“CRYSTINE, listen to me. We’re going to sit right here in the hallway and have a little chat.” Lukas understood the witch’s confusion. She’d woken up surrounded by her sworn enemy. “It was necessary to bring you both here for your safety.”
A light scoff let him know what the witch thought, however she did stand straight, no longer trying to drag his Engel forward.
“It’s just you, Sariel, and me. Sariel, why don’t you have a seat?” Lukas settled Indian-style in the middle of the floor, stifling his grin when Sariel stepped between him and Crystine before gracefully sinking to sit cross-legged.
They both knew with his preternatural speed and power, Crystine couldn’t harm him. Certain that the gesture was meant to reassure him, the beast in him roared, recognizing the protectiveness of its mate. The compulsion to claim impeded his concentration.
Every fiber of his soul reached for Sariel, yet his instincts told him Crystine remained a hurdle he must bypass first. He needed to win the witch’s trust, or at least a grudging tolerance.
If he had to coerce Sariel into the claiming bond to keep her safe, so be it. In time, the connection formed would overcome any reservations. Still, that course would hurt her initially, making it a last resort. The beast inside wanted out of its flesh and bones cage and didn’t care about the circumstances.
“You have free run of my home. My guards will not restrict your movements, nor will they harm you. We have a lot to discuss and need to work together. Before that can happen, there must be trust.”
“Trust…a vampire? Are you kidding me? I’ve hunted your type since the mid-fourteen hundreds. Want to know how many I’ve killed?” Crystine remained standing, apparently not willing to give up any advantage, however small.
“Not particularly. Look, you killed three demons last night, yet more tracked you down today. I’m not sure how they did it, but we’ll figure it out. If you go back out there, how long do you think you’ll survive? By now, they all know you’re a part of this.”
Though Sariel didn’t realize it, he wouldn’t allow her to leave. Regardless of the women’s relationship, his mate’s safety came above all else.
“Explain how they came to our cottage. I’ve warded and safeguarded the cabin and surrounding area, hence, unseen by them. And I always cloak our presence.” Crystine’s vehemence sparked between them. “They’ve never found us before.”
“Perhaps they’ve never been specific in their search. In your fight last night, did either of you spill even a drop of blood? Few can hide when targeted, especially if they leave something traceable. I only found you because I sensed them from the air. When I estimated where they’d converge, I found your cottage.”
“Neither of us bled. Why would demons target us?” Crystine’s hesitant voice still held the belligerence of her gaze.
“Crystine, you and Sariel are part of an ancient prophecy. I’ll show it to you so you can read it for yourself. Demons have wanted to bring about the downfall of mankind for centuries. I belong to a small group of vampires dedicated to thwarting them.”
“What group? I’ve never heard of this.” The witch’s defensive stance relaxed while Sariel leaned forward. At least he’d secured their attention.
“Vampir Bruderschaft.”
“Vampire Brotherhood? Sounds like bull.” Crystine scoffed.
The witch’s fingers clenched her knife harder while her lips pulled back in a snarl. “Just more work for me. Parasites in need of exterminating.”
“We are a small, select group of masters and ancients dedicated to eliminating demons and black magick. You’re a bit young to know about us.” This last comment was directed at Crystine.
“I’m over five hundred years old!”
“As I said, young.” Lukas’ gaze flicked to Crystine before settling on Sariel. “The prophecy includes a vampire, a witch, and an angel. The language died even before my time. I could not translate it entirely.”
“Hmm, so the vampire needs the witch’s help, does he?” The witch’s eyes glittered with knowledge and held a sly satisfaction he’d do well to remember.
“Just as the witch needed the vampire’s help to survive the demons, then again to heal after her injury.” His lips twitched at the thought of the coming storm.
“You fed me your demon blood?” Her scream echoed off the stone walls and down the corridor. “Sonofabitch!”
Gryffen’s answering growl echoed up the stairs.
What the hell is that all about?
“Crystine, you might’ve died otherwise and Lukas isn’t a demon.” The calm but firm recap sent Crystine’s gaze to Sariel for confirmation. Abruptly, she sat beside her young friend. Wide eyes searched Sariel’s gaze, looking for—what?
“Crystine, he’s a vampire yes, but not innately evil. He can be whatever he chooses. Even I can feel that much. Let your senses touch his aura, you’ll see.” Sariel’s cheeks glistened with tears as she implored her friend to listen. “We both would have died if he hadn’t helped. Think about it, Crystine.”
“Nothing lives forever. If not for you, Sariel, I’d probably already be dead.” The softening of her tone seemed to settle something in them all as she reached over to caress Sariel’s face.
Minutes passed in silence. Either the women would accept their part or they would not. He could do no more. The air weighed heavy with unspoken recriminations between the three.
Bonds of friendship stretched with boundaries crossed. The time to forge new alliances for a common goal had arrived. Will the witch see past her prejudices?
Straightening her spine and stiffening her shoulders, Crystine stood and glared at Lukas. “So you want to destroy this ruby? Show me the prophecy. I will translate it. Like that of demons, many witch’s spells are written in the most ancient of languages and passed down through the generations. This shouldn’t be a problem.”
“Come, we will discuss this in the great room. I’ll have food prepared for you.”
“As long as I see another human taste it first.”
“Nichasin and Gryffen are leaving, along with most of my staff. Except for one vampire, only humans will remain.”