by Alice Wade
His eyes switched to the tall, firm shoulder of the elven man inching his way through the narrow passage before him. For this excursion, Talon has removed his vest, so his shirt snagged on the ragged edges as he passed. Dace was so caught up in with his torment over Lainey that he didn’t even realize what the vampire had done to create this entrance.
“What the hell, Talon. How did you do this?”
“Shh,” hissed the vampire before him.
“No, you will tell me how we came to be inching through the very wall of the dungeon,” he ordered in hushed tones, careful to keep his voice down.
Talon sighed, scratching his long pointed ear in acceptance. Dace needed answers and he best give them now before talking became impossible. “I was an elf before I was converted. I still retained certain skills born to my race and find they come in handy.”
“Like walking through walls,” he replied.
“Yes, more like manipulating the elements. This wall has numerous cracks that I’m ‘bending’ to my purpose.”
“What else can you do?” Dace needed to talk to control the claustrophobic pressure beginning to dominate his mind. He hated being closed in and the deeper they went, the more closed and cramped it became. Small beads of sweat formed on his forehead that he ignored.
Talon stopped suddenly, causing Dace to collide with his tall frame. “Really Dace, do we have to have this conversation now?”
“Sorry. Talking keeps me from panicking.”
“I know. I can sense that but I’m tracking Kailani’s exact location in order to create new passageways to her. I would rather focus on that task than explain what magic tricks I can perform. She’s upset at the moment so I want to get there faster. If you don’t mind, can we refocus? Oh, one more thing, when we get closer to our location, stop talking. Right now they can’t hear us, but they will soon.
When Talon mentioned his mate, pain punched Dace in the gut and brought him to a stumbling halt. He knew he’d never talk about Lainey in that fashion again. He’d never get to claim her as his ever again. Kaen had stolen her from him. Why was he even here?
Talon groaned, “You are here because you love her and she needs you.” Talon was annoyed. “Another topic that I wish you would get past. Put it aside. Right now I need you focused. When we arrive, I will be focused on fighting off the Dûr Falas, and I need you to protect the women.”
“That’s easy for you to say. You get to hold your mate when this is all over. At least you’re two of a kind,” Dace absently mumbled, forgetting his present company. He flinched when he heard the sharp intake in Talon’s breath. “Sorry, I didn’t mean that. I’ll try. I came with you didn’t I?”
“Try hard, Dace. She is going to be confused and guilty. If you want her to recover and awaken with as much of herself intact as possible, you must not reject her. You must accept her for what she is now. Can I make myself any clearer?” Talon’s ice blue eyes were shimmering in his anger as he continued to stare at Dace.
Dace actually shrugged, “I’m not making any promises.”
“You are pathetic,” Talon snarled turning away. “Why I’m helping you, I have no idea.” His pointed eared head and large body inched through the crack in the wall again. Light at the far end of the passage could be seen now as a thin sliver of brightness. “I would also make a wager that my mate intervened with Lainey to help her. She’s always had a soft spot for these situations. So Dace, there is a very good chance you could hold her when this is all over. It will all be up to you whether that happens or not.”
“How many times has the Dûr Falas done this?” Dace needed to talk in order to hold back the terror from the claustrophobia.
“Too many times to count. Most of the time, we are too late and our task mainly involves terminating his vile creations.”
“Most of the time?” He focused on Talon’s ears, tracing their unique shape to distract himself.
“Most of the time we are too late, like I said, but there are other times where we get involved and help while the infestation is underway, like now.” Talon paused and looked down, “Kailani is through there.” He whispered and pointed downward with his finger, “No talking from this point on.”
Shuddering in the darkness, Dace followed that order. He had no desire to be discovered and knew his only chance of getting out of this alive was to follow Talon.
* * * *
Kaen and Lainey rested in the room where he’d moved them to earlier. They spooned tightly to each other’s bodies as he held her possessively to his naked form. He was enjoying her new, stronger heartbeat as it learned to beat in a new faster rhythm. He was just about to kiss her when he caught another mind approaching, Talon. Kaen immediately sent a warning to his men and put this section of the dungeon on alert before he detangled himself from his newest creation and looked for his clothes.
Excitement coursed through his veins as he shoved one leg and then the other into his pants, pulling them tight with a flourish. After smoothing the lapel of his long black coat into place, Kaen paused, a wicked smile on his lips Talon had finally come. Took the bastard long enough, but he’d come. This was his chance to destroy that elf once and for all. Right now; in his environment.
Lainey lifted her sleep-tousled head in his direction, “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. You stay here and rest. I’ll be back in a moment. Just sleep.” Kaen’s spoken command was enough of a coercion, that her eyes drooped, eventually closed. He knew she was deep enough in the coercion that even if this building were to come down on their heads, she would not wake.
His thoughts interrupted when his most trusted friend spoke calmly within his mind,” Where is Talon?”
“Not sure. I just feel him about. Make him come to us, Faelwen. Tempt him by bringing Kailani to the main room and chain her there. Are the men ready? I want this over tonight.”
“Of course, I’ll do as you ask. Regarding the men, they are ready. I’ll get them in place within the main room while I secure Kai.”
Kaen’s smile was one of wicked anticipation. “Excellent. I’ll meet you there momentarily.”
* * * *
Kailani rested from her emotional breakdown after Quade died. She was exhausted and wasted. When the vampires returned, she felt them long before the lock protested against the device and the door flew open.
Faelwen stood there haloed in the torchlight and smirked down at her with his hands resting on his hips. Dressed similarly to Kaen, he looked every bit the sinister killer as he pushed his black coat out of the way.
Kai sat up and smoothed her matted hair into place. “What an honor to have the mighty Faelwen collect me for my daily torture. What have I done to earn such chivalry?”
“Silence!” he roared, entering. He dragged her wasted body to a standing position. “Just be obedient, and all you wish to know will be illuminated.”
She coughed loudly, “I was mistaken. That is not chivalry is it? Your time as a gentleman has long passed.” Kailani couldn’t resist a small chuckle as his painful grip tugged her from the room. He didn’t let up and practically carried her by the arm down the hall, then up a spiraling flight of slimy stairs to the main room within the dungeon. There wasn’t much here, she noted, other than a small raised dais in the front where Faelwen carried her.
Kai arrogantly taunted Faelwen by coyly smiling at his as he tied her hands above her head by attaching her shackles to the iron ring there. This caused her feet to barely touch the cold stone floor and stretch her uncomfortably, but she wasn’t going to give Faelwen the pleasure of knowing it was painful.
A door opened to her left and Kaen emerged through it. He was rested, well dressed and confident.
Kai hissed violently.
“Now, now, Kai. After all we’ve been through, this is the greeting I get?” Kaen said smoothly, his voice dr
ipping with sarcasm. He approached, stopping only when he was directly before her—close enough to touch.
“What is the meaning of this? This is not your typical treatment, so what has changed?” she replied just as smoothly. Two can play at this game.
“It appears your mate is here, my dear. It’s about time. I was beginning to think him incompetent.” He ran his hand firmly down her torso, cupping one of her pert breasts in his palm as he spoke. “Do you think he’ll mind we’ve had a little fun, you and I?”
Kailani tried to spit a glob of saliva at him, but she was so depleted that it wasn’t more than a spray.
Kaen laughed at her. “Talon will accept whatever you have done. He knows your true character.”
“Now where are your manners?”
Kaen felt Talon close; it was only a matter of time. “So, do I have you to thank for preparing Lainey for the conversion? She was most agreeable and a true pleasure.”
“She survived.” The relief was evident.
“Of course. They always survive,” he smirked, causing his scar to stretch. “I just find it annoying that they don’t always have a mind when I’m through with the conversion, though.”
“What did you do to her?” Kailani’s silver eyes flashed threateningly as her fangs extended. Kaen eyed her curiously while he continued to evaluate the tiny vampire. She was impressive when angry, and he was going to miss her temper.
“Oh, relax,” he purred. “She is gloriously intact.” His desire flared thinking about her lying in his bed asleep. Kailani saw it and growled, fangs bared in a threatening gesture.
This man deserved to die for his actions. She burned with the need to end his life here and now.
Her spirit suddenly calmed at a new thought. If Lainey were intact, she could still be salvaged. Searching out with her senses, she reached for Talon and found his mind not far away. He really was here! Kailani allowed her eyes to wander, searching for the location of his entry. Talon was here; he had come. She’d almost given up hope he’d find her. Now if he’d only hurry up so she could find Lainey and get the hell out of here. She had enough of Kaen’s hospitality and was ready to walk free again.
She reached out, finding Talon’s tightly shielded mind. That brief contact infused her with confidence that she would survive this. He sent a wordless mental hug back before letting go of their brief contact.
With a sinister smile, Kaen leaned forward, “Looks like Talon is here. How do you think he’s going to react to our time together?” His long elegant fingers stoked her cheek and forced her to look at him, “Do you think he’ll be upset? Should I tell him how you moaned as I fucked you, sweet Kailani?”
She refused to reply, watching him with disgust.
“So quiet,” he leaned in closer. “Hold still dear; I want to prepare the scene for Talon’s arrival.” He flashed his blade before her face and then sliced through her the remnants of her garments, exposing the front of her body. “Much better. I’m thinking Talon will want to see what he’s been missing, no?”
“I’m going to enjoy killing you.” She was infuriated now, so spittle flew from her mouth as she snarled.
“Try, sweetie. Just try.”
The wall suddenly opened behind them, rock ripped and dissolved as Talon’s magic tore through the stone and created an entrance into the chamber. What Talon saw froze his blood and forced a deep guttural growl to vibrate deep in his chest.
Kaen stood behind his mate, his love, with one hand with talon’s extended fondling her full breast. Talon shook with anger as his eyes watched how Kaen’s fingers pulled at her nipple absently. No one should touch her like that. No one. He tore his eyes away and evaluated her condition. She was chained to the wall, her clothing slashed open to put her wasted body on display. When he saw how ravaged she was, the growl formed into a murderous snarl. Talon caught movement, looking up to find Kailani greeting him with a smile through the long strands of hair that had fallen over her face. That one look of joy spoke volumes and caused him to choke. His love was unharmed.
Talon finally met Kaen’s eyes and growled. “Get away from her.”
Kaen laughed and cupped the breast he’d been toying with moments before. “Well, I do have to say thank you for sharing, Talon. It’s been years since I’ve last seen you two, and to have so much one on one time with Kailani, well it was magical.”
“Get away from her!” His voice vibrated through the room and shook the stone walls. Talon was moments from losing complete control. He needed to stay calm enough to get them out safely. Then he could unleash his temper and raze the building to the ground, rabid vampire newborns and all.
“Temper, temper.” Kaen leaned in and kissed Kailani’s neck before he looked up at Talon through Kailani’s disheveled hair. “I knew you would be pissed. You’ve always been a little possessive of your mate, but you really should share her more often. It’s a shame you were so enthralled. She’s quite charming.” He continued to eye Talon through Kailani’s hair. He measured the short haired elf was close to launching his attack because his lean body shook with coiled tension. He was barely controlled which was immensely pleasing to Kaen. He and Talon had a long history and it was about time they ended this once and for all. “I was hoping for this reaction, and you are not disappointing me.”
Through all of this, Kailani calmly watched her mate. He was on the verge of a complete meltdown, and she had seen what that meant. Kai focused on Talon’s face, tracing his almond shaped eyes and pointed ear over and over to keep herself from reacting to Kaen’s touch. If her mate saw any reaction, it would shatter the tenuous hold on his control. She could tell by his eyes, the way they roamed over her body and came to her face that he was trying to measure her well-being. She also knew he was close to releasing his inner demon and killing everyone in this room for what he saw.
Talon’s eyes drifted to the hand cupping her breast one more time and allowed a chilling calm to overcome his mind. He would deliver Kaen’s punishment with that of a silent inferno. This bastard would die from his both his skills as that of an elf, and the brute strength of a vampire.
When Talon stilled his rage, he called up his inner magic by rote training. With deadly precision, he produced two long sabers out of thin air from behind his back. One he positioned over his head, and the other he held rigidly pointed at Kaen. “Remember these?” Talon smirked as he watched Kaen’s scarred cheek twitch.
Dace staggered back as the twin blades, which were slightly curved, sliced past his face as Talon released them from behind his back. He stumbled for a few feet before regaining his balance confused as to where those blades came from. Moments before, Talon had no weapons, yet now he was heavily armed.
There was a crackling sound above Dace’s head that was enough of distraction before another blade dropped from the ceiling. It clattered to the stone floor at Dace’s feet as if meant for him. The only indication it was his, was a slight dip in Talon head once the sword fell free.
“Kailani, are you well?” Talon’s voice was tight. He watched Kaen carefully as the predatory vampire moved off. Two others appeared at his side and assumed a protective stance before him, acting as a shield.
“I’m well, love,” she whispered.
Talon glanced behind him quickly, “If you can, go find Lainey.” His focus was then solely returned to the room quickly filling with fully invested vampires. Talon wanted Dace out of the way. He’d given him that sword to protect himself, so now he was on his own.
There was a movement off to the left of where Talon moved towards the center of the room. His arm shot out and stabbed, making a sickly thudded sound as his blade collided into a body that wasn’t there before. Talon felt no joy as his blade slid clean through flesh, freeing the vampire’s dark blood which splattered to the stone floor. He didn’t have the time. In another movement, Talon spun and ducked low as a s
econd vampire attacked. The elf easily dodged, stepping to the side in a blur and laughing wickedly as if he were playing with toys.
“You’ll have to do better than that,” Talon said as he easily beheaded another vampire, sending it rolling across the floor to land at Kailani’s feet. She kicked it away in distain and returned to watching her mate dismantle the Dûr Falas with pride-filled eyes.
“What makes you think these are my best?” Kaen snapped and the room exploded as ten more vampires entered.
Talon confidently walked to the center of the cavernous room. He was aware of the ten vampires circling him with blades pointed at his chest. As one, they moved to trap him, but he expected that. One was more bold and lunged forward. Talon twisted beneath the slashing sword aimed for his neck and released a counter strike which felled that vampire to the ground. The flesh where his elven sword touched burned black and gave off a toxic fume that was acidic. Talon wasted no time though, and took advantage of the newly opened space for him to escape and in a blur; he was once again outside their circle.
Talon smiled over his shoulder, “Not good enough,” he taunted. Now there were nine.
This time, the Dûr Falas vampires were not as careless. They needed to keep that elven blade away for it burned the vampire’s flesh as if it were molten metal. They pounced on Talon with a force which brought him to his knees with a grunt, but he didn’t cave under the weight. What saved him and helped keep his balance was a spell that called up an elven shield. It was only visible to his eye, but stronger than steel. He could hold this as long as he needed to, but he preferred to end this.
Talon counted their heartbeats and knew all nine were in position, releasing a sudden flash of blinding light which stunned the Dûr Falas, flinging them back a step. While they were distracted, Talon extended his arms and swiped his swords in a circular motion. He leaned forward when the vampires tried to move back. It was impossible to see the motion, a slight breeze the only indication he’d actually moved. But he knew what he’d done. When he righted himself, his cold eyes surveyed his work as his lips curved into an evil smile. Toxic smoke wafted in the air in thick tendril and the smell of charred flesh confirmed he’d killed all nine.
