His arms closed around her. He pressed kisses to the crown of her head as he rocked her with him. “I love you, Jordan.” Her hot tears fell to his chest. “I know I’m…broken. Hell, I’m as far from perfect as possible and I know I’m going fuck up a hundred times or more but…I want to be better.”
“Say it again.”
“I’m going to—”
“No,” she sniffled. “The first part. Say it again.”
“I love you.”
The sound of her heart thundered, drowning out everything else. “Again.”
“I love you.”
Her breath caressed his chest as she left out a light laugh. “I didn’t realize how much I needed to hear those word.”
“I’ll say them again and again, until you beg me to stop.”
She shook her head and leaned back. “Don’t think that’ll happen.” She smiled. “And I’m no peach, either. I’ve got trust and abandonment issues, but we’ll work on everything together.”
He used the edges of his ruined shirt to dab at her eyes.
“But what does this mean for us? I’m not a vampire and I…don’t know if I’m willing to become one. Drinking blood doesn’t sound very appetizing, unless it’s yours.” She winked when his jaw dropped. “Yes, I remember you giving me your blood. I thought it had all been a dream.”
“I’m sorry. If there had been something else—”
“I understand and I already went through this with Scott. He told me about the combination of the poison and my injuries…Basically, I was all dressed up waiting for Death to come pick me up for our first and last date.”
He frowned not liking her joke. “My blood was only a temporary solution.”
“Scott said I wouldn’t need that medication anymore now that we’re mated. What did he mean?”
Gabriel ran his fingers through her hair, baffled by how the feel of those silky strands could calm him so profoundly. So entranced the feel of her in his arms, he had to shake his head to focus. She’d asked a question.
“We are bound. Your life force is connected to mine.”
“So, I’m going to be a vampire?”
“No, but you will have to endure the rigors of the transformation. Your body will change, you won’t age and you won’t ever get sick, but you’ll be able to walk in the sun.”
“You’re saying I’ll have all the benefits but none of the side effects.”
He nodded. “Yes. I’m sorry, I truly wish there was another way. The pain—”
“Is a small price to pay for lifetimes with you,” she stated.
Gabriel’s chest constricted. “You are happy with this?”
“Happy? Hell, yeah. It’s you I’m worried about. Mr. Commitment Phobe has just been shackled for eternity with a mate.”
“I’ve waited my entire life for you and I won’t be letting you go.”
“What makes you think I’d let you?” she haughtily asked. “We may not have spoken vows or exchanged rings.” She traced the circles of his newest scar. “We’ve got something better.”
“Would you want vows and rings? Would you like to marry me?”
Her tickling stopped and she blinked up at him. “I never really thought…I had hoped one day…” She shook her head and her delicious lips curled into a smile. “I need a bit more info first. How old are you?”
“My memories of my childhood and early life are spotty at best.”
“You’re too old to remember your own birthday?” she teased.
He playfully swatted her ass and she gasped in surprised pleasure. “I’m just over thirteen-hundred and I won’t tolerate old man jokes.”
She whistled, “Touchy.”
He chuckled. “Just laying some ground rules.”
Jordan rolled her eyes. “I’ve other questions, so I’ll let that side. For now.”
Gabriel braced himself. He didn’t know what she’d ask, but he would try to answer. He wanted no secrets between them. He wanted to be open with her. “Don’t hide our broken parts,” she’d said, but some memories were buried too deep and some scars could never be healed.
She would say yes. She would marry Gabriel. White dress, veil and all. He was mad about her and she was head over stilettos in love with him. But she had to know, “You’ve said you don’t like drinking from others or sharing your blood.” He sucked in a breath and waited. “Have you created any fledglings?”
His expression was one of relief. Had he thought she’d ask about his transformation? Jordan had concluded the Madame hadn’t just torture him and assaulted him, she’d made him. No doubt she’d planned to keep him forever, abusing him until nothing remained of the man he once was. Until every ounce of his humanity was consumed by the vampire within. He’d reveal those dark parts of his past when he was ready. She wouldn’t push for him to confide in her, but she would finagle some information from him.
His answer was a hard nod. “Tomorrow, at the compound, you’ll meet her.”
Jordan arched a brow. “Her and at the compound? Is that where she lives?”
He paused then shook his head. “My enemies are going to attack the city. I don’t know exactly when, but soon. I want you some place safe. The compound’s location is secret, it’s fortified—”
“Isn’t exposing yourself to humans some kind of huge no-no?”
“Boras decides which laws and what codes he’ll abide. He’s dangerous, unpredictable. I won’t have you here in harms way.”
Jordan’s body shook with apprehensive chills. Boras. She’d heard the name many times while imprisoned. The hostess praised him non-stop and Klein had said…Oh, dear lord this was the strike the two had discussed the night Gabriel had rescued her. “The bastard won’t see if coming.” She smirked. No, Klein you hadn’t seen him coming.
“This war will end tonight,” Gabriel growled. “I will have Boras’s head.” His eyes flicker and darted over to stack of old chests.
When he remained silent she asked, “What is it?”
As if her voice had cleared away the webs in his head, he returned his attention to her. “Something I should get rid of.” He pinched her chin, his yes hard with intent. “I will keep you safe, but I can’t have you here. I’d be worried about you, distracted and I need my mind focused, sharp.”
Her shoulders slumped with a sigh. “Fine. I’ll go. But you have a woman who doesn’t shrink from battle.”
His lips curled with a proud, content smile. “You’re a vicious little thing.”
“Better to know now than to find out about it later.”
He laughed. The sound was gruff, as if he weren’t used to the action, and it warmed her heart. Oh, yes, see was going to enjoy this mate-hood thing. She may not be able to give him complete peace, his mind may never fully clear, but she could give him pleasure, and she could make him happy. She’d make sure he laughed often.
“When do I leave?”
“Tomorrow at sundown with Gannon. My men are working on pinning down Boras and his guard’s location. Once we know where they are set up, we’ll strike. I full intend to be at your side when the moon meets the center of the sky, when the transformation begins. But, if I’m unable to do so, Scott and Kate will be there to help you.”
She balked, hating the idea of going through the unknown without him. She’d always been alone and now, she had a man of her own. She knew children were impossible, vampires didn’t procreate like mortals, but she had a partner, and a chance at true family. A blended vampire family. Frowning she wondered if being with Gabriel somehow, in a wacky way, made her a stepmother. He’d said he’d had a fledgling.
She kissed him and said, “I’m not worried and I don’t want you to rush to get to me. Take your time, be thorough and end this war so we can move on with our happily ever after. Now, tell answer my question about her.”
Gabriel tensed. “This information is…classified. I cannot stress that enough.”
Curiosity train rolling! “Top secret. Got it.”
He
frowned and she drew her fingers across her lips as if she were zipping them shut then acted as if she’d tossed the key over her shoulder.
“Kerstyn Arsov, the queen of the Volkov Clan.”
“How did it happen?”
“I was sworn protect her and was willing to give my life for hers.” His eyes grew distant as if he were remembering the moment. His voice dropped low, “I nearly did.” He ran a shaking hand his face to his chest, his palm pressed against the mating brand. The feel of it punched him back into the present. Had he thought to feel the slave brand? Jordan was never more relived their passion had erased the ugly scar.
“I’m a blood bastard. I was made without the permission or knowledge of the Clan’s Chieftain. When Madame Sideth…” He roughly shook his head. “Lady Ingrid was exposed I should’ve been bound by the stake and left to burn in the sun.”
“Lady Ingrid. Madame Sideth. They’re the same person?”
That muscle in his jaw ticked as he silently answered with a nod. The names must have slipped out, but Jordan was happy. They were making progress. She knew it would all come in baby steps. She was patient. She could wait.
“One day, I’ll tell you all, but…for now I…can’t. Please know, I’ve already shared more with you than I have with anyone.” He kissed her brow. “Vampire law dictates that when a fledging is unlawfully created, their maker is either Outcast or killed, depending on the King’s ruling.”
“And the vampires they created burn,” she finished in understanding. “But you had escaped.”
“Dimitri Arsov, the Volkov Clan ruler, helped me break free. He offered me asylum for a time. He showed me how to control my power, my strength. Taught me the ways of vampire society and trained me how to be a Black Knight, though I could never be one. Then, I struck out on my own. I floated through existence with no purpose or goal until I came across a weak, but peaceful group of Outcasts. Blood bastards, like me, but they’d offered themselves to their master who was a cruel bastard. I killed him and my following began.”
“And here we are.”
“Yes,” he sighed, gliding his fingers through her hair again. “Here we are.”
“Mated.”
“Yes.” His fingers tickled the side of her neck. “Now, tell me, will you marry me?”
She shook her and bit her lip. Should she ask? Was it too much? He’d just told her he wasn’t ready to shine a flash light on the horrors of his past.
“What is it, love? What’s troubling you?”
“Gabriel, will you…um…will you tell me about your first wife?”
She felt the oxygen explode from his chest and immediately began back tracking. “I’m sorry. Too much.”
“No.” He stroked her neck again. “Vailraina was her name. Our marriage was…easy. Pleasant.” He swallowed. “We were friends.”
“What happened?”
“The Vikings came while the men and I were on a hunt. They slaughtered our village, raped and murdered my wife before my eyes. I couldn’t save her. I couldn’t…get to her…” Gabriel touched her neck again as if the action kept him anchored to the present. “I killed them all. Took their heads.” His eyes flickered to the side then came back to her. A dark laugh shook rattled his chest. “He found a fine punishment for me.”
He didn’t say it but she knew. The Viking had sold him to the Madame. She wanted to throw her arms around him, to conform him, self-preservation told her to just remain still, to let him stroke her. To touch her.
“One last question,” she leaned into his seeking caressed. “Just one and then you’ll have my answer.”
“Answer,” he repeated, the shook himself. “Yes, your answer.”
“After one more question.”
“Fuck, Jordan make it a simple one.”
She smiled. I’m about to make you focus on me again. “What were your plans after you rescued me?”
His hand pulled away and their gazes locked. Bright violet clashed with clear green. Her breath caught in throat as he explained. He hadn’t know what medical condition she would be in and was enraged when he found she’d been doped up out of her mind. The poison had destroyed her internal organs beyond human repair and the injuries she’d sustained as Klein had ran with her over the frozen lake and through the trees, made it impossible for nothing short of magic to save her. He’d asked for Dimitri’s blood, since he was the oldest and strongest of their kind, his bloodline would be strong enough to cure her.
She held up her hand as he added the last part of his plan. “Erase my memories?” She snapped her fingers. “Just like that. Wow, how extremely cavalier of you, Your Majesty.”
His brow’s furrowed. “You’re upset.”
“You would’ve taken my memories without asking me?” She punched him in the arm. He didn’t flinch or cringe. “What if I want to keep them?”
He shook his head, disbelieving her words. She wouldn’t lie to herself or to him, there were moments she wished she could forget. The torture, the screams, the death, but if she forgot then all those who had suffered would be lost. No one would remember them or how they’d died.
“I’d spare you any pain I can. The nightmares—”
“Will fade with time.”
“As a stipulation, I would’ve given you the option.”
“Truly gracious.”
Her snarky tone earned her another smack on her bottom. “I’ll always protect you, anyway I can.”
“I know and appreciate it.” She reached around him and slapped his ass. “But don’t treat me like I’m a doll.”
His gaze heated and her body began to tingle. “Challenging me?” he growled.
“I’m not so fragile. I can hold the weight of worlds if that’s what you need.”
He gripped her hips and pulled her flush against him. The impact so hard, her breath was knocked from her lung. “You’ll make a fierce queen until-never-do-us-part.”
Gabriel’s mouth crashed down on hers.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
“So, how did his Royal Highness convince you to go to the compound?” Gannon asked as he pulled his SUV into line, joining the caravan. Two cars were headed to pick up Dimitri and his queen from the Tapof’s private airport while two other vehicles charged toward the safety of the compound.
Jordan shrugged. “Sweet words and naughty promises.”
He barked out a laugh. “I’ve no idea who you’re talking about. The Gabriel Erhard I know glowers, commands, and cuts off heads. He’s a changed man.”
“You think so?”
“I know so! If you’d seen him before…” He whistled low. “I think you’d have fallen for me instead.”
Jordan smiled. “How did he rope you into babysitting me?”
“What makes you think I didn’t volunteer?” He winked and laughed again when she rolled her eyes. He chuckled then replied, “There are a select few—and by few I mean next to no one—that Gabriel trusts.”
“And you’re in the trust circle?”
He nodded and she asked, “How’d you meet?”
“I stumbled into a saloon of his in New Orleans about a century and a half ago. I picked a fight that he had to finish. Next night, I was on the payroll.” He rubbed his nape. “Honestly, I couldn’t tell you how we became friends, but I’d charge into Hell with him if he asked.”
“He would do the same.”
Gannon shook his head. “He has you. He has the opportunity to have a real future, a second chance to work past his torment. I wouldn’t want him to ever sacrifice himself for me.”
She slumped in the passenger seat and stared out the window. Gannon was a good man and he deserved a good woman. At the moment Jordan regretted not having any friends she could fix him up with, though she doubted the charming fellow had trouble finding women.
“How are you feeling?”
“Dandy.” She ran her palms over her thighs, the friction of her jeans a welcome distraction from the sharp tingling sensation that had started at her finger
tips and was now beginning to spread through her body.
“Scott can give you something to help with the pain. It’ll make the transition easier.”
She was not looking forward to her organs shifting and muscles tearing. She’d never witnessed a vampire transformation, but she’d heard it was horrific. Most died.
I’m not becoming a vampire, she reminded herself. She didn’t really know what she was going to become.
Needing a distraction, she asked, “Can you tell me a little about Dimitri and his wife?”
“Dimitri Arsov is the last remaining pure vampire.”
“Wait.” Her spine straightened. “Pure as in original? Gabriel had just said he was the oldest and strongest.”
He nodded. “Yup, I’ve kicked rocks younger than him.”
Jordan’s eyes rounded. I couldn’t be serious. “He knows how vampires were created. I’ve never heard—”
“Don’t get your hopes up. He won’t share.” Gannon said as he turned the vehicle onto a well-hidden dirt road.
“Why not?”
“There are so many rumors and old stories. Conspiracy theories even.” He shrugged.
She crossed her arms over her chest and pouted for a split second. She’d always been curious as to where vampires came from. Unfortunately it wasn’t a topic one could broach with their parents or high school biology teacher without running the risk of being institutionalized.
“They’ll be at the compound later,” he added then whispered, “What the…Shit.”
Gannon’s words drew her attention. Squinting, she lean forward and struggle to make out the objects in the distance. Could really use those vampire abilities right now, she thought as a line of jeeps and mounted men on dirt bikes came into view.
“Fuck! How did they locate us?” He tapped the touch screen dash board calling out to the soldiers that accompanied them in the other vehicle. “Stranger danger.”
Guns fired, bullets binged off the hood of the SUV. Jordan slinked down in her seat as Gannon slammed on the gas and jerked the wheel sending them crashing of the road.
Caressed by the Edge of Darkness Page 32