Hot Decadent Rising (Breath of Darkness)

by Candice Stauffer

  Is it true?

  It is. I thought she was my mate, but I…

  Stop. I don’t want to hear about it. Mentally kicking herself in the butt, Kara shook her head. She’d fallen for Eli. He wasn’t a bad man. In fact, he was a damn good man. He was doing his best to save her. But why? She’d bet anything the answer was that he was trying to make himself feel better. Perhaps, he was even trying to fill the emptiness he’d certainly felt after Mia, his first choice, had dumped him. It’s okay. I’m serious. You don’t owe me an explanation. Don’t ruin what we shared by trying to come up with one.

  I don’t plan on making excuses, Kara. You need to understand that…

  I know what I need, Eli. I need revenge. One way or another I will get it. I also know that I don’t need to hear any excuses. Don’t worry. I’m not the least bit angry or upset. I understand. I never asked you for anything more than one night. She’d known from the moment she asked that it was all she had. It was all she’d wanted. And I will never regret the night we shared for as long I live.

  “I have one request,” Kara said.

  “What’s that?”

  “Let me kill Tom. Once it’s done I won’t run from you.”

  “That’s it? You want to kill Tom?”

  “He killed my baby.”

  “Yes. I know.”

  “I would also like to kill my father, but I’m sure he hasn’t paid you yet so I won’t ask.”

  “You think his money controls me?”

  She nodded. “Why else would you want to kill me?”

  “I never wanted to kill you. I only wanted to upset you enough to get you to draw your mother out of hiding. I have unfinished business with her.”

  “My mother is dead. Max killed her and took off with her body.”

  “That idiot thought he could take her from me. To this day he thinks he can keep her away from me, but as long as my blood flows in her veins I own her.”

  “My mother is alive?” Moistening her dry lips with her tongue she nodded. “Are you saying that she’s alive?”

  He leaned in close until his lips were nearly touching her. “She is alive. And, she belongs to me.” She felt the warmth of his breath. “You look so much like her. She was so beautiful the night I found her on the beach. She was so fragile. So small. So in need. Just like you. It would’ve been such a waste if she’d succeeded in taking her life. I couldn’t allow her to do it. No more than I could kill you.” She felt physically ill when he kissed her, but she knew better than to show it. Deep down she knew he was lying about her mother. She’d seen her mother’s dead body. She pushed all thought of her mother from her mind. This was her chance to kill Tom. She wasn’t going to miss it. Wrapping her leg around his thigh she returned his kiss, all the while trying to ignore Eli’s anger and frustration.

  After several long moments, he finally stopped kissing her. He stepped back and stared down at her. “You are a remarkable replica of her.” He shook his head. “But you’re different, aren’t you?” He smiled. “You have so much anger in you. It burns in you. It’s so intense. So intoxicating.” He tilted his head and kissed her. Once again, she returned his kiss with what she hoped was enough gusto to convince him that she wanted him. “You want your father and Tom to pay for your child’s life with theirs?”

  “Yes.” Smiling, she swiped tongue over her swollen lips as she looked down at his groin and then she met his gaze. “Among other things.” She felt Eli’s agitation growing.

  “I will give it all to you.” He reached out and caressed her cheek with the tips of his fingers. She made a conscious effort to push her face against his fingers as if she longed for his touch, rather than to cringe. He waved his hand. “Come here, Tom.” He never took his gaze from hers.

  She watched a dark mist form. In it she saw the shadow of a man. She didn’t turn to watch Tom walk over to them. She felt his approach in the pit of her stomach. What she was about to do would likely damn her soul for eternity, but it didn’t matter to her at all. Revenge was the only thing she had left to live for.

  You’re wrong. You have much more to live for if you want it.

  Only because you couldn’t have your first choice.

  Mia was never my choice. It was a matter decided for me. It was what you would call an arranged marriage. You have and will always be my only choice.

  You chose to spend thirty years chasing after her. You found her. She rejected you. You even abandoned your pack. Eventually you settled for me.

  I left the pack because I realized I’d made a mistake. She was fatally ill. She was dying because I’d separated her from her true mate; a demon who had the power to sustain her life. I had to return her to him. I couldn’t allow her to die because I screwed up.

  That is so sad. You loved her enough to give her up.

  No. I was never in love with her.

  Why lie to me? I know you well enough to know that you love with your whole heart. You don’t fall out of love so easily. Maybe some people can, but I don’t believe you are that kind of man. You gave everything up for her.

  I never knew her. I was never in love with her. I was trying to fulfill a decree. Our union was arranged long ago to protect the integrity of our bloodlines.

  If we are together won’t that destroy your bloodline? Several moments went by. Or do you have an infallible method of birth control. More silence. I would rather say goodbye right here and now than to be your second choice.

  In all my life I’ve honestly never given too much thought to having and raising children. I’ve always focused on the bloodline. I can see us having children and raising a family one day. Can you?

  In that moment, she knew Eli was the one who would always be there for her. She knew no other man could come close to making her as happy as she was when she was with him. No other man could’ve had a prayer of a chance of making her contemplate having another child. Yes. She could see herself carrying another child, his child.

  What should I do?

  He’s intrigued. He’s going to give you an opportunity to kill Tom. Do it. Don’t back down. He’ll see your weakness. You’ve gained his interest. Keep it going until I get to you. It’s possible he’ll even turn on your dad.

  She knew he was telling her to continue seducing him. She didn’t have long to contemplate it. Tom was walking toward them. “What are you doing? Leland is pissed off. He has been waiting with Mary.”

  “He’ll have to wait a while longer. Kara has asked me to allow her to kill you for taking the life of her baby.”

  Tom laughed.

  “I haven’t decided whether or not I’ll permit her to do it.”

  “You can’t let her kill me!”

  “Why is that?”

  “Leland won’t allow it.”

  Appearing to ignore him, Jeremy met Kara’s gaze. “Do you have any preferences on the method?”

  “I only want it done.”

  “It isn’t simply a matter of want. We don’t always get what we want. It’s a matter of need, is it not?”

  She nodded. “That’s right.”

  He reached out and traced her bottom lip with his thumb. “It’s difficult to deny your request, but…” Silencing him, she playfully bit down on his thumb and smiled. He stared into her eyes. She didn’t know if it would work, but she pushed lustful thoughts and sensual images into his mind. After a few seconds she knew it was working, because he looked mesmerized.

  She watched as he held out his hand and an antique looking dagger appeared in it. “Once you’ve gutted Tom, I suspect you’ll wish to gut Eli.”

  ***

  Eli felt her mindset shift from needing to kill Tom to needing to protect him. It’s a test. He can’t hurt me. You’re brilliant. You’ve done the hard part. You’ve won him over. Don’t do anything to cause him to become suspicious.

  From deep within his wolf as he raced through the forest to get to her, he held his breath as he waited. I can do it. He won’t expect it.

  Eli got the i
mage of her turning the knife on Jeremy. She planned to attack the vampire because she believed he was the biggest threat. She was right, but she didn’t stand a chance of stabbing him before he killed her.

  No! Not Jeremy! He’s too strong. Kill Tom. That’s what you want. That’s what you need. Tom killed your baby. Leave Jeremy to me.

  “Your heart is racing. Are you worried about Eli?” Jeremy said.

  “Not at all. I’m excited. Aren’t you?”

  Eli forced himself to stay absolutely still in her mind as he listened to their conversation. She was amazing. He couldn’t believe how easily she’d recovered to continue to convince the vampire she wanted him.

  “What do you think you’re doing with her? Get moving. Leland is waiting.” It was a woman’s voice, but Eli didn’t recognize it.

  Who is it?

  Mary and Demetri.

  “Why are you here?” Jeremy asked.

  “Why didn’t you tell me that Samuel had fucked up and got himself killed?” she asked.

  “I didn’t know,” he lied.

  “Well that’s why I’m here. The pack turned against the locals. They’re following Eli’s lead right now. They’re hunting you down. Can you not sense it?”

  “I’m not shocked that Samuel failed, and you shouldn’t be either. It was obvious when he didn’t immediately kill Eli that he was the weaker one. You should’ve chosen someone else.”

  “Eli has his hands full dealing with your runaway experiment.”

  “Zack?” Mary asked.

  “He’s on the loose. He showed up at the hotel this morning to pick a fight with Eli.”

  “Did you know about it, Demetri? If I find out that you…you know what will happen.”

  “How could I know anything? You took him and hid him from me,” he said. “It isn’t my fault you couldn’t control him.”

  “I don’t believe you. Go and stop Eli’s pack from following us. We will discuss plans to get Zack back after Jeremy and I have delivered this little bitch to her daddy.”

  Demetri is leaving. He’s coming after you. He felt Kara’s fear for him.

  Don’t worry about it. Do whatever they tell you to do. Don’t fight them at all. Don’t mess around with Jeremy now that Mary is with you.

  You’re close, Eli. I can feel you.

  I can see you now. I’ll be with you soon.

  He watched her glance around. Where are you?

  My vision is enhanced. I’m too far away for you to see me. I’m at the top of the falls. Our entire pack is surrounding you. We need to remain silent to avoid detection.

  What do you mean?

  You won’t be able to hear me for a little while as we move closer to you, but we will still be merged. You will feel me with you.

  Turning away from the edge of the Latourel Falls, Eli headed off into the forest. He wanted to head straight for her, but it would be a mistake. Jeremy had a number of ghouls prowling the forest. His pack needed to deal with them first, to avoid her being caught up in a battle with them. He would stay the course.

  A shadow cast from something above. It moved directly across the path he was traveling and stopped him in his tracks. Lifting his head he searched the sky. At first he didn’t see anything, but after a few seconds he saw a dragon circling high in the sky. It was Demetri. Seeming to notice him, Demetri swooped down as if to land, but pulled up just before breaking through the tree canopy.

  Sorry. I cannot play just yet. I must deal with a little problem while you attempt to get Kara away from Jeremy. Unless you get to her first, when I’m done with Zack let’s play a little game of Finders Keepers with Kara, shall we? Leaving orange and yellow flames streaked with blue in his wake, Demetri shot off like a missile. He tore through the atmosphere, creating a thunderous echo that shook the ground and left Eli’s ears ringing.

  Eli was faster than most of his kind, but he wasn’t arrogant or foolish enough to be pacified or deceived by fanciful perceptions. The danger to Kara was growing with each and every second that passed. His pack was spread out dealing with ghouls. It was time to begin lessoning the gap between them and Kara. Lifting his head, he howled. He trusted his pack to heed the command. They would begin to move in closer.

  Pulse racing, he forced his body to go beyond every limit he’d ever possessed. He pressed on though his lungs burned and his heart felt as if it might burst. Every muscle in his body burning, screaming in protest, he continued to pick up his pace as he traveled across the rugged forest terrain.

  ~Seventeen~

  WHEN KARA FIRST saw her father, dressed in a black Armani suit, standing in front of the dilapidated shack she laughed. He couldn’t have looked more out of place. Surrounded by his trusted guards and a few men she didn’t recognize, he lifted his head and looked straight into her eyes. “I would say that it is good to see you, but we both know it would be a lie. I am however pleased to see you do not look well. A life on the run has a way of wearing on a person.”

  “You’re looking a bit plumper, softer around the middle. What happened to you hair? Baldness doesn’t suit you at all. What’s your excuse for looking so old and worn-down, Daddy?”

  Tom shoved her forward with enough force to cause her to stumble to her knees. “Don’t speak to him like that.”

  As Kara got to her feet, Mary walked over to her father. “I trust now that you have her in your possession you can handle things from here, Leland.”

  “Of course.” He waited until Mary walked away before he started handing out orders. “Get the bag from the car.” One of his guards nodded, and then left. “Take her inside and tie her up. I’ll be in to take care of her.”

  Kara noticed Jeremy watching her closely as if he was worried he might miss something. When her father ordered Tom to take her inside, Jeremy appeared to want to do or say something, but he didn’t. He just stood back and observed for a few seconds. Then, he turned and walked back from the way they’d come.

  She considered fighting to get away, but all the men were toting guns. Knowing she couldn’t outrun a bullet, she decided to go along with Tom as he pushed her through the doorway.

  “Over there,” he pointed, “sit down.”

  Once she sat down, Tom began weaving the rope through the back of the wooden chair to immobilize her. He tied her arms behind her and tied her calves to the chair legs. “I bet your feeling like a real man right about now.”

  “Actually, I’m feeling happy to finally know that I won’t have to see your face or hear your voice again.”

  “You mean you’re happy to know a capable person will get done what you couldn’t do because you’re a dumbass.”

  “Shut up!” He backhanded her hard.

  Though expecting to be hit the impact caused her head fly back. She looked at him and laughed out loud. “Not bad. I’ll make sure to tell my dad how great you are. He’ll be pleased to know that you hit pretty hard when your rival is tied up.”

  “I told you to shut the fuck up!” He hit her again, harder this time, causing her chair to tip over.

  “Pick her up.” Tasting blood, she turned her head to look at her dad standing in the doorway.

  “But…”

  “Do it now.” Her dad, carrying a black duffel bag, walked into the room followed by two guards.

  Grumbling beneath his breath, Tom lifted the chair and stepped back to give her dad access to her.

  “First, I deal with you. Get down on your knees, Tom,” Leland said.

  “What are you talking about?” Tom asked.

  “Get down.”

  Having a gun aimed at his head seemed a good motivator. Tom got down onto his knees and looked up at Leland. “Please. I’m sorry. I know I screwed up.”

  “Begging isn’t going to change his mind. He plans to kill you to make this look like a murder and suicide. Isn’t that right, Dad?” Kara asked.

  Looking down at her with disgust and contempt apparent in his scowl, Leland shook his head. “It’s a shame. You’re a smart woman. Yo
u got it from me. It could’ve taken you to places of greatness. The sad ugly truth is that you’ve become my biggest disappointment. I could’ve put the world beneath your feet, but just like your mom you decided to turn against me.”

  He didn’t wait for a response. She knew he didn’t want one. Tom didn’t even have a chance to scream. It happened in seconds but it felt as if time had slowed down. Leland turned away from her and extended his arm as pulled the trigger. Just like that her dad had put a bullet in Tom’s temple. Tom’s body fell to the side. He was dead. The man who’d killed her baby was dead. Kara looked away from the blood pooling beneath his head and looked over at the door. When Eli didn’t burst through it, she knew she was going to die. Her father would shoot her just as quickly, as easily.

  “Are you expecting someone?” Leland asked.

  She faced her father. He no longer had the gun. Wearing rubber gloves he pulled a vile and a syringe out of the bag he’d brought with him. His guards had straightened Tom’s legs and were placing the gun in his hand.

  “What is it?” She asked as the needle pierced her skin.

  “A special mixture of heroin and…well… let’s just say heroin with a little something to warm your blood.”

  It took every ounce of her strength to keep from crying out in pain. Gritting her teeth, she refused to give him any more satisfaction. It felt like liquid fire running through her veins. He dropped the syringe and vile next to Tom’s lifeless body, and then he motioned for his guards to follow him outside.

  “Wait,” Leland said. “Untie her.”

  “What? Why?”

  “She won’t get far. I don’t want it to look like my own daughter didn’t fight to live.”

  ***

  “You don’t belong here. What do you want, Demetri?” Mia asked.

  “I thought it would be nice to have a look at your new boutique.” He looked over at Caylee holding her baby. “As well as the newest member of the Drake family. It’s good to see she has your looks rather than Haden’s harsh features. Hopefully she doesn’t suffer from uncontrollable bouts of anger such as her daddy. All this time I’ve hoped to learn she has your temperament. His mood swings are quite unpleasant, wouldn’t you say?”