Eternal Breath of Darkness

by Candice Stauffer

  She wanted more. Needed more. She immediately took over. She was on fire. She didn’t want slow and easy; she needed fast and hard. Riding his cock, she took him fast and hard.

  He easily supported her weight, his fingers gripping her hips, as she rode him. “You’re so hot. So damn tight.”

  She was a blazing inferno. She was beyond words. Desperate for release. Her ultra-sensitive breasts rubbed against his rock-hard, muscular body. A persistent delight swept from her breast to her sex, until her body clamped down around him, constricting his cock. Crying out, she burst. Wave after thrilling wave of turbulent pleasure raced through her, but she needed more. Her body fastened tightly around his as she ferociously took more pleasure from his body.

  She was climbing another glorious peak and taking him with her. Pushed too far, he took charge. Holding her steady, he savagely thrust upward—again and again he impaled her. Moving constantly. Burning up. Creating scintillating friction. Burying his cock deeper. Then, her body gripped onto his with a powerful vengeance. Squeezing tighter and tighter. Mercilessly strangling his cock, holding him deep, drawing out his seed. They both shattered. He threw his head back and roared. She screamed out his name, her nails digging deep into his shoulders.

  His knees buckled, and he collapsed, taking her down with him. He held her tightly, her legs straddled over his lap. He was silent for several moments, just holding her close. Savoring the moment. “That, little love, was by far the single most amazing experience I’ve ever had.”

  Drowsy, she nuzzled his neck. “Truly amazing.” Teeth chattering, she started to shiver.

  “You’re freezing.”

  She yawned. “It’s a very small price to pay.”

  He kissed the top of her head. “I suppose you’re right.” Standing up, he lifted her, and then gently lowered her onto her feet. “But we need to get you warmed up.” He replaced their clothing with a thought.

  “For the end of June it’s a little too cold out here, don’t you think?” Smiling, she looked up at him. Her heart stopped. The sight of him, the change in his posture and expression, told her something was seriously wrong.

  ~ Fifteen ~

  TAKING CAYLEE’S ARM, Haden dragged her to his side, and his wings momentarily shimmered and then solidified. Expanding his mind, black eyes glittering, he stood completely still, barely breathing, receiving and sorting through the hidden information in the night air.

  Caylee felt subtle movement under her feet. It was barely noticeable, but something beneath the soil groaned.

  “Haden.” Lowering her gaze, she studied the steady movement of the forest floor. “What’s … oh, God.” It wasn’t him. Whatever was beneath the ground was evil. Pure evil. Murderous. An icy shiver started at the soles of her feet and ran up her spine to the back of her neck. “It not you, is it?”

  “No.” The situation was unlike any Haden had ever encountered. He was too old, too experienced to be caught unaware by an enemy. They were under attack, and he hadn’t seen it coming. This didn’t happen to him.

  Caylee saw something move above the trees. “Haden!” she screamed, pointing toward something that swooped down and moved quickly toward them. He threw her to the ground and, using his body to shield her from the impact, landed on top of her.

  A scream welled up, but she bit it back. “What was that?” Holding her breath, she stared up at him, waiting for but not particularly wanting further enlightenment.

  He stood and helped her up. “A ghoul.” He was already creating a barrier around them to prevent further attacks from above.

  “With wings?” She shook her head. “But you said they’re dogs. Dogs don’t have wings.”

  “Mostly dogs, little love, not always.”

  Why had she asked? She didn’t want to know. Taking a breath, she choked. A noxious, ammonia-like odor burned her nose, throat, and lungs. Eyes watering, she coughed and gagged, struggling to get air to pass through her throat.

  With his hand, he turned her head, pressing her face against his chest. “It’s okay. Breathe.” It instantly helped, and she filled her lungs with his addicting scent. She opened her mouth to ask him what was happening, but she was silenced by a high-pitched scream.

  It quickly escalated, becoming a blaring outcry of fury that echoed all around. She covered her ears, but it did nothing to muffle the sound. She was beyond afraid. She was terrified. She would’ve collapsed if Haden hadn't been holding her up. The pressure and pain were so intense. She’d never experienced such extreme agony. Her skull actually felt as if it were in the process of imploding. It was impossible to determine where the sound was coming from. It was generating from every possible direction. It seemed forever, but within seconds, Haden took the pain from her, closing her ears to the sound before her eardrums ruptured.

  All senses on alert, he studied the black vapor rising and extending in every direction for as far as he could see. It swirled a few feet above ground. Waving his hand, he created a hedge, preventing it from getting close enough to touch them. It was a form of black magic. He was unfamiliar with it, but he knew its roots were human. And he knew it was only the beginning of the attack; there would be more. Much, much more.

  Something very powerful was aiding the human’s magic. Paul was part of it, but the energy thrumming through the air was a thousand times more powerful than any vampire could ever hope to produce. It was demonic. He quickly realized it was Demetri’s energy. Demetri was thousands of years older, and he possessed greater power and knowledge than any other demon. Why would Demetri help Paul? It was shocking. Until now Haden hadn’t believed Zack’s accusations against Demetri. It didn’t make sense for one as great as Demetri to unite with the living dead.

  Holding Caylee as close to his body as possible, he slowly spun around, scanning the forest, sorting through his centuries of warfare knowledge. They were surrounded. Completely surrounded. A low, threatening growl rumbled in Haden’s chest and throat. Violence and hatred lurked just out of sight, hidden in the shadows, encompassing them. They were in the heart of a deadly trap. The essence of pure evil was pulsating in the atmosphere. Sadistic. Ferocious. It was everywhere, below ground and above the treetops. But what exactly was it?

  The temperature was rising quickly. Caylee was completely out of her element. The air was so sweltering hot that, besides sweating profusely, she felt weak and a little lightheaded. This didn’t happen in her world. She didn’t know what to do. She knew they were in a bad situation, but she didn’t have the slightest clue of what was happening and what would come next.

  She looked up at Haden. He appeared confident and strong, silently searching the area, assessing the enemy, preparing for the battle. There was no doubt in her mind he could and would do anything to keep her safe. Closing her eyes, she thanked God for Haden, for the way he held her so close, shielding her with his body.

  He knelt down, taking her with him. He placed his hand on the ground and whispered in a strange language. She didn’t have a clue of what he was saying, but his voice was beautiful, hypnotic. The ground rippled in response to his touch and voice. Without any warning, a snake burst out of the dirt.

  Caylee would’ve screamed if she could’ve breathed. Standing up, Haden pulled her closer, keeping her hand in his. “He’s a friend. He won’t hurt you. He can tell us what is happening below ground.”

  In denial, she shook her head. Oh sure, the giant snake was a friend.

  Why hadn’t she thought of it sooner? None of it was real. Not the snake. Not Haden. And definitely not the vampire and flying ghouls. They were all figments of her demented imagination. She smiled. Yep, that was it. She was in an asylum, curled up in corner, her mind fried beyond the point of repair.

  Lifting her chin, she looked up at Haden and smiled. “Well, at least my alternate reality includes the most amazing, mind-blowing sex with tall, dark, and yummy as hell.”

  He laughed aloud. “You’re not losing your mind, little love. This is real. I’m real. And the amaz
ing, mind-blowing sex is most definitely real.”

  His deep voice was a seductive caress, touching her everywhere at once, causing her body to ache. She frowned. There was no way in hell she was going to let him know his voice was wreaking havoc in her body. Not when he could’ve and should’ve warned her about the snake before it popped up out of the ground. Cursing beneath her breath, she rolled her eyes at him. She was definitely getting a spray bottle of holy water in the near future.

  He bent down to kiss her, and then he turned to face the snake.

  Head raised, seemingly prepared to strike, the snake swayed from side to side, its body rapidly growing in length and width. It was huge—larger than any other she’d ever seen. A shiver ran through Caylee’s body. And she’d recently started watching Animal Planet, so she’d seen a quite few large snakes.

  Glowing, blood-red eyes locked onto Haden’s gaze, venom dripping from sharp fangs, the serpent hissed. “I smell your mate’s fear of me.” Suspicious, the serpent moved closer to her, locking his gaze onto hers.

  Caylee felt it moving in her mind, searching for information.

  “Interesting.” Looking amused, he met Haden’s gaze. “She has no idea who you are.”

  “Leave her alone.” Haden glared at the snake. “I called you to the surface because I need to know what lies beneath us.”

  “You know very well what’s happening here. This vampire is obsessed with your mate. He’s driven by lust. Why have you entered his trap with your mate? She’s mortal. You know you can’t escape this with her.”

  “You know what I’m asking. I need details.”

  “This is an ancient burial ground. Its occupants, unable to rise, have remained in turmoil for a very long time. They’re violent savages. Murderers. And now, the blood of the undead flows through their bodies. They thirst for blood.”

  “How many?”

  “Thousands.” The snake looked up at the ghouls circling the treetops, and then it moved closer. “Since when have demons and vampires united? Any fool can see this uprising is far too great a feat for any vampire or human. A demon is either behind it or at least in some way supporting this attack.”

  Sighing, Haden nodded. “I’ve been told Demetri is lost to us.”

  “You believe Demetri is behind this?”

  “I feel his energy.” Chanting in a strange language, Haden waved his hand. The snake shimmered for a few seconds, and then it disappeared.

  Considering his options, Haden turned to face Caylee. His first urge was to scoop her up and take her through time and space to a place of safety, but he knew better than to try. She was mortal. Fragile. Vulnerable to death. The snake was right. He would never be able to safely take her through the spells surrounding them. She wouldn’t survive it. He couldn’t fly with her. She would be ripped to shreds by the ghouls. He needed to fight. He needed to win. There was no other option. He needed to destroy the evil, or she would die.

  Zack, I need you now!

  What the hell have you started? Joseph and I were searching for your vampire when we felt the disturbance. We’re coming as quickly as possible, but there is much opposition all around.

  It’s a rising. There are too many for me to defeat on my own. Demetri is aiding the vampire, enabling it to bring thousands of warriors to the surface to fight. Caylee is here with me.

  Zack froze midair. Not because he was shocked Caylee was there. He already knew. He was shocked because he’d never heard Haden plead for anything before. And Haden was pleading. He was begging for help. The woman had made him weak. She would be his demise.

  She’s still mortal, Zack. We’re trapped.

  You’re not trapped. She is. And you’ll stay right by her side and die with her rather than leave her. Zack didn’t even try to hide his disgust. We know she’s with you. We will fight with you to protect her, but once this is over, you must either give her immortality or leave her with no memory of your existence. This cannot continue.

  Joseph connected with Haden. Demetri is powerful, but he’s very far away. It’s odd, but I don’t believe he’s even aware of what’s happening. We won’t arrive to aide you before it starts. Demetri’s spells are reproducing as quickly as we destroy them. Keep her in one place. We will combine our powers with yours to create a sturdier hedge of protection around her.

  Haden framed Caylee’s face between his hands, forcing her to focus on him. “I won’t lie to you, little love. I need you to trust me. It’s going to get bad. You’re going see, hear, and feel horrible, frightening things your mind has never conjured up.”

  She blinked. Obviously, he didn’t know about the nightmares that haunted her.

  “I know every dream and every nightmare you’ve ever experienced. What’s happening here is worse than any thought that has ever entered your mind.” Taking her hand, he brought it to the warmth of his mouth. “I love you, Caylee. Forever and completely, I will love and cherish every breath you take. Know that you’re safe with me. Trust me. I won’t allow you to be harmed.”

  “Haden.” Eyes wide, she stared up at him. “I trust you. I really do. But I don’t want to be here for another minute. Take me somewhere else, anywhere. I don’t even care how we get there. I’ll fly with you. I won’t complain about it. I promise. Please, Haden, I want to leave now.”

  She was breaking his heart, shattering it into thousands of tiny pieces. He rubbed the bridge of his nose, forcing himself to think with his brain and not his heart. Every fiber of his being wanted … no, needed to give her everything she wanted, but he couldn’t this time. It was simply too dangerous.

  He bent his head to kiss her. “I’m sorry. I can’t. It would be too dangerous. There are too many waiting to ambush us in the sky. I should’ve known better. I never should’ve stayed out here with you long enough to be trapped like this. Please, Caylee, forgive me.” He kissed her once more. “We will survive this together. I know this is all strange to you, but it’s not strange to me at all. This is what I was created for. I’ve fought many battles like this one, and I’ve never experienced defeat.” He wasn’t bragging about his power and strength; he was stating a fact, hoping it would give her peace.

  Hot tears streaming down her face, she took his hand and placed it over her heart. He needed her to have faith in him. He was begging her to believe in him, in his love and devotion. He needed her cooperation to do what needed to be done.

  “I love you, Haden. And I trust you to protect me.” Looking so sexy that his heart skipped a beat, she smiled at him. “But I refuse to forgive you. As I remember, it’s my fault we remained out here.” Savoring the memory of the taste and feel of him, hard and swollen, helplessly surging into her mouth, she bit her lower lip. “I owned you for a moment. You cannot be blamed for it. I was simply too tempting for you resist. Admit it, I seduced you into a state of ignorant bliss.”

  Jaw dropped, he lifted his eyebrows at her, his black gaze smoldering. Well, isn’t this a lovely situation. Maybe not lovely, but it was certainly a new one. An interesting one. In all the long years of his existence, he’d never sported a raging hard-on during a battle.

  “Oh come on, admit it.” Doing her best to look as fierce as a five-foot-three-inch, hundred-pound woman could possibly look, she glared up at him. “If you know what’s good for you, you’ll admit it.”

  “Woman, you’re pure evil.” Joy filling him so entirely his heart felt as if it would burst, he smiled at her. “And I love it. Yes,” he said, nodding, “you seduced the hell out of me then and now. But, you’re wrong about one thing. You didn’t own me for a moment.”

  Lowering her gaze, she frowned at her poor choice of words. Of course she didn’t.

  He lifted her chin. “You have always and will forever own my heart and soul.” Just then, the ground rumbled violently. “It’s happening.”

  He took a step back. “You will be safe. Stay right here.” He walked away from her.

  Raising his arms to the heavens, he altered the atmosphere, commanding a
storm to come from out of nowhere. The wind instantly picked up, slamming into the flying ghouls. Lightning zigzagged, illuminating the ominous black clouds billowing overhead, chasing the monstrous birds. Thunder echoed all around. Fascinated, oblivious to the rain saturating her, Caylee watched Haden. He was so sexy, so perfect in every possible way. She was ordinary, nothing even close to the woman he should’ve picked, but he loved her. He was the most remarkable man and lover she could ever hope to dream up, and he truly loved her. He chose to love her. He was powerful beyond belief. He could easily possess any woman’s heart, but he chose hers. She belonged to him in every possible way. She knew that now. She truly belonged to him. She would never feel the pain of being alone again.

  I will never know how I survived for so long without you, Caylee. You’re my life, my heart, my soul. I will forever need you more than I need to take my next breath. She literally felt the warmth of his breath on her earlobe, and his arms, still defying the distance between them, held her even closer to his body. Smiling, she closed her eyes, remembering the passion, the firestorm of desire and pleasure they shared. Nothing could ever taste better than his kiss, his flesh. His masculine scent drove her wild. His rough, calloused hands were so demanding, so powerful, and yet they so gently touched her everywhere, causing desire to burn in her. His cock was so hot and hard, filling her, stretching her, thrusting wildly into her again and again, creating the most scintillating hot friction imaginable.

  His laughter filled her mind. Serious foul, little love. Now, when I’m unable to do anything about it, is not the time to torment me with delicious thoughts of being buried deep inside the tight, silky heat of your body.

  The ground burst open in hundreds of places all at once, but he didn’t seem to notice. He held her gaze captive, letting her know he wouldn’t do anything to defend himself until she relinquished her mind to him. She immediately opened her mind to him. Not because she was afraid of him, but because she knew beyond any doubt he wouldn’t focus on the battle he was about to face until she did.