Darkness Binds Read online

  His father came down the hall, a smile on his face. “Eamon, clean up, then we should hear what she has to say. I believe we’ll be going to war once again.” Father gave Oriana a pitying look. “You cannot go home.”

  Fear filled her features once again. “I do not wish to go back. I came to warn you of the impending battle. Cadogan Mac Miresland may be my blood, but he’s harmed too many of his own people.”

  “Including you?” Eamon asked, more emotion to his tone than he wanted to admit to.

  She dipped her head, confirmation written in her downcast eyes.

  “Then he shall die with all those who oppose Ossery,” Eamon answered.

  Father added, “Would you offer information about the castle? I’ll ensure the battle is clean and painless for the peasants.”

  “Of course.”

  “Then you have sanctuary.” Father gave Eamon a smile. “Eamon, hurry. I want to hear what she has to say.”

  “Thank you,” Oriana whispered to Eamon. She had claimed his heart in that moment.

  And there she was, once again in his presence. The sixth time over the many years. And this time, she was more than mortal, or a caster. She was like him.

  He wouldn’t be the one to change her, but that never had worked out in the past. This time would be different when he unlocked the chest of her previous lives’ memories.

  The new incarnation of Oriana stroked her pet like a lover. That churned his stomach, but it wasn’t her fault. She hadn’t found her soulmate yet. But he planned to change that.

  She smiled at him, holding eye contact, so much more boldly than the first time they’d met.

  Promising.

  Finally, she would have the strength to stand by his side, as she was always meant to do. They could complete the ritual and bring on the world she was promised all those centuries ago.

  * * * *

  Why was she dreaming about the blond vampire? She had never seen him before. He wasn’t one of the vampires involved in the Blood Bound game. She would have remembered.

  No, the memory, if she could call it that, was from ancient times. Before anything she recognized as something she’d learned in history, not that any school taught Other history. At least none she’d ever gone to.

  A vampire entered the room. One she recognized. Drummond McMullen. He’d watched the participants of Blood Bound with interest, but always stuck to the shadows. He’d often watched her as well, but never approached her, until now.

  Hopefully he didn’t know much about her. He was huge. Only six foot two, but wide and solid muscle. Long dark hair, green eyes. And he looked like he was one bad mood away from snapping.

  Drummond closed the distance, watching her with a shrewd expression. “You were human last I saw you here. You watched the way we drank. Which one of us brought you across?”

  “He’s no longer with us.” Amelia figured it was better if they believed her maker was dead. No reason to involve Declan.

  “One of Yuri Slovik’s?”

  She dipped her head.

  “And the vampires around your master?”

  “All dead,” She answered.

  “And you’ve already found yourself a pet?”

  Smiling, she ran her fingers through Brent’s hair. He leaned into her touch, playing along. “I have.”

  “He’s well-behaved.”

  “Brendan has been perfect.”

  “Do you miss being around other vampires? Wouldn’t you like a community around you?”

  “That depends on the community,” she answered.

  “Smart woman. I’m Drummond McMullen. You are?”

  “Amelia Simmons.” She took his offered hand and met the gaze of the blond vampire as he entered the room.

  “A pleasure. Please allow me to introduce my master, Eamon Mac Domhnaill. He’s quite drawn to you.”

  An edge of panic twisted through Amelia. Eamon hadn’t been a vampire in those dreams. And still, she felt as if she knew him, which didn’t make a damned bit of sense. All from visions that lasted seconds at sundown.

  Hints of darkness swirled around Eamon. She could almost wave her hand through something that seemed like shadowy mist. She sensed magic better since she’d taken Brent’s blood. She thought her senses were on high alert after becoming a vampire, but that didn’t compare to what she sensed now.

  Eamon took her hand and placed his ice-cold lips to her knuckles. The kiss both aroused and terrified her. “Amelia, a beautiful name for such a lovely woman.”

  She barely held back the snort. “Thank you.”

  “And how did you find your pet? Did you lure him in with those unusual eyes, full of innocence and pain?”

  “I’m no innocent,” she answered.

  “No, not with what you are. Though you have the appearance of the Sidhe. Did your pet believe he was saving you when you lured him in?”

  He referenced the Irish Fae. Interesting. At least she could tell him the partial truth. She caressed Brent’s head. “Hmm, he resisted me, believing he could only corrupt me. And now, he sits at my feet, ready to obey my every whim.”

  Colors fluctuated, snickering floating through the air. The spirits seemed amused. Brent made no outward reaction. Not surprising, considering his years in captivity.

  Still, watching him act like a slave was unnerving. Perhaps the spirits could communicate for Brent. Not that they knew her well enough to tell him her plan.

  “May I have a word with your pet?” Eamon asked.

  Her brow arched. “Sure.”

  Crouching down, Eamon attempted to get Brent’s attention, but his eyes stayed down.

  “Your name?”

  Nothing. Brent uttered not a syllable.

  Eamon smiled at her. “You’ve trained him well. Please instruct him to respond to me.”

  Amelia trailed her fingers through Brent’s hair. “You may answer one question from Eamon.”

  Eamon grinned up at her. “Wise for your youth.” Directing his attention to Brent, he asked, “What is your name?”

  “Brendan Blackmire.”

  Amelia remained unmoved, but had to wonder how he came up with such a name so fast. And why did Eamon flinch?

  “Interesting choice in a meal. I sense hints of magic, though nothing solid, or strong enough to be a concern.”

  Amelia smiled as Eamon stood and met her gaze. “That a problem?” she asked.

  “No,” Eamon answered. “Curious, though. You don’t act as one of the new Shadowstalkers. He must be very weak.”

  A smirk played across her lips. “I did manage to sway him, and as you say, I am a young Shadowstalker.”

  “One without a master. Curious indeed, though perhaps you inherited your power when your maker died.”

  “Perhaps.” She knew how that worked, though her maker was very much still around. She didn’t want to bring either Consuela or Declan into this mess, though.

  Three more vampires walked into the room. All of them had their own pet. The others were not nearly so well-behaved.

  Dread crept down Amelia’s spine. This situation was above her head. She wasn’t sure what to do or how to act.

  * * * *

  Eamon Mac Domhnaill was the gateway to hell on Earth. The ancient Gaelic vampire was turned thousands of years ago when the entity Crom Cruach was summoned. The story went that Eamon’s wife had summoned Crom, though the reason why was never documented, nor how she died.

  Somehow, the ritual was broken, and Eamon suffered wounds. Crom Cruach’s essence entered Eamon’s bloodstream, and the first vampire was born. After becoming king, he turned those he trusted.

  The first few vampires were born, their power greater than anything most had ever encountered. Some believed the first vampires had died over the eons, but clearly, they were still around.

  Drummond was Eamon’s second-in-command. The other three who entered the room were of no importance that he could discern. Maybe Eamon’s current followers? There had to be more to the story.
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  Brent would have to hold onto the glamour until this case was over. He had grown and changed in the years since, but not enough to risk both his and Amelia’s lives.

  Brent had killed Drummond’s blood bound. Inuala was the woman who had captured him and brought him to the cavern in a place where the veil between worlds was thin enough for entities to come across.

  A thousand questions cropped up. Where had Eamon been when he was trapped in the cavern? There had been other blood slaves captured, though he was kept separate from the rest. And the only one they ensured stayed alive.

  At least Amelia kept her wits about her. She played the part of a young, powerful, and eager to learn vampire to perfection. If Brent didn’t know her, or their bond wasn’t firmly in place, he would truly be worried, because Eamon certainly reacted to her. And she reacted to him.

  What was he missing? He needed to piece the puzzle together. In fact, in the morning, after she was down for the day, Brent had every intention of visiting Edenton for more information and added protection. He had friends there who could provide both.

  One part of him wanted to pull her out of the investigation and ensure her safety. The rest of him wanted to force answers from these vampires. Only he knew, he was no match. There were ways, but that would require Amelia to go deeper and further than he had initially anticipated.

  This wasn’t going to be simply infiltrating a group of vampires. This was getting close to the first vampire and delving into his blood cult that wanted to bring a god into this world.

  And the reason the vampire elders hadn’t gotten involved started to make sense. Eamon created half the current Elders. In fact, they had once tried to kill Eamon, and he slaughtered most of the old Elders. Only six elders were left. Three of them were Eamon’s creation. The other three had been wiser.

  Gaius was not one of Eamon’s, though he was nearly as old. And he had helped with Blood Bound. Perhaps he was the only Elder who could help, if he were willing.

  Soon after Brent had escaped the blood cult, the Elders tracked him down since he’d taken the habit of killing every vampire he came across. Gaius took the time to hear his story, and convinced the others to let him live. They all knew what would happen if Crom Cruach was truly summoned.

  “Are you planning to use the stage?” One of the new vampires asked.

  Amelia spoke up, “Not tonight. My goal was to make new acquaintances. I’m afraid I haven’t been around my own kind much since my creation.”

  Brent wanted to groan. That would either send up red flags, or gain their attention.

  “Amelia was recently brought over, but her sire is dead. She’s has already trained her pet well. I want to get to know her.” Eamon moved closer to Amelia.

  Brent bit his tongue and reminded himself they were playing a dangerous game, and Amelia was doing her job. Brent would have to watch her flirt and possibly more during his investigation. He already hated taking the story, but in afterthought, he was the best person for the job.

  Hell. Bloody abyss. Damnation. Maybe this is punishment for my murderous past.

  The conversation continued in pleasantries as the vampires attempted to pry information out of Amelia. Her answers were vague, leading them in circles, but she was charming enough they continued the verbal dance.

  And he knelt beside her, never moving, only hoping this would end soon. They would have to go deeper to learn anything more. He had hints already. Nothing solid, and he would have to talk to Tremaine, see if he had any other information hidden anywhere.

  Time flowed by in a never-ending conversation while the human chained to the rack moaned and cried out in ecstasy.

  Amelia remained completely unfazed.

  Finally, Eamon murmured, “Tomorrow there will be a gathering of like-minded vampires in a private room at Del Sangre Bar. Meet us at ten. I’m looking forward to seeing you again.”

  Within seconds, Amelia and Brent were alone.

  “Come with me,” she beckoned in that purr that had him on edge all night long.

  He rose to his feet and followed her out, acting the part of the submissive. As soon as they were behind his door at home, he would have her properly, no holding back.

  Chapter 7

  Amelia was Oriana reborn. There was no doubt in Eamon’s mind. Back at the home he’d purchased outside of Seattle, he paced the basement, plotting the best way to bring her memories back.

  “You think she’s Oriana, don’t you?” Drummond asked.

  “I do.”

  “The girl has no magic to speak of. There is a hint in her blood, but it’s been locked away. She’s never accessed it. How can you be sure?”

  “Ah, but it’s there, ready for her memories to bring her power roaring back.” There had been other incarnations where her magic had to be awakened. Perhaps she had never been as powerful as he had believed on her own. Maybe Crom Cruach had always resided in her body in that first incarnation. Perhaps that was where the power came from.

  “Maybe.”

  “You did the same for Inuala when we finally found her incarnation.”

  “True.” Drummond sat down across from Eamon. “Amelia is so new that I don’t trust her pet. He’s too well-behaved, and there is something awfully familiar about him.”

  “You’ve been alive so long there is something familiar about everyone. Now stop worrying. I need to convince her to allow me to bring back her memories. Then we will know for sure.” Though he felt it in his soul as he had every other time.

  “At least she is already a vampire. I hope for your sake you keep her this time.” His smile trembled.

  And Eamon had to wonder once again if Drummond could have had a hand in Oriana’s demise throughout the years. Was it possible? Of course. However, he’d been a loyal friend since the beginning. And he was always the one to attempt to keep the religion going, even when Eamon wanted to give up. And he was the one with their god in his head.

  “I’m retiring for the day.” Eamon made his way to his room.

  He shut himself inside and closed his eyes. Making love to Amelia was out of the question until she had her memories back. She was clearly attached to her pet. She touched him like a lover. The question was, did her lust for her pet extend to love?

  He remembered the first time he touched Oriana. The first time they made love.

  After Amelia told his father everything about the castle, the weaknesses, the secret tunnels, and other ways to stop the Black Mire clan, Eamon showed her to the room next to his.

  She turned to him before opening the door, and he moved closer, placing his hands on the door behind her.

  She gasped, looking into his eyes.

  “Your beauty steals my breath,” he admitted, reaching for her face.

  She flinched, then held her ground, a challenge in her gaze.

  His thumb caressed her cheek. “Has no man’s touch been pleasurable?”

  She shook her head.

  He should have moved back, given her room, slowly coaxed her into bed, seduced her. He was beyond giving her space, the need so great.

  “Would you like to experience pleasure under my mouth, my hands, my body?”

  She gulped, and he kissed her throat. “Let me show you pleasure, Oriana.”

  “I shouldn’t,” she whispered.

  “I’ll never harm you. I’ll bring you over the edge before I make you mine.”

  “Yours?” she whispered.

  “Marry me. Let me take care of you in every way.”

  “Promise?” she whispered.

  He opened the door behind her. “I swear on my life.”

  She gripped his shirt, and he pulled her into the room with him.

  Tomorrow night, he would settle for sinking his teeth deep into her throat. He fully expected her to run at first. She always did. They’d been through the same six times.

  * * * *

  The moment the door shut, Brent moved in behind Amelia, his hands on her hips. “This time, I’ll make love
to you properly. Just tell me you still want me. That you don’t want Eamon.”

  Her eyes widened, then she shook her head. “I don’t want Eamon. I haven’t stopped needing you, Brent. Not since the moment we first met.”

  “Oh, and I dream of you every night, since long before that day.”

  Amelia almost asked, but was afraid of the answer. He was clairvoyant after all, and he often knew things well in advance. Though it didn’t seem he had much control over his gift.

  Tired of waiting, she pulled him toward his room.

  His mouth descended on hers, their tongues dueling. He guided them to the bed as he loosened her top and removed it. Then he opened her shorts, getting rid of the rest of her clothes, save her boots.

  Amelia pushed him away to take those off in a blur, before she quickly opened each button of his shirt, pressing a nipping kiss every time she revealed more flesh.

  Brent speared his fingers through her hair, bringing her head back before she could kneel. “None of that. Not now. I need you.”

  A wicked smile graced her lips. “I’m undressing you. And do you really think you can stop me?”

  His laugh was low and seductive as he pushed his leathers down his legs. “We can test that later. Right now, I need inside you.” He kicked off his boots and caught her around the hips, dragging her to him.

  An electric current kicked up, warm, tingling as his body pressed against hers, skin to skin. He kissed her, taking the lead as he laid her down on the bed.

  His hand dipped the bed beside her shoulder while the other caressed up her ribs to cup her breast. He squeezed with the right amount of pressure as his kisses trailed down her throat to her collarbone.

  “None of that right now.” She gripped his hair, pulling him until they made eye contact.

  His devilish grin sent a shock of warmth through her. “I need you so damned bad.”

  “Then stop playing and make love to me. I’ve been ready since you first touched me tonight. I’ve waited hours. Stop tormenting me.”

  “I’ve been waiting years,” he murmured before sitting back on his heels and pushing her thighs open, over his.