Embrace the Darkness Read Online Free Page A

watch the vampire enjoy his midnight snack.
    Especially when she might very well be breakfast.
    There was a thump as the man was allowed to drop to the ground then the faint swish of fine velvet.
    â€œI would suggest that you take better care of who you invite to your little auctions, Evor,” the vampire drawled. “Black wizards are never good for business.”
    â€œYes…yes, certainly.” Dry washing his hands the troll glanced about the room. The flames had been put out, but there was no salvaging the podium or the paneling on the far wall. Or the ivory carpeting that was now stained with blood. The elegant ambiance had taken a definite blow. “I offer my most sincere apologies. I cannot imagine how he managed to get through my security.”
    â€œThe question is not how. It is obvious he had help from a very powerful master. The question is who the master might be, and why he was so determined to get his hands upon the Shalott.”
    â€œAh…well, I don’t suppose it matters now.” Evor gave a nervous shrug.
    â€œUnless his master comes to search for him.”
    Evor’s eyes flashed red. “You think he will?”
    â€œMy talents do not include reading the future.”
    â€œI must move the body.” The troll shot a glance toward the lifeless body. “Perhaps I should burn it?”
    â€œNot my problem.” Viper shrugged his indifference. “I will take my property now.”
    â€œOh, of course. Such confusion.” Nervously searching his pockets Evor at last came up with a small amulet that he held out to the impatient vampire. “Here you are.”
    Holding the amulet in his long, slender fingers Viper regarded the troll with a lift of his brows.
    â€œExplain.”
    â€œAs long as you hold the amulet the Shalott must come when you call her.”
    The midnight gaze slid toward Shay. She stiffened at the smoldering satisfaction that glinted within it.
    â€œSo, she cannot escape me?” he murmured.
    â€œNo.”
    â€œWhat else does this do?”
    â€œNothing. I fear you shall have to control her on your own.” Evor dug in his pockets once again to extract a heavy key that he handed to Viper. “I would suggest you leave the shackles upon her until she is safely locked in a cell.”
    Viper’s gaze never left Shay’s tight expression. “Oh, I do not fear controlling her,” he said softly. “Leave us.”
    Evor gave a smooth bow as he motioned toward his goons. “As you will.”
    Careful to collect the money still laying on the stage, Evor hustled the trolls before him and left the room. Once alone Viper moved to kneel before Shay who was still crouched beside the pole.
    â€œWell, my pet. We meet again,” he murmured.
    Ridiculously Shay felt her breath catch. My God, he was so beautiful. Eyes as dark and beguiling as a velvet night sky. The features chiseled by the hand of a master craftsman. The spill of silver hair that shimmered like the finest satin.
    As if he had been created for the sole purpose of pleasuring every fortunate woman who crossed his path.
    The urge to reach out and touch those perfect features and discover if they could possibly be real shuddered through her.
    Shay discovered her hand actually lifting when she caught herself. Crap. What was wrong with her?
    This…treacherous rodent had just bought her lock, stock, and barrel, as Levet would say.
    She wanted to stick a stake in his heart, not discover if he could deliver on the pleasure he promised.
    â€œI would say it’s a pleasant surprise, but it isn’t,” she muttered.
    â€œNot pleasant, or not a surprise?”
    The silken words spread over her skin making her shiver in response. Even his voice was created to make a woman climax on the spot.
    â€œGuess,” she gritted.
    He arched a brow that was several shades darker than his hair. “I would think you would be a bit more grateful, pet.