Darkness Eternal (Guardians of Eternity)

It had started small.

The growing unrest among the demon world. The recent flurry of sacrifices by the Dark Lord’s disciples to return him from his exile to this world. The rumors of the Weres regaining their ancient powers and the discovery of a new Oracle who would sit on the Commission (the powerful council who ruled the demon world).

But more disturbing than all of those combined were the nasties that were crawling out of the shadows at an alarming rate.

Demons that everyone had assumed were extinct or banished along with the Dark Lord.

Including the Sylvermyst.

“Is that a polite way of saying that things are about to go to hell?” he demanded of his chief.

Victor grimaced. “In a hand basket.”

“What can I do to avert the looming apocalypse?”

“For now I need you to track down the missing gypsy.”

Uriel muttered a sharp curse.

He should have been expecting this. Despite his fierce protests, Victor had invited their fellow vampire, Tane, to remain in the lair four nights ago, along with his companion, a female Jinn half-breed called Laylah. During their brief stay? they’d discovered that the Jinn mongrel had a human mother being held captive by a female vampire and her pet mage.

Not that Uriel gave a shit, but Tane had managed to convince Victor that his beautiful Jinn was somehow important to the future of the world, and that her captive mother must be protected.

“The female from the vision that the mage conjured?” he gritted, even knowing it was a stupid question.

What other gypsy could it be?

Victor’s lips twitched, as if he agreed with the stupid part.

“If it’s true that she is Laylah’s mother then we have to rescue her from Marika and her nasty wizard,” he said, his tone nonnegotiable. “Tane’s afraid they’ll use the female to force Laylah to hand over the child.”

Uriel snorted. The only thing he knew about the mysterious baby that Laylah was hiding was that it was somehow connected to the return of the Dark Lord and that the female vampire, Marika, was desperate to get her greedy hands on it.

“You know as well as I do that the entire thing stinks of a trap,” he growled.

Victor shrugged. “There’s only one way to find out.”

“Why doesn’t the Jinn go after the female?” he demanded. “It’s supposed to be her mother, not mine.”

“Jinn half-breed,” Victor unnecessarily corrected him, his eyes narrowing at Uriel’s odd behavior. Understandable. Uriel had never been a “yes-man.” Victor didn’t have the patience for kiss asses. But he didn’t usually pitch a fit over such a small request. The problem was, Uriel didn’t want to share the reason for his reluctance to get involved. “Tane and Laylah must return to Chicago and protect the baby.” There was a deliberate pause. “Besides, I offered your services, which is my right as your chief.”

“There are others more suited to play the role of Knight in Shining Armor.”

Victor didn’t move. He didn’t have to. His power swirled through the air, slamming into Uriel with enough strength to make him grunt in pain.

“Are you questioning my decision making skills, Uriel?” he asked, oh so softly.

Uriel grimaced. “I’m not suicidal.”

“I’m beginning to wonder.”

“I just don’t know why you would choose me for this chore.”

“When did searching for an exquisitely beautiful woman become a chore?”

“When she . . .” Uriel bit off his revealing words.

Too late.

“What?” Victor demanded.

“Nothing.”

Victor pushed away from the sideboard, moving to stand directly in front of Uriel.

“Uriel, is this because she is the supposed mother of a Jinn mongrel?”

Uriel clenched his hands. Had Victor become a mind reader?

Damn. Talk about disturbing.

“I logically understand that she was more than likely a victim,” he said stiffly. “A Jinn wouldn’t hesitate to rape and impregnate a helpless female.” His hand instinctively lifted to rub the scar that was directly over his unbeating heart. “Bastards.”

“But?” Victor prompted.

With a restless motion, Uriel turned on his heel and paced toward the window that overlooked the manicured parkland. He could easily sense the dozen vampires who patrolled the grounds, as well as the vast series of tunnels that ran beneath the estate. Closer at hand he could detect Juliet, Victor’s mate, and in the private quarters the fairies who happily provided dinner (and whatever else might be desired) for many of the warriors.

Including the exquisite fairy that was supposed to be on his menu.

“But I would rather return to our hunt for the Sylvermyst,” he said between gritted teeth.