Darkness Avenged (Guardians of Eternity) (25 page)

Expecting the usual raspberry or a rude finger gesture, Santiago found himself frowning when the gargoyle instead gave a somber nod of his head.

Okay. This couldn’t be good.

“What is it?”

“Shay contacted me.” Levet tapped a claw to his temple, indicating his ability to speak mind to mind with the Chicago clan chief’s mate. “She said that Viper was unable to reach you.”

With a muffled curse, Santiago reached into the pocket of his jeans to pull out his cell phone, not at all surprised to discover the battery had been drained.

Sex with Nefri was not only the most explosive pleasure he’d ever experienced, but it tended to create havoc with electronics. Oh, and created the most dazzling displays of color.

“Dios,”
he muttered, aggravated by his dangerous lapse. He should have checked his phone the minute he climbed out of bed. “What’s happened?”

“There was a disturbance at your club.”

He frowned. That was why Viper was trying to contact him? It didn’t make sense. “There’s always a disturbance at the club. Tonya can handle it.”

“Actually . . .” Levet’s wings drooped, a disturbing expression of sympathy on his ugly face.

Santiago shoved the phone back into his pocket, his muscles rigid with a sudden tension. “What?”

“She’s been kidnapped.”

He heard Nefri’s soft exclamation of shock, but his focus never wavered from the small demon. “Tell me.”

“One of your waiters called Viper and said that a vampire simply appeared out of thin air in the middle of your club.”

He hissed. Only two vampires could appear out of thin air. And he’d been in the constant presence of one of them.

Which left . . .

“Gaius,” he growled.
“Mierda.”

Levet nodded. “
Oui
. He appeared and grabbed Tonya. Then”—he gave a helpless lift of his hands—“poof. They were both gone.”

Just for a second his savage burst of fury threatened to cloud his mind. Tonya in the hands of that demented freak? Perhaps even now chained to a wall while he tormented her?

The cement walls shuddered and the fluorescent lights shattered before Nefri laid a restraining hand on his shoulder.

“Santiago,” she murmured softly.

Leashing his powers with an effort, he met her sympathetic gaze. “Why?” he rasped.

She continued to rub his arm in a soothing motion. Trying to tame the rabid beast?

“Why Tonya?” she asked.

“Sí
.” His fury remained, but Nefri’s touch gave him the calm necessary to consider the situation with a much needed clarity. Tonya needed a swift rescue, not her employer ranting and raving. “It makes no sense. Why would he take such a risk to snatch an imp from my club?”

Nefri nodded, easily following his logic. If Gaius was going to risk being captured, why choose Tonya?

“Does she have any special talents?” Nefri asked.

Santiago shrugged. “She’s related to Troy, the pain-in-the-ass Prince of Imps, so she’s capable of creating hexes powerful enough to ensnare even demons and, of course, she can create portals along with the usual imp talents.”

Levet waddled forward. “Does she know secrets?” He pointed a claw at Santiago. “Have you been—what do they say—cooking the books?”

Santiago glowered at the small demon. “What the hell are you talking about?”

Levet blinked. “We were guessing why she was kidnapped, were we not?”

“No, she doesn’t have any secrets,” Santiago snapped. “At least none she shared with me. She’s an organized, highly effective assistant who has the beauty of a siren and the soul of an accountant.”

“You trust her?” Nefri carefully inquired.

“Absolutely,” he growled without hesitation, well aware of what she was implying. “Tonya would never betray me. I would stake my life on it.” He gave a restless shrug. “Besides, if she was working with Gaius why would he reveal their connection now? There’s no benef it.”

She nodded, but her expression remained troubled. “How long have you known one another?”

“Several decades.”

“And you’re”—she searched for the word she wanted—“close?”

He sent her a startled glance. “What are you asking?”

“I’m not behaving as a jealous lover, Santiago,” she gently assured him.

“Then what does it matter how long I’ve known Tonya? I trust her—” His words came to an abrupt halt as he met Nefri’s steady gaze.
Dios.
There was one reason someone would go to the effort of kidnapping Tonya. “He’s using her to send a message to me,” he said in rough tones.

“That would be my guess.”

“Now the question is—”

Nefri grimaced. “What’s the message?”

Nefri grimly maintained her composure. Right now Santiago needed her calm, cool logic. Inside, however, she was battling a rising tide of fear.

She didn’t know why Gaius would have discovered a sudden interest in Santiago. Or more likely, the spirit that was controlling him.

But she did know that Santiago would do whatever was necessary to rescue the female imp. Including putting himself in danger.

And there wasn’t a damned thing she could do to stop him. “It could be that he discovered we’re hunting him.” Santiago spoke his thoughts out loud, his barely leased fury dropping the temperature in the tiny room to near zero. “He could be hoping to convince me to give up the search in exchange for Tonya.”

“But?” she prompted, hearing the lack of conviction in his voice.

“But it’s not Gaius’s style.” With a sharp movement he was pacing back and forth, his hand instinctively reaching to pull out the Roman dagger he kept tucked in his back pocket. “He can be a hammer when necessary, but he prefers to be subtle. He’s a master of diversion.”

Nefri grimaced. Gaius had certainly managed to deceive her. He’d hidden his true intentions behind his genuine grief to gain access to her clan beyond the Veil.

A knowledge that still burned like acid against her pride. But she wasn’t going to allow his abuse of her trust to blind her to facts.

“Yes, if he is actually still in the position to be master,” she pointed out. “It’s quite possible he’s no longer making the decisions.”

Santiago sent her a grim frown. “That doesn’t make me feel better.”

She shrugged. “It wasn’t supposed to.”

He continued his pacing, his hands clenching and unclenching until he at last came to an abrupt halt directly in front of her. “Nefri.”

“Yes?”

“Tonya is family.”

She reached to place a hand on his arm, able to sense his distress at Tonya’s capture. It was far more than just the anger of an employer. Or a friend.

It was deeper. More personal.

“You rescued her,” she said softly.

He gave a low hiss of shock. “I’m beginning to suspect you truly can read minds.”

“No, but I know you.” Her fingers tightened on his arm. “Styx pulled you from the blood pits and Viper gave you a home. They taught you honor and discipline and that a leader cares for those who are vulnerable.”

He slid the dagger back into his pocket, his eyes dark with painful memories. “It’s not my story to tell, but she ended up on the wrong side of an argument with a tribe of trolls and was sold to a slaver.”

Levet gave a violent flutter of his wings. “Evor?”

The two males shared a rare moment of understanding.
“Sí
.
”

The tiny gargoyle trembled. Nefri had heard rumors that Levet had been held captive by the brutal slaver, along with Viper’s mate, Shay.

“A very bad man,” Levet muttered.

“Very bad,” Santiago agreed. “If Tonya hadn’t been so strong she would never have survived.” His low growl trickled from his throat. “Now she’s being held against her will again. I can’t leave her in the hands of Gaius.”

“Of course not.” Nefri studied his stubborn expression with open concern. “But, Santiago—”

“I know it’s a trap,” he interrupted her cautious words. “I have to go.”

“Gaius will be waiting for you.”

The dark eyes smoldered with a ruthless determination. “There’s nothing I can do to prevent that.”

The fear that she was trying so desperately to control threatened to explode as she glared at him in helpless frustration. “I’m not going to change your mind, am I?”

His touch was tender as he cupped her face in his hands, but he gave a firm shake of his head. “No.”

“Very well.” She met his gaze squarely, her centuries of experience allowing her to transform the fear into stark resolve. What made a clan chief a leader was their ability to control their emotions rather than be controlled by them. “There’s no longer any need to try and sneak up on him.”

Santiago’s expression became guarded. “You have a plan?”

“Not really, but we might as well use my medallion to travel,” she said. “It will save us time.”

He was shaking his head before she even finished speaking. “I can’t pinpoint his exact location.”

“Then we’ll travel north until you can.”

“Nefri . . .”

She pressed her hand to his mouth, her eyes warning that she wasn’t in the mood to listen to his endless list of reasons why she shouldn’t join him.

“Don’t even bother.”

His fingers tightened on her face. “Dammit, Nefri, we’ve agreed this is a trap. It would be beyond stupid for both of us to—”

“Three of us,” Levet abruptly intruded into the conversation.

Santiago’s eyes widened in horror. “Oh, hell no.”

“Yes, the three of us,” Nefri said.

Dropping his hands, Santiago glared at her tranquil expression. “Is this some sort of punishment?”

“We’re partners.” She stepped forward to place her lips against the stubborn line of his jaw. “Which means we stand together. Always.”

He stiffened, clearly torn between his instinctive need to protect her and the understanding that she was a powerful weapon that might very well make the difference between Tonya’s rescue or her death at the hands of Gaius.

“I knew you were a dangerous female.” Pressing a resigned kiss to her forehead, Santiago headed for the door. “I need to speak with Gabriel before we leave.”

 

 

 

With an appreciative eye Gaius studied the female imp chained to the wall of the cellar.

He’d never been a lover of the fey, but there was no denying her emerald green eyes and tumble of flame curls could make any man want to spread her legs. Who wouldn’t want to indulge in those lush, delectable curves barely covered by the strapless silver gown?

And then there was the warm scent of her blood. It was . . . intoxicating.

His fangs ached as he was struck by a sharp hunger. It had taken a considerable amount of energy to use his medallion to travel to Santiago’s demon club and return with the imp. He needed to feed.

Unfortunately, he hadn’t brought the female to his lair for a snack. Or even to pleasure him.

He needed her if he was going to persuade Santiago to accept his offer of reconciliation. And to convince him to assist him in protecting Dara.

Which meant no tasting the hostage.

At least not until she’d served her purpose.

Strolling forward, he crouched down to meet her gaze, enjoying the scent of plums that was spiced with a combination of fear and fury.

“You really are remarkably beautiful,” he murmured, his finger drifting over the dewy skin of her cheek. “It’s no wonder Santiago kept you as a companion for so long.”

She choked back a scream. “I’m his employee, not his companion.”

“More than that.” His finger shifted to linger on the pulse that hammered at the base of her throat. The moment he’d appeared in Santiago’s club he’d been drawn to the female. “It’s distant but I can sense his claim on you. He considers you a part of his clan.”

She licked her lips, making a visible effort to calm her nerves. “You’re mental. I’m just a member of his staff.” She futilely tried to arch away from his touch. “So if you’re expecting to use me to get to him, then you’re wasting your time.”

Clever imp.

She had easily realized she was the bait and hoped to trick him into believing she had no value.

“No, he will come for you,” Gaius said with an unshakable confidence. “Santiago is at heart a savior.”

Her lips thinned, but she didn’t try to argue. “What do you want with him?” she instead demanded.

“Only for an opportunity to tell him how sorry I am.”

Her eyes narrowed in disbelief. “You don’t need me for that.”

Gaius shrugged. “He’s too angry to listen to me unless I can force him to hear what I have to say.”

“Kidnapping me is only going to piss him off. It certainly won’t put him in the mood to listen,” she pointed out, shuddering as his fingers drifted to follow the line of her collarbone. “Or to forgive.”

Gaius frowned, his fingers moving to squeeze her throat. What did the bitch know? Santiago was his son. That was a bond that couldn’t be broken.

“He
will
listen,” he snarled.

“Okay, okay. He’ll listen,” she croaked, sucking in a deep breath as his grip loosened. “But I’m telling you he’ll be a lot more forgiving if you release me.”

His fury eased as he was distracted by the softness of her skin beneath his fingers and the scent of plums teasing his nose.

“Clever and beautiful,” he muttered, lowering his hand so he could cup the ripe temptation of her breast.

She made a sound of distress. “Don’t.”

Her reluctance only fueled his stab of lust. “Does my touch repulse you?”

She shuddered. “Yes.”

“I can make you like it.” His grip tightened until she gave a small cry of pain. “I can make you beg for it.”

The emerald eyes flashed with hatred. “Not even in a million years,” she spat out, her chin inching higher. “I have royal blood flowing through my veins. I can’t be enthralled, vamp.”

“Royalty,” he sneered. The imp thought she was above him with her noble blood? He’d teach her just how worthless it was. “Such a proud imp.”

He could hear the leap of her pulse as he allowed his powers to fill the cellar.

“Stop . . .” Her magnificent eyes dilated with an uncontrollable lust. “I . . .”

He chuckled, running his tongue up and down his sensitive fang.

Maybe a small taste wouldn’t hurt.

“Yes, my beauty?”

A layer of sweat bloomed on her skin. “What are you doing to me?”

He tugged at the hardened tip of her breast. “Do you want me?”

“No.” She squeezed her eyes shut even as her body trembled with need. “You’re disgusting.”

He chuckled with cruel amusement, ignoring his weakness as he deliberately altered his appearance. In the distance he could feel his approaching guests and he intended to reveal the full glory of his new powers.

“Perhaps this shape will tempt you,” he murmured, giving her nipple a more painful tug. “Open your eyes, Tonya.”

Reluctantly lifting her lashes, she gave a gasp of shock as she caught sight of his features, which were now an exact duplicate of Santiago.

“Shit,” she breathed, but Gaius didn’t miss the increase in her pulse or the sudden shallowness to her breathing.

Her arousal wasn’t entirely due to the lust that pulsed through the air.

“Is this better?” He leaned down to savor the scent of her heated blood. “Are you in love with your employer?”

A low groan was wrenched from her throat as she arched toward him. “Please . . .”

“What do you want?” he urged.

“You,” she whispered, the chains rattling as she tried to reach for him. “I want you.”

He smiled at the sound of soft footsteps on the stairs.

“You want Santiago?” he cooed.

“Yes, please,” she moaned, panting with the desire that ran rampant through her blood. “Please.”

He allowed his fangs to scrape down the curve of her throat. “I told you I would make you beg.”

“Bastard,” a furious voice snapped from the doorway of the cellar. “Leave her alone.”

Gaius pulled back, but his gaze never strayed from the beautiful imp. It was unfortunate, but Santiago had to be reminded of Gaius’s superior position. Even among family the hierarchy had to be established.

“But she is so happy to be with you,” he murmured, turning her eager face so Santiago could see her pleading expression. “She’s wanted you for a very long time, haven’t you, imp?”

Santiago took a step forward, his fury a tangible force that beat through the cellar. “She has no part in this. Just let her go.”

“I’m not going to hurt her,” Gaius assured his companion. “I only wanted your attention.”

“You have it,” he snarled.

Straightening, Gaius allowed his shape to return to normal, a smile of warm greeting curving his lips.

First the stick and then the carrot.

It had always been his preferred style of leadership.

“My son.”

Santiago grimaced, his attention shifting to the imp who curled her shivering body into a small ball on the floor.

“Let me have Tonya.”

“Not yet.” Gaius stepped forward to block the imp from Santiago’s line of vision. “First we talk.”

“Then you’ll release her?”

“Perhaps.”

Gaius studied the vampire whom he’d claimed as his son so many centuries ago. There were few changes. A vampire didn’t age. But there was a hardness to the lean features that hadn’t been there before Dara’s death and a icy lack of pleasure in their long overdue reunion.

Stifling his stab of disappointment, Gaius glanced over Santiago’s shoulder. He could feel a tiny demon just outside the door. A . . . gargoyle? A meaningless pest. He was far more interested in the thundering pulse of Nefri’s power. His brows lifted as he realized she was moving away from the lair, not closer.

“Where is your companion going?”

Santiago grimaced. “She had a small task to finish.”

It took a second for Gaius to realize that his former chief wasn’t alone as she moved through the woods that surrounded the house.

“Ah.” His lips twisted. “The humans.”

“Nefri is surprisingly squeamish for a clan chief. She insisted that they be released.”

“A bother, but they can be replaced,” he murmured.

“You never kept a herd before,” Santiago accused him, displaying his aversion for keeping a group of humans or lesser demons caged like animals. “Why now?”