"Dare me." I saw the determination in her eyes. She was a sorer loser than she was a bad liar. Someone had to give in before she did something reckless just to prove her point.
"Okay, you win. I believe you." I traced my finger along her jawline, brainstorming ways to make Layla grant my wish. Taking her by surprise was my best bet.
"So, when were you going to tel me you're a—" Amber hesitated, clearly uncomfortable with the word.
"A vampire?"
She flinched. I growled low in my throat.
"Yeah, that," she whispered.
"Maybe after our wedding?"
Amber laughed. "What makes you think I'd marry you?"
"What makes you think you'd have a choice?"
"I'm not into bad guys," she said.
She got that one right. I hadn't always been a bad guy; just since Rebecca decided to make me her personal toy. It was my Achil es spot, so I changed the subject. "How did you find out what I am? The Shadows?"
"The what?" Her confused look only strengthened my belief someone else must've told her. But who?
"I'l tel you later. Now, who else did you talk to?"
She raised her chin stubbornly. "I'm not tel ing on my sources."
"You know I'l find out sooner or later anyway." In fact, I'd make it my priority to find out upon my return from the Lore court.
"Do you have any idea how my parents wil react once they notice my boyfriend's a—"
I stared at her. Had she just said the b-word? She squirmed, probably realising the same thing. Denial and yet another fight was imminent. I had to give her space to think, so I lifted her and put her down beside me. "There's business I need to take care of first. This conversation isn't over though."
She eyed me suspiciously. "You're driving to town? Good. You can take me to the airport then." It wasn't a question; it was a demand. No one ever dared to demand anything from me. "I should've cal ed a cab the moment I found out about al of this."
"Yeah, wel , you didn't. I wouldn't have let you go anyway." I smirked. "I haven't changed my mind, Amber. You stay here. Clare wil make sure you're not trying to escape."
She sneered, but didn't argue. I walked the short distance to the wardrobe and pul ed out a leather belt and sheath that I tied around my ankle, hiding them underneath my jeans and a hip-length coat. The sheath held the only weapon that'd keep me safe inside the Lore court: a fire whip.
Layla's succubi feared it like hel . Now, Layla was another matter and harder to control, but I counted on her soft spot for me, as long as she didn't find out how much Amber meant to me.
In two long strides I returned to the sofa and planted a kiss on Amber's lips. "Do as I say. Don't make me hunt you down, because I'm too good at it and you wouldn't stand a chance."
Her eyes glittered with that determination that kept tel ing me I'd found my match. "You can't keep me here."
"Dare me and I'l lock you up." I kissed her again and stood, hesitating. A sense of dread hit me. I was making a big mistake, and yet I knew I had no choice. Throwing a last glance over my shoulder, I hurried out the door, teleporting to London as soon as I was out of Amber's sight.
***
From outside, the estate looked like any other in East London: a broad building surrounded by hundreds of acres of dirty concrete and a high fence. Empty beer cans and wrappers littered the narrow pavement in front of the gate. Several girls dressed in tight skirts, tops and boots stood in immediate proximity, their greasy hair ruffled by the cold wind. One approached me as soon as I appeared in the shadows of a concrete wal . If she found it strange that I materialised out of nowhere, she didn't show her surprise.
"Have a fag?" the girl asked. She was in her early twenties, maybe younger. Her voice sounded low and impassive. I recoiled from the pungent smel of sweat lingering on her skin and clothes, and turned away when she brushed her long hair out of her eyes. On her wrist shimmered a tattoo: a black snake, its mouth agape, twisting and coiling like a living creature living beneath her skin.
"Beat it, succubus," I growled low enough for her to hear, but not loud enough to raise the others' suspicion.
She shrugged and turned her back on me, walking to the far end of the wal with short strides and exaggerated swaying of her bony hips. I kneeled, grinding one fist into the ground, and jumped over the high fence with no effort. Just like the succubi outside, the fence's purpose was to stop mortals from trespassing. Immortals knew better than to barge in unannounced.
I sprinted across the dark ground to the tal , grey building with shattered glass and barricaded windows, hesitating in the doorway as I gathered my thoughts. Once inside, there was no way back. But even if I wanted to, I couldn't change my mind now. Layla was expecting me. Backing off would only enrage the demi-goddess. Like a doctor's receptionist, she kept a tight schedule and expected her visitors to keep their appointments.
The brass doors opened and I stepped in, jaw set, every muscle tensed in case I needed to fight. The hal smel ed of dust and years of decay.
Torches gave the impression of hundreds of shadows moving across the wal s—and souls they were, just invisible to the eyes of anyone apart from those boasting demon blood. I pul ed out my fire whip and climbed down the stairs that seemed to stretch on forever, fol owing the naked wal s sub terrain into Layla's realm.
Chapter 12
Aidan
Even after centuries of working for the Lore court, I stil wasn't used to the overpowering smel of the cursed souls Layla kept around her, torturing them as she saw fit, never showing kindness. Layla believed the immortals around her were watching her every move, waiting for a sign of weakness they could use to their advantage. I figured she just liked being feared. It was also her way to show the immortal world her mother's reign, defined by goodwil and kindness, was over.
The scent of burned flesh and reeking wounds intensified the farther I moved. Final y, the steep staircase level ed and I opened the door to a different world. The vast space looked like a huge cave with high columns reaching up to a shifting ceiling of tortured souls. Immortals gathered in groups to watch the gruesome display of dismembered limbs, bloodcurdling cries and gaping mouths, hol ow from centuries of being trapped in between life and death, deprived of nourishment. To many members of the Lore court, the pictures before their eyes were nothing but routine and probably less memorable than a horror movie with good special effects.
Quickening my pace, I couldn't help but look up at a crying mother holding her stil born in her bleeding arms while a black, shapeless entity pierced nails into her battered body. I flogged my whip at the entity, a burning gash forming where I hit the flesh. It yelped and scurried away. I tightened my grip around the whip and turned to the right into a smal er space, then through another cavern until I reached the throne room.
The ceiling and wal s here were bare of trapped souls, but the atmosphere freaked me out just the same. Smooth candle wax dripped from heavy chandeliers; the heavy scent of incense hung heavy in the air, choking me. And then there were the snakes—cobras, pythons, copperheads and what else not—resting on various divans. Ever since meeting Layla I hated snakes, almost as much as I hated the demi-goddess.
I lowered my gaze and dropped to my knees, face pressed against the cold ivory floor. Layla's breathing tickled my neck long before her succubi surrounded me, caressing my skin with long, soft fingers. They were beautiful and ready to do everything the immortals wanted, but while some visitors thought themselves in pleasure heaven, I knew to fend off their advances for my own safety. With satisfaction they brought plague into the heart of those they touched, drawing them into a world in-between dream and reality, until their victims turned into mere carcasses of their previous selves. And the most spectacular results were displayed on Layla's ceilings. Most of those who knew what happened to a succubus's lover thought they could escape that fate. Just one last touch and it'd be the last. It usual y wasn't until realisation came too late.
Clutching the whip unt
il my knuckles cracked, I bit my lip and forced myself to endure their touch. Under other circumstances they'd feel the sting of my whip, but not today, not until I swayed Layla in my favour. Tongues licked my skin as a succubus whispered in my ear promises of pleasure.
Listening to the sighs and groans of the low demons made me feel soiled and unworthy of Amber, but I control ed the rising anger inside me. When would Layla tire of this humiliating show? It could take minutes, hours, even days. I could only hope she was in dire need of conversation, because I didn't have days to spare.
"You may rise and approach," Layla said eventual y.
With the slightest groan of irritation, I jumped to my feet and walked over to her golden throne. She had her back turned on me, long black hair thrown over one shoulder to reveal her glorious tattoo of living snakes. The snakes under her alabaster skin slithered, tongues pointing out, mouths opening and closing. Layla ran a manicured hand over her lean thigh and pul ed her sheer flowing dress up a few inches until it rode just below the hips, revealing flesh I didn't want to see. And then she turned.
Green, cat-like eyes met me, cunning wafting from her. A thin black sheet of fabric barely covered her breasts, but I wasn't tempted. I knew too wel what she was: a succubus deity of the higher kind with a strong need for blood and torture.
I bowed, more to hide my annoyance than to pay my respect, and lowered myself to her naked feet and painted toenails. The snakes slithered down her leg toward me. I inched away, watching her face careful y, taking in any sudden changes in mood.
"What? No gifts today, dearest?" Her voice betrayed a sharp edge. The snakes hissed.
Damn. In al the chaos from the last days, I'd forgotten how much she liked a gift. I peered at an approaching cobra, ready to kick the thing if it came closer. "Sorry about that. I'm here to see you with an urgent matter."
A frown formed between her thin brows as she caressed the snake's head. "This better be an emergency. I've kil ed others for much less."
I hesitated, considering my words. I figured she might be easier to sway in my favour if she thought her rules were broken. "It concerns you."
Layla bore her green gaze into me, irritated. "I've had my share of bad news for the day, but proceed."
Stil clutching the whip, I stood to pour wine from the carafe at her feet into a dainty goblet and handed her the glass, a gesture that always pleased her. As usual, she smiled at me. I kneeled to her feet again, aware that I had to start my pledge soon before she lost interest. "I failed to win the prize in your race," I said.
She shrugged. "You know I cannot grant you Sight unless you've earned it. Wait another five hundred years and then try again. Maybe your brother can teach you how to loosen up a bit in the meantime."
I gritted my teeth at her insinuation. "My brother's reckless. And you know I can't wait five hundred years."
"Centuries of feeding on animal blood has made you cranky. Kil a few virgins and treat yourself to a real drink. Trust me, time wil fly by." Her smug grin irritated me. I needed to get a grip before I lost it.
"I'm not complaining about your rules." I forced myself to grab her hand, my fingers closing around hers, before I released them quickly as temptation washed over me. Amber was the one. There'd never be anyone else. A snake slithered up my arm, onto my shoulder. I clenched my teeth, focusing my thoughts back to my plan as I said, "I'm worried about what'l happen when the others find out you let a mortal win the race."
She flicked her hair back, impatiently. "I don't care what anyone thinks. This is my race and I'l run it the way I see fit, just like my mother before me. You see, I'm not in the least biased, dearest. So long the rules are fol owed, the prize is wel earned."
I knew breaking that wal of century-old indifference might prove a hard if not impossible task, but I wasn't ready to give up just yet. "But don't the rules say no mortal may ever be harmed, Your Highness?"
"The mortal's alive and wel , isn't she?" Layla snapped. "If they were truly my rules, she could as wel be bludgeoned to death for al I care."
I breathed out, relieved that Layla couldn't change her mother's legacy no matter how hard she tried to match her in strength. "Once everyone finds out a mortal's carrying the prize, she'l be hunted down and forced to use it to their advantage. Shadows have already tried to kidnap her. I urge you to strip her of her powers before something happens to her. You know it's just a matter of time."
Layla's eyes blazed with sudden interest. "Why do you care so much?"
"I don't." I tried to keep my cool, barely batting an eyelash. Layla was jealous of true love. If I admitted I had feelings for Amber, Layla would break the rules and execute us. "I worry about you, about the fate that might befal you if the rules were broken. Please reconsider." I grabbed her hand again. "You've been a kind ruler. Ever since you took over, the court's been thriving. We don't want to lose you." It was a big, fat lie. Few would actual y care if she disappeared and never came back.
Layla's face softened. She believed me, sucking in every deceitful word. Appealing to her ego might just change her mind.
I continued, "Strip the mortal of her powers and hold another race, Your Highness. To demonstrate my honesty and loyalty, I promise I won't participate. The mortal doesn't know how to use the gift yet. She won't even notice it's gone, so there's no danger of exposure."
A succubus floated past, feet barely reaching the ground under flowing, transparent layers of chiffon as she whispered in Layla's ear. The goddess raised her eyebrows. With a flick of her hand, she sent the succubus tumbling against the wal , then smiled at me, sweetly. "The mortal's keeping the prize. This meeting's over." She turned her back on me as if I just ceased to exist. To her, I was a mere inconvenience sitting at her feet like an adoring slave.
"There's something else I need to discuss with you, Your Highness. Please, " I said before she forgot about me. Layla spun, brows furrowed.
"There you go again, kil ing the mood." She sighed. "Make it quick, then."
"Last time you employed my services, I brought you Pharaoh Tutankhamen's ring which you so desired. On top of my wages, you promised one favour. I'm taking you up on the offer. Here's what I want: take the mortal's prize back." I regarded her through imploring eyes. Layla couldn't go back on her word. She stil needed my services.
"Did I say that?" She shrugged. "I can't remember, but the answer's no."
Fury throbbed between my eyes. "I risked everything to find you that lost ring. I wasted loads of cash and time, and barely escaped death in the hot Egyptian sun." I blinked to suppress my rage. "How can you say you don't remember?"
"And I paid you quite handsomely. I don't deny that you're my best bounty hunter." She winked. "Because that you are."
"I might not be for long."
She looked away for a moment, getting the hint, probably considering what she'd be losing in the future. Eventual y she said, "My entire kingdom's at your disposal, but I can't grant you this particular wish."
I knew instinctively it was the best I'd get from her today, the best anyone might ever get. "Thank you for your consideration. I'l move on to my next wish then. A seat in court for Cassandra, daughter of the Dark Lord."
"What do you get if the chaos angel enters the court?" Layla seemed amused but not aversive to the idea. Al wasn't lost yet.
"She's a friend. I'm doing her a favour, not the other way around. I suspect she wants to learn from a real master like you," I said.
"Very wel . She may have a seat." Layla turned, heading for the door.
I trailed after her, staying a few feet behind. "Not just any seat. Promise me you'l make her the new ambassador." Not that her word was worth a darn.
"You give the word 'dead' a whole new meaning. You're lucky I'm a sucker for hotties. Ambassador, then. She won't last a fortnight." Layla burst out the door, ready to torture the next soul or whatever it was that took her fancy these days.
I pul ed out my fire whip before the succubi came nearer and made my way out.
Now I'd need a good scrubbing before I could return to Amber.
Visiting Layla hadn't been worth the effort, but at least tried. Time to move on to plan B.
Chains wrapped around my ankles and wrists as soon as I left the throne room. The fire whip dropped to the floor as I struggled to break free from the invisible bonds that kept me glued to the spot. Summoning my strength, I tore through the chains and grabbed hold of the whip, but the bonds snapped back in place, impairing my movement.
Damn her and her little games. I had no time for this. "Any particular reason why you're not letting me go?" I yel ed, tugging harder at the chains.
"Having a bit of separation anxiety, are we?"
Layla appeared beside me, a malicious smile spreading across her lips. "Did you real y believe I wouldn't smel her on you? Oh, the stupidity of men never fails to amaze me."
Groaning, I tugged at the chains, even though I knew I stood no chance unless Layla decided to release me. "I'm a member of the Lore council.
You're breaking the rules," I hissed, anger choking me.
"And aren't you breaking the rules by dating a mortal? Come on, don't be cross. You surely knew you wouldn't get away with it." Layla laughed and summoned a nearby group of succubi to take me away. Countless hands lifted me up like I weighed nothing and carried me into complete darkness where they dropped me onto the naked ground. I landed on my back, pain rippling through my immortal body as the chains tightened, cutting into my skin like hundreds of razorblades. I opened my mouth, then closed it again because I wouldn't give Layla the satisfaction of hearing me cry for help. I didn't care what happened to me. But if anything happened to Amber I'd kil them al , Layla, the Shadows, the Lore court members.
One by one, I'd rip their throats and leave them bleeding to death.
Chapter 13
I peered out the door just in time to see Aidan disappear into thin air. Now I knew for sure he wasn't quite like any of my former crushes. My cheeks burned. I had let him kiss me once again. Seduced by the rich kid, only to be pushed away when he had enough of me. Apparently taking care of business in the middle of the night was more important than finding out whether the attraction between us was real. Getting closer to him was a big mistake, especial y after what Cass told me. How did I think this'd turn out? That Dracula and I would live in his big, old mansion happily ever after? I had been fooling myself al along.