Darkness Undone (8 page)

Okay, then. She might as well go eat and satisfy her stomach and her curiosity about Reynner’s home. Eve glanced back at him, but he was still asleep. So, she followed Aerén out of the room and down a short barren corridor.

She stopped at the landing and simply stared around in wonder while Aerén waited patiently beside her. A wooden balustrade and stairs joined the top floor to the ground one. In front of her was a picturesque glass wall. She could see far off into the horizon. The forest far down below took on the appearance of paint smudges in various shades of green. The dark gray mountain range loomed around the house and meandered into the distance.

Did Reynner build his house into a mountain?

Eve glanced around at the granite walls and floors…had to be. Holy crap! “It must have taken a miracle to do this.”

“It did take some time, from what I understand,” Aerén said. “When Reynner sets his mind on something, he gets it done.”

Eager to see more, Eve ran down the staircase to the lower level. The sounds of rushing water drew her. She opened the first door and entered a room with soot-colored leather couches and armchairs. Her gaze flew to the window, and she came to a halt.

“Oh. How lovely.” The power of the cascading waterfalls took her breath away. So close, if the glass wall weren’t in her way, she could almost feel the cool sprays on her face. Beyond the window, a railless balcony ran the perimeter of the place.

Did Reynner not understand how dangerous a balcony with no protective railings was? Guess not. The man did kill demoniis, after all.

“It has a compelling beauty,” Aerén agreed from beside her.

“Where is this place? Reynner said it was a retreat?”

“That it is. Come.” Aerén led her down a short passage toward the kitchen.

The tantalizing smell of fresh bread and something savory teased her nose as Aerén opened the door. And she almost whimpered with hunger.

However it wasn’t the kitchen, which had the same scenic windows as the rest of the place that snagged her attention, but the wiry man working at one of the counters. Attired in a navy tunic and pants, he was of indiscernible age. He’d fastened his long, copper hair into a loose braid, revealing his sharp, pale features.

At her entrance into the room, he looked up and his gold eyes widened in astonishment. He stared at her like he’d seen a miracle or something.

And she stared—because dammit, how could she not? His ears—the tops were tapered into points!

“Hey, Izzy. You’re back?” Aerén said from behind her.

“Indeed.” The man winced, probably at the nickname, but his gaze remained on her.

“Forget it, fae.” Aerén snorted. “Eve, this is Izzeri, Reynner’s houseman.”

“Mistress.” He bowed his head at the introduction. “A rare pleasure, indeed. The meal is almost ready. You must be hungry.”

“I’m fine,” she lied, aware of the mewling grumble of her dying tummy. “I’m sorry you had to delay going home.”

“I don’t mind at all.” He smiled. “Excuse me, mistress.”

Eve glanced away, taking in the small kitchen. The thick, massive glass panes muted the roar of the falls, but allowed the waning sunlight into the kitchen. Bronzed wood cupboards with gray granite countertops took up one part of the room. On the other side, near the window, a wooden dining table overlooked a stunning view of the mountains and was set for a meal for one.

Izzeri quickly and efficiently added another place setting, while Aerén held out a chair for her and then took the one opposite her. The setting sun cast a fiery shimmer over his pale blue hair.

“Is that real, the color of your hair?”

Aerén’s expression turned stark. He pulled a swathe to the front and stared at the strands. Remorse filled her at the grief in his eyes. Hurriedly, Eve backtracked. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to pry. It’s just so unusual.”

“It’s all right. We—I mean my brothers and I inherited this hair from our sire… Ah, here is our food.”

His entire mood changed when Izzeri approached, a smile chasing away the grimness. The houseman gave her another appraising look as he laid the dishes on the table then uncovered their contents; fresh rolls, curls of soft, golden butter, and a tureen of steaming broth.

“Why does Izzeri look at me like that?” she lowered her voice to ask as she split open a fresh roll and lathered it with butter.

Amusement lifted the corner of Aerén’s lips. He shook his head. “Let us eat first. Questions later.”

***

Night settled like a blanket around them. Orb-like lights from the ceiling cast a golden glow over the house when Eve headed back to Reynner’s room.

She had gotten an answer of sorts from Aerén.
Izzeri had never seen someone like you.
She didn’t know how to take that remark. But mostly, dinner conversation had included Aerén firing question after question at her about her life. You’d think he’d never heard of a woman living alone and working. Sheesh. Men!

Eve closed the door softly behind her. As she crossed the room, she saw the black tunic Izzeri had draped over the armchair. She checked on Reynner, but he remained in the same position she’d left him, his eyes shut and his mouth in a tight line.

Fighting against the impulse to stroke his face and ease his discomfort, she grabbed the tunic and headed for the bathroom. In relief, Eve shed her rumpled clothes and stepped into the glass shower, only to discover that there were no faucets. She stared at the gentle flow streaming down from the high ledge in the granite wall. Her hopes of a bath dashed.

Now what? How the heck was she to flatten herself against the rough stone surface to shower?

A sudden gush of warm water hit her square in the face.

Argh
—Eve sputtered. Wiping away the wetness, she scowled. Sensor operated. She should have known.

Glancing around, Eve found a bar of soap and a jar of gel in a small niche in the wall. She stuck her finger in the goo. Like the forest after the rains, the fresh, familiar scent teased her nose. The pang in her grew. He called to her like an irresistible, seductive flame. God, she didn’t want to start feeling this way about someone, whom instinct warned her to steer clear of.

Eve pushed aside those feelings and hurried through her shower. After toweling off, she hung her washed undies on the towel rail then pulled on the tunic. The shirt swamped her, dropping to mid-thigh. At least it was black and would not reveal her lack of underwear.

She fastened the suede ties, rolled back the too long sleeves, and stilled as an eerie sensation slid over her. The hairs on her arms rose.

Eve hurried into the softly lit bedroom, rubbed the goosebumps on her skin, and glanced around. Movement on the bed diverted her. Reynner strained and grunted, his fingers digging into the mattress like he fought some nightmare that held him in its grips. He rolled over as she sprinted to his side.

“It’s okay, it’s okay.” She soothed, sweeping the sweat-dampened hair away from his face. And prayed his agitated movements wouldn’t cause his wounds to bleed again. Keeping her tone gentle, she sat on the bed and stroked his arm as she spoke, hoping to ease him.

A sudden slash of pain slammed through her, she jerked back, unable to breathe. Darkness surrounded her, seeping into her mind. It hauled her into its carnivorous jaw, pulling her into his dreams. Panting hard, she blinked and struggled to see through the hazy gloom.

A wet, coppery odor drifted to her. Bile rose to her throat at the stench. Raucous breathing grated her ear.

And there against the shadowy walls of an obscure cell, she saw him.

His gaze wild as an animal’s, he crouched in the shadows, naked. Waiting…

Reynner remained motionless in the dark dungeon as sludge squelched between his toes.

His wings trailed behind him in the muck, an added weight, unable to conceal them. There wasn’t a smidgen of light to aid his sight. He had no idea how much time, how many years—decades—had passed in this shithole.

The metallic scent of blood layered his nostrils and coated his tongue like he’d sucked on pennies. His breathing labored. Two obscure shapes slithered across the slimy floors.

The bastards were back for their games. He didn’t need light to know that. Their putrid stench of decay took over the sulfur that had become a normal part of his existence.

A flash of cunning obsidian eyes, and the huge, seven-foot-tall, lizard-like creatures attacked, claws ripping at his wounds that had no time to heal. His powers were so muted, all he managed was a weak flare that flickered and died. Only his will spurred on by adrenaline unleashed the beast raging inside and drove him for the kill. He grabbed one scaly fucker around the throat as its talons pierced into his flesh, and twisted the thing’s neck.

A shriek ricocheted off the walls. A lash of razor-sharp nails in his chest forced Reynner to his knees. Pain saturated his being. Slimy saliva dripped over his hair as the wyvern opened its jaw, revealing a mouthful of pointy teeth.

Maybe he’d finally find oblivion. Prayed for it.

Death. So close…so close.

“Enough!” a bell-like voice ordered.

No matter what kind of demonic monsters Kalinin sent to torture him, they weren’t allowed to kill him. None dared go against his captor, the succubus bitch.

A flicker of candlelight cast a dim glow in the dungeon. Kalinin stood behind the metal bars. Her dark red gown matched her hair. A lust-filled expression on her pale face.

Urias
, if only she stepped foot into his cell, even an inch—he’d rip her fucking head off. Then he’d go after Inanna for putting him in this hell.

Reynner lowered his head and kept his gaze glued to the thick gleaming puddle he knelt in as blood dripped down his body to pool on the floor beneath him.

“Well done, Empyrean. Now…” She drew out the moment, like it was some fucking game. “Time for your treat.”

His stomach churned at her words. Through the bars, someone flung water over him, washing away the blood and filth. A hissing erupted as splashes made contact with the heated black walls.

His prison gates rattled and clanged open. Hands grabbed him and tossed him onto a raised stone slab. His wings bent under him, unbearable pain shimmering through his entire being. He bit down on his molars. Manacles cuffed him to a base covered with a thin pallet. It wasn't for his comfort.

She strolled over, avaricious black eyes skimming over his naked body. Reynner kept his gaze fixed to the roof, dripping with some shit that fell in a resonating plink to the ground.

“Who knew lack of light would be your weakness, my Empyrean. Submit to me—say the words, and this torture will end.”

“Fuck...you.” His profanity came out in a garbled rasp from a throat gone rusty with lack of use. Her nails dug into his open wound. Reynner gritted down against the agony spearing him.

She smirked and trailed her pointy talons over him. Then she leaned in and licked across a deep gash on his chest.

“Do you like that, warrior? Hmm, the power of your blood, there is nothing like it,” she murmured, face flushed in excitement. “Do not fear, I’ll give you mine soon. I know how you love that.”

Hatred filled him. His fists balled. He could do nothing but lie there while she sucked on his wounds…then she backed away, circling around him. Stopping by his shoulder, she ran her fingers along the inner arch of his left wing. He jerked but was held back by his restraints. She laughed and caressed him some more. His sex rose like a fucking rod. He knew right then if he could, he’d rip off his wings.

Humming a little, Kalinin slid out of her gown and tossed it aside. He kept his gaze locked on the leaking ceiling. Bile rose up his throat when she dipped her hand into some shit she had in a jar and wrapped her fingers around his shaft. His mind switched off.

A smile lit Kalinin’s sly features. “Hello, big guy,” she crooned and straddled him, tossing back her red mane—

“Reynner—no! Oh, God, no!” A distraught, familiar voice cut into his nightmare.

He stiffened.
Eve
? Urias
, for all that’s merciful, don’t let her see me this way
.

Something warm and wet dripped on his chest. His lids snapped open and a cloud of dark hair, not red, filled his vision. Green eyes shimmered with tears.

She’d seen him. Saw his memories. Saw the scum he was. The filth—the whore he’d become.

She fucking saw him!

Unmitigated fury exploded, crashing through Reynner in a poisonous haze.

***

The metallic scent of blood and unadulterated hatred flooded Eve. In a violent move, Reynner flung her away from him. She landed on the other end of the bed, doused from his pain. His eyes glowed like the very demons she’d seen in his nightmares. Darkness’s greedy fingers clawed at her, blurring her thoughts. The pain, the shock, too much for her fragile mind to process.

God, no! Don’t let me black out now.

“What the hell did you do?” Reynner’s snarl vibrated off the walls and yanked at her fading thoughts. Her breath escaped in tiny gasps as she lay across the huge bed. Eve struggled to get her mouth working, to form coherent words and push through the thick fog seeping deeper, attempting to haul her into a void.

“I'm so s-sorry.” Her voice broke, unable to see past the horror.

“You were in my mind—
you were in my fucking mind!”

“No!”

“Don’t lie. I felt you!”

Terrified, Eve broke through the haze and managed to roll off the bed before he grabbed her. She fell to the floor and landed on her bottom. Bones jarred and pain spiked through her spine at the impact, dissipating the edges of darkness. “I didn’t mean to. It was an accident.”

Naked, he leaped over the bed.

She scooted back.

Reynner crouched in front of her, like some wild animal with death in his eyes. Tears crowded hers. Eve tried to find the man she knew, but nothing of him remained in his tortured gaze.

“You came into my mind, took what was not yours.”

“I didn’t mean to. I'm so sorry. I only touched you to—”

“Touched me?” He mocked her. “So you want to
touch
me? Well, then, go ahead, touch.” Reynner rocked back on his heels and held out his arms.

Eve pushed to her feet, fear swirling through her. His eyes, glowing an eerie black, tracked her. A feral smile rode his face as he, too, rose.

More beautiful than any Greek statue she’d seen, his hair was a wild tangle of silver around his wide shoulders. He had some kind of star on his left pec. Ripped abs, muscled legs. Then her gaze locked on his heavy erection, hard and thick, it reached his navel. Eve took a hurried step back but hit the craggy wall, scraping her skin and leaving her nowhere to run.

He slammed his palms on either side of her head. “Maybe that’s not what you want.” The smile turned sly. A knowing look settled on his face, one feral with carnality. “Maybe you want me to fuck you—it’s what they all want, to own one like me. Is that what you want too, little Eve?”

Slowly, he leaned forward, his body trapping hers against the wall. His thigh slid between hers and shoved her legs apart. Her tunic rose higher. Eve’s heart crashed against her ribs, aware she was naked beneath the thin fabric.

“Please…don’t.” She pushed at the solid wall of his heated chest with balled fists, too scared to touch him again. His body pressed into hers, his arousal a hot pulsing length branding her thigh.

He growled at her clenched hands, uncurled her fingers, and planted them on his chest. Eve breathed in harshly and waited for the onslaught—nothing. He’d already locked down his shields again, she realized.

He lowered his head to hers and sniffed her like some wild animal. She turned her face away.

“No, you don’t.” His hand wrapped around her throat, holding her in place. His thumb stroked the rapidly beating pulse. Eve stared into the eyes of a stranger.

“Afraid of me, are you, little Eve?” he taunted. “This is what happens when you cross the line. Don’t fear, when I’m done with you, all will be forgotten…no, maybe I’ll leave you with memories of me. Would you like that?”

“Stop, please—” She pushed at his chest. He grabbed her hands and held them above her head. Her heart tripped and then pounded so hard, Eve was sure it would burst out of her ribcage.

“I can hear your heart beat.” His husky whisper sent a shiver down her spine. A warm tongue licked her neck, right over her pulse. Her breath came faster. His teeth grazed the throbbing muscle. Pushing his thigh farther up ever so slowly, he brushed her core. She stiffened as desire surged, heating her blood, chasing away her fear. Dampness flooded her.

A roguish smile lit his face. “You’re wet—do you want me, little Eve?”

Like wildfire, heat streaked across her cheekbones in humiliation that he had evidence of her arousal.

“I can do chained to the wall, chained on my back…or maybe I’ll just go down and taste you.” His words had her feminine muscles tightening. “I know you’ll be exquisite—tell me you want me.”

Helplessly, she stared at him.

“Say it.” A demand.

She did, but not like this.

“Reynner, please—” She struggled to break free, but his ruthless hold kept her pinned against the wall.

“Very well, let’s see if I can change your mind.” Releasing her hands, he removed his thigh from between hers and lowered into a crouch. Inch by excruciating inch he raised her tunic, his gaze pinning hers.

The words dried up in her throat as she watched him. She should move away, say no, but her tongue refused to work. He ran his palm up her inner thigh. Then he slipped his hand into her damp curls and she froze. He ran a finger up her wet center and she shuddered.

Eve squeezed her eyes tight as wanton need engulfed her. Her heart threatened to explode. She tried to yank free, unable to handle the sensory overload buzzing through her body, but his grip on her hip tightened.

“Look. At. Me.” At the low order, her lids flew open. His eyes, dark and fierce, held hers. Something intense flickered in those midnight depths.

Need. Hunger?

Then it vanished like it’d never been there. He leaned in and licked her.

Eve’s mind splintered. Desire erupted, a feeling so alien that she jolted and lost her footing, falling over him. With a hand on her stomach, he braced her against the wall, picked up her leg and put it over his shoulder, opening her to his gaze and his mouth. He ran his tongue up her cleft and circled her clit. Lost in the unbelievable sensation he tore from her, she grabbed his hair and held on as he tormented her, pushing her to the edge. His eyes on hers, he grasped her clit with his lips and teeth, gave a little tug—her inner muscles started to contract—

“Eve?”

At the intrusion, a low growl left Reynner, the sound reverberating against her clit. She moaned, moved against his mouth, wanting more, but his hand held her in place, not allowing her the relief she craved.

“Eve?” Aerén called out again. The handle of the locked door rattled. Sanity cracked through her sensual haze, bringing her back with a hard thump.

“No—” She pushed at Reynner. This wasn’t about her. It was payback because she’d seen his horrific past.

“What, little Eve? Am I not good enough for you, now that you know where I’ve been?”

Behind the mocking words, she glimpsed his anger. He pushed her leg off his shoulder and rose to his feet, his lips gleaming wet from her.

Eve tugged down her tunic with shaky hands.

Deliberately, he wiped his mouth. “Go. Get out of here.”

Her chest constricted, her stomach hurt. Her body hummed with unfulfilled desire as she stared into his hard, mind-numbingly handsome face. The ropy muscles of his naked body vibrated with his harsh breathing. Then she noticed the rigidity of his jaw, and eyes that were no longer black but burned with a neon blue flame. His fists clenched so tight, the bones showed white through his skin.

“Leave. Or I won’t be responsible for what happens next.”

His words were a whiplash to her heart, his voice cold, devoid of emotion. A click, and the door unlocked. Eve fled, crashing into Aerén, who stood in the doorway.

“Eve?” He grabbed her by her upper arms. She shook her head. Tears clogging her throat, she broke away and ran for the stairs, unsure if she cried for herself, or for Reynner.

***

His breathing harsh, Reynner stormed into his dressing room. He snatched his sweats and yanked them on, his movements jerky.

She shouldn’t have touched him.

He shouldn’t have touched her!

The moment he realized who he’d woken up to, he’d been caught in an alien time warp. One so strange, it stroked his senses. As furious as he’d been, all he knew was that he had to touch her, to taste her. It was as if his life depended on it.