Light in Darkness

by Brandy L Rivers

  “Show me what you would do without me. Prove to me you have what it takes to make your own choices.”

  She lunged at him, taking him to the ground and sinking her fangs into his neck.

  His laugh was deep and sensual. He grabbed her hips and ground his length against her sex. He wanted her to want him, but she despised him and everything he’d ever done to her.

  She drank harder, hoping to drain every last ounce of blood from his body. She wanted his death.

  “That’s right, take my power, drink me down. Show me what you’ve got,” he urged, sliding his hand under her skirt.

  Reaching back, she grabbed the dagger hidden in her skirts, taken from the last man Moncleve commanded her to kill.

  His hand reached her core for the last time. She slammed the dagger between his ribs and into his heart. Drawing harder on his vein, she worked to drain his life.

  He tried to push at her as she tore the dagger out and slammed it into his jugular. Too full of his blood, she tore her fangs down his throat praying she caused enough damage he wouldn’t heal fast enough to save himself.

  Victoria sat up and grabbed his wandering hand, wrenching it from between her thighs and sliced his fingers off as his mouth opened and shut, his fangs extending. She slashed down his wrist, then the other. Finally, his cheeks hollowed as he bled out. His body stopped moving as his skin dried out like kindling.

  Climbing from his corpse, she picked up the husk and carried him to the hearth where she shoved him in, then used the poker to make sure he was pure ash before cutting the girl free.

  She saved one girl, before falling into her addiction. Unable to break the chain, she fed off Others’ blood for years before Slater saved her.

  “Moncleve deserved worse,” Lincoln answered, never breaking eye contact. “What he did was horrible. He may have shown you how to be a monster, but, Victoria, you’re not one now. Whatever you went through was hell, but you pulled yourself from the pits and became something better. Don’t doubt that.”

  Lincoln never flinched. He never looked at her with pity. Instead, understanding shone back in his eyes. Warmth radiated from him. Still, he didn’t understand, and she wanted him to see the truth. To pull away from her before she completely fell for him. “I was addicted to Other blood, Lincoln. I couldn’t help myself for so long. Innocent people were destroyed because I couldn’t resist their blood.”

  “How many years has it been since then?” Lincoln asked.

  “Over a hundred and thirty. That doesn’t matter though. If it weren’t for Slater, if he hadn’t held me close and told me I was better than that, I would have drained him dry. He stopped me, he helped me see how wrong I was.”

  “He guided you back to yourself. You were lost, but found your way. That doesn’t make you evil, Victoria. That makes you strong. You came back from the brink and made yourself better.”

  More tears fell down her face as she shook her head. “I begged him to kill me. I wanted to die. Too far gone for redemption, I wanted my hell over and couldn’t take my own life. I didn’t know how. So I begged Slater to end it.”

  “Clearly, he saw what I see. A woman who’s been through unimaginable trials and rose above, one who deserves to be happy after all the pain she’s been through.” Leaning closer, he wrapped his arm around her and gently pulled her against his side.

  “You don’t understand, Lincoln. I killed so many—”

  “That was how you were taught, right?”

  She nodded but didn’t answer.

  “You found another path. Same as the one you’re showing Declan. I’ve seen you help others. You gave them options they weren’t shown previously. Using your own experience, you guided them down a better path so they wouldn’t have to suffer as you did.”

  The lump in her throat nearly held back her words. “You really believe that?”

  “I won’t ever lie to you, Victoria.”

  She laughed softly. “Can’t believe you’d ever lie, Lincoln. You’re too pure.”

  “Never tried,” he admitted.

  * * * *

  Gently wiping the tears from her face, he delved into her eyes. What he saw was heart-wrenching. Wanting to take the pain away, he gently pressed his lips to hers. The satin pressure increased as she caressed his mouth with delicate movements. His nerves came alive with the sensation. Then her hand landed on his chest as she leaned back, capturing his gaze again.

  A spark of hope lit her eyes. “Perhaps you’re right.”

  Now that she was on a happier track, he smiled. “Are we still on for dancing?”

  She nodded. “Tuesdays and Thursdays.”

  Finally, Lincoln knew he’d made progress. “You realize I have little-to-no experience. Dancing at the bar doesn’t count for what you want, and even that is nearly nonexistent.”

  Her eyes sparkled. “I have every confidence you will be a superb student.” Her eyes dropped to his mouth and this time his breath caught. Whispering, she asked, “That was your first kiss?”

  Heat rose up his face as he dipped his head in a nod. Too embarrassed to speak, he hoped he wasn’t completely horrible at it.

  Leaning closer, she brushed her lips over his before gently sucking his bottom lip into her mouth. Her fangs grazed over the sensitive flesh, wringing a groan from him, as his cock hardened in a rush. Then her tongue slipped into his mouth and started a wicked dance. He explored the warmth and the delicate points of her incisors. Knowing she would never bite him, he couldn’t help wondering what they would feel like pressed into his skin.

  Breathless, he broke the kiss. Aroused and embarrassed at the same time, he stared at Victoria, wondering of he’d made a fool of himself.

  “Mmm,” she licked her lips, her eyes sliding shut, “you’re an excellent student.”

  One corner of his mouth lifted as he ducked his gaze. His heart still raced, and if he moved, he was afraid she’d notice how hard he was.

  When he made eye contact he said, “I’m glad I didn’t disappoint.”

  * * * *

  Slow, slow, slow the hell down. He’s a virgin, a previously never-been-kissed man who doesn’t understand the fire he’s playing with.

  After a deep breath, she smiled. “Never a disappointment.” She could scent his desire, felt his tension from where she sat, and knew it was too soon to push anything further. “I’m looking forward to our date tomorrow.”

  “So am I.”

  As much as she would prefer to stay under the moonlight with Lincoln, they needed answers. It was with regret she brought them back to the trouble at hand. “For now, we should track down Preston and find out what they learned last night.”

  He looked down at his hands. “You won’t try to keep me in the dark?”

  She let out a heavy sigh. “That wasn’t fair of me. You are not a child and now you’re in as much danger as I am. Can you forgive me for wanting to protect you from whatever mess I got us into if I promise to keep you informed?”

  Lincoln nodded. “Of course. Jess told me about the vision today. You aren’t the one who placed the gun in Byron’s hands. Whatever happened, you didn’t put either Monty or Byron on this path. They did that themselves.”

  “Doesn’t feel like it,” she admitted.

  “According to Jess, Monty doesn’t blame you for where he wound up. You never met Byron. None of this is your fault.”

  Logically, he was right. Though her heart didn’t believe.

  Lincoln added, “I already called Preston. He wants to meet at seven.”

  Relieved, and warmed through, she smiled. “In 2 Deep? Maybe we can get some low key dancing in before lessons?”

  He looked up with delight. “You may have to lead at first.”

  “I’m sure you’ll take over before long.”

  “I’ll try.”

  “Let’s go.” She blew out the candle, gathered her things, and stood, holding out her hand to him. His gaze dropped to his lap and she heard him swallow hard.

 
“Lincoln, that’s a normal reaction to a kiss. If you were more experienced, I wouldn’t hesitate to take things a lot further. However, if we make that step, it will be special to me. I won’t ever rush you.”

  His eyes burned with hope and desire. “Never had this issue before.”

  “There’s no issue. Please, trust me.”

  He nodded and took her hand. After pulling him to his feet, she stepped away, keeping her eyes locked on his. It took a feat of will to keep from looking down at what she knew bulged behind his fly.

  “Walk back with me, please?” There was a note of vulnerability she couldn’t hide.

  Taking her hand, he smiled. “My pleasure.”

  Chapter 7

  Under the cover of trees, Byron sat in his black Isuzu Sidekick, watching Victoria’s house. This time he stayed out of sight and was unarmed. Tonight’s mission was strictly reconnaissance.

  So far, he’d had no luck finding out what the boy was, other than a man of twenty-seven years. Asking around town didn’t seem wise, but the kid didn’t have much in his house. He’d already searched earlier in the day.

  The man opened the driver’s side door for Victoria before walking around to sit in the passenger seat. Such strange, old-school behavior. Victoria was a user, but she seemed shy with the young man. It was easy to forget he was an adult with the innocence he oozed until the blinding white light. Tonight he was back to a purity Byron couldn’t grasp.

  They drove into town, while he followed at a distance, and parked at In 2 Deep.

  The bar? He’d already been there once. Maybe if he ordered a beer and kept to himself this time, no one would remember the previous night.

  Confused, he parked several blocks away and walked to the building, hoping to take a better look. Watching the way the vampire and demon interacted made him question everything HARP had taught him.

  Then he remembered Monty’s words. Victoria never used me. She helped me get to a better place. I’m the one who fucked up and abused her trust. Not the other way around, brother.

  “Could I be wrong?” he asked himself.

  * * * *

  Nerves were getting the better of Lincoln as Victoria parked her car. He hopped out and made his way around the vehicle. A smile lit her face as he opened the door and took her hand.

  “I forgot how much I enjoy a true gentleman’s company.” Her voice held a lower rasp as she spoke the words, watching him with a feminine awareness that filled him with confidence.

  “Soon, I hope to be the only gentleman you remember.”

  “You already are.” Her eyes shifted toward the door. “Come on, let’s get inside. I don’t want a repeat of last night.”

  “Neither do I.” Lincoln had one regret from the night before—not insisting he stay with her.

  He sighed, and she looked up at him with concern before her gaze skated around the parking lot. Hurrying, she tugged him through the door.

  His brow wrinkled as he pulled her to a stop. “What did you sense?”

  Mischief warred with the concern in her eyes. “Let’s dance.”

  Confused, but not willing to miss the opportunity, he pulled her to the dance floor and lightly grabbed her waist.

  Victoria wrapped her arms around his neck and closed the distance. Her lips brushed over his ear. “We were being watched outside.”

  “Think he’s back?”

  “I do, but he’d have to be a complete moron to try something in here.”

  “True. Doesn’t make me feel much better.”

  She turned her head and captured his mouth in a slow kiss as she started to sway to the music. He followed her movements, losing himself in the kiss. Then he remembered the real danger and pulled back to stare down at her.

  With a sheepish shrug, she explained, “Sorry. I wanted a moment to forget the problem and enjoy your company.”

  He groaned, agreeing. “As much as forgetting the world appeals to me, we can’t. Not when he’s likely here and watching. I don’t want anything to happen to you.”

  “Nor you. Let’s find a seat.”

  Regretfully, Lincoln pulled her toward the booth in the far corner and helped her in before sitting beside her. With a shrug, he explained, “Figure Preston will sit across from us.”

  Her eyes warmed. “I prefer to sit next to you.”

  Blushing, he nodded. “Would you have let me kiss you last night, if it hadn’t been for the interruption?” Looking away, he winced. “Sorry.”

  “Yes,” she answered, gently turning his face back to hers. “I don’t have the strength to resist if you refuse to heed my warnings. Though, I won’t chase if you turn away.”

  “No turning away. I thought I proved that earlier.”

  “Lincoln,” she shook her head, a frown marring her face, “I may have told you my biggest regret, but that’s not the worst of what I’ve done. If you ask, I’ll tell you everything. You may yet change your mind.”

  “Are you the same person you were when you did those things?”

  She shook her head, her eyes widening. “I still did them.”

  He dipped his head in a nod. “Well, people change. Look at Dacia. I’m proud to call her a friend, regardless of her past mistakes.”

  “Dacia’s sins don’t compare to mine.”

  He swallowed down his first response, remembering Victoria was a vampire, a Shadowstalker at that, and had admitted to killing people. He drew a slow breath. “I still believe there is light in your heart. Once you uncover that spark, it will chase away the darkness only you see.”

  “Such beautiful words. I hope you’re right.” She dropped her eyes, but then looked at him through her lashes. “Maybe you’ll help me find it, because I’ve looked and never could.”

  He caressed her cheek and leaned closer, drowning in the depths of her dark eyes. “I’ll do everything in my power to reveal the light within you.”

  She closed the gap and pressed her lips to his. Her taste was quickly becoming his favorite temptation. He longed to push the clothes from her body and explore her satin skin.

  Someone slid into the booth across from them, clearing their throat noisily.

  Startled, Lincoln sat up and looked over to find Preston already seated, and Slater sliding in beside him. Unable to formulate a coherent thought, Lincoln sat there.

  Preston chuckled. “Sorry to interrupt the moment, but I did some digging into both Monty and Byron Knight. Looks like Monty is indeed a vampire, and he’s being held by HARP.”

  Lincoln froze, then blinked. Slater gave him a long look.

  “What do you know?” Preston asked.

  He shook his head, and raised a single finger. “Mother used to tell me stories about them. How they hunted anyone and everyone not human. Their official stance was that they went after Others who preyed on mortals. She said, it seemed they went after anyone with an abundance of power, or Others who were rare, like it was more sport than protecting anyone.”

  “That’s about right,” Preston confirmed. “They have an agenda. The leaders near the top of the hierarchy aren’t human. They have their own goals, and collect anyone with rare abilities.”

  Victoria shook her head slightly. “Then why take and hold a run-of-the-mill vampire?”

  “To get to you.” Preston looked over at Lincoln. “And probably you as well now that the feathers are out.”

  Lincoln leaned forward. “All the more reason to involve me.”

  Preston bobbled his head somewhere between a nod and a shake. “Unfortunately, doesn’t seem we have much choice. They’ll come for you.”

  Victoria’s leg brushed Lincoln’s and Preston’s gaze slid to her. Then Slater’s met her eyes. She leaned across the table and her hair fell forward so Lincoln couldn’t see what she communicated.

  His gut told him someone was watching, she wasn’t trying to shut him out. He took a slow look around the bar and noticed someone he’d never seen before across the room.

  Preston pulled out his phone as Li
ncoln turned back to Victoria, making sure the newcomer couldn’t see his face.

  “That Byron?” he mouthed.

  She nodded.

  Preston’s partner appeared behind the man and placed a hand on his shoulder. He slumped to the side before they both disappeared.

  “Do we get to at least hear what he has to say?” Victoria asked.

  Lincoln didn’t miss the we.

  “Of course. I’m hoping one of you might be able to discern what they’re really after. Maybe if you witness the conversation, you’ll catch a clue we wouldn’t.”

  “We’ll follow you then,” Victoria answered.

  Chapter 8

  Byron squirmed in the metal seat he was cuffed to. His head lifted off the cold metal table to find a blond man in an expensive suit watching him from across the room.

  Not the feds. Not the cops. It’s the fucking Silver Council. Shit.

  The guy didn’t say anything. Byron took a deep breath and examined his surroundings. Stark gray walls, table bolted into the floor. No two way mirror, but if it was the Silver Council, the mages probably had something that worked better and was less conspicuous.

  The man cleared his throat, pulling Byron’s attention. “I have questions.”

  Fury lit his insides. Byron sneered. “Don’t mages always have questions? Sticking your noses where they don’t belong?”

  “And what do you know of mages?”

  “That you’re a bunch of self-righteous assholes who believe you’re better than anything and everyone.”

  “Ah, but isn’t that basically what HARP believes about themselves?”

  “Who said anything about HARP?”

  Another man walked in, this one in jeans and a t-shirt. Tattoos covered his inner forearms and seemed not quite still. As if they were… moving?

  An amused smile lit the man’s pale blue eyes. “Didn’t have to say you were involved with them. We found their tracking device in the bandage.” He nodded at Byron’s arm. “You’re low on their totem pole. Clearly they don’t trust you.”