I love the wildness depicted. There are two offers on it, but as the artist, you can let me have it, right?” He wiggled his brow at her.

  She laughed. “Speak to Eric, I’m sure he can work something out for you—” Eve broke off, aware of the sudden silence around them…the air of expectancy.

  Turning, she saw the woman. Tall, dressed in black, her gown hugging every sensuous curve of her body as she sashayed into the gallery. There was only one word to describe her: Exquisite.

  Her hair, a shimmering wave of ebony silk, flowed to her waist and was the perfect backdrop for a face of palest honey. A delicate, wide, filigree choker of the purest silver set with a large, deep blue lapis lazuli stone in the center graced her elegant neck.

  She moved like some slinky creature searching for prey. Her feline-like topaz eyes sparkled in excitement as she glanced around and settled in on…

  Reynner.

  Chapter 21

  Eve watched the scene unfold like something from her worst nightmare. Her heart pounded and the pressure in her chest mounted.

  With a seductive glide of her hips, the woman crossed to Reynner. She said something to him, then she reached up and kissed him right on the mouth.

  Eve’s brave façade shattered. The glass slipped from her fingers. Kataya swore and grabbed the falling crystal.

  “Oh, hun.” Brenna slipped her arm around Eve's waist. “I'm sorry...”

  But Eve barely heard her.

  Reynner stepped back, his expression rigid. The woman laughed, trailing a hand down his chest like she’d done it so many times before. Eve realized then to whom the scent of Opium belonged because the woman looked as sultry and exotic as the fragrance. And very, very beautiful.

  Unable to watch, Eve turned away, pain ripping through her. Worse, Reynner didn’t even look her way, like she no longer existed. Finally proving to her just how little she mattered. The champagne churning in her stomach rushed up her throat again.

  “Aren’t you going to do anything?” Kataya growled.

  “Why? He made me no promises—he can do whatever he wants. But I can leave.”

  “No, you can't,” Brenna protested. “It’s your show, Evie.”

  “It’s midnight, and I really don’t care—” She swallowed hard, unable to conceal her devastation.

  “Oh, hell.” Kataya took hold of her arm. Her whiskey-colored eyes darkened with sympathy and ire. “You should have slept with David. At least you’d be spared this. Jesus, Eve, why did you have to fall for him, too?”

  “Eve, you okay?” Eric appeared at her side from out of nowhere. Hazel eyes dark with fury, he glared at Reynner.

  “Why wouldn’t I be?” she asked, keeping her smile bright, even when she felt the cracks spreading through her protective shields. She didn’t want their sympathy, or she’d break down in front of everyone. She just wanted to be alone to lick her wounds. But that wasn’t going to happen.

  Taking a deep breath, Eve weighed her options. Brenna was right. This was her show. She’d invested her life in this, and she had her pride…if she could just find the damn thing. Yep, right there on the floor along with her self-esteem. She dusted it off and hauled it back on.

  She’d see this show to its bitter end, even if it killed her.

  But when Reynner walked out of the gallery with that woman without a backward glance, the brittle shell she’d erected splintered.

  ***

  Reynner paced the ground floor foyer and all he could see was the devastation in Eve’s eyes when Inanna had tried to claim him like some damn possession. And that, he refused to tolerate.

  He ground to a halt in front of Inanna. “What the hell are you doing here?”

  “Come on, lover, you’re so tense. Give over. Come back with me, and I’ll show you a pleasurable way to ease all that stress.”

  Inanna reached for him. Reynner stepped back. He’d spent the entire evening watching other males touch his mate every time they spoke to her, and it had pushed him to the end of his endurance. Then there was that bloody artist, who seemed determined to breathe the same air Eve did. The one she’d threatened to leave him for. He’d tolerated it all because he knew how important this night was to her. And she worked damn hard for it.

  “Why are you here?” he reiterated.

  A casual shrug. “I enjoy art shows.”

  “At the very same gallery I happen to be at?”

  Her eyes became brown granite. “Who is she? The slut I smell on you? Get rid of her. You won't like what will happen if she gets in the way of me and mine.”

  At her threat to Eve, Reynner grabbed her by the throat and shoved her against the wall. “You dare threaten me?”

  Inanna coughed and tried to tug free of his death-like grip. Despite her hold over him, her physical strength didn’t compare to his. Her power flared. The blast hit Reynner hard. He couldn’t breathe, the mark on his chest hurt like someone torching his insides. His wings surged against his shielding, it took everything in him to stop them bursting free.

  Urias, he was so tired of her shit. He just wanted her to leave him the hell alone.

  “It’s a promise,” she gasped in defiance. “If you don’t get rid of her.”

  “Let’s get one thing clear. Come after me like this again, and I won't care if it means my death. I will take you with me from this life.” And binding him to her guaranteed that. At least Eve would be safe then.

  Reynner shoved away from her.

  She hissed her anger, but beneath it a tinge of wariness flickered. The burn inside his chest subsided a little.

  “You’ll pay dearly for
this!”

  He didn’t care what she did. He just wanted her gone so he could go get Eve, make sure she was all right.

  When he said nothing, just stared at her, Inanna screamed and flashed from the foyer.

  ***

  Eve sat in one of the two chairs in the restroom, her head buried in her hands. Kataya and Brenna burst inside. A match flared, and the acrid smell of smoke reached her nostrils.

  Her breaths short and jerky, Eve took a tissue from her bag and dried her face. It was useless to pretend in front of her friends.

  Kataya took a drag on her cigarette. Brenna leaned against the sink, watching Eve with worried eyes.

  “No one is to blame but me,” she whispered, swallowing back another bout of tears. “He warned me. I didn’t listen.”

  Kataya exhaled heavily, killed her cigarette, and tossed the remains in the trashcan. She came over and rubbed Eve's shoulder. “Then it’s his fucking loss. You don’t need him, Eve.”

  “Kat, let’s not be hasty,” Brenna said, crossing to Eve.

  “Not be hasty? You saw what he did out there?”

  “Yes, that woman kissed him.” She kneeled in front of Eve, smoothing out the creases in her dress. “Talk to him, hun, there must be a reason for all this.”

  “God, Brenna, you and your romantic heart! Rein it in fast, or it’s going to be the death of you.” Kataya glanced at Eve. “You want to leave? It’s long gone midnight.”

  Eve balled the shredded tissue and nodded. She couldn’t bear to be near Reynner right now.

  “You're talking, Eve, the moment we get home,” Kataya warned. “There’s something else going on. And I'm betting it has a lot more to do with Reynner than getting rid of the damn V.”

  They were her best friends, and she so badly wanted to tell them. But what could she say? She was in love with an immortal who didn't want her. That he only needed her to find his artifact. They’d probably think she’d lost her mind.

  After she said goodbye to Eric and David, Eve realized her goodbye to David was final, too. No matter what she told Reynner, she could never be with anyone else.

  Struggling not to think about him, Eve left the gallery with Kataya and Brenna.