Vampire's Kiss

by Valerie Twombly

  “Fuck you, Seth. You know I can still fight.”

  “I never doubted your abilities. I only question if you could kill a childhood friend?” Her pain radiated off her and thickened the air. Gwen was a born warrior and her brother Marcus had taught her how to fight. Seth would trust her at his back any day, but this one.

  “I refuse to believe that he has turned to evil.”

  “Well, I’m not sure how much more proof you need.” Before he could say another word, they were rushed by several demons. Both of them hacked and sliced their way across the battlefield. From the corner of his eye, Seth caught Garin heading to battle with Lowan. He hoped his brethren fried the bastard’s ass. Garin had a unique gift and could conjure a fireball that put even Baal to shame.

  Seth had no more than dispatched the demons in front of him, than Chaval flashed into the fight. The warrior’s eyes fell onto Gwen.

  “You shouldn’t be here,” Chaval whispered.

  “I might say the same of you. How could you?” Gwen’s voice cracked.

  Chaval ground his jaw. “Leave here, before someone hurts you.” Then he did the one thing that surprised Seth. He flashed away.

  Seth turned to see how the others fared. The demons were getting thinned out and he spotted Garin and Lowan. Sparks flew as their blades scraped against each other. Seth started to head in their direction when Lowan blasted Garin with his power knocking Garin to the ground. Events slowed and Seth yelled as Lowan’s blade swung through the air and made contact with his brethren’s neck. Seth’s feet locked to the ground and he watched in horror as his best friend’s head was detached. A female screamed into his ear.

  There was a ruckus in the corridor and Katie, along with her guards, Diego and Jax rushed out to see what all the commotion was. Several men and one woman all covered in blood scurried by and they had a snarling, cursing Seth in their grip. He was bound and being dragged by two large men while the rest kept a tight circle around them.

  “Oh, my god. What happened?” She tried to push her way in, but was grabbed by Diego and pulled back. She dug her nails into his arm, he hissed but held firm. “Let go of me,” she demanded.

  “I’m sorry. Give them some time to get things settled.” He spun her to face him. “Someone will come for you, that I promise.”

  No sooner had the words left his mouth than Baal approached, his glum expression told her things were not well. His clothes, like all the others was covered in blood and she worried if any was his own. Diego released her and she ran to him.

  “What happened?”

  The demon put his hand to the small of her back. “Let’s go sit.” Then escorted her back into the room to the couch where they both took a seat. Katie held her breath. This wasn’t going to be good news.

  “We were outnumbered, but we managed to push them back. However, one of the guardians lost his life. He and Seth were close and I’m afraid...”

  She brought her hand to her mouth, knowing that Seth had been sent over the edge. “We lost him, didn’t we?”

  Baal nodded. “I’m sorry.”

  Before her mind could begin to comprehend the news, the door burst open. Her gaze fell on a tall man. Dressed in jeans and a black tee he appeared to be no more than in his late twenties. She couldn’t help notice the pain on his handsome face.

  “Where have they taken him?” the man growled.

  “Lower level,” Baal replied.

  The man vanished.

  “Who was that?” Katie found it odd he was the only one besides her guards that didn’t have a speck of blood on him.

  “That was the guardian king. What a fucked-up homecoming.”

  She shook her head. “What do you mean?”

  The demon’s eyes narrowed and his lip curled in disgust. “He was being held by the gods. Punished for who the fuck knows what crime.”

  Kate shivered at the venomous tone. It was apparent there was no love lost between the demon and the gods.

  “So, the king, can he save Seth?”

  Baal pursed his lips. “I doubt it. Had the gods let him join us...well things might have turned out different.”

  A woman flashed into the room. “Please tell me we didn't lose Garin.”

  “I wish I could, doll,” Baal replied.

  She brought her hand to her mouth and Katie saw tears fill her eyes. “I can’t believe it. How is Seth?”

  Baal looked between both women. “This is poor timing, but Cassie this is Katie, Seth’s mate. Katie, Cassie is mated to Marcus.”

  Cassie rushed to Katie and pulled her into a quick embrace before stepping back. “I didn’t know Seth had a mate. Why did I hear that he’s been confined to a cell?”

  Katie was unsure how much to tell, but then again if this woman had once been human she might be a great ally. “He refuses to accept my blood and I have no idea what’s happened to him. Maybe you can find out?”

  Cassie sighed. “Stupid, stubborn men.” She laid a hand on Katie’s arm. “Don’t you worry, I’ll take care of this.” She flashed from the room.

  “I’m pretty sure I’m going to like her.”

  Seth tugged on his restraints, but was too weak to break them. The voices cried out to seek revenge on those who had bound and caged him like a wild animal. They would pay and he would happily drink every last one until they shriveled into nothingness.

  Images of his friend’s head rolling across their homeland replayed in his mind. He tried to shake the memory and hoped it was only a figment of his fucked-up imagination, but deep in his heart he knew it wasn’t. The link the guardians all held to each other told him that one of their own had been lost to them.

  A shadow approached the bars. He growled as his fangs sank into his lower lip.

  “You,” he spat at his jailer. “You dare show your face here?” He pulled on the restraints that held him to the wall. The cuffs chafed his wrists until they bled. The pain sliced through him and became an aphrodisiac. “Step in. Unless you’re afraid.”

  The man flashed into the cell and knelt to the floor so he was eye-level. “I am so sorry.”

  Seth spit again, this time making contact with the man’s face. “Fuck you, my lord.”

  Aidyn wiped his face. “I deserve that and more.”

  “You deserve to die, same as the rest and you will too. I’ll make sure of it.” He jerked forward and dislocated his shoulder. Pain settled through him like an old friend. “Free me and I may let you live.”

  “You know I can’t do that, but I’ll figure out a way to fix this. I promise.”

  Seth sneered. “If you want to do me any favors, toss me a human. I’m famished.”

  Aidyn rose and walked away, leaving Seth with only the voices, his hatred and a hunger that burned his gut like a cauldron of acid. He had to find a way out of here so he could feed. He sensed the presence of another guardian whom he knew very well.

  “Why are you hiding in the shadows? Come closer.”

  “I’m not hiding.” Cassie stepped forward and placed her hands on the bars.

  “Then you’re observing me like a speck under a microscope,” he snarled. She flashed inside and his heart nearly stopped. “Get out. You are not welcome here.”

  Her gaze bore into him. Damn her, was she searching for the stain on his soul? If she carried the same ability as her mate she would see for herself how far gone he was. Knowing Cassie, she would want to try and save him and he didn’t want to be saved.

  “What are you fucking staring at? Get out, I said.” He flashed his fangs.

  Sympathy swirled in her eyes. “I know you’re still in there, Seth. I refuse to give up on you.”

  Great. The last thing he wanted to do was hurt her. She had become a little sister to him and if he were capable of loving anyone it would be Cassie. “Don’t pity me and don’t think for a second if I could free myself I’d spare your life.” He liked to think he might, but the reality was even he didn’t trust himself. He may very well kill her if given the chance.


  She tried to get in his head, but he blocked her.

  “Please, let me help you,” she begged.

  “No. You don’t belong here. Leave and forget I ever existed.” He turned away and refused to meet her gaze. She hesitated a second before she finally vanished.

  He stared at the wall and tried to shove down the voices that kept chanting in his head. They wanted blood and so did he. He’d like to start with Lowan, but unless he was freed that would never happen and a tiny part of him really didn’t want out. Watching the death of his friend and brethren, Garin, had given the darkness on his soul something to feed on and it had grown. He only prayed Marcus wouldn’t come see him until after Garin’s funeral. By then, Seth’s hope was the curse would have full control over him. It was already so close he could taste it and the little stunt he had pulled to get himself locked up in here hadn’t been far off the mark. He was gone, but if his brethren thought for a moment there was even a glimmer of himself still there they would try to save him. He didn’t want saving. Didn’t want them to hang on to a dream and he was tired, but he couldn’t tell them he was ready to give up the fight. They wouldn’t understand even though they said they did. How could they? No one could ever understand what it was like to live with what he had done to Vivian and the voices that were his constant companion. It ate at him like a maggot and fuck Zarek for making him live like this.

  When he’d found out about Drayos’s curse he’d had to hide his joy. Finally, he could be free, he only had to bide his time. His only other regret?

  Katie.

  He wished he’d never met her and he sure as hell wished he’d never had a taste of her, because he wanted more. It was another reason the almighty Zarek could go straight to Hell. Seth might have welcomed a mate a couple of years ago, but it was too late now. He worried for her, but knew now that Aidyn was back he would help Katie and figure out what needed to be done. Especially when he found out she belonged to Seth. Aidyn would mate with her himself if he had to and though the thought of her with another man should cause fury, his king was the only one he trusted to set aside his own life for another. It was the only good thing Zarek had done in choosing Aidyn as their leader. To have treated him with such malice when he’d shown up had ripped Seth in two, but it had been the one guarantee Seth needed. His king would have never expected that kind of behavior from him had he been completely sane.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Katie paced the room until she thought she’d wear a groove in the carpet. No word had arrived yet on Seth’s condition and it was starting to piss her off. She turned to Baal and the two dragon shifters that stared at her.

  “If I don’t get some answers in the next five minutes, I’m going to fry someone’s ass.”

  “You can fry mine.”

  Katie jumped at the rich voice that spoke and turned to face him with a glare. “Don’t tempt me.”

  He gave her a forced smile. “You’re feisty. I like that.”

  She was on his heels as he went to the bar and poured himself something from a crystal decanter. “Care for whiskey?”

  “No. I care for answers.”

  He nodded and looked beyond her. “Gentlemen, would you excuse us please?”

  The other three fled the room without a second glance, probably thankful to be free of her fury. He waited for them to close the door before speaking again. “I’m Aidyn.” He held out his hand.

  She accepted. “I’m Katie. You’ll pardon me if I’m not sure how to address you. I’ve never been in the same room as royalty.”

  He snorted. “There’s nothing royal about me. I’m only chosen to lead and make sure the laws are followed.”

  She narrowed her gaze. “And to take Seth’s head.”

  He swirled the liquid in his glass before downing the entire contents and setting the tumbler on the table. “Right, about that. I went and spoke with him. While he thinks he can fool me, I see through his charade.”

  “What do you mean?”

  He motioned for her to have a seat at the conference table. “He thinks Marcus, our healer is the only one who can see the stain on his soul, but I can see it as well. Also, Cassie paid him a visit and confirmed my belief in that he’s somewhat faking it.” He scrubbed his hand along his jaw. “He has given up hope and wishes to die.”

  “Why?” she gasped.

  “To be honest, there really isn’t much of him left. Only a shred of his soul still holds the light and he knows that. It was why I sent Baal to try and get you two together.”

  “How did you know?”

  “Let’s just say I have my ways and I can’t divulge all of my secrets.”

  She wasn’t sure... no she was positive she didn’t like that answer, but wouldn’t press it at the moment. “So, what do we do?”

  He flashed a sinister grin. “We trick him at his own game.”

  She sighed. “Maybe if this is what he really wants you should let him go.”

  Aidyn leaned in closer. “Have you any idea how old I am?”

  She stared at him. Hard to tell, but she knew Seth was an ancient. Still, she hated to way over guess. Would he be offended? “You look twenty-five.” It was a safe reply.

  He laughed. “I’m five hundred. Young compared to some, but my point is I have known Seth my entire life. If he could only feel worthy of you he wouldn’t hesitate to claim you. You have to make him feel worthy and no pressure, but time is ticking for both of you.”

  “Right. No pressure.” Already her body was reverting back to the migraines and hot flashes. “Do you have a plan?”

  “Tomorrow, I’ll take you to see him. Tonight, I have to say goodbye to a friend.”

  “I’m so very sorry.”

  Sadness shadowed his brown eyes. “So am I.”

  Katie had never seen so many people gathered together. Baal had flashed her out of the compound and to a large valley. Still having no idea where she was, she only knew she was surrounded by mountains and it was lonely despite the hundreds of people. Draki, Kothar and guardians filled the landscape.

  Aidyn had said a few words, but she’d not really heard them. Seth’s voices were back in her head and she feared for him. She joined in as everyone dropped to one knee and the tower was lit where Garin’s body was laid to rest. Sorrow thickened the air and the need to go to Seth wrenched her heart. She knew he was hurting for his friend’s death just like everyone else here and while she understood the reason why he was locked away, she hated that he was alone.

  Her body began to cramp. She wasn’t used to kneeling on the hard ground for such an extended period, but she dared not move. Didn’t wish to disrespect these people or their fallen comrade. After several minutes everyone rose and began to mingle. Stories were shared of the warrior and his life along with tears. Talk reached her about how many had been lost. While the demons had faced more losses, the Kothar had a dozen men killed. The only ones who had been unharmed were the Draki.

  The stories retold about the battle all had fought on their home ground led her to believe it had been fierce which was another excellent reason for her to push forward. She needed to mate with Seth come hell or high water in order to set things in motion. Hopefully, things that would stop this madness. The thought of it spilling into her world caused her gut to roll. She laughed at herself.

  “What do you find so funny?” Cassie slipped in beside her.

  “Only my thoughts. I suddenly realized I’m no longer part of the human world nor am I part of this one.”

  The other woman gave a sympathetic look. “I know exactly what you mean, but we’re both part of something so much bigger.”

  She nodded. “I guess you’re right. How did you cope with the changes?”

  Cassie smiled and led her away from the crowd. “I fought it at first. Marcus and I had our issues in the beginning. Matter of fact, I thought I had lost him to the darkness.”

  “So, you do understand. Tell me about it. Oh, I don’t mean to pry,” Katie replied.


  Cassie put her hand on Katie’s shoulder. “I don’t mind. Anything I can do to help Seth find happiness and finally be whole again, I’m on board.” Cassie entwined her arm in Katie’s. “Let’s go for a walk.”

  An hour later and Katie had heard the entire history of how Cassie had first dreamt of Marcus, to their mating ceremony and not long ago, the birth of their daughter. From what she had been told, the baby was the first guardian born in a long time. As they made their way back to the crowd of people and she witnessed first-hand how Marcus and Cassie looked at each other, there was no doubt how much they loved one another. These people had begun to grow on her. They had been tasked to protect her and human kind, yet they lived much like the rest of the world. They loved and they mourned.

  Katie set her shoulders and went in search of Aidyn to see about saving Seth. She would be damned if she would allow these people to suffer another loss. She spotted him a few yards away talking to Baal and she approached with a plan in mind.

  “I want you to put me in the cell with Seth.” She was done wasting time.

  Aidyn gave her a surprised look.

  Baal laughed. “See, I told you she was a firecracker.”

  “I’m not sure that is a wise choice,” Aidyn replied.

  She shoved her hands on her hips. “Fine, you got a better idea? I’m all ears, otherwise you leave me with him no matter how much he bitches.”

  “I think it’s an excellent idea.” A beautiful brunette stepped up beside Aidyn.

  “Gwen, have you met Katie yet?” Aidyn asked.

  “I’ve seen you in my visions, but I’m happy to finally meet you in person.”

  “Excuse me?” She accepted the woman’s extended hand and was surprised at the strength in her grip. It wasn’t something Katie expected from a woman who looked like she had just stepped off a model runway.

  Gwen smiled. “I know everything is confusing. I have a gift of vision and often can see the future.” She snorted. “Of course, it never shows itself when I really need it and often times what I do see can be iffy. I have seen you though and I know that you are the only one who can save Seth.”