Deceived by Stephanie Nelson Page A

dead,” I said between heavy breaths.
    “That’s because the dead are at peace, mostly. The living allows their emotions to control them. Their energy gives the more sinister feelings strength. It’ll get better the more you learn.”
    I stood up and looked at Dorian. “I’m getting tired of you saying that. How much do I have to go through before it gets better ?” I released an aggravated sigh. “I freaking hate this!”
    Dorian began laughing which only pissed me off more. “You sound like a petulant child.”
    “What about you? You’re this creepy powerful Angel of Death, yet Holly has you by the leash like a little lapdog. I guess we both have problems, huh?” I laughed sarcastically.
    Anger hardened Dorian’s face; he walked to his motorcycle, leaving me standing on the sidewalk. I laughed to myself because the name calling had been so immature; we’d both acted like children. I couldn’t seem to find regret in what I’d said though, I didn’t understand why he’d do Holly’s bidding, and he wouldn’t explain it to me. Holly may have had control over him and Kye , but I could still practice free will and make my own decisions.
    I hailed a cab and directed the driver towards Aiden’s hotel. He was the only person who’d be able to calm the storm that churned within me.

 

     
    I slipped the plastic keycard in Aiden’s door. All it took was a little enchantment to get the lady at the desk to give it to me. Aiden would be asleep for the rest of the day, but at least I could be close to him.
    The door swung open easily, and I made sure to close it quietly behind me. Vampires became very fatigued with the sunrise. They needed to sleep, but that didn’t mean they couldn’t wake up. There were a lot of attacks when the Revelation happened . Humans thought they’d be able to kill the vampires during the day, but they were mistaken. Several lives were lost due to those inaccuracies.
    I shrugged out of my coat and set it on the back of a chair. Aiden slept with both arms tucked under his pillow. The sheet draped across his legs leaving his chest uncovered. I loved the valleys of his muscular body as his chest rose and fell with each breath. His dark hair was a careless mess framing a peaceful face. The corners of my mouth turned up as my earlier tension slipped away from the sight of the man I loved.
    I crawled onto the spare bed so I wouldn’t disturb him and drifted off to sleep.
     
    Sand squished between my toes as I walked across the desert. Tall, stone pyramids stood against the darkened sky, godly temples. Stars shone like diamonds above and the moon bathed the landscape in silvery beams.
    “You are absolutely beautiful, little witch .” Ian’s voice came from behind me. He was dressed in white linen pants and a matching shirt. His blonde hair was cut close to his scalp and his blue eyes were bright even in the darkness. The color of blue that was associated with brew drinkers.
    Ian walked towards me and reached a hand towards my face. I jerked back to avoid contact, but his arms wrapped around me and held me against his chest before I could run away. He dipped his nose to my throat and trailed it up the length of my neck, moaning in delight from the scent of my blood. “And you smell delicious.”
    His fangs scraped along my skin, and I tried to fight out of his grasp. Ian chuckled squeezing me harder. His tongue snaked its way up my throat his mouth stopping at my ear. “You will be mine, Gwen.” His erection pressed through his pants, rubbing against my ass. A thread of fear overpowered me as much as his tight grip.
    “I’ll never be yours! You’re a disgusting monster.”
    Ian turned me around so we were face to face. His eyes were black, a sinister smile lifted his lips to reveal his fangs. “You’re attracted to me, you can’t help it. We’re bonded.” He laughed. “Fighting your desires will only torment you, Gwen.” His hand caressed my backside and lifted the material of