Caressed by the Edge of Darkness (Rulers of Darkness Book 5)

by Amanda J. Greene

  The gold medal in Stupidity goes to…?

  Prowling through the room Gabriel wondered what the hell he was going to do with her. He could and should send her away. Far away from his enemies and himself.

  He shook his head. No, he couldn’t risk her safety. At least here, he could be sure she was guarded and Scott could monitor her health. Until he finished uniting his Clan of Outcasts, destroyed Boras, peace reigned and he discovered a way to permanently heal Jordan, she’d stay. But not with him. After he questioned Boras’s men, he’d leave for the city and she would remain here. The compound was the most secure of all his holdings, the knowledge of its existence minimal. Here Scott could care for her. If she accompanied him to the city, the surgeon would be over an hour drive away.

  His gaze drifted back to the bed.

  Yes, she’d live at the compound and, when the need to touch her faded or when he regained control of his desires, he’d consider bringing her to the city. This way he couldn’t manage to resist her, geography would keep them apart.

  A prickling sensation danced across the nape of his neck. Sunset was nearing.

  Gabriel turned to his desk and collected his cell phone and, purely from habit, Jordan’s photo. After sending a quick text to Kate, he tucked both into his pocket and, without a word, he left.

  Jordan knew the bed and the room were empty before she opened her eyes. The bed was cold, Gabriel was gone. She wasn’t surprised by his absence. Vampires usually popped up at the crack of sundown and her vampire was busy.

  Whoa. When did he become my vampire?

  In the shadows a clock chimed 8:30 P.M. signaling the rise of the night creatures. The rough hiss of scrapping metal echoed through the house as the steel window coverings rose to reveal the brilliant glow of the rising moon, its rays softened the hard desert landscape. Stars glittered across the night sky like diamonds floating through a sea of black.

  Never had she seen a more beautiful view. The horizon stretched on forever, without beginning, without end, and for the first time in a long time she felt hope. True hope. It fluttered in her chest and brought a smile to her face as peace settled within her heart.

  She gloried in the spaciousness of the room, the lightness of her unfettered limbs, the fresh scent of evergreen and the silence. Never again would she be confined in a glass box, her wrists and ankles bound, the putrid stench of human waste and fear stinging her nose, or the screams of terrorized mortals sound in her ears. Gabriel had come for her. He’d released her from Hell.

  She was free. In every sense of the word. Jordan jumped from the bed and twirled. Yes, she twirled around like a Disney princess: her arms outstretched, her robe swayed around her bare feet. All she needed were a few musical birds and a fabulous dress. But to make the scene complete she’d need a beastly prince charming with cold, piercing green eyes and fangs who was built like a Viking.

  Jordan laughed at her childish outburst and fell back on the bed. God, it felt good to wake up from the warmth of peaceful sleep, to dance, to laugh. For the first time in forever she felt as if she could breathe and it was all because of Gabriel. He’d searched for her for months and risked his life to rescue her. There was no way she could ever repay him, though she fully intended on sending him a hundred thank you notes.

  A hundred notes that would end up in the trash unopened, unread.

  Good lord, she’d made a gigantic ass of herself last night and Gabriel had been irritatingly understanding, sweetly sympathetic, and selflessly considerate. He should’ve shoved her away. He should’ve sent her back to her room. He should’ve accepted her apology and he should’ve let her sleep on the floor.

  Gabriel may not consider himself a hero but he was chivalrous. He could’ve capitalized on her moment of weakness and temporary insanity, but he’d remained calm. Detached. She shivered at the reminder. After he’d wrested control of his vampire, his desire, his hunger for her vanished. The beast wanted her, but the man did not. Yeah, that hurt, but it was better this way. Wasn’t it?

  Jordan groaned and sat up.

  Yes, keeping her distance would be wise. She had no use for romantic entanglements or emotional attachments, especially not right now. She needed to brainstorm and create an action plan. She was free and there was only one thing to do in this situation. Move on. The sooner she got on with her life, the sooner these last few months would fade, until they no longer crowded her rearview.

  She stood and frowned down at the pillow she clutched to her chest. When had she grabbed it? Shaking her head, she tossed the pillow back to Gabriel’s side of the bed. After straightening the sheets, she crossed the room and paused before the adjoining doors. She stood there for a moment taking everything in, committing every detail of Gabriel’s fine room to memory. She’d never see it again. Jordan was disappointed she never got to observe Gabriel in his private chambers. She’d loved to have watched him work at his desk or read by the fireplace.

  Jordan threw the threshold open and stepped into her room. Without another glance, she pulled the doors closed behind her. The hushed click whispered the end. A sharp pain speared her heart and intensified with every step she took.

  Her vision blurred, her chest tightened and burned. She stumbled and gripped one of the thick bed posts. Steadying herself, Jordan drew in deep breaths. Was she having withdrawals?

  She heard someone call her name, but couldn’t tell where the voice came from or who it belonged to. A knock sounded and the bedroom door cracked opened.

  “Jordan.”

  She tried to respond, but her words came out as broken squeaks.

  As if struck by an invisible force, the air punched from her lungs, her heart stammered then rebounded and the pain vanished. Panting and weak, Jordan pressed a palm against her chest and collapsed on the bed. The room spun and she blinking to bring the world back into focus.

  “Jordan, its Scott.”

  Pushing herself up, Jordan straightened her robe and ran shaking fingers over her hair, smoothing the strands that had escaped her braid. Taking a last deep, calming breath, she answered, “Yes. Come in.”

  Scott poked his head in and smiled. “I’ve an associate with me, do you mind if she joins us?”

  “Uh, yeah. That’s fine.”

  Jordan wanted to run to her old friend, throw her arms around him, and give him the biggest hug in the history of hugs.

  She remained on the bed. The pain was gone, her vision back to 20/20, and her hands were steady, but she didn’t trust her body.

  Scott pushed the door wide and entered. He carried a silver tray with one hand and his medical bag with the other. A tall, slender, blond woman with two large rolling suitcases followed him.

  “Jordan, this is Kate.”

  “Nice to meet you,” Jordan said.

  Kate offered her a friendly smile and, like magic, Jordan’s anxiety faded. She only felt…peace. The drastic shift was striking and disconcerting.

  “I brought you breakfast.” He set the tray on the desk then turned to her. His eyes narrowed as he approached the bed. “How are you feeling?”

  “I’m not about to run any marathons, but I’m okay.”

  Jordan bit her lip to stop from smiling when Scott’s brow creased with an all too familiar frown. When she was a child, he’d give her that look whenever she got into mischief. He always seemed to know when she was up to something. In this case, when she was covering up something.

  He set his medical bag on the floor beside the bed. “May I?” he asked.

  “All business,” she said with a mock exaggerated sigh.

  The corners of Scott’s mouth lifted. “I’ll be done before you know it.”

  True to his word, Scott checked her pulse, listened to her breathing, took her blood pressure and temperature, as well as examined her ribs, shoulder, and head. Jordan noticed an odd emotion flicker in his eyes when he examined the light bruises around her neck.

  “Done,” he declared with a bright smile and return his instruments to h
is bag. “For being a good sport.” He handed her a lollipop. Grape, her favorite.

  She took the candy and wrapped her arms around his neck. Time seemed to fade away as she held him.

  “I’ve missed you,” she whispered.

  He stroked her hair and mumbled, “I missed you too, kid. You’ve no idea how much.”

  Jordan felt a lump form in her throat and an unusual sting in her eyes. Pulling away, she blinked until the unshed tears disappeared. Happy or sad, she wouldn’t cry.

  “Are you hungry?”

  Jordan pressed a hand to her stomach as it promptly rumbled in answer. She hadn’t felt like eating earlier, but her appetite had returned with a roar. Bounding off the bed, she shot over to the awaiting tray.

  “It’s nothing fancy, just oatmeal and dry toast. We’ll keep the fair simple for now.”

  “It’s a gourmet feast compared to what I’ve been living off of lately.”

  “You should eat slowly, Miss,” Kate said while she poured her a glass of water.

  “I plan to.” She was going to savor every bite.

  “How did you sleep?” Scott asked.

  Jordan nibbled on the toast and shrugged. “Well enough.” She didn’t want to trouble Scott with details of last night.

  “If you’re having trouble sleeping, I can write you a prescription. You need to rest and take it easy.”

  She quickly took another bite and slowly chewed. Sure, meds would help, but after the heavy doses of only God-knows-what Ross forced on her, Jordan wasn’t interested in popping pills. Would every night be like the last? How many hours would she lay awake, battling anxiety and dreading the nightmares before she finally succumbed to exhaustion only to snap awake moments later, haunting screams ringing in her ears?

  Gabriel won’t always be in the next room, she thought.

  Lying beside him last night had soothed her fears, quieted her mind and silenced the nightmares. The warmth and feel of his unyielding body, a comfort she never knew she needed.. He’d made her feel relaxed, calm, and safe.

  Her cheeks heated. Good lord, when had she become so needy and codependent?

  “You’ve survived a storm that drowns most,” Kate said, her voice so low Jordan could barely make out her words. “Your mind is formidable and your spirit is strong.”

  Jordan shook with a chill. How had Kate known her doubts?

  “Is the food settling?”

  Scott’s voice drew her attention back to him. “Um, yeah.” She shook her head, clearing away her momentary shock. “And, thank you, but I don’t think sleeping pills are necessary.”

  His brow furrowed again and she gave him her best, encouraging smile. Scott knew her well and now, with his heightened senses, it would be harder to mask her thoughts and worries.

  Seeing Scott brought back so many memories—memories of better times long ago that almost seemed like a dream. But this was no dream. Scott was alive, he was here, and he was a vampire. Jordan couldn’t begin to imagine how hard the transition must have been for him. After losing his family to vampires, he’d dedicated his life to hunting the demons, only to become one.

  She continued to work on her breakfast as she studied him from beneath her lashed. The changes within him were subtle. His skin was perfectly smooth, his hair richer in color, his movements effortlessly fluid, and his voice held a deeper, more commanding tone. Yet the way his eyes lightened when he smiled and his caring demeanor was no different. It was difficult to envision Scott with fangs or his eyes turning black.

  “You need to take care of yourself, J. Take it easy,” he insisted.

  “I will. Like I said, I’m not up for running any marathons.”

  Scott chuckled, “Good to know,” as his cell began to ring. After a quick glance at the caller I.D. he sighed. “Sorry, J, but I’ve got patients waiting. I’ll come back when my shift is up.” He gave her a quick hug and kiss on the cheek before leaving.

  Jordan shook her head in disbelief. Despite Scott being a vampire, he was still doing what he loved and if could work past what was done to him, so could she.

  “It must seem strange to you, a vampire working at a clinic,” Kate said with a friendly laugh.

  “Can’t say it’s something you’d see every day. Vampires aren’t known to be friendly let alone saviors.” Jordan explained before starting in on the oatmeal. Though the food was plain, she sighed in contentment.

  Kate rolled the suitcases across the room and stacked them on the bed. “I suppose it may seem odd, but Dr. Fredrick enjoys helping people.” Her shoulders shook with a gentle laugh. “I know what you’re thinking. How can a vampire stand to be around so much blood?”

  Jordan blanched. That had been exactly what she’d been thinking.

  “Not all vampires are soulless creatures driven mindless by bloodlust.”

  Like Ross Klein and his men. Jordan suppressed a shiver then looked down at her oatmeal, disappointed her appetite had vanished at the mere thought of the Slave Handler and his guards.

  “The clinic was Dr. Fredrick’s idea and it’s made a wonderful difference within the community. The mortals that come to the facility don’t really have anywhere else to turn.”

  Mortals? Kate didn’t have the look of a vampire, but there was something otherworldly about her. Was she a shape-shifter? Jordan had heard stories from fellow hunters of beings able to take animal form, but never had she met one.

  “I’m glad Scott has a place he can work. His skills would be a terrible thing to waste.”

  Kate nodded. “That was His Majesty’s thinking when Dr. Fredrick came to him.”

  “His Majesty” Jordan asked.

  “Gabriel Erhard,” Kate explained. “He built the clinic and continues to fund the facility, offering free care to those in need.”

  Jordan was taken aback. Gabriel, a powerful vampire king...and a philanthropist?

  Kate glanced over to her when she fell silent. She looked at the food and turned concerned eyes to Jordan. “Are you not hungry?”

  Jordan shrugged. “I’m not used to eating so much.”

  Kate nodded and turned back to the luggage. “His Majesty requested I bring these to you.”

  “Clothes?”

  “Yes and,” she unzipped one bag and removed a silver cell phone, “this is for you. I’ve programed Dr. Fredrick’s number as well as mine.”

  But not Gabriel’s?

  “Sir Gannon’s contact information is there too.”

  “Gannon?”

  “I don’t believe you’ve officially met, but he is King Gabriel’s Second. If you need anything, give him a call.”

  “Thank you.”

  “It was no bother, honestly.” Kate glanced at the clock. “I need to go make my rounds at the clinic too. But, if you don’t mind, I’ll accompany Dr. Fredrick later.”

  “Please do and, really, thank you again for bringing the clothes and the phone. It’ll be nice to wear something normal,” she said, tugging at the lapels of her robe.

  “It really was no trouble. We’ve had the suitcases for some time.”

  Jordan walked Kate to the door then turned her full attention on the luggage, anxious to see what sort of clothing Gabriel would have requested Kate bring. She tossed open the first case and gasped. Her breath caught in her throat as she frantically unzipped the second case.

  “Oh, my…” Her voice wavered and hot tears blurred her vision.

  The suitcases were packed with her clothes. Her favorite jeans, her most comfortable sweaters, scarves and dresses, her beat up sneakers, sexy stilettoes, and kick ass steel-toe boots.

  Jordan tunneled through the clothing and assorted shoes frantically looking for one thing. Her fingers dipped into a side pocket and she stilled. A breathless, thankful whisper tumbled from her lips as she removed the gold chain and locket.

  Sinking down to the mattress, she clutched the necklace in her fist.

  God, she never thought to see her belongs again, that she’d never recover anything from
her old life. She thought…her parents would be lost to her forever, Gabriel had brought them back to her.

  Her eyes dropped to the locket. Gently brushing her thumb over the clasp. Why? Why had he done so much, and gone through so much for her? They’d only met once. She was no one to him and she wasn’t anyone special, just a normal human as interchangeable as the next. So, why had he risked everything for her? Why was he being so considerate?

  Jordan clasped the chain around her neck and grabbed some clothes. She needed to find Gabriel.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Gabriel stabbed his blood stained, leather clad fingers through his hair, the red tint the only evidence of his recent brutal deed. He’d tortured men before, deemed it a fundamental element of war, but this time was different. This time he truly enjoyed bringing pain to Boras’s guards. The darkest part of him didn’t care if the weak vampires shared their secrets, this was about justice and retaliation for what was done to his mortal.

  Poison.

  Gabriel had been irritated when the surgeon had called down to the dungeon, interrupting a successful torture session. Now, rage darkened his vision as he reread Jordan’s toxicology report.

  Poison.

  Klein had been injecting Jordan with the Red Order Hunter poison to keep her heavily sedated and, according to one recently deceased guard, to keep other vampires from tapping her vein.

  Gabriel already decided Klein would be the last on the rack and he’d take his time with the Slave Handler, but now—his lips curled into a cruel smile—there’d be more. Klein would suffer untold agonies this night.

  His fingers curled into tight fists. The leather split, revealing his white knuckles. Cold, hard fury rolled off him in icy waves, chilling the air. His demon roared and savagely demanded he devour the souls of those who’d harmed his woman.