Taste of Darkness

by Katie Reus

  His first instinct was to say yes, but he ruthlessly shoved it down. If he spent more time with her, he would get to know her. And he did not want that. “No, but thank you for the offer. You and Gabriel are guests.”

  She snorted softly again in that way that made him smile. “We might be guests but Drake and Victoria are still our people.”

  An invisible vise squeezed around his chest at her words. His brother might have been in Hell but he’d clearly been well cared for since his escape. The knowledge was the only thing that eased the knife in Conall’s chest. It was clear the female didn’t care that Drake was a different species. Maybe it shouldn’t surprise him, but it had been decades since he’d interacted with other shifters or vamps and in his experience other supernaturals only looked out for their own kind. “I appreciate all you’ve done for my brother.”

  She shrugged, as if it was no big deal. “Drake’s cool. Plus he saved my Alpha’s daughter.”

  Conall nodded, feeling strangely tongue-tied as he stood in the doorway watching the lithe, strong female linger by the window, watching him expectantly. That was when he realized he was staring too hard. He cleared his throat. “You have my and Keelin’s cell numbers. Please text or call if you need anything.” As he shut the door he cursed himself for speaking so formally to her.

  He’d sounded like an idiot. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d had any interest in the opposite sex. Even his few bed partners after Fia had left him had been more of a chore than anything else. He’d searched out females for relief, but had ended up feeling nothing during, and even less afterward. Okay, maybe not nothing. But he’d felt even more hollow.

  Now he found himself wondering what Rhea looked like naked, how she would taste against his tongue as he brought her to orgasm. Would she be quiet or talk dirty? His cock hardened at the thought of her shouting his name as she came against his face and he cursed himself again. She would be leaving soon enough and he wasn’t going to bed a female Drake was friends with.

  Not when he had nothing to offer her long-term. And a female like Rhea deserved more than a male like him could give her. He might not have known her long, but she was funny, a little sarcastic, and had jumped right into the fray when they’d been attacked at the cabin. Yes, she was definitely a female who deserved more.

  Besides, she didn’t even seem interested. There had been no lingering looks or any indication she might want something physical with him. Which was just as well—even if it did sting his ego.

  Chapter Sixteen

  The warmth surrounding Victoria was all encompassing and without opening her eyes she knew Drake was holding her. His earthy scent surrounded her, permeating every inch of her. She loved his scent, wanted to bury her face against his chest and soak him in.

  She tried to open her eyes but found she couldn’t. Instead of freaking out, she sighed and listened to Drake murmuring sweet things to her. The words all ran together, but the meaning was clear enough.

  She wasn’t sure where they were or why she couldn’t open her eyes though, which was frustrating. She wondered if this was how Drake had felt when he’d escaped Hell. He’d been so quiet and reserved the first month, barely saying two words to anyone but her or Vega.

  He still didn’t talk much, but in the beginning he’d been even more silent. Yeah, he had that strong and silent thing down to an art. A memory of the first time she’d taken him shopping at the mall sliced through her mind.

  He’d been so fascinated by all the stores of their small mall. To him it had been huge, everything a little overwhelming. During that trip was the first time she’d realized she wanted to kiss him.

  When they’d passed a jewelry store he’d seen a beautiful necklace and told her that one day he’d buy her something like that. As if she needed jewelry. His words had been so innocent and sweet. She hadn’t understood then, but now she realized how much he must have struggled with not being in control of his life, not being able to purchase things without asking someone for funds, being dependent on others for everything.

  Something she’d taken for granted because the pack took care of each other. She hated that he’d been dealing with that.

  Why hadn’t she realized until now? Her body finally listened to reason as her eyes snapped open and she looked up. She stared into Drake’s intense silver gaze as he held her against his chest. They were in a big bed, with him sitting up against a tufted headboard—definitely not the bed at the cabin—and he was shirtless. She ran a hand over his hard chest, the skin to skin contact grounding her. Looking down she saw she was in someone else’s pajamas. Pink and white striped cotton. Not her style but she’d go back to that later.

  “You’re awake.” Relief punctuated those two words. He clicked on a bedside lamp, the soft light illuminating him and throwing shadows against his face.

  “What happened?” She had a vague memory of being at the cabin and—crap, they’d been under attack. “Is Keelin okay? Are you okay?” she asked before he could respond to her first question.

  He nodded, staring at her as if he never wanted to stop. “Everyone’s fine, including Gabriel and Rhea, who’d followed us. Dragons from another clan attacked the cabin. While saving Keelin, you were hit with a poison dart. We brought you to my clan’s land in Montana and their healer extracted the poison from you. You’ve been asleep for almost twenty-four hours.” His voice was raspy, as if he’d been awake the whole time.

  Her eyes widened as she slowly straightened in his arms, looking around the opulent, huge freaking room. It was as big as her Alpha’s back at their compound. “Have you gotten any rest?” she asked, looking back at him. Reaching up with a shaky hand, she cupped his cheek, her palm scraping against the sexy stubble.

  “I haven’t left your side.” He still watched her as if worried she’d disappear.

  “I’m not going anywhere,” she whispered, hoping her words eased the fear lurking in his silver gaze.

  He was silent for a long moment, as if he was trying to find his voice. “I thought I’d lost you.”

  “But you didn’t. Luckily I’m hard to kill too.” Her words mirrored his earlier ones. But deep down she worried that she was an even bigger threat to him. What if they’d been mated and she’d been poisoned? Would he have been weakened? Almost died? She swallowed, fighting that fear.

  To her relief he gave her a ghost of a smile. Not much but she’d take it. “I’m…” Her words were cut off by a loud rumble as her stomach growled.

  He frowned and leaned over to the nightstand table, grabbing his phone. After making two calls, one for food and one to a female named Greer, he hung up. “Food will be here soon.”

  “Thank you. You can let me up.” Because she was suddenly aware that nature was calling and she really wanted to brush her teeth.

  He shook his head, the stubborn set of his jaw making her smile.

  “Well, I need to take care of some business so…”

  Confusion marred his expression for a moment before he nodded and released his grasp around her. She swung her legs off the bed and didn’t protest when he helped her to her feet. Her legs were shaky, but she was okay to walk on her own. She couldn’t believe she was in Montana and couldn’t remember a thing about the flight. Or she assumed they’d flown. Questions started to bombard her but she ignored them for now. When they reached the bathroom, she put up a hand when it was clear he intended to come in with her. “I don’t need any help in there, promise.”

  Drake’s expression said he wanted to argue, but he just nodded and leaned against the wall next to the door. “I’ll be right here.”

  After freshening up, including washing her face and brushing her teeth, she felt a hundred times better. The bathroom was nearly as big as the bedroom; all shiny black marble and gold trim everywhere. It was the kind of room that screamed money. The skylight above her let her know it was daytime. Maybe morning.

  When she stepped back into the bedroom she found Drake talking to a stunning woman who
had to be six feet tall. Her hair was a unique copper color that highlighted the woman’s bright green eyes. Wearing skin-tight, white pants, a white, fuzzy sweater with sparkles of gold in the threading and white, furry boots, she looked like she was ready to hit the slopes and look damn good doing it. Must be Greer. Victoria fought the insane twinge of jealousy that punched through her at seeing Drake talking to the female. Jeez, they were just talking.

  The woman smiled warmly at Victoria, smoothing a hand down her pants almost nervously. And that was when Victoria remembered she’d nearly bitten the woman.

  “I, uh, think I might owe you an apology. Did I imagine trying to bite you earlier?” she asked as Drake moved to her side, hovering as if he was afraid she’d fall over. She really hoped that hadn’t been real. Mostly she just remembered an excruciating agony, as if her body was splitting apart at the seams.

  Laughing, the sound like music, the woman’s smile widened. “You didn’t imagine it but no apologies are necessary. You were in a lot of pain and I had to use my healing gift to draw out the poison. Unfortunately, drawing it out is very painful. Something about the way it morphs to our blood cells makes it difficult for me to withdraw it. But it’s done and you look wonderful.”

  Victoria nearly snorted, but knew the woman was being kind. She’d just seen herself in the mirror and she looked as if she’d been run over by a truck. Twice. Nothing a shower and some food wouldn’t cure though. “Thank you for what you did and I’m sorry for snapping at you about touching Drake.” That memory was vivid in her mind too, making her flush in embarrassment at the angry way she’d growled at the woman.

  Drake was silent next to her, but he wrapped a supportive arm around her shoulders as he kissed the top of her head.

  The female just smiled. “Don’t worry about it. No one would blame you for being protective of your mate. Once you’ve had time to rest I’d love to talk to you more. I’ve never met another healer before. We’re a bit insulated from other supernaturals.”

  Victoria leaned into Drake, using him for support as a wave of exhaustion swept through her. “I’d really like that too.” When her stomach rumbled the woman smiled and headed back for the door.

  “I’ll be back to check on you soon. I’m Greer, by the way.”

  Victoria nodded and before the door had shut, Drake was leading her over to the bed. “I’ll bring the food to you.” A soft order and one she wasn’t inclined to argue with. As she leaned against the headboard, stretching out her legs, she watched as he rolled the silver cart over to the bed. When he lifted the dome-covered plate, she grinned to see a giant hamburger topped with carmelized onions, sautéed mushrooms and two thick slices of melted Swiss cheese. And French fries on the side. One of her favorite meals. “How’d they know what to make?”

  “I told the chef earlier to be ready when you awoke.” He still watched her nervously.

  Before she reached for the tray she stood again and pulled him into a big hug, wrapping her arms tight around his waist. “I can see the fear on your face. I’m not going anywhere. Why don’t you take a shower while I eat?” Because she could see he needed the rest.

  “I’m fine,” he murmured against the top of her head.

  Leaning back she looked at him before standing on her toes. She brushed a kiss over his mouth, surprised when he didn’t deepen it. But maybe she shouldn’t be. It was clear he was worried about her and probably didn’t want to hurt her. “Go. Shower. I’m going to devour this and then we’ll talk.” Then she wanted to take a shower too. And change out of these pajamas. And see Gabriel and Rhea. She needed to see with her own eyes that her packmates were okay too.

  He paused. “You’re positive?”

  After a few more minutes of convincing him she’d be fine, she did just as she’d said and devoured the contents of the entire plate. For how she felt she probably could have put away another hamburger, but the food was making her tired again. She rolled the cart over to the door and slid back into the bed. The thing was huge, bigger than a king-size. Maybe California king. She wondered if dragons were naturally taller or bigger than other shifters. Keelin didn’t seem to be, but Greer certainly was. And why the hell was she worried about their freaking height right now.

  She had more important things to worry about. Like who had attacked them. Closing her eyes, she smiled to herself when she heard the shower shut off. Not long after, the bathroom door opened. Cracking open an eye, she saw steam billow out as Drake stepped from the bathroom wearing only a towel.

  “Lose the towel and get in bed with me,” she murmured. His eyes widened but she just grinned and rolled onto her side, putting her back to him. “I won’t peek.” Even though she wanted to. “I just want you to hold me.”

  The light clicked off but with the natural light streaming in from the bathroom’s skylight, there was enough illumination in the bedroom. A moment later, the bed depressed as he got in behind her. When his big arm wrapped around her waist and pulled her close, she willingly curved into him, laying her arm over his. The soft hair of his arm tickled hers, grounding her, reminding her that she was safe here. His earthy scent surrounded her, his hard chest a solid presence against her back. “Tell me more about what happened,” she murmured, sleep pulling at her again. Should she be this tired?

  “We’ll talk later. Rest.” His voice was gentle even though his words came out like an order.

  “Then tell me more about your time in Hell.” The words came out of nowhere and when he stiffened behind her, she wondered if she’d crossed a line. But she had to know more. After realizing how hard it must have been for him to assimilate—to still do so—it was time to push him about opening up. Especially if they were going to take the next step as mates. Something she knew without a doubt she wanted.

  “What do you want to know?” he finally asked.

  “You never talk about it.” Not that she blamed him. “I just…want to know you more. I want to know everything about you, Drake.”

  Drake struggled to answer her, his throat growing tight. He knew a lot of time had passed since her question and he could swear he sensed her disappointment that he wasn’t answering. It was the only reason he forced his vocal cords to work—even if he didn’t want to. “When I was relatively young, about two hundred, I think, I made a friend of sorts. Time is of no use in Hell so it’s just an estimate.” He could hear the bitterness in his voice, but couldn’t hide it. Didn’t want to. “He was a vampire and…charming, I think is the word you would use. He told me he’d been sent to Hell in the same manner as me, sacrificed. Up until that point I hadn’t had much contact with others. I stayed in my dragon form as much as possible because it was safer.”

  He’d stayed in his dragon form as a defense, living two hundred years in loneliness to that point. Clearing his throat, he continued, the words torn from him almost against his will. But he wanted her to know more about him, just as he wanted to know everything about her. Even the bad parts. “The real torture was the silence and nothingness. Not the fire and brimstone that so many think it is—though there are parts of Hell just like that, worse than you can imagine—but the abject nothingness is…” He didn’t know how to continue down that line of thought, wasn’t even sure why he’d brought it up.

  “The stench there is horrific. Like sulfur and rotten eggs, but so much worse. Sometimes I swear I can still smell it on me,” he muttered, his grip around her tightening.

  She squeezed the arm he had around her, in silent support, the simple action more soothing than she likely realized.

  Now that Drake had started, he wasn’t stopping. “But he showed me a section of Hell that wasn’t as bad. And that term is relative to the place. We would go there and talk. Mainly he talked. I’d been so sheltered before I was sacrificed so I drank in the conversation. I don’t know how long we were friends but I think it was a couple years. And I don’t know if he’d always intended to betray me or not, but he eventually sold me out to a hoard of level eight demons.”
>
  She shifted against the sheets, her delectable body moving against him. “Level eight?”

  He paused. “There are different levels, up to thirteen. I don’t know what the correct translation would be, but it’s the best way I can describe them.”

  “What happened?” The question came out as a hoarse whisper.

  “Hell is a vast place, almost the same size as Earth, and when he was going to be tortured for some infraction against these demons, he told them about me and where to find me. They thought they could take me because of their sheer number.” His voice was dark, deadly. “They were wrong. Once I finished with them I flew my so-called friend to their territory and dropped him off. I never saw him again. I never saw anyone for years after that. I carved out a territory and made it clear what would happen to anyone who crossed me. After obliterating those level eights, word spread and I was left alone for a while. My…fire, or any dragon fire in Hell becomes a permanent thing on the prey’s body. Like phantom pain. Even though they’re not burning anymore, the pain still lives with them. They’re in constant agony because of how deeply I burned them.”

  And he wasn’t sorry he’d done it. For all the horror they’d inflicted on others, they deserved everything they got from him. Part of him wanted to tell Victoria that he’d enjoyed hurting them, but he held the confession back for now. Later he’d tell her. Maybe. God, he was so unworthy of her, so dirty. She didn’t need to know that side of him.

  “I’m so sorry, Drake.” Her soft voice angered him.

  “I don’t want your pity,” he snarled. Never from her.

  Turning in his arms, she slid her arm around him and clutched on to his back, holding him close. His muscles flexed under her fingertips as he leaned into her touch. “I don’t pity you. Not at all. But I do love you and that means I get to care.”