Tempted By Darkness (Eternally Mated Book 6) Read online

  The scene flashed to a gloomy day. The trees sagged heavy with rain. People both sat and stood near a casket, and Rhea’s focus went straight to a woman holding a tiny baby. The small bundle had to be Ashley. A dark shadow moved and she suddenly realized it was Tegan under the cloak of his power. He was hidden from the humans as he walked, shoulders slumped forward. When he bent to kiss the babe; a tear dropped. Tegan’s emotions filled Rhea, causing her chest to constrict. His pain was now her pain and had she not already been off her feet she would have crumpled to the floor. Desperate, she tried to pull away, and when she finally succeeded, she was stopped short by a firm grip around her wrist.

  “What. Are. You. Doing?” A threatening growl, his green eyes pierced into her.

  “I... You were distressed. Dreaming and I wanted...”

  “Wanted to what?” The look in Tegan’s eyes was of a predator. One who was about to unleash a world of pain on her if she didn’t act quickly.

  “You’re hurting me.” She pulled her arm, trying to free herself from his grip. They were too close. When he’d grabbed her, he had jerked her to his chest, and now their lips were mere inches apart. She couldn’t breathe.

  He loosened slightly, but his gaze remained feral. It made her want to kiss him and that made absolutely no sense.

  “I wanted to wake you. Make sure you were okay.” She tried not to look at those full lips. “I think you were having a nightmare.” No way was she sharing that somehow she had tapped into his mind and seen everything.

  He finally let go. “I don’t recall.”

  Her gut said he was lying, but he’d erected every angelic barrier he possessed.

  He threw off the covers and swung his feet over the edge of the bed. Rhea chewed her lip as she stared at the hardness of his back and then she saw them. Thick scars. No angel should have those. “Where did you get the scars?” She reached to trace one but pulled back.

  “Isle of Semyaza.”

  “You went to heal?” She was very much aware of the place where angels went to heal when their wounds were so severe it would take months or years for them to regain their strength. Of course, like everything in their world, going there required a sacrifice.

  “No. I took the mate of a good friend. You likely met him.”

  She searched her memories. “The reaper?” She did recall the recent visit. The reaper had wanted his mate’s father to leave the Otherworld to save his female. Rhea hadn’t been privy to the details.

  “Yes. Eva was dying so I took her to keep her alive while Seph begged the Almighty for his favor. I took her punishment. The scars will eventually vanish.”

  “You took a beating for a woman that didn’t even belong to you?” she gasped.

  He glared at her over his shoulder. “I took the lashes of fire for a friend. Male or female matters not.” Then he rose, jerked on his jeans followed by a tee. “Get some sleep.” Then he was gone.

  Rhea stared at the empty doorway he had stormed out of. There were many layers to this man. None of which she had expected.

  Chapter Six

  Lucifer’s temper reached the point of meltdown. If only the power of his madness could open this fucking box, he would unleash his fury on the world. But it was not to be. Instead, he would have to make do with what was available to him. That princess bitch, who he had personally turned into a vampire then put to sleep, had double-crossed him. Somehow she had broken free of his power, but thankfully not before she had created more of her kind. Her hunger would continue to serve him even if she didn’t. A temporary inconvenience because he would be free of his prison and he would locate her.

  Meanwhile, he had several vampires to help him hatch his plan. However, before he could do anything, he had to get free of this damn box his sister, Ambriel, had placed him in. His daughter Lilly had been strong enough to free him except she was now dead. He had felt her slip away. But there were other ways to break free. He would simply have to be patient and stay in hiding until he discovered another key. Right now, he had to remain under his son Logan’s radar. That little fucker... He should have killed him as a babe. Instead, he had locked Logan away. A grave mistake, and one he would rectify forthwith. Having a son as powerful as Logan simply wouldn’t do. The child’s mother, a true angel and a warrior, had fallen when Lucifer was cast out by his almighty asshole father. Zuriel had loved Lucifer and he used her to bear him a son.

  Another of his fucking mistakes.

  How was he to know the child would carry too much of his mother’s light? Had Logan been filled with darkness, Lucifer would have been proud. He could have molded the boy into a powerful prince of the underworld. As it stood now, Logan struggled with his light and dark sides. If Lucifer could turn him completely... Perhaps he should rethink the murder of his son. If he could find something the demigod cared about. Maybe. Just maybe he could turn him completely.

  He quickly pulled his thoughts together. There were more important things to concentrate on at the moment. Like his fucking freedom!

  Come to me at once.

  Yes, master.

  Time ticked like a slow dripping faucet, and it was driving him insane. Finally, an hour later his newest servant entered the room.

  “Master?”

  “It’s about fucking time.”

  “I-I wanted to make sure I wasn’t followed.”

  “What do you have to report?”

  “I’m pleased to report the underground network is growing. I myself have converted at least twenty individuals in the past several weeks.”

  “That’s it?” Lucifer snarled. “Things are moving much too slow.”

  “We need to take care so we don’t draw too much attention.”

  Lucifer knew the man was right, but right now he had the patience of a gnat. This box was cramping his style and he needed out. Suddenly, he caught a whiff of something. Something very familiar. “Move closer.”

  “Master?” The man hesitantly moved forward.

  “Where have you been tonight?”

  “The club and home. I was with my wife when you summoned me.”

  “Ah yes, how is your pretty, little wife? Is she sporting fangs yet?”

  “No, master. However, I have compelled her to do my bidding. She does have lovely taste in women,” the man chuckled. “She lures the females to me.”

  Lucifer’s own groin hardened, and his temper flared again. He whipped out an arc of power, grabbing the man by the throat. “I don’t wish to hear of your sexual escapades while I am locked in this box. Understood?”

  “Y-yes, master.”

  Lucifer took another deep breath. He recognized the minuet DNA. It was washed out, which meant that his servant hadn’t come in direct contact with the carrier. However, it was enough for Lucifer to know it belonged to one of his own. Was Logan close? He flashed an image of his son into the servant’s mind.

  “Have you seen this man?”

  “No, master.”

  “He is dangerous. Keep your eyes open for him. He is looking for me and must not locate me until I am free of this blasted box.”

  “Of course. I will take care, but you are safely tucked away.”

  Yes, Lucifer knew he was holed up under the very building Mr. Copper resided in. His new servant had happily taken the box to the underground network that had long been forgotten by the mortals, but his demons still used it to infiltrate the human realm.

  “Be gone now. I will summon you later, and I expect to hear our new, little society has tripled by then.”

  “Of course, master.”

  Tegan rushed from the penthouse, well aware that he’d had a dream about Ana. Her funeral. Why now? His only conclusion was Rhea. Guilt had sent him into the nightmares again. It was the only explanation he could find as to why, after being without them for several years, they were back. Under the cloak of darkness, he stepped outside and unfolded his wings, jumping into the sky. When he was high enough not to be detected, he opened a portal and flew through. Moments lat
er, he was back on solid ground. A cool breeze whispered through his feathers, lifting them slightly. The only sounds that broke the darkness were the chirp of crickets. He moved from under a large maple and followed the gravel path. Stone crunched under his boots.

  He had not been back here since that dreadful day. The day they laid the love of his life to rest. He wasn’t even sure why he was here now. Well aware that the grave only held Ana’s now decayed body. Her soul was wherever the Almighty had decided to send her. If he were mortal, he would hope to one day see her again, but he wasn’t. When an angel’s life ended, they were sent to the Otherworld where they played, rested, and waited. Waited for a day many hoped would never come.

  The apocalypse. The ultimate war of good versus evil. Brother against brother.

  If that day ever came, all angels would be called back into service, but none were sure it would be enough. His own friends, Lyzander, Cade, and Raze would be forced to fight on the other side. Any who had fallen would fight for the darkness. They would be given no choice. His own daughter, Ashley... Hell, he wasn’t even sure where she would end up. Any who walked on both sides might be forced to choose. Mates separated by war. None knew what would trigger it. Not even Tegan knew where he would end up for sure, considering his bloodline. He assumed, since he was an elite hunter, he would fight for good.

  As he made his way closer to Ana, he thought about the vampires. They could be the tipping point that sent the universe into a downward spiral. His gut knew Lucifer was behind it, and anything Lucifer sank his talons into was filled with evil. It was sad to think their only hope might be Lucifer’s son, Logan.

  Could Logan be trusted?

  Tegan stopped at the headstone and dropped to his knees, staring at the name carved in granite. “I’m sorry I never came back.” Words he never got to tell her. Did she hear him now? He truly didn’t know.

  “I’ve never stopped loving you. Not a day goes by that you are not in my thoughts or my heart.” He reached out and touched the letter A. Traced her name with his fingers before closing his eyes. “I don’t know how to live anymore. I’ve tried, but all I have left is my honor and even now that is being tested.”

  Tested by a female with deep blue eyes.

  “I vowed to be yours for eternity, but you are gone and I am empty. The only thing that keeps me going is our daughter.” The thought of Ashley caused his mouth to turn upward. “She is beautiful, like you. Even has your tender heart. I’m so very proud of her.”

  He shivered, his insides like ice. “Once I was a strong man, but I grow weaker by the moment. I thought my resolve would see me through, but...” A tear slid down his cheek and hit the grass beneath him. Thunder rolled in the distance. His emotions would soon turn the weather foul. He needed to hurry.

  “I feel the darkness, Ana. It tempts me everyday. My guilt feeds it like a plague and it grows. If I don’t do something soon, I will become my brethren's worst nightmare. To have me fall would be giving Lucifer the fuel he needs to gain the upper hand.” He took in a slow breath. “I love you, but I need to beg your forgiveness. I have to let you go.” He dug his fingers into the grass until he reached the black earth beneath. “Please help me to let you go,” he whispered.

  Lightning lashed through the night’s sky and rain pelted his back. The winds whipped to gale forces. He had to leave before he ripped the small community apart. Jumping to his feet, he prayed for the strength to do what needed to be done.

  Rhea had given up sleeping, worried about Tegan and the woman who had consumed his soul. To be so loved and worshipped... Well, she only hoped to one day find the man who would look at her with such devotion. Her heart broke for him though. His Ana, gone for at least thirty years and still he was unable to let her go. It wasn’t good for him to hold onto a ghost.

  She walked the kitchen floor as the sun split the darkness. How was she going to seduce this man then walk away carrying his child? If he ever found out, it would destroy him. Rhea had every reason to believe this angel would find out. There was something about him. He was unlike any other she had met. Perhaps it was his ancestry. A child of dark and light. A carrier of good and evil, Tegan was a unique angel indeed.

  The door opened and he walked in. His hair tousled and his shirt drenched. She rushed to him.

  “What happened to you?”

  “I had business to tend to.”

  His mood wasn’t any better than when he’d left.

  “That left you drenched?”

  He stopped and stared at her. His green eyes studied her as if she were prey, and then he pounced. His mouth crashed on hers as he pulled her to him. The wetness of his shirt seeped through her own, but she didn’t care. Heat filled her sex and radiated upward.

  His tongue delved into her mouth and slid across hers. Hot. Searing. His kiss demanded she succumb, and she only hoped he would show her mercy. An instant later, he broke free and his gaze dropped to her breasts. As hard as her nipples were, she knew they had to press through the wet fabric.

  “I’m going to shower.” Then he was gone and she was left to wonder, What the hell?

  Rhea lifted a shaking hand to wipe a bead of sweat from her brow. Her knees threatened to give out and send her crashing to the floor. Where had he gone that had sent him back to her with the devil on his heels? That kiss was not for show. No, there was too much desperation in it, and she intended to find out why.

  Running up the stairs, she quickly changed before he got out of the shower. If he knew what she was up to, he would be pissed. After she had on yoga pants and a dry shirt, she ran a brush through her hair. The water on the other side of the door stopped, so she walked closer.

  “I’m going out for a walk,” she yelled through the closed door. It swung open and Tegan stood with only a towel around his waist and droplets of water trickling down his chest from his damp hair. The man really did mean to torment her. Well, two could play that game. She leaned in and nipped his jaw. “I’ll be back soon, then we can have breakfast together?”

  He gave a nod. “Be careful out there.”

  She hurried from the room before his trail grew cold. Slipping outside, it was already too light for her to take flight. Damnit! She sensed his trail where he’d taken to the air right in front of her. Well, no matter. His scent was strong with her, and she was able to follow it down the block until she reached the shopping district where she slipped into the alley. Sure that no one was around, she opened a portal. She might not be able to summon her wings here for fear of dropping her glamour, but if she was quick, she could step into the portal before anyone was wiser. Immortals in the area would think it probably was a demon anyway. Once she was through, she found herself high above the city where she summoned her wings and gave them a gentle flap.

  “Hmm, now to pick up his trail again.” Luckily, she didn’t have far to go before she spotted the signature of the portal he’d used earlier. She smirked. Being a pure angel had its advantages. Tegan might be older than her, but she could track any immortal’s portal.

  Moments later, she had his portal reopened and passed through it. On the other side, she found herself in a human cemetery. Instantly, she realized where he had gone. Following his scent down a gravel path, she finally stopped at the place he had been last night. Rhea knelt on the ground, still felt his presence, as well as viewed the evidence of his turmoil. Tufts of grass and dirt were pulled from the otherwise well-kept grave. She was compelled to reach out and touch the name Ana. Her fingers were on the cool granite when the visions slammed into her.

  A forest-filled park and a handsome young man jogging on the trail. When he looked her way, she saw it was Tegan. He stopped and talked, but she couldn’t make out what he was saying.

  Rhea’s head spun and she jerked her hand from the stone, her breathing ragged as if she’d been the one running. She looked around and saw she was still alone. The sun filtered through the treetops, and she knew she had best get back before Tegan became suspicious. Besides, she had
a lunch date. She looked back at the grave.

  “Now that I know where you are, I’ll be back.” She wanted to learn everything she could about Ana.

  Chapter Seven

  Tegan shook Mark Copper’s hand when he shoved it out.

  “Nice to meet you, neighbor. Great place you have here.”

  “Thanks. We are pleased with it,” Tegan replied with as much enthusiasm as he could muster. His mind was still stuck on another matter, and it pissed him off that he couldn’t pull his shit together. He tried not to stare at Rhea as she flitted about the room greeting guests. Appeared she was cut out for this sort of thing. However, it was the dress she wore that kept grabbing his attention. A black sheath that stopped mid-thigh. It showed just enough of her ample cleavage to remain tasteful, yet the other men’s eyes darted to take a look.

  That pissed him off even more.

  She also wore a pair of heels that brought her eyes level with his and only helped showcase well-toned calves. Hell, even the other women eyed her with envy. If they only knew she was an angel. Perfection created, perhaps they would put away their sharp barbs.

  “Your wife is exceptional.” Mark snapped him out of his thoughts.

  “Yes, she is. Your wife is as beautiful,” he lied.

  While Mrs. Copper didn’t hold a flame to Rhea, she was still pretty. Tegan’s mind again wandered back to the kiss he’d given Rhea the other day. He’d come home filled with so much remorse he needed something. Anything to cling to that would remind him he was still alive. Rhea had been there and he had taken. How did he feel about it now? He’d avoided anything more than a quick brush of lips in public since that time. He wasn’t so stupid not to realize he walked a fine line. The darkness filled his emptiness, and soon it would consume him. He had to find another way to push it back. He had to live once more, but was Rhea the answer he searched for? He freely admitted after kissing her, his thoughts went straight to ripping her clothes off and taking her on the spot. Feelings he hadn’t experienced in a long time.