Eternal Breath of Darkness

by Candice Stauffer

  “Inside the house,” Haden said.

  “It was a pleasure to finally meet you, Mr. Drake.” Phillip extended his hand.

  Haden reached out and shook Phillip’s hand. “I am certain we will cross paths again.”

  Phillip turned to Caylee. “We will deal with your behavior later.”

  “And then perhaps we will deal with your stupidity.”

  Glaring, Phillip took a step in Caylee’s direction,

  Haden casually moved nearer until his arm barely touched her shoulder. He will not touch you. It was a cold, hard fact. Phillip would die if he so much as reached for her. She maintained eye contact with Phillip for several seconds,

  Caylee knew Phillip was struggling with the urge to strike her. She knew he would die if he did it. Haden appeared calm, almost uninterested in what was happening, but she knew his docile appearance was clearly a deception; there was no missing the waves of dark, violent power silently rolling off him. She was certain the earth rolled when Haden moved closer to her. She knew in her heart Haden was prepared to strike with deadly force. She believed Phillip knew it too when he walked away.

  “Breathe.” Haden placed his hand on the center of Caylee’s back. “Everything is okay.”

  “Don’t touch me!” She whirled around. “Look at what you’ve done!”

  “You’re the one who called him an ignorant ass.”

  “I should’ve kept my mouth shut. I would’ve if you hadn’t been here.” She paused. “You help the kids at the detention center?”

  “You’re wrong.” He started to place his hand on her shoulder but then stopped. “Regardless of my presence you would’ve opened your mouth. And yes, I’ve helped the children.” He shrugged. “C’mon,” he said in a calm voice, offering his hand to her.

  Smiling, she nodded. The sight of him captivated her every thought.

  Feeling a sense of certain victory, he grinned as her fingertips touched his.

  “No! Stop it!” She withdrew her hand and brought it to her side. “Please, just leave.”

  “Enough with the nonsense.” He opened his car door. “Get into the car, Caylee.”

  “No.” She backed away from him. “I can’t leave with you. I won’t.”

  Groaning, he shook his head. “Come here.” Prepared to use force to take her with him, he walked toward her.

  “Haden, what are you doing?” She backed away from him.

  He captured her arm. “You’re not staying here.”

  “Stop.” She tried to pull her arm away. “You’re scaring me.”

  “You’re afraid,” he said as he pulled her toward the car, “but not of me.” He stopped. “Damn it.” She would have a right to be afraid of him if he forced her to do anything. Leaving with him had to be her choice. “If this doesn’t end soon the outcome will be disastrous.” It wasn’t a threat; it was a fact. A fair warning. He wouldn’t stand back and allow her to be hurt anymore. People were going to start dying.

  “Are you threatening me?”

  “You know better.” Reluctantly, he released her arm. “The longer you deny us, the longer you’re in danger. I will, regardless of the body count, protect you from further harm.” He opened the car door and got inside.

  “Did you get another car?”

  “It’s a rental. Mine is being repaired.” He took a deep breath. “I will be close by. You will stay merged with me.”

  Nodding, she lied her pretty little ass off. She had no intention of staying merged with him.

  * * *

  Phillip walked into the house. Emmett was sitting at the kitchen table, rocking back and forth. “Why is she out there with him?”

  Emmett didn’t seem to hear him. Phillip grabbed Emmett’s arm and yanked it hard. Emmett still didn’t seem to notice Phillip was there. Phillip slapped him across the face. “What are you doing?”

  Emmett blinked. Placing his hand over his cheek, he shook his head. “What the hell?”

  “What's wrong with you?”

  His memory returning, Emmett shook his head. “The son of a bitch did something to me.” He grabbed his head. “My head feel like it’s going to burst.”

  * * *

  Haden watched Caylee walk away. She turned to look at him. Assuming she’d changed her mind, he started to get out of the car, ready to gather her in his arms and carry her away. With her hand on her hip, she motioned for him to leave. For a moment, he almost lost control. Leaving her there was nearly impossible. It was so terrifying, but he knew there was no other choice. Stay merged with me, or I will return immediately.

  Wiping the tears from her cheeks, she stared at the door and took a deep breath. Releasing it, she reached for the doorknob, but before she was able to turn it, Emmett opened the door.

  “What the hell were you thinking?” Emmett grabbed her arm, pulled her inside the house, and slammed the door. “What did he say to you?”

  Irritated, she jerked her arm free. “Nothing.”

  Phillip turned to Caylee. “You will never see that man again.”

  Shaking her head, she rolled her eyes. “You can’t tell me what to do.” She went into the kitchen and filled the sink with soapy water to scrub the burnt skillet.

  A few miles away from Caylee’s house, Haden pulled off the road and drove a few hundred feet down a dirt road. He needed to stay close to her. There was no way he would be far away from her at anytime. Deciding it would be great fun to bring Phillip down financially, he called Joseph.

  “Haden, what’s up?”

  “I need your assistance with something.”

  “Anything.”

  “Do you know Phillip Wicks?”

  “The name sounds familiar. Hold on.” Joseph googled Phillip’s name. “Sure, there’s a lot of information on the web. He’s an investment adviser. And it appears he’s corrupt as hell. He has several enemies. He has been under investigation for fraud too.”

  “I don’t care about his trouble. I need you to destroy him.”

  “Done.”

  * * *

  “Damn it, Caylee!” Emmett slammed his fist against the counter. “Don’t ignore me!” She whirled around and stared at her uncle. Holding her breath, she tried to recall the question, but she was unable to remember anything. He appeared angry. She glanced around the room and realized Phillip was gone. “I have some business to take care of. While I’m gone, you won’t leave the house.”

  “I have plans to see Mia today.”

  “You’re done with Mia.” He took grabbed her arm and pulled her closer. “You will not see her today or any other day.”

  Nodding, she pulled her arm away. “All right,” she lied, “I will stay home.” Like hell she wasn’t going into town to see Mia.

  Muttering, Emmett turned and walked out of the house.

  Caylee waited until he drove away, and then she grabbed her keys and headed out to her car. She’d always enjoyed the drive to town. It was a good twenty-mile drive along a deserted road in the middle of nowhere. The wooded scenery was beautiful. It was tranquil.

  But she wasn’t enjoying it at the moment. Instead, ten miles into the journey, the engine started smoking and making strange knocking noises. She pulled to side of the road, and then the engine stalled. After making several attempts to start it again, she eventually drained the battery. Calling Haden wasn’t an option; she was never going to see him again. So, she tried to call Mia, but because there was no cell service, every attempt to call failed. With no other option, she started walking toward town.

  ~ Ten ~

  STOP! STARTLED BY Haden’s voice, Caylee stumbled, but reaching out for the trunk of a tree she kept from falling. She took another step but then froze the instant she heard a low growl. They can’t touch you.

  Slowly, not really wanting to see what was growling, she turned around. “Oh, no, not again.” Wide eyed, heart racing, she stared at a dozen or so mangy dog-like creatures. “This is bad.”

  Look all around you. There’s a hedge surrounding you
, protecting you. They can’t get through it. They can’t touch you.

  It’s a mist. A black mist. I can’t do this. Her thoughts raced wildly, matching her heartbeat. I can’t just stand here.

  The odor of your fear excites them. Take a deep breath. Try to remain calm. They can’t harm you. Don’t look away from them and don’t run. I can see them through your eyes. I need you to stay very still to keep the hedge in place. He was careful to make sure his voice was calm and reassuring. I’m coming to you now.

  Oh sure, I’ll be calm. Maybe I’ll even take a nap. Why not? There’s a black mist protecting me. Odor? She frowned. Are you telling me I stink?

  Not at all. He laughed. I’m telling you that you smell yummy. She looked back at her car. She could make it, couldn’t she? No. Don’t try it, little love. And don’t turn your back to them. I need you to keep your eyes on them so I can see them.

  He was right. She would never make it in time. She returned her gaze to the creatures. She really wanted to look away from them. I can’t do it. I can’t just stand here and watch them! Panic was quickly closing in on her. They were so hideous. So terrifying. She wanted to run. The last thing she wanted to do was stand there like an idiot staring at them.

  I know they look frightening, but they can’t touch you. More than anything he wished he could tell her to look away from them. I need you to trust me. I need you to be strong.

  Her entire body was trembling. Her breaths were coming in short, violent gasps. Tears welled up and streamed down her face. This is bad—this is really, really bad. She tried to take a step back, but her legs felt like rubber. I can’t do it. I can’t keep looking at them.

  You’re doing it, little love.

  Hyperventilating, she watched in horror as they crouched low to the ground and bared their teeth. It appeared they were about to pounce on her, but instead they slowly inched their way nearer. Oh, God, hurry, Haden! She turned her back to the beasts, too afraid to look at them any longer.

  I’m here. Her ears popped. Pricking her flesh, the atmosphere suddenly electrified. The air was alive with danger and violence. A thousand voices shouted at once. With a terrible, ear-shattering clap of thunder, a strong gust of icy wind blasted past her. The creatures lunged for her, but they were stopped by the hedge surrounding her.

  Haden began to regain physical form between Caylee and the ghouls. Opening her eyes, she turned toward him. Another clap of thunder, and a gust of wind, much stronger, blasted the creatures. Yelping, they landed several feet away. Haden shimmered in the form a black, glittery mist, his wings disappearing as he turned toward her. Extraordinary power flowed from him. Violent. Tremendous. Immovable power. Unable to process what she was seeing and feeling, she stumbled backward.

  Black and silver flames danced around him, around her. Everything was moving too quickly. She couldn’t make out his form. “Haden.” Her vision was blurry. She rubbed her eyes. Not yet fully formed, he reached out for her. Dodging the iridescent image of his hand, she stepped back. The color drained from her face as she placed her trembling hand over her heart.

  When the reformation of his flesh was complete, he grabbed her arm to hold her steady. “It’s okay.”

  “I thought you killed them the other night.” Everything seemed to darken. She blinked. “I feel weird.” Her voice seemed so odd and distant to her. “I can’t … oh, no.” She swayed back and forth. “I need to sit down.” She tried to back away from him, but everything swirled around her and went black.

  Effortlessly catching her up in his arms, he cradled her against his chest. An instant before he dissolved into a mist with Caylee, he glanced over his shoulder and snarled at the severely injured, dying ghouls. Struck by an invisible, thunderous boom, they burst into flames.

  Haden was beyond caring about what she wanted. Enough was enough. He knew what was best for her, and it was time for her to trust him. He was taking her home with him. In the blink of an eye he was holding her in his bedroom. He slowly carried her over to his bed and then gently lowered her onto it. Smiling, he stared down at her. She was going to be mad as hell when she woke up, but he didn’t care. Let her be mad. She would get over it. She was home now. She was finally right where she belonged. Sitting on the edge of the bed, he watched her sleep, filling her with healing energy.

  After several moments, she opened her eyes and she gazed up at him. “I really don’t like those things. Where do they come from?”

  She suddenly realized she was in an unfamiliar bed. His bed! Panicking, she sat up, determined to get out of it and leave his house as quickly as possible. But she hesitated. What if there were more of the creatures outside? “Are there more out there?”

  “Not at the moment. You’ve been through a horrible ordeal. You need to rest for a few minutes, little love. There’s no reason for you to leave right away.” Leaning his back against the headboard, he pulled her into his arms. “Come here.”

  Making a sound of something between a moan and whimper, she halfheartedly pushed away from him, but he gently, with a firm grip, drew her back. “Relax.” He kissed the top of her head. “You’re safe with me.”

  She tilted her head back to look up at him, but then quickly, needing to escape the hunger in his gaze, she looked away. “I shouldn’t be … they’re so disgusting, Haden. What are they?”

  “Animals, mostly dogs, poisoned by the blood of the undead,” he stated, still touching his lips to her soft, satiny hair, inhaling her scent.

  “You knew they were going to attack me before I did.” She tilted her head back to look up at him again. “Most of the time it drives me nuts that you know so much.” Grinning, she bit her lower lip. “But in this case, I’m glad. In fact, it’s your lucky day, Haden. I’m not going to lecture you about how rude it is to always be mucking around in my head. I’m not saying it’s not annoying. To tell the truth, it’s extremely irritating.”

  She pulled away from him and turned her entire body to get a better look at him. “It’s so unfair.” She scooted toward the foot of the bed. “I would be happier if I could see your thoughts as easily as you see mine.”

  “If you want to see my thoughts, I could show you.” His voice was deep, raspy.

  She stood up and took a few backward steps away from the bed. “How?”

  She didn’t see him move, but he was standing directly in front of her. “Close your eyes.”

  She stared up at him. He was so close she could feel the warmth of his body. “Are you teasing me?”

  He bent his head and kissed the corner of her mouth. “Not at all,” he whispered. “Close your eyes.”

  Smiling shyly, heart racing, she nodded and closed her eyes. “I’m going to end up regretting this, aren’t I?”

  He laughed softly. She felt the warmth of his breath, the scintillating moist heat of it across her lips. Waves of hot lust radiated from him, entering her body as he merged his mind with hers. Instantly, she felt the warmth and roughness of his hands on her flesh, all over her body, exploring every inch of it, savoring it, possessing it. She felt his desire and his need for her combined with his steadfast, unwavering love for her.

  Leaning back, she opened her eyes and stared up at him. “Why?”

  Cradling her face in his palms, he traced her mouth with his thumb and then drew her nearer to kiss her. “Kiss me.”

  “No.” She pulled away from him. “I want you to tell me why you want me.” She knew he wanted her to believe they belonged together and he would stop at nothing to convince her of it. But why? She was far from the woman she imagined his type to be. She was certain he could get any woman. Why would he settle for her? He was extraordinarily fascinating. Mysterious. Dark. And way too sexy. He looked too good, more than handsome; he was masculine sensuality perfected. His body was a solid, flawlessly muscled piece of art. He was godlike. He was so powerful in so many ways. Like an ancient warrior. A gladiator. To most people, he wasn’t simply intimidating, he was completely unapproachable. And yet, he was gentle
with her. So tender, patient, and kind. Well, when he wasn’t making stupid demands.

  He smiled. “I never make stupid demands.” He arched his brow. “I offer advice based on expert wisdom.” He shrugged casually. “But anyways, I figured you cast a love spell on me.”

  “Really?” Drawing her bottom lip in her mouth and chewing on it, she frowned. Well, it made sense. Why else would he long for her? Yep, it had to be a spell. She only wished she knew it, in case it wore off. It would definitely come in handy in the future.

  “No.” He wrapped his hand around her throat in a bogus threat. “What am I going to do with you? You drive me crazy, little love, and I am starting to believe you enjoy it. I could never imagine a more beautiful woman. You’re incredibly desirable. Irresistible. Completely divine.” Cupping her breasts, he groaned aloud. The sound was so sensual. Deep. Husky. So full of need.

  “Haden.” She knew she should stop him, but she didn’t want to. “This is a bad idea.” Eyes wide, her breaths came in short, labored gasps.

  “Your body is perfectly, deliciously proportioned. You’re a goddess.” Reaching behind her, he grabbed her backside and squeezed. “My goddess. You’re so incredibly sexy.” He bent his head and kissed her slowly, thoroughly. “Luscious. Addictive.”

  Moving even nearer, pressing her back against the wall, he parted her legs with his thigh. “Hot.” His voice was a deep growl filled with the lust burning in him. Driving him insane, she arched her hips toward him and moved against his leg. “You’re so damn hot, little love.” He bent his head and nibbled on her earlobe. “You’re feisty. Courageous.” He trailed fiery kisses from her ear, along her jaw and to the corner of her mouth. “Very sweet. Kind and generous to a fault. But when you’re riled, you fight fearlessly, with the heart of a lioness. And you’re mine.” He held her face between his hands, forcing her to meet his gaze. “All mine.”

  A blush rising from her neck to her cheeks, as she studied his gaze. “You’re teasing me.” She nibbled on her lower lip, struggling to close her eyes, to look away, to do anything to escape the hunger of his powerful gaze.