Undying Hope Read Free

of people to aid them with their fight against darkness.
    Donovan had to admit, he liked this time more than his own, but he shuddered when he thought of how old he could be. If he’d already lived over two millennia before he lost the book, and another two had passed since then, he could be old indeed. He shook his head and decided not to think about his true age. He was already weary of his task, but he couldn’t give up. His people needed him and so did humans. They were depending on him to fix the mistake.
    If losing the book could be fixed.
    “You’re spinning your thoughts again. Just accept that you’re older than dirt, and get over yourself.” The cadence of Medea’s voice was sensual sweet and never a burden when she suddenly came into his mind, even when she was purposefully being annoying.
    Donovan had just shot a glare over his shoulder at the white wolf when the door burst open.
    “Sir,” a wobbly voice said, and Donovan cringed. He hated the lack of manhood these male humans had.
    He bared teeth at Medea before he turned to his employee. “Can I help you?”
    The man’s brown eyes went wide, and he backed up a pace. “You said to notify you at once if anything happened in the alley. I was just coming back from my break when I heard a scream.”
    Donovan didn’t bother to stop the low growl that rumbled from his massive chest. His eyes flicked to the screen, but even in this world of technology, there were still threats better picked up by ancient methods. He closed his eyes for a moment to let his vast power stretch out, scanning the area outside the club. The fading presence of life was faint. “Call an ambulance,” he commanded before he took off through the club, Nikon following closely behind him. Medea would not follow, not while she carried a litter of Ashina wolves. He couldn’t hide his now glowing eyes as he stepped out into the chilled air and sniffed. Kyros had been there. The cold stain of an evil presence lingered along with the foul stench. Shadows cloaked him as he walked down the dim alley. He didn’t like knowing this was where his employees came on their breaks. He’d have to change the conditions of their outside area. They depended on him for their safety.
    Everyone did.
    He let out a slow, guarded breath. Perhaps he could kill Kyros, let his brothers find the book, and regain the Black Rose.
    He’d lived too long, seen too much. Others could take over and make sure what needed to be done was done. The loss of the book wasn’t only his folly, but he knew deep in his soul only he could end Kyros, if any of them could.
    His brother, Wolf, could take command of the Black Rose once Donovan controlled it again, and then he’d go on his last hunt. Too many innocent lives were lost to Kyros’s obsession with his attempts to create a scenario where Donovan would turn to evil. Donovan would kill Kyros, or die trying. Kyros had the mastery of illusion matched by none, and was the reason he was so damn difficult to track. Then Donovan would simply let himself rest. His body and soul so greatly needed an eternal sleep. His time drew to a close.
    He reached the alley’s dead end. A woman had been horribly mutilated and was stuffed into a garbage bag filled with her own blood. Donovan didn’t react. He never reacted. If he did, he’d lose more of his soul than he already had. There wasn’t anything that could be done for her other than put her out of the misery Kyros had inflicted on her. For a moment, he considered calling Riordan, his other brother and a healer, but discarded the thought as blood pooled at his feet. She’d lost too much.
    He closed his eyes and filled her mind with warmth and feelings of safety. There was no reason to make her fear impending death. His hand trembled for a moment before he placed it on her. A whisper of words commanded her mind into one last sleep. Donovan sat down next to the dying woman as the whir of sirens broke silence in the distance. His