Sate the Darkness Read online

  Table of Contents

  Also by Alexandra Ivy

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Epilogue

  Taste the Darkness

  “If I take your blood, I’ll be bound to you,” she warned in a husky voice.

  Ryshi shrugged. He didn’t know the intimate details of a mating, but he did know that once they shared blood their union would be indestructible.

  “We’re already bound together. The blood merely makes it official.”

  “You’re sure?” she pressed.

  “It’s the one thing that I have ever been sure of,” he assured her, once again offering his neck.

  This time, Sofie didn’t hesitate. Like a snake, she struck with blinding speed, sinking her fully extended fangs deep into his throat.

  Ryshi jerked, his hands grasping her hips as the pain that was on the right side of bliss seared him.

  Who knew the feel of her fangs could create an erotic tidal wave that threatened to overwhelm him? Or that each suck of his blood could make his erection twitch in response?

  It was glorious.

  Moaning in approval, Ryshi positioned himself between her legs and with one steady thrust buried himself in her body. They moaned in unison, both savoring the intense satisfaction as they at last surrendered to their desire…

  Also by Alexandra Ivy

  Guardians of Eternity

  WHEN DARKNESS COMES

  EMBRACE THE DARKNESS

  DARKNESS EVERLASTING

  DARKNESS REVEALED

  DARKNESS UNLEASHED

  BEYOND THE DARKNESS

  DEVOURED BY DARKNESS

  BOUND BY DARKNESS

  FEAR THE DARKNESS

  DARKNESS AVENGED

  HUNT THE DARKNESS

  WHEN DARKNESS ENDS

  DARKNESS RETURNS

  BEWARE THE DARKNESS

  CONQUER THE DARKNESS

  SHADES OF DARKNESS

  DARKNESS BETRAYED

  BEWITCH THE DARKNESS

  STALK THE DARKNESS

  SATE THE DARKNESS

  The Immortal Rogues

  MY LORD VAMPIRE

  MY LORD ETERNITY

  MY LORD IMMORTALITY

  The Sentinels

  BORN IN BLOOD

  BLOOD ASSASSIN

  BLOOD LUST

  Ares Security

  KILL WITHOUT MERCY

  KILL WITHOUT SHAME

  Historical Romance

  SOME LIKE IT WICKED

  SOME LIKE IT SINFUL

  SOME LIKE IT BRAZEN

  Romantic Suspense

  PRETEND YOU’RE SAFE

  WHAT ARE YOU AFRAID OF?

  YOU WILL SUFFER

  THE INTENDED VICTIM

  DON’T LOOK

  FACELESS

  UNSTABLE

  And don’t miss these Guardians of Eternity novellas

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  WHERE DARKNESS LIVES in THE REAL WEREWIVES OF VAMPIRE COUNTY

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  OUT OF CONTROL

  ON THE HUNT

  Sate the Darkness

  Alexandra Ivy

  LYRICAL PRESS

  Kensington Publishing Corp.

  www.kensingtonbooks.com

  To the extent that the image or images on the cover of this book depict a person or persons, such person or persons are merely models, and are not intended to portray any character or characters featured in the book.

  This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, organizations, places, events, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

  LYRICAL PRESS BOOKS are published by

  Kensington Publishing Corp.

  119 West 40th Street

  New York, NY 10018

  Copyright © 2023 by Debbie Raleigh

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of the Publisher, excepting brief quotes used in reviews.

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  Lyrical Press and Lyrical Press logo Reg. U.S. Pat. & TM Off.

  First Electronic Edition: February 2023

  ISBN: 978-1-5161-1136-7 (ebook)

  First Print Edition: February 2023

  ISBN: 978-1-5161-1137-4

  Printed in the United States of America

  Chapter 1

  Levet tried to ignore the whispers of the fairies as he pushed his way through the thick underbrush. They were no doubt admiring his large, gossamer wings that sparkled in the moonlight, he told himself. Or perhaps the rigid bulges of his stout body. He might be small for a gargoyle—okay, maybe more than small. He was only three feet tall; still, he was hard in all the right places. Plus, his gray, lumpy features were sheer perfection.

  No, wait. He snapped his fingers. They’d no doubt heard the rumors of his most recent battle against evil. As a knight in shining armor, he was often called upon to save the world. Being a hero meant he was constantly recognized by the lesser creatures.

  Never slowing, Levet continued to ignore the whispers. At the moment, he didn’t have time for his flock of admirers. He’d spent the past week attempting to track down Troy, the Prince of Imps, who’d mysteriously disappeared. Thankfully, tonight he’d decided to check out the Hunting Grounds, the exclusive demon club outside of Chicago that belonged to Marco, a pureblooded Were. That’s where he’d finally caught the scent of the imp.

  Reaching the front door of the cabin that was built on the outskirts of the private club, he banged his fist against the smooth wood.

  “’Allo? Troy?”

  Levet could hear muffled sound from inside. It sounded like curses. Then a voice called out.

  “Troy isn’t here.”

  Levet scowled, sniffing the night air. The rich scent of exotic fruit swirled through the breeze. “I can smell you.”

  There was more cursing before the door was wrenched open to reveal Troy. The flamboyant imp was absurdly large with the sort of muscles only an orc should possess. He had long hair that shimmered like a river of fire as it tumbled down his back and brilliant green eyes. Currently he was attired in a black lace shirt that clung to his broad c
hest and white satin pants with fringes down the sides.

  He was like a rare, glamorous flower who could lure others into his sensual snare.

  Tonight, he didn’t appear to be in the mood to ensnare anyone or anything. There was a peevish expression on his pale face and a sharp-edged impatience in his voice.

  “Go away,” he snapped.

  Levet pursed his lips, valiantly pretending he didn’t notice the rude greeting. “I need a favor.”

  The green eyes widened, as if the imp was shocked by his words. “A favor? Are you kidding me?”

  “I do not think so.” Levet considered for a moment before giving a firm nod of his head. “Nope. I am quite certain I need a favor.”

  “You trapped me in the netherworld, where I was forced to listen to your endless babbling for what felt like an eternity. And as if that’s not bad enough—and trust me, it was bad enough—you led me straight into the lair of an ifrit who tried to turn me into a crispy critter.” Troy turned to reveal the seat of his pants, which had been cut out to reveal the male’s derrière, red with several blisters. “My ass is still healing, and I had to have a new weave put in my hair.”

  Levet clicked his tongue. It wasn’t his fault they’d nearly been fried by the demon from hell. Okay, maybe being sucked into the netherworld might have been a teensy tiny bit his fault, but in the end they’d saved the world, hadn’t they? The stupid creature should be proud to have been included in the daring adventure, not whining like a dew fairy.

  “You are such a drama drag,” Levet muttered.

  “Queen. I’m a drama queen, you…” Troy shook his head, struggling for the proper word. “Pest.”

  “Pest?” Levet blinked. “That is the best you can do?”

  The sour scent of citrus blasted through the air. “I’m tired, charred, and in dire need of a vacation that is gargoyle-free. Go away.”

  “You have not performed my favor.”

  “You want a favor? I’m not going to stab you in the heart with a cursed dagger. That’s your favor. Now go away.”

  Levet’s wings fluttered. The male was in a mood. It was inexcusable.

  “Party pisser.”

  “Pooper. Party pooper. Argh.” Troy grabbed the edge of the door, as if he intended to slam it closed.

  “Wait.” Levet took a hasty step forward. “I need you to open a portal.”

  “Tough.”

  “This is important.”

  Troy rolled his eyes. “Let me guess. You have to save the world from some new disaster?”

  Levet sent the male a confused glance. “I just saved the world, remember? I am on vacation. I wish to return to the merfolk castle.”

  “Then have Inga open a portal.”

  Levet cleared his throat at the mention of the Queen of the Merfolk. It’d been far too long since he’d been with Inga, and the desire to be reunited had become a ruthless ache in the center of his being.

  Others might see a towering ogress with patches of red hair and pointed teeth who had the temper of a rabid hellhound and run screaming in terror, but to Levet she was sheer perfection.

  “Non. I desire my return to be a surprise,” he insisted.

  Troy stilled, studying Levet as if he’d been struck by a sudden thought. “She won’t open a portal,” he said abruptly.

  Levet’s brows snapped together. “Do not be ridiculous. Inga adores moi.”

  “Are you sure?” Troy pressed. “You keep running off when she needs you the most. It’s possible she’s done waiting for you.”

  The words drilled into Levet with painful force, each one finding a vulnerable spot. It was true he was worried that Inga had become weary of his constant absences. And that perhaps she had decided he was not worth the effort. And Troy was right. When he’d attempted to contact her telepathically, she’d refused to answer.

  He wagged a claw in Troy’s direction. “You are a very mean creature.”

  Troy shrugged. “Hey, I’m not the one who abandoned the female I supposedly care about. That’s on you.”

  “I did not abandon—”

  Bam. The door slammed in his face. Levet stomped his foot before he turned and marched away. Obviously, the selfish imp wasn’t going to help. He would have to find assistance somewhere else.

  “I did not abandon Inga. I was busy saving the world. Again,” he muttered as he left the Hunting Grounds and headed back toward Chicago. He was not technically supposed to be at the demon club after a certain incident that included his fireballs landing in the middle of a werewolf wedding and setting the groom on fire. “And once I can explain why I have been absent from the castle I am certain she will understand,” he continued to try to reassure himself. “Oui. Of course she will.” He heaved a sigh. “But only if she will speak to me.”

  He was wandering aimlessly through a flat field that had recently been plowed by a local farmer when he caught a strange scent. It was definitely demon. But he couldn’t recognize the species. Odd. He possessed the best sniffer in the world.

  “Who is there?”

  There was a shimmer in the air, as if a portal was opening, before a male stepped out to stand directly in front of Levet. Levet blinked. The stranger was huge. Perhaps not as tall as a troll but just as wide, with a strapping chest that was left bare to reveal the light coating of fur. He was thankfully wearing leather pants and heavy boots. Levet was seeing all he wanted to see of the creature. He had long brown hair that flowed down his back like a mane, and dark eyes that appeared too big for his face. Most interesting were the horns that stuck out of the sides of his head and curved toward the sky.

  With a frown, the creature leaned down, as if to study Levet more closely. “Are you Levet?”

  Levet snorted. That was a silly question. “Who else would I be?”

  “I’ve been searching for you.”

  “For moi?” Uh-oh. It was never a good thing when someone was searching for him. Especially a stranger.

  “It was not my fault.”

  The male looked confused. “What wasn’t?”

  “Whatever I am being blamed for.”

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  Levet cleared his throat, shifting from foot to foot. “What do you want from moi?”

  The demon tilted back his head, as if contemplating the spattering of stars flung across the midnight sky.

  “The precise details have yet to reveal themselves, but—”

  “Oh, there’s going to be a revelation?” Levet interrupted, clapping his hands together as he swiveled his head from side to side. “Where? When?”

  The male grunted. Did he have an upset tummy? Levet was feeling a little queasy. But that was because he was hungry. It had been far too long since his last meal.

  “Are you sure you’re Levet?” he demanded.

  “Almost positive.”

  “Is there another Levet?”

  Levet widened his eyes. “Certainly not. I am quite unique.”

  “That is one way to put it.”

  “Who are you?” Levet placed his hands on his hips, his tail twitching. There was something sunny about this unknown creature. No, wait. Shady. Oui. The male was shady.

  “Odige,” he said.

  “Odige.” Levet searched his memory. He’d been alive a very, very long time but he’d never met an Odige before. “That is an unusual name.”

  “Not where I’m from.”

  “Where is that?”

  “Beyond the labyrinth.”

  “I do not know where that is…oh.” Levet abruptly realized that the male was revealing the place of his homeland. “Are you a minotaur?”

  The male dipped his head. “I am.”

  Levet pressed his hands together, excitement searing away his suspicion of the strange beast. He’d assumed that minotaurs were cre
atures of mist and legend. Now one was standing directly in front of him.

  “I have always longed to meet one of you.”

  The male stretched his lips in a tight smile. “Then it’s your lucky day.”

  “It is?” Levet bounced on his toes. Having a lucky day seemed like a very good thing. “Why?”

  “You are going to meet a lot of minotaurs.”

  “Truly?” Levet bent to the side, trying to peer around Odige’s massive girth. “Are they here?”

  “No, I’m going to take you to them.”

  Levet’s wings fluttered with a soul-deep pleasure. He’d never encountered anyone who could claim they’d been through the labyrinth to see the minotaur homeland. He was going to be famous. More famous, he silently corrected. He was, after all, the savior of the world.

  Then his wings abruptly drooped. He couldn’t go through the labyrinth. He already had plans for the night.

  “Oh…wait. I cannot.”

  “Yes, you can.”

  “Non.” Levet shook his head. “I mean, I am on a very important mission.”

  The male folded his arms over his chest. The gesture emphasized the fact that he was triple Levet’s size.

  “The queen will have to wait.”

  Levet folded his arms over his much smaller chest, refusing to be intimidated. “She cannot…oh.” He froze, suddenly suspicious. “How did you know that I was referring to Inga?”

  The male waved an impatient hand. “We know a great deal about you.”

  “How?”

  “We have been trying to track you down for a long time. That meant following rumors and gossip and various reports of your whereabouts.”

  Levet blinked. “Like a stalker?”

  Odige ground his teeth. “Like those who have a wish to find you.”

  “Hmm.” Levet wasn’t convinced. “Seems suspicious to moi.”

  “There is nothing suspicious,” the male growled. “I was sent to retrieve you and that is what I have done.”

  Levet narrowed his eyes. “And if I do not wish to be retrieved?”

  “I do not understand why you are being so stubborn.”

  “I am not stubborn, I am firm in my resolve,” Levet protested. “And my resolve warns me that it is dangerous to travel to unknown destinations with strangers.”