Bound By Darkness Read Free

meaning of fair.”
    His smile held no apology. “Haven’t you heard the old saying that ‘all’s fair in love and war’?” He allowed his gaze to lower to the enticing curve of her breasts, lust jolting through him at her revealing shiver. “We could no doubt add a few more activities to the list.”
    â€œRelease me.”
    â€œWhat’s wrong, poppet? Are you afraid I intend to have my evil way with you?” He deliberately paused. “Or hopeful?”
    â€œYou at least got the evil part right.”
    He stepped close enough to be teased by her seductive musk that was at such odds with her image of a cold, ruthless hunter.
    But then, everything about this female was ... complex.
    Contrary.
    â€œYou know, there’s no reason for the two of us to be enemies.”
    â€œNothing beyond the fact that I was hired by the Oracles to capture you.” Her smile was frigid. “Oh yeah, and your psycho attempts to kill two helpless children.”
    â€œHelpless?” Frustration flared through him. “Those abominations are the vessels of the Dark Lord and if Tearloch manages to use the child to resurrect the master then you can blame yourself for unleashing hell.”
    She ignored his warning. Just as she’d ignored it in the Siberian cave when he’d done his best to put an end to the danger.
    He’d been prepared to do what was necessary, but because of the damned vampires, one of the babies had been stolen by his clan brother Tearloch, along with the mage. Now he had to pray he could track them down before they could resurrect the Dark Lord and rip open the veils that held back the hordes of hell.
    â€œI’m not being paid to save the world. I’m being paid to hand your ass over to the Commission.”
    Ariyal frowned at the unwelcome reminder.
    The Commission was a collection of Oracles who were the big cheeses of the demon world. It was always bad news when they decided you were worthy of their notice.
    Especially if they were willing to pay the exorbitant fee to hire a vampire Hunter to collect him.
    â€œWhy?”
    â€œDon’t know. Don’t care. It’s just a job.”
    He leaned forward until they were nose to nose. “It feels a lot more personal than just a job.”
    For a breathless moment raw hunger flared through her eyes, making his body clench with anticipation. Oh, hell yes. Then, just as swiftly, the glimpse of emotion was gone.
    â€œGet over yourself.”
    â€œI’d rather be over you.”
    â€œBack. Off.”
    Ariyal shivered at the sharp chill that suddenly blasted through the air.
    Dammit. One minute the woman had him drowning in lust and the next she could give a fire pixie frostbite.
    â€œFine.” He stepped back, his smile tight with annoyance. “I hope you’re comfortable, poppet. You’re here to stay.”
    Her wary glance skimmed around the room that was ornately decorated in shades of gold and ivory.
    â€œWhere is here?”
    â€œAvalon.”
    She hissed in shock. “Impossible.”
    â€œSuch a dangerous word.”
    â€œThe mists are impenetrable.” Her cold arrogance remained, but there was a hint of wariness in her eyes. “Unless they were destroyed by the death of Morgana le Fey?”
    His lips twisted in a humorless smile. “They survived, but I didn’t waste centuries as the bitch’s sex slave just looking beautiful. I discovered a secret exit centuries ago.”
    She studied him in silence and Ariyal hid a sudden grimace. A Hunter had any number of skills. They were reputedly stronger and faster than the average vampire, as well as able to shroud themselves so deeply in shadows that they were all but invisible.
    More impressive, they were walking, talking lie detectors. Supposedly no demon could deceive them.
    Like he needed that kind of headache.
    Christ. He should have left her in Siberia.
    â€œIf you knew how to escape the