Embrace the Darkness (22 page)

He wanted that to be the end of the conversation, but of course it wasn't.

“What does that mean?”

“It means that they must either confront me one on one, in direct combat, or leave the clan,” he grudgingly confessed. “There are few who would dare either fate.”

“They're that frightened of you?”

He paused at a corner, carefully surveying their surroundings. It was late enough that most humans were tucked in their beds leaving behind a shadowed landscape of silence. Prime hunting ground for all sorts of demons. Some that might not be interested in a vampire and a Shalott unless they were stupid enough to stumble over them.

Assured the way was clear he headed swiftly toward the closest alley.

He felt her fist punch him in the middle of his back. “Answer the question or put me down,” she commanded.

His own teeth did a bit of grinding. “Being clan chief has given me…powers beyond most vampires.”

“What sort of powers?”

“It is individual for each chief and never spoken of.”

She made a rude noise at his response, but for once accepted he would reveal no more.

“What if one of them wanted to become clan chief themselves?” she instead pressed.

“They must first enter the Battle of Durotriges. If they survive, they can establish their own clan as I did, or challenge another chief to the death.”

“Have you ever been challenged?”

“It has been several centuries.”

“I take it that you defeated them?”

“Yes.”

“So now you're a major badass that no one wants to challenge?”

Viper gave a choked laugh. He had been called many things over the years, but he wasn't sure that badass had ever been among them.

“I can be a…badass when necessary, but in truth most in the clan are simply content.” He weaved through the narrow alleys, his swift speed taking them into the less savory neighborhoods. “I am not an overly demanding master and unlike many I have no wish to acquire more power. They do not fear being tossed onto the bloody frontlines of a clan war.”

“A benevolent dictator?” she muttered.

He resisted the urge to give her backside a smack. He didn't want to risk a revolt at this point.

“You sound disapproving. Would you rather I was a tyrant?”

“I'm just saying.”

“Just saying what?”

“If it looks like a duck, and quacks like a duck, it's a…shit.”

Viper didn't hesitate as he came to a halt and lowered Shay to her feet. He had caught the scent at the same moment as his companion.

Trolls.

With fluid motions he pulled the sword from its scabbard and tossed it to Shay. With the same ease he retrieved two long daggers from his bag before dropping it to the ground.

A troll possessed skin too thick to be pierced by a bullet. Only a magically enhanced blade would have a chance.

“Aim at the lower stomach,” he commanded in clipped tones. “It's the only place the blade can pierce and there is an artery there that can be severed.”

Shay instinctively moved to place her back to his own. The best means for them to fight as one smooth unit.

“You don't have to tell me how to kill trolls,” she said in bitter tones. “It was the first thing I learned after Evor forced me to his side.”

“I don't doubt you, pet, but I smell more than mere fear on these trolls. They are desperate and there is no enemy more dangerous than one ready and willing to die rather than be defeated.”

She gave a short humorless laugh. “They can't be anymore desperate than I am.”

Viper could hardly argue with her logic. And in truth there was no time as the darker shadows shifted and five large mountain trolls came into view. It would be easy to presume that their slow, lumbering movements meant an equally slow and lumbering mind. A mistake that could lead to a swift death. They may not be intelligent, but they possessed a bloodthirsty cunning that made them dangerous in a battle.

Only a fool would underestimate them.

A dead fool.

Keeping the daggers hidden, Viper carefully studied their approach. As expected they fanned out to surround them, but they did not attack at once. Each herd was held by a fierce hierarchy, and the leaders would send in the weakest first to determine the skill of his opponent. A waste of soldiers, but a good means to discover how best to be victorious.

Eying the smallest of the trolls, Viper was prepared as the troll gave a rumbling roar before awkwardly charging forward. He could hear the same sound coming from behind, but he trusted Shay to hold up her end of the battle. There were few demons beyond vampires that could hope to best a Shalott.

Even a half-human Shalott.

Holding his position Viper ignored the head that the troll lowered as he came forward. It was a deliberately tempting target, but he was well aware that the skull was the thickest part of a troll. The demon could put his head through a steel wall and never blink.

Waiting until the beast was nearly upon him Viper at last raised his hands, using one dagger to make a motion toward the red eyes. As expected the troll instinctively flinched back and Viper used the opening to smoothly thrust the other dagger in the lower right of his stomach.

There was a startled grunt from the troll as the enchanted blade slid through the thick skin and found the soft tissue beneath. Viper didn't hesitate as he twisted the dagger until the putrid smell of spilling blood filled the air. Just for a moment the troll continued to struggle forward, as if he weren't yet aware he was dead. Then with a rattled breath he slowly began to sink to his knees.

Viper was quick to jerk the dagger free and kick the carcass to the side. He didn't want to be hampered during the next attack.

Not daring to cast a glance over his shoulder to make sure that Shay was coping, he squared his shoulders.

At the moment she was still on her feet.

That had to be enough, as the next two trolls realized the danger of attempting a single attack, and charged together. They were also smart enough to keep their heads lowered and their arms protectively held in front of their stomachs.

Realizing that the charge was bound to throw him backward into Shay, and perhaps knock her off balance at a critical moment, Viper smoothly moved to the side, luring the beasts with him. At the same moment he pointed at the ground, murmuring beneath his breath.

There was a sharp crack as the dirt beneath the pavement abruptly bulged upward. It was nothing dramatic, but enough to trip up the first troll who went down with a startled growl. The second fell over the legs of the first and ended up on his knees.

Viper was moving before the troll hit the ground and had his dagger shoved into his stomach while the troll blinked at him in amazement. He even had the decency to fall forward to trap his brethren beneath his twitching body.

Good troll.

With a moment to spare, Viper allowed his gaze to dart toward his companion.

Shay already had her first troll dead on the ground, and was circling the second with a sinuous grace. The sword was too long, and the balance wrong for her, but she moved it like an extension of her own arm. The mark of a true swordsman.

Or woman.

A taunting smile curved her lips as she baited the increasingly frustrated troll. Over and over she slipped close enough for him to take a swipe at her with his massive hands, and over and over she managed to dart away untouched. There were growls and rasps and sounds that were no doubt curses coming from the troll as he began to swing with an increasing carelessness. More importantly his fury and frustration was bringing him ever closer to the sword held in Shay's hand.

The troll at Viper's feet began to struggle from beneath his dead companion and never allowing his gaze to stray from Shay he planted his foot on the thick skull. He had more important matters on his mind at the moment.

Unaware of his fascination Shay made one last feint and danced backward. The troll stumbled after her, his arms outstretched. It was all Shay needed as she held the sword high, and then swept it downward in a motion too fast for the troll to counter. He was still moving forward as she plunged the blade deep into his stomach and gave it a deadly twist. There was a grunt of surprise as the troll gazed down in disbelief at the wound. Then he was falling forward to hit the ground with a resounding thud.

Bending down Shay efficiently wiped her sword on the troll's tattered tunic before straightening to regard him with a lift of her brows.

“Are you going to play with that troll all night or are you going to finish it?” she demanded.

Shay was relieved when Viper dispatched the troll with swift ease and turned to lead her through the dark street without comment. It was too much to hope that he hadn't noticed the dark bruise already forming on her cheek. The first troll had only managed a glancing blow, but it was enough to prick her pride and was no doubt the reason he had halted his own attack to watch her so intently.

He had to be thinking she was a rank amateur, damn him.

Why it mattered that he should consider her a warrior worthy of respect didn't bear thinking about.

At least not now.

With an effort she speeded her steps so she could walk beside Viper rather than behind him.

She didn't hide behind anyone. Not ever.

Ignoring his sidelong glance she forced her gaze to take in their surroundings, determined to be prepared for whatever might leap from the heavy shadows.

And anything might leap in this neighborhood, she acknowledged with a faint grimace. They had left the elegant mansions and trendy businesses behind, replacing them with narrow buildings and empty lots that carried the stench of decay. Even the streets were beginning to crumble and she jumped over potholes that were capable of swallowing a small car whole. This part of the city was dying a slow death, conveniently forgotten by all but those forced to live among the rubble.

Oddly saddened by the sight Shay briefly assumed that the cold chill prickling over her skin was merely a reaction to her surroundings.

It was only when Viper came to a sharp halt that she realized the truth.

“Vampires,” he breathed.

“Damn.” She instinctively reached to give her braid a nervous tug. “I don't suppose that they're
your
vampires?”

“No.”

Of course not.

It seemed the night for unpleasant surprises. And what could be a more unpleasant surprise than encountering vampires on a dark street?

“Maybe they're just passing through?”

He gave a shake of his head, his features hardened to that chilling mask that reminded her precisely of what and who he was.

“None would dare to enter Chicago without my permission. Not unless they were declaring war.”

She swallowed heavily. “How many?”

“Six.” He tilted his head back, sniffing the air. “And one is a chief.”

“So we're screwed?”

Viper cursed beneath his breath as he searched the shadows for the hidden vamps. Not a good sign. She didn't want to see him worried. Not now. She wanted that arrogant, superior, utterly confident man who set her teeth on edge.

“Dammit it all, I've been a fool. A stupid fool,” he muttered.

“Not that I intend to argue, but what have you been a fool about on this occasion?” she demanded in low tones.

“The hellhounds and trolls were merely a ruse to flush us from Dante's mansion.” He gave a low growl. “We walked straight into their trap.”

Shay froze, recalling the chaotic panic that had set in when they had sensed the approaching trouble. He was right. My God, they had been fools. If they had any sense at all, they would have waited until they were certain that the danger behind them was worse than the danger before them.

Of course, in all fairness, who wouldn't flee in panic after the Lu? The thing had scared the bejeezus out of her.

“Do we run or fight?” she muttered.

“I know this vampire,” he rasped, reaching out to grasp her hand. “We run.”

It sounded like a damn fine idea to Shay. The best warriors always knew the wisdom of a strategic retreat. Holding the sword to the side so it didn't trip her, Shay allowed Viper to pull her down the dark street. She didn't know where they were headed, but anyplace had to be better than here. Or at least she hoped so.

Never losing stride Viper darted down a side alley and smoothly grasped her about the waist as he vaulted over the looming security fence. Shay swallowed her gasp of shock as they landed on the other side and turned toward an abandoned warehouse.

She could run fast and jump higher than humans but…damn. She almost felt as if they were flying.

Entering the warehouse Viper slowed his pace, his head tilted as if he were sniffing the air.

“What are you…”

“Shhh.” He pressed a finger over her lips before tugging her toward the back of the building. “This way.”

They rounded a towering stack of rusting barrels before Viper lowered himself to his knees and tugged her down beside him.

“Why are we stopping here?” she demanded.

“We can't outrun all of them.” He turned his head to regard her with a somber expression. “They've already surrounded us.”

Shay's heart skipped, jerked, and came to a stuttering halt. “Damn.”

“If we can't outrun them, then we must outwit them,” he whispered softly.

“You have a plan?”

He gave a slow nod. “Yes.”

Shay studied the exquisite features in the muted light. There was a grim determination that made her narrow her eyes in suspicion.

“Why do I have a feeling that I'm not going to like this plan?”

His lips curved in a faint smile. “Because you're stubborn and pigheaded, no doubt.”

She reached up to poke her finger into his chest. “Just tell me.”

There was a pause before he reached up to grasp her hand. “There is a manhole just behind you. I want you to use it to escape while I distract the vampires.”

“No, absolutely not.”

“Shay, listen to me—”

His words were cut short by the unmistakable sound of approaching footsteps.

“Viper, you might as well reveal yourself. We have the warehouse surrounded. There is no escape.”

Shay gave a small jump at the dark, oddly compelling voice that seemed to wrap about her. Turning her head she peered between the barrels. The shadows shifted and a vampire walked across the floor toward them.

Holy shit.

He was tall. As tall as Viper and much broader through the shoulders and chest. The impression of size was only emphasized by the long black robe that draped him from neck to toe. But it was not his towering strength that stole her breath and widened her eyes. As he neared she was able to see the golden shade of his skin. It was the first vampire she had ever seen without the white paleness that usually marked them.

His hair was as black as a raven's wing and fell past his waist. The heavy curtain was pulled back and held in a tight queue by a series of bronze bands that glinted in the meager light. The severe style emphasized the sharp planes of his face that included the high cheekbones and hawkish thrust of his nose. Throw in the oblong eyes that smoldered with a liquid darkness and the image of an Aztec prince was complete.

Yikes.

“Holy cow,” she breathed. “Who is he?”

“Styx.”

Shay's eyes widened as her stomach clenched in dread. There was something quietly implacable about the vamp. The sense he would not be swerved from his purpose no matter what.

“Styx?”

“He was named for leaving a river of dead in his wake,” Viper said, his gaze never leaving the man relentlessly moving toward them. “He is our most famous of warriors.”

“Lovely.” She forced herself to swallow the lump in her throat. “A friend of yours?”

“At one time.”

“So why is he chasing us? Is he the one who wants my blood?”

“I intend to find that out.” Viper turned his head to stab her with a fierce gaze. “But not until you're out of here.”

“Viper…”

“No. Not now.” His grip on her fingers tightened to a near painful level as he relentlessly tugged her backward. He halted only when they had reached the iron grate set in the floor. Loosening his grasp he leaned over the grate and with astonishing strength pulled it off without the faintest scrape to give them away. Setting it aside he cupped Shay's face in his hands. “Styx possesses a fierce measure of loyalty toward vampires. He will not intentionally harm me. You, however, are at great risk. You must flee if either of us is to survive.”

Shay gritted her teeth. It was downright insulting to ask her to slink away like the worst sort of coward while he remained behind to play the role of hero. Even worse she was supposed to slink through what smelled suspiciously like a toxic waste dump.

Unfortunately, her pride could not overcome sheer common sense. If she remained then Viper would fight to the death to protect her. And clan chief or not he wouldn't be a match against six vampires determined to have her blood. Even if he fled with her they were bound to be overrun and forced back into this precise situation. The best she could hope for was that she could escape and find help before Viper did something utterly stupid.

Cursing beneath her breath she leaned forward until they were nose to nose. “If you get yourself killed I'll—”

His swift kiss stole her words. “You'll never be rid of me, pet. Now go.”

Her heart gave a painful wrench as she lightly touched her fingertips to his cheek before tossing her sword down the dark tunnel and preparing to leap after it. She was halted as Viper abruptly caught her arm.

“Leave your shirt,” he whispered so softly she almost missed his words.

Her eyes widened. “What?”

He leaned close to her ear. “Your scent must remain or Styx will know you are no longer in the warehouse. The ruse will not last long, but hopefully long enough for you to escape.”

Well, poop.

It wasn't bad enough that she had to flee through a tunnel of smelly waste. Now she had to do it half naked and freezing. Still, the sooner she left, the sooner she could find Dante and return to rescue Viper. Tugging off her sweatshirt she tossed it aside and holding her hand over her nose she jumped into the stinky dark. She landed in a thick goop she could only pray was mud before she was wading forward. Perfect. Just perfect. If she came out of the tunnel glowing green, she was going to stake the damn vampire herself.

 

“I am in no humor to play hide-and-seek, Viper, show yourself,” Styx commanded.

Viper silently replaced the grate over the drainage tunnel before rising to his feet and stepping from behind the barrels. He could sense Shay moving farther away, but the scent of her still hung thick in the air.

Hopefully thick enough to fool the surrounding vampires.

Squaring his shoulders he regarded his one-time friend and companion with a cold gaze.

“And I am in no humor to be spoken to as if I am some groveling servant, old friend. You seem to have forgotten I am a clan chief.”

Styx regarded him with an expression more somber than arrogant. “I have not forgotten your powers, Viper, nor your position.”

“So it is simply your manners that you have forgotten?”

The dark head gave a slight nod. “You are right to chastise me. This is not how I would wish to meet once again. Unfortunately my need outweighs any other consideration.”

Viper stiffened in anger. He didn't understand as of yet why his former friend and companion was involved in the hunt for Shay, but Styx's sudden presence was too much for mere coincidence. His Shalott had been quite right to fear vampires.

“And what need is that, Styx?”

“All your questions will be answered in time. For now I only ask that you call for your companion and come with me.”

Viper folded his arms over his chest. “That's a little vague, I fear. You'll forgive me if I want a few more reassurances before we go anywhere.”

Styx regarded him for a long measure, his expression never changing. “We have known each other for centuries. What further reassurance do you desire?”

“You can tell me why you're standing in this nasty warehouse on such a chill night.”

“Obviously searching for you.”

“Why?”

“This is not the place for such a conversation, Viper. If you and your companion will come with me—”

“And if I refuse?” Viper overrode his smooth words.

“That would be…most unfortunate.”

Viper narrowed his gaze, his fangs lengthening in warning. “You will take me against my will? Against all the laws that govern us? Tell me, Styx, has the vampire that I admired above all others now become no better than those he once fought against?”

“Enough.” The dark voice never altered, but Viper could feel the flare of power that swirled through the air. “You know nothing of the troubles we face.”

“I know that we do not enter the territory of clans without requesting safe passage from the chief,” he said, his own power flaring strong enough to make Styx wince. “Or compel demons and dark wizards to do our bidding. Or command the murder of another vampire. Tell me why you are here, Styx.”

For the first time those golden features held a genuine expression. Disapproval.