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The Darkest Temptation 17
~ToveThis isn't good.I stare at the ceiling, employing as many ways of distracting myself as possible.I've tried pacing, although that failed to tire me out. Reading was thwarted by my aching eyes from spending all day doing it, and writing down my concerns proved to be impossible considering my lack of paper and a pen...And the thought of Keo ever uncovering my wretched thoughts.Groaning, I toss the covers off my legs and lurch back up to standing.The wood floor is cold underfoot as I stride to the balcony door, pushing it open. The sheer curtains brush against my skin as I step out, letting the sharp sea-scented breeze sweep my hair back off my shoulders.I'm thinking about Keo.Being near him is intoxicating. But it's more than that...I know who he is, what he has done. And yet I find him deeply fascinating, and considering I'm one of the few Angel-bloods he isn't willing to kill right now, my urge to uncover more about him is burning with untamed fire.His parting words to
The Darkest Temptation 18
~ToveKeo hasn't returned. It's been days.I lay in bed, staring at the ceiling. I'm cold, but I don't want to get out of bed to close the balcony doors.Keo is my mate. This isn't a nightmare, it's real...Rolling over, I stuff my pillow over my head. What am I going to do?The past few days have been me mindlessly wandering between the bedroom and the kitchen. I can't tell if I'm awaiting Keo's return, or dreading it.Either way, I haven't been able to bring myself to leave and return to Territory One.The slanted rainfall drenches part of the wood floor of the room, the curtains billowing around wildly. I'm miserable...I can't be mated to Keo. I just can't.It's not like we can sit down and talk like a normal couple. We can't go out on dates, or sweet walks, or anything else that's average for mates.He's a murderer. He's shady, he lies and he keeps secrets. He manipulates, and he hurts people, and was likely planning on killing me.He may still. Or he may never return.It's clear
The Darkest Temptation 19
~ToveRubbing my eyes, I wander from my bedroom, trying not to yawn.It's been six weeks. I'm home, in my apartment, trying to get back to my normal life.When I left, I didn't expect for there to be a looming shadow over my life. Everything is so peaceful, but it's a dark kind of quiet that is unnerving.I haven't heard from Keo. I knew I wouldn't, but it still hurts.It was me, who made the decision to leave. Each night I'm kept up with that thought, wondering if I made the right decision. Giving up a mate, regardless of who they are, is not easy.But seeing Mary, perfectly healthy and healed of her horrific disease makes this all worth it.“How are you feeling this morning?” she asks me as I walk into the kitchenMary has been sleeping in my apartment over the last few weeks. I don't want to be alone, or to be away from her. All is forgiven between us...All she knows is that Keo was the one who saved her. She doesn't know why, or how, but she trusts me. That's what matters.“I’m o
The Darkest Temptation 20
~ToveI gasp, stumbling back.“Dax...What are you doing here?"“I’m glad to have bumped into you, Tove.” He smiles down at me, triumphant. My stomach turns, because this is no accident, and there is only one reason why he has appeared in front of me.I draw in a breath, glancing at Mary. She doesn't look scared, although I get the sense that she would rather return home than be back in that manor with the Noble's.“I’m sorry, I need to get into my apartment," I mutter, shouldering past him.He grabs my arm, stopping me short. He doesn't care that we are in the middle of the street, that people pass us by. He's a Noble, he can get away with whatever he wants...No one is going to save me.“I’m afraid I’m going to need you to come with me," he murmurs lowly, tilting his head down so he is speaking right into my ear.“Why?”He frowns. “You know why.”“Keo will not be a threat to me any longer. He has promised to leave me alone," I insist.I've only had freedom for a few weeks. I thought D
The Darkest Temptation 21
~ToveMy feet touch the ground, my eyes blinking open.I expected the Territory Two manor, but I quickly realise Keo has taken me elsewhere. We are in some kind of large cabin that looks like it has just been built recently.The scent of treated wood fills my nose as I turn in circles. "We are somewhere new.""Correct."I should have known. Keo moves around often, and we were overdue for a change.Approaching the window, I note that we are on the edge of a forest. The leaves are all shades of brown and gold, many seated in piles on the forest floor. Toward the front of the house, there is a small stream nearly overgrown with long, thick grass."I'm assuming Territory Eight?" From what I know, it's perpetual autumn here."It will work for now," Keo muses, staring out at what the moonlight illuminates. There is something seated deep in his eyes - maybe a memory from long ago that occurred here."Thank you...for coming to get me," I murmur softly.He casts his gaze over to me, my heart f
The Darkest Temptation 22
~ToveI sit on the steps of the porch, looking between the thick boughs of the sprawling trees.It's nice here. Peaceful.Keo affirmed that there is no one for quite a distance in either direction. Only a couple weeks ago that notion would have terrified me, but now that I know I'm his mate, and he won't kill me, I like it.I hear Keo's footsteps before I hear his voice."This is where things start getting interesting," he exclaims from behind me, the recently built porch creaking under his weight.I look back over my shoulder. "Interesting? What does that mean?""I have something that should enhance your power," he tells me, reaching his hand into his pocket.Scrambling up to my feet, curious about what this could be. I always figured I was meant to find my magic myself, so knowing I may have additional help is quite exciting."Really?"He pulls a necklace from his pocket. It had a gold chain connecting to a simple setting for a beautiful emerald."Woah, it's beautiful," I breathe in
The Darkest Temptation 23
~ToveA loud bang jerks me awake.Sitting up, I blink my eyes open, trying to recall what has happened.I'm laying on a couch, an old, threadbare blanket laid over me. Around me, is a small living space packed full of unfamilar belongings that are shoved into boxes. Most tumble out messily, like this place has just been moved into.Rubbing my temples, I flick the blanket off me, noting a man lying sprawled out on the couch opposite to this one. He's fast asleep, mouth wide open as he snores softly.He's the man who was polishing his shoes when I fell unconcious. He must have taken me back to his home.I shiver. The window is blown open, which must have been what woke me.I could wake him and thank him for taking me off the street, but at the same time, part of me knows I need to get back out to look for a way to get back to Keo as soon as possible.Giving him one last look, I clamber out the window and to the street outside, gently closing it behind me.I have no idea how I'm going to
The Darkest Temptation 24
~ToveI like this new place.Instead of taking me back to Territory Eight, Keo decided we should move on to Territory Three.Closing my eyes, I smile softly at the feeling of the icy cold air touching my cheeks. Keo didn't share my positivity upon touching down here, claiming he hates the snow and mountains.We have been here for a week and so far I love it. Although I suppose I'm experiencing the place from the balcony, considering Keo hasn't allowed me to leave the chalet.He claims I need to recover from using that much magic. I feel fine, but he isn't convinced.He's worried about me...I may be the only person he's ever felt that for.“I need to warn you about something.”I turn, seeing him leaning against the doorframe of my room. Ever since it was revealed we are mates, he has been wary about stepping into where I sleep, as if it's too intimate to risk.“What is it?” I ask, stepping off the balcony, closing the glass doors behind me.“Wren will be visiting today, with two Demon’
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The Darkest Temptation 46
~ToveI let out a contented sigh, resting my head against Keo's chest.I've never experienced such bliss. I'm in my mates room, in his bed and in his arms. Nothing can harm me while I'm in here."Why don't we just stay in bed and never get up," Keo muses, gently playing with my hair.A smile stretches across my face. "That sounds nice."Relm, my mother, the other Demon's are far away issues right now. They can be dealt with later. Keo's eyes shift over my naked body that is stretched out over his sheets. "I just want to lay here and stare at you all day.""That isn't very polite," I tease.He grins, flipping me over. He leans down, kissing me once, twice. My toes curl, enjoying the feeling of his hand smoothing down my body."We may have already passed polite," he murmurs against my skin, kissing down to my neck. Chills flutter across my skin. Everywhere he touches me, kisses me feels awakened. It's a feeling I want to chase forever.The only problem is, as selfish as I want to be to
The Darkest Temptation 45
~Tove "That..." I slap my hand over my eyes. "Did not go as planned."Keo paces back and forth, his footsteps echoing through the vast foyer. My stress has chased me all the way from Territory One with the Demon's to back in Territory Two."I will say I didn't expect twins, but I expected them to act that way," he admits, ruffling a hand through his hair."Really?"I'm not sure what I expected, but it wasn't that. Maybe I'm just surprised that I managed to get out of there without being slaughtered on the spot."They have been isolated from other Demon's for a great amount of time. They don't know who to trust," he reminds me.He starts off through the large sweeping archway, heading toward the glass balcony door.I chase after him. "We threw ourselves into the lion's den for them. How could they not trust us?""Ziah knew who I was. He wasn't entirely convinced about my plan." He presses the door open, a cool, sea scented breeze touching my skin as I follow him out onto the balcony.
The Darkest Temptation 44
~ToveI'm transported by the Demon into a separate part of the cave.She nudges me forward, ensuring I walk down the corridor that emerges into a surprisingly intimate sitting area.My eyes immediately fall upon my mate, who is sitting rigidly on a plush crimson seat, holding a glass of something dark in his hand.On the seat over from him is an unfamiliar man who I pin as the other Demon.He has the same air about him as Keo. He seems tall, with broad shoulders and long legs, and is utterly terrifying.He shifts his attention to us as we enter the room, the words he was once speaking to Keo falling short at his lips.His eyes are a brilliant silver, sweeping down over me. Something shifts in his expression.He knows I'm an Angel-blood.I'm not sure if I'm used to being around a powerful Demon, but I don't flinch away from the force of his presence. His sister's nearness is just as intimidating; especially since she is still staring at my neck.He stands, and to my surprise, he smiles
The Darkest Temptation 43
~ToveI yawn, trying not to drag my feet.This has been the longest day of my life. I've followed Keo around a large part of the Territory One city, asking people for information.Almost every one of them has no idea what we are talking about...This fabled Demon doesn't seem to exist."We have talked to everyone we can, we have been to every corner of this city...this is hopeless," I mutter, pausing at the end of the street.The sun is setting behind the rolling dunes of the expansive desert. We have made it to a district at the end of the city that is almost half consumed by sand. It's everywhere. It blankets roofs, it blows across the street and right into my eyes..."It just doesn't make sense," Keo mutters, sweeping his hand through his hair frustratingly. "Why would this Demon stop taking Angel-blood's from here?"I sigh, shaking my head."Because they aren't here anymore," I mutter.The wind flutters through Keo's hair as he stares out at the horizon. He's tense, uneasy. Ever s
The Darkest Temptation 42
~ToveI don't take Relm's hand, pushing up to my feet myself.I steady myself, trying not to panic. If I keep him talking, it may give me enough time to find another way out of this."Tell me who it is you trust to rule over the Demon's," I demand firmly.Relm has the ability to get rid of me in an instance and yet he is hesitating. He clearly doesn't want me dead, I just need him to see that keeping me alive is worth more than killing me in cold blood.Relm sighs, blinking his dual coloured eyes. "It would be a waste of my breath.""Why? Because you enjoy taking innocent lives?" I ask, trying not to shiver. My breath billows in front of me, reminding me that if Relm doesn't kill me, this terrible cold soon will."Quite the opposite," he mutters, conflict toying in his expression. "But this person...well, you will not find them."My jaw clenches tightly, but I don't wince. This is beyond frustrating."You're Relm. Can you not figure it out?" For someone who supposedly doesn't want to
The Darkest Temptation 41
~ToveKeo smooths a map down on the table in front of me."This realm has an interesting layout," he notes, running his hand along it.The map shows an island split into two. Keo is right, it does have a strange layout, with one side seeming to be mountainous, while the other is smooth and flat. It seems small compared to my home realm too."Okay." I'm nodding numbly, trying to drink everything in. I'm going to have to not only become familiar with this layout, but also become connected to it.It's been made clear to me that today is the day I'm transporting to the new realm. There is no other option, considering the pressure from Relm."There is no point aiming for anywhere in particular, since you've never seen, nor can you even imagine being there, so just shoot for the general area," Keo says, motioning around the perimeter of the islands."That sounds dangerous." What if I plunge myself into a massive volcano or something similar?Keo holds my gaze. "It is dangerous. But if anyon
The Darkest Temptation 40
~ToveI catch a glimpse of light spilling onto the water logged street from a few steps away, signalling refuge."Come in here. We need shelter from the rain."Grabbing Mary's arm, I pull her along, pushing through a glass door and into a bar. The bartender flinches at our sudden interest, nearly dropping the glass they are polishing.Looking down, I see my sleep clothes plastered to my body like a second skin. Feeling the gaze of the single patron slumped at the bar, I quickly peel the fabric off me as much as possible."I can't believe that happened..." Mary gasps out, sweeping back her dark wet hair with both hands before she falls into the booth.I join her on the other side, stunned. "Yeah, me either.""Did you get a look at who did it?" She asks, shuddering. Thankfully it's warm in here, considering how wet we now are.I close my eyes, trying to piece together as much as I can. Nothing about that person felt familiar, which gives me some kind of solace. What I regret most is not
The Darkest Temptation 39
~ToveKeo smooths my hair back, smiling down at me.“Promise you will come back and you'll feel better." It feels more like a cautious concern than an instruction."I promise. I think this is exactly what I need," I tell him, mustering a smile.Him and I decided that I need a break, just for a couple of days. He's going to take me somewhere and I'm going to try and relax, so when I come back, I'll feel more certain about him, and where we stand.Keo turns to my friend. "Take care of her, Mary."He picked her and brought her to Territory Two only moments ago. He understands how much Mary means to me, and that if I'm going to get my thoughts and feelings under control, I'm going to need her."Of course," she says, winding her fingers through mine. "We are going to have some fun. For once."Keo nods, looking solemn. "If anything happens, let me know. Okay?"After my attempt to escape, I can see he is wary about sending me off, but he is choosing to trust me. Still, it seems like it's goi
The Darkest Temptation 38
~ToveI rush up to the room, pressing my back against the closed door.This may be wrong, but I need to get out of here...just for a bit. I need to think this over, and more importantly, I need to determine whether I am safe to come back her.Keo may have changed, but it is my life I am gambling with. I need to be careful.I have no bag, so I make quick work of pulling clothes from the dresser, piling them into a sheet I lay out on the floor. Once it is full of all that I will need, I wrap it up and tie it until I'm satisfied it won't come apart as I make a break for it.From there, I'll get my bearings, Mary, and then I'll leave again before Keo can catch up to me.I just need to find a train station before dawn. Then, Keo will wake, and expect me to be down for breakfast.Just as I turn to choose an outfit that will be appropriate for running through the night, the door to the bedroom opens tentatively.I practically throw myself as far from the dresser as possible.Keo leans agains
