Embrace the Darkness Read online

  “Are they powerful enough to tear apart a nest of trolls?”

  It was the question that had plagued Viper since he had discovered the various troll parts splattered across the room. Unfortunately, he could only imagine one demon strong enough to defeat the trolls and yet possess the magical abilities to hide his scent.

  “A Lu warrior would be.”

  Dante stiffened. Viper didn’t blame him. The Lu were the bogeymen of the demon world. The nightmares that crawled from the earth to devour whatever was in their path.

  “The Lu haven’t been seen for centuries,” Dante breathed.

  “Neither have Shalotts.”

  “True enough” Dante moved slowly forward, his expression somber. “A vampire, even a clan chief, would not be strong enough to battle a Lu. Their teeth are capable of severing the heads of even immortals.”

  “I do not intend to allow anything to take a bite out of me.” Viper smiled. “Not unless they happen to be naked in my bed at the time.”

  Dante’s concern didn’t ease. “Your slave has fallen to the attention of a very dangerous enemy. You would be better served to pass her ownership to another.”

  “I recall saying precisely the same words to you only a few weeks ago.”

  “Abby is my true mate. She belongs to me and I would give my life to keep her safe.” He regarded Viper with a far too knowing gaze. “Why do you risk yourself for the Shalott?”

  Viper battled an unexpected surge of anger. He didn’t want to explain his fascination for Shay. Not to Dante. Not to anyone.

  Even himself.

  “That is my business.”

  Dante paused as he easily sensed he had pressed Viper’s temper as far as he dared. He gave the smallest bow of his head.

  “As you wish.” A hint of amusement returned to the silver eyes. “I will warn you that Abby will not be satisfied until she has assured herself that Shay is not being mistreated.”

  Viper gritted his teeth. He was the clan chief. A ruler who held the power over hundreds, no thousands, of vampires and lesser demons. But even he knew better than to try and argue with a woman.

  “And how will she be satisfied?”

  “She desires to have Shay spend a day with her.”

  “A day?”

  Dante gave a helpless lift of his hands. “She was very specific that the visit be during the day.”

  “So I cannot interfere?”

  “In part” A whimsical smile touched the younger vampire’s lips. “But in truth I believe that Abby longs for the companionship of another woman. Despite being a goddess she is still human enough to long for hours shopping at the mall and gossiping over coffee.”

  Viper shuddered in horror. “By the blood of the saints, why?”

  “That, old friend, is a question beyond vampire logic.”

  He gave an impatient shrug. Blood and bones. He didn’t want to share Shay. Not with anyone. Unfortunately, he couldn’t make himself forget the shadows deep in her eyes and her fierce determination to save her gargoyle.

  She was lonely.

  Deeply, heart wrenchingly lonely.

  “I will extend Abby’s invitation to Shay, whether or not she agrees is up to her.”

  Dante was swift to pounce on his casual words. “So she is not your slave?”

  “She is my… guest.”

  “You knew she would be at the auction when you went there.”

  Viper’s patience came to an abrupt end. If he were going to squabble the night away with someone, he intended it to be Shay.

  That was the sort of squabbling a vampire could enjoy.

  “I think it is time for you to return to your lovely mate.”

  Something very close to a smirk curled Dante’s mouth. “She captured your attention and you sought her out. Well, well.”

  “Do not press your luck, my friend.”

  Dante held up his hands as, he gave a small laugh. “I am leaving.”

  “Good.”

  The smile vanished as Dante reached out to grasp his shoulder in a tight grip.

  “Viper, you are more than my clan chief, you are my friend. If you find yourself in need, I want your promise you will call me.”

  “And have the Phoenix angry that I put you in danger?” Viper gave a lift of his brows. “I am not entirely stupid.”

  “No one is more conscious of the debt owed to you than Abby. She will use her own powers if it will keep you safe.”

  “And considerable powers they are.”

  Dante’s grip tightened. “You will call?”

  Viper paused before giving a reluctant nod of his head. Dante was almost as stubborn as himself. He would not leave until he had a promise.

  “I will call.”

  Dante stepped back and offered a surprising bow. “Our pledge is made, master.” He straightened, a wicked twinkle in the silver eyes. “Be sure and give your demon a kiss for me and Abby.”

  A flare of warmth swept through Viper’s heart. “Oh no, my friend. When I kiss Shay I assure you it will not be for you.”

  With a laugh, Dante turned and with one great leap he had disappeared through the window. Left on his own Viper poured himself a large measure of brandy and paced the room.

  His friend had spoken the truth.

  Shay was being pursued by an enemy that might endanger his very existence. The wisdom he had earned over centuries should have him tossing her and her damnable amulet in the nearest river.

  What could possibly be worth the risk of death? And, worse, the deaths of his clansmen?

  He sipped the warmed brandy knowing that the answer to his questions might be more frightening than any lurking demon.

  —

  It was nearly two hours later when Viper slowly climbed the steps that led to the second floor.

  It had been two hours of hell as he had tried to distract his thoughts from the beautiful woman who filled the entire house with her sweet scent

  He had tried searching his library for clues as to the demon that had attacked the trolls. He had called his various businesses to ensure there had been no unexpected problems. He had even made a swift inspection of the grounds to speak with his guards and assure himself that all was quiet.

  At last he could deny the pounding need within him no longer.

  He wanted to see Shay.

  To hear her voice and touch her soft skin.

  To just be near her.

  It was downright pathetic.

  Reaching the landing Viper paused as he regarded the small gargoyle curled on the floor next to Shay’s door. Obviously the temperamental beast was playing guardian. A thought that might have been humorous if Viper wasn’t well aware that love and loyalty counted far more than any amount of strength.

  He would rather battle a fierce warrior than a friend protecting his comrade.

  Someone willing to die for another made him a dangerous enemy indeed.

  Moving forward Viper watched as the gargoyle scrambled to his feet and leaned against the wall in a negligent manner. He might not possess the size of most gargoyles but he had all of their towering pride.

  Strolling forward Viper halted directly before Levet. Oddly he didn’t feel the expected flare of annoyance at the intrusion of this uninvited guest. Instead he felt something closely akin to respect. Perhaps because he had revealed that Shay’s welfare was as important to him as it was to Viper.

  “There are any number of fine bedrooms,” he murmured. “Most of which I am certain would be more comfortable for a gargoyle than this hallway.”

  “I will seek a room when dawn arrives. Until then I will remain here.”

  “Ah. You are on sentry duty?”

  His tone was mild but the small, undeniably ugly face hardened with offended pride.

  “You believe I cannot protect Shay?”

  “On the contrary, I believe you would prove to be a most dangerous adversary. Thankfully, there is no need for your concern this night. My guest is gone and the grounds are secured.�
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  “You remain.”

  Viper gave a lift of his brows. There were few demons, no matter what their size that would dare confront him directly.

  “I am no threat, my small warrior.”

  “You suggest she is safe in your hands?”

  “I paid a great deal of money for Shay.” He pointed out in reasonable tones. “I am a good enough businessman not to toss away a near fortune on something I intend to injure.”

  The gray eyes narrowed. “I asked if she would be safe.”

  Viper slowly smiled. For all his fussing Levet was male enough to sense the hunger that flowed through Viper’s blood.

  “She is under my protection. I would never offer her harm, nor allow anyone else to harm her as long as it is within my power to keep her safe.”

  The gargoyle considered his words a long moment, perhaps pondering whether he could force a more specific promise from Viper. At last he gave a slow nod.

  “You would offer your pledge to that?”

  His demand caught Viper off guard. “You would accept the pledge of a vampire?”

  “I would accept the pledge of a clan chief.”

  Unconsciously, Viper touched the dragon tattooed across his chest. He had forgotten that gargoyles were so sensitive to demon marks.

  “Then you have it.”

  “Good.” The long tail gave a sharp twitch. “Then I shall leave her in your care and find myself something to eat.”

  “There is ample food in the kitchen.”

  “Bah.” Levet grimaced in disgust. “I have had my fill of human food.”

  Viper regarded him steadily. “You intend to hunt?”

  “Of course. It has been too long.”

  “I would suggest you remain near the estate until we can determine what is stalking Shay.”

  The gargoyle shrugged. “It is too close to dawn to go far.”

  “And no humans or vampires on the menu,” Viper warned in stern tones.

  The gray eyes widened. “Sacrebleu. Do I look like I often eat humans or vampires?”

  Viper hid a smile as he glanced down at the tiny demon. “I prefer the rules to be clear.”

  With a flutter of his pretty wings, Levet turned on his heels and stomped toward the nearby stairs. Muttered curses floated behind him, most of them in French, but clear enough for Viper to realize he was being unflatteringly compared to a jackass.

  Ah well.

  He gave a shrug as he turned toward the door leading to Shay’s rooms. He had been called worse, And probably would be again.

  No doubt from the woman awaiting him behind the door.

  —

  Shay paced her room for over an hour before she felt comfortable that they weren’t under attack. Obviously the waiting vampire had dropped by for a late-night chat, not a late-night snack.

  Thank God.

  She had had quite enough bloodbaths for one day.

  Confident that Viper was properly distracted she had stripped off her clothes and climbed into the shower. She felt an overwhelming need to scrub away the ghastly images of dead trolls.

  Shay sighed deeply as the hot water cascaded over her knotted muscles. She sighed even deeper as she discovered the large stash of soaps and oils that lined the glass shelves in the back of the shower.

  It had been far too long since she had been able to indulge in such luxury, she acknowledged as she washed her long hair in a flowery scented shampoo.

  Too long?

  A wry smile touched her lips.

  Closer to never.

  Lingering until her skin was wrinkled and scrubbed pink, she at last reluctantly wrapped a towel about herself and returned to her bedroom.

  She had expected to discover Levet on her bed awaiting her return. He had been oddly reluctant to leave her side since they had arrived at the house.

  But what she discovered wasn’t Levet.

  It wasn’t even a gargoyle.

  Instead it was a tall, silver-haired, midnight-eyed vampire who made her breath catch in her throat and strange things flutter in the pit of her stomach.

  Damn, damn, and double damn.

  Clutching the towel tight about her naked body she glared into those sinful eyes.

  “What do you want?”

  With an elegant motion Viper rose to his feet, his gaze taking a full, blatant inventory of her slender form.

  “I thought you might wish to know that my guest has left.”

  His voice held a smooth darkness that slithered straight down her spine. The flutters beat all the harder.

  “Is that all?”

  “My housekeeper has left dinner for you in the kitchen.”

  “Oh… thank you.” She licked her lips. “I’ll go down later.”

  His gaze once again roamed downward, lingering upon the small swell of her breasts. His smile slowly widened as if he could sense her nipples tighten in response.

  Freaking hell.

  “Surely you must be hungry?” he drawled softly. “I know you possess a healthy appetite.”

  With an abrupt motion, she turned her back to him. He might be able to seduce her with a glance, but she didn’t have to let him witness his power.

  “I can hardly go as I am.”

  He gave a smoky laugh. “Why not? I assure you I don’t mind.”

  “I do.”

  “Very well.” She heard him walk across the carpet and the sound of a door opening. Just for a moment she thought he had left the room and she struggled to deny the faint flare of disappointment that stabbed through her. Then, without warning, there was a prickling chill that raced over her skin and Viper was standing at her side. “Here.”

  Turning her head she regarded the crimson silk robe he held in his slender fingers. She frowned as she slowly reached to take the robe, absently rubbing the expensive fabric between her fingers.

  “You said you never had guests here.”

  He waved his hand toward the still open closet that revealed a number of obviously feminine outfits.

  “I don’t.”

  “These are yours?” Shay blinked in surprise. “I knew vampires had exotic tastes… but I would never have suspected.”

  “They are for you.”

  “Me?”

  His brows lifted at her blank disbelief. “Did you think I intended to keep you chained naked in a cell?”

  “I…” She gave a slow shake of her head as she slowly walked to peer into the closet. There were casual jeans and T-shirts, khakis, soft sweaters, and sophisticated gowns that made her mouth water. Never in her life had she possessed so many clothes. And certainly none so expensive. “I didn’t expect you to buy me a new wardrobe.”

  “Hardly a wardrobe. Just a few things to tide you over until you can go shopping for yourself.” He paused before giving a small sigh. “Speaking of which, Abby wishes to drag you to the nearest mall to indulge in some female bonding.”

  Still reeling from the thought that Viper would have gone to such trouble for her she turned to regard him with uncertainty.

  “Abby?”

  “You met her while we battled the witches.”

  Shay’s confusion only deepened. “You mean the Phoenix?”

  “I believe she prefers Abby.”

  She reached out to touch the edge of the closet door. Her knees felt oddly weak as she struggled to make sense of Viper’s words.

  “But… why? Why would she even remember me?”

  He shrugged. “You did help her defeat the witches.”

  “I did nothing.”

  “You resisted the witches command to capture her, and instead allowed yourself to be beaten nearly to death for your refusal to assist them. You also stood at her side as she fought Edra.” His expression was somber. “She has not forgotten. Neither has Dante.”

  It was all true enough. She had done what she could to thwart the witches in their bid to use the Phoenix as a tool to kill demons.

  Still, she couldn’t imagine why the woman would request her presen
ce. Certainly not to go shopping of all things.

  “That hardly makes us friends.” she muttered.

  He smiled wryly. “Tell that to Abby. She seems to think a near-death experience gives her the right to not only call you friend, but to ensure that you are not being horribly mistreated beneath my roof.”

  Clutching the forgotten robe in her hand Shay moved to perch on the edge of the bed. There was something squeezing deep within her.

  Something that felt very much like fear.

  “Does she know what I am?” she whispered, her gaze trained on the thick carpet at her feet.

  She sensed more than heard him cautiously move to stand close to her. She kept her gaze downward. She didn’t want him to see her face. Not when she couldn’t control her expression.

  “What you are?” he demanded.

  “Does she know that I’m a demon?”

  He hesitated, as if choosing his words with care. “She is aware you have the blood of a Shalott in you.”

  “And she wants me to go… shopping with her?”

  “Only if it’s what you want. I’m sure she would be willing to alter her plans if there is something you would rather do.” He was suddenly sitting at her side, close but carefully not touching her. “What is it, Shay? Have I said something to upset you?”

  “I don’t know what she wants with me. I’m a demon.”

  He gave a soft laugh. “Abby is not precisely human herself anymore.”

  “No, she is a goddess.”

  “A goddess, perhaps, but she’s also the woman who battled the witches to save all demons and is now mated to a vampire. She has no prejudice against us if that is what you fear.”

  Was that what she feared?

  Shay hunched her shoulders. The truth was she didn’t trust this Abby. Not when she offered something so rare as friendship. Her experience had taught her that such offers always came with a cost. Usually one she didn’t want to pay.

  Feeling the heavy weight of Viper’s gaze she at last heaved a sigh.

  “I’ve never had anyone ask me to go shopping before.”

  “Ah.” She felt him shift to reach around her. She stiffened as she thought he meant to draw her into his arms. No way. She didn’t want his pity. Not when she was so vulnerable that she might actually break down and cry.

  How embarrassing would that be?

  He made no effort to touch her, however, and instead he reached to grab the brush that had been left on the nightstand beside the bed. Only when she warily relaxed did he settle himself so he could begin running the brush through the waist-length tangle of her hair.