Embrace the Darkness Read Free Page A

haunted his memories and even invaded his dreams. She was like a thorn that had lodged beneath his skin and refused to be removed.
    A realization that he wasn’t sure pleased or annoyed him as he had scoured the streets of Chicago in search of the woman.
    Glancing at his latest acquisition, he didn’t have to wonder if Shay was pleased or annoyed. Even in the muted light it was obvious her glorious golden eyes were flashing with fury.
    Clearly she failed to fully appreciate the honor he was bestowing upon her.
    His lips twitched with amusement as he was returning his attention to the troll standing behind the podium.
    â€œYou may call me Viper,” he informed the lesser demon with cold dislike.
    The red eyes briefly widened. It was a name that inspired fear throughout Chicago. “Of course. Forgive me for not recognizing you, sir. You…ah…” He swallowed heavily. “You have the cash upon you?”
    With a motion too swift for most eyes, Viper had reached beneath his cloak and tossed a large packet onto the stairs leading to the stage.
    â€œI do.”
    With a flourish, Evor banged the gavel on the podium. “Sold.”
    There was a low hiss from the Shalott, but before Viper could give her the proper attention, there was the sound of low cursing and a small, wiry human was pushing his way through the crowd.
    â€œWait. The bidding is not yet closed,” the stranger charged.
    Viper narrowed his gaze. He might have laughed at the absurdity of the scrawny man attempting to bully his way through towering demons, but he didn’t miss the scent of sour desperation that clouded about him, or the blackness that darkened his soul.
    This was a man who had been touched by evil.
    The troll, Evor, frowned as he regarded the man, clearly unimpressed by the cheap, baggy suit and secondhand shoes. “You wish to continue?”
    â€œYes.”
    â€œYou have the cash upon you?”
    The man swiped a hand over the sweat clinging to his bald head. “Not upon me, but I can easily have it to you—”
    â€œCash and carry only,” Evor growled, his gavel once again hitting the podium.
    â€œNo. I will get you the money.”
    â€œThe bidding is over.”
    â€œWait. You must wait. I—”
    â€œGet out before I have you thrown out.”
    â€œNo.” Without warning the man was racing up the stairs with a knife in his hand. “The demon is mine.”
    As quick as the man was, Viper had already moved to place himself between the stranger and his Shalott. The man gave a low growl before turning and stalking toward the troll. Easier prey than a determined vampire. But then again, most things were.
    â€œNow, now. There is no need to become unreasonable.” Evor hastily gestured toward the hulking bodyguards at the edge of the stage. “You knew the rules when you came.”
    With lumbering motions the mountain trolls moved forward, their hulking size and skin as thick as tree bark making them nearly impossible to kill.
    Viper folded his arms over his chest. His attention remained on the demented human, but he couldn’t deny that he was disturbingly aware of the Shalott behind him.
    It was in the sweet scent of her blood. The warmth of her skin. And the shimmering energy that swirled about her.
    His entire body reacted to her proximity. It was as if he had stepped close to a smoldering fire that offered a promise of heat he had long forgotten.
    Unfortunately his attention was forced to remain on the seeming madman waving the knife in a threatening motion. There was something decidedly strange in the human’s determination. A stark panic that was out of place.
    He would be an idiot to underestimate the danger of the sudden standoff.
    â€œStay back,” the small man squeaked.
    The trolls continued forward until Viper lifted a slender hand. “I would not come close to the knife. It is hexed.”
    â€œHexed?” Evor’s face