Caressed by the Edge of Darkness

by Amanda J. Greene

  “In my experience, laws can be bent. Some require hard work and imagination, but nothing is impossible. As I said, there is always another way.”

  “Majesty, the tribe is preparing for the Sequester. It could be days before I’m able to contact the High Priestess. Right now, time is the girl’s greatest enemy.”

  A dark mirthless chuckle shook his wide shoulders. “When is time not a mortal’s enemy?” Without another word to the witch, Gabriel punched open the swinging doors of the hospital room.

  The nurses jumped in fear, their startled gasps quickly morphed into a chorus of protests. Scott spared his king a glance before returning his attention to the x-rays he’d been studying.

  “Everyone, except Dr. Fredrick, get out.”

  The medical team cast questioning looks to the surgeon then began to file out. Kate slipped past them, the door swung closed behind her.

  Scott cursed and tore his medical mask off. “What the hell? I’ve work to do and I don’t need this bull—”

  Gabriel’s eyes narrowed, their color flickered green to black. “Careful, doctor.”

  The surgeon pulled his gloves off and threw them in a waste container. “Every second counts. She is slipping away as we speak.”

  Ignoring Scott’s tantrum, Gabriel stalked over to Jordan. She lay nude on the metal table, the negligee cut free of her body. Dark, angry bruises and red glaring cuts marred her delicate flesh. Her pelvic bones were hard lines, her damaged ribcage clearly visible.

  His demon’s enraged howl for vengeance echoed his own dark, murderous desires.

  Kill, the vampire chanted ratcheting up his need to mete out death, to claim retribution, to watch life’s light fade from his enemy’s eyes.

  Gabriel’s vision shifted, his fangs sharpened in his mouth, and his hands began to shake from the intensity of his rage. He couldn’t allow the demon to surface. Not now. At the moment, Jordan’s life was all that mattered. Yes, he realized he was placing the mortal’s health before his mission. He knew he should be interrogating Boras’s guards, but he didn’t care. Jordan needed him.

  Gabriel inhaled, taking her soothing jasmine scent deep into his lungs and as he exhaled he wrested control of his body, forcing his beast back. Her effect on him was mystifying and strangely comforting. Something to be analyzed later.

  “My king, I must operate,” Scott insisted.

  The surgeon’s words snapped Gabriel into action. Kate and Scott were right, time was not on Jordan’s side. She needed more of his blood. But not here. He didn’t want to chance her waking up on the operating table, frightening her further.

  “Thank you, Scott, but that won’t be necessary.”

  “You can’t be serious,” the surgeon scoffed.

  Kate stepped forward. “I’m afraid, Dr. Fredrick, at this point your skills will do more harm than good.”

  “That’s absurd.”

  “There is nothing you can do for her,” Kate asserted.

  “I have to try.”

  Gabriel began working on the buttons of his shirt. “I’ll not subject her to more torture or mutilation.”

  Scott sputtered, “What are you doing?” When Gabriel pulled the shirt free, the surgeon groaned, “Be easy with her.”

  Gabriel rolled his eyes. He was being more than gentle. His touch was light and his movements smooth as he carefully dressed Jordan in his shirt. The material swallowed her fragile frame and again Gabriel was struck by a wave of an unidentifiable emotion. Something about Jordan wearing his clothes, his scent on her flesh…Shaking his head, he took her up in his arms.

  Scott rushed to block the door. “Please, my king, what do you plan?”

  Gabriel met the weaker vampire’s gaze. “You question me.”

  “Apologies, but she is—”

  “In my charge.”

  The doctor opened his mouth to argue but snapped it shut as Gabriel’s eyes darkened to demonic black once more. “Wise decision,” the king growled.

  Kate placed a hand on Scott’s arm and drew him aside. “There is nothing you can do. Trust me, His Majesty was right to put an end to your work. Not even my magic can save her.” Kate’s gaze drifted to Jordan. “She wears the shroud of Death even now.”

  Scott’s sharp denial was cutting.

  Gabriel tucked Jordan’s head under his chin and pressed her tightly to his chest, the chill of her flesh was biting. As he stalked past Scott, he said, “I’ll call on you within the hour. Be available.” With a swift kick, the doors banged open, and Gabriel carried his precious treasure from the operating room to the secret underground tunnels that ran beneath his compound. The subterranean passages provided the vampires in his employ protection during the daylight hours and housed the barracks for his small army.

  About a mile down the main tunnel, he slipped into a hidden alcove, typed his security code into a pin pad then pressed his palm to the security screen. The bullet proof door slid open permitting him access to the stairs that led to the mansion above. Gabriel shoved open a secret panel and stepped into the dark foyer of the home. Instinct told him the house was deserted.

  Jordan’s pulse began to fade as he crossed the polished marble floor to the grand staircase. Her heart hesitated. Gabriel’s stopped. “Come on, Jordan, stay with me.” With a single bound, Gabriel lunged to the second floor landing.

  Her heart paused then rebounded and a desperate plea tore from his throat. He brushed his lips over her brow, his words rasped against her ear, “Hold on, sweet.”

  Gabriel kicked open the door to the room adjoining his. Candles softly lit the space, fresh linens adorned the large four poster bed, and heat blasted through the vents. Fresh flowers decorated the night stand and dresser. A silver tray with a decanter of water and glasses rested on the mahogany desk to the left of the bed.

  For a moment he contemplated laying her down, slitting his wrist, and filling a glass for her to drink from. Allowing her to take directly from his vein was dangerous. He’d managed to fight his vampire instincts earlier, but—

  A hard gasp escaped her lips, her lungs expanded to the max as she strained to breathe. Her heart struggled and…he could feel Death’s presence. The Specter had come.

  Gabriel palmed the back of her head, his fingers tunneled through the silken tangle of her hair. His knees gave out and he sank to the edge of the bed. Draping Jordan across his lap, he slashed at his throat, slicing open his artery with his claws.

  Jordan’s heart seized.

  “No!” The pained, guttural roar echoed through the empty mansion and shook the compound with the force of an earthquake.

  He pressed her parted lips to the wound. His entire body trembled as he silently begged the Graces to have mercy on the mortal in his arms. His blood rapidly filled her mouth and slipped down her throat. Her body viciously convulsed against him as her heart violently slammed against her ribs.

  Gabriel buried his face in her hair and inhaled, her luscious scent grounding him. Just enough. Give her just enough. She stirred in his arms, pressing her body closer to his seeking heat, comfort. Her mouth moved over his throat, her tongue flicked over his skin, drawing a yearning moan from him. She shifted on his lap, her hip rubbing against his sudden erection.

  Turn her. Protect her. Claim her, the vampire whispered.

  She’s not mine.

  Gabriel gripped the back of her neck, carefully he drew her away from his throat and willed his wound to heal. Twisting his body, he laid her on the bed then stood. The dark finger prints around her neck faded, her skin brightened, and her cheeks flushed. The sound of mending bone and tissue was faint compared to the turbulent pounding of her heart. Health and strength flowed over her. His blood had healed her and, for the first time, Gabriel was thankful for his curse.

  Only a temporary fix. Unless he changed Jordan, like he had Kerstyn, she would die.

  A chill sliced down his spine as the memory of that rainy night surfaced. Lightning had ripped at the sky, thunder drowned Kerstyn’s last desp
erate gasp for breath as Gabriel’s fangs sank into her throat. Then and now, his stomach rolled in revulsion. He’d never enjoyed feeding directly from the source and avoided it as much as possible. But it had to be done. Kerstyn had been shot and Gabriel had to drain what precious blood remained in her body for the transformation to work. He’d told Kerstyn to fight Death so that she may be strong in her next life as he broke the vow he’d made when he’d been changed centuries before against his will. He’d sworn never to subject another to this hateful eternity.

  He refused to be a beast that took what it craved: blood, death. He’d once believe living by such a code set him apart, gave him honor. But that night he’d been an animal, a true monster from the depths of Hell. That night, he surrendered his pride and what little nobility he possessed. That night he’d forced immortality onto a dying woman because he’d failed to protect her. He’d made her into a vampire and Dimitri…had thanked him. “I will forever be in your debt.” Gabriel had responded, “No, Sire. It is I who am indebted to you.” Gabriel suffered no illusions, the price of freedom could never be repaid.

  Gabriel scrubbed his face with his hands and whispered a curse. Fate really was a cruel, sadistic bitch. Here he stood, gazing upon another young woman, facing the same decision. Could he change Jordan? Would he be able to commit such a sin against her? If he continued to feed her his blood a little at a time, she’d live, but she’d be a vampire nonetheless, her survival dependent on him or another.

  His demon let out a resentful growl and Gabriel tensed, both loathed the thought of another male providing for her, feeding her. Jordan’s lips on another’s wrist or throat, taking his blood…

  But he couldn’t keep her. His life was turbulent at best. Since he became King and began uniting the Outcasts, he’d had a bounty on his head. Sooner or later his enemies would launch a successful attack. Having a mortal hanging around was a liability. Especially one that dominated his thoughts and tormented his dreams.

  Gabriel shook his head. He would let Jordan go, but first he needed to find a way to save her. He held on to the hope that Silvie would be able to help and if his blood couldn’t heal Jordan could Dimitir’s? As a pureblood vampire, Dimitri’s curse was the strongest.

  Chapter Nine

  Jordan’s body was heavy, her heart struggled to beat.

  Was she dying? She gasped for breath. His scent hit her like a shot, filled her lungs, and spread heat through her body.

  The vampire’s lips brushed her brow. “Hold on, sweet.” Oh, god, that sexy, sexy voice. Deep and rough.

  Gabriel’s arms tightened around her as he sat on the edge of a bed.

  She wasn’t dying, she was drifting in and out of the most erotic dream she’d ever had. He held her immobile, pressing her mouth to a gash in his throat. His blood slipped over her tongue and down her throat. She knew this was wrong but, damn, his taste…ecstasy. A decadent dessert.

  Jordan shifted, fitting herself more firmly against his naked chest. He felt so good and she wanted to be closer. Skin to skin. She wiggled her hips, waves of excitement resonated through her when she felt his erection. Long and thick, it throbbed against her. She flicked her tongue over his wound then sucked hard, drawing more of his blood into her mouth and sighed.

  Gabriel cupped her nape and pulled her away. Jordan tried to protest, but no words came. He laid her on the bed. For a moment, she woke fully and peered up at her dark angel. His face was shadowed and his brilliant eyes glowed. He gazed down upon her and she watched his brow crease with a frown as his thoughts seemed to grow distant. Then he turned from the bed.

  Her lips parted as she attempted to call his name, but darkness clouded her vision and she felt her mind float back into the twilight realm of dreams. In her fantasy, he hadn’t pulled her away from his throat and she’d wrapped her arms around his neck, holding him captive. Gabriel shifted her on his lap and she straddled him, his hard length nestled against her core. His hands framed her hips as she began to rock against him. His blood continued to flow and she increased the pressure on his vein. His cock twitched with her every swallow.

  Whispers danced around the room as consciousness tugged at her. She fought against the allure, not wanting to wake up. Gabriel’s hands were now roaming her back. He bunched the material of…whatever she was wearing, and exposed her shoulder. His tongue skipped over her skin, causing her to shudder. Then his lips pulled back from his long, lethal fangs and…

  Consciousness teamed with self-preservation and shattered her erotic illusion. She wasn’t in her cell. No, she was in a strange bedroom and she wasn’t alone. Hushed voices drifted through the room, both male but one was powerful. Intimidating. Gabriel.

  “Do you understand, doctor?”

  Scott quickly replied, “Yes, my king. It will be administered only if necessary.”

  Then came a woman’s voice, her words were gentle, but firm. “My spell will ensure no one will use it without your consent or knowledge,” she promised.

  Spell?

  “And I’ll see that it is safely locked away,” Scott added.

  She heard the shuffling of multiple footsteps and more muffled words before a door softly closed.

  “I apologize if we woke you,” Gabriel said, his luxurious, velvet voice filled the room and Jordan shivered. They were in a bedroom. Alone.

  Jordan searched the candle light room for the hero of her erotic dreams. Gabriel leaned against a set of double doors, his shoulders nearly spanning their width. His dark golden hair was tousled. His intense green eyes were shadowed. He folded his arms over his wide, bare chest. He gripped a gray t-shirt in one fist, the material covering his left pectoral. Pity, the vampire didn’t provide her with an unobstructed view of his roped muscled torso. His black slacks teased her imagination with how low they hung on his hips. Gabriel’s lips curled up at the edges with a cocky smile. She blinked, unable to believe she was gazing at her darkest, sexiest, fantasy brought to life.

  On some level it occurred to her that she should be embarrassed since she was staring at him like an idiot. Her tongue practically hanging out, her eyes probably wide and round, like a love struck cartoon character, but she didn’t care. Hell, if he didn’t want women drooling over him then he should wear a freak’in shirt.

  A disappointed groan deflated her chest when he slipped the gray material over his head. Could he read her thoughts? She’d heard old, strong vampires had power of the mind and after he’d taken out the guards at the auction house, she knew he must be among the elite.

  “How do you feel?” he asked once the shirt was in place.

  Jordan’s eyes closed. Every cell in her body hummed with delicious vibrations triggered by the rich baritone in his voice.

  “Jordan?”

  He sounded closer. Opening her eyes, she gasped. She hadn’t heard him move, hadn’t perceived any shift in the air around her like she’d been taught to sense by her aunt. Gabriel stood an arm’s length from the side of the bed. Her fingers trembled as she contemplated reaching out. Would he let her touch him? Would he move closer? Sink down on the bed beside her?

  Gabriel’s tranquil green eyes flickered with shadows of darkness. Dangerous. Exciting. She’d been raised and trained as a hunter and knew the signs of a vampire attack: their fangs would lengthen, their claws sharpened, and their eyes became as black as the pits of Hell—empty and soulless. But not this vampire. Gabriel’s eyes shimmered with lust. The knowledge sent heat spiraling through her, setting her every nerve ending on fire. This powerful alpha wanted her and his blatant desire awakened a craving deep within her.

  Clearing his throat, Gabriel dropped his gaze to the floor. “Do you need anything?”

  Jordan’s lips parted, ready to respond when he turned away from her to pour her a glass of water. Had he sensed her thirst?

  She flashed him a smile when he returned, offering it to her. She took a sip.

  “Are you hungry?” he asked next.

  A wave of nausea rolled through he
r stomach at the mere thought of food. Strange. She should be starving. “No.”

  Of their own accord her eyes shifted to the pulse of Gabriel’s throat. Her tongue darted out to wet her suddenly too dry lips. What she wanted, she couldn’t have.

  Whoa. Had she just thought of taking his blood? That dream had really gotten her going.

  “A bath, then?” he offered.

  She sighed, “Yes.” It’d been so long since she’d had the privilege to lounge in a tub. When she’d first been captured, she was bathed with the other humans: lined up, stripped, and hosed off. After she’d revealed her strength and skill as a hunter, she’d been drugged and received rough sponge baths twice a week from a cruel, ham-fisted female vampire.

  “I’ll start the water.”

  Jordan watched him cross to a door to the right of the bed. He disappeared and the sound of rushing water quickly followed. Sucking in a breath, Jordan pushed herself up to a sitting position. The room spun, but she didn’t topple over like she had on the plane. Awesome. She also noted she no longer wore the baby doll lingerie either. Thank god. Turning her head, she sniffed at her shoulder and smiled as Gabriel’s scent tickled her nose. She was wearing one of his shirts.

  With some light shifting, she slipped her legs off the mattress. Totally prepared to hit the floor, she gave it to faith and forced herself up. Her knees were weak, her entire body shook but she remained standing. Closing her eyes, she drew in one steadying breath after another until the sharp pain in her head subsided.

  “Almost ready.”

  Her eyes snapped opened. Gabriel stood in the doorway of the bathroom. His brows locked together with concern. Jordan took one step. Two. Three. Then her legs gave out. Gabriel scooped her up in his arms.

  She blinked in shock. “Wow, you’re fast.”

  He grunted in response as he carried her into the oversized bathroom. She whistled low. “I bet my entire apartment could fit in this room.”

  Gabriel set her on the edge of the tub before turning to the cupboards lining one of the walls. He began to rummage through their contents, searching for something.