Caressed by Shadows (Rulers of Darkness Book 4)

by Amanda J. Greene

  The life light in Falcon’s eyes flickered as he struggled to stay with her. His entire body tensed, his lips parted as he fought for one last breath. His fangs received and the energy of his demo vanished. His immortality was gone.

  She sensed Death approach, the air chilled around her. Falcon’s hand fell from her cheek. With one last gasp, his shimmering eyes dulled.

  “No!” she cried and something inside her snapped.

  He was mortal and mortals could become vampires. In a flash of movement, she sliced her wrist with her fangs and pressed the open wound to his mouth.

  “Please,” she whispered again and again. She squeezed her wrist, forcing her blood to flow more freely.

  Desperate prayers fell from her lips as she bled herself to the point of weakness. Her vision blurred, her limbs grew heavy, and her bones began to ache as a chill settled over her.

  Falcon did not respond. His body remained still. Lifeless. His gaze was vacant, his face pale, his heart silent.

  The world spun around her as time stood still. It wasn’t working. Falcon was…gone. Her entire body trembled as tears trickled down her cheeks. Her soul screamed for Falcon to return.

  “Please, I need you.” Her voice was rough, her throat raw from her fervent whispered prayers.

  Sonya laid back down, fitting tightly against his side. She gently traced the pads of her trembling fingers across his face, closing his eyes. His lips were covered in a combination of their blood.

  “I’ve loved you for two hundred years and I will never stop loving you,” she said.

  With the words spoken, she made her decision. She would join him. Fate had intended for her die and she would. When the sun rose, she would meet its rays and finally leave the realm of the living. She would join Falcon and her family in the hereafter.

  As she caressed his strong jaw line, she shifted even closer and pressed her lips to his for one last kiss. The taste of their mixed blood was exquisite. Never had she known something so divine.

  Tears streamed down her face and dripped off her chin. She pressed her mouth even harder against his. She willed him to wake up, to wrap his arms around her. Instead, a searing, sharp pain shot through her. The all too familiar scent of burning flesh permeated the air.

  Was the Curse going to finished her off despite Falcon’s sacrifice?

  The pain intensified and she welcomed the darkness that followed.

  * * * * *

  Silvie materialized in her room at Palace Nocete, the Validus’s stronghold. For the past few weeks she had made the updated medieval castle her home. She planned on staying until things settled. Then she would return to Las Vegas. She prayed she would be able to conduct her business without running into Gannon.

  Her pulse spiked and she felt her cheeks warm with an irritated blush. God, why could she not stop thinking about that damn vampire? They had met briefly at Dimitri and Kertsyn’s wedding. They shared a few drinks and a few dances, but that was all. Sure, Gannon was tall and tan and muscled and…Stop it. So what if he is handsome and charming. Priestesses can’t have boyfriends. Silvie rolled her eyes. Shaw priestesses aren’t allowed to have a life.

  “Good evening, priestess.”

  Silvie barely held back an alarmed scream. Pressing a hand over her rapidly beating heart, she took in calming breaths, willing her adrenaline to dissipate. The scent of fear was a powerful trigger for vampires. Most could control their baser instincts, but Hadrian’s sanity was frayed, making the king unpredictable and dangerous.

  “Your Highness,” she said, her voice wavered. Squaring her shoulders, Silvie turned to face the vampire. Clearing her throat, she added, “Is there something I can help you with?”

  A slow menacing smile graced Hadrian’s lips, revealing the sharp tips of his fangs. In a flash of movement, he grabbed her wrist, twisted her arm and spun her around. Her back slammed against his chest as his free hand cupped her chin and tilted her head to the side. His cool breath at her throat was an uncomfortable shock to her system. Her pulse spiked once more.

  Hadrian inhaled deeply and his hold on her tightened.

  “Please, explain why I scent Falcon’s blood on you,” he said, his voice hard.

  “The knight is fine.”

  “That is not what I asked.”

  Silvie closed her eyes and focused on her fear. She needed to relax, she needed to take control of the situation. The Shaw did not believe in violence and she was in no way prepared to battle a powerful, ancient vampire. If this became a life of death situation, she could use her magic against him, but Hadrian’s death would upset not only her uncle's plans, but hers as well.

  “You know, this is the second time in one day I’ve been attacked by your kind.” She tugged against his hold, but that was useless.

  “Explain,” he growled.

  Silvie stilled her shudder. Hadrian’s voice was deep and unnaturally rough. His demon was at the surface. His gaze burned red in the darkness, his claws pressed against her skin.

  “I can’t give details. I wish I could,” she said in a rush.

  Hadrian drew the talon of his index finger across her jaw causing blood to swell. With a curse, he shoved her away.

  Silvie stumbled, bumping into her dresser. Using the furniture, she steadied herself. She caught a terrifying glimpse of the vampire in the mirror before whirling around to face him.

  Hadrian’s hellish gaze locked with hers' as he brought his claw up to his lips. He slowly licked the crimson stain. His body tensed as he savored the taste of her blood.

  Images of Hadrian attacking her, sinking his fangs into her wrist and draining her flashed through her mind. Oh, god no. That will not be my future.

  Her gaze darted towards the door.

  “Don’t run,” he snarled.

  Silvie whispered a spell, creating a shield of energy between her and the half crazed vampire.

  Hadrian shook his head and closed his eyes. His nostrils flared as he drew in rapid breaths as he forced the beast back in its cage.

  Finally, he opened his eyes and whispered, “I apologize.”

  “I can understand...your response,” she replied. She did not lower the shield.

  “I scented his blood and…” He shook his head again.

  Could he smell the poison? She hoped not. “He is in Sonya’s care.”

  Hadrian released a heavy sigh and scrubbed his face with his hands. “Too much.”

  Silvie frowned. “Too much?”

  “I can smell her on him. I can scent their lust.”

  Damn it, Silvie, You are really messing everything up. She rolled her eyes. No. Hadrian and his freakish senses are messing everything up.

  Clarity sparked in the depths of his black gaze and a chill raced down her spine. She didn't know which version of Hadrian was terrifying. The blood crazed demon or the calculating man.

  “You knew Falcon would betray his clan.” He reach out and caressed the invisible shield, making the air ripple.

  “I can't─”

  “Provide details.”

  “The Shaman─”

  “Your uncle has nothing to do with this." He tilted his head to the side. “No. You have something in the works.”

  Silvie swallowed hard. Hadrian was right. She did have a plan and she had guarded it well from her uncle.

  “The Red Order, Silvie and Falcon. Dimitri and Kerstyn. My sweet Eva and I.” Hadrian's tall, lean frame shook with a sharp, dark laugh. “I suspect even the outcaste, Gabriel Erhard.”

  “What do you mean?” She blinked, innocently.

  His black, demonic gaze narrowed. “That’s right, priestess. Run that game.”

  Silvie released a relived sigh when Hadrian vanished. Keeping her defense in place, she slowly slid to the floor.

  “This is so not good,” she whispered to the silence.

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Bright. The world was too damn bright.

  Falcon raised his hand, shielding his vision. Squinting against th
e harsh rays, he fought to bring his surroundings into focus.

  Where the hell was he?

  He struggled to sit up. Bad idea. He heard the healing wound on his side tear open before he felt the sharp pain. His vision blurred, his stomach rolled, causing him to dry heave. Dizzy, he fell to his back, closing his eyes. Damn, his head hurt. Had someone hit him in the cranium with a baseball bat? And why did his shoulder burn?

  Was he in hell? Was the light that stung his eyes flames? It would be a fitting fate.

  The pain of his side intensified when he took in a deep breath. He expected to smell the pungent stench of sulfur, but the soft scent of lilacs assaulted him. He filled his lungs once more. Could this be heaven?

  His eyes flew open. Sunlight poured into the room leaving nothing untouched. His protective instincts flared. Twisting to the side, Falcon ignored his injury and gathered Sonya to him, shielding her with his body. He snatched a blanket and wrapped it tightly around them, cocooning them. He did a quick assessment of Sonya’s health. Besides being a little pale, she was fine. No burn marks marred her soft skin. He brought her tightly against his chest and frowned. The coolness of metal brushed against him.

  Falcon leaned back and gazed down. Sonya wore his amulet and…he hadn’t burst into flames.

  What the hell was going on? He couldn’t meet the sunlight without the amulet and the poison should have killed him. Crushing disappointment gripped him. He had to be in Hell. None of this could be real.

  He scowled. Everything felt real, right down to the irritating sting of his shoulder. It felt as if someone had struck him with a branding iron.

  Realization slapped him hard, if he were standing he would have fallen on his ass.

  Falcon hesitantly raised his left hand brushed his fingers over his right shoulder. Shock punched the air from his lungs. His mind struggled to comprehend the message his sensory system relayed. Two raised circles, one inside the other, branded his shoulder. Instinct told him Sonya bore a matching scar.

  Mated.

  He swallowed audibly.

  Falcon couldn’t process all that he was feeling. Mind numbing surprise, heart-racing happiness, and confusion railed inside him.

  He was Sonya’s mate and she had bound him to her life force. How was this possible? A vampire could not bind another vampire. The Shaman had created the spell for the rightful rulers to use to make their mates immortal without changing them into vampires. The bond allowed them eternal life and strength, all the perks of being a vampire without any of the drawbacks.

  Falcon ran his tongue over his teeth. He could still feel his fangs. He would still be able to drink blood, but the action would be unnecessary. He would also be able to walk in the sunlight without fear of turning to ash.

  He thought back on his conversation with the priestess. When Falcon had asked Silvie what he could do to save Sonya, she bluntly stated he would have to die.

  Falcon lips lifted with a smile. A life for a life, he thought.

  The cryptic witch had meant he would trade one life for another. The poison had corroded the magic that made him immortal. He died. He clearly remembered entering a realm of shadows and phantoms only to have the sweet vibrant taste of blood fill his mouth. Had Sonya tried to change him back into a vampire? Had she intended to bind him to her? Did Sonya know she had combined their fates?

  There was only one way to know.

  * * * * *

  Sonya’s brow furrowed. Her skin was hot and light shown across her eye lids. Birds chirped.

  She must be dreaming. In reality, her body was cold and darkness reigned. She relaxed, intent on surrendering to sleep once more. But someone…a man? Yes, a man was calling her name. He sounded so far away. She tried to search her surroundings with her senses, but her instincts had abandoned her. Usually, she awoke with a vengeance, the demon within her always ready to kill. But it was silent.

  Her name sounded again. The deep vibration beckoned to her.

  Falcon.

  Sonya struggled to throw off the heavy mantel sleep had cast over her. Was Falcon alive? Oh, please, let him be alive.

  Pain sliced through her when her eyes opened. Her lips peeled back over her fags. The room glowed with sunlight. If this was reality, something wasn’t right.

  Wincing, she opened her eyes. Blinking furiously, she tried to focus.

  Falcon lay beside her. His elbow bent, his palm supporting his head. Sonya turned towards him, rolling upon her shoulder. She winced, pain shot down her arm causing her fingers to tingle.

  “Careful,” he said, reaching for her.

  Sonya welcomed his touch. She didn’t care if this was a dream or if they were in the hereafter. Falcon was holding her. They were where they belonged. Together.

  She rested her head on his chest. Her shoulder pressed against his. She tossed her other arm over him, hugging him to her. His scent overwhelmed her senses in a delightful way and his warmth enveloped her, chasing away the chill of a vampire’s deep sleep. Falcon’s chest lifted and fell with his breaths. His heart beat matched her own. Perfect harmony.

  “Your hair shimmers in the sunlight. Just like gold,” Falcon whispered.

  “Hm?” She nuzzled closer.

  He kissed her brow. “You skin is so warm.”

  Sonya opened her eyes again. Falcon held up his hand, shielding her gaze. She blinked at him, confusion drawing her eyebrows together. “Is this real?” She poked at him. “Are you real?”

  He took her hand and laced their fingers together. “Do I feel real?”

  “Yes,” she sighed, enjoying the feel of his strong hold. “Very real.” She pushed herself up and sat back, her feet tucked beneath her bottom. Something knocked against her chest. The amulet. She took it in her hands and studied the fine piece of jewelry. The chain was heavy around her neck.

  Fear and realization struck her like a Mack Truck. “Shit!” she shrieked, throwing the blankets over him. “You’ll burn.”

  She hurried to cover him. Her hands moving too fast for him to catch.

  “No, Sonya,” he laughed, kicking his legs free of the cocoon she had wrapped him in. “I’m fine.”

  “You’re crazy!” he exclaimed. “The poison nearly took you from me. I won’t lose you to the sun. If you turn to ash, Falcon, I swear I will−”

  He launched himself at her. Tackling her, they fell to the floor. He landed on his back with Sonya splayed across his chest. Pushing up, she came to her knees, straddling his hips.

  “Are you okay?” she asked, patting him down, checking for new injuries.

  His knife wound was red and aggravated, but is was healing.

  “I told you, I’m fine,” he said with a smile.

  Sonya ignored him and continued with her study. “Your body may be fine, but you’re smiling like an idiot.”

  Her hands roamed over his chest to his shoulder. Falcon winced and Sonya’s gaze fell to her fingers. Her breath escaped her on a gasp. Sonya’s vision blurred and for a precious moment she thought she would faint. She softly stroked her fingers over the raised rings. Two circles, one inside the other, a symbol of unity and eternity.

  “Is this real? It can’t be,” she whispered. Her mind whirling, struck with awe. She pushed away from him, falling back. She sat on the floor, her eyes glazed over, her jaw hanging open. Her hand went to her own shoulder. Sonya flinched, as her nails skimmed over her brand. She couldn’t process. “I don’t understand.”

  “Sonya.”

  Falcon’s voice grew hard, all traces of laughter gone. His brow furrowed with concern and his smile fell.

  Her mind raced as it replayed all that had happened. They were mated. How? Vampires couldn’t bound with another vampire. Only a mortal could be tacked onto a vampire’s life force. Besides, she had only shared her blood with him. There had been no exchange, which was required…The kiss. His lip had been bleeding when she pressed her wrist to his mouth. Their blood had mixed and when she kissed him, the seal had been set. They were now bound.
Forever. And Fate could suck it!

  Sonya cheered and pounced on her mate. She rained kisses over his face, his neck, his chest, and gently brushed her lips over his tender new scar.

  Falcon framed her face with his hands. He caught her gaze. His gray eyes were serious. “Are you okay with this?”

  “You’re joking, right? Falcon, I’ve literally dreamt of this countless times. I’m not one hundred percent sure how it happened or why I’m suddenly off the Death Curse’s party list, but I love you. That’s right. I love you.” She kissed him hard. “And you won’t be getting rid of me.”

  His arms folded around her as he rolled her beneath him. “I never want to be rid of you.” He kissed her long and slow.

  Sonya broke the kiss, a sober question bounced in her mind. “What of our Clans?”

  Falcon rolled to his side and tucked one of his arms under his head. He stared at the ceiling for a long moment. Sonya worried at her bottom lip as she awaited his response.

  Would he forfeit his title as a Black Knight and come live with her? How would the Validus Clan react? They looked to Falcon for leadership and support. And Hadrian? What would is he think of their relationship? Falcon could remain his Second, if Hadrian allowed it. Damn, her thoughts were becoming a tangled mess.

  “We’ll discuss it later. Come one. Let’s enjoy the day now that we can both walk in the sun.”

  She smiled. Her fears quelled. Falcon’s confident tone eased her. Besides, he was right. She should embrace this day. For centuries she had yearned to feel the soft glow of the sun on her skin and today she would.

  “You’re right. We’ve plenty of time to worry about propriety and duty. Let’s have some fun.”

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Falcon watched Sonya dance about the field. He grinned when she began picking dandelions. She closed her eyes for a moment then blew the white florets away. They floated on the breeze.