Shadows Strike

by Dianne Duvall

  Ethan raced over to Ed’s side. “Go help Heather. I’ve got this.”

  Ed backed away, weapon firing.

  Ethan dove into the fray, swinging his blades despite his dwindling strength.

  The Russian immortal nodded to Ethan. “I must go now,” he said in heavily accented English. “They need me in Russia.”

  Ethan nodded and sank a blade into the nearest vamp as the Russian teleported away.

  Down here, where no broken windows ushered in the predawn breeze, the stench of blood and death and decay grew to overpowering proportions.

  A second vampire he fought fell onto the pile of his moldering comrades. Then a third and a fourth.

  Ethan found he had to pause to catch his breath and braced his hands, still clutching the hilts of his swords, on his knees.

  Silence fell, broken only by the groans of the wounded above.

  Straightening, he glanced around.

  No vampires remained standing.

  Heather glanced back at him over her shoulder, her brow furrowed.

  All movement upstairs ceased.

  Ethan had no doubt that every immortal in the house strained to hear any noise that would indicate a second wave would strike.

  Several minutes passed.

  He heard Chris Reordon begin to issue orders above.

  Tracy met Ethan’s gaze. “Is it over?”

  He sighed. “I sure as hell hope so.”

  Bastien yanked his sword from the heart of a fallen vampire and swung around . . . to find himself, Melanie, Alleck, and Linda the only ones left standing on sublevel one.

  They had successfully prevented the attacking vampire army from descending any farther.

  Gershom had not returned. Nor had Aidan returned with the baby.

  Bastien couldn’t decide whether that was cause for concern or relief as he examined the hallway around him.

  The white walls, ceiling, and floor looked as though someone has slung gallons of red paint on them. Clothing and decaying corpses littered the floor around them in such numbers it was damned near impossible to take a step without tripping.

  Melanie’s glowing amber eyes met his. “Is it over?”

  “I think so.” He sure as hell hoped so. They had all taken a beating. And every human guard on this floor was down. The few civilians who hadn’t had time to evacuate to the lower floors before the vampires made it this far had fallen, too. He nodded at them. “No time to wait and see. We need to start looking for survivors and save anyone we can.”

  Sheathing her weapons, Melanie limped toward the first casualty.

  The acrid scent of smoke stung Seth’s nostrils, distracting him momentarily from the nauseating aromas of death and decay.

  All movement ceased as quiet fell on the compound.

  Few of the buildings remained standing. Defeating this army of vampires had taken everything the immortals had had and then some. Then some being an assload of explosives the Russian branch of the network had employed.

  “Is it over?” Lisette asked.

  Seth closed his eyes, let his preternaturally sharp senses seek anything that would indicate more human minions would take up the fight their vampire comrades had lost.

  “It’s over,” he confirmed.

  Network soldiers went to work, locating the wounded and collecting the bodies of their fallen comrades.

  Eyes still closed, Seth called to Zach telepathically. Zach? Have you found him?

  I’m on his trail. Don’t distract me.

  Lisette limped over to Seth’s side. “Where is Zach?”

  “Pursuing one of the Others who put in an appearance at David’s. Ami found the Other standing over Adira’s crib, bearing Marcus’s appearance.”

  Horror filled her bloodstained features. “Is Adira all right?”

  “Yes. Ami summoned me before the Other could harm her.”

  “It wasn’t Gershom?”

  “No.”

  “And Zach?”

  “Is bitching about me distracting him, so I assume he’s fine.”

  “Who do you think it was?”

  “I don’t know. We’ll have to wait until Zach catches up with him.”

  She seemed as displeased by the notion as he.

  Seth would much rather hunt down the culprit himself. But he had three battle scenes to help the network clean up and conceal from authorities. Dozens of wounded humans to heal and teleport to various network infirmaries.

  Sheathing his swords, he stepped out into the crimson-stained snow.

  Heather thanked Aidan as he healed her thigh, as well as the cuts a few of the vampires had managed to get in before they had collapsed.

  She hadn’t realized there had been so many, hadn’t even felt most of them, until the battle had ended and adrenaline had ceased pumping through her veins. Then every slice the damned vampires had scored had begun to burn and throb.

  Ethan availed himself of bagged blood while Aidan healed Heather’s wounds. Like every other immortal present, he bore countless injuries. So much blood coated him and dampened his hair that she could barely distinguish him from the others.

  “Let’s go get cleaned up,” he suggested.

  Nodding, she dragged her weary body to her feet and shuffled down the hallway with him. Once inside the bedroom they’d claimed, Heather stood, shoulders slumped, as Ethan opened the shower door, turned on the water, and adjusted the temperature. She didn’t think she had ever been so exhausted in her life.

  “Let me help you, honey.”

  She looked up as Ethan moved to stand before her and started divesting her of her various sheaths and the weapons she hadn’t used.

  “Are you okay?” he asked, bloody brow creased.

  “Yeah. Just tired.”

  He nodded. “Anything else?”

  She sighed. “Upset by the losses.” Several of the network soldiers hadn’t survived. “And . . .”

  “And?”

  “It’s going to take me a while to get used to this. To the violence and death.”

  “You say that as if you feel you have to get used to it,” he murmured, watching her intently.

  Heather was too tired to tread carefully. “Won’t I? If I stick around, won’t this become a norm for me?”

  Setting the last holster aside, he went to work on her belt. “Nothing about this was a norm, Heather. We’ve never been attacked on three fronts at the same time before. We’ve never been divided by an enemy like this in an attempt to reduce our numbers and conquer us. Hell, until now the only time any of David’s homes have been breached by an enemy was when Bastien kidnapped Sarah. And we sure as hell have never seen a vampire army that spanned more than one continent and claimed such numbers. Even Shadow River wasn’t this large.”

  When he untucked her shirt, she raised her arms and let him pull it over her head. “You still hunt vampires on a nightly basis.”

  “But you may not have to,” he said slowly. “If you decide to join us, that is.” He removed her bra, pants, and bikini panties. “You could continue doing what you’re already doing.” He pulled off all of his clothing in a blink. Numerous scars that would fade while he slept marred his large, muscular body. “You could be Chris’s eyes and ears. Continue working with your dad.”

  At last she found a faint smile. “Could you maybe not mention my dad while we’re both standing here naked? I mean, I know I’m too tired to do any fun stuff, but . . . still.”

  Laughing, he looped an arm around her and guided her into the shower. “Yeah. I didn’t think that one through.”

  And she had evaded his question. His veiled request.

  Warm water sluiced down over her, sweeping away the remains of battle as steam enveloped them. Heather reached for the soap.

  Ethan stopped her. “Let me.” Grabbing the soap, he lathered up a cloth she hadn’t seen him grab. The tenderness with which he bathed away the splashes of blood on her bare form made her want to weep. As did the disappointment he tried to conceal be
hind teasing comments and soft smiles.

  He had recognized her evasion for what it had been.

  Heather tried to take the cloth from him once she was clean, but he would have none of it.

  “You’re weaving on your feet,” he said just before he blurred and soap suds flew. Seconds later, he stilled and rinsed himself clean.

  She found a smile. “Aren’t you tired at all?”

  “A little. But the blood replenished much of my energy.”

  Lucky him. Heather could barely keep her eyes open.

  Ethan shut off the water. Helping her out of the shower, he toweled her dry, kept her upright long enough for them both to brush their teeth, then climbed into bed with her and tucked her up against his side.

  “Ethan?” she murmured, sleep so tantalizingly close she let her lids drift shut.

  “Yeah?”

  “It isn’t that I don’t want to transform so we can be together.”

  The hand that had been stroking her arm fell still.

  “It’s that I’m afraid I pose a threat to you. We still don’t know why Gershom messed with my head.” A yawn stole her voice. “Or if he plans to do it again. Or if I would even be able to tell if he did.”

  “Heather . . .”

  “I love you. But if I stay with you, he’ll”—another yawn shook her—“always be able to use me . . . against you.”

  Darkness rose around her and drew her into its soundless embrace.

  Ethan’s heart pounded in his chest as he listened to Heather’s breath deepen with sleep. It sounded as though she wished to be transformed. As if she wanted to become immortal so she could be with him. Forever.

  Forever was a long damned time for immortals and could be daunting when faced alone. But Ethan would embrace it eagerly if he had Heather at his side.

  He let himself imagine it for a moment. Let warmth invade his chest and excitement stir in his veins as he pictured spending a thousand lifetimes with the woman snuggled up against him.

  Ethan didn’t think he had ever wanted anything more.

  He drew her closer.

  Although perhaps he did want something more.

  He wanted Seth and Zach to find Gershom and cut his fucking heart out so Heather could abandon her fears and feel free to become immortal.

  He pursed his lips.

  And so they could prevent Armageddon, of course.

  Perhaps, he thought wryly, the fact that Armageddon came in second was an indication of how much he loved Heather and wanted to spend the rest of eternity with her.

  Pressing a kiss to her soft, damp hair, he closed his eyes and let a deep healing sleep claim him.

  Seth had thought he had his hands full shielding the three battles they had fought tonight from the public and authorities. That ended up being nothing, however, compared to trying to assuage David’s fury over Gershom having sent vampires to attack his home.

  David’s temper didn’t erupt often. But when it did, it rivaled Seth’s.

  Like children trying to avoid a spanking, the immortals and their Seconds had all skedaddled to their rooms, leaving Seth to try to calm his friend’s ire. Not an easy task, since Seth battled his own fury over the brush with danger Ami and Adira had experienced.

  He eyed the rubble around him. The house was a shambles, the furniture reduced to splinters, every window shattered. It looked even worse in the morning sunlight.

  Knowing the immortals and their Seconds needed rest, Chris had told Seth he wouldn’t send the full force of his cleanup crew out to right the damage until nightfall.

  “My home, Seth!” David continued to rage. “My homes have always been off limits!”

  “I know. He did it to send us a message.”

  “That all bets are off!” David thundered.

  Seth again examined the scarlet-stained debris around him.

  After this, they sure as hell were.

  Seth. Zach spoke in his mind.

  Yes?

  I think I’ve found him.

  “Zach is summoning me,” Seth told David, interrupting his tirade. “He thinks he’s found the one who tried to harm Adira.”

  David’s glowing amber eyes met his. “Bury him, Seth.”

  He nodded. That was the plan.

  When Seth teleported to Zach’s side, he found himself in a familiar place he had not expected.

  The two of them stood alone in a clearing, the darkness of night replacing morning.

  No clouds hid the plethora of stars above them.

  And no Other occupied the clearing with them.

  Frowning, Seth surveyed his surroundings.

  The earth around them curved upward on all sides into rolling hills as if he and Zach stood in the center of a large, grassy bowl. No trees rose from the ground to block the light of the moon that offered them muted light. Not until one’s gaze reached the tops of the hills. There, trees erupted into forest so dense that even Seth’s sharp eyes couldn’t penetrate it.

  Something rustled in the grass that teased their knees. Some tiny nocturnal creature out looking for a snack.

  Seth looked at Zach.

  “He’s here,” Zach murmured, his brows drawn down as he scrutinized every shadow. “I know he is. I followed him here and he hasn’t teleported away yet. I just can’t find him.”

  Both he and Zach had been there before . . . under rather tense circumstances. At the time, their renewed friendship had not yet solidified. Distrust had still racked them. So much so that Zach had thought Seth intended to hand him over to the Others.

  “Coincidence?” Seth asked Zach.

  “I think not.”

  Seth agreed.

  Do you sense anyone’s presence? Zach asked him telepathically to prevent the Other from hearing.

  Yes, but it’s faint . . . as though he’s trying to mask it but hasn’t quite mastered that talent yet. Either that or he’s too weary from his attempts to elude you to keep it up much longer. “Show yourself !” Seth bellowed, almost wishing they had Ami with them to point the way.

  Zach looked at him and arched a brow.

  Seth shrugged. No harm in trying the direct route.

  The constant serenade of nocturnal creatures fell silent.

  A disembodied voice wafted on the breeze. “I believe you once called this place neutral territory.”

  Again Seth and Zach shared a look.

  Seth had told Zach as much the night he had brought Zach here to inform the Others that one of their own had lost his fucking mind.

  “I did say that,” Seth acknowledged.

  “Then I trust you will not launch an attack when I show myself,” the voice posed.

  Do you recognize his voice? Seth asked Zach.

  It’s one of the Others, Zach said, I just can’t place it. I think he’s altered his voice to keep me from identifying him.

  “Gentlemen?” the Other pressed.

  “We shall endeavor to restrain ourselves,” Zach responded, his own voice rife with sarcasm. Apparently he, too, would make no promises.

  “I suppose that’s as good as it’s going to get,” the Other muttered.

  Dense foliage on the north ridge parted as a dark figure emerged from the forest.

  Zach tensed.

  Not yet, Seth cautioned. It could be a trap. The fact that they didn’t sense Gershom didn’t mean that one wasn’t present, as well.

  The Other took his time, descending the hillside and strolling toward them as if it were a lazy Sunday afternoon and he were just out for a stroll.

  Testing their resolve, perhaps.

  The Other stood about Seth’s height—six foot eight—and wore black leather pants similar to Zach’s, boots, and no shirt. Dark wings bracketed his body, their tips brushing the weeds and prairie grass and setting them into motion with each step he took.

  As soon as Seth could make out his features, he swore.

  “You’ve got to be fucking kidding me!” Zach growled and lunged forward.

  Seth threw a han
d out and gripped Zach’s arm to keep him from tearing into the Other. Let us ensure he is alone first. If he’s in league with Gershom . . .

  Well, he and Zach would have their hands full and might have to call in reinforcements.

  Zach stopped, eyes blazing a vibrant gold, every muscle tense and poised to strike.

  Seth was none too pleased himself.

  Jared halted a few yards away. Eyeing Zach, he arched a brow. “Hello, cousin.”

  “Are you fucking kidding me?” Zach roared again.

  Jared was one of the Others who had tortured Zach for straying from the path and interfering in mortal affairs. For aiding Seth and his Immortal Guardians, in fact.

  Seth didn’t blame Zach for wanting to gut the man.

  “You fucking tortured me for daring to tell Seth that his cell phone was broken and that his Immortal Guardians needed him, then tortured me again for months just for talking to him, then you pull the shit you did tonight?” Zach shouted. “What the fuck was that if not interfering in mortal affairs? You tried to harm Ami’s baby!”

  “I wasn’t there to harm the baby,” Jared denied placidly.

  “Bullshit!” Zach took a menacing step toward the Other.

  Seth kept a tight grip on Zach’s arm.

  Jared looked to Seth. “Can’t you keep him under control better than that?”

  Seth offered him a grim smile. “I’m only keeping him under control because I want to kill you myself.”

  That arrow hit its mark. Something flickered in Jared’s dark brown eyes. All present knew that if it came down to a battle between Seth and Jared, Seth would be the victor.

  Jared shifted his stance slightly. “I wasn’t there to harm the baby.”

  “Bullshit!”

  “Zach,” Seth reprimanded. He wasn’t getting any deception vibes from Jared and wanted to hear what the man had to say.

  Yes, Seth wanted to kick Jared’s ass and was struggling to hold his own furious temper in check. But Seth had falsely accused three different immortals of betrayal the previous year. The evidence had driven him to do it, distasteful though he had found it. And the evidence had misled him. Seth had learned a hard lesson not to take things at face value.