Light in Darkness Read online

  * * * *

  She could lie, but wouldn’t. Victoria wanted Lincoln any way she could have him, even if she couldn’t keep him. “I feel it too.”

  Placing his hand over her heart, he whispered, “Here?”

  Afraid of her own voice, she nodded. She felt it everywhere, but especially there. A warm ache she hadn’t experienced in over one hundred and fifty years.

  He swallowed hard and drifted his hand up, around her neck. “Will you tell me if I do something wrong?”

  Victoria laughed softly. “You won’t. I can show you what to do, but if you need me to stop—”

  “No stopping.”

  A nervous giggle escaped. “Don’t say that yet. We haven’t even started.”

  He found her zipper with one hand. “This all right?”

  Nodding, she opened his shirt. His smell hit her, and once again she craved sinking her teeth into his skin to taste his essence. She wouldn’t, couldn’t, but was so tempted.

  His breath caught as he pushed the dress open, then off her shoulders. Lincoln’s eyes trailed over her silk slip. “I want to see you.”

  “Here.” She pulled the slip over her head, then shimmied out of the matching silk panties as he took a step back.

  He efficiently shed his clothes, never taking his eyes off her. “More beautiful than I imagined,” Lincoln praised, standing before her without making a move. In contrast with his obvious hesitancy, Lincoln’s glorious cock was proud and ready.

  “I’ve already seen your beauty, but the candlelight adds to it.” She took her time studying him up close and personal.

  A blush colored his cheeks as he stepped forward and placed his hands on her shoulders. “I want to touch… all of you.”

  “If I can do the same.”

  His Adam’s apple worked as he nodded. “Please.”

  She traced the ridges of lean muscle on his chest and abs.

  He bent to kiss her neck as his hands cupped her breasts. “Like satin,” he murmured against her skin.

  “If I go too far, tell me,” she whispered as she trailed her hand down to wrap around his long, thick shaft. His hips shot forward, and he let out the sexiest groan.

  “Vic, that... oh, yes… yes.” He panted, sinking to his knees. She followed him down then he bent to trail kisses across her chest as the fingers of one hand played over her nipple. His tongue swept around one tight peak before sucking gently.

  His free hand caressed down her stomach, reaching between her thighs. The touch was gentle, tentative, but he found her clit and she gasped. “There, right there,” she whimpered.

  He moved down her body, and she knew where he was going.

  She shook her head. “Wait, this is your first time. Let me.” Victoria pushed Lincoln to his back and climbed into his lap.

  Sitting up, he looked into her eyes. “Anything you want, I’ll give you.”

  She saw the raw emotion and fell into it, embracing what she felt, even though it terrified her. “Make love with me. That’s all I want.”

  He nodded. “You’ll have to lead, but I’m a quick study.”

  A laugh escaped, “That you are.” She reached between them, holding him still to slide over his length.

  Eyes locked on hers, the sound that escaped his lips swamped her with desire. His arms wound around her, and she felt connected as he filled her body. Nothing had ever emotionally moved her like this before.

  One big hand palmed the back of her head before his lips met hers. The kiss was full of desire and something more, something she’d never experienced, but knew she never wanted to lose.

  * * * *

  Breaking the kiss to catch his breath, Lincoln got lost in Victoria’s dark eyes. Her arms twined around his neck as her body moved over his.

  The pleasure was intense, but he needed to move, to be an active participant. He rolled her to her back, grateful for the cushions he’d had the foresight to add, propping himself over her with his elbows as he thrust into her with powerful strokes.

  Her back arched and her legs locked around his thighs as a deep moan left her lips. “Mmm, more,” she pleaded.

  He found a rhythm, the pleasure built. Victoria moved with him, never breaking eye contact. The sensations were overwhelming, and not only with his senses, but with his soul.

  This act was more powerful than anything he’d ever imagined. There were no words to describe what he was feeling, and it had nothing to do with the looming climax.

  Her heart beat with his. Every passionate sound pushed him harder. And the emotion staring back at him stole his breath. Her walls pulsed around him, then he stopped deep inside her as he came. The pleasure was so intense he couldn’t see.

  She rolled him to his side, and curled into his arms, which naturally wound around her. Her leg slid up his thigh to rest on his hip as he leaned in to press a tender kiss to her lips.

  He trailed his hand up and down her side, enjoying the weight of her in his embrace. “Does it always feel like that?”

  She shook her head, a pink-tinged tear sliding down her face. “Never before. I’m not sure I can let you go. Would be for the best.”

  He kissed her hard, hoping to banish the words from her mind. “Don’t. I’m not letting you go. I want one thing, and that’s you. No one else makes me feel this way. You’re everything I crave. So please, don’t tell me to look elsewhere.”

  “You can do better.”

  “That’s nonsense. What are you so afraid of, Vic?”

  “I’ve never felt so cherished. It can’t last. Even now, I want to sink my teeth into you, and I’m terrified I would change you.”

  A slow smile spread on his face. “I may have a solution to that.”

  “If you’re thinking of Fallon’s talents, don’t. Don’t mark your body for me.”

  “Not only for you. Why? You have a problem with ink?”

  “No, but don’t do it just for me.”

  Closing his eyes, he took a slow breath. When he opened them, another tear trailed down her face. He wiped it away. “Fine. I’m doing it for me. Not for you. Think about it this way. HARP is coming whether we like it or not. They want my father, they want you, and they probably want me now. If they capture me, isn’t it better if I have the protection Fallon’s tattoos provide?”

  Her face scrunched, but she nodded.

  “And if it makes it so you can’t twist anything in my head that works too, right?”

  “Of course.”

  “Then it’s not for you. Does that help?”

  “Maybe.”

  “But, honestly,” he added softly, “it would be worth it for you and you alone.”

  A smile softened her expression. “Do you mean that?”

  “With all my heart and soul. I’m falling for you. Don’t tell me I can’t possibly know. I’m old enough, and I’ve experienced infatuation. This is more, this is real. Something tells me you feel it too.”

  * * * *

  Victoria had no room to argue. He was right. She felt it every bit as strongly. “I do. Still terrifies me.”

  “Let me chase away the fear,” he whispered, leaning closer to brush his lips over hers.

  Her heart fluttered in her chest. Everything she’d ever dreamed of paled in comparison to the reality. “You’ll break my heart if you change your mind, but I don’t have the strength to convince you to reconsider.”

  “You couldn’t convince me if you tried,” he promised. “You’ve noticed me watching you in recent months, but I’ll tell you a secret. I’ve watched you for years. You’ve starred in every fantasy I’ve ever had. I’ll admit, until a few months ago, they consisted of dates and kissing.” He laughed softly, looking up at the ceiling of the beautiful gazebo-like roof.

  He really had taken the dock, which had already been her peaceful spot, and turned it into a haven. One she would always hold dear with the memories of their first time, even if he finally came to his senses.

  She turned to him, imploring, “Why me?”
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  “You put on this mask that shows a strong woman who couldn’t care less what anyone thinks, but I’ve seen the chinks in your armor. It gets to you when people assume the worst. You work so hard to do right by everyone. You give to charity in this community and surrounding ones. No one gives you the credit you deserve for all the positive things you do.”

  She smiled softly. “No one pays attention.”

  “I do,” he admitted. “You’re an inspiration.”

  “I’m not looking for praise. I give back because I can.”

  “Which is exactly why you deserve it. Victoria, I admire the woman you are. Not your looks, though I admit you are the one I compare all others to.”

  She licked her lips again and closed her eyes. “Okay, okay, you’re convincing me.” At the same time, she felt guilty because she’d run laps around the block too many times to count. She had always noticed Lincoln, but until recent months he was on her watch-from-the-distance list.

  “I suppose it makes sense you would be so perfect, and at the same time I can’t help feeling like I’ve committed the most heinous sin.”

  He smiled, humor dancing through his eyes. “My father, the angel, told me anything done between two consenting adults can’t be a sin. I have to agree with him.”

  Her eyes widened, then she laughed. That made sense, though it was not why she felt guilty. “It’s not that.” Craving crept up on her. Not even hunger, but a deep-rooted desire to sink her fangs into Lincoln and taste his blood on her tongue. She swallowed hard and looked into his eyes. “When I’ve been with men before, even Others, I’ve never wanted to taste their blood so bad. I don’t need yours. I fed earlier, but the urge to have your blood is nearly irresistible.”

  “You didn’t though,” Lincoln pointed out. Still she saw the concern on his face. He took a slow breath, and looked at her mouth. “Can I ask why biting me would be so bad?”

  “Drinking Other blood is like a drug. One I was addicted to years ago. I truly was a monster then.”

  “You’re resisting, though,” he whispered.

  “I won’t destroy you.” Even if Declan were right, and she formed a bond with Lincoln, could it keep her from draining him dry? And if they were meant to form a bond, was a tattoo necessary? From what she knew, the bond prevented the vampire from controlling the other person.

  “I know.” He sat up, and pulled her with him. Then he placed a hand over her heart and a kiss on her lips. “Don’t let the fear win. You’re stronger than that.”

  She nodded, hoping he was right. “Would you hate me if I go home, and take some time to think?”

  His smile fell. “No. Please, promise me you won’t spend the time trying to come up with a reason to send me away.”

  Hope blossomed through her. If he was willing to fight for her, she was willing to make it work. “I swear to you I won’t. I need to convince myself to banish all doubt. Maybe talk to an old friend who always helps me see reason.”

  He pulled her into his lap, and she went willingly. He glanced away, and breathlessly asked, “Can I make love to you again before you go?”

  She rocked her hips, letting his straining length rub against her core and moaned. “Of course.” Rising up, she shifted and he slid deep inside her. She took the pace hard and fast as he repositioned to thrust up into her.

  Once again, his pale green eyes captivated her and her heart swelled. As release neared, she whispered, “My Angel.”

  “My Love,” he replied as they came together.

  Victoria couldn’t tear her eyes away. She saw the truth of his statement. Better yet, she felt it. Her hands framed his face as she kissed him long and slow, needing more of him.

  “I believe you,” she whispered. “But I do need to think this through.”

  He nodded. “Take as much time as you need.”

  She kissed him again.

  “Go, before I decide I can’t let you walk away without having you again.”

  She grinned as she climbed from his lap. “Insatiable. Who’d have guessed? Definitely a quality I admire.”

  “You’re the reason.”

  Smiling back, she added, “I’ll come by if I can. It’s already getting late though.”

  “Go. I’ll be waiting for your call at the very least.”

  “That I can do.”

  With that, she scooped up her clothes and ran into the night before he could tempt her further.

  Chapter 16

  So many letters. Journals documenting everything Ethyl went through with Lincoln. Jophiel couldn’t contain the tears that flowed down his face. He’d missed so much, and she never stopped hoping he would find his way back to her.

  He felt like a failure. Love undying, and he couldn’t find her. Had Jones broken something in his soul that severed his tie to Ethyl? He’d always sensed her before his captivity. Then nothing.

  Sitting in front of the fire, he stared at the first letter Ethyl wrote, the day she left the cabin he’d set her up in.

  Dear Jophiel,

  One day you’ll find your way back to me, fallen or not. You’ve always been my angel of light, following me through the ages to brighten my dark world. Maybe it’s finally my turn to bring some light to you.

  I should have started these letters the day I learned I was pregnant, but I was torn apart by your absence. When I finally realized I was carrying your child, the dam broke. Every night you come to me in my dreams, throughout history, sweeping me off my feet, and banishing the shadows.

  Someday we’ll find a way to be together forever, without these many years separating us. I’ll become something more so I can keep you forever.

  Pete was convinced you fell to save him. Maybe you have, but I still feel your warmth in my soul. I’ll never give up hope.

  For now, I’ll tell you about our son. A beautiful boy with a warm glow, and your pale green eyes. He looks so much like you. Fascinated by nature, our little angel has a green thumb. Flowers grow vibrant around him. Soon he’ll start talking, then walking. I hope you hurry back to us.

  Love always,

  Ethyl

  Letter after letter was more of the same. Never-ending faith he’d find her. Years of letters, and she waited.

  He opened the last one knowing his heart was about to be shredded to pieces.

  My dear Jophiel,

  For you I’ll wait forever, but you’ll have to find me in the next life. The cancer is terminal, and spreading fast.

  I can’t move on to the next plane right away. Lincoln has never been on his own, and I worry about his infatuation with a vampire. After Pete, I can’t trust any vampire.

  Our boy is gorgeous, kind, generous. He could have anyone he wanted, but the one he wants is unobtainable. I’ve seen her fear of love first-hand. I want to be here if she breaks his heart.

  You’ll find me, you always do.

  Love eternal,

  Ethyl

  He picked up the first journal, hoping to learn more about his son, and the life she led without him.

  * * * *

  “You’re sure?” Jones asked, pushing his fingers through his hair. He gripped the phone so tight it was likely to snap if he didn’t ease off.

  “I wouldn’t lie about seeing Jophiel. He also looks exactly like the man who was protecting the Shadowstalker. My guess is that Jophiel was protecting Ethyl all these years. He sent her into hiding because she was pregnant.”

  “And now his little bastard is with a vampire?” Jones laughed out loud. “Interesting. Problem with Nephilim, not all of them can be changed.”

  “I don’t know anything about that. I’m offering the information I have, and the conclusions I’ve drawn.”

  “Where is he now?”

  “In Edenton, but I won’t cross that border for anything. They don’t take kindly to anyone coming after their own. You saw what happened to the Dales, William Aldridge, and Remus Arc. Not a list I want to be on.”

  “You won’t, but I have people who are willing, an
d they’ll go unnoticed. Thank you for the news.” He ended the call and strode to Mena’s room.

  He thumped his fist against the door and waited.

  She threw it open, crossed her arms over her chest, and glared up at him. “No, I haven’t felt that fool. I told you, if the mages have him, he’s likely a lost cause.”

  “Ah, now that isn’t why I came. We need to plan. I have some interesting news to share.”

  * * * *

  Please don’t let Jess be there. It’s always weird to show up when she’s around.

  Victoria pulled up outside Slater’s woodshed. She’d thought about calling, but didn’t want him to talk her out of stopping by. Her line of questions were likely stupid, but she needed a voice of reason.

  As her oldest, and most trusted friend, he would give her reasonable advice without making her feel like the biggest fool alive. He’d been her rock for more than a century. Sometimes she needed someone to nod and smile while she spilled her soul.

  The harsh sound of a chainsaw digging into wood hit her ears. She climbed from her car and walked to the doors. Without a warning, she slipped inside. “Slater, I need to talk.”

  He sniffed. Then his head cocked to the side. “Tell me you didn’t fuck his brains out and then leave him there without a word.”

  She shook her head, already feeling foolish.

  “You’re scared, Victoria. I get it. But I think he’s the one for you. You’re different around him. Give it a chance.”

  “I am. That’s not why I’m here. He already has my heart, I can’t walk away.”

  Slater set the chainsaw aside. “Okay,” he said slowly. “What’s going on?”

  “He turned my dock into the most romantic place I can imagine. Almost a gazebo. There’s a bookshelf, and a small table. Candles around it. Cushions. All because he saw me out there with a journal the other night.”