Caressed by the Edge of Darkness

by Amanda J. Greene

  Wallin was trying to rile him. The elitist vampire had been a high ranking Lord of the Valdius Clan, Outcast by Falcon Kenwrec during the last civil war fought in the early 1800’s. Wallin had taken advantage of the splintered Clan after their King, Hadrian, had gone mad and exiled himself for the safety of his followers. But Falcon, a loyal Black Knight and the rightful heir to the Validus throne, had fought hard to maintain order and unity. He’d succeeded in holding his Clan together for the eventual return of their true King.

  Wallin’s words were nothing new. There were no derogatory statements he hadn’t heard before, there were no insults he could say that would force Gabriel’s hand. But there was a light in his eye that caught Gabriel’s interest. The vampire knew something.

  “Dismantling the trade is a worthy cause. One my faction stands by completely. We banded the practice over a hundred years ago and would like to see if abolished,” Laura stated.

  Teller explained, “With this uptake in romancing vampires and the invention of blood banks, feeding has never been so simple. A few members of our faction continue to keep willing bleeders, but most no longer bother.”

  “Ending the trade and freeing slaves is a…noble act,” Bradford mused.

  “Indeed, no animal deserves to be in a cage,” Wallin added. “It is such a shame to see a human, with exotic beauty with an angel’s voice, like the attractive, new singer I was told performed at your bar this evening, kept under lock and key. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to witness her performance live, but I my attendants enjoyed her show.”

  Gabriel’s hands fisted beneath the table. “Agreed,” he grated.

  Wallin had not seen Jordan—Gabriel would keep it that way—but he knew she was here. By threatening her, he threatened him and he’d revealed just how close to Boras he was. The incident at the auction was something Boras would likely try to keep secret. He couldn’t have it known that a lone man had bested a score of his men and stole one of his most prized slaves. Dimitri had heard, but the ancient had eyes and ears everywhere and one could never rule of that vampire’s power sight.

  They threaten my woman. Gabriel glanced to Gannon, who gave a stiff nod. They’d increase security immediately. Jordan wouldn’t take a step outside their suite without at least two guards. The haughty mortal could protest all she liked, but he wouldn’t change his orders. Yes, their suite. He’d have her things moved to his penthouse.

  Dak’s words slowly drew him from back to the issues at hand. “After this last transgression, Boras has earned two more enemies. No doubt the Mukwa Tribe will seek retribution for betraying the covenant between shape-shifters and vampires. But, I pledge my faction to you, Erhard,” Dak declared. “Before I came here tonight, I met with my committee and put the decision to a vote. We would be proud to be Tapof.”

  “As does my faction. We will swear our loyalty this night.”

  “Thank you, Dak and Teller. You honor me and my Clan. Your support is appreciated and sincerely welcome.”

  “Using neutral, shifter territory to hide his shady dealings,” Laura muttered, “Boras has sunken to a new low. My people and I will not side with the duplicitous pig, but I am uncertain we are prepared to make such a decision as joining the Tapof Clan.”

  He inclined his head. “I’m willing to hear your concerns and I will do my best to appease your worries. If you remain unconvinced, you may swear a blood oath and maintain your faction’s independence.”

  “And if we are not interested in either option?” Wallin asked.

  “Side with Boras and I will destroy you.”

  ***

  “You and I are far from finished.”

  Those words made her breath catch, her stomach quiver, and her legs tremble. Dazed, she’d leaned against the vanity, her heart racing, her body burning from the most powerful orgasms she’d ever experienced. The vampire was pure sex. Intense, charged, dangerous excitement, he overwhelmed her.

  Seduce him? No, she’d surrender to him.

  Jordan ran shaking hands through her knotted hair. She’d awakened a beast. The knowledge both thrilled and frightened her.

  She was so out of her depth with Gabriel. He made her feel things, want things…

  Planet Earth to Jordan, get your head out of the clouds.

  She’d thought she could make him her own but after tonight, seeing him with those other women, she doubted he could ever be a one woman kind of guy. The more the merrier seemed to be his preference and she was not interested in joining an orgy or just becoming one of his many conquests, a name to be forgotten when the sun rose.

  No, she wasn’t looking for a meaningless hook up, which was likely all Gabriel would offer. She’d heard of his one night only policy with his women. Her heart, her soul, her virginity—all were too high a price to pay for one wild ride. She’d want more than just a single night of passion and mind blowing sex from him.

  She’d always thought that when she’d finally found a man she wanted to share herself with, he’d also want to go all-in with her. A relationship, love, trust, commitment. Everything. A man to call her own. Someone she could depend on. A teammate. For once, someone who would want to take care of her, protect her, just as she did for him. It wouldn’t be just about sex. He’d belong to her and she’d belong to him.

  Her experiment with Chris and what had followed confirmed what she’d already expected. She’d fallen for Gabriel. Hard. But there was no joy or excitement that accompanied the realization. She craved a man that would never be hers’.

  Seriously disappointing. Jordan felt tears rise as grief for what she could never, would never be hit home. Heartbreaking.

  You and I are far from finished. She shook her head. They were finished.

  She inhaled a deep breath and when she exhaled, she shoved all her emotional baggage back into its imaginary closet. First step of recovering from a loss was to not think about it. Second, not think dwell on what she couldn’t control and focus on what she could. She use Gabriel’s successful tactic, avoidance. If she didn’t see the vampire, didn’t speak with and definitely didn’t touch him, she could kick her feelings for him.

  Wise decision. Jordan quickly undressed, wrapped a towel around her, grabbed her work clothes and headed to the staff only bathroom to rinse off. She couldn’t go back out to the club with Gabriel’s scent all over. As she washed, she told herself she didn’t love his masculine winter scent, and definitely didn’t want it to cover every inch of her skin.

  She donned her skimpy uniform and hurried back to work. The club had calmed and the customers had thinned. Closing time was just an hour away and sunrise wasn’t far behind. Most of the employees lived at the hotel, but the patron would need to slink off to their homes before dawn. She did a quick scan of and let out a small sigh of relief when she didn’t see either of the bitchy-blonde-duo.

  Jordan made a bee-line for the bar. She needed a new serving tray and she’d thank Zara for watching her tables. She’d also tell Rowena that tonight was the last she’d be preforming.

  She’d almost reached her destination when Ron suddenly appeared in her path. She flashed him a smile and easily changed course, but he followed. Jordan stumbled, trying not to crash into the bolder that was his chest.

  “His Majesty requested I escort you to his suite.”

  Jordan blinked. Then blinked again. “What?”

  “His Majesty—”

  “Yeah, I heard. I just…I’ve got work and…” I’ve decided to avoid him.

  “He’s already spoken with Rowena.”

  “Of course he has.”

  Ron’s broad brow creased as if he couldn’t understand why she wasn’t pleased by his king’s summons. She imagined women would kill for an invite to Gabriel’s suite. That brought a dark laugh to her lips. No reason to do murder, just grab a number and get in line.

  She peeked around Ron’s shoulder, hoping either Zara or Rowena would help. The first gave her a wink, the second waved “peace-out” and she instantly paled. />
  Did they know what happen between her and Gabriel?

  She swallowed hard. Did the entire club know?

  Oh, god I hope not.

  Ron noticed the flicker of horror in her eyes and his frowned deepened. “I know he was…angry before, but you needn’t fear him. He won’t harm you.”

  She wasn’t afraid of him. She was of herself. Of her reaction to him. Of her feelings for him. Would he want to pick up where they left off? Would she be strong enough to resist him? Did she want to resist him?

  Yes, damn it! Remember, self-preservation. He’ll just break your heart.

  She sighed, “I don’t suppose I can refuse.”

  “I don’t want to have to carry out of here.”

  “But you will,” she added when he didn’t. Ron answered with a nod. “Okay. Fine. Escort me to His Highness’s stupid suite.”

  Chapter Twenty-One

  The sun peeked over the horizon before Gabriel was able to return to her.

  After the meeting with the faction leaders, there were contracts to be drawn up and signed. Then the ritual for new Clan inductees had to be performed. Once finished with the rituals, he and Gannon met with their chief of security for Las Vegas. Wallin’s threat to Jordan could not be dismissed. Satisfied with the new systems set in place to ensure her safety, Gabriel conference called his military units to inform them of their new allies and recently acquired enemies. Briefings would have to wait until nightfall.

  Now, he stood beside the sofa gazing down on the tempting human. Her delicate jasmine fragrance had greeted him when he entered his home. Instantly, he felt calm, relaxed, and aroused. The strain of the night forgotten.

  Jordan was asleep, propped up in a sitting position, her head gently leaning toward the side. Had she tried to wait up for him? He hoped so.

  Should he wake her? She looked so peaceful. Her tiny breaths whispered through the room. Enchanting.

  Should he take her to his bed and settle her beneath the sheets? She wore her revealing uniform and had to be cold.

  Gabriel knelt down and carefully removed her boots. He gathered her in his arms. So light, so incredibly soft. She curled into him, her body instinctively seeking his heat. Cradling her, he carried her up the stairs to the second level and into his room. As he placed her on the oversized bed he frowned. He’d never shared this space with anyone before, just as he’d never opened his home at the compound to anyone except her. He had another suite where he met his women with spares furnishing and impersonal décor—not much was need when sex was the goal.

  He lowered her to the mattress and covered her with a blanket. He hesitated. Should he join her?

  Yes, his vampire encouraged.

  But habit him standing rigid as an arrow. He didn’t share his personal space, he didn’t bring women to his home, to his bed. He didn’t obsess over them.

  Jordan’s hand slipped over the comforter as if searching for him. Her full lips pouted when she didn’t find him.

  Gabriel tugged off his gloves, shrugged out of his jacket, pulled off his shirt, kicked off his shoes and slipped onto the bed. If warmth is what she sought, he’d provide it.

  He wrapped his arms around her and…she fit perfectly against his side. Like a puzzle piece. Jordan rubbed her check against his pectoral, her breath fanning over his skin, gently brushing over his nipple. His body sparked with waves of electricity.

  He’d told her they weren’t finished and he’d meant it, but now, he had doubts. Not about her, but about himself. Could he truly deny his nature and take her gently? If he lost control, if he hurt her…His chest tightened. She was a scrapper, she was a hunter, but she was human. So preciously mortal.

  Gabriel scrubbed his chin with his hand. She was a virgin.

  He’d lived over a thousand years and never once had he bedded a virgin. Not even his wife, in a time when abstinence before marriage for women was demanded. She hadn’t come to his bed untried and he hadn’t cared. It wasn’t as if their marriage was a love match. They’d been childhood friends. He’d known she loved another man, had been intended for that man, but he’d died in battle before they could speak their vows. His and Vailraina’s marriage had been pleasant, they satisfied one another, he’d been faithful and content until the ugliness of the world crashed down upon their village. The Vikings came, his Vailraina was murdered, and he was sold into slavery to monsters. Then, he’d been damned to Hell.

  His arm tightened around Jordan, unconsciously he drew her closer. To protector her from his memories? Or to shield her from the horror of her own? Both. Either. Now that he had her, he would keep her safe and, if she wanted, he’d allow Dimitri to erase her time imprisoned. But not her time with him. He wasn’t some idealistic, romantic fool, he knew what they had wouldn’t last. Their lust burned as hot and bright as the Las Vegas sun, but eventually he’d have to let her go. She was mortal. She didn’t belong in his world.

  But he had to have her.

  Gently. Slow. He could keep his vampire chained. He could deny his instincts. I’ll make it good for her, no matter what it takes.

  She’d would have to be in control. The idea excited him and…terrified him. He couldn’t be with her in his normal way, from behind. With as little skin to skin contact as possible. And he couldn’t take her as he wanted, pinned beneath him, her thighs spread wide as he slammed into her. Dominating. Owning. His fangs buried in her neck, her blood filling him as he pumped inside her, filling her.

  He reached down and repositioned his now aching cock.

  No, to have his woman he’d have to relinquish control. Until he knew how he’d react, he couldn’t be trusted. Which meant Jordan would have to run the show.

  She’d have to mount him.

  Like the Madame. She’d climb atop him. Chains wound around his ankles, his wrists shackled, splayed out on the cold stone for her taking. Her knees clenched the sides of his hips with bruising force, holding him in place as she—

  Jordan shifted against his side, her little mewling noises dragging him from his dark memories.

  He pressed a kiss to the crown of her head. Tonight wasn’t about his past, it wasn’t about his god damn issues.

  Closing his eyes, he prayed to the Graces for strength.

  He would claim his woman. Now.

  Gabriel’s arms were wrapped around her and she was using his too wide, too hard chest as a pillow. His fingers her stroked down the column of her spine, then over her hip and traced up her arm to shoulder, then descended down the path again. His touch was light, soft.

  She had to be dreaming.

  Turning her face, she nuzzled against him and basked in the warmth of his body.

  “Jordan.”

  His smoky voice rasped over, drawing a contented sigh from her throat.

  “Jordan, love, look at me.”

  She tilted her head back, hair slipped away from her face and…she wasn’t dreaming. She was in his bed. He was holding her. He was peering down at her, his clear green eyes sharp, focused. His gaze was determined, carnal and dangerous.

  How had she gotten here? The last she remembered, she’d been at the club. Then Ron had escorted her to Gabriel’s suite to await the king’s leisure.

  Jordan bolted up right.

  She’d decided she wanted nothing more to with Gabriel. She wasn’t going to seduce, she wasn’t going to see him or talk to him. Her attraction for him was hazardous to her wellbeing. She had to guard her heart, shield her emotions so he would be able to rip soul out. Yes, that’s what would it feel like if she allowed this to go any further. He’d use her and cast her aside, like his other women.

  “What are you doing?”

  The corner of his mouth curled, revealing charming dimples and mischievous smile. He every bit like a wolf, ready to claim its prey. “Touching you.”

  Ignoring his obvious and lame answer, she asked, “Why did you have Ron bring me here and why am I in your bed?”

  “I told you we’re not finished.”


  Oh, no. No, no, no. Huge no! They were not going to pick up where they left off.

  Jordan scrambled from the bed and immediately missed his heat. She wrapped her arms around herself. A defense mechanism and a self-preservation technique since Gabriel’s hot gaze racked over her, leaving her feeling naked rather than semi-clothed.

  Her body reacted to him with a violent rush of need. Would it always be like this with him? God, she really hoped not. Truly. Honest, she insisted.

  She licked her dry lips, ready to tell him they weren’t going any further. His eyes shifted to her mouth and her words were replaced by a low moan. No. Stop.

  “We should be.”

  He jolted up, his muscles coiled. A predator ready to strike. “No.”

  She cautiously retreated a step. “I’ve been thinking and it would be better if we cut this off now before…just…yeah, before. I won’t be here much longer and I—”

  “You will stay.”

  Jordan shook her head. “No, that was never the plan.”

  “I want you to stay.”

  “I can’t.”

  “Tell me why.”

  She threw her hands up with an exasperated sigh. Good lord, the man was difficult.

  “You liked what I did to you and I you wanted more. You still do. If I were to run my fingers between your thighs, I know I’d find you ready for me.”

  She shivered. His rough voice, his sexy words. Hold your ground. “What kind of game is this? I’ve quite literally hurled my naked body at you and you denied me. You pushed me away, told me to never touch you again, to keep my distance, and, oh yeah, how could I forget? You hate my very species. Then, you see me kissing Chris and go all caveman.”

  His teeth clenched so tightly she saw the muscle along his jaw tick.

  “You don’t want me. You want me. Then you don’t want me again only to change your mind later. Well, guess what, I’ve decided that I don’t want you.”