Embrace the Darkness by Alexandra Ivy

her from.
    The thought made his heart clench with a fear he could not name.
    Still, even with his thoughts clouded, he sensed a presence the moment he stepped through the door into the kitchen.
    â€œSomeone is here.” Holding out his arm he swept Shay behind him and turned to his guard. “Santiago, search the grounds and make sure we do not have any other unexpected guests.”
    He waited until the vampire had disappeared before lifting his head and testing the air. Only when he was certain there was no immediate danger did he shift to regard Shay’s pale face.
    There was pride etched into her beautiful features, and a grim refusal to reveal the least hint of fear, but not even her staunch will could hide the shadows in her golden eyes. She would stand tall and spit fear in its face. On this night, however, that would not be necessary. She was his. His to protect.
    â€œMy dear, I believe it would be best if you return to your rooms and lock the door.”
    She frowned, her chin jutting to a stubborn angle. It was an expression that was growing familiar to Viper and one he found ridiculously charming.
    â€œShalotts are warriors. We do not cower behind locked doors.”
    He allowed a slow smile to curve his lips. “It is not that I doubt your skills in battle, pet, but our intruder is a vampire. I would not wish to be forced to kill a clansman because they find you irresistible.”
    Her mouth opened and closed before she gave a reluctant nod of her head. She might hate looking like a coward, but she hated the thought of encountering yet another vampire even more.
    A small pang shot through his heart as he watched her walk across the kitchen with the gargoyle in tow. She had every reason to hate and distrust vampires. It was a prejudice that would not easily be overcome.
    Giving a shake of his head Viper turned to follow the scent of his clansman toward the back of his house. He was not surprised to enter his study and find the tall, raven-haired vampire calmly seated behind his heavy desk.
    Of all his clansmen, he was perhaps closest to Dante. They had recently ended the threat of a coven of witches determined to bring an end to all demons and rescued the Phoenix, the Goddess of Light who protected the world from the dark prince.
    It was during their efforts that he had first encountered Shay. He didn’t know whether to thank his friend or throttle him for having his peaceful world shaken to its very foundation.
    He split the difference by moving to the built-in bar and collecting a bottle of blood. It was a poor substitute for the magical power he sensed within Shay’s blood, but for now at least it restored his waning strength.
    Watching his precise movements Dante allowed a smile to curve his lips. He was one of the few not overawed by Viper’s presence.
    â€œGood evening, Viper.”
    Leaning against the bar Viper folded his arms over his chest. “I see you have made yourself at home despite the fact you are well aware I never allow guests here.”
    The smile never wavered. “You are fortunate that I am the one sitting here and not my mate. Abby is quite anxious to share her opinion of buying young women at a slave auction.” The silver eyes narrowed. “Especially a young woman who saved your life.”
    Viper didn’t doubt for a moment that Dante’s mate would readily burn him to a crisp. Despite becoming a goddess she retained her human compassion and was always ready to fight what she thought was injustice.
    No demon with the least amount of sense wanted the Phoenix gunning for them.
    Still, he was a clan chief. A leader among vampires.
    He didn’t answer to anyone.
    â€œWhen I called to tell you that I had purchased the Shalott it was only to request your assistance in discovering what evil hunts her, not to request your opinion of my personal affairs.”
    Dante shrugged. “You have offered your opinion of my personal affairs often