When Darkness Comes (Guardians of Eternity #1)(87)

Both men were out cold, but he wasn't about to leave them behind. Opening a nearby door, he returned to the unconscious men and easily tossed them into the narrow room. With the same speed, he bound them with their belts and closed the door.

Silently he was once again moving forward. There was the sharp scent of blood ahead of him. Viper, no doubt. Unless the witches banded together, they would prove no match for the powerful vampire.

Ignoring the potent smell, Dante angled toward the back of the house. The fainter scent of the Shalott led him through the empty library to a small closet that had been locked with three iron bars.

Not a barrier to vampires, but Dante was willing to bet that iron was a threat to Shalotts.

With a grimace at the inevitable noise, Dante ripped the bars from the door, tossing them aside as he glanced over his shoulder to ensure that no one had come charging into the room to confront him.

The room was empty, but his momentary distraction didn't go unpunished as the door exploded outward and a slender form leapt forward to catch him on the chin with a sharp kick.

With a grunt that was as much annoyance as pain, Dante whirled to discover the demon bent in a menacing crouch.

There was a lethal, near-intoxicating beauty in her long, slender limbs and flowing black hair, but Dante had no interest in her physical attributes. Or even the cloud of pheromones that filled the room.

His bond with Abby made him impervious to her potent allure.

Instead he prepared himself for another attack.

She wouldn't get another cheap shot.

Holding up a hand, he regarded her with a frown. "Let me speak."

Her hands flexed in warning. "Stay back, vampire."

"This may be difficult to believe, but I've come to help you."

Her lips curled. "And all I have to do is allow you to have a few sips, right? Thanks, but no thanks."

Dante gritted his teeth. Had there ever been a woman born—human, demon, or other—that didn't have to argue?

"I have no desire for your blood, Shalott," he rasped. "But I will need your skills."

"Forget it." She gently swayed, like a cobra preparing to strike. "I'll see you dead first."

Realizing she thought he meant her hereditary skills of seducing vampires, he gave an impatient wave of his hand.

"I need your fighting skills." He allowed his gaze to shift to the savage cuts that marred her arms and upper torso. He would bet she possessed a matching set on her back. She had been whipped as if she were an animal. "I intend to put an end to the witches."

She stilled, her brows snapping together. "It's impossible. They're too strong."

"Not after they were nearly wiped out by the wizard. They can't stand against two vampires and a Shalott."

She sniffed the air as if seeking to determine if he spoke the truth.

"Why should I trust you?"

"I'm chained just as you are."

Her breath caught. "The beast."

'Yes."

Without warning, she straightened and Dante bared his fangs. Promise or not, if the woman attacked him again, he would rip out her throat.

Instead she glared at him with a hint of fear.

"The Phoenix is here?" she demanded. "You must get her out."

"That's exactly what I intend to do. With your help."

"If they perform the ritual—"

"Can you fight?" he interrupted.

'Yes. The spell can only force me to come to them when they call."

He smiled wryly. "I meant are you well enough to fight? You've been injured."

She appeared momentarily startled by his concern.

As if it was the last thing she expected. Then, as if embarrassed by her display of vulnerability, her chin tilted to a proud angle.

"I can fight."

'Then let's go."

There was a tense beat before she gave a jerky nod of her head and they moved out of the room side by side. Neither was comfortable with having the other at their back.

"The cellar," he muttered, and with a nod she was headed down the hall toward what he hoped was the entrance to the stairs.

As they neared the kitchen, however, she slowed her pace as she shot him a warning frown.

"There is magic being used ahead."

Dante gave a grim nod as he bent down to pull the daggers from his boots. He could have taken a gun from the guards he had captured, but the last thing he wanted was some nosy neighbor calling the cops.

He doubted Chicago's finest could be convinced that two vampires and a demon were the good guys.

Slipping into the kitchen, Dante's gaze flashed over the circle of witches who currently held Viper in a binding spell. Snarling with fury, the elder vampire was battling with all he was worth, but it was obvious for the moment he was trapped.

Thankfully his struggles ensured that the witches were unaware of Dante's approach. It was taking everything they possessed to keep Viper caged.

Forced to halt as he determined which of the women had held his leash, Dante was briefly startled as a blur streaked past him and the Shalott was launching herself at the nearest witch. There was a loud shriek swiftly followed by another as Dante threw his dagger into the back of a chanting witch.

Belatedly realizing their danger, the witches turned to face their latest threat and the spell faltered. Dante flowed forward even as Viper smiled with vicious anticipation.