Eternal Breath of Darkness

by Candice Stauffer

  She blinked once, and he was surrounded by grotesque human-like ghouls. “Oh, God, no. What are they?” she whispered.

  Mouths gaped wide, flesh torn from their bones, and their bodies unbelievably twisted and contorted, they closed in on him. She tried counting them, but there were too many. There were hundreds and hundreds of them, and he was their sole focus. How could he fight off so many? He couldn’t. He would die if he tried.

  No. It’s okay. These creatures cannot harm me.

  Once again, she could feel the warmth of his breath on her ear. She was so grateful he possessed the ability to make her feel the heat of his large, solid frame against her back and his powerful arms protectively, lovingly holding her close when he was so far away. He might believe he was a demon, but she believed she was in the arms of an angel.

  I am never far away from you, Caylee. I am always with you. A part of you.

  A burst of brilliant colors and an explosion of light illuminated the woods as Haden took the form of the dragon. Oblivious of the danger he presented, the ghouls continued to move closer to him. The dragon’s warrior heart thundered with excitement for the battle at hand, for the victory it would claim. While Haden had fixated his attention on Caylee for the past year, the beast had been denied the pleasures of war. Rising onto his hind legs, the dragon fanned his massive wings, creating flames that spread out to devour the ghouls and encompass Caylee.

  The dragon swung its head around, capturing her gaze. Keep your mind open to me. You’re protected. Nothing will touch you. He shot straight into the sky, but the instant he cleared the treetops, he was bombarded by monstrous birds of prey. Caylee stared in horror. They were all over him screaming, biting, and digging their talons deep into his flesh. Lightning struck the ground a few feet from her. Caylee jumped back, her focus now on the ground. She watched ghouls attempting to walk through the flames surrounding her. Most were burned to a crisp before making it through. A few managed to make it through, but they were instantly incinerated by lightning.

  She looked up, her gaze searching the sky for Haden. At first, she couldn’t find him; then, to her horror, she realized why: he was completely covered with the winged ghouls and was falling out of the sky. Flames surrounded them, burning the creatures from his body. He was falling way too fast. She held her breath. Her heart actually stopped. He landed hard, flat on his back, his body creating a hole in the ground. Roaring, he jumped to his feet, destroying the remaining birds with flames, and then, without showing any signs of pain or weakness due to the fall, he shot straight into the sky to fight once more. Finally breathing, her heart beating, her gaze followed him.

  Another dragon appeared in the sky. She watched it closely, fearing it would join the birds and attack Haden. Within seconds, she realized a third dragon was approaching. Her heart beat so quickly she feared it was going to burst.

  They’re friends, little love, Zack and Joseph. You remember Zack, right? He helped us before. They’ve come to help us now.

  Chanting, Paul approached Caylee.

  She stared at him. He was so very close—only a few feet away. She looked up. She could still feel Haden’s arms holding her, but she doubted he was really with her. It was an illusion to make her feel safe.

  Engaged in battle, the dragons fought so fiercely the monstrous birds were falling like stones from the sky.

  She wanted call out to Haden but feared distracting him. She didn’t know what to do.

  Haden froze, his fierce gaze locked onto hers. Tucking his wings close to his body, he dived toward her, the other dragons following his lead. She looked for Paul, but he was gone. The human like ghouls were also gone. The dragons landed hard, the ground shook, and she fell to her knees.

  ~ Sixteen ~

  RETURNING TO HUMAN form, Haden turned to face her. “Damn it, Caylee, you always call out to me when you think you are in danger! That is what you do! You do not hesitate! You call out to me!” Breathing heavily, walking toward her, he looked as ferocious as he was.

  She didn’t stand up, knowing her legs were too weak to support her weight.

  “You arrogant son of bitch!” Zack slammed into Haden. In disbelief, Caylee watched as they fought.

  Chuckling, Joseph walked over to Caylee. “Don’t worry. They’re both a little hotheaded. They’ll work it out. They always do.” He nodded. “Caylee, right?” He leaned down, offering his hand to her. “Joseph Payne.”

  Staring up at him, she took his hand and stood up. Wonderful. Absolutely, magnificently, wonderful. She pointed toward Haden and Zack, still pummeling the hell out of each other. “This is normal behavior for them?”

  He shrugged. “It’s a cousin thing.”

  “They’re related?”

  “I know they don’t look alike, but I assure you it’s true.”

  “I don’t doubt it. They both seem prone to throwing extreme tantrums.” Zack hit Haden’s face with a closed fist, knocking Haden off his feet. Caylee winced. “Ouch.” That was going to leave a mark. “I can’t believe after all that has happened he could forget I’m here watching him behave like a toddler.”

  “Trust me, regardless of his immature behavior he knows you’re here. He knows every breath you take. What I find amusing is that as far as our people are concerned they’re two of the most feared, legendary warriors of all times.”

  “Well, legend or not, one thing is certain, Haden’s behavior is about to get him into serious trouble with me.” She paused. “What happened? I mean, where did all of those creatures go?”

  “The vampire left,” Joseph said. “He was the fuel that enabled them to attack. Without him, the human army he raised had no power to remain above ground.”

  Caylee pointed at Haden and Zack. “How long does it usually take for them to work out their squabbles?”

  “It depends. It could be minutes, or we could be here for quite some time. Some say they’ve fought too many battles to ever be anything other than warring brutes.”

  “What do you say?” Caylee asked.

  “They have unresolved childhood issues.”

  She looked at him. “Joseph, are there many battles like the one today?”

  Frowning, he looked worried. “To be honest, the magnitude of what happened today hasn’t happened for centuries. The vampire hunting you is powerful, but even so, it’s odd for one such as him to provoke a matured male demon. Something is off kilter.” He paused for a moment. “Demetri, one of our own, joined the opposition today. None us know why Demetri is siding with our enemy, but it’s a serious threat to mankind and our kind. Demetri is extremely powerful. He has been around for thousands and thousands of years. No one really knows his age. It’s rumored he has no equal.”

  Such a terrible blast of fear slammed into her that it caused her heart to skip a beat. Haden stopped fighting with Zack. Staring at Joseph, he walked toward them.

  Grinning, Joseph pointed. “I guess they’ve sorted things out.”

  Caylee took a step back. “Haden looks mad.”

  “Not at you.”

  “Huh?”

  “He plans to kick my—sorry,” Joseph said. “He’s mad because I told you about Demetri and it frightened you.”

  “Are you serious?”

  Joseph nodded. “Unfortunately.”

  “Unbelievable. He should’ve told me.” Stepping past Joseph, she marched right up to Haden and shoved him. “What are you doing?”

  Zack walked up from behind and smacked the back of Haden’s shoulder. “One word—neutered.”

  Seething with rage, she turned her gaze toward Zack. “Just … oh, damn it … shut the hell up!”

  “Be careful, woman,” Zack whispered between clenched teeth, giving her a look of disgust.

  That was all it took. Haden turned on Zack, and they were fighting again, rolling around on the ground, punching each other.

  “Fine. Just … oh, God, whatever.” Caylee looked up at Joseph. “Let the kooks beat each other up. I’m done.” Exasperated, she
turned and stormed off, muttering explicit curses beneath her breath.

  “Where do think you’re going?” Haden pushed Zack away and stared at Caylee.

  Stopping, she tried to count to ten to gain her composure, but only managed to get to three before she turned to face Haden.

  “Oh, how sweet.” Looking way too innocent to ever be considered anything other than guilty as hell, Haden and Zack were standing side by side as if they couldn’t possibly be guilty of any wrongdoing. They, well over six feet tall and built like warriors, had the nerve to attempt to look sheepish. Fuming, she rolled her eyes. Clearly, attempting to manipulate a situation by faking innocence was a family thing. Fire burning in her belly, he slowly walked toward them.

  “Damn, Haden, I think you really pissed her off.” Joseph chuckled. “This is going to be great. I wouldn’t miss what’s about to happen for the world. I hope when she’s done with you she kicks Zack’s ass too.” He fumbled inside his pockets. “Oh shit, I forgot my phone. This would’ve made a damn great status update for both of you.”

  Zack’s eyebrows shot up. “She wouldn’t.” He swallowed hard.

  Watching Caylee walk toward them, Haden grinned. “She would.”

  Joseph nodded. “Zack, I don’t think she likes you at all. After she’s done with Haden, I’ve a hundred bucks that says she’ll take you down in five seconds.”

  Zack shook his head. He wasn’t going to stick around to get his ass kicked by a woman. “How the hell do you keep figuring out our passwords, Joseph?”

  “You’re predictable, and Haden never changes his.”

  Zack looked a Haden. “Never?” Looking worried, he took a few steps back. “Well, good luck, Haden. If there’s anything left to you after she gets done with you, I’ll see you later.” He turned with blurring speed, wings forming on his back, and leapt into sky.

  “Don’t keep her out here. Bring her to your penthouse. We will be able to aid you, should you need us. And after witnessing the strength of your opposition today, I have no doubt you will.” When Caylee reached them, Joseph bowed at the waist. “It was nice to finally meet you, Caylee. I hope to see you soon.”

  “It was quite refreshing to meet a civilized gentleman.” Smiling at Joseph, she nodded once. “Thank you.” Then, she turned to glare up at Haden, fury burning in her green eyes.

  Thinking she looked way too damn sexy when she was mad, Haden grinned, his gaze feasting on her. “You look angry, little love.” And it was driving him insane, filling him with lust, heating his blood, making him yearn to immerse himself in the solace and pleasure of her body again and again.

  Clearly able to hear his thoughts now, she smirked. Who did he think he was? He demanded she keep her mind open to him at all times, but he felt he was justified in closing his mind to her at will. Tilting her head to the side, she glared at him, biting back a few choice words and fighting the urge to kick him. “You think I look mad?”

  Looking as naughty as he was, and way too sexy, he held out his hand for her. “We should get going, little love.”

  “Little love?” Shaking her head, she forced herself to frown. “Tell me, Haden, is that endearment designed to get you out of trouble?”

  He arched his brow. “Is it working?”

  His voice was a deep, flawless purr, a weapon of seduction. Yep, she was definitely getting her hands on a bottle of holy water.

  “I won’t stop you, but I don’t believe spraying me will make you feel any better. You’re not mad at me. I know what’s troubling you. It’s troubling me too.”

  Gee. Should she or should she not? She shrugged. Why not open his stinky can of worms? “Really, what’s troubling me?”

  “Sexual frustration.”

  He wasn’t actually touching her, but she felt hands wandering, exploring her body. His mouth and tongue teasing, tormenting her.

  “What you really need is to get naked and wrap your sexy legs around my body.”

  He looked way too proud of himself for her liking. Two could play this game. “Serious sexual frustration,” she whispered, her voice purposely breathless, husky. Parting her lips in a mysterious, sexy smile, she closed the gap between them. Standing on the tips of her toes, she wrapped her arms around his neck and her leg around his thigh. “Silly me.” Pressing closer, intimately rubbing her body against his, she tilted her head back and kissed his chest and the base of his throat. “Why didn’t I think of it?” she whispered against his flesh.

  He knew she was using her body as a weapon of revenge, but it didn’t matter. He couldn’t resist her. He bent his head to take possession of her mouth. She bit his lip, a teasing, erotic nibble that drove him insane. Then, when she was certain he’d forgot about the revenge she was seeking, she bit him hard and shoved him.

  Caught off guard, he fell flat on his ass.

  “I can’t believe you actually thought you could use sex to turn me into a mindless twit when I’m so mad at you.” Hands on her hips, she stuck her tongue out at him. “Who’s the mindless twit now, Haden?” Smiling, savoring the victory, she turned at walk away from him.

  Roaring with laughter, he jumped to his feet and followed her. “Where are you going?” He was still laughing.

  “Stop laughing,” she warned as she turned to face him, “or I will kick you.” She turned away from him and started to walk. “I’m going to the city.”

  At her side, still laughing but attempting to control it, he matched her pace. “You’re going the wrong way, little love.”

  Mumbling obscenities, sounding quite fierce, she spun around and stared up at him. “Which way is it?”

  “Kiss me.”

  “Hell no!” she shouted.

  He pointed. “It’s a day’s walk.” Moving closer, forcing her to press her back against a tree to avoid touching him, he grinned at her. “But I could get us there in a few seconds.” He moved closer, his body crowding hers, touching hers, heating hers. “Kiss me.”

  Palms pressed against his chest, savoring the yummy masculine contours of his hard, heavily muscled body a little too much, she tried to shove him, but he didn’t move at all. He was as solid as the tree behind her. She lifted her chin, smirking up at him defiantly. “I’m never flying with you again, Haden Drake,” she promised, saying his last name to prove a point. Although, after saying it aloud and hearing the longing in her voice, she wasn’t entirely sure what point it proved. Well, that was a lie. It clearly proved she wanted to rip his clothes off of his body and … no! She shook her head. She wouldn’t think it. His ego didn’t need to get any bigger. If it did she would be forced to toss him into a pool of holy water.

  “Flying would take too long.” Capturing her waist, he easily picked her up and held her against his body. “I wasn’t planning to fly tonight.” His black, hungry gaze held hers captive. “I need you now.” He smiled at her. “And you will fly with me many more times.” Before she could argue, he whispered, “Wrap your legs around me.”

  Needing him, wanting him as desperately as he needed and wanted her, she did it instantly, without thought.

  “Now, please, kiss me.”

  Completely swept away by her desire for him, unaware he was taking her through time and space, she kissed him.

  When he lifted his head, she realized they were no longer in the woods. He was walking, carrying her across a room. She looked around, but it was too dark to see much of anything. “Where are we?” She gasped. “Where are my clothes?” Then, she realized they were flesh to flesh. “Where are yours?” The air was moist, warm and sweet smelling.

  “Gone.” He took three downward steps.

  She heard the sound of water swishing. “Why?” Hot steam enveloped them.

  He took another downward step, and hot water lapped at her backside and legs. “They were in the way.” Waist deep in the water, he lowered her onto her feet and pulled her close. “I need to feel every inch of your flesh against mine.” He waved his hand, lighting several candles.

  Turning, she mo
ved away from him, taking in the beauty surrounding her. They were in a huge, oversized hot tub. No. It was more like a pool. In the far corner was a waterfall, and the walls and ceiling were made of granite and decorated with ancient carvings. Several mirrors on the walls reflected candlelight. “It’s so beautiful, Haden.”

  He picked up a bottle of oil and slowly made his way to her. Never in his life had he seen anything as beautiful, as perfect as her tiny, slender body. It amazed him that she didn’t know. That she didn’t have a clue about how incredibly gorgeous, how sexy she was. She closed her eyes. His mind was open to her, sharing his desire, his need to worship her body with his, to convince her of her beauty, of her value to him. There was and never could be another woman for him. She alone could make him drop to his knees and beg for one more taste.

  Tears burned behind her eyes. It was all too wonderful to be real—it had to come to an end. This wasn’t her; she didn’t belong with him. Gathering her hair, he pulled it over her shoulder to expose her back to his admiring gaze. She turned her head to look up at him. He bent his head to kiss her shoulder, her neck, and her ear. Breathing deeply, he inhaled her scent, savoring it. There were no words to describe his need for her, his love for her at that moment.

  He massaged her shoulders and back, softly caressing the oil into her skin. His hands trailed from her sides to her hips, touching her everywhere, tracing her feminine curves, adoring her body, every inch of it. “Turn around, little love.”

  When she did, he was right there, solid, real, larger than life. Her man. His gaze was feasting on her. He was touching her, loving her, needing her, massaging her. Her gaze wandered. His body was built to perfection. Tall. Powerful. Muscled like a god. Men like him didn’t exist. Not in her world.

  Biting her lower lip, she looked up him. “Haden?” She was breathless, hot tears streaming down her face. Yes, he loved her now, but would he eventually grow tired of her? He’d live many lifetimes, shared many lifetimes with women he loved. “What if you … Haden, I’m afraid of the way you make me feel. Of having you only to lose you.”