Devoured By Darkness (27 page)

Laylah’s heart squeezed with terror as she belatedly caught sight of the shimmering portal the fey had already created. Shit. A few more steps and he would disappear with Sergei and the babies.

“You know nothing,” the Sylvermyst was accusing Ariyal, his scent of herbs edged with the putrid taint of madness. “The Master has whispered the truth in my heart.”

“The only truth is that we’re doomed to a slow, painful death if the veil is ever opened,” Ariyal said with a grim certainty.

The fey gave another tug on the mage, one step closer to the portal.

“Then that will be our destiny.”

Sergei gave a small moan, his face a pasty white. “Someone do something.”

Ariyal lifted his bow, pointing the arrow at his fellow Sylvermyst.

“With pleasure.”

“Stupid, mage,” Tearloch hissed, pressing the dagger deep enough to draw blood. “Your only hope to get off this mountain is me.”

Realization struck Sergei at the same moment that Ariyal launched the arrow. The mage squeaked, then muttering a swift spell, he managed to knock the speeding arrow aside at the last minute.

Laylah grit her teeth. Dammit. She felt like she was in a French farce. Only without the humor.

Keeping her gun trained on the Sylvermyst, she tracked his struggle to yank Sergei toward the portal, but she didn’t pull the trigger. She was an excellent shot, but she wasn’t perfect. What if she hit one of the babies?

Thankfully, Tane didn’t have to hesitate.

With a hair-raising growl, he launched himself forward, his sword slicing through the air and his lips curled back to reveal his massive fangs.

Tearloch hissed in fear as he watched the very large, very pissed-off vampire barreling toward him, but once again Sergei was muttering frantic words of power.

Tane had nearly managed to reach them when he ran into an invisible wall. With a grunt of pain, he bounced backward, the sword flying from his hand.

“Tane.” Laylah instinctively stepped forward, only to halt as the mage held the babies high over his head.

“No.” His voice was harsh with fear as the fey continued to drag him toward the portal. “Stay back or I’ll kill them.”

“Dammit,” Ariyal cried from behind her. “Stop him.” Yep, it had to be done.

Her gaze locked with the mage’s and time seemed to halt.

Peripherally she was aware of Ariyal moving forward with Jaelyn hot on his heels. Of Tane slamming his hand against the invisible barriers. And most importantly, of Tearloch stepping through the portal, tugging Sergei in his wake.

But her concentration was centered on Sergei and the babes who screamed in his hands. Fear slammed into her, making it impossible to breathe. She had to act. And she had to act now.

Sending up a prayer, Laylah squared her shoulders and pulled the trigger, aiming directly at the center of Sergei’s chest.

Bam.

The sound of the gunshot was deafening as it echoed through the vast tunnels, making her ears ring and a shower of tiny stones land on her head. Holy crap. She’d never shot a gun in such a confined space. It wasn’t an experience she intended to repeat.

Worse, Sergei managed to dart to one side, avoiding a direct shot to the heart.

Bastard.

Of course, in the nanosecond he had to move, he couldn’t entirely avoid the speeding projectile. And it had at least managed to penetrate the invisible barrier.

He shouted in pain as the bullet ripped through the flesh of his shoulder, tearing his muscles and forcing him to drop one of the babies. Laylah’s heart lodged in her throat, but the screams of the child assured her that it was still alive.

Grimly she aimed again, squeezing the trigger just as the mage disappeared into the shimmering swirl.

There was an unpleasant shift in the air pressure as the portal popped shut, and the magical barrier that the mage had conjured disappeared.

Cursing, Laylah scrambled forward to scoop the baby off the hard floor, cradling the child to her chest as Tane swiftly joined her, wrapping a protective arm around the both of them.

“Is he hurt?” Tane rasped, his large hand stroking with astonishing care over the baby’s tiny head.

Laylah ran a frantic gaze over the delicate body, wincing at the small abrasions and numerous bruises that bloomed on the pale white skin. But she could detect no serious injuries and as the child snuggled into her arms, the tears slowly halted to be replaced by a smile that quite literally melted her heart.

Maluhia.

Her son.

She knew it with a certainty that nothing could change.

Just for a moment she savored the feel of his warm weight and sweet scent that had been disguised by the stasis spell. This was the baby she’d always sensed, but now she could physically feel. The steady beat of his heart, the soft, satin skin, the downy hair on his head.

Completing her.

Not that she was about to forget Maluhia’s twin, she fiercely promised herself. Somehow, someway they were going to track her down.

As if reading her mind, Tane gave her a gentle squeeze. “The mage won’t be allowed to escape.”

“He already has, genius,” Ariyal snapped. “And it’s entirely your fault.”

“Watch your tongue, Sylvermyst, or I’ll rip it out.”

Laylah laid a restraining hand on Tane’s arm. Not that she gave a crap if he ripped out the tongue of the Sylvermyst. But for now the most important thing was getting Maluhia to safety.

“Tane, we have to get out of here.”

He returned his attention to the child in her arms. “Yes, you’re right.”

She grimaced. “I don’t have the strength to enter the mists. We’re going to have to walk.”

A weary smile curved his lips as he leaned down to kiss the tip of her nose.

“Styx promised that word would be sent to the local clan chief that we would need a helicopter. It should be waiting nearby.”

She readily leaned against his strength, brushing her lips over the top of Maluhia’s head.

“Then let’s go home.”

“Home,” he repeated softly, his expression remarkably tender. No one would recognize the terrifying Charon in this moment. Then, lifting his head, the lethal predator returned as he studied the Sylvermyst standing with proud dignity down the tunnel, the female vampire a step behind him. “But first we have some unfinished business.”

“No.” Jaelyn stepped to the fey’s side, managing to look insanely beautiful despite her smudged face, her ripped clothing and the faint bruises. Laylah heaved a sigh. It had to be a vampire thing. “It’s my duty.”

Tane shrugged. “You’ll get your bounty, hunter. But only after he’s been questioned. His—” A taunting smile curved his lips. “Clan has obviously turned against him and decided that they want the return of the Dark Lord. They need to be contained before they can do any further damage.”

Jaelyn looked far from satisfied. In fact, she seemed downright pissy.

“The Sylvermyst belongs to me.”

“You say the most charming things, vampire,” Ariyal mocked, his eyes glowing with a sudden burst of power as he reached to clamp a hand around Jaelyn’s arm.

The female vampire hissed in fury, but before any of them could react, the Sylvermyst had formed a portal and with a smooth motion disappeared into the shimmering void, hauling Jaelyn in with him.

And just like that, they were both gone.

Tane and Laylah exchanged shocked glances.

“Gods,” Laylah breathed. “I didn’t know it was possible for a fey to create a portal so quickly.”

The muscle in Tane’s jaw knotted, his body humming with a frustrated fury.

“Ariyal is no common fey,” he bit out, the words clearly not a compliment. “Dammit. That’s the second time I’ve allowed my guard to slip and the second time that Jaelyn has been forced to pay for my stupidity.”

She placed a comforting hand on his cheek. “There was nothing you could have done.”

His lips parted to argue. Alpha males were always eager to take the blame when they failed to protect another. But before he could assure her that he should have done something ridiculously impossible and heroic, the baby in her arms stirred, his plaintive cry warning that he was cold and no doubt hungry.

“Tane, we can’t rescue Jaelyn without help. And we can’t forget that Sergei still has the other child.” she pointed out softly. “The quicker we can get word to start searching for all of them the better.”

His jaw remained clenched, but eventually he gave a grudging nod.

“You’re right.” He briefly laid his cheek on the top of her head, his arm tucking her and the baby close to his chest. “It’s time to call in the cavalry.”

She snuggled closer. “Let’s go home.”

Two Weeks Later

As it turned out, they didn’t go home. Instead Styx invited them to join him and Darcy in his lair.

Well, invited wasn’t exactly the word she would use. It was more of a polite you-can-stay-here-of-your-own-free-will-or-I’ll-toss-you-in-the-dungeon kind of deal. Understandable, of course.

Not only was her son the supposed creation of the Dark Lord, but half the demon world was hoping to get their greedy hands on him.

And in truth, she didn’t mind.

As much as she would love to have a secluded, private lair with only Tane and Maluhia as company, she’d found comfort in being surrounded by the odd collection of vampires and their mates who filled the elegant mansion.

She’d been isolated for her entire life. Now she had a mate, a son, and countless friends who filled her heart with joy.

It was more than she ever dreamed possible.

Lying in the bed that was as large as a football field, Laylah stretched as she sensed Tane stepping into the private rooms that were nestled deep beneath the estate.

He had left nearly an hour before to meet with Styx and several of his brothers in a private powwow that Laylah was happy to skip. So far there’d been no trace found of Jaelyn and the Sylvermyst. Or of Sergei. Worse, the efforts to discover just how the missing child could be used to open the veil between worlds had turned up jack squat.

Which made for a very grumpy vampire clan.

Being in a closed room for hours on end with the frustrated warriors was enough to give her a headache.

Scooting up to lean against the carved headboard, Laylah smiled as she heard Tane opening the adjoining door to check on the baby.

She hadn’t been surprised to discover Tane was a devoted, overly protective father. It was one of the many reasons she loved him with such ferocity.

But she’d been stunned by the reaction of the various creatures who were constant visitors to the Anasso’s lair.

Perhaps she shouldn’t have been. After all, babies were rare among demons, especially pureblooded Weres. And nonexistent to vampires.

Maluhia was an unexpected treat.

Still, nothing could have prepared her for the sight of massive warriors dressed in leather cradling the baby with exquisite care. Or the buzz of excitement among Darcy and her friends when Laylah brought Maluhia to the public rooms.

He was going to be spoiled rotten if she didn’t take care.

A smile curved her lips as the door was pushed open and Tane crossed the room decorated in shades of green and cream with heavy furniture from the early Colonial period.

As always the sight of him made her heart flutter and her palms sweat.

Mmmm. He was yummy.

Savoring the sight of his broad, bare chest and the khaki shorts that rode low on his slender hips, Laylah was nearly purring by the time he climbed onto the bed with her and tugged her into his arms.

She would never, ever get enough of her beautiful mate.

“Maluhia?” she asked as he nuzzled her temple.

“Sleeping like a baby,” he assured her. “And no wonder. The poor thing has been passed around like a soccer ball in the World Cup.”

She chuckled at his disgruntled tone, planting a kiss on his upper chest.

“You’re just mad because you haven’t got to hold him in the past few nights.”

“He is my son.”

“And you’re a wonderful father, but as we’ve discovered a baby is a beloved treasure to vampires.” She tilted back her head to meet his honey gaze. “Besides, Maluhia is enchanting. Who could resist the temptation to cuddle him?”

“He needs his rest.”

“Don’t worry, once we are in our own lair we’ll have Maluhia to ourselves.”

“Our lair.” His expression softened, the heat of his emotions flowing through her like the finest champagne. “I like the sound of that.”

“Me too.” She wrinkled her nose. “Unfortunately …”

He swooped down to claim a brief, all-consuming kiss. “I know, but as much as I hate to admit it, Styx is right. So long as there are those who believe Maluhia is the key to opening the Dark Lord’s prison we must protect him, and there are few places safer than the Anasso’s lair.”

“Plus he wants to make certain Maluhia isn’t a threat,” she couldn’t resist adding.

Tane snorted. “In the beginning, now I suspect he just wants an excuse to fuss over him.”

Laylah’s brief flare of annoyance swiftly faded. She hadn’t been happy when she’d first arrived in Chicago, knowing that the vampires suspected Maluhia was some sort of Trojan horse.

But it hadn’t taken long for her son to melt the hearts of even the most suspicious demons.

The last time she’d seen Styx he had Maluhia tucked in one arm and was pointing out the various constellations as they strolled through the rose garden.

She smiled. “I have to admit that it’s an amazing sight.”

His eyes darkened as he cupped her face in his hand, his thumb brushing her lower lip.

“Not nearly as amazing as you.”

Ready heat rushed through her. Of course, just the thought of Tane was enough to make her hot and sweaty. But before she allowed him to properly distract her, she pressed a hand to his chest.

“Is there any word of Jaelyn or Ariyal?” she asked.

“None.” His brows drew together in concern. “They have simply vanished.”

“What of the other Sylvermyst?”

“Styx has sent out his Ravens, but they haven’t had any luck.”

Laylah shook her head. “They couldn’t have just disappeared.”

“And yet, that’s exactly what they’ve done.” His frustration was tangible. It was echoed in Laylah.

She’d been so certain that it would be an easy matter for the vampires to hunt down Ariyal. It was a surprisingly small world and there weren’t many places to hide.

“And Sergei?” she pressed, even knowing the answer.

Tane knew she was desperate to know the fate of the baby girl. He would tell her the moment he discovered any clue of her whereabouts.

“Nothing,” he confirmed.

Pain clenched her heart. As well as a healthy dose of guilt.

She’d gone over those last moments in the mountain a hundred times, trying to reassure herself that she’d done everything possible to rescue both babies and never quite convincing herself.

She wouldn’t be at peace until the twins were reunited.

“That poor child,” she breathed.

“Laylah, don’t,” Tane murmured, brushing a comforting kiss over her furrowed brow. “For now there’s nothing we can do but protect Maluhia and trust that Jaelyn will eventually send word of her whereabouts. Once we have Ariyal in custody he should be able to locate his missing kin.”

Laylah sighed. So many ifs.

If Jaelyn was still with Ariyal. If the Sylvermyst could be forced to reveal the location of his fellow fey. If Sergei was still with the crazed Tearloch. If the babe was still …

She grimly forced away her gnawing concern. Tane was right. For now there was nothing they could do.

Instead she turned her thoughts to a suspicion that had been nibbling at the edge of her mind.

“Was it just me, or was there a weird vibe between Jaelyn and Ariyal?”

Tane grimaced. “That bastard would give anyone a weird vibe.” “I’m serious.”

He shrugged, his expression revealing his opinion of the handsome, overly arrogant Sylvermyst. “Jaelyn is a hunter.”

Laylah lifted her brows. “What does that mean?”

“She’s been hired to capture the Sylvermyst.” He shrugged. “She won’t let anyone interfere in her duty.”

She shook her head at his smooth confidence. Typical of a male to miss what was beneath his nose.

Lifting her hand, she trailed her fingers down the length of his stubborn jaw.

“I seem to remember you saying something remarkably similar,” she teased. “Nothing would be allowed to interfere in your duty.”

Grabbing her hand, he pressed her fingers to his lips. “I discovered there are some things more important than duty.”

She smiled at the hunger that smoldered in the honey eyes.

“Should I guess what things?”

With a swift motion, Laylah found herself lying flat on her back, Tane’s large body pressing her into the soft mattress. Gently he framed her face in his hands, his expression so tender it made her heart ache.

“You, Laylah,” he said, his voice husky. “You and Maluhia. There’s nothing in the world more important than you and I will devote the rest of my life to your happiness.”

A ridiculous flood of tears filled her eyes at his soft words. Damn. It was so … girly.

“Oh.”

Tane stiffened. “Why are you crying?”

She wrapped her arms around his shoulders, anxious to reassure him.

“I’ve hidden from the world for so long that I lost hope that I would ever find a place to fit in, let alone that someone would ever love me,” she confessed.

“I love you with a desperation that terrifies me at times.” With a low groan he buried his face in the curve of her neck. “If anything ever happened to you…”

“Nothing is going to happen to me,” she hastily interrupted. She adored this vampire, but she was wise enough to realize he would have her and Maluhia living in a virtual prison if she allowed it. “We’ve already proven we can survive whatever fate throws at us.”

“I suppose you have a point,” he grudgingly conceded, his lips stroking down the neckline of her flimsy excuse of a nightgown.

Laylah shivered, her back arching in silent encouragement. “Besides, our days of adventure are at an end. From now on you, I, and Maluhia are going to live in secluded peace.”

With an ease that never failed to astonish Laylah, Tane had her nightgown tugged over her head and flying across the room. It had barely hit the floor before he had her breasts cupped in his hands and his thumbs teasing her nipples to tight buds of need.

Now that was the kind of skill a woman could appreciate.

“Hardly secluded considering the menagerie of vampires, Weres, Shalotts, Oracles, and occasional goddesses that wander through this lair,” he said dryly.

She slowly smiled, a warmth she never thought to experience easing the bitterness that had plagued her for so long.

“Our family.”

His lips twisted. “A strange and dysfunctional family.”

“The best families always are,” she said.

If Marika had taught her nothing else, it was that sharing blood didn’t mean a damn thing.

“Hmmm.” His head lowered to flick his tongue over her straining nipple. “If you say so.”

For a minute Laylah was lost in the sheer pleasure of his touch. When she was in Tane’s arms the world disappeared and nothing mattered but the storm of sensations that consumed them both. Then the lingering thought of families had her tugging Tane’s head up to meet her worried gaze.

“Speaking of families.”

“I’m fairly certain we weren’t speaking,” he growled, his fangs flashing and his eyes smoldering. “Has Uriel contacted you?”

He smothered his impatience, able to sense her genuine concern. Her mother might be a virtual stranger, but she was anxious to have her rescued.

“Not in the past few days, but don’t worry, he won’t give up until he has rescued your mother and brought her to you. Uriel is …”

She frowned as his words came to an abrupt halt.

“What?”

“I’m not entirely certain,” he admitted. “I met him several centuries ago and his power was considerable, but nothing compared to what it is today.”

“Is that a bad thing?”

“It’s an unheard of thing.”

She regarded his confusion. “Why?”

“A vampire’s personal skills and strengths are established during their foundling years. Once they have matured, they no longer grow in power.”

“Except for Uriel?”

“Exactly.”

Ah. No wonder he was baffled. “A mystery,” she murmured.

He settled more firmly between her legs, his erection pressing in the perfect spot.

“That isn’t going to be solved tonight.”

“True.” She wrapped her legs around his hips, scraping her nails down his back. “But we have to have something to pass the time.”

He shuddered, allowing a trickle of his power to race through her.

“I have every confidence in my ability to keep you entertained.”

Oh … gods. She arched at the tiny jolts of bliss, nearly climaxing before they ever began. “Arrogant,” she breathed.

He chuckled, a smug smile curving his lips as he returned his attention to her beaded nipple.

“On the contrary, I’m your most devoted slave.”

“Mmmm.” She nipped the lobe of his ear, rubbing in blatant need against the hard thrust of his arousal. Then, she caught her breath in regret. “Oh. Wait.”

He groaned, leaning his forehead against her collarbone as he struggled to leash his hunger.

“Are you deliberately attempting to torture me?”

“You haven’t told me what happened to Levet.”

He lifted his head, his expression stern. “Laylah, I love and adore you with every fiber of my being, but I will not discuss that annoying lump of stone while we’re in bed together.”

“But …”

He pressed a finger to her lips, his eyes narrowed. “Do you remember when we first met?”

She struggled to hide her smile. It was a day that would be forever engraved in her mind. “I have a vague recollection. Why?” “I made a bet that I could make you beg for my touch.”

“Did you?” “I did.”

Love flooded through her as she met the fierce honey gaze, all her lingering concerns melting away as she became lost in Tane’s sensual spell.

There was time to worry later.

For now she intended to appreciate the sheer joy of being with her mate.

With a faux innocence, she stroked her hands up the curve of his back, deliberately licking her lips.

“You can talk the talk, but can you walk the walk?” she challenged.

Turned out he could.