Caressed by the Edge of Darkness

by Amanda J. Greene

  “Somewhere along the way, I’d heard Meg was sick. I didn’t realize…I would’ve come back for you both if I’d known it was so serious. I could’ve helped. I could’ve taken you in.”

  She squeezed his knee. “I know you cared for my aunt.”

  “I loved Meg. That’s why I thought it was for the best I stay away. I learned of her passing too late and by the time I found you, you were seventeen, living your life. You didn’t need a vampire hanging around. But I could’ve protected you. I could’ve brought you with me to Erhard’s territory—”

  “Erhard?” The name fell from her lips on a harsh, excited whisper.

  Scott cleared his throat. “Yes. This is his jet. We are heading to his compound.”

  Questions whirled like a hurricane in her mind. Are you a member of his Clan? What’s he like? Do you know why he’d come to the bar? Did he really want to sign me or did he know I was a target? Was he trying to protect me? Is it true he’s started a war amongst the vampires? Sharp, shooting pains splintered her skull as her thoughts raced. She wanted to know everything about the male.

  “Relax, J, you’re getting worked up.”

  Did he know I was taken? Had Erhard searched for me? She’d been moved so many times, taken from one prison to another, from one auction house to another. Whispers of raids and destruction always followed. Did he come for me? He’d bid on her and won the auction. He’d been willing to pay 1.3 million to have her.

  Jordan sucked in a shocked gasp. Her cracked ribs jabbed into her lung and she cried out. Doubling over, she wrapped her arms around her middle. Jordan’s vision brimmed with blackness. Blinking back tears, she saw Scott filling a syringe. Terror swept through her.

  She screamed, No needles. Please, no more needles, except no sound came out. She tried again, but a harsh groan was all that rose from her throat. On some level she knew her fear was irrational. Scott had been like a father figure to her once. He wouldn’t hurt her, but…Ross had held her down…forced a syringe into her vein.

  “Doctor!” That voice. Low. Strong. Powerful. “What the f—”

  “My king, she’s seizing.”

  Was she? Jordan’s mind had disengaged from her body. She was on the verge of checking out of the conscious world when his scent invaded her nose. She felt warm, gentle, large hands wrap around her upper arms and then…he was there. Rich, blond hair fell over his brow, casting shadows over his bright, clear, green eyes. His stern jaw was set and his lips were pressed in a hard thin line.

  Jordan’s eyes drifted closed. Her last thought as she was swept away: I’ll kiss away his frown.

  “What happened?” Gabriel demanded. He’d been gone less than five minutes, leaving Scott to watch over her while he had a chat with the pilot. They weren’t far, approximately another forty-five minutes until they landed in the Nevada desert.

  “I think its withdrawals,” Scott said.

  Sadly, Gabriel wasn’t surprised.

  “At first, I thought it was the pain. I readied some morphine. She saw the needle and…” Scott ran shaking hands through his hair.

  Gabriel’s blood flashed ice-cold. “She regained consciousness.” He’d given the doctor specific orders: monitor the mortal’s vitals, provide pain killers as needed, and notify him the instant she awoke. Scott had done the first, attempted the second before she passed out, and failed the last.

  I should’ve been the one Jordan saw when she opened her eyes.

  Scott’s shoulders straightened, his chin tilted with defiance. “Yes.”

  Gabriel’s eyes narrowed. Did the surgeon disapprove of his king’s interest in the mortal? “Don’t allow your past relationship with the girl to cloud your judgment,” Gabriel warned.

  “Your Highness, you have my word, I’ll treat her better than if she were of my own blood.”

  Gabriel regarded the other vampire for a long moment before muttering, “Good” and dismissing him. Scott bowed his head and turned for the door. He paused, his hand on the knob, and cast a determined look toward Jordan, then closed the door behind him.

  Jordan stirred, drawing Gabriel’s rapt attention. Her head shifted on the pillow. Her face pressed against the black sheets. She took in a shuddered breath as if she were trying to sniff the material. On her exhale, tension uncoiled from her body and she was still once more.

  Gabriel scrubbed a hand down his face. She’d awakened, indicating progress. But the pink that had tinted her cheeks after he’d given her blood had vanished, the ugly ring of bruises around her throat were glaring and her flesh was ghostly pale, the blue of her veins visible. Her hair, a knotted mass of curls, spread out across the pillows. Dried blood matted her hair and streaked down her hollow cheeks. She was beautiful. Stunning, in a damsel-in-distress-but-still-can-kick-your-ass kind of way. Jordan was a scrapper, but she also needed protection and he had a driving need to be the one doing the protecting.

  Wasn’t that the under lying reason he went after her? Yes, he wanted to spare her the torment of being enslaved. Yes, he wanted to end the vile trade and bury Boras. But this unnatural possessive trait she triggered within him was marrow deep, which meant he had to let her go. He’d see her well and have her memories scrubbed. Then, Gannon would make sure she was settled. His Second would offer her a record contract or help her achieve her goal of owning and operating her own yoga studio. Whatever she wanted, she’d have.

  But, at this rate, she is going to die.

  Shoving the dark thought aside, Gabriel resumed his post—kneeling beside the bed—and grabbed the damp cloth he’d brought in with him. Gently, he wiped the blood from her brow, temples, and cheeks, revealing smooth, creamy skin.

  A tiny moan parted her lips when he softly trailed his gloved knuckles along her jaw. He snapped his hand back, terrified he’d hurt her.

  Jordan frowned and turned her head toward him as if seeking his touch. When it didn’t return, low, panicked whimpers pushed past her lips and she began to thrash.

  Her confused, pained struggle made his chest clench. “Easy, Jordan, you’re okay. Please, sweet,” he beseeched, “your injuries…”

  She fell silent and still. Then she opened her eyes. Her gaze was glossy and unfocused as she blinked. “Erhard?”

  Her whiskey voice was the best sound in the world. “Yeah, I’m here.”

  “Is…is this real?”

  “Yes, Jordan. You’re safe.”

  Her expression softened and she sighed, “With you.”

  Gabriel’s brow furrowed and that spark he’d snuffed earlier returned. “Yes,” he said, though her words hadn’t been a question.

  Jordan reached toward him and he stared at her seeking fingers. He wanted to take her hand, to clasp it to his chest, to feel that body rocking electric shock that shot through him every time she touched him. But he flinched away and her hand fell back to the mattress.

  Clearing her throat, she asked, “Scott. Was he here?”

  “He’s just outside. Would you like me to get him?”

  Jordan shook her head then pressed her palms flat on the mattress. Using what strength she had, she shoved herself up right. The blankets fell away, exposing her tattered negligee and more.

  Gabriel cursed and caught her before she tumbled over the edge of the bed. Taking great care, he closed his arms around her slender waist. She whimpered from the sudden jolt. Worried his touch added to her pain, Gabriel set Jordan against the pillows then abruptly released her. Before he could pull away, her tiny hand settled on his chest and he was thankful to Gannon for convincing him to wash and redress. Gabriel hadn’t wanted to leave Jordan’s side, but she didn’t need to wake to a bare chested vampire covered in blood.

  Her nails scrapped the material of his fresh button up. Her fingers began to explore his pectoral and his shoulder. His shirt offered little protection from her touch and its effect. Despite the chill that graced Jordan’s fingers, her caress seared him. Gabriel considered pulling away, but the thought was fleeting. Jordan captured him w
ith her hold-me-forever gaze.

  She cupped his face. His lips parted, his breath shortened, and he lowered himself down to sit beside her. God, she made his blood burn. She also confused the hell out of him. Gabriel wanted to take her in his arms again, to hold her. To reassure himself that she was truly here with him, that this wasn’t a dream. She was alive. He wanted to rain kisses over her face and hands…to comfort her? Ridiculous. He wasn’t the comforting type.

  Jordan’s hands slipped back to his neck, her fingers locking together, cupping his nape. She pulled herself up and brushed a trembling kiss against his lips. The caress was soft, tender—he’d never known anything sweeter. Gabriel almost groaned as the rush of desire heated his body. The urge to take control, to deepen the kiss was primal.

  Yet he’d held back and somehow found the strength to ease away.

  Her eyes were still closed, as if she were savoring his taste. Her lips were slightly parted, their perfect bow shape pouting for more and when she breathlessly whispered, “Erhard,” Gabriel knew a dark moment of near uncontrollable lust.

  “Yes,” he said, his voice scratching his dry throat.

  Her lashes fluttered open and Jordan released his nape to sweep stray strands of hair from his eyes. She swayed and he caught her to him. The thin material of her teddy pressed tightly over the swell of her breasts. Her pearled nipples strained against the material and abraded him with every shuddered breath she took. He swallowed a groan and pressed her even closer. Fuck, she felt amazing and he was a letch for wanting her.

  She’s on Death’s doorstep and you’re copping a feel.

  He eased his hold, circled her wrists, and brought her arms down. He dismissed the sense of bereavement that swept through him at the loss of contact. He definitely didn’t acknowledge the disappointment that flickered across her face.

  “We’ll land shortly and—”

  Jordan reached up and twirled a lock of his hair around her index finger. His words caught in his throat.

  “Your eyes…they’re beautiful…so warm.”

  Gabriel felt a smile tug at his lips. “You’re the first to say such.”

  Her eyelids drooped, but she resisted the lure of sleep. “Impossible.”

  “Cold is how my gaze is often described.”

  She shook her head and cringed. Her body stiffened all over from the pain.

  Humor gone, he insisted, “You need to rest.”

  “Tell me honest,” she gasped and grimaced, “How bad am I?”

  “We’ll get you patched up.”

  She swallowed hard then gave a short laugh. Sadness touched her eyes. “Okay, coach, but I’ll need more than a few Band-Aids. Not sure I can just walk this off.”

  Gabriel couldn’t stop his smile.

  Jordan’s gaze dropped to his mouth and he sucked in a breath. His lips still tingled from her kiss and, god help him, he wanted to taste her. Claim her luscious mouth, deeply. As if reading his mind, her little tongue swept over her upper lip.

  She’s human. Fragile. Don’t forget.

  He laid her against the pillows once more, but she continued to fight sleep. “Please, Jordan, rest.” When he stood she raised her hand to catch his, but missed.

  “St-stay.”

  Her breathless plea struck him like lightning. “I’m not going anywhere.”

  Jordan’s eyes drifted closed then fluttered open. “Erhard?”

  On impulse, he reached out and squeezed her hand. “Gabriel, you may call me Gabriel.”

  Her eyes closed again. As she slipped into sleep she sighed his name and something within him clicked into place. The spark grew into a flame.

  Chapter Eight

  Gabriel carried an unconscious Jordan through the medical faculty’s entrance. A nurse immediately rounded the front desk and rushed forward. She offered to take the mortal from him. Gabriel refused to hand her over. “What room?”

  “Your Highness, with respect, Dr. Fredrick ordered scans,” she stated. “We need to determine—”

  “What room?” he snarled.

  The nurse paled, if that were possible for a vampire. “Four,” she squeaked.

  Gabriel turned and headed down the hall. He shouldered open the door, nearly knocking a shocked Kate to the floor. He gruffly greeted the Shaw witch with an apology while he eased Jordan down on the operating table. Scott burst through the door an instant later with a line of nurses behind him, all narrowly missed running in to Kate. The witch didn’t flinch.

  Gabriel reluctantly stepped back, allowing the medical team to take over. He spared a glance to Kate. The witch’s eyes were wide, her gaze fixed on the mortal’s ashen face. Kate’s hands shook as she brought them up to her chest, her fingers locking together as if in prayer.

  “Oh, Fates,” she gasped, her words heavy with sorrow.

  His brow furrowed. “Kate?”

  Silently, she started forward. Instinctively, Gabriel moved to intercept her. Kate’s steps stuttered, her trance shattered. She swayed, but Gabriel caught her before she tumbled.

  The sudden movement drew a nurse’s attention. “Are you all right, dear?”

  Kate pressed a shaking hand to her temple and shook her head.

  “Your Highness, will you take her to the front desk? She should be seen.”

  “I’m fine,” Kate said when Gabriel wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “Truly,” she added as they entered the hall.

  “You’re certain? Your face is stark white and, a moment ago, you nearly fainted.”

  She pulled away from him. “Thank you, Majesty, for your concern but I am well.”

  Gabriel folded his arms over his chest. His eyes narrowed as the witch began to pace. Something about Jordan had rattled the calm Shaw healer. Kate’s small hands still shook and her breathing quickened. She paused a moment, her gaze snapped to the closed door of room four. She began to nibble on her bottom lip. The witch’s nervousness was palpable, her silence unbearable.

  “What is it?”

  Kate cringed and spun around to face him. Her eyes widened, her pulse spiked with fear. Gabriel instantly regretted his harsh tone. He hadn’t meant to snap at the girl. Running a hand through his hair, he mumbled a curse. God, the mortal’s condition had him on edge and Kate’s unease wasn’t helping.

  “I-I’m sorry, Your Majesty, but…I…” She dropped her stare to the floor. “The human…she…the damage is too great…”

  A long forgotten emotion clawed up Gabriel’s spine: dread. Keeping his expression blank, his voice even, he asked, “What did you see?”

  Though Kate’s voice trembled and broke, her words were unmistakable and sliced him like an axe to the gut.

  Marked. He staggered, his back hit the wall.

  “I-I saw the shroud,” Kate explained. “Like mist, it clings to her. I’ve never seen something so terrifying…or so beautiful.”

  Marked. Closing his eyes, Gabriel shut the chaos of the world away, his senses focusing on the human in the operating room. He heard the determination in the surgeon’s voice as Scott ordered his team but despite his skills, Jordan’s heart was slowing. Her lungs struggled to draw breath and she continued to lose blood.

  He’d failed Jordan, just as he’d failed his tribe, his wife, and his closest friend, Dimitri. If he’d found Jordan sooner, she’d be happy and healthy now. And if you hadn’t extended the hunt, he and his men would’ve been able to save their village. He could’ve saved his wife from torment, rape, and murder. If he’d protected Dimitri’s mate…

  Gabriel’s fingers locked into fists at his sides. He heard Jordan’s pulse stutter and his vampire tore free of his chains. A raw roar ripped from his throat, his fists collided with the thick block wall. The building shook, lights flickered, and plaster rained from the ceiling.

  He whirled around and pinned the witch with a threatening stare. “I won’t lose her.”

  Kate blinked tears from her eyes then wiped at her face with the back of her hand. “I’m sorry, Majesty, but mortal metho
ds and medicine can’t help her and magic...won’t save her.”

  His demon snarled. In a blur of movement, Gabriel had Kate trapped between him and the wall. His claws ripped through his gloves and sliced into the stone on either side her shoulders.

  “Won’t but not unable.” His words hissed past his fangs. “Are your gifts not strong enough? Could your High Priestess save my human?”

  Kate shook her head. “No. Shaw magic has its limits and every witch is bound by sacred laws that can’t be broken. Please, you must understand, once a being has been marked by Death they are beyond our reach.” Her eyes sparkled with terror as she met his demon’s black gaze. “I’m terribly sorry. Nothing can be done.”

  With a low growl, Gabriel forced himself away from the witch. Turning his back to her, he cast a glance to the operating room’s doors. There had to be a way to save Jordan. “My blood,” he rasped. “It healed her cuts, faded her bruises, and heated her flesh.”

  “The curse within your veins is powerful—greater than most—but that is dark magic.” Kate’s entire frame trembled as she resumed her pacing.

  “I can give her more. In small doses,” he added.

  “A temporary fix.” Her steps quickened. “The next full moon is in ten days. Females rarely survive the transformation, but with your blood—”

  “No.” Gabriel’s fists clenched, his claws cut into his palms. Blood seeped between his fingers and dripped from his knuckles. “I’d rather watch her draw her last breath than damn her for eternity.”

  “There is no other way.”

  A sly smile curled his lips as an eerie calm settled over him, quieting his demon. His fangs retracted, his sight returned to normal, and his claws disappeared. His torn flesh instantly healed. “There is always another way.” He peeled the ruined leather gloves from his hands and tossed them into a nearby waste basket. “Reach out to your High Priestess.”

  Kate’s expression was doubtful. “Magic can only do so much.”