Taken by Darkness

“We will discover the truth,” Uriel pledged.

“Yes, you will.” Victor narrowed his gaze, dismissing the trifling annoyance from his mind. He had far more important matters to command his attention. Not the least of which was putting an end to his delicate dance with Miss Juliet Lawrence. He had struggled to be patient, but he would not tolerate having her in danger. And he most certainly would not tolerate her taking a lover. He would kill any man who dared to touch her. “Tonight, however, you will prepare chambers for Miss Lawrence and rid the lair of any undesirable guests before I return.”

There was a brief flicker of surprise before Uriel managed to smooth his expression.

“Yes, master.”

Victor headed across the room, pausing at the doorway. “Ah, and I will need the services of a chef.”

“I…” Uriel blinked, then gave a hasty nod of his head. “Certainly.”

Stepping into the antechamber, Victor pulled a satin cloak over his formal evening attire and glanced toward Madame Andreas, a lushly curved female who hovered with the rest of the humans.

With a tiny cry of pleasure, the blonde rushed forward, sinking into a deep curtsy that called attention to pearly mounds of breasts that overflowed the velvet gown.

“Francine.”

“My lord?” she breathed.

“Hawthorne will be returning to his home within the next few hours. I want you to be waiting for him.”

“Do you have any specific instructions?”

“Ensure that he remains unaware that Miss Lawrence is not in her bed. The more hours you can keep him distracted, the better.”

She daringly lifted her gaze, regarding him with a stark sexual hunger.

“A foolish waste of my talents. Send one of your other females to Hawthorne and I will make you forget the dowdy Miss Lawrence.”

Victor’s expression hardened with unmistakable warning. “Do not speak her name.”

“What is so bloody special about her?” the woman demanded with a petulant jealousy.

“She is mine.”





Chapter Three





Juliet was well aware of the dangers of traveling through London in the middle of the night.

Oh, not the usual dangers.

Any criminal or drunken lout who thought she was easy prey would soon discover the error of their ways, but there were predators that hunted the streets far more lethal than the human variety.

Mages, fey, demons…

All of whom could destroy her with embarrassing ease.

Which was why she had brought along her mother’s amulet, which allowed her to focus the small amount of magic she possessed. In addition, she had grabbed a well-worn crystal that glowed with a soft power. It was the only possession she had from her father and it stirred her imp blood.

The objects would not save her from a full-blooded demon who wanted her dead, but they offered some protection.

Leaving behind the elegant neighborhoods, Juliet silently moved through the shadows, headed toward the cramped, narrow Rosemary Lane and onto Pennington Street, which eventually spilled onto the docks.

Once among the warren of warehouses and quays, Juliet halted, not at all certain where to begin her search.

Levet had said the docks, but they sprawled along the Thames from the medieval London docks to the East and West Indies docks that were still under construction. They were also crowded with sailors and dockhands even at this hour.

How the devil was she supposed to find a tiny gargoyle among the confusion?

Rubbing her nose at the potent stench that clogged the air, Juliet was considering the nearest warehouse when her skin abruptly prickled with warning, a chill wrapping around her.

A dark premonition crawled up her spine and with a gasp she whirled. Her heart lodged in her throat at the sight of the Marquis DeRosa, his raven hair pulled back to reveal the stark beauty of his face and his eyes shimmering pure silver in the moonlight.

“Now what, I wonder, would entice a young and innocent maiden to the docks at this hour?” he mocked softly.

She pressed a hand to her churning stomach, her brows drawing together in annoyance.

“My lord.”

“Victor.”

“I wish you would not sneak up on me.”

The cape swirled around his powerful body as he stepped toward her, reaching out to cup her chin in his slender hand.

“You should be thanking whatever god you pray to that I am the one sneaking up on you. It is beyond foolish to be wandering the streets alone.”

With a shiver, she jerked from his touch.

How could a touch so cold send streaks of fire through her body?

“I am more likely to curse the evil spirit that crossed our paths. What are you doing here?”

“Attempting to keep you from an early grave.”

Her eyes widened. “Did you follow me?”

His aquiline nose wrinkled in delicate distaste. “I can imagine no other reason to bring me to such a repugnant neighborhood.”

Her hands clenched at her sides at his blatant confession. “Why, you…”

A raven brow flicked upward. “Yes?”