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Synopsis
As allegiances shift and new powers align for Alexandra Ivy's Guardians of Eternity, one immortal defender knows the sweep of change brings danger—and possibility . . .
On the edge of the Mojave desert, out of the lights of Las Vegas, even a werewolf can expect a share of peace and solitude. For Ulric, the last surviving member of a pack hunted through centuries, it's one of few places he's willing to drop his guard. Until he spots Brigette, a beautiful wolf-woman he thought dead long ago. When he gives chase, he loses her—and discovers he's being followed himself.
His pursuer is a zephyr sprite, Rainn, on the trail of a frightening prophecy she can't predict or understand. All she knows is that Ulric is at its center. If he's determined to find Brigette, she'll do what she must to keep him with her.
When the search leads them to a place where Ulric's ghosts and Rainn's portents intertwine, a lurking evil waits to swallow them both. But as they fight for survival, their need for each other will become impossible to deny . . .
Contains mature themes.
Release date: December 10, 2019
Publisher: Lyrical Press
Print pages: 256
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Conquer the Darkness
Alexandra Ivy
Chapter 1
Mojave Desert
Ulric released a howl of sheer pleasure as he loped through the vast darkness. It’d been far too long since he’d had the luxury of leaving the glittering lights of Vegas to run across the desert. This week, thank the goddess, Chiron had returned to his elegant casino on the Strip.
That meant Ulric could finally shift into his wolf form and lose himself in the wild pleasures of the night. He ran, he hunted, he terrified a group of campers and bayed at the moon until his throat was raw.
All in all, a perfect night.
Dawn was nearing when he halted at the edge of the desert. Tilting back his head, he released a pulse of magic. A shudder raced through him before a shimmer surrounded his body. The thick, midnight-black fur disappeared, and his elongated muzzle started to shrink. In the space of a heartbeat he’d gone from a massive wolf to his human form.
Bathed in moonlight, he stood over six foot with the wide, muscled body that came from his long runs while in his wolf form. He also had the rabid temper of his animal, and the willingness to use violence when necessary. His skin was the creamy color of cappuccino and his eyes were golden and smoldered with an unmistakable power.
Running his hands over his smoothly shaved head, he wiped away the layer of sweat. The February air was cool, but he’d expended a considerable amount of energy during the night. Plus shifting always made him hot.
In a good, shivery way.
Primitive magic was always the best magic.
Stretching out his muscles, he moved to grab his jeans and black T-shirt that he’d folded on a flat rock. With a few efficient movements he was dressed and ramming his feet into a pair of military boots. Then, with a last glance toward the sky that was beginning to turn pink around the edges, he headed toward the city. Less than fifteen minutes later he was surrounded by civilization.
As usual, he took the most direct route to Dreamscape, indifferent to the fact he was strolling through one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Vegas. What did he have to fear? Already he could hear the scrape of running footsteps. He had a badass vibe that sent both humans and demons scurrying out of his path.
A shame, really. The adrenaline was still pumping through his veins. He wouldn’t mind the chance to knock one or two thugs on their asses.
Chiron, unfortunately, had strict rules on what Ulric could do to the customers, even if they were trying to cheat or being a drunken pain in his ass. It meant that he rarely had a chance for any fun. At least none that involved blood and screams of pain.
With a shrug of resignation, he jogged through a back parking lot and entered the towering glass and steel building through the kitchens.
Like all of Chiron’s properties, this Dreamscape Resort was sleek, elegant, and designed to please the humans who were willing to spend a small fortune to avoid the horde of tourists that descended like locusts on the city. Only the high-end gamblers walked through the door or stayed in the luxury suites.
Ulric glanced toward the chefs who were sorting through the fresh ingredients they’d just purchased from the local markets before heading toward an opening next to the walk-in fridge. He entered a small, dark hallway and stood in front of the private doorway. He knew that Chiron would be making a last sweep of the gaming rooms before heading down to his rooms beneath the building. Although the vampire had a sun-proof office on the top floor, he always felt more comfortable when he was resting in his heavily fortified rooms buried deep in the ground.
On cue, Chiron opened the door and moved to stand directly in front of Ulric.
The vampire was not as large as Ulric. In fact, he was slender enough to look almost delicate in his expensive, tailored suit. His dark hair was cut close to his head and his features were finely chiseled. One glance in his black eyes, however, warned even the most thick-skulled creature not to screw with this male.
The temperature dropped by several degrees, but Ulric was accustomed to a chill in the air. He’d been with this vampire for over five centuries. Ever since Chiron had rescued him from the slave pits beneath the previous King of Vampires’ lair. The old Anasso had been addicted to blood that was tainted by alcohol and drugs, secretly holding humans and demons in dark caves to feed his nasty habit. Chiron had desperately tried to reveal the Anasso’s treachery only to have his own master, Tarak, disappear and Chiron’s clan banished.
Chiron had rescued Ulric and together they’d fled. For several decades they’d simply drifted from one place to another, both needing time to heal the wounds inflicted by the previous Anasso. Then, on a dare from Ulric, Chiron had established his first gambling club. It’d been an instant success and Dreamscape Resorts had been born.
Ulric loved the challenge. Chiron concentrated on the style and finances of the business, while Ulric dealt with the vast staff. Chiron had given him a purpose to keep living, along with a sense of pack.
But in the past three months, everything had changed.
Ulric didn’t deal well with change.
Probably because it always sucked.
Easily sensing the strange agitation that boiled inside Ulric, Chiron tilted his head to the side.
“Everything okay?” the vampire asked.
Ulric shrugged even as the question pressed against his raw nerves.
Was everything okay?
It should be.
He had money. Security. Females if he wanted them. And a master who was as close to him as any brother. So why did he feel like a dark cloud was forming just over the horizon?
It was just the recent upheavals, he fiercely reminded himself. Chiron was mated to a witch named Lilah. Tarak was released from his prison. And the new Anasso, Styx, made a habit of traveling to Vegas. No doubt out of guilt that he’d refused to believe Chiron when he’d claimed the former King of Vampires was a whackadoodle.
Ulric trusted Chiron. Period.
As far as he was concerned, the rest of the leeches could sink back into the netherworld they’d crawled out of.
It was no wonder he was feeling a little antsy.
“Everything’s better now that I had a chance to get out and stretch my legs,” he assured his companion.
Chiron studied him for a beat, obviously aware that Ulric was hiding something from him. Then he shrugged. He knew Ulric wasn’t a touchy, feely, share-every-emotion sort of dude. He was a growly, bitey, dangerously rabid sort of dude.
He’d talk when he wanted to talk.
“I don’t think I’ve thanked you for taking care of things while I enjoyed my honeymoon,” Chiron said, smoothly changing the direction of the conversation.
“It’s what brothers do.”
“Not all brothers.” Chiron reached out his hand to lay it on Ulric’s shoulder. “I appreciate your loyalty, Ulric, even when I forget to tell you.”
Ulric felt heat crawl beneath his skin as he cleared his throat. Clearly being mated was making the vampire all mushy.
It was…unnerving.
“How’s Lilah settling in?” Ulric asked, knowing it was the easiest way to distract his companion.
Chiron’s features softened even as he released a rueful chuckle. “She’s already making notes on how we can streamline our check-in process and more efficiently schedule the maid service. Plus, she has stacks of decorating magazines she’s been thumbing through. I have a terrible fear we’re in for a complete remodel.”
Ulric smiled. He liked Lilah. He truly did. And she’d proven to be more than just a mate for Chiron. She had managed her own hotel for centuries. She was the perfect partner.
“If you wanted a mate who was happy fading into the background, you picked the wrong witch,” he teased.
“True enough,” Chiron readily agreed, a sappy expression on his face as he glanced toward a nearby elevator that led to his lair. No doubt Lilah was already down there waiting for him to join her.
Ulric paused, then spoke the words that had been on his mind since Chiron’s return to Vegas.
“You know, now that you have Lilah to be your partner, it might be time for me to consider—”
“Stop right there,” Chiron commanded.
“Why?”
“No one’s moving anywhere,” he informed Ulric, a hint of fang showing. “We started this journey together, and as far as I’m concerned we’re going to finish it together. We’re family.” He narrowed his eyes. “You got it?”
Ulric held up his hand. He hadn’t expected such a fierce reaction. “Yeah, I got it.”
“Good.” Chiron made a visible effort to soothe his flare of temper. “I’m headed to my lair. We’ll talk more this evening.”
Ulric nodded, turning away. Before he could leave, however, Chiron made a sudden sound of annoyance.
“Oh, I almost forgot.”
Ulric glanced over his shoulder. “Forgot what?”
“Have you seen that damned gargoyle?”
A low growl rumbled in Ulric’s chest. Levet was a three-foot gargoyle with fairy wings who was not only the bane of his existence, but a source of constant chaos.
“I kicked his thieving ass off the property when I caught him taking a joy ride in your favorite Porsche.”
Ice abruptly coated the wall. “He stole my car?”
Ulric snorted. “Oh, he returned it. But only after he’d put a dent in the bumper and a long scratch on the hood. I have no idea where he went, or what happened.”
Chiron’s eyes glowed with a dark fire. “I’ll kill him.”
“Which is why I decided to have him vacate the property before you returned,” Ulric admitted. “You’ve just started to form a relationship with your new Anasso. I didn’t want you to do something stupid and be banished again.”
Chiron snorted. “I’ve done just fine being banished, and if the cost of being back in the fold is having to deal with that aggravating lump of granite, I’d rather be in exile.”
Ulric couldn’t argue. Instead he watched in silence as Chiron stomped across the hallway and used the keypad to open the elevator. Then, as the vampire disappeared from view, Ulric heaved a faint sigh.
It was part envy, part regret for the inevitable change in his life, and part…what?
Damn. He didn’t know. It was like having an itch he couldn’t scratch. He gave a sharp shake of his head, forcing himself to walk down the narrow hallway to enter the main casino.
Despite the early hour, there were a few customers strolling through the vast rooms. A group of men wearing matching tuxedoes were clustered around a roulette table, while other gamblers were settled in front of the slot machines. On the far wall was a set of glass doors that opened into the high-limit section of the casino. That area was packed with guests no matter what time of day or night.
Strolling along the edge of the room, Ulric made a mental note to have the massive chandeliers polished and the silver carpets cleaned. It was the lull between the craziness of New Year’s Eve and the crush of summer vacation. A perfect opportunity for some deep housekeeping.
Of course, Lilah might have a different opinion…
Ulric snapped his teeth together. What the hell was wrong with him? He was acting like a whimpering pup instead a grown-ass Were.
Lost in his baffling mood, Ulric barely noticed the svelte woman dressed in a long, backless black gown. Beautiful women in expensive clothes were a dime a dozen in this city.
It wasn’t until he caught the faint scent of musk that he came to a screeching halt. Okay, maybe he didn’t actually screech, but he did freeze in place as he sucked in a deep breath.
Disbelief exploded through him.
Over the years there’d been a handful of Weres who’d strolled through the casino or stayed at the hotel. Most, however, preferred the numerous demon clubs hidden on the fringes of the city. Why force yourself to behave in a civilized manner in front of the humans when you could literally let your animal out to play?
But none of them had smelled like pack.
Like family.
Narrowing his eyes, Ulric studied the female as she sauntered toward the front of the casino. If he’d been in his wolf form his hackles would have been raised.
It was impossible. His entire pack had been slaughtered over five hundred years ago. Still…
There was no denying that scent.
Unlike humans, Weres didn’t use sight to recognize others. Anyone could change their appearance. Whether it was from aging, from magic, or mundane surgery, the outside shell was easily manipulated. But a person’s smell…that remained the same.
Feeling like the earth was moving beneath his feet, it took a second for him to realize that the female had pushed open a side door to leave the casino. She paused, glancing over her shoulder as if sensing his fierce gaze. Then, with a faint frown, she was heading out of the building.
“Damn.”
Shaking himself out of his stunned inertia, Ulric charged across the casino, thankful that most of the guests were tucked in their beds. Or perhaps they were tucked in someone else’s bed. It was Vegas, after all. The only important thing was that he didn’t have to toss customers out of his path as he stormed across the floor.
Bursting into the early dawn shadows, he glanced toward the waiting line of taxis that were pulled beneath the wide canopy. He scowled when he didn’t instantly spot his quarry. Where was she? Then he caught a flash of movement out of the corner of his eye.
Whirling to the side, he watched as she moved to the edge of the sidewalk. His gaze skimmed over her pale, oval face that was framed by long hair that shimmered like crimson fire in the light spilling from the casino. Her features were bold, with a hint of sensuality in the curve of her lips and the smoldering dark eyes.
Ulric, however, didn’t focus on her undoubted beauty. Instead he allowed her scent to settle deep in his soul.
Family.
The word whispered through his mind, stirring ancient memories that’d been locked away for centuries. He grimaced, aching regret clenching his heart as images cascaded through his mind. As if they’d been piled up, just waiting for the opportunity to be released.
He could see himself as a young pup, running through the open fields as he hunted rabbits. And spending the day dozing in the family cottage with his father standing guard. And being held in his mother’s arms when he was afraid.
He swallowed the pain, forcing himself to concentrate on the female who was slowly turning to face him. He’d spent years building barriers around his memories; later he would deal with the bleak task of returning the damn things where they belonged. Nothing mattered in this moment but discovering the truth of the woman standing in front of him.
“Brigette,” he breathed.
Her eyes widened, her expression stricken as she suddenly recognized him. “Ulric?”
“I don’t believe it.” His voice sounded harsh in the hush of dawn. “Are you real?”
She licked her lips. “I could ask you the same question. I thought you were dead.”
“This is…” Ulric was lost for words, his gaze absorbing the high cheekbones and stubborn line of her jaw. Brigette had been younger than him, but her resemblance to his uncle was unmistakable. “A miracle,” he finally managed to mutter, taking a step forward.
“No.” She lifted her hand. “Stay back.”
“What’s wrong?”
Her eyes darted from side to side. Was she searching for someone?
“You have to forget that you’ve seen me.”
Ulric snorted at the ridiculous command. “I’m getting old, but not that old. There’s no way I’m forgetting that a cousin I believed slaughtered for the past five hundred years is alive and standing in my casino.”
“Your casino?” She pointed toward the nearby building. “This belongs to you?”
“In part.” He was too stunned to feel the usual pride in the empire he had helped to create. Right now, he was overwhelmed with the sight and smell of this female. “How did you survive?”
Her hand dropped, her shoulders slumping. “I’m not sure I did.”
“Come back inside,” he urged, barely keeping himself from reaching to grab her arm. She was clearly skittish. He couldn’t risk scaring her away. “I have a personal suite where we can talk in private.”
“I can’t.”
“Are you in trouble? Are you hiding from someone? I can help.”
She shook her head, backing toward the curb. “Forget me, Ulric.”
“Like hell. I’ve believed I was alone for centuries. I—”
“I understand,” she interrupted. “I truly do. But it’s too dangerous.”
The sound of squealing tires momentarily distracted Ulric as a shiny silver Jaguar entered the circle drive. The car slowed as a side door was shoved open. Ulric instinctively braced himself, preparing for an attack. Instead, Brigette was leaping forward, disappearing into the car before it was squealing away.
“No,” Ulric snarled in disbelief.
He stepped off the curb, his gaze locked on the back of the vehicle.
“Sir.” A uniformed doorman abruptly appeared in front of him. “Do you need me to call security?”
Ulric turned his head, knowing that his eyes would be smoldering with the golden power of his wolf. “I’ll take care of the situation.”
Indifferent to the curious stares of the bored taxi drivers, Ulric ran after the Jag. Yeah, he got the irony of a werewolf chasing cars, but right now he didn’t give a damn. Nothing mattered but keeping Brigette in sight.
They headed south for several blocks, Ulric falling farther and farther behind. When the car suddenly zoomed through a red light, there was a loud, angry blast of a horn and Ulric leaped toward a nearby corner as a whoosh of air washed over him. Shit. He’d almost been flattened by a bus.
Unnerved by the near miss, he watched as the taillights of the Jag disappeared around a corner. He was never going to catch the car. Did he risk changing into his wolf form? It was still dark enough to hide him from most prying eyes, but there was always the danger of…
Ulric stiffened, a prickle of awareness intruding into his fierce concentration.
He was being followed.
With a low curse, he pivoted on his heel and circled back to the hotel. He would track down Brigette after he’d dealt with his unwelcome shadow.
Avoiding the front lobby, Ulric headed toward the entrance just beyond the large dumpsters. It was an area he tried to avoid. His sensitive nose and rotting trash didn’t mix. Halting in front of the heavy door that led to the storage room next to the kitchen, he abruptly spun on his heel to confront the female he’d sensed stalking him.
Rainn.
The rare zephyr sprite had appeared out of the desert twenty years ago and quickly earned Chiron’s trust. Now she was second only to Ulric among the Dreamscape employees.
He scowled down at her.
Standing next to him, she appeared shockingly fragile with her slender curves and delicate features. Her hair was cut in a straight line at her shoulders and was as dark and glossy as polished ebony. Her wide eyes were pale, like a spring mist. Her skin was soft and dewy and her lips a lush, bow-shaped invitation.
Tonight, she had exchanged her usual business attire for a pair of black jeans and a black sweater that clung to her with growl-worthy results.
All in all, a tiny bundle of temptation with an inner core of pure steel.
A dangerous combination.
His scowl deepened. “Why the hell are you following me?”
Chapter 2
Rainn stood her ground despite the fact that Ulric’s power was vibrating around her with a tangible warning. The Were might be a beast at heart, but he had full control over his animal. He wouldn’t strike until he was sure she was a danger.
Which meant that the quicker she proved she was no threat, the less likely he would rip her open with his massive claws.
“I saw you take off from the hotel and I thought something must be wrong,” she hurriedly assured him.
He narrowed his smoldering gaze. Did he sense she was lying?
“I don’t need a babysitter.”
Her lips twitched. Truer words had never been spoken.
“Let’s go inside.” She nodded toward the nearby door. “I want to talk to you.”
“I’m busy now.”
She watched as his gaze moved over her shoulder. He was already becoming distracted.
“With the red-haired Were?” she bluntly demanded.
He jerked. Ah. That caught his attention.
“This is none of your business,” he snapped.
“It is if you’re planning to do something stupid.”
He made a choked sound, looking genuinely offended. “When have I ever done anything stupid?”
She held up her hand, ticking off his stupidity on her fingers. “The day you forced one of our customers to strip off his clothes and leave the casino naked.”
“He wasn’t a customer,” Ulric protested. “He was the manager of a rival hotel who was handing out coupons to his all-you-can-eat buffet.”
She touched her second finger. “And what about the night you decided to climb to the top of the High Roller and howl loud enough to attract the police?”
“It was a full moon. It always makes me a little…”
“Stupid?” she suggested in sweet tones.
“Giddy,” he corrected, shaking his head as she touched another finger. “Enough.”
“Hmm.” She lowered her hand. “Tell me about the female.”
“No.”
Rainn ignored his sharp refusal. “She’s a Were. Do you know her?”
He hesitated, c. . .
Mojave Desert
Ulric released a howl of sheer pleasure as he loped through the vast darkness. It’d been far too long since he’d had the luxury of leaving the glittering lights of Vegas to run across the desert. This week, thank the goddess, Chiron had returned to his elegant casino on the Strip.
That meant Ulric could finally shift into his wolf form and lose himself in the wild pleasures of the night. He ran, he hunted, he terrified a group of campers and bayed at the moon until his throat was raw.
All in all, a perfect night.
Dawn was nearing when he halted at the edge of the desert. Tilting back his head, he released a pulse of magic. A shudder raced through him before a shimmer surrounded his body. The thick, midnight-black fur disappeared, and his elongated muzzle started to shrink. In the space of a heartbeat he’d gone from a massive wolf to his human form.
Bathed in moonlight, he stood over six foot with the wide, muscled body that came from his long runs while in his wolf form. He also had the rabid temper of his animal, and the willingness to use violence when necessary. His skin was the creamy color of cappuccino and his eyes were golden and smoldered with an unmistakable power.
Running his hands over his smoothly shaved head, he wiped away the layer of sweat. The February air was cool, but he’d expended a considerable amount of energy during the night. Plus shifting always made him hot.
In a good, shivery way.
Primitive magic was always the best magic.
Stretching out his muscles, he moved to grab his jeans and black T-shirt that he’d folded on a flat rock. With a few efficient movements he was dressed and ramming his feet into a pair of military boots. Then, with a last glance toward the sky that was beginning to turn pink around the edges, he headed toward the city. Less than fifteen minutes later he was surrounded by civilization.
As usual, he took the most direct route to Dreamscape, indifferent to the fact he was strolling through one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Vegas. What did he have to fear? Already he could hear the scrape of running footsteps. He had a badass vibe that sent both humans and demons scurrying out of his path.
A shame, really. The adrenaline was still pumping through his veins. He wouldn’t mind the chance to knock one or two thugs on their asses.
Chiron, unfortunately, had strict rules on what Ulric could do to the customers, even if they were trying to cheat or being a drunken pain in his ass. It meant that he rarely had a chance for any fun. At least none that involved blood and screams of pain.
With a shrug of resignation, he jogged through a back parking lot and entered the towering glass and steel building through the kitchens.
Like all of Chiron’s properties, this Dreamscape Resort was sleek, elegant, and designed to please the humans who were willing to spend a small fortune to avoid the horde of tourists that descended like locusts on the city. Only the high-end gamblers walked through the door or stayed in the luxury suites.
Ulric glanced toward the chefs who were sorting through the fresh ingredients they’d just purchased from the local markets before heading toward an opening next to the walk-in fridge. He entered a small, dark hallway and stood in front of the private doorway. He knew that Chiron would be making a last sweep of the gaming rooms before heading down to his rooms beneath the building. Although the vampire had a sun-proof office on the top floor, he always felt more comfortable when he was resting in his heavily fortified rooms buried deep in the ground.
On cue, Chiron opened the door and moved to stand directly in front of Ulric.
The vampire was not as large as Ulric. In fact, he was slender enough to look almost delicate in his expensive, tailored suit. His dark hair was cut close to his head and his features were finely chiseled. One glance in his black eyes, however, warned even the most thick-skulled creature not to screw with this male.
The temperature dropped by several degrees, but Ulric was accustomed to a chill in the air. He’d been with this vampire for over five centuries. Ever since Chiron had rescued him from the slave pits beneath the previous King of Vampires’ lair. The old Anasso had been addicted to blood that was tainted by alcohol and drugs, secretly holding humans and demons in dark caves to feed his nasty habit. Chiron had desperately tried to reveal the Anasso’s treachery only to have his own master, Tarak, disappear and Chiron’s clan banished.
Chiron had rescued Ulric and together they’d fled. For several decades they’d simply drifted from one place to another, both needing time to heal the wounds inflicted by the previous Anasso. Then, on a dare from Ulric, Chiron had established his first gambling club. It’d been an instant success and Dreamscape Resorts had been born.
Ulric loved the challenge. Chiron concentrated on the style and finances of the business, while Ulric dealt with the vast staff. Chiron had given him a purpose to keep living, along with a sense of pack.
But in the past three months, everything had changed.
Ulric didn’t deal well with change.
Probably because it always sucked.
Easily sensing the strange agitation that boiled inside Ulric, Chiron tilted his head to the side.
“Everything okay?” the vampire asked.
Ulric shrugged even as the question pressed against his raw nerves.
Was everything okay?
It should be.
He had money. Security. Females if he wanted them. And a master who was as close to him as any brother. So why did he feel like a dark cloud was forming just over the horizon?
It was just the recent upheavals, he fiercely reminded himself. Chiron was mated to a witch named Lilah. Tarak was released from his prison. And the new Anasso, Styx, made a habit of traveling to Vegas. No doubt out of guilt that he’d refused to believe Chiron when he’d claimed the former King of Vampires was a whackadoodle.
Ulric trusted Chiron. Period.
As far as he was concerned, the rest of the leeches could sink back into the netherworld they’d crawled out of.
It was no wonder he was feeling a little antsy.
“Everything’s better now that I had a chance to get out and stretch my legs,” he assured his companion.
Chiron studied him for a beat, obviously aware that Ulric was hiding something from him. Then he shrugged. He knew Ulric wasn’t a touchy, feely, share-every-emotion sort of dude. He was a growly, bitey, dangerously rabid sort of dude.
He’d talk when he wanted to talk.
“I don’t think I’ve thanked you for taking care of things while I enjoyed my honeymoon,” Chiron said, smoothly changing the direction of the conversation.
“It’s what brothers do.”
“Not all brothers.” Chiron reached out his hand to lay it on Ulric’s shoulder. “I appreciate your loyalty, Ulric, even when I forget to tell you.”
Ulric felt heat crawl beneath his skin as he cleared his throat. Clearly being mated was making the vampire all mushy.
It was…unnerving.
“How’s Lilah settling in?” Ulric asked, knowing it was the easiest way to distract his companion.
Chiron’s features softened even as he released a rueful chuckle. “She’s already making notes on how we can streamline our check-in process and more efficiently schedule the maid service. Plus, she has stacks of decorating magazines she’s been thumbing through. I have a terrible fear we’re in for a complete remodel.”
Ulric smiled. He liked Lilah. He truly did. And she’d proven to be more than just a mate for Chiron. She had managed her own hotel for centuries. She was the perfect partner.
“If you wanted a mate who was happy fading into the background, you picked the wrong witch,” he teased.
“True enough,” Chiron readily agreed, a sappy expression on his face as he glanced toward a nearby elevator that led to his lair. No doubt Lilah was already down there waiting for him to join her.
Ulric paused, then spoke the words that had been on his mind since Chiron’s return to Vegas.
“You know, now that you have Lilah to be your partner, it might be time for me to consider—”
“Stop right there,” Chiron commanded.
“Why?”
“No one’s moving anywhere,” he informed Ulric, a hint of fang showing. “We started this journey together, and as far as I’m concerned we’re going to finish it together. We’re family.” He narrowed his eyes. “You got it?”
Ulric held up his hand. He hadn’t expected such a fierce reaction. “Yeah, I got it.”
“Good.” Chiron made a visible effort to soothe his flare of temper. “I’m headed to my lair. We’ll talk more this evening.”
Ulric nodded, turning away. Before he could leave, however, Chiron made a sudden sound of annoyance.
“Oh, I almost forgot.”
Ulric glanced over his shoulder. “Forgot what?”
“Have you seen that damned gargoyle?”
A low growl rumbled in Ulric’s chest. Levet was a three-foot gargoyle with fairy wings who was not only the bane of his existence, but a source of constant chaos.
“I kicked his thieving ass off the property when I caught him taking a joy ride in your favorite Porsche.”
Ice abruptly coated the wall. “He stole my car?”
Ulric snorted. “Oh, he returned it. But only after he’d put a dent in the bumper and a long scratch on the hood. I have no idea where he went, or what happened.”
Chiron’s eyes glowed with a dark fire. “I’ll kill him.”
“Which is why I decided to have him vacate the property before you returned,” Ulric admitted. “You’ve just started to form a relationship with your new Anasso. I didn’t want you to do something stupid and be banished again.”
Chiron snorted. “I’ve done just fine being banished, and if the cost of being back in the fold is having to deal with that aggravating lump of granite, I’d rather be in exile.”
Ulric couldn’t argue. Instead he watched in silence as Chiron stomped across the hallway and used the keypad to open the elevator. Then, as the vampire disappeared from view, Ulric heaved a faint sigh.
It was part envy, part regret for the inevitable change in his life, and part…what?
Damn. He didn’t know. It was like having an itch he couldn’t scratch. He gave a sharp shake of his head, forcing himself to walk down the narrow hallway to enter the main casino.
Despite the early hour, there were a few customers strolling through the vast rooms. A group of men wearing matching tuxedoes were clustered around a roulette table, while other gamblers were settled in front of the slot machines. On the far wall was a set of glass doors that opened into the high-limit section of the casino. That area was packed with guests no matter what time of day or night.
Strolling along the edge of the room, Ulric made a mental note to have the massive chandeliers polished and the silver carpets cleaned. It was the lull between the craziness of New Year’s Eve and the crush of summer vacation. A perfect opportunity for some deep housekeeping.
Of course, Lilah might have a different opinion…
Ulric snapped his teeth together. What the hell was wrong with him? He was acting like a whimpering pup instead a grown-ass Were.
Lost in his baffling mood, Ulric barely noticed the svelte woman dressed in a long, backless black gown. Beautiful women in expensive clothes were a dime a dozen in this city.
It wasn’t until he caught the faint scent of musk that he came to a screeching halt. Okay, maybe he didn’t actually screech, but he did freeze in place as he sucked in a deep breath.
Disbelief exploded through him.
Over the years there’d been a handful of Weres who’d strolled through the casino or stayed at the hotel. Most, however, preferred the numerous demon clubs hidden on the fringes of the city. Why force yourself to behave in a civilized manner in front of the humans when you could literally let your animal out to play?
But none of them had smelled like pack.
Like family.
Narrowing his eyes, Ulric studied the female as she sauntered toward the front of the casino. If he’d been in his wolf form his hackles would have been raised.
It was impossible. His entire pack had been slaughtered over five hundred years ago. Still…
There was no denying that scent.
Unlike humans, Weres didn’t use sight to recognize others. Anyone could change their appearance. Whether it was from aging, from magic, or mundane surgery, the outside shell was easily manipulated. But a person’s smell…that remained the same.
Feeling like the earth was moving beneath his feet, it took a second for him to realize that the female had pushed open a side door to leave the casino. She paused, glancing over her shoulder as if sensing his fierce gaze. Then, with a faint frown, she was heading out of the building.
“Damn.”
Shaking himself out of his stunned inertia, Ulric charged across the casino, thankful that most of the guests were tucked in their beds. Or perhaps they were tucked in someone else’s bed. It was Vegas, after all. The only important thing was that he didn’t have to toss customers out of his path as he stormed across the floor.
Bursting into the early dawn shadows, he glanced toward the waiting line of taxis that were pulled beneath the wide canopy. He scowled when he didn’t instantly spot his quarry. Where was she? Then he caught a flash of movement out of the corner of his eye.
Whirling to the side, he watched as she moved to the edge of the sidewalk. His gaze skimmed over her pale, oval face that was framed by long hair that shimmered like crimson fire in the light spilling from the casino. Her features were bold, with a hint of sensuality in the curve of her lips and the smoldering dark eyes.
Ulric, however, didn’t focus on her undoubted beauty. Instead he allowed her scent to settle deep in his soul.
Family.
The word whispered through his mind, stirring ancient memories that’d been locked away for centuries. He grimaced, aching regret clenching his heart as images cascaded through his mind. As if they’d been piled up, just waiting for the opportunity to be released.
He could see himself as a young pup, running through the open fields as he hunted rabbits. And spending the day dozing in the family cottage with his father standing guard. And being held in his mother’s arms when he was afraid.
He swallowed the pain, forcing himself to concentrate on the female who was slowly turning to face him. He’d spent years building barriers around his memories; later he would deal with the bleak task of returning the damn things where they belonged. Nothing mattered in this moment but discovering the truth of the woman standing in front of him.
“Brigette,” he breathed.
Her eyes widened, her expression stricken as she suddenly recognized him. “Ulric?”
“I don’t believe it.” His voice sounded harsh in the hush of dawn. “Are you real?”
She licked her lips. “I could ask you the same question. I thought you were dead.”
“This is…” Ulric was lost for words, his gaze absorbing the high cheekbones and stubborn line of her jaw. Brigette had been younger than him, but her resemblance to his uncle was unmistakable. “A miracle,” he finally managed to mutter, taking a step forward.
“No.” She lifted her hand. “Stay back.”
“What’s wrong?”
Her eyes darted from side to side. Was she searching for someone?
“You have to forget that you’ve seen me.”
Ulric snorted at the ridiculous command. “I’m getting old, but not that old. There’s no way I’m forgetting that a cousin I believed slaughtered for the past five hundred years is alive and standing in my casino.”
“Your casino?” She pointed toward the nearby building. “This belongs to you?”
“In part.” He was too stunned to feel the usual pride in the empire he had helped to create. Right now, he was overwhelmed with the sight and smell of this female. “How did you survive?”
Her hand dropped, her shoulders slumping. “I’m not sure I did.”
“Come back inside,” he urged, barely keeping himself from reaching to grab her arm. She was clearly skittish. He couldn’t risk scaring her away. “I have a personal suite where we can talk in private.”
“I can’t.”
“Are you in trouble? Are you hiding from someone? I can help.”
She shook her head, backing toward the curb. “Forget me, Ulric.”
“Like hell. I’ve believed I was alone for centuries. I—”
“I understand,” she interrupted. “I truly do. But it’s too dangerous.”
The sound of squealing tires momentarily distracted Ulric as a shiny silver Jaguar entered the circle drive. The car slowed as a side door was shoved open. Ulric instinctively braced himself, preparing for an attack. Instead, Brigette was leaping forward, disappearing into the car before it was squealing away.
“No,” Ulric snarled in disbelief.
He stepped off the curb, his gaze locked on the back of the vehicle.
“Sir.” A uniformed doorman abruptly appeared in front of him. “Do you need me to call security?”
Ulric turned his head, knowing that his eyes would be smoldering with the golden power of his wolf. “I’ll take care of the situation.”
Indifferent to the curious stares of the bored taxi drivers, Ulric ran after the Jag. Yeah, he got the irony of a werewolf chasing cars, but right now he didn’t give a damn. Nothing mattered but keeping Brigette in sight.
They headed south for several blocks, Ulric falling farther and farther behind. When the car suddenly zoomed through a red light, there was a loud, angry blast of a horn and Ulric leaped toward a nearby corner as a whoosh of air washed over him. Shit. He’d almost been flattened by a bus.
Unnerved by the near miss, he watched as the taillights of the Jag disappeared around a corner. He was never going to catch the car. Did he risk changing into his wolf form? It was still dark enough to hide him from most prying eyes, but there was always the danger of…
Ulric stiffened, a prickle of awareness intruding into his fierce concentration.
He was being followed.
With a low curse, he pivoted on his heel and circled back to the hotel. He would track down Brigette after he’d dealt with his unwelcome shadow.
Avoiding the front lobby, Ulric headed toward the entrance just beyond the large dumpsters. It was an area he tried to avoid. His sensitive nose and rotting trash didn’t mix. Halting in front of the heavy door that led to the storage room next to the kitchen, he abruptly spun on his heel to confront the female he’d sensed stalking him.
Rainn.
The rare zephyr sprite had appeared out of the desert twenty years ago and quickly earned Chiron’s trust. Now she was second only to Ulric among the Dreamscape employees.
He scowled down at her.
Standing next to him, she appeared shockingly fragile with her slender curves and delicate features. Her hair was cut in a straight line at her shoulders and was as dark and glossy as polished ebony. Her wide eyes were pale, like a spring mist. Her skin was soft and dewy and her lips a lush, bow-shaped invitation.
Tonight, she had exchanged her usual business attire for a pair of black jeans and a black sweater that clung to her with growl-worthy results.
All in all, a tiny bundle of temptation with an inner core of pure steel.
A dangerous combination.
His scowl deepened. “Why the hell are you following me?”
Chapter 2
Rainn stood her ground despite the fact that Ulric’s power was vibrating around her with a tangible warning. The Were might be a beast at heart, but he had full control over his animal. He wouldn’t strike until he was sure she was a danger.
Which meant that the quicker she proved she was no threat, the less likely he would rip her open with his massive claws.
“I saw you take off from the hotel and I thought something must be wrong,” she hurriedly assured him.
He narrowed his smoldering gaze. Did he sense she was lying?
“I don’t need a babysitter.”
Her lips twitched. Truer words had never been spoken.
“Let’s go inside.” She nodded toward the nearby door. “I want to talk to you.”
“I’m busy now.”
She watched as his gaze moved over her shoulder. He was already becoming distracted.
“With the red-haired Were?” she bluntly demanded.
He jerked. Ah. That caught his attention.
“This is none of your business,” he snapped.
“It is if you’re planning to do something stupid.”
He made a choked sound, looking genuinely offended. “When have I ever done anything stupid?”
She held up her hand, ticking off his stupidity on her fingers. “The day you forced one of our customers to strip off his clothes and leave the casino naked.”
“He wasn’t a customer,” Ulric protested. “He was the manager of a rival hotel who was handing out coupons to his all-you-can-eat buffet.”
She touched her second finger. “And what about the night you decided to climb to the top of the High Roller and howl loud enough to attract the police?”
“It was a full moon. It always makes me a little…”
“Stupid?” she suggested in sweet tones.
“Giddy,” he corrected, shaking his head as she touched another finger. “Enough.”
“Hmm.” She lowered her hand. “Tell me about the female.”
“No.”
Rainn ignored his sharp refusal. “She’s a Were. Do you know her?”
He hesitated, c. . .
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Conquer the Darkness
Alexandra Ivy
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