Page 253 of Flirting with Darkness

Maybe if I offered to serve the Count he would let me live, let me pay for my sin against him that way? The image of the bespelled dancers threatened to steal my resolve, but I pushed it away. I’d risk anything for the chance to see Dav again.

I unfastened my too tight jacket, aware the soft material of my t-shirt moulded to my very recently developed muscles. As soon as I’d woken up from my blood haze, it had been obvious I was physically different. My muscles had grown, making my clothes tighter. My hair was longer and richer, my skin healthier, and my eyes had a darkness to them that was definitely vampire. I smirked, wondering what Dav would think of my new look, and prayed he’d find it hot.

“Shit,” I muttered under my breath at the thought of facing him again. This whole idea could backfire, leaving me utterly broken if it turned out he didn’t want me. But all the things he’d done to care for me and ensure my comfort convinced me he at least felt something. I lifted my chin. I hadn’t lied when I’d told him he was mine. The ache behind my ribs had only increased, that knowledge undeniable after I’d swallowed his blood. He had taken root in my heart and soul, and nothing could change that. I’d been an idiot. I’d left Dav to try and protect a heart that was already his. Even vengeance was no longer important.

I nodded at the guards, who returned my greeting. They inhaled as I got close, their eyes widening. Neither of them stopped me. I smiled, knowing some of Dav’s scent still lingered on me. Descending the stairs, my apprehension spiked. I hoped other vamps wouldn’t smell my bloodlust, not after I’d just feasted on Dav’s blood. Fighting off horny vampires was not my goal tonight or any night.

The guards at the bottom door hesitated for a moment before one pressed his earpiece, listening to the command being issued.

“Go on through,” he motioned to the door, keeping his distance from me.

I swallowed and headed in. My unease grew as the handsy demon in the weapons search area just ushered me by instead of frisking me or offering to take my coat as she had before.

The club wasn’t completely empty, but it wasn’t packed either. Then again, it was early, only eleven PM on a Friday night. I didn’t have any money, but I wasn’t here to drink. I was here to make some noise and get noticed. Just not yet. I headed towards the empty fight ring and took a seat at a free table, which was hidden in the shadows. The Count’s throne-like seat was empty. My heart sank, but I shook off my disappointment. It didn’t mean anything. Dav could still be here.

To my right, three fae males sat at a table, casting openly interested glances my way. They were stunning to look at, and desire warmed my body, but they weren’t my prey. I turned away, only to meet the gazes of three male and one female vampire who watched me, too. I smirked at them, holding each stare in turn. Small snarls curled their lips at my little challenge. My grin widened. How different I was to that scared boy who’d been in here only weeks ago. I glanced over at the back of the Gambit to where the sex club was hidden behind a purple curtain. I huffed a chuckle; why they bothered with that scrap of material, I didn’t know. Not when the female vampire got on her knees and started sucking off one of the males in full view of everyone. Their eyes flicked my way.

Nothing. I felt absolutely nothing. Blood and sex may be what I needed, but not from them.

The room eventually filled, and I shucked off my jacket, revealing my more muscular torso through the t-shirt that clung to every contour of my chest, back and arms. I smiled. It felt good to know I looked hot for a change and not like I was half-starved. Because now I knew that’s what Victor had done; he’d kept blood away from me and fed only my human side. It had been enough to keep me alive, but I’d never felt sated. I’d craved something, but hadn’t known what. Not until Dav. Now he was all I wanted—or needed.

I continued to look around the room searching the shadows for any sign. Nothing. Music blared around me, glasses clinked, and voices bellowed, all vying to be heard in the din. I shuffled in my seat, getting impatient. The fae still watched. They did nothing for me, not even the tall, white-haired, beautiful male, who was eye fucking me like I was his next meal. Waves of dominance rolled off him, yet, for the first time in years, I didn’t care. I didn’t feel weak; I felt powerful. He wanted me… I glanced at the other fae, and the vampires. They all did.

My attention was snagged by Count Balthazar as he stalked to his chair, leading a bald headed, beautiful woman covered in runes by a collar and leash. Her eyes flashed with hatred and disdain as she surveyed the crowd before he ordered her to kneel at his feet. His eyes turned my way, and my heart lurched until I realised he was looking over my head towards the bar. I turned. The blonde-haired girl who’d served Dav and me smiled shyly at him.

If the Count was here, I hoped that meant Dav would be, too, or this was going to go very wrong.

I rolled my shoulders and closed my eyes. Focusing inwards, I pulled my vampire side closer to the surface. My gums stung as my fangs lengthened. Time to get this show on the road. I stood right in the Count’s eyeline, blocking his view of the blonde. His snarl sent my blood cold, but I saw the moment he recognised me. We locked eyes, and he gave an almost imperceptible nod of his head.

My heart raced, and blood rushed through my veins as I waited. There was only one reason I would dare come here, and the Count knew it. At least he hadn’t killed me on sight. That had to be good, didn’t it? Seconds later, Dav materialised at the Count’s side. My eyes widened. He’d told me older vampires could dematerialise and reappear where they willed, but I’d never seen it. He leaned down and listened to the Count’s words before his head snapped towards me.

I swallowed. He was pale, had at least two days growth of stubble, and looked exhausted, yet he was still the most breathtaking sight I'd ever seen in my life. I gave him a tentative smile. His throat bobbed, and he mouthed, “Don’t fucking move.” Then he was gone.

A hand landed on my shoulder, and I let myself be turned, a relieved smile on my face until I saw both the fae and the vampires surrounding me. I registered the white-haired fae just as he grabbed my forearms, forcing them into my sides as he pressed his nose—and mouth—into my neck. Before I understood what was happening, big hands grabbed my t-shirt, pulled it from my waistband and slid up my back.

“Don’t be shy, fledgling, tell me your name,” purred a seductive voice.

“I-I, it’s, um…” I blinked and shook my head. It felt like I had cotton wool in my brain. I couldn’t think…until something sharp scraped my neck.

“No!” I roared. Pulling free, I reared back, headbutting the fae on the bridge of his nose. He grunted, blood gushing from his nostrils. No way was anyone claiming me or my blood. His friends moved quicker than I could and grabbed my arms, holding back the punch I aimed at his face.

He spat blood from his mouth. “Oh, sweetness, you’re so mine,” he drawled, blood staining his teeth. Fear punched through me. I was no match for six supernatural males.

Dav had to be here soon…

“Fuck you,” I snarled.

“You will until you’re begging for mercy.”

In the blink of an eye, the fae’s sinister grin disappeared, and he grunted, pain twisting his features before he flew backwards, hitting other patrons as he crashed through the crowd and slammed into the bar.

Davlov stood there looking like an avenging nightmare, his head dipped, looking up through heavy brows, his eyes burning with fury. He slowly moved his head and they gleamed red like the reflection of an animal in the dark. His hands were open, his nails sharp, lethal and dripping with blood. Fae blood. The vampires slowly backed off, their hands raised. This was the Count’s lethal second in command, and they had more sense than to take him on. They turned and left. He snarled and eyed the fae who held me.

“Let my mate go, right fucking now, and I’ll kill you quickly. Don’t, and you’ll suffer over and over.” The air around him shook, small sparks of energy biting at my exposed skin. Gods, he was pissed—and totally magnificent.

Together the two fae pulled me backwards.

“Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.” I heard one swear.

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