Bound in Darkness

by Nicole Edwards

  Michael waved him off. “We’re past that. You’ve told me your intentions. I’ll respect them. As for the original vampire?”

  Kaj still didn’t know where he stood on that. Probably wouldn’t have been such a big deal except for the fact his daughter—

  “He’s already imprinted on her,” Michael said, interrupting his thoughts. “If that matters to you.”

  Narrowing his eyes, Kaj took a step back. “You’re telling me Oliver Calazans and Bijou…?”

  Michael shook his head. “No. The male you’ve interacted with is not the human. That’s Khari. Once he emerges, you’ll see what I mean.”

  “And where exactly does Khari go if the two are separated?”

  “His body’s been preserved. I’ll take you to it.”

  Kaj’s eyebrows shot skyward. “Here? On Earth?”

  “Of course.”

  Oh, yes, of course. As if all this was just your average, everyday event. Resurrecting an ancient vampire who’d spent centuries encased in human vessels. No biggie.

  Kaj shook his head. “I have to speak with Obsidian. He deserves to know my intentions.”

  Michael seemed pleased to hear this.

  “Not that I’ve made up my mind,” he clarified.

  That smile fell instantly. “He needs time to train, Kaj.”

  Confused, he narrowed his eyes on the archangel. “Who?”

  “Khari?”

  “For what?”

  “For what’s coming,” the archangel said firmly.

  “Which is?”

  “Not for me to disclose.”

  Of course not. The male and his fucking secrets.

  Kaj sighed, then decided to ask the one question that had been plaguing him. “And what happens to me when Khari comes back? I assume he’ll take the role as Alpha.”

  “That is his role. The original vampire was created for that purpose.” Michael’s eyes narrowed. “Why? Do you want the job?”

  Maybe. “Not really.”

  Michael grinned. “It’s yours to have if you wish to fill those shoes, Kaj. Or you can step aside and let Khari assume his place.”

  Kaj wasn’t sure how he felt about that. Not that he’d done a damn thing to help the race since he’d assumed responsibility for them. But that didn’t mean he wanted to step aside.

  “It’s not what you were meant for,” Michael stated. “As you are now, you’ll make a mediocre Alpha. But only because your heart’s not in it.”

  How the archangel knew that, Kaj wasn’t sure. However, he had nailed it on the head. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t make himself fit into that role.

  “Is that why it’s so important to resurrect him?”

  “No. It’s imperative because he has a destiny to fulfill.”

  “Which means?”

  Michael’s eyes were locked on his. “That’s not for me to impart, vampire.”

  Of course not. That would be too fucking easy.

  “I need time,” Kaj huffed, pivoting around to resume his trek to Angel Central.

  The voice that called out from behind him was deeper, as though spoken from a great distance. “I can give you no more time.”

  Had it not been for the fact he sounded remorseful, Kaj wouldn’t have stopped.

  “While it is your choice, Kaj, there are devastating repercussions should you decline. Just know that without him, the vampires will not survive. Nor will the Fae.”

  Before he could ask what the fuck that meant, the archangel vanished in a flutter of wings.

  Son of a bitch.

  Obsidian paced the hall beneath the mansion.

  He would’ve been pacing his private quarters, but the last thing he wanted was to burden his ereswa with this bullshit. He knew Penelope would’ve gladly listened to him, likely offered good advice on how to handle, but he didn’t want to lay this shit on her. Not until he had no other option. Namely because, for her, this would be personal. After all, the fucking original vampire was currently riding shotgun in Oliver Calazans.

  What.

  The.

  Ever-loving.

  Fuck.

  How the hell did he tell Penelope that the male she believed was her brother was actually not related to her, but instead, the vessel for the original vampire, manipulated by Michael? No matter which way he twisted and turned the information, he couldn’t make sense of the situation. Why Oliver? And why now?

  The door to the tunnels opened, drawing Obsidian’s attention. He came to a stop, watching as Kaj appeared, looking as disconcerted as Obsidian felt.

  “I was about to come look for you,” Obsidian told him.

  “Looks like I did the work for you.” Kaj took a deep breath, exhaled heavily. “Mind if we find somewhere private to talk?”

  “Office on the main floor? Or third-floor conference room?”

  “Whichever has better booze,” the vampire replied.

  “Main floor it is.”

  As they fell into step together, Obsidian noticed the tension in Kaj’s shoulders. “What’s on your mind, vampire?”

  “Every damn thing.”

  Obsidian knew the feeling. For the past few weeks, it seemed as though the world had gone topsy-turvy. Between the healers arriving, Eevuhl’s intrusion, Michael inhabiting Obsidian’s body, Ari’el being born, Winnie leaving the mansion, Kaj moving in next door, the training center getting underway … and now this shit with the original vampire, he felt like the weight of the world was now riding on his shoulders and his thighs were weakening from the pressure. Before long, he expected to be trying to dig himself out of a hole he’d unknowingly dredged in his wake.

  From the looks of it, Kaj was feeling the same.

  They walked side by side, neither of them speaking, though the unspoken words were louder than their footsteps.

  Kaj was the one to break the silence when they passed the area where they were currently keeping Taayin. “I meant to ask, how’s the male doing?”

  Swallowing past the lump in his throat, Obsidian grunted. “Not well. We’re still keeping him sedated, but Apollo’s opposed to the continued treatment.”

  “I can’t imagine it’s healthy. But if it’s in his best interest…”

  Yeah, Obsidian wasn’t so sure it was anymore. He’d originally agreed because he thought for sure they would find Asmia, bring her home, and all would be set to rights in Taayin’s world. That hadn’t been the case. Instead, they had lost her trail, and no matter their efforts, they were no closer to finding her than the day she disappeared. He couldn’t help thinking Taayin would’ve found Asmia by now if they’d allowed him to go beat down doors. Problem was, how much destruction would he leave in his wake? Enough to have them sent back to Heaven? It was highly likely. Which meant he really didn’t have much of a choice.

  The only positive in the whole thing had been Michael tethering Taayin’s soul with Asmia’s. It hadn’t been an easy request to make, but it had been necessary. And because the archangel had performed the miracle to ensure Asmia couldn’t be claimed as a demon’s mate—a convoluted and interesting twist because her soul was actually not in Heaven nor Hell—Obsidian now owed Michael. And in return, what did the archangel want? Oh, nothing much. Just to park his happy ass in the mansion for all of eternity and ride out the rest of their days alongside them.

  Yep. That was the payment Obsidian had agreed to even though Michael had yet to take him up on it, and then shit like the original vampire popped up and he was once again doubting his decision.

  Mostly.

  “How’re the fiestreigh coming with the updated security?” Kaj asked as he led the way up the twisting stairs to the main floor.

  “More cameras have been installed, the new wall’s been started, and the dhira has been reinforced.” There were still additional measures Obsidian wanted to put in place, but he figured they could only tackle one thing at a time.

  “Any news on whether Eevuhl’s actually dead?”

  That was really the million
-dollar question. As far as they knew, the demon was eliminated. But considering he’d simply shriveled up and vanished, there was still the possibility Lucifer had called him home in time to keep him alive.

  “Unfortunately, we won’t know. He’ll either reappear somewhere or he won’t.”

  Obsidian prayed for the latter. There were still two more they had to deal with—Aguhnee and Mizuhree—and Lucifer only knew where those two demons were and what they were up to.

  Kaj peered back at him as they headed down the hall. “You think that’s what Michael’s worried about? Why he’s adamant we focus on building our armies?”

  Once inside the office, Obsidian closed the door, then proceeded toward the decanter on the table near the window. “I think Eevuhl’s the least of his worries.”

  “So why the urgency? Why’s he demanding I resurrect Khari? He said I have no more time to decide.”

  After pouring two fingers in each glass, Obsidian passed one over to his friend.

  “Out of curiosity, what’s holding you back?”

  Kaj shrugged. “The unknown. Up until a few weeks ago, I didn’t know the original vampire still lived. Now he wants me to resurrect him.”

  “That’s Michael for you.” Perhaps Obsidian had merely gotten used to the archangel’s urgent demands. “But if it’s any consolation, I think he has good intentions in delaying his requests. Bites him in the ass in the end, but I do believe he attempts to find other avenues if at all possible.”

  Kaj tossed back his drink, then strolled over to pour another. “And you’re on board with it? We have no idea what it’ll do to Penelope’s brother.”

  “I’m on board with nothing,” he told Kaj. “Hell, I’m only learning of this now. As for Oliver … as much as I want to dig deep into that one, I cannot. I’m bound by my faith when it comes to humans, Kaj. I can only trust God’s plan where they’re concerned.”

  “Even with an archangel interfering?”

  Obsidian nodded. As much as he didn’t like what Michael had sprung on them, he knew it wasn’t his place to intervene. Although Oliver Calazans was believed to be Penelope’s twin brother, it appeared he was not. And more importantly, he was still human, which meant Obsidian had no say in what happened to him.

  Not that he was eager to share that with Penelope.

  “Michael preserved Khari’s body. Said he can take me to it.”

  Obsidian could hear Kaj’s concern. “But…?”

  “If we’re going to do this, I’d prefer it be here. Where we can control the outcome.”

  “So you’ve decided to go through with it?”

  Kaj turned to face him. “I fear my decision’s selfish in nature, Obsidian.”

  “This is the favor, huh? The one where he’ll release the Fae if you follow through?”

  “Never easy, is it?”

  Of course not.

  Obsidian considered what this meant for all of them. Without the Fae to provide blood, they would be forced to seek an outside source. But more importantly, without the ability to keep them in His sights, it was possible God would recall them to Heaven.

  “Michael has another option for your blood source,” Kaj added, as though reading his mind.

  “What might that be?”

  Kaj took another long drink. “Something about angels in Heaven who are willing to be called upon.”

  Great. Another one of Michael’s creations. If he had to guess, those were the offspring who hadn’t been worthy of the fight. So rather than be relegated to the fiestreigh, Michael had raised them to support the cause in other ways.

  Seemed no matter how much he wanted to put his faith in Michael, the male always had an agenda that had Obsidian wavering in his viewpoint.

  “He wouldn’t elaborate,” Kaj continued, “but he said if I do not follow through with this, the vampires would be eliminated. As would the Fae.”

  “Then it seems rather simple to me,” Obsidian said as he tossed that information around.

  “Does it?” Kaj sighed, poured another drink. “Because I’m confused as fuck.”

  Obsidian set his glass on the desk, then moved over to Kaj. He placed a firm hand on the male’s shoulder.

  “Together, we’ve got this, Kaj. Just know that I’m behind you. You risked your life for me and mine. I owe you. So whatever you decide, just know I’ve got your back.”

  “Even if it changes everything?”

  Obsidian grinned. “Ever think maybe it’s time for a change, Kaj?”

  Based on the vampire’s expression, it was a question he’d been pondering as well.

  Chapter Fourteen

  “Ah, good, you’re awake.”

  She turned her head toward the voice, forcing her groggy eyes to remain open as the older nurse moved toward her.

  “I just came to check on you before I leave for the evening,” Trudy noted, gently closing the door behind her. “Are you feeling any better, Jane?”

  That was what they’d taken to calling her. Jane. She wasn’t sure where it came from or why, and she’d been too out of it to really care. Maybe her name really was Jane.

  “Jane?”

  A shrug was all she could muster. It had been a painful few days with one setback after another, the last of which was credited to her body’s ill response to the pain medication they’d administered. After spending nearly twenty-four hours retching, Jane was too weak to do much of anything.

  The older nurse smiled down at her. “It’ll get better, Jane. I promise.”

  It was then Jane realized tears were trickling down her cheeks. She wasn’t sure what caused them though it could’ve been just about anything. After all, she was in a hospital, all alone, no family, no friends, no real name. She still had no idea who she was or where she came from, not even where she was going. When she really started thinking about it, her mind filled with dread at the thought of leaving this hospital and going out into the world.

  “Shh.” Trudy’s gentle hand landed on her forearm. “You’re safe here, Jane.”

  Safe? She wasn’t sure she knew the meaning of that word. Had she been in danger before? Despite all the efforts to find a relative, no one seemed to be looking for her. Which begged the question, how had she been injured?

  Trudy turned toward the rolling table at the head of the bed, grabbed a small white pad of paper and a pen. She jotted something down, then set it on the table that extended over the bed in front of Jane.

  “That’s my phone number. If you find you need someone to talk to, feel free to call me.” The older female smiled. “It’s just me and my cat, Gertrude, at the house, so you won’t be disturbing anyone if you call.”

  Jane peered down at the neat handwriting, the numbers, and the dashes. She knew how to read, so at least she hadn’t lost all her memory functions. Every time she opened her eyes and came aware of her new surroundings, she held out hope that her memories would return, that she would come to learn some things about herself. Perhaps she had a family, a mate, children. Maybe even a cat like Trudy had.

  And every time she opened her eyes, she continued to be disappointed.

  “All right, I’ll leave you be. Remember, if you need anything…”

  “Thank you,” Jane managed, her voice but a rough whisper.

  Another pat on her arm and then the kind female was leaving the room, closing the door behind her once more.

  Jane didn’t bother turning on the television. She had no interest in watching the fake families on television laugh, or hearing about the gruesome things that humans were doing to one another. Seemed every time she caught a glimpse of the news, didn’t matter if it was day or night, there was always something horrible taking place. Not necessarily where she was, but across this vast world. Jane couldn’t help but wonder if she’d succumbed to violence as well. Was that how she’d ended up here? Someone had purposely harmed her? Based on the wounds she’d endured, the hospital staff seemed to believe that was the case. Evidently, so many broken bones and contusions were
n’t normal unless brought on by violence.

  Of course, Jane couldn’t answer any of the questions she’d been asked. Nurses, doctors, police officers. They’d all interrogated her numerous times, as though they were desperate to unearth her memories. And every time, Jane came up empty. Her head seemed to be a big, black void of nothingness. As though she hadn’t existed before she was brought here.

  Now she was tired. Not at all eager for another dawn to come, for more questions her brain couldn’t answer. It was easier to remain in the bleak fog that surrounded her mind thanks to the medications they were pumping into her. Now that they’d purged the drug she’d reacted badly to, perhaps she could sleep.

  As she closed her eyes and settled against the lumpy mattress, Jane blocked out all thought and attempted to focus on what the future held for her.

  Unfortunately, that seemed as bleak and cold as the room she currently resided in.

  Too bad liquor didn’t have the same effect on vampires that it did on humans.

  Sure, it was a bit of a mood stabilizer, offering a semblance of relaxation, but Kaj could’ve consumed the entire bottle and would’ve felt no better. Or worse, for that matter.

  Granted, the conversation with Obsidian had helped. To know the male was behind his decision helped. Not in making it, but in knowing that he would have support either way. Problem was, Kaj knew there was only one answer, and yes, if they moved forward, this would change everything. Resurrecting the original vampire would ensure his race’s survival, so Michael said, which was really the only reason behind following through, wasn’t it?

  Should’ve been, but Kaj continued to think about the Fae. Releasing them from their servitude was equally important to him. The female he loved would be forever free, and that was honestly the only thing he could focus on. More so than knowing by bringing Khari back, he was ultimately sealing his daughter’s fate. He tried not to think about the fact he’d considered another race above his own, but it was impossible to deny. The question was: how long could he put it off? There was a lot at stake and he wasn’t about to rush something like this.