Black Dawn (2 page)

Chapter Two

Dar transported herself to the human realm, confident she’d slip in and out before anyone knew she was missing. She’d seen the look of dread upon her father’s face and was familiar with the pain of loss in her family. Only three years ago, they’d lost her mother in a realm where time stood still.

She grimaced in a twisted shard of emotional pain every time her mother’s face etched itself in her memory. The same fate would not meet her sister, she swore to herself. Although her father would punish her once she returned, and the king could possibly put her to death, she’d depart her fairy life knowing she managed to save at least one member of their family.

Oh well, that was a punishment she’d have to take like a woman. Deep down she’d hope her father would listen to reason. She could see the doubt in his eyes. He didn’t fully agree with the law. Perhaps she could change his mind.

She flinched as she swiftly observed her surroundings. It was summertime here, and a haunted aura greeted her as she searched for any sign of human life. To her dismay, this place seemed like a ghost town.

Dar continued her journey down streets littered with abandoned cars that looked like they’d been there for a couple of years. The buildings were old and dilapidated. They certainly didn’t look this way when she came to this realm in the past. What happened to the tall skyscrapers the humans had created?
 

As she continued her exploration of the street, she noticed someone had been following her. Instincts sharp, she continued walking.

If he were vampire, he’d know she wasn’t from these parts and once he had her up close, he’d help himself to her fairy blood. Vampires loved fairy blood. In this now defunct human world, there would be a bounty on her head.

Dar shivered at the possibility of being attacked by a vampire and thought of
Zari
. Perhaps there had been one placed on her sister’s head. Maybe it was a trap, to lure unsuspecting fairies into the human world.

As she drew nearer to what looked like civilization, she was almost relieved, but not before discovering she was in the midst of vampires. The nocturnal creatures far outweighed the unhealthy humans.

In an effort to lose the person following her, Dar slipped into a vampire nightclub. Perhaps she’d find more information on where to go and who to talk with in this world. If she were lucky, she’d stumble upon a human who’d be more than willing to share information.

Once inside, she was greeted by a sea of writhing bodies. Some were human, but most were vampire. Sex and blood hung heavy in the air and a faint euphoric feeling settled over her. No doubt, there were a few incubi and
succubi
thrown into the mix.

This world was a vibrant mixture of otherworldly creatures. A newfound curiosity now filled her and she wondered if
Zari
had encountered this feeling. It was forbidden and completely erotic. Apparently the king’s law was enforced to prevent fairies and vampires from meshing.
 
This place was sinfully erotic.

You know, the vampires won’t take kindly to a fairy snooping around their territory. The tall lithe man in black leather sporting a wicked spiky black haircut confessed to her as he approached her. He smiled devilishly before throwing back the shot of tequila he held in his hand.

Dar narrowed her eyes, in an effort to give the stranger her most intimidating gaze. He simply yawned and flashed
her a
brazen smile. She thought about blasting him with her fairy magic, but he seemed to read her mind.

Without a word, she slid into the seat next to her and rested her arms on the small wooden table. She hated to admit it, but he was a very attractive man, for a vampire.
Sychurian
law forbade fairies to admire vampires. The underlying dangers weren’t worth the risk for a night’s passion. However, the erotic pull to this creature had her nipples tingling and her core clenched several times. He left her breathless. She’d never experience such feelings before and wanted to experience more.

Dar was attracted to his perfect features. Piercing blue eyes were set against flawless marble skin. The man’s elegant, sloping nose narrowed out to flared nostrils. Perhaps he was scenting her desires. She shifted in her chair at that thought.

“You should know, I don’t intimidate easily and your powers have no effect on me.” He stared at her for a few seconds before running his tongue across sharp pointy teeth. “You’re out of your element, babe. So sorry, I’m Dane. And you are….

“Why were you following me? She asked casually. “Who do you think you’re toying with? Who the hell are you, anyway? You shouldn’t have been able to see me. I move at the---

“Yeah, I know. You move at the speed of light, as this is your natural element. You’re a light fairy. That’s no secret there. What the hell are you doing in this
realm.
Alone?”

Did she dare tell this vampire of her dilemma? She weighed her options carefully. It would be nice to have an escort in this world. Surely he knew the place like the back of his hand.

“I’m here for a reason.” She blurted out as she watched him slip into the chair next to her. He slid as close to her as he could possibly get, and that annoyed her.

“You’re playing with fire.” He grabbed her wrist until she grimaced. “The vampires here aren’t very friendly. They will have no mercy on you,” he assured her. “You should leave now, while you still have the chance.”

She clawed at his steel grip. “Let me go, you devil!”

“Ah, better the devil you know.” He grinned before releasing her wrist, leaving her to rub the spot he’d sank his claws into. “You should turn around and go back to your realm, or wherever you’re from. Look around you. At least half the world’s population consists of vampires.
Now.
I’ll ask again. What the hell are you doing here?”

Dar became puzzled because this realm had changed drastically. “But how did this happen? It has been a long time since I’ve been in the human world.”

He caught the attention of a waitress who brought them several shots of tequila.
“Two for you, four for me.”
The vampire smiled before throwing another shot back.

Dar wrinkled her nose and shoved the shot glass toward him. “None for
me,
thanks.”

“
My, don’t we lead a sheltered life? Your parents don’t let you out much, do they?” He shot her an appreciative glance, but his gaze continued to roam over her voluptuous body.

Dar felt her blood pressure rise at that comment because it was true. The king had everyone right where he wanted them.

“
Damn. They sure as hell don’t make fairies like you anymore. Then again, it’s been a while since I’ve had the pleasure of actually meeting a fairy. Now, you know my name, but I’m drawing a blank with yours. However, I think it starts with a D?”

“I’m Dar. And, I’d appreciate it if you wouldn’t try and read my mind. I don’t like that.”

Dane held his hands up in the sign of a truce. All right, no need to get your wings in a bunch, beautiful. I promise, I can’t really see into your mind. Fairies don’t give us vamps the luxury of that.”

Dar shook her head and laughed nonchalantly. “You’re no vampire, not a full one, anyway.” There was a certain mystery about this exquisite creature.

He shot her a cold stare. “What’s it to you?”

She smiled and strummed her fingers on the wooden table as she shook off his threatening gaze.
“My, how the tables have turned.
Now you know how it feels to be asked questions.” Curiosity held her in its cruel grasp and she wanted to know more of Dane. “Where are
you
from?”

The vampire cringed as he downed another shot of tequila. “That’s really not important now, is it?” What’s important is that you get the hell out of Dodge while the getting’s still good.” He leered at her seductively for a few moments. “Do you understand me?”

“Can’t do that, my sister’s missing and I’m going to find her.” For some reason, she felt comfortable enough to tell him that much.

Dane rubbed the five o' clock shadow haunting the deep cleft in his chin, as his bright blue eyes sizzled with unrelenting lust. Dar’s breath escaped her because she knew exactly what he was thinking. She didn’t need her powers to tell her that.

“So, you’re playing the hero—or shall I say, heroine.” Dane chuckled before throwing back another shot and shook his head sympathetically. You don’t know how deep of a shit hole you just leapt into, babe.”

“Well, you obviously know something,” she insisted. “Please, help me, if you know anything of my sister’s whereabouts.”

“Asking a vampire for help?
Hmmm.”
Dane stroked his chin and growled huskily. “Why the hell should I put my ass on the line for you? We’re beneath you fairies, aren’t we?”

“Vampires have been hunting fairies for as long as I can remember,” she fired back. “You should help because it is the vampires who have decimated this world. How the hell did you manage to take over most of the human population, anyway?”

“It was human curiosity that led to their downfall.” He shrugged casually. “They wanted eternal life, and now they’ve got it.” He scowled at her for a few moments. “How the hell do you know I won’t overpower you and drain you of all your blood?”

“I do know how to defend myself.
 
Also, how can you be so cruel towards the humans? There’s hope. I’ve seen humans along the way.”

“There’s no hope for them. They’ll cease to exist at this rate.”

Dar looked at the inhabitants of the club. The humans were like cattle—slaves for the vampires. Some seemed meek, easily intimidated and only shells of their former selves. Others were willing to do the vampires’ bidding without question. “I could never live like this.” Dar admitted.

Dane shook his head. “I’m meeting some friends later, once I’ve rested. Babe, this world isn’t fit for a beauty like you.” He looked around. “Look, let’s get
outta
here. We’ll find a hotel along the way and
—
”

“I see your game now. No, I’m not going anywhere with you! If this is what you plan to get me into bed, forget it!”

 
“Know what? You’re cute.” He grinned, leaned forward and folded his arms against the table. “You and I would be great together.” His hand cupped her chin.
“Ah, such a pure, exquisite beauty.
Soft, cinnamon skin I’d love to sink my teeth into. I’ve never seen anything more beautiful.” He purred.

She touched him and was surprised when she had no effect on him. The small flickering bolts from her fingers faded abruptly. She should have sent him flying across the room. Perhaps she was losing her powers? She had no protection against him like she thought she did. For some reason, her strength was waning fast.

Dane chuckled in a cocky manner. “Now, did you really think you could hurt me, beautiful?”

“What the hell are you?”

“That’s for me to know and you to find out. Now, let’s get down to business,” he demanded. “You come here to my world, demanding information from me. You’ve got balls.” He lamented. “Well, guts at least.”

“This isn’t your world. It still belongs to the humans.” She snapped.

“What’s left of the humans,” he reminded her. “You should know I’m calling all the shots. Do you understand?” He quickly swiped a finger beneath Dar’s chin, forcing her to look at him. “I don’t play games.
First things first.
You want my
help,
I need a little down payment.”

She trembled as she looked into those piercing blue eyes.
“Down payment for what?”
Dar knew what he wanted, and it embarrassed and titillated
her .
A proper fairy would never have anything to do with vampires. She clamped her thighs together in the seat as a warm, sticky wetness pooled between her thighs. However, she’d almost give her right wing for one night alone with this hunk. It occurred to Dar she’d be giving up her virginity. She felt blood rushing to her face.