Eternal Breath of Darkness by Candice Stauffer Read Free Book Online

absolutely positive she will
survive it. She needs my undivided attention right now. She’s all that matters
to me. I’ve wasted far too many lifetimes protecting humans from their hatred
and greed. I’ve come to the conclusion none of our efforts have truly mattered.
Humans are too ignorant to benefit from our greater wisdom. They will continue
to destroy each other no matter what we do or don’t do.
    You know better, Haden. Do
you no longer remember the others you’ve counseled in this matter? Shaking
his head, the other man’s lips curved upward in a humorless smile. In the
span of just one short year, a woman you obviously believe is too weak to ever
receive the immortality of our kind and to stand by your side as your mate for
eternity has managed to ruin you.
    Enough! Another low, threatening growl vibrated through Haden’s chest. But this time
she heard it. You will not speak poorly about my mate. Tell me about the
demon that’s helping the vampire.
    Obviously irritated, the
other man glared at her for a moment. She was starting to get the feeling he
was mad at her. To her relief, he rubbed the bridge of his nose and shifted his
gaze to Haden. You’ve been out of the loop for too long, Haden. The vampires
in this area are extremely dangerous. They’re working together with a group of
female humans led by Mary Tate.
    That’s odd. Vampires don’t
normally play well with humans. And don’t look at her again. You’re scaring
her.
    She should be scared. You’ve
lost your fucking mind, and it’s going to get her killed. Zack shrugged. With Demetri guarding the bitch, the vampires have no other
choice than to play nice with her. There’s no way in hell any vampire would
dare to challenge a demon as old and as powerful as Demetri. They act as if
they’re her pets.
    Haden took a deep breath. I didn’t realize Demetri was still with her. Why would he give any vampire his
power?
    The only theory that makes
any sense is that the combination of the magic and poison Mary uses on Demetri
ensures his loyalty to her no matter what. He glanced at Caylee
and then looked directly into Haden’s eyes. If his true mate ever appears he
will kill her to please Mary. He will have no other choice. Mary will force him
to do it. She seeks immortality above all else. She knows he won’t ever be able
to give it to her unless he takes the life of his true mate. It seems he will
be lost to us forever. There’s little to no hope for him. Mary’s magic grows
more powerful every day.
    There has to be more to it. Haden
shook his head. It doesn’t make sense. Demetri is too powerful, too old to
be held captive by a human’s magic or poison. And he’s far too honorable to
side with the vampires. There’s something else motivating him. Something we
can’t see.
    Zack shook his head. “Just
get her away from here before more bloodsuckers catch her scent. Paul isn’t far
away. He won’t give up. I will search for him and hunt the others that are
nearby.” He turned to walk away.
    “Go after the others. I will
take care of Paul.”
    Caylee blinked up at Haden.
“Catch my scent?” Heart pounding, she wrapped her arms tighter around his neck.
“What does he mean?”
    “There’s no reason for you
to worry about it.” Haden placed a protective barrier around them an instant
before they were surrounded by a pack of hideous, half-dead-looking pack of
dogs.
    She stiffened. “What are
they?” They were so gruesome, snarling and growling, making strange cackling
noises.
    Despite Caylee’s best effort
to cling to him, he set her down on her feet. From behind he wrapped his arms
around her waist, encouraging her to lean her back against his body. She didn’t
resist, but her body was as stiff.
    “Relax, little love,” he
whispered in her ear. “They’re nothing. They can’t hurt you. They can’t touch
you.” He raised her hands to the heavens and pulled the power of nature to
them.
    Exhilarating currents of raw
energy surged