Embrace the Darkness

by Alexandra Ivy

  Too close.

  “If Evor had been in that room…” she breathed.

  His fingers tightened. “He’s alive, pet, and so are you.”

  “Yes, but it was a near thing,” she rasped. “Too near.”

  “On that we agree.” He glanced toward the door of the blood-drenched room. “We need to discover who did this, and just as importantly where Evor has disappeared to.”

  Shay grimaced at the thought of the slimy little troll. “No doubt he crawled beneath some rock the moment the trouble started. He’s always happy to sacrifice his servants to save his own hide.”

  “He was here.” His gaze was somber as it returned to her face. “His blood is mixed among the others “

  “His blood?”

  He gave a lift of his shoulder. “Only a small amount, but enough to reveal he was here during the attack.”

  She pulled from his touch. Of course he could smell Evor’s blood. He was a vampire.

  Blood was his specialty.

  “So someone, or something, came here tonight, killed the mountain trolls and injured Evor?” She gave a shake of her head. “Why?”

  “It’s possible that it was a demon in search of valuables that was caught off guard by the trolls. Or even one seeking vengeance. Evor is hardly the sort to endear himself to others, and there are many who find the slave trade a disgusting business.”

  She met his gaze squarely. “It’s possible, but you don’t think it was a housebreaker or someone seeking vengeance.”

  “No.” His beautiful features were hard in the dim moonlight “The timing of the attack is too much of a coincidence. I think whoever is hunting you returned to this auction house.”

  Her throat went dry. “To kill Evor?”

  A frown touched his brow. “If they wanted Evor dead, he would already be dead. Either he managed to escape during the battle or they came to take him alive.”

  “But why?”

  “To use as bait.” Levet’s unexpected voice had both Shay and Viper turning in astonishment.

  “What?” Viper demanded.

  The gargoyle gave a nervous flutter of his wings. “If they hold the troll then they can threaten to slice his throat open and kill both of them. Shay will have no choice but to do what they want.”

  Shay felt her heart stutter to a halt. Shit, it was bad enough to be in the power of Evor. Now she had to worry about some mysterious enemy who could rip apart trolls with his bare hands.

  Not good.

  Not good at all.

  “Do you think that’s what they want?” she rasped.

  “I think it would be foolish to leap to any conclusions until we have more facts,” Viper retorted, reaching down to easily scoop her into his arms. “We need to leave here.”

  It was a testament of just how troubled Shay was by the latest turn of events that she didn’t struggle once as Viper carried her from the blood-drenched auction house.

  Not one kick. Not one poke in the eye. Not even a curse.

  Astonishing.

  She came back to herself as Viper slowly lowered her to her feet, and pressed her back to one of the towering oak trees.

  “Before we leave are there any other possessions you desire to collect?” he demanded softly.

  Not softly enough as Levet gave an angry flap of his wings.

  “Possessions? Sacrebleu. I am a gargoyle. A demon to be feared and respected above all others. I will—”

  “Enough, Levet,” Shay interrupted the furious words, her gaze never leaving Viper’s beautiful face. “There are demons trapped in the dungeons.”

  He gave a lift of his brows. “They are your friends as well?”

  “I don’t even know for certain what creatures are behind the doors. I only know that with the trolls dead and Evor missing they might be locked in those cells for eternity. It’s worse than torture.”

  “They may be dangerous.”

  She didn’t doubt for a moment that they were extremely dangerous, and more than likely deadly.

  That didn’t change her determination to have them rescued.

  “We cannot leave them.”

  “Santiago.”

  His gaze never left her pale face as he lifted a hand and a shadow detached itself from behind a nearby tree.

  “Yes, master?”

  “Go to the dungeons and release the prisoners.”

  “As you wish.”

  “We will meet you at the car.”

  There wasn’t a moment’s hesitation as the vampire silently melded into the dark. Shay grimaced at the mindless obedience. If that was what Viper was expecting from her… well, he was in for a major disappointment.

  And no doubt she would be in for a number of beatings.

  Pride was a hell of a thing.

  “You think it’s safe for him to go alone?” she demanded.

  Viper shrugged. “He is a vampire.”

  Vamp arrogance. It made her teeth clench.

  “Fine, then can we go?”

  Viper opened his lips, but it was Levet’s voice that echoed through the darkness.

  “Umm… Shay?”

  She turned to discover him standing a safe distance from Viper.

  “Yes?”

  “What of moi?”

  “Oh… I…” Her gaze reluctantly returned to the vampire standing way too close. “Viper?”

  “Yes, pet?”

  She wanted to tell him to back away. Now that she was no longer dazed by Evor’s disappearance she found his hovering presence far too distracting. But she held her tongue. She was in the unpleasant position of asking for a favor.

  Something she didn’t do well under the best of circumstances,

  “We cannot simply leave Levet here. He has been cast out of the Guild by the other gargoyles.”

  His hands slowly lifted until he could place them on the tree on either side of her head.

  “Are you requesting that I take him under my protection? That I offer him shelter?”

  She ignored the unsteady beat of her heart. “Yes.”

  A worrisome smile curved his lips. “And what is to be my reward for such generosity?”

  “Shay, no,” Levet hissed.

  She ignored his warning, her gaze remaining locked with Viper’s dark eyes.

  “What would you have of me?”

  “Now that is not a question to be answered in haste. There is so much that I want of you,” he murmured, leaning ever closer. “Perhaps I should simply require a boon to be given when I have considered more carefully.”

  Shay licked her dry lips. “You mean I will owe you a favor?”

  “You will be in my debt. A debt that I can call due whenever I feel the moment is… ripe.”

  “Don’t do it, Shay,” Levet commanded. “Never bargain with a vampire.”

  Shay was well aware of the risks. Every demon knew that a vampire could twist words until they screamed in agony.

  But what did she have to lose?

  She was already Viper’s slave and at his mercy. If he truly wanted to force her to do something, no matter how awful, she had little choice but to comply. After all, the amulet made certain she could not escape.

  Why not attempt to make the bargain and keep Levet safe?

  Of course, there was nothing to say that she couldn’t try and get the better of any deal.

  “Can the terms be negotiated?”

  “Negotiated?” His gaze drifted to her lips. “That depends. Tell me your offer.”

  “The debt cannot include blood or sex.”

  He gave a soft laugh as he lowered his head to bury his face in the curve of her throat When he spoke, his lips brushed her skin and sent a disturbing rash of shivers down her spine.

  “You have just taken away my two deepest desires. What else can you offer?”

  She battled to keep her eyes from rolling to the back of her head. “I am a trained fighter.”

  “I possess many warriors.”

  “Warriors that can walk in t
he day?”

  “A few.”His tongue drew a warm, wet line to the edge of her collarbone. “What else do you offer?”

  Her knees felt weak. “I learned to prepare a number of potions while with the witches.”

  His tongue stroked her racing pulse. “Intriguing, but hardly worthy of a boon.”

  She paused, her hands unconsciously gripping the rough bark of the tree behind her. It was that or gripping the vampire in front of her.

  Perhaps sensing why she hesitated, Levet gave a low hiss.

  “Do not, Shay.”

  Viper pulled back to regard her with a searching curiosity. “What is it, pet?”

  “I…” Shay swallowed back her unease. “My father was a Lumos, the healer of our tribe. His blood could cure all but death.”

  His eyes slowly widened. “And you?”

  “His… blessing was passed to me.”

  “A rare gift.” Something flashed through the dark eyes. Curiosity? “A rare gift, indeed, but hardly necessary for an immortal.”

  Her hand unconsciously lifted to touch the spot still tingling from his lips.

  “Even immortals can be harmed. My mother claimed that was why my father was killed. His blood was used to save the life of a vampire.”

  “A vampire?” The curiosity deepened. “You’re certain?”

  “Yes.”

  “Strange that I never heard such rumors.” He pondered the notion for a moment before seeming to dismiss it from his mind. “So, what precisely is it that you’re offering?”

  “If… if you are injured, I will freely offer my blood to heal you. But only to heal you. No occasional snacking.” Her chin tilted. “Do we have a deal?”

  His features once again softened with that seductive amusement. “A bargain,” he corrected softly.

  “No blood unless absolutely necessary, and no sex.”

  “I do not need to bargain for blood or sex. You will soon give them freely enough.”

  He bent to sweep his lips over her mouth, allowing her no opportunity to argue. Back and forth, with exquisite care, he rubbed his lips over hers. An electric tingle followed his touch and before she knew what she was doing she had instinctively opened her mouth at his teasing.

  Only then did he claim a kiss that was edged with such possessive hunger it branded its way to her very heart

  It was the sort of kiss women dreamed of in their deepest fantasies. Hot, demanding, and utterly consuming. Her hands had actually started to rise to pull him closer when he was stepping back and glancing toward the shadows.

  “Ah… Santiago has accomplished his task. Perhaps we should leave before whatever he loosened has the opportunity to eat us.”

  Hard to argue with that logic.

  Chapter Seven

  Viper’s thoughts were distracted as they reached his estate outside Chicago.

  And not pleasantly distracted.

  He wouldn’t have minded a bit of bemusement at the sweet scent of Shay that still clung to his body like a wicked promise. Or the lingering heat that flowed through his body.

  It had been far too long since he had enjoyed that sort of distraction.

  This distraction came from the darkening certainty that something powerful was hunting his Shalott. Something so dangerous and vicious that it might be more than he could protect her from.

  The thought made his heart clench with a fear he could not name.

  Still, even with his thoughts clouded, he sensed a presence the moment he stepped through the door into the kitchen.

  “Someone is here.” Holding out his arm he swept Shay behind him and turned to his guard. “Santiago, search the grounds and make sure we do not have any other unexpected guests.”

  He waited until the vampire had disappeared before lifting his head and testing the air. Only when he was certain there was no immediate danger did he shift to regard Shay’s pale face.

  There was pride etched into her beautiful features, and a grim refusal to reveal the least hint of fear, but not even her staunch will could hide the shadows in her golden eyes. She would stand tall and spit fear in its face. On this night, however, that would not be necessary. She was his. His to protect.

  “My dear, I believe it would be best if you return to your rooms and lock the door.”

  She frowned, her chin jutting to a stubborn angle. It was an expression that was growing familiar to Viper and one he found ridiculously charming.

  “Shalotts are warriors. We do not cower behind locked doors.”

  He allowed a slow smile to curve his lips. “It is not that I doubt your skills in battle, pet, but our intruder is a vampire. I would not wish to be forced to kill a clansman because they find you irresistible.”

  Her mouth opened and closed before she gave a reluctant nod of her head. She might hate looking like a coward, but she hated the thought of encountering yet another vampire even more.

  A small pang shot through his heart as he watched her walk across the kitchen with the gargoyle in tow. She had every reason to hate and distrust vampires. It was a prejudice that would not easily be overcome.

  Giving a shake of his head Viper turned to follow the scent of his clansman toward the back of his house. He was not surprised to enter his study and find the tall, raven-haired vampire calmly seated behind his heavy desk.

  Of all his clansmen, he was perhaps closest to Dante. They had recently ended the threat of a coven of witches determined to bring an end to all demons and rescued the Phoenix, the Goddess of Light who protected the world from the dark prince.

  It was during their efforts that he had first encountered Shay. He didn’t know whether to thank his friend or throttle him for having his peaceful world shaken to its very foundation.

  He split the difference by moving to the built-in bar and collecting a bottle of blood. It was a poor substitute for the magical power he sensed within Shay’s blood, but for now at least it restored his waning strength.

  Watching his precise movements Dante allowed a smile to curve his lips. He was one of the few not overawed by Viper’s presence.

  “Good evening, Viper.”

  Leaning against the bar Viper folded his arms over his chest. “I see you have made yourself at home despite the fact you are well aware I never allow guests here.”

  The smile never wavered. “You are fortunate that I am the one sitting here and not my mate. Abby is quite anxious to share her opinion of buying young women at a slave auction.” The silver eyes narrowed. “Especially a young woman who saved your life.”

  Viper didn’t doubt for a moment that Dante’s mate would readily burn him to a crisp. Despite becoming a goddess she retained her human compassion and was always ready to fight what she thought was injustice.

  No demon with the least amount of sense wanted the Phoenix gunning for them.

  Still, he was a clan chief. A leader among vampires.

  He didn’t answer to anyone.

  “When I called to tell you that I had purchased the Shalott it was only to request your assistance in discovering what evil hunts her, not to request your opinion of my personal affairs.”

  Dante shrugged. “You have offered your opinion of my personal affairs often enough.”

  “Opinions you ignored. Just as I intend to. Now, if that is all…”

  With a sharp motion Dante was on his feet, his silver eyes glittering in the soft glow of the lamplight.

  “Viper, what game are you playing?”

  Viper set aside his empty bottle. “There is no game “

  “There is something.” Dante moved from around the desk, the black leather pants and black silk shirt making him appear a dangerous predator. Which was exactly what he was. “You have condemned any slave trader to death if you discover they have attempted to capture and sell a vampire within your territory.”

  “Shay is not a vampire.”

  “That does not alter the fact you detest those who peddle in flesh.”

  Viper smiled wryly. He possessed any number
of pleasure houses. Elegant, expensive establishments where demons and fairies, and even a rare few humans, could come to enjoy whatever delights they could imagine.

  “There are some who claim that I peddle in flesh.”

  Dante frowned. “Never unwilling flesh.”

  Viper shrugged. He could hardly argue. Those who served him did so at their own choice. He waved a hand toward the bar. “Wine? Or perhaps a taste of my private stock of brandy?”

  Dante narrowed his gaze. He was not about to be distracted. “What are you doing with Shay?”

  A helluva question. A pity he had no answer.

  “What does it matter to you?”

  “I can’t say it bothers me in the least. Abby, however, will not give me rest until she is assured you mean the demon no harm.”

  Viper gave a short laugh. “At least you are honest. But tell me, Dante, would your oh-so-beautiful wife have preferred that I had stepped aside and allowed Shay to be bought as a blood whore? Or perhaps a trophy to be hung on the wall of some demon hunter?”

  “She would prefer that you set her free.”

  Allow Shay to slip from his grasp? To disappear like she had done after the battle with the witches?

  Over his cold, dead body.

  “I did tell you that it is not possible. I hold an amulet that forces her to come when I call, but the curse that binds her is held by a lesser troll named Evor. A troll who has suddenly disappeared.”

  Dante lifted his brows. “What do you mean?”

  As concisely as possible, Viper revealed what they had discovered in the auction house. He was careful to describe the mutilation of the trolls in great detail. It could be that Dante would recognize something about the attack that would assist in tracing the savage culprit.

  “You are certain a demon is responsible for the massacre?” his companion demanded.

  “What else?”

  “A witch or wizard perhaps.”

  Viper hid a smile. Who could blame his friend for being suspicious of witches? Having someone try to kill you on several occasions tended to make you a bit twitchy.

  “Shay sensed no magic.”

  Dante gave a shake of his head. “If it were a demon, you should be able to track it. There are few who can hide their scent from a vampire.”

  “A Hunding, an Irra, perhaps a Napchut.”