Caressed by the Edge of Darkness

by Amanda J. Greene

  Her voice is heaven and her dancing is hypnotic, he wanted to correct, instead he drawled, “Artistic abilities, though appreciated, are of little importance.”

  X-Tina’s expression softened as if she discovered a secret. “If traditional entertainment doesn’t interest you, then perhaps this will.” She dropped her voice to a sultry whisper. “This exotic beauty is untried.”

  Gabriel bit back a violent curse. A virgin. His stomach knotted. The things they’d do to her...The torture. The humiliation. His throat constricted painfully as he tried to swallow.

  “Imagine taking her.”

  Against his will his body responded, hardening. He didn’t give a shit if she were untouched, he’d desired her. He’d fantasized wrapping her hair around his fist, her long legs locked around his hips as he pounded within her. She’d cry out his name as she came. Dear lord, he’d envisioned claiming her again and again, in every position he could think of. But he didn’t want to want her. Hell, he’d forsaken sleep to escape his dreams of Jordan on her knees, gazing up at him, her eyes bright with need. Her plump lips wrapped around his—Gabriel’s fangs sharpened in his mouth, slicing his tongue. The tang of blood and sudden pain was a needed shock to his system.

  Focus.

  X-Tina’s eyes darkened as she ran her gaze over his body. “A male like you must have women committing murder to be in your bed.”

  Gabriel conceded with a single nod. Countless vampire beauties competed for his attentions, but none ever died. He preferred to take multiple women to his bed and loathed the idea of such senseless bloodshed. He satisfied them all, leaving them begging for more, but one night is all he shared. He refused to screw the same woman twice. No attachments. Always complete control. After the Madame, he’d never allow a woman to have power of him.

  She ran her tongue over her top lip. “And instinct tells me your brand of fucking is too intense for a mortal.”

  Again, he remained silent. He hadn’t lain with a human since his days as a mortal.

  “Do you seek a pleasure slave? One you can share?” The scent of her lust thickened the air. “This one,” she pointed to Jordan, “will serve well. She is spirited and her taste…” her words died on a moan. She flashed him a mischievous smile and danced away, coming to a stop beside the metal table. “Would you like to sample her sweet, sweet blood?” she asked.

  Gabriel stood unyielding, his wide shoulders squared. His fists tightened at his sides as he once again reminded himself, I can’t rip her throat out. Not yet.

  “No. Thank you,” he grated. If he ever tasted Jordan’s blood—huge fucking if—the mortal would have to freely offer her vein to him.

  X-Tina pouted and replaced the vial. “Number Fifteen is our featured prize for the evening. Many have expressed interest in her. If she is to your liking, I suggest you bid aggressively.”

  Every twisted fucker in attendance would bid on the exotic, talented, virgin beauty. Driving up the price, nothing short of a king’s ransom. He’d expected to pay top dollar for the mortal, but he hadn’t anticipated bank rolling Boras’s army.

  Gabriel’s lips peeled back from his fangs. Buying Jordan’s freedom meant paying for his enemy’s mercenaries and weapons. Shit.

  Returning his gaze to Jordan, the roiling darkness within him instantly calmed. He was grudgingly thankful of his disguises. The bandana hid his snarl, the fedora shaded the murderous glint.

  Stay true to his nonchalant air, Gabriel flicked his gaze around the room, scanning the surrounding cells. “This one doesn’t seem as fresh as the others.”

  The hostess shrugged. “Number Fifteen has been with us for a few months,” she answered.

  “I find it difficult to believe Boras would hold on to such a prize for so long without good reason.”

  “Innocent gems like Number Fifteen are exceedingly rare.” A glimmer of dark pleasure crossed X-Tina’s features then vanished. “She’s appeared at previous auctions, but her reserve has yet to be met.”

  Gabriel nodded and glanced back to Jordan, pretending to accept the hostess’s explanation, but he’d seen the revealing spark of bloodlust in her eyes. He knew all the tricks of the trade. X-Tina and the guards planned to kill whoever won Jordan. The hostess had accidentally betrayed her game and Gabriel would capitalize on her slip.

  “Is she defective?”

  The hostess vehemently shook her head. “No. Nothing of the sort.”

  He gave a disbelieving scoff and waved a hand toward Jordan’s cell. X-Tina’s eyes widened as she deduced his meaning. He suspected they’d drugged Jordan to make her more manageable, but he required confirmation. They could have doped her because of an injury or illness and wanted to make her ailments less noticeable.

  “As I mentioned before, she’s spirited.” The hostess feigned a sad sigh. “She sleeps now because we’ve been forced to sedate her. She’s a fighter and we wouldn’t want her harming herself.”

  “Understandable,” he conceded, “But you claim she is a gifted singer and dancer. That she is defiant. Yet, she is obviously heavily medicated, making it difficult to judge her worth.” Swinging his attention back to the hostess he challenged, “Am I to take you by your word?”

  “Mr. Shadow, allow me to assure you that we never falsely advertise. We pride ourselves on our product.” She straightened her shoulders. “A video of her performance will be played for our guest’s.”

  “Good. I look forward to it.”

  “Excellent,” she exclaimed. “You will not be disappointed.”

  Casting Jordan one last glance, Gabriel turned and clasped his hands behind his back. “Thank you for your time.”

  “My pleasure,” the hostess purred. “I will escort you to your suite.”

  Brushing past her, he said, “That isn’t necessary.” The violent tension within him built as the distance between him and Jordan grew. As he exited the Tasting Den, Gabriel whispered a vow to his mortal, “We will meet again in the purchasing room.”

  Chapter Four

  Gabriel shoved open the door to his suite as a bell rang, beckoning the attendees to take their seats. The room was dark with black walls and mahogany flooring. Gannon sat in one of the eight luxurious leather recliners situated in front of a wall of tinted glass, which provided a private viewing of the auction floor. A stage flooded by bright lights rested in what Gabriel assumed was a circle of suites.

  Gannon turned in his seat. “The show is about to start. Is it worth watching?”

  Gabriel nodded.“She’s here.”

  The tension that tightened Gannon’s shoulders eased. “Good.” He held up a thin booklet. “I didn’t see her listed in the brochure and was beginning to sweat.” He thumbed through the pages as Gabriel claimed a seat beside him. “This is some sick crap. They’ve set it up like a menu. Photos paired with summaries of the mortal’s backgrounds and skill sets.” He growled. “There are taste descriptions like you’d find when shopping for wine or scotch. And the Lead Slave Handler, Ross Klein, makes recommendation for what type of slave the mortal would best serve as: labor, entertainment, bleeding—it goes on and on. They also include a preview of future auctions.” Gannon cursed. “There’s even a ‘buy now’ option with a phone number. Major credit cards are accepted.” Sensing his king’s fraying control, Gannon wisely snapped his mouth shut and tossed the program into the trash bin beside his chair.

  After a too tense moment, he gave Gabriel a brotherly punch in the shoulder and smiled. “Hey, we’ve found her.” Promptly changing the subject, Gannon said, “I counted four exit doors on the main floor and there are only windows on the second and third. If necessary, I suggest we jump, tuck, and roll. Guards number thirty plus, hard to determine the exact total. I saw no weapons, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t pack’n.”

  “Noted.”

  The lights shining on the stage dimmed and a cheery chime played. X-Tina entered the room and crossed to the stage. A deceivingly sweet smile curved her lips as she declared the auction open
.

  Gabriel leaned back in his chair, forcing himself to relax.

  “Here we go,” Gannon whispered.

  After a short tutorial, explaining how bidders can use the electronic tablet provided to place their bids, X-Tina summoned the guards to bring the first slave to the block. Excitement sparkled in the hostess’s eyes when Number One appeared. The mortal man’s legs shook as he stood on the stage with his head bowed. After a brief description of the man’s skills, his robe was removed, revealing his nakedness and the bidding began.

  Memories Gabriel had buried long ago began to rise. He’d been dragged to the auction block. Chains had chewed at his wrists, snaked up his arms, and wrapped around his neck. Shackles gnawed at his ankles. Blood and filth clung to his cold flesh. Vampires stood in groups, their soulless black eyes boring into him. The demons had been intrigued by his warrior’s spirit and the females had gasped in delight when he’d been stripped bare. His strength, vitality, and cursed ‘beauty’ had enchanted the evil creatures and provoked a vicious bidding war.

  Gabriel watched in a daze as one by one the humans were paraded out on to the stage. Every time the hostess gleefully shouted, “Sold,” a sharp chill sliced through him like an executioner’s blade. He didn’t know how much more he could withstand. His control was unraveling by the millisecond, his rage boiling. Gabriel’s muscles strained and his fingers dug into the arms of the chair. Every cell in his body demanded action and his vampire clamored for the blood of his enemies. He forced himself to be still.

  Gannon mumbled curse after curse. “God, this is disgusting.”

  Gabriel remained silent while Number Fourteen was hauled off the stage. His mortal was next. Anticipation spiked his pulse when Gannon handed him the tablet. The screen instantly illuminated with a photo and description of Jordan.

  “Ladies and Gentlemen, we have a special prize for your bidding pleasure this evening,” X-Tina announced.

  On que, the side door opened. Gabriel’s heart slammed to a stop.

  Jordan dangled between two large guards. Each had a hand wrapped around her upper arm.

  “We’ve saved the best for last,” the hostess said as they joined her on the block. She motioned to the man on Jordan’s right. He released his hold and came to stand beside X-Tina, who smiled and wrapped an arm around his waist. “Mr. Klein is our Lead Slave Handler. He is the one who discovered this little diamond. Thank you, Mr. Klein.”

  “My pleasure, I assure you,” he replied, a twisted smile distorting his lips.

  Feral desires tore through Gabriel’s chest—a dangerous, combustible combination of rage, hate, and possessiveness. He wanted to crash through the glass, tear out the hostess’s throat. Behead the guard. Rip Klein’s dead heart from his chest and shove it down his throat. Then he’d slaughter the audience with no regard to the shifter’s neutral territory.

  Gabriel hadn’t noticed he’d shot to his feet or that he’d charged the window, but someone was holding him back. Snarling, he spun and struck out. His fist a fraction of a centimeter from connecting with Gannon’s face, he pulled his punch back.

  “Easy, man,” Gannon growled, his eyes going black. His vampire rising to meet the threat. “We can’t blow our cover.”

  Heavy breaths hissed past Gabriel’s fangs as he reined in his demon. Fuck. Where was his famed control? He never lost his shit, but when it came to the tiny human… So close now. Focus. Rescue the mortal and end this crazy emotional crap.

  Releasing him, Gannon asked, “You good?”

  Gabriel nodded and reclaimed his seat. “Solid.”

  Gannon picked the tablet off the floor and handed it back to Gabriel before sitting down and turning his wary gaze back to the auction floor.

  Closing his eyes, Gabriel counted ten measured breaths. Keep it together. It would all be over soon and his life would return to normal.

  His mind clear, his emotions calm, he opened his eyes.

  Jordan swayed, but the remaining guard held her upright. Her brow pinched as the guard tilted her head toward the light, displaying the delicate, sensual features of her face. Perfectly arched eyebrows, a thin nose with a button tip, sharp cheekbones, and her chapped lips were so alluring and plump. Directly under the light, her dark hair shimmered with rays of red, gold and hues of deep purple. Its long length curled wantonly around her slender frame, a striking contrast to the white robe she wore. She’d soon be stripped bare like the other. He could almost hear the deranged vampires in the audience lick their lips at the prospect.

  “Number Fifteen is an exceptional beauty. Her hair, thick and soft as silk, is naturally colored.” X-Tina twirled a lock between her fingers. “Her skin is smooth and unmarred, with the exception of two tattoos.” The guard grabbed Jordan’s hands and turned them out for the spectators to view. “True” and “Honest” were scribed in flowing, black, cursive across the inside of her wrists.

  The hostess cupped Jordan’s chin and gave her head a little shake. Jordan’s eyes fluttered open. She tried to pull away, but was too weak.

  “As you can see, her eyes are unique and flash with defiance.” X-Tina giggled. “For those of you interested in a spirited slave, look no further. She is perfect.”

  Gabriel growled knowing she meant, “For those of you looking for a slave to beat, torture, and rape into submission, she’s the one.”

  “Number Fifteen is more than just a pretty face. She is also a talented singer.”

  The tablet in his hands lit up once more and the video X-Tina had promised began to play. Jordan sat on a stool, center stage of the bar where she frequently preformed in Denver. The music started and her glorious, haunting voice rang out. The song started slow, the tempo picking up until she was on her feet swaying to the beat. Enchanting. Gabriel’s heart clenched.

  When the song ended, the screen returned to Jordan’s profile.

  “Impressive,” X-Tina said clapping.

  Klein stepped behind Jordan and untied the waist band of the robe. With a light tug the garment fell.

  Gabriel’s eyes flashed demonic black. Gannon’s arm shot out across his king’s chest. They both knew Gabriel could easily shake free, but he remained in his seat. Grinding his teeth, his jaw locked, Gabriel bit back an outraged roar.

  He gave his Second a tight nod. As much as he wanted to commit murder and ignite chaos, he would stay in his seat.

  Gannon leaned back.

  Gabriel should be grateful Jordan wasn’t naked, but the white lingerie she wore left little to the imagination. Lace covered her luscious breasts. The baby doll design revealed the creamy flesh of her trim stomach, accentuated her round hips, and the lace panties…The handler’s goal was to tantalize the audience, tease the perverse blood-suckers. The winner would have the privilege of stripping her, the prize of Jordan’s body for his or her eyes only.

  Klein moved back to his post beside X-Tina, but his gaze remained on Jordan. Gabriel read the lust in the vampire’s eyes and the Slave Handler just moved up to number one on his hit list.

  “Lovely,” the hostess sighed. “Number Fifteen is an owner’s dream and,” her lips turned up in a greedy smile, “she is untouched.” She paused for emphasis, allowing the meaning of her words to sink in. “Yes. She is a virginal beauty. To validate our claim, a physical conducted by a medical professional will be provided, if the winner so choses.”

  Gannon muttered a litany of curses then finally groaned, “We might as well gift wrap crates of weapons for Boras.”

  Gabriel didn’t respond. Focused on Jordan, his mind sharp, analytical, he waited.

  X-Tina’s smile brightened. “The bidding will open at $50,000.”

  ***

  The bright lights of Hell burned. Too tired to keep her head raised, her face dipped forward, her hair slipped over her like a veil. For a blissful moment she escaped the harsh blaze that illuminated the auction block. But, as always, her relief was short lived. A cold, heavy hand gripped her chin and forced her face back up.

 
; Jordan tried to protest, her sluggish brain formed a scathing curse, but she was unable to speak. The drugs had stolen her voice and taken control of her body. Her limbs were heavy as stone and her chest felt like an iron cage around her lungs. God, it hurt to breathe. If it weren’t for the guard’s hold, she’d crash to the ground, unable to move her arms to break her fall. Yeah, she’d face plant, like she usually did when tossed back into her glass cell.

  The vampire shifted, turning her around, making sure everyone was able to view the merchandise, her nearly nude body. She’d felt mortified the first few times she’d been put on display, now it was routine.

  Jordan’s legs trembled and her knees gave out. The guard uttered an oath as he caught her. The hostess gave a light laugh and made some sweet comment regarding humans and their frailty. Naturally X-Tina didn’t mention the drugs pumping like poison through her veins. Jordan didn’t know what they kept shooting her with. Whatever it was, the drug was strong and, sadly, lacked a pleasurable high. It left her mind fractured and her body numb. Catatonic. Exhausted.

  She’d lost track of how long she’d been in Hell. Weeks. Months. Years. It didn’t matter. She could feel the end drawing closer every second. The vampires kept her on the edge of life and death and Jordan didn’t know how much longer she could endure. Hunger gnawed at her gut. Her lips were cracked, her mouth dry, and her throat burned from dehydration. Cruel shivers continuously plagued her. She clenched her jaw, trying to keep her teeth from chattering even now. It did little good. Damn, her body ached, every muscle sore from the endless cold.

  If deprivation and exposure didn’t kill her, the drugs eventually would. Jordan found some peace in knowing she may fall asleep any minute and never wake up. She could sense Death was coming to call. Should she greet the specter with open arms or continue to fight?

  Fight for what? Freedom? She would’ve laughed if she could. Hope was such a dangerous emotion it should be a sin. If she were smart, she’d give Death a kiss when he came to collect, but she would never surrender. She was a warrior. And there was also Erhard. The blond male. Her captor’s enemy. The Outcast blood bastard turned Clan Chieftain and his relentless attacks on the slave traders. He’d been at the boathouse the night they moved her, she’d seen him…hadn’t she?