Embrace the Darkness by Alexandra Ivy Page B

she had precious few friends. Demons considered her blood tainted and humans considered her some sort of freak. When she did find someone willing to accept her for whom and what she was, she would do a lot more than risk Evor’s fury to keep them safe.
    Uncertain how to break the uneasy silence, Shay was almost relieved when she felt the cold chill that proceeded Viper’s silent return.
    Of course, that didn’t halt her treacherous heart from giving a lustful leap as the moonlight spilled over his silver hair and perfect profile.
    Vamp beauty.
    It was a damn pain in the ass.
    Giving an unconscious shake of her head she cleared her ridiculous thoughts.
    â€œDid you find Evor?”
    His expression was oddly guarded. “Not precisely.”
    â€œWhat do you mean?”
    â€œI think you should see this. Perhaps you can shed some light on what has happened.”
    Shay hesitated only a moment before following his tall form toward the auction house. She didn’t doubt there was something horrible awaiting her. Something that might very well give her nightmares.
    But even as she forced her feet forward she couldn’t deny a ridiculous flare of warmth. Dammit, she was Viper’s slave. His possession. But at every turn he made her feel as if she were something more. Something…worthy.
    Deep within her she understood that the sensations he stirred were far more dangerous than if he locked her in a cell and beat her every day.
    Turning her head to ensure that Levet was safely following behind them, Shay allowed Viper to lead her into the dark auction house and up the stairs to Evor’s private quarters. As he threw open the door, she nearly gagged at the overwhelming stench of blood and gruesome death.
    She had expected bad, but this went way beyond bad.
    Her hand clamped over her mouth as she struggled not to hurl up what was left in her stomach.
    The once elegant room was now splattered with bits and pieces of trolls. Blood, limbs, and body parts that should never be seen, were so mixed together it was impossible to even know how many had died in the attack.
    Forcing herself to study the nightmare, her disbelieving gaze at last halted on the black marble mantle and the head of the mountain troll that had been stuck there like a trophy.
    The red eyes were open and a snarl revealing his open teeth, as if he were damning the soul of his killer.
    Whatever he had been doing it hadn’t saved him or the other bodyguards. They had been butchered with violent ease.
    The nausea rolled through her stomach once again.
    â€œBlessed saints. This is impossible.”
    Taking her arm Viper gently pulled her from the room and closed the door. Then, as if sensing her weakness, he pressed her into a chair and crouched down before her.
    â€œThere are few things that can kill trolls with such savagery, but there is no doubt they have been well and truly slaughtered.” He studied her face with a searching gaze. “Do you sense anything that might give a clue to what or who was responsible?”
    With an effort, she battled back her crawling horror and forced herself to think with what logic she could muster.
    â€œIt wasn’t a human. They wouldn’t have the strength to rip apart a troll with their bare hands.”
    â€œWas it a spell?” Viper demanded.
    â€œNo.” She took in a deep breath. “There is no magic in the air.”
    Viper gave a nod of his head. As a vampire he had no ability to sense magic. Which was no doubt one of the reasons why he wanted her along.
    â€œSo it had to be a demon that possesses incredible strength, and the ability to mask their presence from a vampire,” Viper murmured. “That narrows the list but leaves far too many suspects.”
    Shay shivered as she wrapped her arms about her. The shock was beginning to recede and the full impact of the savage attack hit her with an alarming force.
    â€œOh, my God,” she whispered.
    Viper