Tempted By Darkness (Eternally Mated Book 6) Read online

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Tegan had learned a great deal about the vampire in front of him and, in return, offered his wrist for a quick sip of blood that would hopefully stop this new species from contracting the plague. Ryder had explained the differences between the vampire ranks and how Ryder and three other leaders had decided to institute laws.

  “Will your blood do anything other than offer protection from the illness?” Ryder asked.

  “Not known. You may gain new powers or enhance ones you have already. I’d suggest we get the rest of your people here before this spreads too far.” Tegan suspected Ryder’s strength would grow even more. As it was now, the vampire was stronger than a human. “I also suggest we wait at least twenty-four hours, and then one of us will scan you and see what your DNA looks like.”

  Ryder nodded. “Sounds like a plan.”

  Ashley rushed into the tent. “The news is already broadcasting about the illness in Peru. The U.S. has sent officials there to try and contain the spread and find a cure, but so far five thousand have died and ten thousand are known to have the sickness.”

  In that moment, Rhea flashed into the room. “It is worse than we expected. I scanned a man on the verge of death.” She wrung her hands together. “I tried to save him, but I was not able.”

  Tegan rushed to her side and pulled her into his arms. “You knew we would not be able to fix this.”

  “Yes, but I still had to try.”

  He kissed the top of her head, hating he couldn’t control the situation. “Of course. What did you learn?”

  She pulled free and moved her gaze between everyone in the room. “It starts as a common cold, then after about three days, open sores spread over the body oozing green puss. Fever spikes and around day seven their heart explodes from being enlarged.” She worked her lip. “It was what I saw when I scanned him. His DNA was being rewritten, but of course his body fought back, and that is what I believe caused the other complications.”

  Ashley stepped closer. “What happened to his DNA?”

  Rhea’s eye’s paled, all spark draining from them. “The plague was trying to convert him into a demon.”

  “Oh, that doesn’t sound good,” Ashley said.

  Rhea looked to Tegan. “I believe––from what I saw––that the transformation may be successful on some. At least to a certain degree.”

  “Those who are young and strong?” he questioned.

  She nodded. “I think there is a good chance of that. Yet, I don’t know exactly what they will become. Humans with demon abilities, full-blooded demons, or some freak of nature in-between.”

  Tegan prowled the room, always thinking better when on the move. “We can’t stop the sickness. Even if we locate Morbus and send him back to Lulerain. The Almighty made clear that he is allowing these changes to happen. He mentioned evolution.” He faced the two women he loved more than anything in the universe. The last time he had felt this helpless was when he had been commanded to abandon Ana. He was a leader, however. Everyone looked to him for guidance, especially the two females staring at him now.

  “This is what we must do. Ashley and I will make sure the vampire species is as strong as they can be.” He turned to Ryder. “I will have my people transfer the rest of you here so they can receive the inoculation of blood. After that, it will be up to you to maintain your society. I trust that you will be on the up and up, no human slaves. They come willing or not at all.”

  Ryder gave a curt nod. “I thought I made my beliefs clear.”

  “You did, but I still feel the need to press the point home. I will destroy you if I see otherwise.” He turned back to Ashley. “We will continue to round up the demons who escaped Lulerain, there is no reason for them to be here. Lastly, we break our silence and inform the mortals of their choices.”

  “Which are what?” Rhea posed the question.

  “Some may survive if they can get far enough away. Some of the females will be accepted into our society and others into the vampire’s. Neither of our species can survive without them.”

  “Father, how do we choose who is to live?” Ashley asked. “It’s so...wrong.”

  “It is but we have no choice. Is it better to let the entire mortal race die off? The angels will one day follow and vampires will not live long without blood.” He turned back to Ryder. “I have no idea how procreation will work for you. That, you will have to discover in time. We can only check you and any females turned to confirm everything is in––how shall I say––working order?”

  Ryder pinched the bridge of his nose. “Of course.”

  “As far as the plague, we simply have to wait it out. There is no choice.” He stalked back to Rhea and took her hand. “Ashley, carry out my orders. I’m taking my mate home.” He needed a little time alone with his new mate. They had been apart for far too long and he needed to make sure she was safe and well cared for. He longed to spend a few more carefree moments with her before the world went into a tailspin, and who knew what would be expected of him.

  Rhea was whisked away, landing on a stone path. “Where are we?” She sensed they were in the clouds and suspected this was his home.

  “My home in the mortal world is currently occupied, so this seemed like the only place where we could have some time alone.” He laced his fingers through hers and led her down the stone path until they reached the back door.

  “I feel guilty. Like we should be doing something to help.”

  “There’s not much we can do right now.” He turned the knob and pushed open the door.

  “You could be helping Ashley with the vampires.” She followed him into a large kitchen, past the table, and down a hall. She suspected he was leading her to the bedroom.

  “She can do without me for a few hours.” He pulled her inside. “We need this time alone.”

  Yes, she wouldn’t argue with that. They had barely bonded when they had been thrust back into reality. Tegan sat on the edge of the bed and pulled her to him. Lifting her shirt, he planted a kiss on her abdomen.

  “Our son grows strong. Do you have a name in mind for him?”

  She looked down at him and couldn’t help smiling. The man was simply beaming. “I haven’t had time to think about it. Do you have one in mind?”

  “Yes. If you don’t mind, I would like to name him after a lost friend. Gabriel.”

  She threaded her fingers into his thick hair. “I remember Gabriel. He was honorable until the very end. A strong soldier. I think he would be pleased at the naming of your son after him.”

  “Then it is settled.” He kissed her again, murmuring the babe’s name against her skin. Standing, he lifted her shirt until her breasts were exposed. He nipped at the flesh not covered by her bra, paying equal attention to each one. When his gaze met hers, it was full of hunger. The kind a man felt for the woman he was utterly devoted to. It was enough to make her come undone.

  “I can’t believe we have been given another chance,” she whispered.

  He pulled the top over her head. “I don’t intend to waste a moment of it either.” He sucked her nipple through the silky fabric of her bra and she gasped, pulling his head into her.

  “I want you so bad,” she murmured.

  He responded by pulling her bra aside and taking the nipple into his warm mouth. Her body awakened with desire as if it were their first time. Every time they were together would be like the first. She loved this man with every ounce of her soul. Had they not come together this time, she would have once again come back searching for him in another life. She would have searched for eternity if necessary.

  He unhooked the clasp at her back and let the material fall to the floor. “I like you better without that covering you.”

  “And I like you better without clothing as well.” She pushed his tee up, letting her fingers roam over every hard ridge and valley. Still unable to believe he belonged to her, she pulled his shirt over his head and tossed it. Licking her lips, she leaned in and kissed his
chest. “You are perfection.”

  He tipped her chin up and claimed her mouth. Thrust his tongue and the room began to spin. The taste of wind and fire coated her tongue as the rest of their clothes melted away. His power trickled over her skin, caressing every inch until she cried out from the intensity.

  I love you, Rhea. You are every breath I take. My beating heart. Come fly with me.

  Before she could respond, they were in the air. Her wings carrying her higher as the cool wind slid across her flesh. Her mate, his golden wings stretched out, the sun reflecting off them in blinding glory. He looked over at her and grinned.

  “Mate, I’ll race you to the top of that mountain.”

  She squinted, looking ahead at the snowcapped range. “You’re on.” Knowing she could never keep up with him, she enjoyed watching from behind as he powered forward. She looked upward. Thank you, Father. The world was in a downward spiral, but Rhea knew things would work out in the end. Her mate was a powerful elite and her daughter the Angel of Death. The child she carried inside her, a combination of purity and strength. Hope for the future. Hope for humanity.

  About the Author

  Award winning and bestselling author Valerie Twombly grew up watching Dark Shadows over her mother’s shoulder, and from there her love of the fanged creatures blossomed. Today, Valerie has decided to take her darker, sensual side and put it to paper. When she is not busy creating a world full of steamy, hot men and strong, seductive women, she juggles her time between a full-time job, hubby and her two German shepherd dogs, in Northern IL. Valerie is a member of Romance Writers of America and Fantasy, Futuristic and Paranormal Romance Writers.

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