by Tia Didmon
Jess eyes went up. “They party. You guard.”
“Yes.”
“I like it.”
Dante smiled sadly. “There were always more men than women so we were happy to give them this gift. Once bonded a male finds it difficult to give his woman... certain freedoms, so they deserved the joy the cotillion brought them.”
Jess frowned. “Go on.”
“Someone rigged the hall to blow. Hid explosives in the ground. It went up in a massive cloud of fire. The mated males died within minutes as their women perished and the unmated were left without hope of a future.”
Jess touched her hand to her mouth. “That’s horrible. No women survived?”
“Only the children, too young to attend.”
“I’m so sorry Dante. So, she was unmated?”
“That I cannot explain. Her husband gave up. Died that day. She should be dead.”
“I don’t know what to say. It’s all so horrible.”
Dante struggled to hold his anger in check. “Tell me you will help me in any way possible to find out how she escaped all those years ago and where she has been living since.”
Jess looked down at the beautiful dead woman. “Do you think others may have escaped the fire?”
Dante looked away from the body. “That is the hope. If even a few unmated females survived, it would be a miracle beyond any imagined.”
He felt Jess pull back. Her walls erected so he couldn’t determine what he had said to force her withdrawal. “I will help you. It’s the least I can do.”
He didn’t like her words. It was as if she owed him something when she had given him everything. “You are blocking me. What have I said to upset you?”
Jess shook her head curtly. “It isn’t you I have a lot on my mind.”
Dante’s eyes narrowed. “I hope I am one of those things.”
Jess frowned. “Are you flirting with me over a dead body?”
Dante shook his head. “I am not flirting.”
Jess glanced back at the squad car. “Let’s go check out her apartment. I came with Greg so we will have to take your... less than conspicuous vehicle.”
Dante motioned her toward his sports car.
She looked at her phone as they walked. “Her name was Tabitha Clark. She lives with her husband and daughter on Yates St.”
Dante opened the car and let her in. When he started the car, she glanced at the steering wheel. “They say men only drive cars like this if they are trying to compensate for something else.”
Dante pulled away from the emergency vehicles. He could tell she was on edge. “What am I compensating for Jessica?”
She blushed. “Nothing.”
Jess waited while the apartment manager let them into the tiny rundown apartment. She thanked him then entered before Dante with her gun held out in both hand before her. She noticed the picture that had been knocked from the walls. The broken glass cracked under her boots as she approached the kitchen.
Dante’s voice startled her. “There is no one here Jessica.”
She turned the corner to the living room as the man Jess had recognized in the broken photo lay sprawled on the floor with his throat cut. “You were saying.”
Dante looked at the man. “I should have said no one alive was present.”
She holstered her gun. “Let’s have a look around. She was living here. The pictures are of her and her husband and daughter.”
Dante grabbed an older photo off the shelf. “The child looks like her. How could she have chosen a human? She had a husband.”
Jess was looking at papers on the coffee table. “Valen did.”
“Valen had no demon bride. Lilith... Tabitha had chosen. Bonded with a demon male.”
Jess shrugged. “Maybe once her man was gone... after a hundred and seventy years, she got lonely.”
Dante frowned. “Her demon would not have chosen another. I am... surprised.”
Jess looked around the small apartment. “They don’t appear to be well off but they look happy. I’ve sent a text to Jenner to see if we can locate the daughter. She has to be in danger if she isn’t already dead.”
Dante looked around. “I don’t understand any of this.”
Jess put the papers she was holding on the table. “Is it the fact that she chose a human or that they lived in near poverty that bothers you?”
“Both. A demon chooses once and once only. As for the meager means of which she lived... she could have reached out and we would have given her anything.”
“Would you have accepted her man? I mean before Valen chose Laura.”
Dante ran his hand through his hair. “I want to say yes. That we would have accepted her union but in honestly before Laura we would not have believed it was real.”
“Even though she had a child with this man?”
Dante nodded. “That answers one question. We never understood why PURE called Laura a hybrid. This proves they do in fact exist.”
“Do you think Laura’s mother was a demon?”
“No, Laura’s mother died of cancer. We are not afflicted by human disease.” He looked down at the slaughtered man. “Can you tell me about her husband? Why would she choose him?”
Jess looked at her phone, pulling up the information. “He was a plumber. She didn’t work so a single income doesn’t go far but they seemed... happy.”
“How old is the daughter?”
“Her name is Charity. She is twenty years old. She works part time at the coffee shop on Douglas. Greg is there now.”
Dante sighed. “Charity was Lilith’s mother’s name.”
Jess read the text from Greg. “Greg says that she got a call from her mother this morning and left work. She hasn’t come back.”
“Did they know anything about Tabitha? Ask if she had unusual eating habits.”
Jess got the texted response. “The restaurant manager said Lilith was a vegan, so she never ate at the restaurant.”
Dante nodded. “An effective ruse.”
Jess went in the bedroom but found nothing else that would tell them about Lilith’s past. “She was careful. There’s nothing to suggest she was anything but human. Let’s go back to the apartment and wait for Greg to finish his interview. Jenner is running a background check on the Clarks.”
The moment they arrived at her apartment she went to her computer to check if Jenner had sent the report. “It’s not here yet.”
Dante nodded. “Jenner is thorough. I imagine it will take a few hours. Are you required go into the office downstairs.?”
“How do you... Oh right. Valen was the demon that infiltrated the PIA headquarters.”
Dante shifted uncomfortably. “He did not infiltrate it. He was invited and was not aware you had PURE sympathizers in your midst.”
“Until they pulled their weapons on him.”
“Correct.”
“Fair enough.” She got up from the computer desk and bumped into Dante. She hadn’t heard him move. He grabbed her when she stepped back.
His eyes flickered. “I wish to discuss last night.”
Jess looked at him. She should tell him to leave. To save himself. But her hands slid around his neck before any words could escape her lips.
He pulled her close against his hard body before he whispered in her ear. “Let me have you Jessica. I have endured lifetimes of loneliness. Suffered through a darkness you can never comprehend. End my suffering.”
She shouldn’t be this selfish. She should let him go. “Yes.”
Dante picked her up, without breaking the hold on their lips. He carried her through the living room down the short hallway to her bedroom. He kicked the door closed before taking her to the bed.
Jess couldn’t have changed her mind if she wanted to. The moment Dante had her pinned to the bed his hands roamed her body as his tongue plunged deep into her mouth. He pulled off her uniform, leaving her in just her bra and panties before he stood up.
Dante’s fingers undid each butto
n on his shirt slowly. Deliberately as he spoke. “Do feel the darkness that lives within me Jessica?”
She swallowed loudly. “Yes.”
“Only you can breathe life where there is nothing. To bring light to the dark.”
“I don’t understand.”
He slipped off the shirt and undid his dress pants “A demon lives in darkness for most of his adult life if he does not find a bride. You are mine.”
Jess shook her head. “No, I can’t be...”
His pants fell to the ground as his erection sprung free. “I am incapable of lying to you.”
But I can lie to you. She censored the thought before it could escape. “Dante I...” her words faltered as he knelt on the bed over her. She felt the predator in him rear up. She was the prey.
He held her gaze as he unclasped the front of her bra, letting her breasts spring free. They weren’t large, but they were firm and begged for his touch. His gaze wandered down her body to the thin white lace thong. His smile was wicked as he ripped it from her body, causing her to gasp in surprise. “Do not fear this. I want only your pleasure. Even when I am out of my mind with lust. I will never cause you harm. But our love making will not always be comfortable. Some barriers are meant to be broken.”
His fingers caressed the sensitive flesh at her inner thigh, causing her to open her legs. The fire was building. He knew exactly what he was doing to her body. Each stroke on her skin, bringing her unimaginable desire. Hunger stark and Raw. She was breathless in moments and he had barely started.
His voice was low. Commanding. Pitched so she couldn’t escape. “Once I take you Jessica, there is no going back. You are mine for all eternity.”
Her mind screamed NO! Her body arched toward him, jutting out her breasts like a pagan offering.
His eyes flashed as he looked over her body. The banquet of the flesh lay quivering before him as he positioned himself between her legs. His fingers parted the soft lips of her pussy before his tongue began a slow foray into every secret hollow, exploring her like he was conquering new land. Mapping it as his own.
His pace was slow, tormenting as she reached for an orgasm but he was relentless, devouring her like a cat with a bowl of cream. Each stroke of his tongue, sending her higher and higher. Her muscles wound tighter and tighter. When she was sure she couldn’t take any more he pushed two fingers inside her, moving them in unison with his tongue. She screamed when she hurtled over the edge.
She didn’t have time to come down from the fiery apex. She felt the hard length of his erection pushing into her opening. The hot burn as he stretched the tight muscles. “Dante,” she gasped.
He stilled. Every muscle on his body pulled taut. His expression pure torment as he held himself still, waiting for her acceptance. “It will be uncomfortable for a moment. Then you will scream in pleasure for all eternity.”
She couldn’t stop her body’s reaction to his words. She clamped down on his cock as her juices coated him. He groaned under the strain. She couldn’t speak. She grabbed his face in her hands and pulled him down on her, gasping as his thick steel shaft ripped through the thin barrier.
He kissed her until the sting subsided, then he began to move within her. Long even strokes, building a fire she could never escape. Heat spread through her, pooling in her core, threatening to explode at any moment. He grasped her hips, angling himself so he could push deeper, harder into her tight channel.
She came again, grasping the sheets of her bed, expecting him to follow. Instead he seemed to swell. Thick cords of muscle, flexed in his arms and chest, as he pumped hard into the soft flesh of her pussy, straining at the edge of his control. He ground into her a final time before ejaculating hard inside her.
They lay together a long time before their hearts slowed to an even rhythm. She tensed when she felt his fangs on her neck.
“I will got take your blood without permission Cara.”
She swallowed. “I know, it’s just... can I see them?”
Dante lifted his head. So, she could touch his fangs with the tip of her finger.
“I thought they would be more like vampire teeth.”
“What do vampire teeth look like?”
“Thin, pointy, yours are somewhere between vampire and saber-tooth tiger.”
“I may be old Jessica but I am not a dinosaur.”
Jess laughed. “Was that a joke?”
“It has been awhile. I admit I may be rusty,” he said ruefully.
Jess shrugged. “I don’t know it’s kind of cute.”
Dante frowned. “I have never been... cute.”
“I bet your mother thought you were cute.”
His voice bordered on sorrow. “Yes, but she adored children especially her own.”
“Did she die... at the cotillion?”
“Yes,” he said.
“Do you think there’s a chance she’s alive?”
“No, we buried our parents.”
“I’m sorry. Dante.”
“It was a long time ago. Jenner said you lost your parents recently.”
“A few years ago, but yeah, it’s hard sometimes.” She may not have had the best relationship with her parents but they had always been there to help with Darnell and Maddie.
Her buzzer startled her. She tapped his shoulder to let her up. He pulled out of her slowly then rolled to the side. She grabbed her terrycloth robe from the closet and went to the intercom. “Hello?”
“Dammit Jess, tell this thug at the front door to let me and Maddie in. He says no one enters without the occupant’s permission. I told him I was your brother. He doesn’t seem to care.”
Fear squeezed her as she glanced back at Dante. He was putting his pants on. “I wasn’t expecting you. I haven’t registered you and Maddie to the building. I’ll do it right away. Come on up.” She hit the button that allowed entry.
Dante was buttoning his shirt. “You were not expecting Darnell?”
She shook her head. “No, not for quite a while. I have to get dressed.”
She ran to the room and pulled on a velvet track suit. Her brother knew it was one of her favorite outfits to lounge at home in.
Darnell walked in with suitcases in his arms. “I swear Jess, these people should show some fucking...” He stopped when he saw Dante leaning against the wall. “Who is he?”
Maddie ran into Jessica’s arms. “Auntie Jess!”
Jess lifted Maddie into a tight hug before placing her on the ground. “Hey squirt.” She motioned Dante. “This is Dante, he is helping me with our current investigation at work.”
Maddie smiled shyly at Dante “Hi.”
Dante inclined his head. “It is my sincere pleasure to meet you Miss Maddie.”
Jess watched Maddie’s smile widen. Apparently, a sexy Italian accent worked on any age group. She glanced at her brother’s sour face.
Darnell gave her a sickening look. “Did we forget something Jess?”
Jess shook her head. “No. Not for a moment.”
“Remember where you came from Jess.” He said in a low voice.
Her stomach squeezed. The euphoric feelings Dante had created evaporated to be replaced with acidic reality. “How can I forget? I have you to remind me.”
Chapter 5
Jess turned to Dante. “Do you mind giving me a few minutes with Darnell alone?”
Dante inclined his head. “Of course. I wish to check in with Valen and Laura, anyway.” He left quietly.
Jess gave her brother a hard look. “Why bring Maddie here at a time like this? It’s too dangerous,” she hissed.
Darnell glanced at Maddie who was brushing her doll’s long hair. “They assaulted me Jess.” He pulled up his white T-shirt to reveal a large black bruise on his ribs.
Jess touched the mottled skin delicately. “Why would they do this? I’m doing as they asked. I’ve barely had time to talk to Valen let alone get any information from him.”
“I don’t know Jess. All I can tell you is they kicke
d the crap out of me and said if you don’t get what they need soon that the kid is next.”
“I am working as fast as I can. They haven’t told me what they want yet.”
Darnell glanced at the door. “Maybe they’re concerned you will develop feelings for that thing.”
“He isn’t a thing. Besides, they shouldn’t have told you about the demon race,” she whispered.
Darnell huffed. “You think they should keep me in the dark? Everyone will find out about them, eventually.”
“Probably, but not now. Not under these circumstances. They didn’t need to tell you.”
“They wanted me to understand why they were asking you to...”
Maddie ran up holding her doll. “Look Auntie Jess, I braided her hair.”
Jess smiled. “That’s beautiful baby.”
Darnell touched Maddie’s shoulder. “Honey can you take your suitcase into your new room and get unpacked.”
Maddie grabbed the small pink case and took it to the first bedroom.
Jess looked at Darnell in surprise. “What are you doing? You realize it’s not safe to be around me.”
“I’m not secure anywhere right now. I figured this building is safer than most.”
“You know what will happen,” Jess whispered.
Darnell shrugged. “I don’t think the PIA will hold me or Maddie accountable for your actions.”
Jess hated his cold acceptance that she would betray everything that she believed in. Like she had a choice. “I have a few things to do, are you and Maddie all right alone?”
Darnell’s look darkened. “You have a job to do Jess and you can’t do it from here.”
Jess startled when Dante knocked on the door, before entering. “I have an errand to run. Do you wish to join me or are you busy getting your family settled?”
Darnell folded his arms. “Jess would love to go with you, wouldn’t you Jess.”
Jess nodded. “Sure, let me get back into uniform.”
Dante was giving Darnell a hard look. “There is no need. It is not PIA business.”
Jess locked up her gun in the safe then followed Dante out of the apartment. She was thankful to the sexy demon for interceding between her and her brother. She got in the sports car after Dante opened the door for her. “Thanks.”