Caressed by the Edge of Darkness

by Amanda J. Greene

  His eyes snapped open. Deep black, whirling pools of violence and hate. His mortal. They’d dared to do such vile things to his female.

  Raising a shaking hand to his chest, Gabriel withdrew Jordan’s photo. Using his teeth, he removed one ruined glove. The leather hit the floor, discarded without a thought as he brushed the pad of his thumb over the glossy image.

  Jordan’s penetrating violet eyes sliced through him, cutting so deeply her gaze singed his already darkened soul. Her pouty lips…her long, silken hair...her smooth as cream skin…She was a vision: innocent, honest, sweet and seductive—a true goddess. It was a miracle she’d survived her captivity, she was safe now. She was with him. He’d avenge her and he’d find a way to heal her.

  Scott had assured him the poison would process from her system in less than twenty-four hours, but…the damage was done. There was nothing mortal medicine or light magic could do for her. The poison’s effects were irreversible. Only cursed blood could save Jordan from an agonizing death.

  Gabriel stroked the image again, his gaze locked on her exposed throat, his rage forgotten. His desire turned from vengeance to pure, sexual hunger as he imagined sinking his aching fangs into her delicate neck. Her blood flooding his mouth, her taste overwhelming his senses as her pulse slowly faded beneath his lips. He’d take her to the brink then puncture his own throat to feed her.

  His solid frame quaked from temptation. To feel her again…her open mouth against his neck…her warm breath teasing him. As her fingers tunneled through his hair as he’d settle his hips between her thighs—

  “Never”, he snarled, ruthlessly beating back the urge to hunt her down and give life to his fantasy. He wouldn’t change her and he wouldn’t bed her. She wasn’t for him.

  Gabriel delicately stroked the image again and cursed under his breath when the soft scent of jasmine drifted through the air. His senses immediately went wild, zeroing in on the woman that plagued him. Jordan was making her way down the hall, pausing at every door. Was the little mortal looking for him? His eyes aglow with excitement. Jordan was about to enter the wolf’s lair.

  Frowning he chided himself. Her presence and attention shouldn’t please me.

  He tucked the picture back in his jacket, then removed his remaining glove, collected the discarded leather from the floor and shoved them, along with her medical report, in a desk drawer. Flipping his gaze to the gilded mirror above the cold fireplace, a quick glance at his reflection revealed green eyes, even teeth. He knew he shouldn’t care if she saw his darker side, but he didn’t wish to frighten her.

  Gabriel waited for the quiet rap of her knuckles on the study’s door before clearing his throat and beckoning her to enter.

  The door cracked open and she curiously peeked around the edge. Her gaze scanned the room before locking on him. Gabriel was struck speechless when her bright violet eyes light with triumphant happiness. Her face, free of the shadows that haunted her complexion the night before, was made even more radiant when her ruby lips curled with an enchanting smile. His fingers twitched with the need to caress the silken burgundy strands that flowed over her shoulders, to wrap the length around his fist and tug her forward for a sanity shattering kiss.

  “You’re a difficult man to find,” she beamed.

  He arched a brow. “Have you been searching for me?”

  Her heart skipped a beat then quickened, her pupils dilated and her delicate female fragrance intensified, the effect both calming and maddening. The sound of his voice had aroused her?

  “Yes, I have,” she answered, stepping fully into the room.

  Gabriel devoured her with his gaze as she approached him. She wore a simple dark blue, thin strapped shirt with a deep v-neckline. The garment stretched tightly over her breasts and ended just above the waist of her form fitting black jeans, exposing the jeweled stud of her naval piercing. The crystal teased his imagination.

  His lust rapidly rising, Gabriel turned from her before his eyes flashed black and betrayed his desire. He felt his fangs sharpen behind his lips. Focusing on the computer monitors, he watched his soldiers secure Klein to a metal chair to await him. He needed to get back to the dungeon and his bloody work.

  “Is there something you need?” he asked.

  Her fingers came up to the locket that rested just above the swell of her breasts. She stroked the silver a moment before dropping her hand back to her side. “Thank you. I know those words are simple and over used, but—”

  “You needn’t thank me.”

  She rolled her eyes and huffed, “Yeah, right.”

  The corner of his lips tugged up into a half smile.

  Jordan nervously began to play with a strand of her hair and she shifted her gaze to the empty fireplace. “During my…confinement I heard rumblings of a war. I couldn’t believe it at first. Well organized vampire factions battling each other? Their ranks made of kings, queens, nobles, knights, and outcasts.” She shook her head. “Despite growing up among hunters, I never heard of anything like that. I thought I’d lost my mind, that I’d created you and some wild fantasy to cope with everything. Then I heard the guards whisper about you as if you were some kind of boogeyman.” Jordan laughed and raised her sparkling eyes to meet his gaze once more. “I know the raids and the attacks on the slave houses and trading routes were strategic strikes. I know you weren’t searching for me, in particular, but hearing your name spoken in fear, it gave me hope. And when I saw you at the boathouse, I thought you’d said my name, like you were there to find me.” She smiled. “Silly, I know.”

  Her light laugh warmed him. He didn’t like it.

  “When you removed your disguise in the purchasing room, I thought I was dreaming.” Her voice wavered, her humor had vanished.

  Instinct demanded he wrap his arms around her, that he hold her in the safety of his embrace. But Gabriel remained still as if his wing tips were made of steel and welded to the floor.

  “I couldn’t believe you were there. Alone, outnumbered as you were, you were magnificent.” Her cheeks pinked with a blush and his heart beat stammered.

  Gabriel inwardly cursed, Hell. Jordan was lovely and he was helpless. His body responded to her innocent charm, just as it had the night they met. “Anyway,” she shook her head to focus her thoughts, “what I’m trying to say is, knowing you were out there fighting and freeing others gave me something to hold on to. Whether or not I ever escaped or if you ever found me, I knew you’d win the war.”

  The warmth her laugh had sparked now spread through his chest, penetrating the ice that surrounded his heart. Ignoring the uncomfortable feeling, he responded impassively, “You honor me with your confidence.”

  She shrugged and her blush deepened. “I know you don’t think of yourself as a hero and you don’t want me to either, but you are my knight.”

  “Jordan, you shouldn’t say such things,” he insisted despite his odd desire for her to see him as a valiant man. For the first time in his life, he wanted to be labeled a savior by someone—by her—but he was cold, ruthless, the remaining shreds of his humanity destroyed by his demon.

  When he was a mortal male, he’d been a great warrior, a champion to his people, to his wife, until the barbarians had come. Now he was a beast. He was a vampire. He killed and tortured, he’d do anything to achieve his goals, to destroy his enemies. Never would he apologize.

  Her chin stubbornly tilted up. “I speak the truth.”

  He scoffed, “Believe me when I say, I’ve done nothing heroic.”

  “I thought I had lost everything.” Jordan’s hand went back to the locket. “You’ve returned more than just things and for that I will never be able to repay you. I can’t express how thankful I am or how sorry I am for taking advantage of your kindness and comfort.”

  His eyes narrowed. “Comfort?”

  Her blush deepened. “I shouldn’t have disturbed you last night.”

  “Do you have regrets?” he asked, his dispassionate tone disguising his own regrets
. He regretted not taking her lips, not cupping her breasts, not allowing her to use him until she came. God, he’d forever regret not knowing what she looked like in the throes of ecstasy. She’d be beyond beautiful.

  Jordan wet her lips, her gaze falling to his mouth. Her pulse spiked and the soft scent of her arousal set off fireworks in his head. “No,” she whispered.

  His voice hoarse, he commanded, “Don’t dare apologize.”

  “But I—”

  In a blink Gabriel stood an inch from her. He felt the sharp exhalation of her breath from the shock of his movement. “You did nothing I didn’t want.”

  With the tip of his index finger, he traced the delicate sliver chain from the base of her neck, over her collarbone, down to brush her trembling fingers, which still clutched the locket.

  “May I?” he asked.

  Jordan swallowed hard and moved her hand away. Gabriel carefully released the clasp. Shifting his gaze down, he studied the images. On the left side was a photo of a young, smiling couple on their wedding day. The bride wore a simple white gown and the groom was dressed in a nice button up and black slacks. There were no flowers or ornate decor, nothing fancy or flashy, just love. The image on the right made his breath hitch in his chest. The man had an arm wrapped around the woman’s shoulders while she slept in a hospital bed. Their baby tucked sweetly in her arms. Never had he experienced or witnessed such a perfect moment in all his centuries.

  “Your parents,” he stated in understanding and closed he locket.

  “This is all I have of them.” Jordan’s fingers wrapped around his. She stepped closer. He could feel the heat of her body and beckoned him like a flame. Entranced, he watched her tug on her bottom lip with her teeth. He wanted to nibble that lip for her.

  Gabriel spun away and stalked back to the desk. “I’m glad I could return it to you.” The warmth in his chest now morphed into a sharp ache. Irritating.

  “Your furniture and remaining clothing have been placed in a storage unit. When you’re ready, everything will be released.”

  Gabriel frowned when he sensed her disappointment, but he refused to look at her. He knew if he saw the emotion in her expressive eyes he’d be unable to resist claiming her luscious lips. God, how he longed to taste her passion and kiss her worries away.

  A desire eternally denied.

  He shouldn’t care. By the Graces, he needed to destroy the feelings Jordan had unearthed within him.

  “I suppose Denver is done for me now. Bummer, it was the first city I’d actually planted roots. I had a real job, went to school, and made friends.” Jordan began to fidget with her hair again. “Guess I’ll have to play the Map Game.”

  He raised a brow in silent question. Jordan chuckled and explained, “It was the way my aunt and I decided where to live. We were constantly on the move. I was never at a school for more than a year. When she passed and I ditched the foster system, I continued the tradition.”

  “How do you play?”

  “Well, it’s really only fun when you have multiple-players. Each person would pick a State they hadn’t lived in before, close their eyes, and point to a city or town. Then we’d have a little competition to decide the winner. Now, all by my lonesome, I decide North, South, East, or West then shut my eyes and point.” She shrugged. “I’ll move my stuff once I find my own spot.”

  Her last words scoured his skin, as if he’d been hauled over jagged rocks.

  “I don’t want to be in your away any more than I already have,” she added.

  “You needn’t be in a hurry. You may remain at the compound for however long you wish” he said casually, masking his fervor. “It is secure and Dr. Fredrick lives on the property. He can monitor your health more easily.”

  Her brows pinched together. “You don’t live here?”

  Again, he felt her disappointment. Damn, what made him so sensitive to her moods and emotions? “No. I stay in the city.”

  “Oh.” Jordan’s eyes dropped to the smooth surface of the desk for a moment before her lashes flipped back up. “So, this is where you bring the people you rescue.”

  A human had never stepped foot on his compound. Hell, no one beside himself and Gannon ever stayed at the house. Until this night, no outsiders were permitted entry, Scott and Kate included. This was a sanctuary he rarely visited and he’d wanted to keep it as separate and untainted from his day to day life as possible. Yet another rule broken for her.

  “Dr. Fredrick and his team treat rescued mortals at the various clinics and safe houses throughout Tapof territory. At these locations, the humans can receive counseling and live until they are ready to return to normal life.”

  “Normal,” Jordan huffed. “When I was a child, I use to wish for normal, then I realized it doesn’t exist.”

  Gabriel agreed with a curt nod. “Normal would be dull anyway.”

  Jordan smiled. “And who wants boring?”

  Suddenly extremely uncomfortable with the intimate banter, Gabriel returned to business. Jordan wanted to leave and he couldn’t allow that. “You really shouldn’t travel until you’re well.”

  Her shoulders rolled with a careless shrug. “In my limited years I’ve seen some pretty crazy shit. I’ll be fine.” Jordan’s smile brightened. “I’ll be fine. I learned how to cope long ago and the best way is to move on. You know, hit a new city, adopt a new signature, and go blonde.”

  Gabriel shook his head. She felt healthy and strong because of his blood, but the effects would fade and she’d need another dose. “Stay here, recoup and relax. Take some time to select your new name and rethink that hair color choice.”

  “Hey! I look good with blonde hair.”

  “I’ve no doubt you’d be beautiful with green hair,” he flippantly countered. “I’m suggesting you don’t push yourself too fast too soon.”

  She tugged on her bottom lip again. “I don’t know…”

  “Jordan, you’re not a prisoner. I hope you know that.”

  “I do,” she said with a vigorous nod. “And, you’re right, there really isn’t any rush.”

  “Good.”

  His tone was emotionless, his expression plain, but had there been a flicker of relief in his eyes? Had the tension in his shoulders eased a centimeter?

  “If we are done here, I really must return to my work.”

  Dismissed. Just like that. Well, she’d accomplished what she’d set out to: find the vampire, thank him, apologize, and say “peace out.” Yeah, everything but the last part. She knew she should’ve pressed the issue of her release, but Gabriel had hit the target when it came to her health. Something wasn’t right and, truth be told, she wasn’t in a hurry to put miles between them. Even though it went against every rule as a hunter, she couldn’t deny her attraction to the vampire and she wouldn’t. She wasn’t ashamed. Her capture had really driven home the simple fact that life was precious and way too damn short for hang ups or regrets.

  But did she dare pursue the vampire? Did she want to seduce him? She knew nothing about seduction. She’d never had to try before. Boys had always just been, well, there. And after last night her confidence had taken a beating. She should leave him alone. She wouldn’t be here long and romantic entanglements would just make going their separate ways more difficult than necessary. Keep it clean and keep it simple, had been her aunt’s hunting policy, but Jordan applied it to all aspects of life.

  “Yeah, no problem, I’ve got planning to do anyway.” Jordan ran her fingers through her hair and tossed the strands over her shoulder, unintentionally exposing her throat.

  She heard Gabriel’s sharp inhale. His eyes were focused on the computer screen, but instinct told her his green gaze burned with black flames. Was it his bloodlust or his sexual hunger…or both? His reaction triggered her excitement and yearning to feel his mouth against her pulse, his hands exploring her body as he sank his long fangs—

  Gabriel’s guttural curse echoed through the room.

  Startled, Jordan shifted h
er eyes away. The vampire was temptation personified. To make it clean and simple I’ll have to stop fantasizing about him, especially in his presence.

  Had he noticed her arousal? Vampires possessed heightened senses, he could’ve smelled her pheromones, heard her increased heart rate. Oh, god, she hoped he couldn’t read minds. She’d drop dead of embarrassment where she stood. Or was he upset that she hadn’t left? He wasn’t barking at her to get out, at least not yet.

  He tapped the key board, drawing her attention to the screen. Had he cursed because of something he’d seen on the monitor?

  She glanced at the computer and quickly skimmed over the multi-view screen. Black and white with shades of gray and green security images flickered. Squinting, she focused on one scene in the right corner. A male sat on a chair in the center of the frame. His head hung low until someone walked past him. The man lifted his gaze.

  Ross Klein. Rage pumped as thick as tar through her veins.

  The bastard was alive. She’d assumed Gabriel had killed the Slave Handler in the forest.

  Her mind began to race. Why had he captured the vampire rather than drive a blade through his heart? Where was Ross being kept? He was Gabriel’s enemy, wasn’t he? Ross belonged to the opposing faction, right? Or had she missed something? Images from the night before flashed like lightning, splintering her thoughts leaving her angry, confused, and suspicious. Her rescuer hadn’t slain the guards in the purchasing room.

  Jordan’s stomach dropped as she began to analyze her conversations with Gabriel. He’d said he wasn’t one for small talk, but that could’ve been a front to cover his vague answers.

  How could she have been so gullible? To this point, Gabriel had done nothing to merit her mistrust. Nothing that I know of, she amended. He was a vampire. Simple fact, vampires couldn’t be trusted. Her aunt’s voice drifted through her mind, “We all have our demons.”