Eternal Breath of Darkness

by Candice Stauffer

  “Caylee.” Tossing the oil, he dragged her close. “See yourself as I see you. Know what you mean to me. We are one. There was, is, and never will be a me without you. Yes, I lived many lifetimes, but I’ve never shared my life with a woman. It would be impossible. For a long time I waited for you, hoping you would come, but eventually I no longer had the strength to hope.” He closed his eyes, searching for best words. “No matter what happens, I will never allow us to be separated by anything or anyone.” Looking very naughty, he smiled at her. “I have a small confession to make, little love.”

  That brought her eyebrow up. “What?”

  “You’re going to have my child.”

  She nodded. “Maybe eventually, but it’s a little soon for us to even think about having a child.”

  “You conceived the first time we made love.”

  “No, I didn’t.” She frowned. “I’m taking birth control.”

  “It failed.”

  “How would you know?”

  “I wanted you to conceive.” He shrugged casually. “My kind has the power to choose whether or not a child is conceived.”

  “You did it on purpose?” She splashed water in his face. “You got me pregnant and didn’t even ask what I thought about it?”

  “Yes.” He smiled, looking quite proud of himself. “What do you think about it?”

  Caylee stared him for several seconds. She’d never really thought about bringing a child into the world. She’d never wanted to be responsible for raising a child in such a sick, twisted, and loveless world. But the world didn’t seem so sick and twisted anymore. It definitely wasn’t loveless. She had Haden. Their child had Haden. He was serious. She was pregnant. And he was very happy about it. To her surprise, she was happy too. She smiled at him. “It makes me very happy.”

  ~ Seventeen ~

  “THIS ISN’T RIGHT.” Caylee took a deep breath and released it with a sigh. “What’s wrong with me?”

  “There’s nothing wrong with you,” Haden said. It was a fact he wasn’t going to argue.

  Looking down at her feet, Caylee frowned. “I’m standing at my uncle’s gravesite, and the only thing I feel is relief.”

  Taking her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze, he said, “Good.”

  “I should feel some form of sadness, shouldn’t I?”

  “Nope. No way,” Mia blurted. “Why should you? The bastard was absolutely terrible to you. He’s lucky to be dead. If I would’ve known he was blackmailing you into marrying that nasty little weasel of a man, Phillip Wicks, I would’ve made his life a nightmare. He would’ve wished he was dead.”

  “You don’t understand,” Caylee explained. “I know he wasn’t a good person, but he was my uncle, my flesh and blood.”

  “Stop it, Caylee. I won’t allow you to beat yourself up over your lack of tears for the man. It doesn’t matter if he was your uncle or a stranger. There’s no reason for you to feel any sadness over his death at all.” Haden wrapped his arm around Caylee and pulled her close to his side. He didn’t regret killing Emmett, but he felt a little guilty because of how negatively the man’s death was affecting Caylee. “Of course you feel a sense of relief. He was treating you badly, abusing you. Why would you feel anything but relief?”

  “He’s dead, Haden. His life is over. It’s done. He will never have another chance to change, to be a better person. They just lowered his casket into the ground, and I couldn’t force myself to shed a single tear for him if my life depended on it.”

  “Oh come on, Caylee. You need to focus on the facts. Emmett was a dirty, rotten bastard. And don’t you dare try to deny it,” Mia said. “Listen, I hate to admit it, but Haden is right.”

  She paused to glare at Haden. He’d better never use the fact that she’d agreed with him against her. Just the thought of being like-minded with Haden nearly caused her to hurl her breakfast. “There’s no reason for you to waste any time crying for him. The world is a better place with Emmett six feet under. Honestly, when you asked me to come here with you today, I was shocked. I tried, I really did, but I didn’t and still don’t understand why you wanted to come here.”

  “I never wanted to be here. I didn’t have a choice. I’m his only living relative. I need to be here. Just take a look around. There’s no one else here to mourn his death.” Caylee looked up at Haden. “It was a heart attack, right?” She knew he could and would kill, but she didn’t want to think he’d killed her uncle. Especially if he’d killed Emmett on her behalf.

  Mia’s gaze shot straight to Haden. Maybe she’d judged his character too soon. If he had killed Emmett, she would be inclined to like him a little.

  Grinning, Haden nodded at Caylee. “That’s what the autopsy report indicated,” he said.

  Mia smiled. Haden had killed Emmett. Maybe she would like him a lot. She shook her head. Nah. There was no reason to get carried away. He was still a man. Liking him a little was more than enough.

  Eyes filled with suspicion, Caylee tilted her head to the side and studied his way-too-innocent, naughty schoolboy grin. She, like Mia, instantly caught on to the fact Haden had used his words carefully to avoid lying. “Yes, it did.” Haden had killed Emmett. The only doubt she had was that she could live with her uncle’s blood on her hands.

  Haden bent his head to whisper in her ear. “How could you forget I was with you, little love?” His deep, sexy voice caused images of their lovemaking to flood her mind. Hot desire raced through her body, heating her blood and causing her heart race.

  Haden wasn’t sure why he was attempting to convince her he hadn’t done it. He had every right to kill Emmett. It was his responsibility to do it. Killing Emmett was the right thing to do. It was a good thing. It was the only thing to do.

  Mia looked up and saw a man approaching them from the far side of the cemetery. She pointed. “Do you know him?” She instantly knew she didn’t like him at all. Studying him closely, she couldn’t decide what really bothered her, but there was something very dark and threatening about him.

  Caylee looked up. “Oh sure, that’s Haden’s friend, Joseph.” She grabbed Haden’s hand. What’s happening, Haden? What’s wrong? She knew Joseph and Zack were hanging around the cemetery in case there were any problems with Paul, but they were supposed to stay out of sight.

  Haden brought her hand to his mouth and kissed it. There’s nothing for you to worry about. Paul is nearby observing us. We knew it would happen. I told you it would, remember? We haven’t been able to pinpoint his exact location. Joseph is just letting him know we’re aware of his presence as a preventative measure. Zack will continue to watch from a distance and wait for Paul to slip up and reveal his location.

  In truth, there was plenty to worry, but as far as he was concerned, she didn’t need to know about it. Joseph and Zack had spent two days and nights searching for Paul, but they were unable to find him. He was always close, but he always managed to hide. The vampire’s ability to continue hiding his exact location from the demons was strange. They knew Paul’s ability to elude them had something to do with Demetri and Mary Tate. But what? Mary wasn’t a huge concern. She was only a problem as long as Demetri remained loyal to her, but why was Demetri remaining close to her? How was he aiding the undead? Why was he doing it? More importantly, how could they stop such a powerful demon?

  ***

  Vampires naturally preferred a variety of sexual partners, never lovers, but possessing and keeping Caylee was all that mattered to Paul. It went against his nature, but he knew he would enjoy her company for a number of years. Unable to stay away from her, he remained as close to her as possible at all times. His obsession with her was growing every minute of every day. She should’ve remained nothing more than a source of nourishment and entertainment, but it was impossible to listen to the voice of common sense when she was his obsession.

  Caylee was always surrounded by demons. If not Haden, Zack or Joseph were near her at all times, but Paul refused to give up. Why should he? He believed he
had the upper hand. It was only a matter of time before the demons slipped up. The demons were confused and acting accordingly. They didn’t know how to handle a vampire with his extraordinary powers and abilities. They feared him—and for good reason. Paul was in the process of altering the unfair balance of power that for thousands of years enabled demons to nearly wipe out the existence of vampires. He was the first of his kind to wield the ancient demonic and human spells that were enabling him to stay one step ahead of demons. Word of Paul’s certain victory was spreading like a wildfire. Soon, many more vampires would rise up to stand by his side to annihilate the demons that nearly destroyed them.

  ***

  Joseph walked straight up to them. He glanced at Haden and then took Caylee’s hand in his. “Good morning. I’m very sorry for your loss, Caylee.”

  Mia was extremely irritated Joseph would add to Caylee’s guilt. She snorted indignantly. “It isn’t a loss.” She smiled up at Haden, secretly letting him know that she approved of the fact he’d killed Emmett and that she had his back. “The man was a no-good asshole. He deserved to die.”

  Frowning, Caylee shook her head at Mia.

  “What? It’s the truth. The man was a worthless asshole.”

  “Thank you, Joseph,” Caylee said.

  What’s going on? More than a little perplexed, Joseph glanced at Haden. How does Caylee’s friend know you killed Emmett?

  She’s assuming.

  Well, at least she approves of it so much she was just trying to let you know she has your back.

  Thanks for the warning, but I already caught onto it. Trust me, I’ll be extra careful to watch my back from now on.

  Joseph looked at Mia. You don’t trust her.

  I would rather turn my back on a pack of rabid pit bulls than a wolf. She’s a vicious, man-hating woman.

  Lycan? Shocked, Joseph glanced at Haden and then returned his gaze to Mia. She didn’t appear to be vicious. As a matter of fact, she was quite petite. I don’t see it. Smiling in appreciation, he opening allowed his gaze to wander over every inch of her tiny but curvaceous body. He studied her from the top of her head to her toes. Oh yeah, he liked what he was seeing. The woman was hot as hell.

  She was orphaned. Her wolf is dormant. I don’t even think she knows she’s lycan. Haden grinned. Trust me. You’ll see it if you make her mad enough.

  There was a long and awkward silence. Caylee glanced up at Haden. What’s wrong with Joseph?

  I’m not sure, but Mia is not liking it. I suppose it would be best to introduce them before she gets any madder and knocks him on his ass.

  “Oh. Oops. I’m sorry,” Caylee said. “Mia, this is Joseph Payne, and, Joseph, this is my best friend, Mia Harte.”

  Taking a step closer to Mia, Joseph held out his hand for her. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mia Harte.” He loved the sound of her name and feel of it on his lips.

  Mia wasn’t even slightly impressed. Her only thought was to get him the hell out of her personal space. He needed to back off. She sure as hell wasn’t going take a step back. She didn’t even try to hide the fact that he made her sick; she didn’t like him at all, and there was no reason to pretend otherwise. She glanced down at his hand and then, locking her gaze onto his, she smirked. “Gee, you bet. It’s so totally nice I can hardly stand the excitement.” Rolling her eyes, she reached for his hand.

  The instant his hand touched hers, Joseph’s mind merged with hers. Deeply. Completely. He wasn’t expecting it to happen. Normally, it wouldn’t happen without exerting some sort of effort. To say he was shocked was a serious understatement—he was completely blown away by it. He was drawn so deeply into her mind and body he actually felt her physical and emotional pain. It was so severe and it hit him so hard his entire body shuddered. Her flesh was so fragile and weak, but her spirit was as strong as any ferocious, fearless lycan spirit.

  Joseph couldn’t believe she was standing there as if nothing was wrong. The pain threatened to bring him, a powerful immortal, to his knees. Her strength and resolve amazed him. Absorbing her pain into his body and imparting healing energy into her body, he continued to hold her hand. He had to help her. He simply didn’t have any choice. He had to do all he could to give her relief.

  Mia felt heat penetrate her hand and spread up her arm. At first it was a tingling sensation, and then it turned into a magnificent burning sensation that spread throughout her body. She liked the way it felt, and that irritated the hell out of her. She also felt Joseph’s powerful presence in her mind. She didn’t know much about her father and mother, but she knew they were murdered by vampires. Given the way Joseph was able to enter her mind, he must be a vampire. “Let go of me!” She yanked her hand out of his. “What the hell do you think you’re doing?”

  She’s dying. Looking shattered, Joseph met Haden’s gaze. She has been in a great deal of pain for a very long time. I’m serious, Haden. The pain she lives with is so bad it nearly knocked me on my ass.”

  From what? Haden looked over at Mia. I’ve never sensed any illness or pain in her. Now, looking at her, it was clear she was a bit thin and pale skinned. He had noticed her complexion was pale before, but he’d never looked too deeply at her health. For the most part she appeared to be healthy. She definitely presented herself as being a healthy woman. As a matter of fact, he was quite certain she would get into the ring with Mike Tyson if he pissed her off.

  It’s an extremely aggressive form of bone cancer. Does she behave irrationally?

  Haden shrugged. She has an explosive temper. She doesn’t seem to have the ability to control it.

  She’s taking high doses of morphine.

  That’s not good. It explains a lot, but it’s not good, In fact, Haden knew it was extremely dangerous because of her lycan blood. Over time morphine would cause her to go insane. She would eventually become a sadistic murderer without remorse.

  “I’m sorry, honey.” Mia took Caylee’s hand. “I don’t want to leave you right now, but I’ve never left the girls alone this long. You know how Julie behaves when I’m gone. I don’t want her to run Brianna off. You know how shy and withdrawn Brianna is.” She turned to glare at Joseph, and then she looked up at Haden. “Just in case you didn’t already come to the conclusion yourself, your taste in friends suck.”

  Grinning, Haden nodded his agreement. “He has several flaws, but what kind of a friend would I be if I used his imperfections as an excuse to discard him? Wouldn’t it be better to guide him, to show him the error of his ways?” Haden patted the back of Joseph’s shoulder. Thanks for acting like an idiot, Joseph. Now you can be her chew toy. Life will be much easier and safer now that Mia hates you more than she hates me. It was difficult, but Haden managed to keep a straight face.

  Mia shrugged casually. “In most cases, but sometimes it’s better for a person to face the facts and act accordingly.” Pressing her lips together as if to keep from laughing at the stunned look on Joseph’s face, she glared up at him. “I always say it’s best to throw the trash out before it stinks up the entire house.”

  That brought Joseph’s eyebrow up. Holy shit. She just called me trash.

  Haden smiled. Stinky trash.

  She didn’t mean it. Not really. She thinks I’m a vampire. Besides, she’s taking morphine.

  Haden opened his mouth to respond to Mia, but Caylee shut him up by jabbing his ribs with her elbow. “Ouch!” He hunched over and held his side. Looking way too heartbroken for her to even consider feeling sorry for him, he asked, “What did I do?”

  Rather than waste her breath on a response, Caylee rolled her eyes at him. She couldn’t blame Mia for being mad. Joseph was acting weird. The way he looked at Mia was downright creepy. But Caylee wasn’t going to allow Haden to enjoy Joseph’s verbal beating. “Oh Mia, don’t apologize for needing to leave.” She hugged Mia. “I’m so grateful you came here with us today.”

  “I’ll always be here for you, honey.” Mia smiled at her. “And don’t forget about tonight. There�
�s no way I’m going to let you back out on me. Make sure you get to my place no later than eight so we have plenty of time to get ready for the party.”

  Blushing at the thought of wearing the very skimpy, super-revealing dress Mia’d made her for at public event, Caylee nodded. “I’ll be there.”

  Mia turned and walked away quickly. She knew it sounded crazy, but she knew Joseph had somehow entered her mind and her body. She had no idea how he’d done it, but he’d taken her pain away. He knew she was dying. She’d seen it in his eyes. He pitied her. The thought of it made her feel nauseous. She didn’t want anyone feeling sorry for her. She didn’t want anyone to know she was dying.

  Caylee noticed that Joseph was watching Mia walk away. Actually, she noticed that he was gawking at her with a goofy grin on his face. She looked up at Haden. What’s wrong with him?

  Raising his brow, Haden shrugged.

  Mia pulled her hair back and put her helmet on.

  Joseph’s jaw dropped. “What’s she doing?”

  Mia lifted her leg to get onto the bike.

  Frowning, Joseph shook his head. “No.” In seconds the engine roared to life. “That’s way too much of a ride for a woman.”

  Caylee laughed. “She has been riding a motorcycle since her teens.”

  Joseph was still shaking his head. “That’s not good.” Clearly, Caylee realized, he wasn’t hearing her. “I don’t like it at all.”

  Mia respectfully, slowly made her way through the cemetery, but the second she got to the exit she sped off. “She didn’t even look for traffic.” Mia was out of sight, but the sound of engine roaring as she shifted through gears echoed loudly. “She’s going way too fast. She doesn’t belong on that bike.”

  Haden chuckled. “I dare you to tell her that the next time you see her.”

  “I will.” Joseph nodded. Then grinning, he turned to face Haden and Caylee and held a newspaper up. “Have you read the paper this morning? A local millionaire, Phillip Wicks, has been charged with tax evasion and money laundering. It’s such a shame. The poor guy has absolutely nothing of worldly value left to his name. It appears all of his assets have been seized.”