Bound in Darkness (The Legend of Mortem Book 2) Read online

  Eden motioned everyone over to the bar, letting Silas do whatever he was going to do with Jadis.

  “This is bad.” Eden was more than concerned with the knowledge that she turned just by having been taken as a mate. “Silas will be useless to us, I’m afraid.” Everyone agreed in one way or another.

  “If Silas reverts…” Bain began.

  Agaeus cut him off, defending his brother. “He’s in full control; when is he ever not? I don’t know what you’re all so worried about.”

  “Remember who you’re talking about. No one’s in more control of themselves than Silas,” Syth added.

  “Let’s hope the last four hundred years has calmed him down.” Aiden truly dreaded the alternative.

  The girls joined Silas and Jadis.

  “This is crazy!” Ivory stated. “You’ll have to give us all the dirty details.”

  “There are no dirty details.” Jadis shrugged. “It just happened.”

  “Apparently, I’ll need more than a couple of little crack knives now,” Aria quipped.

  The lightning strikes shooting through the windows, along with the sounds of the crackling thunder outside, captured Jadis’ attention once again. She stared out the windows, enthralled with the storm’s menacing beauty.

  Ivory looked at Jadis and how easily she seemed to become distracted. “Jadis, you okay?”

  “I just want a drink.” She let out an exasperated sigh of relief now that Eden and the rest of the troops were at the bar, and the secret was out in the open. They may all be at the bar drinking, however, they continuously dart their eyes between each other and myself.

  “I’m going to leave you to your girls while I go talk with Eden.” Silas cupped her face in his hands and gave her a hard kiss. “I can’t wait to get your ass back to bed,” he said, along with a playful smack to her ass.

  Ivory stepped back, and Jadis snatched her before she knew what happened, keeping her on her feet.

  “What the hell was that about?” Ivory asked.

  “The body.” Jadis motioned to it as if it were nothing but a turned-up rug. “You almost fell over it.”

  “Oh, damn! That’s awful. Shouldn’t we do something about that?” Ivory stated.

  “Do what you will. She got what she deserved,” Jadis said, with a cold, inhuman rumble, one that her sisters had never heard from her before.

  “Jadis,” exclaimed Skye. “What the fuck?” She wasn’t quite sure how to reply to Jadis’ coldness. Hell, I know she hates mortals, but even this is beyond her.

  Maddie and Chloe were still in shock at the entire situation and had no idea how to respond.

  “Come.” Aria shuffled all of them away from the corpse laying in the middle of the room. “I’m so glad I didn’t miss this. I can’t remember the last time I was this entertained.”

  They made their way over to a couple of large loveseats on the opposite side of the room facing the huge picture windows. Jadis flicked her wrist like Silas had taught her, and the music played in the background, to the amusement of all the girls.

  “What the hell else can you do?” Chloe questioned.

  “I have no idea; it’s only been a couple of weeks. Silas has been teaching me, but there’s so much to know. It’s a bit overwhelming.”

  The girls chose to ignore the conversation being had at the bar. At least my girls aren’t taking this seriously, which is exactly what I need.

  Eden looked at Silas as he joined them at the bar. “You do realize you’ll have to control her?”

  “Yes.” Silas looked at Eden and dismissed him.

  Eden poured himself another drink. “Silas, you did just stand there as she drained that girl in front of everyone. You obviously did nothing to stop her.”

  Silas glared at Eden. “I realize that. I was curious. I wanted to see what she would do. It’s not like this is the first time any of us has had to dispose of a dead body. Hell, I’ve seen how far you’ve gone yourself, Eden.”

  Syth, Agaeus, and Dante tilted their glasses to Silas in agreement.

  “Silas, as I said earlier, we have to contain this situation. We all know this can’t end well if she’s not monitored at all times. Hell, we don’t even fully know the extent of her powers or what she truly is…”

  “Stop,” Silas interrupted Eden and tilted his glass towards him. “I agree with you. I have no idea what has happened either. What I do know is that she’s mine, so whatever takes place will be my decision and mine alone.”

  “Silas, it won’t work that way this time. This concerns and involves all of us. She’s our family, and it’s our sworn duty to protect her, especially now that she’s one of us. She’s clearly Nosferatu.”

  They heard the sudden burst of laughter from the girls sitting across the room, distracting their attention away from the conversation at hand. They looked over to see Jadis, who had turned again, messing around with the girls.

  “Damn!” Dante tossed back another drink, hiding his true feelings and not wanting to come to terms with the fact she was now Nosferatu. “They’re playing with fire, and they have no idea. Jadis is more dangerous than ever,” Dante said to Bain, on their own level. “She has clearly crossed the devil’s threshold.”

  “Look at her, we thought she was something to look at back on the yacht. I can barely contain myself, and Silas is two feet from me,” Bain admitted.

  With a wicked smirk, Dante tilted his glass to Bain. “You and I both, cousin, Silas is one lucky bastard. I would take her to bed without hesitation. Shit, I’d take her here, there, everywhere.”

  “You speak the truth. The only problem is that I’d have to put a blindfold on her to cover her eyes. Can you imagine looking down, only to have Silas looking back?” Bain laughed aloud as did Dante, who practically choked on his drink.

  “She may be heaven on the eyes, but she’s hell for the soul,” Dante rumbled.

  “Silas always was a glutton for punishment,” Bain stated, nodding in agreement.

  Silas looked over at the two of them, having caught them looking at Jadis. He didn’t hear what they said to each other as he was too transfixed on Jadis himself. However, the look of warning he gave them was undeniably clear. Dante and Bain diverted their eyes.

  “You thought you had problems before, Eden,” Lars stated. That girl is going to put them all over the edge.

  Eden and Aiden stared at Silas, and the excitement, desire, and pride were written all over his face. They could all tell, based on his expression, this wouldn’t end well.

  Silas is most definitely going to follow her down the rabbit’s hole, Eden thought.

  “Silas?” Eden stated, trying to bring his attention back to the conversation.

  “Yes, Eden, I’m still listening,” he replied. However, he didn’t bother to look at him.

  He’s leaning against the bar, watching his mate like it’s a fucking casual Saturday night on the town. His dismissive attitude alone is enough to know that she’s going nowhere.

  “What do you have in mind, cousin?” Silas asked, with a voice of warning.

  “I think we should all head back to our compound. It’s safe, has state of the art security, it’s secluded, and most of all, it can be locked down,” Eden suggested.

  “Remind me again about it being locked down?” Silas questioned in jest, as he looked Aiden’s way.

  “Touché,” Aiden responded.

  “Good luck with that. She’ll never agree. We aren’t leaving our home. We’re staying right here,” Silas firmly stated.

  “Silas, it’s not safe for either of you. If word somehow gets out, she’s in danger, and you know as well as the rest of us, they won’t hesitate to take you out to get to her. How secure is this place in the grand scheme of things?” Eden argued.

  “Trust me, there’s more to this place than meets the eye. Security here is state of the art as well. She’s my one and only concern. You don’t think I haven’t thought it through? A few of my warriors have also been here since leaving the valley, unbeknownst to her.”

  No one dared to doubt Silas when he said he had taken care of a situation. If he said it was handled, it was handled—no questions asked.

  “Goddamn.” Eden was exasperated with Silas’ lack of compromise. It always comes down to what Silas ultimately decides. He has, however, earned the very honor; even I can’t question his capabilities, dedication, or loyalty to the family, nor his prowess to handle whatever comes his way.

  “Dante… Bain…” Eden called.

  “What the hell did I tell you about the nanny position,” Dante said to Bain.

  “Tell me this isn’t happening right now.” Bain grabbed a bottle of bourbon off the shelf from behind the bar. He had to step around a couple of still-comatose bar maidens in order to refill his and Dante’s glasses. “Here it comes.” They fake clapped their glasses together and took a drink.

  “I know where this is going, Eden, so get it over with,” Dante replied.

  “I want Dante and Bain to stay here with you and Jadis if you insist on staying,” Eden suggested.

  “No. I can take care of the affairs of my own home.” Silas’ intentions were clear.

  “Anyone else want to chime in here instead of standing there, like this is all fun and games? This is serious shit right now, so stop all the joking bullshit and back me up!”

  “We’re talking about Silas right now. What more would you expect? I’ll snatch her ass right out of this house if I have to,” Aiden threatened.

  “I suggest you don’t even try it.” Silas moved so closely to Aiden, they were now chest to chest.

  Lars, Eden, Dante, and Bain quickly intervened and in an instant, Jadis stood next to Silas. He felt her rush to him, lifted his arm up, and she protectively wrapped her arms around his waist.

  “What’s wrong?” She had felt the threat to Silas as soon as he and Aiden faced off.

  “Nothing, my love,” Silas replied.

  “Then why are you and Aiden acting crazy?”

  “It’s just a disagreement, nothing more. Go back to join your girls.” Silas smiled down at her and patted her butt.

  She rolled her eyes in response. “I assume the disagreement is about me. What’s going on now?”

  “Well, she should know. Why don’t you go ahead and fill her in?” Silas leaned back against the bar and handed her a drink, all the while smirking at Eden, waiting for him to explain.

  “This ought to be good,” stated Aiden, along with an eye roll of his own.

  Eden took a moment before he spoke, contemplating his words. “Bottom line, you can’t be trusted. Not to mention you need protection more than ever. We think it’s best for you and Silas to come back to the compound and stay with us for the time being, at least until we figure this all out…”

  Jadis stopped him midsentence. “Oh, hell no, I’m not leaving here.” She squeezed Silas’ forearms and looked up for reassurance. He better not have agreed to this bullshit.

  “No, baby, I already told them we were staying put. You heard her; we’re staying in our own home.” He looked to see which of them would challenge him next.

  “Well, let’s just go all the way then, Silas. I can, and I will pull rank on you. When one of us is in a situation we all deem dangerous, we can make a unanimous decision to put either you or me in charge. Right now, I’m more than confident everyone will agree, your sole focus is on Jadis, as it should be, but it’s clouding your judgment.”

  Silas set his glass on the bar and turned his body, so he faced Eden. He gently moved Jadis to the side. “Don’t think you can pull rank on me, Eden,” Silas warned.

  Eden held up his hands in a gesture of peace. “I’m not here to fight with you, but we have to come to some sort of reasonable agreement. We need to make a pragmatic decision. That’s all I’m saying. If you refuse to come with us to the compound, then I suggest Dante and Bain stay here with you as well,” Eden offered, looking right at Jadis.

  “Not this shit again. Don’t I get a vote in this?” she asked.

  She was cut off by a unanimous, resounding, “No,” coming from everyone standing there, except for Silas.

  Eden laughed. “You’re the last person making any decisions right now.”

  She cocked her head at him, thinking about what he was saying. Just as she began to argue with him, he punched Silas in the shoulder. Silas didn’t so much as flinch; he knew what Eden was up to.

  Jadis lunged at Eden, but Silas already had a tight hold of her. She cupped her hands over her mouth, having shocked even herself at her instant, instinctual reaction.

  Eden cocked his head at her. “Point proven, need I say more? Dante, Bain,” Eden stated as he continued looking at Jadis. He too, was more or less fascinated with her new look as much as he hated to admit it.

  “We already know what’s coming,” Bain replied with a heavy sigh as he took another drink. He looked over at Dante and he had the same unenthusiastic expression. They then looked to Silas to see what would take place.

  After a few moments of silent contemplation, Silas spoke, “Eden speaks the truth. I can’t argue his logic. Dante, Bain, you’ll stay here for the duration.”

  “Let the games begin,” Dante huffed. “This will be one hell of an assignment this time.” Dante was more frustrated that once again, he had to be in her presence on a consistent basis, especially now that she had turned.

  “Cheers to that,” Bain stated.

  “Silas! You seriously think you’ll have them babysitting me again? The hell if you are; you promised me.”

  “My love, it’s just a precaution. Eden is correct in his assessment. There will be a target on your back, and we can’t leave anything to chance. I won’t now, nor will I ever jeopardize your safety, much less your life. Been there, done that.”

  He tried to pull her into him, but she quickly moved away. He had moved just as quickly and stood face to face with her.

  “This will be good,” Aria said to the girls. “I can’t wait to see her tell Silas what’s up.”

  “I won’t stay here with them so the three of you can laugh at my expense. Been there, done that. I’m assuming next I’ll be wearing a golden anklet?”

  “No one is laughing at you, mon cheri, least of all me. This is just temporary and no, unless you challenge me, you won’t be wearing the anklet.” He winked, trying to calm her heightened state.

  “Why don’t one of you tell me the truth then? Who’s target hunting? Eden? Aiden? Anyone? Are one of you going to tell me what’s up?” She waited a minute, but no one so much as spoke a word.

  “Baby, I’ll tell you everything later. Right now, this is just how it’s going to be.”

  Silas is serious right now, and he looks worried. This is just perfect.

  The threat to Jadis brought up abysmal memories from not so long ago. Mistakes Silas vowed would never be made again. Eden had spoken the truth, pulling Silas from the temporary, peaceful solitude he had been enjoying with her; reality struck a vein. He knew they would have to face the truth at some point; he just hoped it wouldn’t happen so soon. He had been avoiding the inevitable.

  “Well, then you can BE here with them,” she seethed. “I’m leaving.” She made it to the door before the words finished leaving her mouth. Silas, however, was right behind her, holding it shut with the palm of his hand.

  Eden turned to Bain; his concern clear. “It’s sealed; she’s not getting out, not to mention she’s no match for Silas, vampire or not,” Bain stated.

  “I wouldn’t be so sure,” Aiden chimed in. “It’s not like she hasn’t shocked the shit out of all of us on more than one occasion.”

  “I can’t even argue that,” Lars agreed.

  “Silas, back off. I’m not asking you,” she demanded.

  “Calm, baby, this isn’t what I had imagined either. I would love to stay here locked up in our home, keeping you naked, just the two of us and our pups,” he said as he gently stroked her cheek. “Unfortunately, it’s not the reality we live in; it’s not the world our clans have ever known.”

  He was still leaning over her with one hand on the door. The compassion in his voice and on his face was undeniable. Shit, there’s no way for me to be mad at him. He’s speaking from his heart, no doubt about it. He does want to ignore the world and its darkness for me… With me.

  “Yes, baby, I would. I would give anything to live like we’ve been, but the darkness surrounds us. It always has, always will because of who, what we are. We’re vampyr, and we cannot run, nor can we hide from the threats it brings upon us. I won’t dismiss the threat, nor will I continue to pretend it doesn’t exist.”

  “Why? I don’t understand.” She looked up at him, genuinely confused and a bit scared from his sudden admission. “We killed the Grays and the trackers. What can be worse than that?” she asked, even though she wasn’t fully sure she wanted to hear the answer.

  “Baby, there are always monsters lurking in the dark. We can’t be careless; we haven’t lived as long as we have by being weak, naïve, or delusional. We’re alive and as you put it, ‘on top of the food chain’ for a reason.”

  They both smiled at the inside joke. She reached around to the back of his head and pulled him in for a kiss.

  “Top of the food chain?” Jabari looked to Aiden for an explanation.

  “We probably don’t even want to know.” Aiden gave him a dismissive wave.

  “Always my assassin in bloody armor,” she replied.

  Their eyes changed together as the burning desire and hunger rose to the surface.

  “Dante, Bain, since you’re staying here, Eden can clean up the mess. Jadis and I’ll continue this in private.”

  He reached for her hand and pulled her away from the door. “Let’s say our goodbyes. It’s time for bed.”

  Silas, of course, let everyone know they could see themselves out as they made their way upstairs, through a hidden door behind the bar.

  “Limi… Mag, idvam,” Silas called as he held the door for them.

  Once they were out of sight, Eden spoke up, “Keep the body. We need to know what Jadis did to her. Aiden, get it to the lab when we get home.”