Darkness Avenged (Guardians of Eternity) (15 page)

“Without me?” His brows drew together. “Never.”

“Once I’m far enough away I’ll contact you and you can join me.”

“No.”

“Roke,” she protested his stubborn refusal to obey.

Obviously her spell was rapidly losing its grip on him. And worse, she was growing weaker with every passing second.

“I won’t leave you,” he said grimly. “It’s too dangerous.”

“I’ll be fine.”

“Yes, because I’ll be with you.”

Suddenly it was all too much. “Damn,” she groaned, sliding down until her butt hit the dirt floor. “I’m too tired to fight.”

Roke squatted in front of her, his expression concerned. “Rest here. I’ll make sure the path is clear.”

“Roke . . .”

“Close your eyes, little witch,” he murmured, brushing a finger over her chilled cheek. “I’ll keep you safe.”

If only that were true,
she thought with a twinge of wistful longing.

If only this man did want to keep her safe.

Not because of some spell, but because he thought she was worth saving.

“You’re so stupid, Sally,” she whispered as he pressed his hands against the floor and with one impressive shove was launching himself up and through the opening above. “Stupid and downright pathetic. You’re going to end up dead in this tunnel and no one is going to give a damn.”

 

 

It took Roke less than five minutes to scout through the empty house. It was obviously one of Styx’s numerous safe houses that were used only in emergencies.

As he had told Sally, the Anasso was nothing if not thorough.

Sally.

Roke came to a halt in the middle of the never-used kitchen. What the hell? With a sharp shake of his head he felt the urgent, driving need to rescue the beautiful witch from his brothers slowly fade.

Like a fog was being lifted from his mind.

He clenched his hands at his side, his fangs lengthening.

He vividly remembered going to the dungeons with a dinner tray. He’d entered the cell and tried to convince Sally to confess the truth of Gaius’s strange new talents.

And then . . .

And then he’d been overwhelmed by a potent desire to do whatever was necessary to protect the woman who was his sole reason for living.

Goddammit.

The bitch had hit him with a spell.

There could be no other explanation.

Why else would he have suddenly been filled with an unshakable conviction she was his? Not just a pretty female he desired. But his. On a most primitive level.

Hell, even now he could . . . feel her. As if their very souls were entwined.

And worse, she had forced him to sacrifice everything, even loyalty to his people, to keep her safe.

Of all things, that was the one act he could never, ever forgive or forget.

He’d taken a vow when he became clan chief that he would always put his people first. How could he offer them anything less? The previous chief had nearly destroyed them all by his obsession with a female who’d demanded he pamper her every whim.

Now he’d been forced to follow in the footsteps of the man he’d hated.

She was going to pay for that.

With a roar that shattered the nearby window, he returned to the back bedroom where the trapdoor was hidden in the closet. Dropping into the lower tunnel, he landed lightly on the balls of his feet and stormed toward the female who was deeply asleep, curled on her side on the floor.

He was so angry the walls trembled from the force of his temper and the air was frigid enough to form ice crystals. But, as he squatted down to grab Sally and shake her awake, he hesitated.

Christ, she looked so tiny. And exhausted. The fragile features were more pale than usual, with bruised shadows beneath the thick crescents of her lowered lashes. Her autumn hair was splayed over the dirt, and her lips slightly parted, as if inviting a prince to kiss her awake.

Unfortunately for her, he was no prince, Roke bleakly reminded himself. And he’d returned to discover just what nasty spell she’d cast on him, not because of worry that she had pushed herself too hard.

Dammit.

Her magic had to be screwing with his head.

Not to mention his renegade body, he conceded, abruptly shifting his fingers to her shoulder rather than brushing over her cheek as they started to do.

“Sally.” He gave her a small shake. “Wake up.”

Her brow furrowed as she struggled to lift her lashes, the rich brown eyes dazed as she tried to focus on him.

“Roke?” She blinked in confusion. “I can’t . . . tired . . .”

He leaned down so he could grasp her shoulders, pulling her into a sitting position with far greater care than she deserved. “Wake up,” he commanded, not for the first time irritated that it was impossible to enthrall a witch. It would have saved them all one hell of a lot of trouble.

She groaned, her head tilting back to smack against the wall of the tunnel. “What?” she demanded in thick tones. “What’s happened?”

“That’s what you’re about to explain, little witch,” he snarled. “Just what the hell did you do to me?”

“Do?”

His threatening growl echoed through the tunnel. “Don’t even try to deny you put a spell on me.”

“Oh.” He could hear her heartbeat quicken, her muscles clenching beneath his fingers. “I didn’t.”

He ignored her ridiculous denial. “Is it black magic?”

“No.” Her words remained slurred with exhaustion. “I swear.”

“Like I would take your word.”

“How could I?” She licked her lips and Roke swallowed a choked curse. Was it deliberate? Did she know the small provocation sent a jolt of hunger through his body? “The dungeons are hexed to prevent magic.”

“You obviously found a way to get around Styx’s protection.” His lips twisted. “Unless you expect me to believe I took one look at you and tumbled head over heels in love?”

She flinched at his cruel mockery, but the foolish female didn’t back down. “It wasn’t a spell. It was . . .”

“I’m listening.”

There was a long pause before she heaved a weary sigh. “My natural powers.”

“Natural?” he scoffed. “Humans have no powers.”

Her lashes lowered, hiding her eyes. “Then the logical answer is that I’m not entirely human,” she murmured.

His brows snapped together. It
was
the logical answer. The hexes would have prevented any spell cast by a witch. Even the most powerful witch.

But how could he have missed the fact that she was a mongrel?

Did the fact she was a witch conceal her demon blood?

“What are you?”

Her eyes remained closed as she shook her head. “I don’t know.”

His fingers dug into her shoulders. “Tell me.”

“I . . . can’t.”

With a tiny sound of distress her head flopped forward and Roke sensed her consciousness slip away.

“Shit.” He glared down at the top of her head. Now what?

The sensible thing to do would be to return her to the dungeons and let Styx deal with her.

Once he revealed that he was susceptible to the female’s powers (yeah, and wouldn’t that be a fun and jolly confession?) the Anasso would be careful to assign a new guard to keep watch on her.

But even as the thought crossed through his mind, he was shoving it aside. Not just because he didn’t want to share his spectacular failure with Styx. But because he could still feel the damned woman lodged deep inside him.

When she woke, she was going to remove whatever curse she’d put on him.

Then...

Then he was returning to Nevada and Styx could shove the prophet’s vague warning up his ass.

 

Nefri returned from her search of the countryside to join Santiago at his vehicle.

While the male vampire had been burying the bodies of Melinda’s drinking companions to prevent any lingering infection, Nefri had left Levet keeping watch over the sleeping girl while she’d scouted for any signs of Gaius.

She couldn’t shake the sensation that she was missing something.

Something that might very well be the difference between success and failure.

But no matter how hard she tried to pinpoint her source of unease, it slipped away as swiftly as a mist fairy.

Stepping around the bed of the truck, the nagging sensation was abruptly forgotten at the sight of Santiago leaning against the driver’s side door.

What was it about this vampire that sent a shock of excitement through her just by catching sight of him?

She was an ancient clan chief who’d assumed she had seen and done everything possible.

But this . . .

It made her feel as if she were a giddy foundling who had yet to gain command of her hungers.

The logical part of her understood the sensations he aroused were dangerous. Not only to her hard-earned control, but to the part of her that was still very much a woman.

But a larger part of her accepted that there was no way to fight what was happening between her and this gorgeous, sexy vampire. There seemed no choice but to allow their relationship to develop to an inevitable conclusion.

Whatever that conclusion might be.

Almost on cue, Santiago turned to send her one of those smiles she felt to the tips of her toes.

“Anything?” he demanded.

With an effort, Nefri returned her mind to Gaius and his odd behavior. It was certainly more pressing than her girlish reaction to a charming male.

“The emotions were far more contained than those near Gaius’s lair,” she said, moving to stand near Santiago while her gaze returned to the schoolhouse.

“I assume he just stopped by for a quick snack,” Santiago said. “No doubt the longer he stays in one spot the further his infections spread.”

“Yes.”

“You don’t sound convinced.”

She shifted her gaze to meet his frown. “I agree with your logic.”

“But?”

“But I don’t understand his need for any snack, quick or otherwise.”

He considered her words. “Because he didn’t feed while he was with your clan?”

“No, since his return to this world he’s clearly indulged his most primitive hungers, but he’s a very old vampire. He shouldn’t have to feed so often.” Nefri grimaced. The Harpies had claimed they’d found corpses disposed of in the swamps, not to mention the crazed human male they were holding captive. “Especially not after he seemingly gorged before leaving his lair.”

“Unless he’s still recovering from injuries,” Santiago suggested. “We don’t know how badly he was hurt during the battle with the Dark Lord.”

“It’s possible.”

The dark eyes narrowed. “What are you thinking?”

“I’m wondering if the spirit is somehow draining Gaius,” she said slowly.

Santiago straightened from the truck, taking time to mull over her suggestion. “You mean feeding off him?”

She shrugged. “It’s just a theory.”

“It makes as much sense as anything else.”

Not the most comforting assurance considering nothing about Gaius or the spirit made sense.

“Can you feel Gaius?”

He closed his eyes, concentrating on his connection to his sire. “I know he’s north of us.”

“Are we gaining on him?”

“We are,” he said after a beat. He opened his eyes. “It feels like he’s settled in one place.”

Yet another anomaly. She shook her head in frustration “Odd, isn’t it?”

“What?”

“He doesn’t expect to be followed.”

“He always was arrogant.”

“But not stupid.”

Santiago easily followed her train of thought. “You suspect Gaius is setting an ambush?”

“It’s rather convenient that your connection to him returned just in time to follow his trail,” she pointed out.

He scowled, clearly already having considered the possibility he was being played by the vampire he’d once considered his father. “True.”

“It could be a coincidence. Or . . .”

“Or an elaborate trap,” he finished for her.

“Yes.”

He turned to pull open the door of the truck. “There’s only one way to find out.”

Nefri crawled into the cab, scooting across the leather seat. She wasn’t nearly so eager to confront Gaius. Not until she had more information on the spirit that she feared was far more powerful than she’d first suspected.

But how?

The Commission had revealed all they intended to. It would be a waste of time to try and question them. And it wasn’t as if there was a textbook lying around that explained mysterious spirits.

At least . . .

Not in this world.

She turned to study Santiago’s profile as he put the truck in gear and headed back toward the highway. “Can we reach Gaius tonight?”

“No.” He shot her a curious glance. “Even if he stays where he is it would take too many hours to reach him.”

“Then I would request we make a small detour.”

“Request?” He grinned. “Where’s my commanding Nefri?” She sniffed. “You called me bossy, remember?”

“So we’re partners?”

She gave a slow nod, wondering if he truly understood how difficult it was for her to concede to his demands.

It wasn’t about accepting someone could be her equal. She wasn’t that vain.

It was allowing herself to be vulnerable.

Something easier said than done.

“Partners,” she murmured.

“I like the sound of that.” His grin widened. “Even if it was like pulling teeth.”

She rolled her eyes. “You’re very . . . persistent.”

“I’m a stubborn, impulsive bastard who too often allows his heart to rule his head,” he admitted, his smile fading as he held her gaze. “But, I would die for those I consider mine.”

Warmth flared through her heart. “I know.”

He turned his attention back to the field they were cutting through, slowing as they neared the narrow road. “Which direction?”

“North,” she said, hoping she wasn’t taking them on a wild goose chase. “For now.”

“Wait.” He shot her a suspicious glance. “You aren’t taking me to the Oracles, are you?”

She arched a brow. “Not unless you wanted to drop in for a visit.”

“I’d rather poke out my eye.”

A feeling shared by most of the demon world, she wryly acknowledged. Including herself on occasion.

“No, we’re not going to the Oracles,” she assured him. “I have an acquaintance who might be of assistance.”

His suspicion remained. Smart vampire.

“What kind of acquaintance?”

“I think I should wait and let you see for yourself,” she murmured, struck by a sudden thought. “Oh, we need to find a ring or a necklace. Preferably made of diamonds. The larger the better.”

His suspicion transformed to confusion. “Not that I mind buying you all the bling your heart might desire,
querida,
but I’m not sure there are any stores open.”

“Has that ever stopped you?” she asked dryly.

His soft chuckle brushed over her skin with sinful pleasure. “Never.”

 

 

 

Santiago had used up most of the swear words he’d learned during his considerably long life as he crawled through yet another mud-filled sinkhole that at last led to a hidden meadow.

An acquaintance,
Nefri had claimed. Why hadn’t he demanded more details? Like whether or not the creature lived in the Ozark Mountains in an area so remote not even a damned billy goat could find it?

Of course, he should have known something was up when she’d demanded to be taken to the clan chief of Arkansas rather than a jewelry store to acquire a diamond the size of an ostrich egg. At the time, however, he was distracted by the clan chief ’s eagerness to impress Nefri with his generosity. Hell, Santiago didn’t doubt the bedazzled vampire would have given his entire fortune if Nefri had requested it.

Now he wondered what kind of acquaintance demanded a priceless jewel and lived in the middle of nowhere.

Indifferent to his strange litany, Nefri led him out of the sinkhole and straight across the meadow, the clinging mud flaking off her jeans and sweater to leave her looking as fresh as a fucking daisy.

Even her long hair was perfect, shimmering like a river of ebony beneath the fading stars.

It was no wonder that the Arkansas clan chief had turned over a million-dollar diamond without batting a lash.

“If you’re lost you can just admit it,” he muttered as she at last came to a halt in front of a dead tree that somehow managed to stay upright in the center of the meadow. “I swear I won’t tell anyone.”

Her gaze remained locked on the tree. “I’m not lost.”

“Then you’re punishing me?”

Her lips twitched. “If and when I decide to punish you, Santiago, you will know.”

“Comforting.”

“Mmm.”

“Where are we going?”

“Here.”

He glanced around the empty meadow. Did she expect someone to be taking a late night stroll in this isolated area? “You made me ruin my boots to meet a tree?”

“Hush,” she murmured, leaning down to place the diamond in a small hollow beneath a gnarly root.

“Now what?”

She turned to offer a mysterious smile.
The ice-princess at her most seductive
.

“Now we wait.”

He stepped forward, trailing his fingers through the cool silk of her hair. This was a woman made for night. As distantly remote and beautiful as the moon.

Unless she was wrapped in his arms.

Then she was a shimmering, passionate creature who burned as hot as the sun.

“I’m not very good at waiting,” he informed her.

“No?” She arched a brow. “You shock me.”

His fingers stroked down the line of her throat, relishing the feel of her smooth skin. “I have a way we could pass the time.”

“You’re covered in mud,” she chided, but he didn’t miss the tiny spark of heat deep in her eyes.

He leaned down to brush his lips along the curve of her ear. “There’s a creek just over the hill,” he told her, his superior hearing able to catch the sound of shallow water as it danced over rocks. It was all too easy to imagine stripping off Nefri’s clothes so she could play mermaid. “You could wash me.”

She shivered, the rich scent of her arousal lacing the breeze. “Maybe later.”

He nipped the lobe of her ear, careful not to draw blood. His possessive fascination with the female was enough to deal with at the moment.

He wasn’t going to take the risk of mating her.

Not when she might disappear back behind the Veil.

He’d been abandoned by his sire and then again by this female just a few weeks ago. He wasn’t ready to take the risk again.

Instead he concentrated on the delectable taste of her jasmine-scented skin. “You promise?”

“We’ll see,” she teased, her voice a husky invitation.

He muttered low words of need as his lips stroked down the line of her jaw. His hands gripped her waist, but before he could yank her hard against his stirring body, a warning prickle brushed over his skin.

On instant alert, Santiago stepped back far enough to pull his sword free. The air felt charged with electricity, as if lightning was about to strike.

Not a vampire’s favorite sensation.

Being flammable had a few downsides.

When lightning didn’t strike him down, he began to lower his sword, his puzzled gaze searching the meadow. There was something near.

Something powerful.

With his senses on full alert, he didn’t miss the strange fog that began to form around the diamond. Still, he wasn’t prepared for the massive jewel to abruptly disappear at the same time the tree split in half.

“Meirda,”
he muttered, staring at the black hole that hovered in the space between the two halves of the tree. “What’s that?”

“A doorway.” Nefri sent him a warning glance as she moved forward. “Stay close.”

Reluctantly he fell into step behind her. “We’re not about to tumble into some weird version of Wonderland, are we?”

She gave a soft snort. “Weird version?”

“Okay, the first version was pretty weird,” he conceded, his knuckles white as he gripped the hilt of his sword.

Like any self-respecting vampire, he detested magic. And there was no mistaking that the black hole was made by magic, not nature. But, gritting his teeth, he forced his feet to carry him forward.

Hadn’t he been the one to insist on joining Nefri? He couldn’t back down now.

Shivering as they moved through the darkness, Santiago nearly stumbled over his own feet as they stepped into what looked like a throne room in a grand palace.

Startled, his gaze skimmed over the long, highly glossed floor of inlaid wood that was framed by ivory walls inset with arched mirrors. Above his head the coved ceiling displayed an exquisite mural of Aladdin and his lamp that came to life in the blaze of light from the massive chandelier.

At the far end of the room was a gilded throne with crimson velvet padding that was set on a high dais. On each side of the dais were a matching set of ivory and gold double doors.

“Where are we?” he asked in confusion.

Nefri continued toward the throne, her air of nobility only emphasized by her elegant surroundings.
Regal,
a voice whispered in the back of his mind.