Exquisite Breath of Darkness

by Candice Stauffer

  She could get lost listening to his voice and looking into his eyes. Her lips curved into a slow smile. “Hmm … that’s funny coming from the man whose ass I’ve kicked more than once.” She’d always wanted someone to share her life with, but from the moment she’d met him her secret longing had turned into a desperate need.

  He stared down at her; his brown eyes glowing with mesmerizing, coppery-gold-colored flecks were full of pain and sadness. “I’ve never seen anything more beautiful than your smile, Mia.” His voice sent comforting waves of warmth washing over her skin. “Knowing you placed your life on the line for me and would do it again makes me insane.” He looked so torn, so battered that her heart broke for him. “I know it’s your nature. You must fight. I won’t try to change who you are. I love you too much to try and change your identity, but the next time you put your life in danger, remember that I will follow. I won’t live a minute without you.”

  “I would do the same.” Yawning, she closed her eyes. It was getting more difficult to keep them open. “I’ve never liked living until I started living each day with you in it.”

  “You’re tired. You need to sleep to allow your body to heal.” He paused for several seconds, “I need you trust me. I don’t want you to be afraid.” He reached down and framed her face with his hands. He used his thumbs to gently close her eyes. “I’m going to put you into a very deep state of sleep until your body has had a chance to heal.”

  She pushed his hands away from her face and opened her eyes. “No.”

  He leaned down and kissed her forehead. “There’s nothing to fear. At first, it’s going to feel strange, as if you’re floating on a cloud. But then you’ll be completely unaware of all that is around you. I promise it won’t be the same as it was when you were a child. You will be perfectly safe. I won’t leave your side for a second.”

  She believed him. “I love you, Joseph.”

  He bent down and kissed her gently. “And I love you.”

  “Do it. I trust you.” Closing her eyes she let go of her fear and allowed him to set her adrift in a state of complete unawareness.

  * * *

  Nikolas had joined Haden to wait for the vampires to reemerge, but they remained at a distance. Chasing after them would be a waste of time. Instead, the demons studied the web of spells surrounding the area.

  “They are still using Demetri’s old spells,” Nikolas said.

  “They’ve consumed a lot of Zack’s blood, and it’s starting to make them more powerful,” Haden replied.

  Nikolas turned around and saw Caylee standing behind Haden. He smiled. It was good to see her out and about. It had been a while. “I didn’t realize you’d joined us. You are so quiet. It’s good to see you, little sister.” He gestured toward her belly. “All is well?”

  Smiling, she nodded. “Yes.”

  Nikolas turned his focus onto Haden. “We have company.” He pointed at Eli, who had appeared at the corner and was now making his way toward them. “Do you know why he keeps sniffing around Mia’s store?”

  “I’m not sure, but I suppose it’s time to find out.” Haden said.

  “I don’t feel his pack nearby.” Suspicious, Nikolas allowed his sensed to flare out to examine their surroundings. “He truly is alone.”

  “That’s odd.” And it was. During times of battle, wolf packs stuck together. Their greatest strength was in their numbers.

  Eli stopped a few feet away from them. “Did Mia survive the attack?”

  “What does it matter to you, Eli?” Nikolas asked. He felt Eli’s hostility toward them. It wasn’t a shock. Though they’d fought side by side in many battles throughout the centuries, demons and lycans had deep-seated misgivings about each other.

  “The vampires won’t return tonight,” Eli said. Nikolas moved closer to Caylee as Haden pulled her under his arm. “They’re being pursued by my pack. Did she survive?”

  “Why are you getting involved with defending one of our women?” Being overly protective and suspicious by nature, Nikolas didn’t like Eli being within touching distance of his brother’s pregnant wife, but he wanted to know what Eli’s interest was in the matter.

  “Mia does not belong to Joseph. She is my mate. I’ve come to collect her.”

  “What proof do you have?” Nikolas asked.

  “I don’t need any. Just as you didn’t need any proof of wrongdoing before killing the three locals.”

  Nikolas wasn’t about to apologize, and he knew Eli wouldn’t expect him to. “I told them to stop.”

  “Joseph won’t give Mia up,” Haden said.

  “He doesn’t have a choice,” Eli replied.

  “Mia wants to be with Joseph,” Caylee said. Nikolas saw Haden’s gaze shift toward Caylee when she protectively placed her hand on top her of belly. Obviously Caylee felt the hostility between them. He felt Haden’s mood instantly grow very dark as an icy, unnatural wind picked up. Dark clouds began to billow, and thunder echoed in the distance. Nikolas didn’t blame Haden for reacting to Caylee’s natural instinct to shield her unborn child from a stranger, but Haden was unstable. And that was dangerous.

  “She has been deceived,” Eli said. “She doesn’t know any better. You’re her friend, right? Look at what Joseph allowed to happen to her tonight. Doesn’t it bother you?”

  A low, menacing growl of warning rumbled in Haden’s chest. “You will not talk to my women unless it is with absolute respect.” Nikolas might’ve laughed at Haden’s response if Eli’s manner of speaking to Caylee hadn’t also pissed him off. Still, he knew the danger of Haden’s instability.

  “What happened tonight wasn’t his fault,” Caylee replied. “And I am her friend. She wants to be with Joseph.”

  “Where was Joseph when Demetri cornered her in her store?” Eli obviously sensed Haden’s rising hostility, for he took a step back. “Demetri was alone with her for over twenty minutes. That is not an example of a man properly caring for his mate.”

  “If you attempt to take her, Joseph will kill you,” Haden said

  “Look at what he allowed to happen with his wife. He knew she wasn’t his. He can’t control his urges.” Eli turned to Nikolas. “Unless he hands her over to me, we will be at war.” Not waiting for a response, he turned and walked away.

  “You know we can’t afford to allow Joseph to start a war with Eli and his pack right now,” Nikolas said.

  “Mia loves Joseph.” Caylee frowned. “She’s not a piece of property to be bartered.”

  “She belongs with Joseph. And I will stand with him in this.” Nikolas knew Haden’s statement was more for Caylee’s sake than anything else. Haden didn’t really care what happened. But Nikolas still believed Haden was wrong.

  “Mia’s heart stopped tonight. Her spirit left her body. He should’ve let her go, but he brought her back,” Nikolas said.

  “How can you be so insensitive? I’m glad he didn’t just let her go,” Caylee blurted.

  “You’re young, little sister. You cannot possibly comprehend the danger of attempting to alter fate. It’s not a matter of being insensitive. She isn’t his rightful mate. Joseph simply had no right to bring her back. He has quite possibly cursed her to suffer a worse fate.”

  “How do you know whether or not she is his proper mate? Wouldn’t he know before you?” Caylee asked.

  Nikolas smiled. “Joseph has had a habit of trying to claim and hold onto women that don’t belong to him. Look at what happen with Teresa.”

  “It doesn’t matter. I stand by Joseph.” Haden shrugged. “And as far as bringing her back, I would’ve done the same. And I know you would’ve done the same.”

  “You would’ve brought Caylee back because she’s your mate. I would’ve brought my mate back. Joseph didn’t bring his mate back. And what about Jake Mann and his woman? Joseph not only saved Jake’s female, he also hid them in the past because Zack’s blood is in her.”

  “Jake is a good and trusted friend,” Haden said. “He’s fought side by sid
e with us many times, and Lee Anne is a good woman. I’ve dealt with her at the juvenile court when she’d worked for abused and neglected children. She certainly is not a threat to us.”

  “Vampires have always had self-serving reasons to fight with us. Since when do we call vampires our friends?” Shaking his head, Nikolas didn’t even try to hide his revulsion. “And you know the moment Jake fully turned her, Lee Anne stopped existing. Being a good human doesn’t guarantee she’ll be a good vampire.”

  “You’re making serious accusations that hold no truth. Jake is an ancient,” Haden said. “He has fought alongside us for hundreds of years. You know the difference.”

  “You’re too young to remember why we made the laws, Haden.”

  “Demetri isn’t following the laws,” Haden pointed out. “The vampires aren’t following the laws. And I can promise you that when push comes to shove, Eli and his pack won’t follow the laws. We would never condone a man taking a woman into his keeping without her consent, and Eli’s kind has always considered it their right. Did you hear one word come out of his mouth that suggested he cared about what Mia wants?”

  “It doesn’t matter what Mia wants or what Joseph wants for that matter. She doesn’t belong with our kind. What matters is that we ban together to kill Demetri and rid the world of any vampire with Zack’s blood in his or her body.” Nikolas knew the demons had to stop at nothing to protect their own, and nothing Haden could say would change his mind. “If we fail we all die.”

  “I won’t have anything to do with chasing down and killing an innocent woman because you don’t like what’s in her blood. She hasn’t done any wrong to you or to anyone else. I trust Joseph’s judgment, and he trusts Jake. As far as Demetri and the vampires working with him are concerned, I agree. We must destroy them all.”

  “Demetri has invaded our space too many times.” Nikolas knew Haden wouldn’t budge on the issue of Jake’s female or the issue with Mia and Joseph. It didn’t matter. He would take care of both matters on his own. “It’s time for us to invade his.”

  “What are you thinking?” Haden asked.

  “We all, including the women, need to attend the so-called charity event that Demetri and Mary Tate are planning to attend.”

  “It’s not a real charity event. It’s a cover-up for something else. It could very well be a trap.”

  “Yes,” Nikolas said. “I know. But what we don’t know what it’s intended to cover up. When we show up, it will bother Demetri. He won’t expect it.”

  “He very likely expects us to show up. Demetri is not stupid. If you can think of it, he can think of it. And you want our women to go?” Haden shook his head.

  “No harm will come to them.” Nikolas had been concerned about Haden’s hermit-like behavior since Caylee had been attacked by a vampire at a public event. Haden was a powerful immortal and needed to get back to behaving like one. “It will show Demetri that we are all united against him. It will show him that we do not fear him.”

  “It’s too dangerous,” Haden stated. “We still don’t know what they’re up to.”

  “Mia, Brianna, and Julie are already planning to go,” Nikolas said.

  “Caylee will not go to it.” Nikolas knew it was a fact Haden refused to even consider debating.

  “Stop acting like a club-wielding caveman, Haden. You don’t own me. It’s my decision. I’ve already made the decision to go to it.” Caylee took a small step to the side away from Haden. “You can’t stop me.”

  “I can and I will,” Haden vowed as he reached out to pull her near.

  She smacked his hand away from her. “I’m going.” Lifting her chin defiantly, she crossed her arms over her chest.

  “I knew allowing you to leave the house and come out here tonight would be a mistake.”

  “Allow?” Staring up at him, she took a step toward him. “You did not allow me to do anything. You tried to stop me and in the process learned that you can’t stop me when I’m determined to do something. And, whether you like it or not, I am determined to see my best friend tonight.”

  Obviously frustrated, Haden pushed his hand through his hair as he stared down at her. After several moments of awkward silence, he shifted his gaze toward Nikolas. “If you and Joseph allow Mia and Brianna to go you’re placing their lives in jeopardy. With all that’s happening, you shouldn’t have them at any event with so many people and so much going on.” Taking Caylee with him, Haden turned around and walked away before she could continue to argue with him.

  Nikolas watched them walk away. Haden was carrying too much guilt and was living in fear, and that was a very bad thing for a demon to do. Haden had all but withdrawn from society and was forcing Caylee into a world of seclusion.

  * * *

  “How long will Mia sleep?” Caylee had thought seeing Mia would ease her concern, but it didn’t. Mia was in terrible shape.

  “As long as Joseph can keep her asleep,” Haden teased.

  Caylee pinched his arm. “You’re not funny. I’m serious.”

  “So am I. Every time Joseph turns around Mia is getting into trouble.”

  “How long?”

  Haden sighed. “She’ll sleep for a few days.”

  “I will open the boutique for her tomorrow.”

  “No. You’re not going anywhere near the boutique with all that’s happened there.” Caylee heard the rising frustration in Haden’s voice. Convincing him to go along with it wasn’t going to be easy, but she was going to open the boutique.

  “It’s too dangerous.” He placed his hand on her belly, no doubt attempting to end the discussion by reminding her about their daughter. Since she was carrying the baby, it was laughable to think he might believe she’d forgotten.

  Caylee placed her hand over his. “Not with you there watching over us.” After she’d nearly been killed by a vampire, Haden had started to doubt his ability to properly care for them, but Caylee knew better. She just needed to find a way to convince him of it.

  “Will that girl be there?”

  “Her name is Julie. And I’m sure she’ll be there at some point. She works there.”

  “In that case,”—Haden leaned his back against the headboard, arms folded behind his head—“I’m not going, so you’re not going.”

  Caylee sat up on her knees and turned to face him. “Why are you always rude to her? She’s a nice girl.”

  “Nice?” Haden smiled his wickedly sexy smile that always flooded Caylee with warmth and desire. “She has shockingly impure thoughts about things she wants to do to my body.” He reached for Caylee and lifted her over his body.

  “Grow up, Haden.” As she maneuvered into a comfortable position straddling him, he gripped her hips to support her weight. “She’s young. And you’re not all that bad to look at.”

  When his gaze moved over her face, she saw his absolute love and devotion. He tucked her hair to behind her ears. “Not that bad?”

  “We need to help Mia. Her business has been struggling. She’s close to losing it.”

  “No, she isn’t.” Haden laughed out loud. “Joseph has millions.”

  “It’s not the same, and you know it. She worked hard to get the money to open her boutique. Besides, Brianna will be there all day tomorrow, so Nikolas will be close.” Caylee knew it was a mistake the moment she’d said it. She felt Haden’s mood darken.

  “You feel Nikolas could do a better job protecting you?” She couldn’t detect anger in his voice. What she heard was worse: pain. She’d hurt him with her careless words.

  “Not at all. I figured his presence would ease your fear of Julie attacking you. When Nikolas is around, her attention is divided between the two of you. I wasn’t the one doubting your ability to protect yourself from Julie’s wild fantasies about all the wonderful things your body can do to a woman’s body.”

  Haden lifted his head. “It’s not funny. If you took the time to listen to the thoughts she has you’d be horrified. Why doesn’t it bother you? Shouldn’t h
er thoughts make you mad?”

  “I don’t blame her. I’ve done a lot of looking around, and I’m convinced you are the most incredibly sexy man alive. And why would I get mad when I know I’m the only woman you’ll ever allow to touch your body?” She took a breath. “Please, Haden, I need to help Mia.”

  He stared into her eyes for several long seconds. “I’ll take you.”

  “I also think we should go to the charity event.”

  “No.” He growled the word. She knew it was a subject he wouldn’t debate, but she had to try.

  “Haden, we haven’t gone out since … I want to get out around people.”

  “I will finish your thought.” His blue eyes turned entirely black. “We haven’t gone out around people since I allowed a vampire to almost kill you and our daughter. I was careless. It won’t happen again. I shouldn’t have taken you to place crowded with so many people.”