Ember's Shadow - Into the Darkness (an Ember Summers novel Book 2)

by Nichole M. Bridges

  “Take care, or you will start a fight right here," Marek said in my mind.

  I fought not to turn and look at him. Instead, I looked at those that were standing nearest to Viktor. I was disappointed not to find my sister among them.

  "She is not here," Viktor said as if I hadn't already known.

  “Why?” I asked him, staring at him expectantly.

  “She is the guest of another this evening," He said, grinding his teeth together at the end.

  I stepped closer to him, and I could swear that he almost flinched.

  "Who?" I asked insistently.

  "I believe you already know." He said, looking sad.

  I nodded but dared not say the name. Every vampire in this room would be upset by it if I did.

  Julien stood by me as if waiting for me to take his arm. I decided the confrontation with Viktor had to wait. I took Julien’s arm and motioned him forward. I wasn’t going to give Viktor any more of my time. I would find him later or after the party.

  After a few steps, Julien spoke, "You deny my sire at your own peril."

  "He is a misogynistic dinosaur from the past. In this day and age, one asks a lady for her hand, he does not take it without permission." I said, daring him to contradict me.

  “I can see why he likes you,” Julien smiled.

  I looked up at him and saw that he was genuinely amused.

  "I insulted your sire, and you are happy about it?" I said softly.

  "Did you say anything that wasn't true?" Julien asked, leaning into me.

  I narrowed my eyes at him but found that he was genuine.

  "I think I like you, Julien," I said with a small smile.

  All eyes were on us as we walked. I hadn’t realized it until that moment.

  “Retour à la fête!” Julien said to his guests.

  They all immediately resumed what they were doing and stopped staring at us. Julien clearly held power in this room, and if I was going to be around this group of vampires, I needed to learn French. I probably needed to learn Russian too.

  "Are we friends, Madame Summers?" Julien asked.

  “That depends. Why are you asking?” I asked.

  Julien quickly led me through a doorway and around a corner. The area was empty of vampires making it seem private. He turned me to face him.

  “Marek is a friend of mine and someone I respect. He hasn’t bonded anyone in centuries. When you stepped before me tonight, I knew instantly you shared a bond with him.” Julien said.

  "Explain to me how that makes us friends, Julien," I said.

  "It doesn't, but I guarantee you I'm not the only one that noticed your connection to Marek. As a friend, I will stand with him if anyone tries to take advantage of that knowledge as I would with you. Given the conversation you just had with Viktor, you are going to need a friend." Julien said.

  "I can use more friends," I admitted.

  “You don’t make anything easy, do you? I’m offering you my friendship. Do you accept?” He asked.

  I thought for a moment and was going to reach out to Marek until I felt him behind me.

  “He is trustworthy,” Marek whispered into my ear.

  I shivered at the feel of his breath on my skin and his hands touching my bare shoulders. I kept myself from leaning back into his body. It wasn’t a good idea to broadcast our connection.

  “Then I accept,” I told Julien.

  “Wonderful!” He exclaimed and pulled me in for a hug.

  I could feel my vampire bristling behind me, so when Julien let go, I stepped back into Marek. His hands went back to my shoulders, and I felt his lips touch against my neck. It happened so quickly, though; I wasn't sure that Julien even noticed.

  “I am going to go get my daughter. Will you be the first to meet her?” He asked me.

  "Of course," I said, feeling honored.

  "Good, stay here. I'll bring Sasha down." Julien said then rushed off.

  Marek turned me around and pressed me into the wall, looking around to be sure we were alone.

  "Are we alone?" Marek asked.

  I scanned the area and found everyone was in the main room. I told him so.

  "You denied Viktor publicly. He will not let that go." He said, worried.

  “I think he needs my help,” I said.

  “What do you mean?” He responded.

  “He doesn’t have Nat. He said she is a guest of someone I met recently. That can only mean that Asher took her from Viktor.” I said.

  “And you believe him?” He said.

  "It didn't feel like manipulation, but I can't be sure,” I said.

  "Stay near to Caden or me. Julien will help you, but only if it doesn't go directly against his sire." Marek said.

  "Good to know," I said, feeling scared.

  He moved closer to me.

  “Milaya moya, I have wanted to touch you since you walked through the door. The thought of you wearing a dress given to you by another vampire has been driving me insane." He said, stroking the bare skin of my shoulders and neck.

  If he was going for a distraction, it worked. I couldn't think of anything but the feel of his fingertips sliding along my neck and down over my shoulders. Then down my arms and up again. My entire body was tingling.

  He leaned in like he was going to kiss me, but I ducked out of the way. He looked upset.

  “Don’t you dare mess up my lipstick. Every woman in this house is flawless. I can’t compete if my lipstick gets smeared.” I said.

  He smiled and said, "Every eye has been unable to look anywhere, but at you, since you arrived. And you worry about your lipstick."

  "That doesn't help me, Marek," I said, feeling self-conscious.

  He smiled and pulled my hand to his lips. He kissed my palm, and my thoughts quickly shifted from nerves to desire. His lips might be magic because he was the only one that had ever kissed me there and certainly the only one that could put me in a haze of sexual desire with one kiss.

  “Are we interrupting?” Julien asked with a smirk.

  "Shit Julien, you scared me," I admitted then wished I hadn't.

  The woman next to Julien stifled a laugh. She had long dark hair styled in thick waves trailing down her back. Her dress was beautiful black silk with spaghetti straps that skimmed her body in a flattering way. She was gorgeous.

  “New love is a beautiful thing,” She said.

  Marek gave her a look, and her face dropped instantly.

  "I meant no offense Master Volkov," She said, looking at the ground.

  I looked between the vampires and realized no one was going to tell her it was okay.

  "It's no big deal. Ignore him. You must be Sasha. I'm Ember." I said, smiling.

  She looked at Julien and Marek before responding to me.

  "I'm pleased to meet you, Madame Summers," She said, clearly taking the formal thing seriously and adding in a low bow to top it off.

  "We are all friends here. Call me, Ember." I said, walking over to her and pulling her hand into mine.

  She squeezed my hand, and I thought she was glad to have someone treat her like a human.

  “In private only,” Julien mentioned.

  I rolled my eyes at him, and Sasha laughed. She covered her mouth, but it was too late. I laughed with her. She was my kind of people.

  "Shall we?" Marek said, reaching for me.

  I took his arm, and we walked ahead of Julien and Sasha. All eyes turned our way when we stepped into the main room. It was clear to everyone that we were walking in with the guest of honor, and they craned their heads to see her behind us.

  When Julien stepped through the doorway, a servant rang a bell. Sasha looked terrified, but when she saw me, I smiled back at her, and she relaxed. I gave her a thumbs-up, and she laughed. It made her look more beautiful to see her with a big smile.

  Julien gave me a look but ended up smiling when he saw Sasha’s reaction. It was clear that if she was happy, he would be happy. If I was a sinister character, I could use
that to my advantage. He’s lucky that I’m not.

  He turned to the crowd and addressed them.

  "Ladies and gentlemen, may I present my newest daughter, Sasha," Julien said, and the crowd erupted in applause.

  Everyone crowded in to introduce themselves to her. She looked nervous but was doing really well, considering how many vampires were giving her attention. I'm not sure I could have handled it any better.

  Marek tensed suddenly beside me. I checked on his mood and felt concern coming from him. He pulled us away from the crowd. We headed toward a door that opened up to the back yard. Whatever he was upset about clearly involved me, or we wouldn't be leaving.

  “What’s going on?” I asked as soon as we were outside.

  “My team spotted the Egyptian nearby. I need you to see if you can track him.” He said.

  “Shit,” I stage whispered.

  This was not expected, but if I could find him, maybe we can find Nat too.

  I concentrated on the area and felt each person, vampire, and other supernaturals. As I looked out further, I found a human and a vampire a few blocks over, moving quickly toward the mansion.

  "I have a vampire and a human moving this way," I said.

  "Is the human, Sanz?" Marek asked.

  I concentrated harder on the human trying to find the well of power within. It was familiar.

  “Yes, it’s him. Why is he with a vampire?” I asked.

  Marek pulled out his phone and typed so fast I couldn't see what he wrote. Then he went still. Marek was probably communicating with the on-site Guardian team. He had explained that they had a bond that he could use for when technology took too long or was unavailable.

  “Where is he exactly?” Marek asked.

  I pushed the location through our bond, it was easier than trying to explain. A huge perk of having a connection with him.

  “We need to warn Julien,” I said.

  He was the host of this shindig. He deserved to know shit was going to get real.

  “Go inside and see if you can bring him out here. If you see Caden grab him too. He hasn’t responded to my text.” Marek said.

  I half ran, half wobbled on my high heels back to the main room. I didn't see Caden but found Julien stuck within a group of well-wishers. He looked like he was enjoying it, but I was going to have to rain on his parade.

  When I walked further into the room, someone grabbed me, pulling me over next to a large flower arrangement. When I looked over, I saw it was Viktor.

  “What the hell? Didn’t I warn you about touching me without permission? That includes grabbing me and yanking me around Viktor.” I said.

  "Your sister is near, and I'm afraid you are going to be very angry with me." He said.

  "More upset than I already am?" I said, yanking my elbow out of his hand.

  “Yes,” He said and actually looked remorseful.

  “Jesus Viktor, what did you do?” I asked.

  "You will find out in a moment. I assume you have a Guardian team here, correct?" He asked.

  "Yes, of course," I said, feeling like he was asking stupid questions.

  “Good, we are going to need them.” He said.

  "We?" I asked incredulously.

  "Yes, we. Natalie's captor is a powerful man of which I’m sure you are aware.” He stated.

  I thought for a moment and wondered if he was sincere. If he was, the enemy of my enemy was my friend and all that.

  “Shit, can you tell Julien without anyone hearing?” I asked.

  He nodded his head.

  “Good, do it. I need to find Caden. You go out back and tell Marek what you just told me.” I said.

  Viktor bowed to me then left to go out the back door.

  “Incoming Marek. I sent Viktor to you. He says Nat is nearby, and he wants to help…I think.” I told him through the bond.

  “Viktor?" He asked, just as confused as I was.

  “I know. I’m going to see if I can find Caden." I said, then pushed into the crowd of the room.

  I didn’t see Caden among the crowd, but I did see his sire. Sabrina looked cozy next to a handsome vampire I hadn’t seen before. I decided I had to chance her anger for interrupting them. I needed Caden more.

  As I walked toward her, she caught my eye and smiled. She leaned into the vampire next to her and whispered something. They both laughed. I hoped it wasn't about me.

  “The topic of the night approaches,” Sabrina said as I stepped up to her.

  "I hope not," I said, cringing slightly.

  She laughed, “You have out staged the guest of honor, poor dear, but why wouldn’t you? I’m so glad you came to talk to me.”

  "I was hoping you might know where Caden is. I seem to have misplaced him." I said, hoping it sounded benign.

  “Let’s see,” she paused for a moment. “He is on his way over.”

  She motioned to the other side of the room, and I saw Caden making a beeline for me. I looked at the vampire standing next to Sabrina and tried to look interested as he spoke.

  “Madame Summers, I’m Nicholas Blake. It is very nice to meet you.” He said.

  "He is a member of Julien's coven and a specialist on the bounty hunting side of their business," Sabrina added.

  He could come in handy in a fight most likely. I hoped there were more like him at this party.

  Caden took my arm at that moment, and I made my apologies for having to step away.

  “Did you get Marek’s message?” I asked.

  He nodded, “And the subsequent messages threatening me for letting you out of my sight.”

  I laughed, “He can be overprotective sometimes.”

  Caden just looked at me. It was clear he didn’t see the humor in my statement.

  “He was with you at the time,” He said.

  "That is a losing argument," I said, smirking.

  I knew precisely what Marek was like, and I didn't feel sorry for Caden. He had to know Marek better than I did.

  Julien found us as we were about to go into the back yard.

  “Tell me this isn’t as serious as Viktor is making it out to be,” Julien said to me.

  "I'm afraid it might be. Come on," I said, stepping outside.

  I stopped short when I saw Marek, and the two vampires ran into me. I didn't think that was possible.

  "What are you doing?" I said, running over to Marek.

  Marek had Viktor by the neck and was holding him up so that his feet didn't touch the ground. At the sound of my voice, Marek turned to look at me. He was pissed off, and I could only imagine what Viktor had said to cause this.

  “Since he can’t talk, he is telling me it was to save her,” Julien announced.

  “He was wrong to do it,” Marek said through clenched teeth.

  "What is going on, guys?" I asked, confused.

  Marek dropped Viktor, and he crumpled to the ground grabbing at his neck. I could see a purple mark in the shape of Marek's hand.

  "As you requested, I filled him in on the circumstances, and he was not happy to hear it," Viktor said.

  "Clearly," I said like he was the biggest idiot in the vicinity.

  He probably was given his proclivity for acting in his own interests.

  "The team is in place, Master," Caden said to Marek.

  "Good, we are going to need every one of them in addition to any able body willing to jump into the fray," Marek said, and my eyes went wide.

  Julien nodded to Marek and left faster than I could track. My guess was he was going to rally his own troops and see to Sasha. At least I hoped he was going to make sure she would be protected. For a new vampire, she is powerful, but she could also be a target given her lack of experience.

  “You want to fill me in on what Viktor said to you that made you strangle him?” I asked Marek.

  “No, I do not.” He said truthfully.

  "What did you do?" I said to Viktor, grabbing him from the ground.

  I pushed him up against the exterior of the ho
use, holding him tight with my power.

  “I saved her life!” He exclaimed but didn’t elaborate.

  "Natalie?" I asked, and Viktor nodded. "How?"

  “I do not want to tell you,” He pouted like a child.

  "Spill it, Viktor!" I yelled.

  Then I felt Asher Sanz step into the yard. He held a vampire by the arm, and she was struggling, trying to get away. I couldn't get a good look at her.

  “Well shit,” Viktor said.

  I was so surprised at his use of a curse word that I dropped him. He fell to the ground in an inelegant heap. He looked up at me as if he was begging for his life. A surge of dread filled my body as I took another look at the vampire Asher was holding.

  “Natalie?” I asked with a croaking voice.

  No, no, no, no, no, this couldn’t be true.

  "Ember, help me. This guy is insane!" Natalie yelled.

  Asher punched her in the face, and she reacted with uncontrolled anger. Her face no longer looked human. She was suddenly a monster.

  I took a step back, and her eyes locked on mine. She snarled, and Asher let her go. She was on me within a second, but both Caden and Marek were there too. They stopped her just before she could take a bite out of my neck.

  "Viktor, after I kill Asher, I am coming after you," I promised.

  His face turned white, and he nodded.

  Guardians poured into the back yard and surrounded Asher.

  "Ember, a little help here," Marek said, struggling with my sister.

  My jaw dropped as my sister landed an elbow into Caden's nose, knocking him out cold. He fell to the ground, unmoving. Marek lost his grip on her a moment later, and she launched herself at me.

  “Natalie!” I yelled as she ran toward me.

  Chapter Seventeen

  All hell broke loose as soon as my sister came after me. Guardians jumped out from the trees and ran after Asher or tried to take down my sister. A Guardian I didn’t know grabbed Natalie and started to yank her head as if he was going to break her neck. I seized him with my kinetic power and made him let go of her.

  "She lives, asshole!" I yelled at him.

  When I thought he understood, I slowly let him go. He stepped away, letting my sister loose in the process. She hesitated for a moment, thinking she might go after the Guardian then thought better of it and turned to me.