A faint smile crossed her lips. “Thanks.”
He tipped his head then escorted her to the fire. She took a seat on her sleeping bag, glad to be on her ass instead of her feet. Upon reaching into her backpack, she pulled out a bottle of water and a chicken pesto MRE. She frowned, hoping the container of food didn’t taste like cardboard.
Seth sat across from her. “Where’s Baal?”
The guardian looked up from poking the fire. “Hunting.”
“Oh. I’m probably going to regret this, but what do demons eat exactly?”
He replied in his usual monotone voice. “Raw meat.”
Her nose wrinkled. “What about you, did you bring your bag of blood?” She knew he was able to eat food but needed blood to keep his strength.
He stopped poking at the fire but kept his eyes on the ground. “No, it must be fresh. I thought Marcus explained that to you.” He must have sensed her fear. “Do not worry. I ate well before we left. I will be good for a week or more.”
Cassie gave a sigh of relief. Thank god. “So tell me more about the slave trades. How do they capture such powerful demons?” She and Baal had never finished their conversation on the subject, and she was curious about it.
He continued to poke at the fire, never making eye contact with her. “They place a band of silver on them. It weakens them considerably. They are then placed on the auction block for sale.”
“So why can’t they just remove the silver band?”
“It has magic placed on it. The only one who can remove it is the owner or another Kothar whose magic is powerful.” Seth rose and walked over to Cassie. He knelt down beside her and handed her what looked like a bracelet. “This is the silver band. It is our weakness, as well. Keep this safe and use it if needed.”
She looked at the bracelet, running her fingers over its polished surface. “What’s this mean?” She referred to the scrollwork covering the surface. It looked like some sort of hieroglyphics.
“A Kothar demon made this piece. The scrollwork is the spell cast over it. Once you place this on a vampire’s wrist, he or she will not be able to remove it. Only another Kothar can do so.”
“What will it do to the vampire if I use it?”
“It will weaken him enough to save your life.”
She bit her bottom lip. “I’m confused. Why would a Kothar do something to hurt his own people? And second, why do I need it?”
Seth got up and walked back to his seat. “History has shown people will often sell their own, demons are no different. As for you, we do not know what has happened to Marcus. If he loses to the curse, you may be in danger.”
Baal walked back into camp, sat down and stretched his long legs out as he reclined back on a log.
She took in the view through her lashes. His muscular legs were covered with dark jeans. He wore leather biker boots and a black fitted T-shirt. She almost wished she felt something for the handsome demon, but the most she could do was admire his looks. He didn’t evoke the feeling of safety and comfort that Marcus did. She flipped back the sleeping bag she sat on and crawled inside. Her eyes slid shut and she tried once more to reach Marcus.
* * * *
Cassie?
Marcus, is that you? A soft caress touched her cheek.
You must go back, love. It’s too dangerous here.
Where are you? Are you hurt?
Do not worry over me, go back. He leaned down and kissed her. Her lips parted, allowing his tongue to dance with hers.
“I’ve missed you,” she moaned.
Si itov wux, my sweetness.
His hands brushed her nipples, she gasped. “I need you. I…”
“Cassie.”
What the hell? Marcus was fading. She reached for him and cried out, “No!”
“Cassie.”
“What?” she yelled, realizing she was being shaken. Her eyes flew open to find Seth bent over her.
“Are you alright? You were talking in your sleep.”
Sleep? She’d been sleeping? Then that meant it was only a dream, he didn’t actually talk to her or touch her.
“I am sorry, but Aidyn is here to speak with us.”
She looked around, tried to get her bearings. Still in her sleeping bag and the fire now cold. The sun peeked out over the horizon. Seth, Baal, and Aidyn stood looking at her. She dropped her face into her hands. Oh god, how much did they hear? She had to be blushing but crawled out of her sleeping bag, grabbed a change of clothes, her toiletry bag and a towel then headed toward the lake. She wanted nothing more than to drown herself and avoid any embarrassing questions. For now, she’d settle with cleaning up and brushing her teeth.
Sensing someone behind her, she stopped in her tracks and whirled around to find Baal following her. Placing a hand on her hip, she glared at him. “Why are you following me?”
He threw up his hands in surrender. “Sheesh, a little grouchy in the morning, are we?”
Guilt shook her. She hadn’t meant to be such a snit, but her head still reeled from earlier. “Sorry, I just need some alone time.”
He smiled. “I understand. I’ll have some coffee ready, how would that be?”
“I would love some, thanks. I won’t be long.” She hurried the rest of the way to the lake, making sure she was out of view before pulling off her clothes. After the dream she'd had, an ice-cold dip was exactly what she needed. She was still unsure of what had happened. It had seemed so real. She would swear Marcus had been there with her. I really am losing my mind.
She dove in, letting the cool water caress her heated body. She contemplated staying under the water but knew there was no use in hiding. With a sigh, she swam back to shore, and grabbing some shampoo, she quickly washed her hair. Maybe being clean would help her sense of humor.
After toweling off, she dressed then brushed her teeth. Her stomach growled, reminding her she was hungry, so she gathered her things and headed toward camp. The aroma of rich coffee assaulted her nostrils, making her mouth water. Baal greeted her with a smile and a steaming cup.
She smiled back at him. “Thanks, and sorry for being a grouch.”
His eyes twinkled. “No worries, doll. I’d be a little testy too if I had to leave such a wet dream.”
Her jaw dropped. “Is nothing sacred around you people?” she whispered, hoping Aidyn and Seth wouldn’t hear. They seemed to be caught up in their own conversation anyway.
“Not really but you’ll get used to it. You need to practice putting up those mental blocks.”
Her brows knitted together. “I would have thought to be safe in my sleep.”
“Cassie.”
She turned toward Aidyn’s voice, making a mental note to continue this conversation with Baal at a later time. “Aidyn, why do I feel like you’re here to bring bad news?”
He tilted his head. “You are very astute, little one. I’m afraid the dragons have declared war on us. We must get you to safety.”
“I don’t understand. You want me to leave?”
“Yes, Cassie, it’s not safe for you to be here. If you are found here with us, it could mean your death.”
“But what about Marcus? I thought I was here to find him.” Panic started in the pit of her stomach and moved up to the back of her throat. She had to find him.
“You are now my first concern.” He lowered his eyes. “I promised him.”
“No! You can’t do that to him. I refuse to go. I want to continue the search.”
Aidyn’s arms crossed over his chest. “You have no choice. You will be taken through the gateway as soon as you’re packed up.”
Tears welled up in her eyes. How could he give up on his friend so quickly? She would not. “You can send me home, but you can’t stop me from coming back here and searching on my own. I will come back here, I promise you that.”
His features softened. “I see you have finally come to your senses. Very well, I will give you three more days, but that is all. I can’t spare any more warriors to guard you
, and I need these two back at home. Good luck, I hope you find him.”
A gateway opened behind Aidyn, he turned to Seth. “Remember, three days. I don’t care if you have to bring her back kicking and screaming.”
“Yes, my lord,” Seth replied.
Aidyn walked through the gateway, leaving them there to stare at the space where he'd once stood. Cassie had three days to find Marcus. Panic caused her mouth to water, and she threw up her coffee. What the hell is wrong with me? A flush crept across her cheeks, and sweat beaded on her brow.
“Cassie, are you all right?” Seth asked, touching the back of her neck.
“I don’t know what came over me. I’ll be fine…really.” She walked to where her belongings were and started to pack. “We should get going. Three days isn’t much time.”
Chapter Seventeen
Marcus’s eyes flew open. The raging hard on pressed against his jeans nearly cut off circulation. He searched the room and discovered he was alone. Thank gods. He steadied his breaths and tried to calm his body. Somehow, he'd managed to connect with Cassie, stepped into her dreams.
Dream-walking, something he’d only heard of but had never done. Hell, he wasn’t even sure how he'd accomplished it. He sensed her nearby, maybe proximity held the key. He’d tried on several occasions since being captured to link with his brethren and Cassie, but the silver bands blocked him.
Fear wrapped around him like a ten foot python, squeezing the life from its prey. He warned her to go back. If Eliza found her, she would kill her. If Cassie died, he’d be the one to start Armageddon and not Odage. There would be no stopping him; he would turn this world to ash. If you can hear me, sweetheart, run! I can’t help you now.
Voices echoed from the hall. Great, Eliza stood outside the door. Would she kill another innocent? I swear to the gods I will kill you for good. No longer did he regret taking her life three hundred years ago. The only regret he had now was not knowing he’d slain the wrong woman.
“Marcus, darling. I have a treat for you, a dear friend I want you to meet. Oh wait…you already know each other. Silly me.” Eliza gave a wave of her wrist then stepped aside. Behind her, a large, hulking Draki marched into the room.
Odage.
He tugged on his restraints, and blood ran down his wrists where he opened old wounds. “Eliza, that bastard killed your mother!”
She turned to Odage with a raised brow. “Really?” She clapped her hands together. “I’m sure the bitch deserved it.”
Who the fuck is this woman? He couldn’t believe she would act this way. She loved her mother. Somehow, Eliza had become infected. It was the only explanation he could come up with.
Odage walked to the side of the bed. “How nice, Eliza has you all wrapped up for me.” He waived his hand and four Draki moved forward. Eliza stepped up with the key for the lock.
“Wait. Before you move him, we might need this.” She slapped a silver band on each ankle. What little strength he had melted away. He was screwed in a big way. Eliza removed the chains, and the each Draki grabbed a limb. He wanted to fight, but darkness fogged his eyes.
* * * *
Cassie was anxious to renew the search for Marcus. The sun shone bright across a clear blue sky, indicating another warm day. She found the August weather in Romania enjoyable. Seventy-five degrees, the perfect temperature compared to the scorching nineties back home.
Seth and Baal approached her with their packs already loaded up. Baal reached down and picked up her backpack. “Here, let me help you with this.”
“Thanks.” She smiled, sticking her arms through the straps then hooking the belt around her waist. “So where are we headed?”
Baal gave a nod toward the mountains. “Up there. There’s a lot of caves, and it’s a good place to start.”
She pulled her hair back into a ponytail and donned a ball cap. Her gaze followed Baal’s. The mountains looked like they were miles away, and they only had three days. Biting her bottom lip, she said, “I hope we’re not walking.”
He gave a devilish grin. “I’m going to flash us there.”
“Why can’t Seth flash himself?”
This time Seth spoke up. “If there are any dragons around, they will sense my power and know we are here. They will not think much of the energy used for the demon to flash.”
“Oh, I guess that makes sense. Okay then, let’s get this over with.”
“Since we know this location is safe, I’ll take Seth first so we can make sure it’s secure up there. I’ll be back in a flash.” Baal snorted. “I’ll be back in a flash, get it?”
She rolled her eyes. “I get it. You should be on Comedy Central…really.”
Baal grabbed Seth’s arm, and they both vanished. Before Cassie could gather another thought, he returned.
Her hand flew to her chest. “Crap! You scared the hell out of me.”
Baal shrugged his shoulders. “Sorry, doll, next time I’ll wear a bell.” He linked his arm through hers. “Ready?”
“Yes.” Ready to find Marcus and get this trip from hell over with.
Her head spun. It seemed flashing wasn’t any better than the gateway, but at least she seemed to be getting better at it. Seth stepped in behind her.
“Cassie, I think you should rest for a bit.” He scanned the sky. “Dragons have been here. I am going to take a look around.” He looked at Baal. “Stay here with her.”
She watched Seth walk off. I’m such a burden. She held back the team with her weakness.
“Can I get you anything?” Baal asked.
“Some water please.” She sat on a large boulder and looked out over the forest below. Even though her stomach rolled like she’d stepped off a roller coaster, she was grateful they didn’t have to hike it.
He reached into her pack, pulled out a bottle of water, opened it and held it out to her, before taking a seat next to her. He reached into his own pack and pulled out a chuck of jerky.
“Want some?”
She looked at the offending piece of shriveled up meat and wrinkled her nose. “No, thanks.”
“Suit yourself.” He bit down and ripped a huge hunk from his snack.
Cassie chewed her bottom lip. “Tell me, do you happen to know what si itov wux means?”
He stopped mid-bite and pierced her with his gaze. “It’s a very old language. Draconic, not many speak it anymore. Is that what Marcus said to you in your dream?”
Color rose up her neck to her cheeks. She picked at some gravel and prayed like hell he hadn’t whispered some dirty love talk. “Yes.”
He reached out and touched her arm, she looked back at him. “Si itov wux means I love you.”
Her eyes closed; it meant nothing really. Her imagination conjured up some erotic fantasy. Did she want him to love her? Yeah, a part of her did. A tear slid down her cheek, and Baal reached up with his finger and wiped it away.
“Don’t worry, doll, he’ll be fine.”
She stood and turned her back to Baal. “It was only a stupid dream anyway. It wasn’t real.”
“No, it was real.”
She spun around. “What do you mean?”
“Immortals can dream-walk, although those that usually do are what you call nightmares. Somehow, he managed to find you in your dream state.” He scratched his chin. “His connection to you must be very strong.”
Life got weirder by the minute. Dream-walking vampires? What next? She shuddered to think about it. “Someone needs to wake me up from this dream. None of this can be real.”
He threw back his head and laughed. “Doll, it doesn’t get more real than this.”
Her eyes shot darts at him; this wasn’t funny. As a matter of fact, she decided when she got back home she would pay a visit to Dr. Story and beg him to put her in a straitjacket.
Baal shifted. “Oh shit!”
Cassie rushed to his side and caught a view of Seth, his sword drawn. “Oh now what the hell?”
“I felt it to. Did you happen to get a look
at them?” Baal asked as he reached for his weapon. He looked at Cassie. “Grab your knife, use it only if you have to. Remember, go for the heart.”
Her heart beat against her chest. The first thought that came to mind: the dragons had found them. Next thing she knew, three men flashed in front of them, but it was what flashed in next that made her stomach hit the ground.
* * * *
Marcus woke and peered through slits. He tried to pull up his memories of what had happened while he worked to force his eyes open. Damn, last thing he recalled was Odage and four Draki grabbing hold of him. He’d been overcome by darkness but remembered being dragged across some rocks. His entire back stung from the gaping holes, gravel now imbedded into his skin. Blood trickled down the side of his cheek from the gash on his head. It didn’t take long to realize he was in deep shit. His wrists and legs bore silver band thanks to Eliza.
While his legs were free, both wrists had a shackle that connected to a chain. When he looked up, he saw the chain ran through a ring embedded into the rocks. They’d given him only enough slack to stand with his arms over his head. Just fucking great. At least he could lean against the wall. He was in another cave, but where, he had no clue.
Still trying to shake the cobwebs from his head, he sensed someone approaching. Unable to tell who or what they were, he quietly waited, pretending to be asleep.
“Toss the bucket of ice water on him.”
His muscles constricted when the freezing water hit him square in the face and chest. He trembled, unable to regulate his body temperature. His burning eyes opened, and he tried to focus on the image in front of him. When the fuzziness started to fade, he was greeted with a clear image of his enemy.
“Ah, I see you have finally decided to join us,” Odage said. “Tell me, did you really think you could outsmart me?”
Marcus spit in Odage’s face. “Fuck you.”
One of the guards approached and pulled out a dirise, an ancient whip, with twenty-one wing-shaped, stainless steel blades that snaked into a wire-wrapped handle. It totaled forty-two inches of pure hell. He swallowed hard and braced himself for what was to come.
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