There was no mistaking the surge of demonic energy in the atmosphere. Paul nervously glanced around. “Why did you hide from me? Why are you playing games with me?”
Haden laughed aloud. “Consider it to be a learning experience. Before killing you, I decided it would be enlightening to know what it felt like to be weak. Of course it didn’t work. How could a demon as powerful as I know what weakness feels like? You’ve gone to great lengths to hide from me these past few weeks.” His great power causing the ground to rumble deep below the earth, Haden created the image of his wings extending as he took another step toward Paul.
Looking around warily, Paul used his mind to call his ghouls to his aid. Then, he met Haden’s cold, black gaze. He’d never actually encountered Haden face to face. He decided to test him. It was a dangerous situation, but he wasn’t the type to give up easily. “I don’t hide from anyone,” Paul lied. Vampires always hid from and avoided direct contact with demons. They were natural enemies, as vampires had killed humans and demons have protected humans since the beginning of time. “And, Demon, understand you’re going to die for interfering with my meal. The woman you’re hiding belongs to me. You can’t protect her. One way or another, I will eventually take her from you, and I will kill her.”
Haden’s expression remained emotionless. “You can try to take her.” The deep, ominous sound of his voice echoed. “But you will fail. Regardless, you will die tonight.”
Avoiding the fierce bite of Haden’s black flames, Paul took a few steps back. “I will succeed.” Paul knew he should flee, but curiosity and hunger kept him there. The fact that Haden hadn’t already attacked him was odd. The demon was merely posturing, possibly stalling. But for what? Paul knew the woman he was tracking was still close by. He could feel subtle vibrations of her fear. And, although it was faint, he could still smell her sweet, tantalizing scent.
Haden laughed aloud again. The sound of it was even more menacing and ferocious than before. “The only thing you will achieve this evening is your destruction.”
Pushed by powerful gusts of wind, horizontal rain fell heavily, saturating everything. Lightning crisscrossed the sky. Be careful, Haden—it’s true. He has the aid of a powerful demon. I’ve dealt with this one on several occasions. He’s dangerous. He has no common sense, and he possesses more strength and power than most of his kind. Zack was using nature to make it very clear he was on his way, attempting to aid Haden by convincing the vampire to back off.
What demon? Haden asked.
I will explain as soon as I’m with you. Keep your focus on Paul.
Haden had never run away from a fight, but he started to consider taking Caylee through time and space to get her out of danger.
No! Zack warned. Don’t do it. There’s a massive web of ancient demonic spells surrounding the entire area. They’re deadly. She’ll be destroyed if you attempt to take her through them.
Burying her face against Haden’s shoulder, Caylee held her breath. She really hoped Haden wasn’t planning to fight with her in his arms. Lightning flashed everywhere, and deafening thunder echoed all around. If it weren’t for the lightning, the idea of climbing a tree would be much more appealing than waiting for them to fight. She was shivering so uncontrollably her teeth were chattering. She was so afraid, so cold.
Just breathe, little love. There’ll be no reason for you to climb a tree. There’s nothing to fear. I won’t allow the vampire to touch you.
A vampire?
Don’t worry, Haden continued, I won’t need to fight him at all. We’re not alone. Two friends, Zack and Joseph, are coming to help us. When they get here we will leave.
Smiling, Paul tilted his head to the side. “You used your woman to draw me out? Normally using a female for bait is a little too risky for a demon’s liking. And why is your mate still mortal?”
At that, Caylee glared up at Haden, totally missing the mate thing. He’d better not be using her for bait to catch a vampire. She would definitely have a thing or two to say about that. But whether or not he was using her as bait, she wouldn’t argue with him at that moment or insist he put her down. She wasn’t an idiot. She was the safest person on the face of the earth as long as she was in his arms. Besides, there was no way he was using her as bait; he was way too much of an overbearing, know-it-all control freak to even consider allowing her to do anything even remotely dangerous.
Your opinion of me is very unflattering. I’m not an overbearing control freak. I’m just a tad bit overly protective of you.
Whatever. She rolled her eyes. Just stop mucking around in my head.
Don’t be alarmed. Our friends are about to show up.
“This is a very peculiar situation, is it not?” Paul smiled.
“Or else you’re still as stupid as you look, and I used them both to bait you,” a deep, booming voice echoed as a coppery mist appeared in front of Paul. When Haden’s friends stepped out of the mist, Caylee’s breath caught in her throat. She wanted to look away, but she couldn’t stop staring at the men. She felt waves of enormous dark power flowing from them. Just like Haden they were well over six feet tall, with perfectly sculpted, muscular bodies. They were beautiful. They had the same strong, godlike facial features as Haden. They were perfect. Too perfect. They reminded her of ancient warriors.
Paul took a step back. “Why are you here?”
“What, you didn’t miss me?” One of Haden’s friends laughed aloud, seemingly mocking the vampire’s startled reaction. “Don’t feel bad. The feeling is mutual. I really don’t like you very much at all. To be honest, running into you and seeing your face again and again has become an intolerable form of suffering I’m no longer willing to endure. I simply bore too easily to continue this game any longer. And please don’t bother begging. It’s pathetic. It turns my stomach. I won’t tolerate it this time. It’s over. You need to just come to terms with the fact that you’re going to have to die today.”
Hissing, the man that had threatened to kill her took another step back. Caylee almost laughed. She clearly saw by the look on his face that he was shocked and quite scared. She couldn’t blame him. Haden and his friends looked extremely intimidating. Taking one on would be risky endeavor; taking three on would be just plain insane. It would be suicide. He fled so quickly that she didn’t actually see him leave. One second he was there, and next he was gone.
One of Haden’s friends disappeared too. His other friend stared at her. And she didn’t like the way he was looking at her. She felt threatened.
What’s wrong with you, Haden? Your woman is still mortal. You aren’t handling her properly. She is weak. Vulnerable to death. You know what fear does to our kind. It’s been a year since you found her again. Destiny will never bend to honor your weakness. You need to walk away from her or attempt to give her immortality now. She will make it, or she will not. You cannot keep putting it off. It’s too dangerous. Besides, you need to get back to what’s important. The days are far darker than ever before. Evil no longer hides in the darkest shadows of the night; it thrives even in the light of day, destroying the innocent we’re expected to protect. We need you.
Caylee studied Haden’s face. She felt his hostility toward the other man but saw no sign of it in his eyes. She certainly didn’t want to be around if their dispute turned into physical violence. His friend was just as big and intimidating as Haden. Knowing they were secretly communicating, she decided to remain silent rather than interrupt, hoping they would work out whatever dispute was between them with words.
She didn’t hear it, but she felt vibrations of a growl against Haden’s chest. Do not tell me how to take care of my mate, Zack. I will wait until I am absolutely positive she will survive it. She needs my undivided attention right now. She’s all that matters to me. I’ve wasted far too many lifetimes protecting humans from their hatred and greed. I’ve come to the conclusion none of our efforts have truly mattered. Humans are too ignorant to benefit from our greater wisdom. They will continue to des
troy each other no matter what we do or don’t do.
You know better, Haden. Do you no longer remember the others you’ve counseled in this matter? Shaking his head, the other man’s lips curved upward in a humorless smile. In the span of just one short year, a woman you obviously believe is too weak to ever receive the immortality of our kind and to stand by your side as your mate for eternity has managed to ruin you.
Enough! Another low, threatening growl vibrated through Haden’s chest. But this time she heard it. You will not speak poorly about my mate. Tell me about the demon that’s helping the vampire.
Obviously irritated, the other man glared at her for a moment. She was starting to get the feeling he was mad at her. To her relief, he rubbed the bridge of his nose and shifted his gaze to Haden. You’ve been out of the loop for too long, Haden. The vampires in this area are extremely dangerous. They’re working together with a group of female humans led by Mary Tate.
That’s odd. Vampires don’t normally play well with humans. And don’t look at her again. You’re scaring her.
She should be scared. You’ve lost your fucking mind, and it’s going to get her killed. Zack shrugged. With Demetri guarding the bitch, the vampires have no other choice than to play nice with her. There’s no way in hell any vampire would dare to challenge a demon as old and as powerful as Demetri. They act as if they’re her pets.
Haden took a deep breath. I didn’t realize Demetri was still with her. Why would he give any vampire his power?
The only theory that makes any sense is that the combination of the magic and poison Mary uses on Demetri ensures his loyalty to her no matter what. He glanced at Caylee and then looked directly into Haden’s eyes. If his true mate ever appears he will kill her to please Mary. He will have no other choice. Mary will force him to do it. She seeks immortality above all else. She knows he won’t ever be able to give it to her unless he takes the life of his true mate. It seems he will be lost to us forever. There’s little to no hope for him. Mary’s magic grows more powerful every day.
There has to be more to it. Haden shook his head. It doesn’t make sense. Demetri is too powerful, too old to be held captive by a human’s magic or poison. And he’s far too honorable to side with the vampires. There’s something else motivating him. Something we can’t see.
Zack shook his head. “Just get her away from here before more bloodsuckers catch her scent. Paul isn’t far away. He won’t give up. I will search for him and hunt the others that are nearby.” He turned to walk away.
“Go after the others. I will take care of Paul.”
Caylee blinked up at Haden. “Catch my scent?” Heart pounding, she wrapped her arms tighter around his neck. “What does he mean?”
“There’s no reason for you to worry about it.” Haden placed a protective barrier around them an instant before they were surrounded by a pack of hideous, half-dead-looking pack of dogs.
She stiffened. “What are they?” They were so gruesome, snarling and growling, making strange cackling noises.
Despite Caylee’s best effort to cling to him, he set her down on her feet. From behind he wrapped his arms around her waist, encouraging her to lean her back against his body. She didn’t resist, but her body was as stiff.
“Relax, little love,” he whispered in her ear. “They’re nothing. They can’t hurt you. They can’t touch you.” He raised her hands to the heavens and pulled the power of nature to them.
Exhilarating currents of raw energy surged through her body. She’d never experienced anything like it. Tilting her head back, she watched in awe as lightning swirled in a massive funnel above them. There were so many bright colors clashing together, exploding. Violent, turbulent power surrounded her, filled her. The power was too intense. It was too much. It was deadly.
He bent his head to kiss her cheek. “What you’re feeling, what you’re seeing is a part of me. No part of me could ever hurt you.” The strange funnel of colorful lightning moved closer, completely surrounding them. Then, waves of something fiery and wild enveloped them.
* * *
Zack turned to watch. He was alone, always and forever alone. He chose to be alone. Having a woman would only bring him frustration and sorrow, but watching Haden and Caylee at that moment created a memory he wouldn’t soon forget. Haden was a fool in love. He was a moron. He was way too old to be showing off like a teenage boy. Shaking his head, Zack cursed aloud. He never thought Haden would ever fall victim to love. A particularly sharp, painful stab of envy pierced his heart, but he would rather die than ever admit to feeling it.
Sighing aloud, he turned to walk away. Caught off guard by a blinding flash, Zack stumbled. “What the fuck are you doing, Joseph? Where’s the vampire?”
“He got away. And sorry. I couldn’t resist.” Saving the picture on his phone, Joseph laughed aloud. “This sweet, sappy look on your face is priceless.” He sent the picture to Zack’s profile. “It makes you look all cute and huggable.” He laughed again. “Check it out.” He tilted the phone to show Zack. “Jacob likes it. Oh wow, take a look,” he commented. Squinting, Joseph read aloud, “Great profile picture, lover boy!”
“You’re an asshole, Joseph,” Zack growled between clenched teeth. “Put the fucking phone away.” He turned and walked away.
“Just a minute. Oh, damn, Zack, you’re a popular guy. There’re already six … no, eight more likes and five more comments.”
Zack turned suddenly. “I told you to put the fucking phone away!” He ripped the phone out of Joseph’s hand, crushed it in his fist, and threw it. The pieces instantly burst into flames and turned to ashes.
“You dumb son of a bitch. Your temper tantrums really suck. And for your information, nobody likes to be around you. Nobody. I would recommend a good therapist to you, but you’re seriously, irreversibly screwed up beyond any fucking hope,” Joseph said.
“Agreed,” Zack growled. “Now shut the hell up. We have vampires to kill. We can’t allow any of them to get away. I think they have his woman’s scent. What the hell is Haden’s problem? I can’t believe she’s still mortal.” He started to walk away but stopped and turned to face Joseph. “And if you know what’s good for you, you’ll stop changing my fucking status and posting profile pictures.”
* * *
A burst of energy rushed past Caylee. Then, bolt after bolt of bluish white lightning arced across the sky, lighting the meadow and casting shadows in the trees surrounding it. The sound of thunder was so loud it caused the ground to shake. She covered her ears. She would’ve fallen to her knees if Haden hadn’t been standing behind her, holding her in his strong arms and anchoring her against his solid body. She blinked to focus on a pitch-black cloud of smoke forming several feet in front of her. She wanted to run, but sensing she was about to see something spectacular, she remained still, waiting to see what would happen next.
Holding her breath, she watched as the smoke dissipated and a huge, shadowy image appeared. Squinting, she struggled to make sense of what she was seeing. It was an animal. A very large animal.
A colorful series of explosions, similar to fireworks, started at the top of the animal’s head and continued all the way to the tip of its tail until brilliant shades of red, gold, silver, and purple shimmering streaks illuminated what appeared to be a black dragon.
Doing the rational thing, she shook her head, rejecting the idea that dragons existed. It was so beautiful. She wanted to move closer. She wanted to touch it. She shook her head. What was she thinking? Yes, it was beautiful, but there was no way she would ever dare get close enough to touch it.
The dragon lifted its head high and roared. It was unlike anything Caylee had ever heard before. It was so deep and loud she actually felt the sound in her belly. It echoed all around, causing the ground to shake violently.
It was shocking, but nothing could have prepared her for what happened next. Her breath caught in her throat as she watched the hideous doglike creatures turn on each other. It was such a terrifying
, gruesome sight. Jaws snapping and claws slicing, they attacked each other in a rabid frenzy. It didn’t make sense. Why would they attack each other? I commanded them to destroy each other. Haden whispered in her mind. And he sounded amused. Rolling her eyes, she frowned. Of course it was his doing. Her gaze shifted to the dragon. She wondered what Haden was planning to do with it.
She wanted to go back to believing there were no such things as dragons, but she couldn’t deny what was right in front of her face. She would give anything to hit rewind and start the day over. Appearing almost disinterested, the dragon watched the brutal chaos for a few more minutes, and then, lifting its head high, it roared once more. The creatures, suddenly silent, turned to face the dragon and froze. Eyes wide, Caylee held her breath as flames shot out of the dragon’s mouth and reduced the creatures to an unrecognizable pile of smoldering ashes at the dragon’s feet. Shaking her head, she took a breath. She now knew the rumors of fire-breathing dragons were not rumors at all.
To Caylee’s horror, the dragon turned and fixed its gaze onto hers. It slowly moved toward her. With each step it took the ground rumbled beneath its weight. Stopping directly in front of her, it bowed its massive head reverently at her feet.
Seeking Haden’s protection, Caylee took a step back, only to realize he was no longer behind her. He’d left her? Her mouth went completely dry. How could he just abandon her? She would’ve screamed, but she couldn’t even breathe.
“Breathe, little love. I would never abandon you.”
“Huh?” She blinked. Did the dragon just smile at her? She shook her head. Did it just talk to her? She tilted her head to the side, studying its eyes. It didn’t make sense. Its eyes were so familiar, so comforting. After a breathless moment of silence, she made the connection.
“Oh, oh my God.” She swallowed hard. “Haden?” It had to be an illusion. “No.” It was a magic trick of some sort. She’d seen him do many strange, impossible things. She’d seen him appear from out of nowhere and disappear several times. The dragon wasn’t real. Hoping to prove it, she reached out to touch it. Her fingers felt warm, hard scales. “It is really you.”
Eternal Breath of Darkness Page 4
