Entwined With the Dark

by Nicola Claire

  The way he said it made a bubble of laughter escape my mouth. I hadn't intended to laugh, but his tone was so sexy, so husky, so suggestive, that I had no choice. Michel would never share me like that, he was trying to make me relax. Laughter was his method of choice. But I also wasn't fooled one little bit. Michel hadn't liked my plan tonight; the thought that I would be without my full contingency of guards. But rather than throw his weight around and undermine my confidence, he had found a compromise that allowed him some control. He could be privy to what was happening and order the outside guards to move closer without my consent.

  "You're a control freak," I said softly, as his lips made their way to my mouth.

  "Mm-hmm," he answered, then kissed me soundly. Pulling back after several seconds, he said, "Would you have me any other way?"

  And no, I wouldn't. Michel was strong and powerful, a natural leader, a decision maker. He could sometimes be authoritarian, his opinion was often the only one of worth. But he was also the one person I felt safest with. The one person I could rely on to save me when things got tough. I was more than capable of holding my own in most things, but my life was not like most. I had learned the hard way that things didn't always go to plan. But with Michel at my side, I could live with that thought. Michel wasn't just my husband, the lover who held my heart. He was also my saviour, my protector, my provider of all that I needed and desired. To have that I had to accept his dominant side.

  And to be honest, who doesn't get turned on by a man who is completely in control of his world?

  He smiled, that beautiful young boy smile, the one that made my heart stop beating and just swoon. His thumb ran along the edge of my jaw and he sighed.

  "You know me," he said simply and it was a statement that meant more than just words. It was as though it gave him comfort, let him be who he was without guilt. Yes I knew this man and I loved him because of it, not despite it.

  I was also aware, that Michel knew me too. Better than even myself.

  And there was comfort to be had in that, as well.

  Chapter 31

  Return Of The Game

  Night came too quickly and before I knew it, Michel had gone. We didn't drag out the good-bye. We didn't linger in each other's arms. We both had a job to do tonight, his more precarious than mine and the weight of the outcome from his impending meeting with the Champion, carried more significance too.

  Not that my mind wasn't on high alert as we approached the Vibe in Trafalgar Square. Sergei and Matthias following, but not visible. Nataliya and Marcus with me in my car. It was good to have the opportunity to drive my Mini again, but it wasn't exactly the most ideal environment to enjoy. The impending confrontation with Amun and my role in getting him to divulge his secrets occupied my mind. But also, I couldn't help being distracted by Marcus and Nataliya's familiarity.

  Why did it bother me so much? I couldn't help thinking I was being judgemental, I wasn't even sure if they were still acting or not. Maybe it was all still a show and my unease at their closeness was misplaced. But something made me jumpy as they bantered in the car. Their innuendo and poor choice of jokes setting my teeth on edge. By the time we parked the car in the Trafalgar Square carpark, I'd just about had enough. I was glad that I'd be abandoning them as soon as we entered the club. Not that they'd be abandoning me in theory, just appearing as if they had.

  We crossed the square in silence, they'd even stopped draping their arms around each other for the walk. They were still shoulder to shoulder behind me, but their attention was all for the surroundings and any threat that lay hidden there. Their return to familiar protection squad antics made it a little easier to breathe and I tried to use that sensation to relax my rigid and tense frame. I rolled my head on my shoulders and took in a few deep breaths of air.

  "Are you all right, mistress?" Nataliya asked behind me in a low voice only we could hear.

  "I'll be fine when this is all over," I said, meaning more than just the evening in the Vibe ahead.

  "You will be our main focus, even if we don't appear as though we are on guard," she offered and I realised it was exactly what I had needed to hear.

  They were still very much my guards despite a relationship beginning between them or not.

  "Thanks," I muttered as we drew closer to the bouncer on the door.

  The Norms in the queue complained loudly as the bouncer nodded in recognition and let us in. He growled at them, not displaying any fangs, but just as intimidating as if he had. They really should have been used to it, there were always VIPs who entered first. If they were regulars at the Vibe, they would have known this. Which made me wonder if this was 'fresh meat' on the pavement or not.

  The white room was ablaze with coloured lights, a dizzying display of electronics making my eyes blink rapidly and my stomach lurch. I sincerely hoped epileptics chose a different bar to attend. Even I was having spasms, trying to accept the speed in which the lights flashed. Nataliya yelled something about grabbing a drink and taking Marcus's hand headed towards the bar. Leaving me standing alone a few feet inside the venue and unsure of what to do next.

  No one approached me and I had visions of waiting hours like we had last night. I wasn't in the mood for Amun's games, but I had absolutely no choice in the matter. If he wanted to toy with me before approaching, he would. I'm not one to wait patiently, I'm more of an act now think later kind of girl. I am working on that. It appears politics is the exact reverse. Think, think, think, before you make your next move.

  It brought a smile to my face. Michel was definitely a thinker, but then he was particularly good at doing too. I decided I wouldn't stand around like a lonely statue and headed towards the dance floor. There was a large group of people dancing with each other, so I was sure I could join in with the crowd and not cause too much of a stir. I'd worn better shoes tonight, my flats, not a heel in sight. I was quite prepared for a lengthy dance session, knowing Amun would be watching, but my intention wasn't to give him a good show. It was to appear quite happy with what I was doing; no need to rush, I'm having fun.

  I'd been dancing for several minutes, a young human guy had broken off from the pack not long after I arrived. I'd smiled, but not responded to his overtures, just closed my eyes and given myself over to the rhythm and vibe. I thought it was his hands on my hips when I felt them. His courage had surprised me, as the hands coasted around my waist, pulling me firmly against a broad chest at my back. My eyes sprang open and caught the disappointed look on the young guy's face as he returned to his mates instead.

  I quickly determined it wasn't a vampire at my back, so not Amun making his entrance just yet, but I wasn't in the dark for long, when hot breath washed my cheeks and the man purred, "Hello, lass. You can certainly dance."

  "Sebastian," I said allowing him to move us to the music, a gentle sway of both our hips. "What do you want?"

  "Can't I just be after a dance?"

  "I don't know what you are after, Sebastian, but it's not a dance," I said with feeling, turning to face him, but still wrapped in his arms.

  "I'm keeping an eye on you for the Champion, Lucinda. You know this."

  I was momentarily surprised he was being so open, but then, like he said, it wasn't news.

  "Is that the only reason you're here?" I asked, wondering just whose side he was really on.

  He just shrugged. "Can't a friend dance with a friend?"

  "We're not friends, you and I," I replied automatically, but it was definitely the truth.

  "I killed your fairy for you, that should make us friends."

  "I have no idea why you did that, but it wasn't for me."

  We stared at each other for a moment, neither giving the other an inch. I didn't know what game the Ceannard was playing and I certainly didn't know on whose side. But he wasn't the reason why I was here, I needed Amun to make his appearance. But, despite me dancing with a rather dashing Nathair-Sgiathach, he hadn't shown up yet. I needed to force his hand and if I didn't want to
be twiddling my thumbs all night waiting, then maybe I could use Sebastian's presence.

  "Fine," I said with a lift of my shoulder. "Let's dance."

  He looked slightly surprised by my acquiescence and then quickly he smiled his lazy smile.

  "Now, you're talking, lass." He spun me around a few times, then made a show of dipping me low over his arm. I couldn't help my smile at his over-the-top dancing style. He grinned winningly back and pulled me close to his chest. The music changed to a different beat and he started to move me in a jarring fashion.

  "We're doing the Tango?" I asked as he spun me with force one way and then the next, then abruptly brought me against his side. His feet were moving in intricate steps, but his guidance meant I didn't look like I was being left behind.

  "A dance for lovers," he purred in my ear as he brought me back, chest to chest.

  "We're not..." I didn't get to finish that, as he spun me around dramatically and lowered me in final dip as he went down on one knee. My hair touched the floor behind me, my head unable to do anything but roll further back.

  It was from this angle that I saw Amun, walking towards us through a parted crowd, slowly clapping his hands. My hold on Sebastian’s shoulder's tightened, my nails digging in to his shirt. I was not happy to be facing the Master of London City upside down. Sebastian spun me to my feet, his eyes catching mine briefly. He twirled me in his arms to face Amun, one hand still on my hip, the other across my waist. He didn't let go, although he would have felt the tension in my stance.

  "Lucinda, what a delightful show you have put on." Amun's eyes ran over my outfit, lingering slightly on where Sebastian had his arm. He flicked his gaze back up to the shifter. "Sebastian, you are enjoying my club?"

  I wasn't surprised that they knew each other. Sebastian as the leader of the local shifters would have had to meet with Amun more than once. But I did wonder just how well they knew each other and what that would mean for me.

  "As usual, Amun," Sebastian drawled in his Scottish accent, "It has been fun."

  Amun nodded slowly. "You should not monopolise the Emissary's wife."

  It was interesting that Amun had not called me by any of my titles, but had chosen to address me as Michel's wife. It said more than he realised. Michel was the one with the accord with him, not me, but I think Amun was a little sexist and that would play perfectly into my plan.

  "I wouldn't dream of it," Sebastian answered. "But I could hardly resist the opportunity either, now could I?"

  "No," Amun conceded good naturedly. "She is a prize to be seen with, I agree."

  I forced myself not to react, being discussed as though I was property was never a nice thing.

  "However, I am sure you have more pressing things to deal with," Amun offered, stepping a little closer to us both.

  Sebastian slowly withdrew his arm from around my waist and stepped away. The lack of his body warmth, whilst being stared at by Amun was shocking. I felt a little naked under that hungry gaze. I was not Sebastian's problem to protect though and I would hardly start relying on the shifter for that sort of thing now. I turned a dazzling smile on Sebastian, taking a half step towards the Master of the City, placing me within his reach. It went against every hunter instinct in me, but I kept telling myself it was just a game.

  "Thanks, Seb," I said with false cheerfulness. He rolled his eyes at my new nick-name for him, but offered a bow from the waist.

  "A pleasure, lass." He nodded to Amun and then melted away into the throng on the dance floor. Within seconds I couldn't see him and I had to physically force myself to return my attention to the vampire at my side. Amun's hand came up to brush a strand of my hair away from my face, he was so much closer than he'd been a second ago. I reminded myself to keep a better awareness of my surroundings. It was time to concentrate and play the game again.

  "May I have this dance?" Amun asked pleasantly, but as though it should have been a surprise.

  "Of course," I murmured, taking his hand and letting him lead me wherever he liked. I didn't fight him, I didn't resist in any way, I wanted him to believe he was in control. He was the one who led not only in the dance, but in our conversation. It was essential he believed that he was in control.

  "Do you know the Nathair-Sgiathach well?" he asked after some time, as we moved smoothly around the room.

  "No, not really, but Michel thinks I should get to know him better." The lie fell off my lips with surprising ease.

  "Why would he want that?" Amun murmured, leaning his mouth too close to my ear. I remembered to keep breathing normally and didn't pull away.

  "Oh, he wouldn't tell me why." I said it with a shrug of my shoulders, an indication that that was just the way of things.

  Amun was silent for a moment, but his hold had tightened marginally.

  "Do you enjoy it here, my dear. In my club?"

  I pulled back and looked around the room, using the opportunity to spot my guards on the edge of the crowd, but making a show of looking everywhere.

  "I like the lights," I said, returning myself without prompting to his chest. I felt him suck in a breath.

  "And the company?" he said, but his words were just a breathy whisper making me strain to understand.

  A million voices rang out in warning in my mind. I was so far out of my depth and not even Michel was here to encourage me. I wasn't sure if he was even paying attention to Marcus, but he definitely wasn't in my mind. Was he already before the Champion? How were things going for him? I was in danger of spoiling everything here, with my reluctance to pretend.

  I struggled to form the words with some sort of normality. Straining to make them sound natural and not forced. "It's getting better with each visit." I wasn't sure if I succeeded, so I pretended to trip over my feet in order to distract, making Amun have to catch me before I fell.

  He lifted me back up from my half fallen position, wrapping an arm securely around my waist in a more familiar motion than before. His face was inches from mine, I could feel his hot breath across my cheek. My heart rate had already leapt as I forced out the lie, but he seemed to think it was the intimate contact that had done the deed. The irony of my situation hadn't been lost on me. I was scared witless, but not because he held me flush against his body like a lover, but because I was living a lie, my worst nightmare come to life. Schmoozing a politician when I hated politics so very, very much.

  "Are you all right?" he asked, his voice lower than before.

  I blinked slowly, trying to focus on what I needed from this man, but fear had made my head begin to pound. I knew he'd want to continue to dance and show me off, but this proximity was making it difficult to play my part at all.

  "I think I need to sit down," I said slowly.

  "Did you hurt yourself?" He sounded genuinely concerned.

  I shook my head and managed to smile. "I'm thirsty, would you like to have a drink?"

  His responding smile was beaming. "What a splendid idea."

  He started leading me towards the private door at the back of the club, alarm raced through my veins, making my skin tingle and mouth go dry. I did not want to be alone in a room with this vampire. I needed the crowd and for my guards to be visible nearby. But I needed his attention on me.

  I pulled back on his hand making him slow, he turned, a frown forming between his eyes.

  "What is it?" he demanded, the caring man no longer there. The Master of the City in his place.

  "Can we stay out here? I really like the lights. They're so pretty, they make me happy."

  He hesitated, looked around the club room, then dragged me forcefully to a private booth nearby. It was occupied by humans, but as soon as we approached two vampires appeared and with a flash of red in their eyes, glazed the Norms to move elsewhere. The ease with which they used their Sanguis Vitam making hackles rise up on my back.

  Amun stopped at the table and indicated I should slide onto the bench seat. I did as requested and was disappointed to see he didn't choose the othe
r side. He slid in behind me, effectively blocking me from escape and also shielding me from prying eyes. Was this really what political wheeling and dealing was like in the vampire world? Compromising positions that made you want to gag. Was this what Michel faced daily? Was he facing it now with the Champion? That just made me mad.

  Anger was good, if I could control it. It was, at any rate, a hell of a lot better than fear. Time to get things where I wanted them.

  "So, Amun..." I said as two glasses of alcohol were placed before us. "What's my surprise?"

  He leaned back in a relaxed pose and looked at me, a small smile on the edges of his lips. "You did want one, didn't you, Lucinda? And I do aim to please." His finger trailed over my thigh. I bit my bottom lip and took a sip of my drink, almost spitting it back out again. It was a triple shot and strong.

  "Perhaps I am saving it until we are alone," he said and I couldn't stop myself from glancing at him. His smile turned predatory.

  "Are you afraid to surprise me in a crowded room?" I asked, taking a minute sip of my drink to uphold appearances.

  "I am not afraid of anything or anyone," he answered, straightening slightly in his seat.

  I smiled sweetly. He blinked slowly in reply.

  Then in a low voice, he asked, "Do you always get what you ask for?"

  The question surprised me, so an honest answer slipped from my lips. "Most of the time."

  "Hmm," he said, his hand coming to rest on my thigh. "So do I."

  I swallowed back bile and met his gaze briefly. The thought that he'd glaze me too prevalent in my mind to risk longer.

  "What is it you ask for, Amun?" I tried to refocus on the target, pushing my uneasiness aside.

  "Obedience," he replied instantly, not having to think of an answer at all. Then when I just raised my eyebrows for him to continue, he said quietly, "Freedom."